Posted on 12/09/2007 7:31:08 PM PST by fallingwater
SALT LAKE CITY — When it comes to the big theological questions about God, Mormons and evangelical Christians will have to agree to disagree, a Mormon church authority said Wednesday.
"They're locked into the Nicene Creed . . . We're locked into the restoration and the experiences of Joseph Smith," said Elder M. Russell Ballard, a senior leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "And that will undoubtedly be an issue until God himself comes."
(Excerpt) Read more at deseretnews.com ...
Bottom line: Look, if there was no 100% "apostasy" of the Christian faith & the Christian church (Protestant/Catholic/Orthodox) as claimed by Joseph Smith, then no "restoration" needed.
So the translation of this is "We're locked into accusing the Christians of being "apostates" (like the Muslims accusing the Christians of being "infidels").
A "restored Christianity" (what LDS call themselves) is only necessary if there was a 100% "failed Christianity."
Very good point - I fully agree!
Have the Presbyterians any truth? Yes. Have the Baptists, Methodists, etc. any truth. Yes. They ball have a little truth mixed with error. We should gather all the good and true principles in the world, and treasure them up, or we will not come out good “Mormons.” Joseph Smith, D.H.C. vol. 5, p. 517. 1844
For any church, country, nation, or other group to believe that it is the only people in whom God is interested, or that it has special merit because of color, race, or belief, that they are inherently superior and loved by God, without regard to the lives they live, is not only a great and dangerous fallacy, but is a continuing barrier to peace. . . . Let us steadfastly avoid such demoralizing arrogance. The most important problems facing us in working on a long range program for peace is a tolerant and sympathetic understanding between races and creeds.
Hugh B. Brown, LDS Conference, April 1966.
I do not believe that three-hundred-fifty millions of people that live in China in a state of heathen darkness are created to live in this state, and be damned because they do not have the right religion. I do not believe that all the nations that worship various kinds of idols, in different parts of the earth, and knowing nothing about the true God, will be consigned to be burned in fire hereafter, because they know no better than to worship as they do. . . . I was going to say I am not a Universalist, but I am, and I am also a Presbyterian, and a Roman Catholic, and a Methodist. In short, I believe in every true principle that is embodied in any person or sect, and reject the false. If there is any truth in heaven, earth, or hell, I want to embrace it. I care not what shape it comes to me, who brings it, or who believes it, whether it is popular or unpopular.
John Taylor (third President of the Church)
Salt Lake City, Utah
1853
This is the Mormon theory of Gods revelation to the children of men. While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is established for the instruction of men; and is one of God’s instrumentalities in making known the truth, yet he is not limited to that institution for such purposes, neither in time nor place. God raises up wise men and prophets here and there among all the children of men, of their own tongue and nationality. Speaking to them through means that they can comprehend; not always giving a fullness of truth such as may be found in the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ; but always giving that measure of truth that the people are prepared to receive. Mormonism holds, then, that all the great teachers are servants of God; among all nations, and in all ages. They are inspired men, appointed to instruct God’s children according to the conditions in the midst of which he finds them. . . Confucius, , , ,Buddha, . . . the sages of Greece and Rome, . . . the reformers of early Protestant times. . . .
B. H. Roberts.
Come join us. We know the way. And, bring your 10% with you!
At least they are open to seeing good in others.
What in blazes are you talking about?
Jesus said, "I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life...NO man comes to the Father except by Me."
“And, bring your 10% with you!” To be accurate, you should add that all Christian faiths outside of the LDS Church pay a great deal for salaries to preachers, bishops, piano players, etc. and thus don’t have that for necessary expansion and other operations. The LDS members also make as large a contribution (entirely voluntary, of course) for a “Fast Offering” in order to help those who need it, from local members, widows, etc., who are in trouble to relief supplies for natural disasters. None of the local clergy, such as Bishops, missionaries, Stake presidents, piano players, etc., are paid. These are all things you should take into consideration when you are making saracastic comments about the financial affairs of my church. Then you should also post the salaries of the preacher (or whatever you call him or her), the piano player, etc., in your own church. I would be interested to see if you have the brass to actually post it.
The restoration that matters is the one Christ will accomplish when he comes to separate the wheat from the tares, and to recover the treasure he purchased.
“They’re locked into the Nicene Creed . . . We’re locked into the restoration and the experiences of Joseph Smith,” said Elder M. Russell Ballard, a senior leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “And that will undoubtedly be an issue until God himself comes.”
Can’t get much clearer than that. Note that this distinguishes them from both Christians AND Jews because it puts Old Joe first.
If anyone thinks Romney wasn’t carefully groomed to be a Trojan Horse doesn’t know how this all works.
Let’s watch the news today and see if our friend Mitt has any comment to distance himself from this declaration. Too bad when you are locked into a religion, the oaths of loyalty make it imperative that you belly up to the bar, and tip the hat, to the man on the Throne, who speaks for God. Ballad...just shot his trojan horse in the foot.
Only if I am promised a really good planet.
Jesus said, “I am THE way, THE truth, and THE life...NO man comes to the Father except by Me.”
“If anyone thinks Romney wasn’t carefully groomed to be a Trojan Horse doesn’t know how this all works.”
You know, I’m starting to have a very bad taste in my mouth for Evangelicals. I’m trying not to paint with a broad brush here, but some of you Evangelicals, and you know who you are, are sick puppies, who twist the whole meaning of religiosity. It’s one thing to believe in your own beliefs, it’s entirely another to slam someone elses and how they were raised, with their traditions and beliefs. And to base your votes for such an important position as President of the U.S. on what religion they are or aren’t. Has Mitt Romney led an exemplary lifestyle? Yes. Has he ever appeared to insert his religious beliefs into his business dealings as CEO, his running of the Olympics, his decisions as Governor of the State of Massachusetts? No, and if you think otherwise, give proof. So why would his being Mormon have anything to do with how he would govern as President? There are some bad-minded people out there amongst the Evangelical movement. You small-minded souls amongst the Evangelicals are doing nothing for your image to the rest of the country. You’ll just reinforce the image of red-necked southern crackers who are snake-handlers or speak in tongues while throwing your hands up in the air singing praise the lord at the top of your lungs. Like the image? Two can play the same game.
I’m hoping you or someone else who seems to know a bit about the LDS church can answer my question, which is (in three parts):
Do Mormons consider Catholics Christians?
How about Protestants?
Can non-Mormons go to Heaven?
Thanks for any answers.
But the quotes contradict that statement.
Of course, you mean Jesus AND Joseph Smith. Smith said no one would get into heaven without his (Smith's) Okey-dokey. I asked an LDS missionary once if he believed that, and he said he indeed he did.
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