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LDS defend the faith as Christian
The Salt Lake Tribune ^ | 10/07/07 | By Peggy Fletcher Stack

Posted on 10/08/2007 7:49:32 AM PDT by colorcountry

Not only is Mormonism a Christian faith, it is the truest form of Christianity, said speaker after speaker on the first day of the 177th Semiannual LDS General Conference. LDS authorities were responding to the allegation that Mormonism isn't part of Christianity. Made by different mainline Protestant and Catholic churches and repeated constantly during coverage of Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, the claim is based on Mormonism's beliefs about God, its rejection of ancient ideas about the Trinity still widely accepted, and the LDS Church's extra-biblical scriptures. "It is not our purpose to demean any person's belief nor the doctrine of any religion," said Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland in the afternoon session. "But if one says we are not Christians because we do not hold a fourth- or fifth-century view of the Godhead, then what of those first [Christians], many of whom were eye-witnesses of the living Christ, who did not hold such a view either?"

{snip}

The day's sermons included many familiar themes, including the importance of faith, the need for pure thoughts and actions, avoiding pornography reaching out to neighbors and eliminating spiritual procrastination. Hinckley talked about the destructive nature of anger in marriages, on the road, and in life, urging Mormons to "control your tempers, to put a smile upon your faces, which will erase anger; speak with words of love and peace, appreciation and respect."


TOPICS: Current Events; Other Christian
KEYWORDS: boggsforgovernor; christians; denialofthetrinity; hatemongering; heresy; joinarealchurch; ldschurch; mormonbashing; notrinitynochristian; sorrynotickynowashy; trinty; unchristianbahavior
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To: Elsie

Insider stuff. It’s secret not sacred! Born in the Covenant?
C’mon Mormon Dude! Are you trickin’ us?


801 posted on 10/19/2007 6:16:35 AM PDT by Utah Binger (Sanctimony: Feigned piety or righteousness; hypocritical devoutness.)
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To: Elsie

As you either know or should know, The Holy Bible. If you didn’t know, you should read a little history sometime.


802 posted on 10/19/2007 10:47:33 AM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: Elsie

Elsie, it is bad to put abroad things that are not true. Someone might call you a liar.

The word of wisdom is in the Doctrine & Covenants section 89 and I am certain you are aware that the concept of baptism of the dead was covered in the New Testament.


803 posted on 10/19/2007 10:50:50 AM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: Old Mountain man; colorcountry; Elsie
You might want to do a bit of research regarding 'baptism for the dead' that you assert is 'covered' in the New Testament. Someone seems to have taught you several things that are erroneous, thus plowing up a field of doubt into which a few Smithian fabrications have been sown and brought forth some growth. I'll get you started with the following regarding the passage you infer:

Baptism for the dead is done by those outside of Christianity, since the Apostle Paul made a contrast between what "they" do and what "we" do. Paul said that even those who do baptism for the dead believe in the resurrection. How much more should we, who do not baptize for the dead and are led by apostles who were eyewitnesses of Christ's resurrection, believe in the resurrection (caption: 1 Cor. 15:29-30)

I Corinthians 15:29, "Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them?"

Just north of Corinth was a city named Eleusis. This was the location of a pagan religion where baptism in the sea was practiced to guarantee a good afterlife. This religion was mention by Homer in Hymn to Demeter 478-79.

The Corinthians were known to be heavily influenced by other customs. After all, they were in a large economic area where a great many different people frequented. It is probable that the Corinthians were being influenced by the religious practices found at Eleusis where baptism for the dead was practiced.

Paul used this example from the pagans in 1 Cor. 15:29, when he said, "...if the dead are not raised, then why are they baptized for the dead?" Paul did not say we.1 This is significant because the Christian church was not practicing baptism for the dead, but the pagans were. Paul's point was simple. The resurrection is a reality. It is going to happen when Jesus returns. Even the pagans believe in the resurrection, otherwise, why would they baptize for the dead? [ color country’s post ]

804 posted on 10/19/2007 11:03:00 AM PDT by MHGinTN (If you can read this, you've had life support. Defend life support for others in the womb.)
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To: Old Mountain man

By the way, did you know that the reorganized church of LDS doesn’t adhere to baptism for the dead, etc., because the BoM doesn’t teach it.


805 posted on 10/19/2007 11:06:27 AM PDT by MHGinTN (If you can read this, you've had life support. Defend life support for others in the womb.)
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To: MHGinTN; Old Mountain man

Nor does the RLDS have a command to “practice” polygamy in any of their scriptures.

Horny Joe introduced that information at a later time....when it was more convenient....an hmm, less dangerous. It still got him killed.


806 posted on 10/19/2007 11:09:19 AM PDT by colorcountry (If the plain sense makes sense, seek no other sense, lest you get nonsense! ~ J. Vernon McGee)
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To: Quester

Neither add nor subtract from my statement. There are many things that I believe that are contained in the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, as well as the spoken words of God’s Prophets.

