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Common Threads between Islam and Mormonism
Townhall.com ^ | October 30, 2011 | Michael Youseff, The Church of The Apostles.

Posted on 10/30/2011 4:05:59 PM PDT by Kaslin

A number of years ago, I was on Larry King Live and was asked point-blank if I had a problem with the appointments of Justices Roberts and Alito (both are Roman Catholics). My answer was very clear that I did not, as long as they shared my own conviction of upholding the Constitution — not trying to rewrite it — and as long as they were committed to the Biblical values of the Founding Fathers. I was certain that both men were.

Many people today are quoting a statement reputedly made by Martin Luther, the great reformer, that he “would rather be ruled by a competent Turk (a Muslim) than an incompetent Christian.” First of all, there is no evidence whatsoever that Martin Luther ever said these words. But even if he did say them, it would have been a gross exaggeration used to make a point. He never lived under a Muslim ruler and did not know what that would be like. But I did. And I can tell you, there is no such thing as choosing between Muslim and non-Muslim leaders under Islam.

pastedGraphic.pdf In America, we have the great privilege of choosing candidates based on our core values, rather than how they identify with our theological point of view.

In looking at some of the candidates for the 2012 election, one cannot help but notice the controversies that have arisen regarding the Mormon religion. As I considered Luther’s quote and the concerns regarding electing a Mormon president, I noticed some peculiar similarities between the Mormon faith and Islam as they relate to orthodox Christianity.

It's hard to believe that two religions that are worlds apart geographically have so many things in common. Here are some examples:

1. Both believe that Christianity was corrupt and incomplete until their respective founders came on the scene. For Islam, it was Muhammad; for Mormons, it was Joseph Smith.

2. They both have their own book of “sacred scripture.” While both tip their hats to the Bible, each see God’s Word as insufficient by itself. Both Islam and Mormonism use many biblical themes, narratives and personalities. But the Qur’an draws heavily from the apocryphal books rather than the authoritative cannon of the Bible.

3. In both cases, Islam and Mormonism see their religion as complete within itself. Above all, both repudiate Biblical Christianity and identify orthodox Christianity as a false faith.

4. Both religions reject the doctrine of the Trinity. The Mormon’s concept of god includes many gods, not just one. Muslims view god as one, but as an aloof, remote god who could never become a man or relate to humanity. Allah can have mercy if he wants to, but he is also a cunning god.

5. Both religions reject the Bible as the sole and sufficient authority of faith. For Mormons, the Book of Mormon and other writings of the Latter Day Saints represent God’s final revelation. For Muslims, the Qur’an and the Sunna (traditions of Muhammad) constitute God’s final authoritative word.

6. They both reject the Biblical teaching of original sin. Muslims believe Adam did not become completely depraved after disobeying God; he merely slipped but quickly recovered. Therefore to Muslims, humanity does not need redemption. Salvation in Islam is very uncertain, even when keeping the Five Tenants of Islam; although some teach that jihad will help in that quest for salvation. Mormons believe that they are not condemned by what many call “original sin.” In other words, they are not accountable for Adam’s transgression in the Garden of Eden.

Here are two questions Christians must ask when considering political candidates:

First, has the candidate been consistent in his/her political and moral values, or is he/she pandering? Second, has the candidate upheld their philosophical convictions throughout their public and private life, or did they change their political convictions to suit their audience?

All believers need to be good stewards and spend time in deep prayer before exercising their right to vote. God will give us wisdom so that we will not be persuaded by the slickest and the cleverest. We can trust Him to help us choose those who have proven core values.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: belongsinreligion; islam; mormon; mormonislam; mormonism
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To: Paperdoll

too late for you


81 posted on 10/30/2011 7:31:06 PM PDT by driftdiver (I could eat it raw, but why do that when I have a fire.)
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To: fightin kentuckian

Actually it’s Youssef.


82 posted on 10/30/2011 7:32:42 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America)
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To: Kaslin

Both Islam and Mormonism have a trusty PR “shell game”.

Islam slaps Jesus on the back as a “good prophet” and pretends to have simpatico with Him. Yet every chance they get they are murdering Him (Christians), or recoiling at the Cross like the children of the devil they are (re: the fools complaining at Catholic University).

