They Shoot Mormons, Don't They? Religious Bigotry, alive and well today

They are really in a world of their own UG

They can not recognized true grace and too busy refusing to be able to acknowledge the Lord work.

I had a break between meetings and even though I had intended not to post today due to my schedule, I cannot resist your post.

I will try to address some of your points. If the Christian religion or the Mormon religion, or any other religion, does not have doctrines that define what the fundamental beliefs of that religion are, then that religion is meanlingless. Would you agree?

Yes, a church that does not define itself is meaningless. However, not every church that defines itself is meaningful. I am going to use the word church because Religion can mean either the philosophy, or the structure, where church is more specific. I think the difference between the two is very important to this discussion, so I am trying to be very clear here.

If we as Christians say that our doctrines and fundamental beliefs do not define Christianity, and that pretty much anyone with beliefs and doctrines that differ from ours (to a small or large extent) can call themselves Christians, then isn’t the name Christian meaningless?

Interesting, who exactly “owns” the word Christian? Is it you? Some group? Some organization? You seem to speak as if you own Christ, and not the other way around. You assume you are in the group called “Christianity” without requiring qualification, then that you have the right to set the “rules” for who is in this group.

There is a difference between a “religious philosophy” and a “church”. Indeed there are several branches of Buddhism with radically different beliefs, but they are all Buddhist because they believe in Buddha. Likewise, there are many branches of Christianity, holding different tenants to be true, often with some fundamentally different beliefs, and they are all “Christian” because they all believe in Jesus Christ.

Churches on the other hand can have tightly controlled beliefs, and can and should determine who their members are as well as be concerned about their reputations the “church” can even be said to belong to those who set the rules for they can kick you out of it.

If you don’t like what other churches teach, you can start your own, churches are like that. Churches generally ascribe to a “religious philosophy”, but a church cannot “own” a ”philosophy” even if they “invented” it for philosophy is an intangible. So another church may come along and join or oppose your churches’ philosophy and you cannot stop them.

Christian churches are Christian because they believe in Jesus Christ. Historically wars have been fought over which “Church would prevail and thus be “Right”. I had thought we Christians got all that out of our systems with the Crusades.

Would the same not be true of Mormonism or any religion?

No, it would be true of the Mormon Church.

I do not mean to judge your heart, or the heart of any Mormon.

Then stop telling me what I believe, for in truth you cannot know. Listen to my words about my faith, for it is all you can truly know about my beliefs. Indeed, my beliefs may on may not be within the mainstream of my church, and without talking to me you will not know.

I am quite sure that a majority of Mormons believe that they are Christians and are very sincere.

I am quite sure that you are also sincere which is why I am replying to this post even though I really do not have the time.

But I have to tell you that it is as plain as the sky is blue that the beliefs or Mormonism do not agree with the basic doctrines of the Christian faith.

Unless you are Jesus Christ, you cannot say that. You can say we are not part of whatever church you belong to, but my Christianity is not for you to decide. You have carefully couched your words to try to make this not you judging us for our fitness to be called “Christian” but you are.

I really do say that with regret and humility.

Is it possible to usurp Christ’s authority to say who is his with humility? (Understand I do not mean this as a dig, merely how your actions will most probably be perceived by those you exclude from the kingdom of God in your mind.)

But I think you can see how it would be easy for you to identify a religion that does not line up with the doctrines of the LDS,

Yes, and they are not members of my church (or not for long, grin), but that does not exclude them from being Christian. There are some other churches that use the book of Mormon; I do not deny them that right. There are others that believe that they cannot be poisoned by snakes, I don’t stop them from practicing their beliefs. I also will never tell any man he cannot be Christian because it is simply not my place to say.

so I’m sure you can see where I and other Christians are coming from.

Since you asked, I can’t see where you are coming from, to me your position is in direct opposition to the Bible, and illogical to boot. I will however allow you to occupy that position and still agree that you may well believe in Jesus Christ and be doing your best as a Christian. I do wish however you would afford me the same right

You are right, membership in a religion does not lead to salvation.

I am glad we can agree on something. Go with God, may he lead you in his paths until you are filled with his knowledge.

Jesus Christ lives he is eternal not stuck in limbo!

Huh?

‘Worthy is the lamb’ is something the Mormon mind cannot allow to sink in because they are so focused on their works making them worthy.

Show me how that is so?

It is obvious you are do the work of the opposition against a group of children of God with your ill will!

As you can now readily discern, it is not possible for the Mormon Apologist mind to receive the truth you illustrated so clearly. The spin cycle kicks in instantly when the still small voice whispers. Where would that one be if even one questioning of the Mormonism doctrine were allowed to be understood for the truth raisiing that question? Is it any wonder many call Mormonism a cult?

I forgive you, Resty, but that is not the operant function. Mormonism is not from God, it is from a con artist(s) listening to demonic voices, so you are not responsible for the darkness engulfing you at this time. If I am concerned for your immortal soul, it is hardly ill will to oppose the darkness.

That is where you are keeping him in your mind if you worship a cross he is risen!

Hallelujah

And while you’re at it explain how Lucifer would have ever been able to be Saved.

So I am suppose to be able mind read you by this sentense?

get a life!

The deeper one digs into Mormonism, the more one feels the need for a good soapy hot shower and humble session with the Eucahrist!

We are responsible to offer, we are not held accountable for the rejections. I find the quote you posted to be most telling of Mormonism ... ‘qualify for salvation’ seems to be a real hangup for Mormons.

I agree it is a victory and Jesus Christ has resurrected, He lives He has over come no longer upon the cross.