You see, I believe that God loves us so very much that his Plan of Salvation includes speaking to us, not damning us with silence for the last two thousand years.


807 posted on 10/19/2007 11:13:23 AM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: MHGinTN

I really have no concern one way or another as to the conduct of the Community of Christ.


808 posted on 10/19/2007 11:17:46 AM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: colorcountry

Horny Joe?

That’s a cute one. Sort of like colorless colorcountry?


809 posted on 10/19/2007 11:19:32 AM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: Old Mountain man
The word of wisdom is in the Doctrine & Covenants section 89...

You are right. I was wrong in my statement.


...and I am certain you are aware that the concept of baptism of the dead was covered in the New Testament.

Covered?

It was mentioned; not 'covered'.

810 posted on 10/19/2007 11:24:48 AM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
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To: MHGinTN; Old Mountain man
By the way, did you know that the reorganized church of LDS doesn’t adhere to baptism for the dead, etc., because the BoM doesn’t teach it.

There's a BUNCH that the BoM doesn't teach; and a BUNCH that it does!

 

 
 
It seems a bit strange, for GOD to call it an ABOMINATION, and then to COMMAND it later!!
 
 
 
THE BOOK OF JACOB
THE BROTHER OF NEPHI
CHAPTER 2
 
  24 Behold, David and Solomon truly had many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the Lord.
  25 Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph.
  26 Wherefore, I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old.
  27 Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none;
  28 For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts.
  29 Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or cursed be the land for their sakes.
  30 For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.
  31 For behold, I, the Lord, have seen the sorrow, and heard the mourning of the daughters of my people in the land of Jerusalem, yea, and in all the lands of my people, because of the wickedness and abominations of their husbands.
  32 And I will not suffer, saith the Lord of Hosts, that the cries of the fair daughters of this people, which I have led out of the land of Jerusalem, shall come up unto me against the men of my people, saith the Lord of Hosts.

 

811 posted on 10/19/2007 11:28:44 AM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
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To: Old Mountain man
There are many things that I believe that are contained in the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, as well as the spoken words of God’s Prophets.

Then perhaps you will point out what is so ABOMINABLE in the Nicene Creed.

812 posted on 10/19/2007 11:30:07 AM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
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To: Elsie

Watch out! Don’t you realize that you can be freely attacked for noticing that?

Did you also notice the Book of James? You know...


813 posted on 10/19/2007 12:04:05 PM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: Old Mountain man
You see, I believe that God loves us so very much that his Plan of Salvation includes speaking to us, not damning us with silence for the last two thousand years.

So ... God does not speak to you personally ?
Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Are you sure that you needed Joseph Smith to speak for God to you ?
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

814 posted on 10/19/2007 2:25:09 PM PDT by Quester
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To: Quester

Gee, first you guys say God has said all he has to say and it is all in the Holy Bible and now you are using the Holy Bible to refute that. Next thing you know, you will read it for yourself.


815 posted on 10/19/2007 4:18:02 PM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: Old Mountain man
Hebrews 1:1-14 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. [caption:Psa 45:6] Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? [KJV]

You see, OMm, God has not remained silent to us since the death of the last Apostle who walked with Jesus and learned of Him from Him. The Gospel IS God speaking to us, yet your false religion denies this fundamental belief at the heart of Christianity! God has not been silent to us, in need of restoring His promises in His Gospel. And I am sure that He didn't need a lying, adulterous, fakir, peepstone false prophet to restore something God has been administering for lo these 2000 years through His Holy Spirit sent by Jesus at the Day of Pentecost.

816 posted on 10/19/2007 4:37:19 PM PDT by MHGinTN (If you can read this, you've had life support. Defend life support for others in the womb.)
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To: MHGinTN

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

From his actions and his writings, would you not consider Paul a prophet also?


817 posted on 10/19/2007 8:00:01 PM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: MHGinTN

A pity He suffers with all the avaricious, adulterous and lying preachers, ministers, etc. that cause divisiveness. A pity you know nothing of the truth because you have never followed the instructions to receive wisdom.


818 posted on 10/19/2007 8:03:01 PM PDT by Old Mountain man (Extremism in defense of liberty is no vice!)
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To: Old Mountain man
Ah yes, the same strategy was tried with Eve. She succumb to that taunt from Satan that 'God has not told you all you're entitled to'. Satan had a way of rewarding her doubt, didn't he! NOT ... but she certainly thought she'd been rewarded with opened eyes! The shame was palatable when God called to her, though.
819 posted on 10/19/2007 8:29:56 PM PDT by MHGinTN (If you can read this, you've had life support. Defend life support for others in the womb.)
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To: MHGinTN
Thank you so much for sharing your insights!

When you consider the Blood of Christ, what might you add to that Blood to achieve righteousness?

Indeed. It is troubling to read doctrines and traditions of men which suggest that Christ's blood is somehow insufficient.

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. - Romans 3:21-26

Maranatha, Jesus!

820 posted on 10/19/2007 10:39:13 PM PDT by Alamo-Girl
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