RE: I really don’t understand the fear/distrust of Mormons that seems so prevalent
As I understand it when I talk to Evangelical Theologians or Pastors, it is not the fear of Mormons that drive Christians but the CONFUSION among people in their congregation regarding how they view Mormons.
To an Evangelical Christian who takes scripture seriously, Mormon theology BORROWS from Christianity but the Jesus they refer to and say they believe in is NOT the Jesus of the Bible.
So yes, you can make friends with Mormons, you can make common cause with him regarding politics and social issues, but you CANNOT call him your brother in Christ.
I get that; I just don't see why it causes so much in the way of heated discussions and seeming animosity. It is up to the Ministers and Priests (and Christians themselves) to be understood and be clear on what it means to be Christian. Given how "squishy" the minister in the church I attend (PCUSA) is I guess that (clarity) is not happening in too many places. As near as I can tell the greatest, and maybe the only, sin worth mentioning is "judgementalism". If he (my minister) preached anything against Mormons (as he periodically does against Catholics) it would most likely be that they are too "exclusive" rather than that their theology is wrong.