Mormonism presents itself as Christian but underneath is full of the dead mens’ bones of secretive gnostic doctrine, which people walk over without knowing it. I always found their TV ads to be telling: “You will find these answers to life in the Bible....and...(hand moves another book into the frame)...the Book of Mormon.” Ha! Watch those hands! Move over Bible, there’s a new kid in town!

Both glom onto Jesus and his Word for credibility—with good reason, He is THE way, THE truth, and THE life—then jettison it in favor of their false prophet’s own words. Both are anti-Christ, once you get past the shell.


83 posted on 10/30/2011 7:33:42 PM PDT by avenir (I'm pessimistic about man, but I'm optimistic about GOD!)
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To: the invisib1e hand

The difference is Martin Luther did not claim to be a prophet, like Mohamed and Joseph Smith did.


84 posted on 10/30/2011 7:36:08 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America)
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To: TYVets
Okay, about the author:

Michael Youssef, PhD is an Egyptian-born American and founding rector of The Church of The Apostles. His messages are broadcast 3800 times a week into 200 countries through Leading The Way Ministries. He holds a PhD from Emory University in Social Anthropology.

BTW. I have posted quite a few article by him and you can read all his articles here

Michael Youssef

85 posted on 10/30/2011 7:45:32 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America)
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To: F15Eagle

Actually Youssef is a Naturalized citizen from Egypt and has always been a Christian. He was born and raised in a Christion home


86 posted on 10/30/2011 7:52:45 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America)
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To: F15Eagle

Actually Youssef is a Naturalized citizen from Egypt and has always been a Christian. He was born and raised in a Christian home


87 posted on 10/30/2011 7:53:14 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America)
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To: Paperdoll

“In answer to your question would I rather marry a Mormon than a Muslim...”

That wasn’t the question. After you calm down from your hysteria go back and re-read it....then answer at your own peril.


88 posted on 10/30/2011 7:54:48 PM PDT by panaxanax (0bama >>WORST PRESIDENT EVER.)
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To: MEG33

I agree with you. To vote against Romney because of his religion is the most ridiculous reason


89 posted on 10/30/2011 7:58:22 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America)
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To: cruise_missile

So, what you’re saying is that you don’t want to answer my question.

Liberals are known to answer questions they can’t answer with another question, as you have clearly exhibited.

Jeffries and the whacked out fLDS are not good examples of the LDS church. He’s a nutcase and we all know it.

BTW, many here think that I’m a Mormon because I defend their right to practice as they choose. If your religion were attacked, I would defend you in the same way.

If you have studied any history you would see that our country was basically founded on the desire for religious freedom.


90 posted on 10/30/2011 8:14:32 PM PDT by panaxanax (0bama >>WORST PRESIDENT EVER.)
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Comment #91 Removed by Moderator

To: livius

Isn’t a pagan someone who believes in many gods?


92 posted on 10/30/2011 8:15:06 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America)
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To: Paperdoll
Yeah I am sure Harry Reid who is also a Mormon will vote for Mitt Romney

Only in your dream

93 posted on 10/30/2011 8:23:22 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America)
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To: panaxanax

Most mothers have little contr9l who their daughters marry. Mine aqre all married and grandmothers themselves. :o) Sorry, I have M.D. and missed part of your question.


94 posted on 10/30/2011 8:29:49 PM PDT by Paperdoll ( I like Herman Cain)
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To: F15Eagle

In a Christian home.


95 posted on 10/30/2011 8:30:11 PM PDT by Kaslin (Acronym for OBAMA: One Big Ass Mistake America)
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Comment #96 Removed by Moderator

Comment #97 Removed by Moderator

To: panaxanax
Your question reminds me of the question.
Have you stopped beating your wife?

Al Quaeda is a smaller part of Islam too.

Wow.
And you know what I think.
How long have you been a psychic?

I was raised as a non-mormon in Utah.
So I know first hand how they “tolerated” my religious freedom.

I am married to an x-mormon. I am more sympathetic to them than she is.

98 posted on 10/30/2011 8:57:04 PM PDT by cruise_missile
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To: cruise_missile; Paperdoll

I see that neither of you are willing to answer my question.

Good night.


99 posted on 10/30/2011 9:26:06 PM PDT by panaxanax (0bama >>WORST PRESIDENT EVER.)
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To: panaxanax

You didn’t answer any of mine.

Good night psychic.


100 posted on 10/30/2011 9:32:21 PM PDT by cruise_missile
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