BTW, many of these 'anti's' are former mormons, many multigenerational, the materials regarding mormonism I've seen them post has yet to be refuted or shown to be a deliberate misrepresentation - but accurate in citation and context.
Mormons want to be known as Christians on their own terms, not that of historical, orthodox Christian theology. The exoticness of mormon theology is unbelievable. I believe the following article best explains their reactions to our opposition.
http://www.afcministry.com/FAIR_says_anti_Mormons_are_not_Christians.htm
Anti Mormons are not Christians is what a Mormon Apologetics website called FAIR has stated at their website concerning those who oppose the Mormon Church doctrines. FAIR stands for "Foundation for Apologetic Information Research", which is a Mormon Apologetics website which means they provide information to defend their beliefs and respond to those who oppose.
What FAIR has said concerning anti-Mormons
"The term anti-Mormon is herein used to describeany person or organization that is directly and actively opposed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its doctrines, policies and programs. It is not, as critics sometimes mischievously try to claim, a catchall term for anyone who does not accept or believe in the Church, but is applied only to those who actively campaign against it. As an adjective, it applies to those specific activities that may with reasonable accuracy be described as attacks upon the Church."
http://www.fairlds.org/apol/antis/200201.html
The above quote from FAIR has some very interesting points to examine.
- The term anti-Mormon means any person or organization that is opposed to the LDS Church.
- The term anti-Mormon means any person or organization that is opposed to LDS doctrines.
- The term anti-Mormon only applies to those who actively campaign against the LDS Church.
- The term anti-Mormon applies to those who are against the Church. These are attackers of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints.
Mormons are taught repeatedly by their leaders that those who oppose the Mormon Church are inaccurate and are teaching false things. The following quote is from FAIR concerning anti-Mormons who oppose the Mormon Church and if they are Christians. "So we return to the question with which we began this survey: are anti-Mormons Christian? The answer: of course not. They were never even in the hunt." http://www.fairlds.org/apol/antis/200201.html
Purpose of this information
Mormons get upset at Christians who say, "Mormons are not Christians", yet what do Mormon defenders say? They say those protest, voice their beliefs, expose Mormons doctrines, and preach what the Bible says, are anti-Mormons and are not true Christians. The reason this information has been shared is to show that all Mormons are not alike, and that there are Mormons who attack people's love for the truth of the Word of God. Many Mormons would not say what FAIR has said, but there are those who do would agree.
The Bible warns about False Teachers
"13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matthew 7:13-15 King James Bible)
"4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him]." (2 Corinthians 11:4 King James Bible)
"13 For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 King James Bible)
"6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-9 King James Bible)
These warnings were not only for then but also for today! Joseph Smith was not a true prophet of God and many wonderful people have been deceived with his false teachings. Joseph Smith taught another gospel, another Jesus, and claimed that an angel from heaven named Moroni was sent to him to give him the gospel truth. Moroni was not a true angel of God and Joseph Smith was deceived, and since then many people have come to believe in Joseph Smith, but he was a false prophet.
Defend the Faith and have Answers for what you Believe "10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:10-11 King James Bible)
"15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 King James Bible)
"15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (1 Peter 3:15 King James Bible)
"3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3 King James Bible)
We are to examine all things, no matter who is teaching us. The example of the Bereans is something people today need to practice daily. Paul writes for us to study the Word of God and to share it in truth, because it is a serious issue sharing the Word of God! Many people today have been deceived concerning the Mormon Church and the truth of the Scriptures. Christians are to share the truth in love and with great confidence, so that those who are seeking may come to know Jesus Christ personally. There are those such as FAIR, who call those who oppose the Mormon Church anti-Mormon, but the truth is Christians who oppose the Mormon Church are doing what Jude instructed them to do. Christians are to earnestly contend for the faith, and if that means to oppose the doctrines of the Mormon Church, than so be it. **end of citation**
Perhaps some should look into the reasons why so many have left mormonism – many of their stories can be read here: http://www.exmormon.org/
As long as mormons here try to force acceptance of their beliefs, they will be challenged to defend those beliefs - just as I have been challenged on occasion by mormon and non-mormon to defend mine. This is the public square, and if their ideas are superior, they will prevail. But they will not prevail with this kind of victimization play.
“I do not run to the moderators every time my belief in Christ is slandered by mormons.”
And that isn’t what we are doing either. We are simply informing you all what we are doing, and why. Seems like some people are angry about Mormon stuff being posted here, kinda says a lot about what is in (or rather, not in) their heart.
I would object to claims that a person who is a Mormon is not a Christian, because only God can know who is one of his own, and just as one can belong to a true Christian church but not be a Christian, I believe the opposite can be true as well.
As to the general claim, I think we get too sensitive when others claim our religion is false, because it seems so obvious to me that that must be what most people think. After all, if everybody thought the PCA church had the best adherance to biblical principles, we would ALL join the PCA church. Since we do not, there must be Christians out their who disagree with my assessment.
Those who I know personally who are Mormon are clear that they do not believe I am practicing the appropriate faith — and they do not like me less because I make the same claim to them. We are respectful, but religion is rather tepid if it is one which doesn’t assert it’s superiority.
I have only a little respect for religions which teach that all religions are equally good. Why would I ever believe such a thing — according to that philosophy, I might was well choose a religion that thinks they are the only way, since then I’m saved if EITHER group is right.
Of course, as a Presbyterian, I believe I’m saved no matter WHAT group is right or what church I’m going to :-)
What FAIR has said about itself:
FAIR is not owned, controlled by or affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All research and opinions provided on this site are the sole responsibility of FAIR, and should not be interpreted as official statements of LDS doctrine, belief or practice.
Amen, godzilla. Thanks.