>> “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?” <<
“We have to be correct, because we’re correct.” It’s true that if early Christians did hold beliefs consistent with Mormonism, then Mormons would be properly known as Christians. But the assertion that early Christians had a Mormon-like belief in the Godhead is absolutely baseless. Unless you believe in the Book of Mormon. And that requires simply an act of faith, because Joe Smith’s story would inspire giggles in even little children. Mormonism survives because Mormons are nice, not because the story is sensible.
Dang!
You've condensed it down quite well!