“Notwithstanding all of the above, Latter-day Saints are, and continue to be, more than willing to allow these folk the right to call themselves Christians. All we ask is that they return the same courtesy.”
Sorry Charlie, only people who believe in the Jesus Christ of the Bible get to be Christians.
Hindus don’t, unless they convert.
Hare Krishnas don’t, unless they convert.
Muslims don’t, unless they convert.
Buddhists don’t, unless they convert.
Scientologists? Nope, unless they convert.
Pagans? Wiccans? Witches? Warlocks? Voodoo practioners? No, no, no, no, and no - unless they convert!
Why in the world would mormons be any different?
No Jesus Christ as revealed in the Bible = no ability to save anyone else = no salvation = no gospel = not Christian.
Here’s your choice:
Mormon Jesus: a created spirit being (not god), who was born as a human (not god), who worked his way upwards and eventually became part of the pantheon of mormonite gods - one among potentially billions of gods. No salvation there.
Christian Jesus Christ: ALWAYS GOD from eternity. Never created or made. An infinite and holy life laid down to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind to all who receive this grace by faith.
Put faith in the wrong thing and your faith is USELESS to save. Mormonism teaches a false Christ.
The REAL Jesus Christ is available RIGHT NOW to all who call on Him.
best,
ampu
I think it is best to leave it up to the Lord to judge who is a true follower of Christ. Only He knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts. He will judge justly according to His wisdom, love, justice and mercy.
I would also hope that any one of us who desires to be a follower of Christ would strive and pray to develop the gift of charity. I am sure that Jesus wants his followers to be kind, long suffering, humble, gentle and selfless.
I like these words of Paul:
Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.