I have read the Bible over and over and over. But if its interpretation is as clear as you are making it out to be, then why are there over 1,000 Christian churches!!!...all of which argue over the tenets of their faith?
Are Catholics going to hell? Are Presbyterians? Are Muslims? What if someone in Tibet is never even exposed to Christianity? Is he/she going to hell too?
Religion can get so confusing and dogmatic. Even look at the posts here-—the tone of making fun of a religion. Even if it were false, I can’t see the Lord ever making fun of someone’s sincere belief. He never did. He taught with a spirit of love and understanding. Surely if the people here REALLy cared about Mormons, they would realize that making fun of someone’s faith only pushes them further away.
I don’t substitute what I want to believe; I substitute what is in my heart, when I can not understand what a scripture is telling me. I have learned more and more to listen to the still small voice and pray for inspiration. There are huge gaps in my knowledge-—and a lot of things I am not sure of. But I am sure of this: God lives, Jesus is the Christ-—and my personal savior— and He is nowhere near as unforgiving as you think He is.
“I have read the Bible over and over and over. But if its interpretation is as clear as you are making it out to be, then why are there over 1,000 Christian churches!!!...all of which argue over the tenets of their faith?”
Oh contraire my friend. The inmans here are from every conceivable Christian background. We are unified on the central doctrines of our mutual Christian faith.
“Are Catholics going to hell? Are Presbyterians?”
Those going to heaven are going there by the GRACE of GOD and apart from works. They are those who receive that grace through faith in what Christ has done. It does not matter which church someone is in or not in. Same basis for all.
“Are Muslims? What if someone in Tibet is never even exposed to Christianity? Is he/she going to hell too?”
God can handle it. He knows exactly the most loving thing and the most Just thing to do. YOU however, hear the gospel of grace here and apparently prefer your own works of righteousness that can lead you to hell. What will you do?
“Religion can get so confusing and dogmatic. Even look at the posts here-—the tone of making fun of a religion. Even if it were false, I can’t see the Lord ever making fun of someone’s sincere belief.”
First, a small percentage of what Christ said was recorded, so you do not know that. Second, the Apostle Paul used satire.
“Surely if the people here REALLy cared about Mormons, they would realize that making fun of someone’s faith only pushes them further away.”
In my experience, it takes shaking a mormon up before they consider what is true with fresh eyes. Perhaps it is those who read these threads, who are not participating in the conversation who are why we post. Your assumption is incorrect, therefore.
“I don’t substitute what I want to believe; I substitute what is in my heart, when I can not understand what a scripture is telling me. I have learned more and more to listen to the still small voice and pray for inspiration.”
And the response you get that says Joseph Smith is a prophet is satanic in origin. Feelings are no substitute for objective truth. They may confirm it. They do not define it.
“There are huge gaps in my knowledge-—and a lot of things I am not sure of. But I am sure of this: God lives, Jesus is the Christ-—and my personal savior— and He is nowhere near as unforgiving as you think He is.”
1. You do not know what I believe
2. It doesn’t matter what you think - He is who He is apart from what you think
3. Christ’s FIRST act when He returns is to KILL HIS ENEMIES. How does that fit in with your feelings about forgiveness?
4. MOST IMPORTANTLY - If by Christ you mean the mormon Jesus, created spirit who became a god - it is irrelevant.
That will not get you to heaven. Faith is only as good as the object of faith it is placed in. The Biblical Christ is God, has always been God and is neither created nor made. Only He qualified to lay His life down.
In summary, there is nothing mormonism adds to Biblical Christianity. It takes the most important things away.
best,
ampu
"I’ve always marveled at folks who feel worthy enough to decide where they think my soul or anyone else’s soul is going to spend eternity. The scriptures are clear on that one too: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."