Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: Logophile
From article: Few groups currently adopt all of Origen’s teachings. Nonetheless, groups influenced by Joseph Smith believe in both the preexistence of souls and the essential subordination of the Son to the Father, and many other groups believe in both the preexistence of souls (usually in the form of reincarnation) and universalism.

Logophile: As a Mormon, I more or less agree with this point.

What is the Mormon definition of subordination of the Son to the Father? Do Mormons believe in reincarnation?

Logophile: Mormonism teaches that Jesus Christ atoned for original sin; therefore, original sin is not inherited. That part I can agree with.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity teaches that original sin is not inherited, but for a different reason than the one you give.

9 posted on 07/24/2007 3:30:21 PM PDT by stripes1776
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies ]


To: stripes1776
What is the Mormon definition of subordination of the Son to the Father?

Although I cannot recall a Mormon ever using the word subordination in a sentence—we don't do much systematic theology—I think I understand what you mean.

We believe that the Father and the Son are fully divine, yet the Son is subject to the Father. In the Bible, Jesus consistently states that he was sent to do the will of his Father; that he derived his authority from his Father; and that his Father was the greater of the two. In all that he did, Jesus gave the glory to his Father.

I should add that we are not Trinitarians in the classical sense. Some would call us Tritheists. We believe that not only are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost three persons; we also consider them as three separate Beings.

An analogy that I like to use is this: The Father is the King; the Son is the Prince; the Holy Ghost is the Prime Minister. The King is the Sovereign source of power and authority. He has delegated his authority to the Prince, who is equally royal and who does the will of the King in all things. The Prime Minister—who is also royal—carries out the will of the King and the Prince. (The analogy may not be perfect, but it is close.)

Do Mormons believe in reincarnation?

No. We do believe in resurrection; however, no one gets more than one shot at mortal life.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity teaches that original sin is not inherited, but for a different reason than the one you give.

Interesting. What is the Eastern Orthodox doctrine on original sin?

50 posted on 07/25/2007 3:46:38 PM PDT by Logophile
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson