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Common Threads between Islam and Mormonism
Virtue Online ^ | 11-28-11 | Dr, Michael Youssef

Posted on 11/30/2011 7:16:29 AM PST by ReformationFan

A number of years ago, I was on Larry King Live and was asked point blank if I had a problem with the appointments of Justices Roberts and Alito (both areRoman Catholics). My answer was very clear that I did not, as long as they shared my own conviction of upholding the Constitution - not trying to rewrite it - and as long as they were committed to the biblical values of the Founding Fathers. I was certain that both men were.

Many people today are quoting a statement reputedly made by Martin Luther, the great reformer, that he "would rather be ruled by a competent Turk (a Muslim) than an incompetent Christian." First of all, there is no evidence whatsoever that Martin Luther ever said these words. But even if he did say them, it would have been a gross exaggeration used to make a point. He never lived under a Muslim ruler and did not know what that would be like. But I did. And I can tell you, there is no such thing as choosing between Muslim and non-Muslim leaders under Islam.

In America, we have the great privilege of choosing candidates based on our core values, rather than how they identify with our theological point of view.

In looking at some of the candidates for the 2012 election, one cannot help but notice the controversies that have arisen regarding the Mormon religion. As I considered Luther's quote and the concerns regarding electing a Mormon president, I noticed some peculiar similarities between the Mormon faith and Islam as they relate to orthodox Christianity.

It's hard to believe that two religions that are worlds apart geographically have so many things in common.

Here are some examples:

1. Both believe that Christianity was corrupt and incomplete until their respective founders came on the scene. For Islam, it was Muhammad; for Mormons, it was Joseph Smith.

2. They both have their own book of "sacred scripture." While both tip their hats to the Bible, each see God's Word as insufficient by itself. Both Islam and Mormonism use many biblical themes, narratives and personalities. But the Qur'an draws heavily from the apocryphal books rather than the authoritative cannon of the Bible.

3. In both cases, Islam and Mormonism see their religion as complete within itself. Above all, both repudiate biblical Christianity and identify orthodox Christianity as a false faith.

4. Both religions reject the doctrine of the Trinity. The Mormon's concept of god includes many gods, not just one. Muslims view god as one, but as an aloof, remote god who could never become a man or relate to humanity. Allah can have mercy if he wants to, but he is also a cunning god.

5. Both religions reject the Bible as the sole and sufficient authority of faith. For Mormons, the Book of Mormon and other writings of the Latter Day Saints represent God's final revelation. For Muslims, the Qur'an and the Sunna (traditions of Muhammad) constitute God's final authoritative word.

6. They both reject the biblical teaching of original sin. Muslims believe Adam did not become completely depraved after disobeying God; he merely slipped but quickly recovered. Therefore to Muslims, humanity does not need redemption. Salvation in Islam is very uncertain, even when keeping the Five Tenants of Islam; although some teach that jihad will help in that quest for salvation. Mormons believe that they are not condemned by what many call "original sin." In other words, they are not accountable for Adam's transgression in the Garden of Eden.

Here are two questions Christians must ask when considering political candidates:

First, has the candidate been consistent in his/her political and moral values, or is he/she pandering? Second, has the candidate upheld their philosophical convictions throughout their public and private life, or did they change their political convictions to suit their audience?

All believers need to be good stewards and spend time in deep prayer before exercising their right to vote. God will give us wisdom so that we will not be persuaded by the slickest and the cleverest. We can trust Him to help us choose those who have proven core values.


TOPICS: Apologetics; History; Islam; Religion & Culture
KEYWORDS: dr; drmichaelyoussef; islam; martinluther; michaelyoussef; mohammedanism; mormonism; youssef
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I find this quote particularly insightful: "3. In both cases, Islam and Mormonism see their religion as complete within itself. Above all, both repudiate biblical Christianity and identify orthodox Christianity as a false faith."
1 posted on 11/30/2011 7:16:36 AM PST by ReformationFan
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To: ReformationFan

Hmmmm, such logic is worthy of someone who studies marshmallow roasting.

After all, there are so many more comparisons...both religions have members who breathe, eat, and take smelly Obamas afterwards....etc, etc.

However, I really cannot find any references to Mormon jihad, any Mormon suicide bombers, any Mormon burkas in recent literature.

We do not need to knock Mormons to find reasons to exclude RINOmney from any consideration for political office.

He is simply a wimp. A career nothing. Someone who’d flunk any demanding university class. In other words, he is a politician.


2 posted on 11/30/2011 7:22:16 AM PST by Da Coyote (Liberalism - when you absolutely, positively have no ability to produce wealth.)
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To: ReformationFan
Both were started by crazy people with illusions of grandeur.
3 posted on 11/30/2011 7:23:01 AM PST by dog breath
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To: ReformationFan

Excellent. Sure way to get everyon’e hate juices flowing on a tuesday.


4 posted on 11/30/2011 7:23:21 AM PST by stuartcr ("Everything happens as God wants it to...otherwise, things would be different.")
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To: ReformationFan

These six points are all very well and good. But then the author totally bones himself with making this a political litmus test.

If I do hold my nose and vote for Mitt - the fact that he is a Mormon will make it easier for me. And no, I’m not an LDS’r.


5 posted on 11/30/2011 7:29:35 AM PST by Responsibility2nd (NO LIBS! This means liberals AND libertarians (same thing) NO LIBS!)
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To: ReformationFan

Last time I checked, Mormons weren’t calling for the destruction of Israel and the United States, flying hijacked planes into buildings, setting out IEDs on roadways, launching rockets into Israeli schools, calling for the beheading of anyone who insults them, or calling for a worldwide caliphate.

An argument can be made some facets of Mormonism are distasteful, but to liken it to Islam is utter BS.


6 posted on 11/30/2011 7:31:47 AM PST by ScottinVA (I miss America.)
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To: Saundra Duffy
Read this very good description of your faith and you will know why Christians call Mormonism a false religion.
7 posted on 11/30/2011 7:31:51 AM PST by Coldwater Creek (He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty Psalm 91:)
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To: ReformationFan

I’m personally protestant ... but this sub is meant to offend in the manner of progressives who like to write “Similarities between the Republicans and the Nazis” articles.


8 posted on 11/30/2011 7:32:33 AM PST by Winstons Julia (Hello OWS? We don't need a revolution like China's; China needs a revolution like OURS.)
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To: Responsibility2nd
"If I do hold my nose and vote for Mitt - the fact that he is a Mormon will make it easier for me." A very sad declaration from you. But then if Milt gets the nomination to run against barry bassturd, the media will educate you on the vagaries of mormonISM. If you still find his mormonism to be a plus, well, sadder still. Mormonism is the spirit of anti-Christ writ large, stealthily, and well funded.

"We may talk of men being redeemed by the efficacy of his [Christ's] blood; but the truth is that that blood has no efficacy to wash away our sins. That must depend upon our own action." [ LDS Apostle Amasa M. Lyman, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, p. 299, 1859]

Given this mormonic teaching that is the very essence of Antichrist, it is still amazing how much LDS inc apologists want folks to believe LDS inc is Christianity restored! MormonISM is the very essence of slick anti-Christ inveigling, and the promoters of this anti-Christian religion will continue to be exposed and opposed so long as Christians are not squelched by the political correctness approach inherent in the lie that exposing mormonISM is hate or hatred of the people trapped in this demonic cult.

9 posted on 11/30/2011 7:36:13 AM PST by MHGinTN (Some, believing they cannot be deceived, it's impossible to convince them when they're deceived.)
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To: MHGinTN

“We may talk of men being redeemed by the efficacy of his [Christ’s] blood; but the truth is that that blood has no efficacy to wash away our sins. That must depend upon our own action.” [ LDS Apostle Amasa M. Lyman, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, p. 299, 1859]

Thanks for the quote. Doesn’t exactly jibe with “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” from Hebrews 9:22.


10 posted on 11/30/2011 7:42:44 AM PST by ReformationFan
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To: ReformationFan
Many people today are quoting a statement reputedly made by Martin Luther, the great reformer, that he "would rather be ruled by a competent Turk (a Muslim) than an incompetent Christian." First of all, there is no evidence whatsoever that Martin Luther ever said these words. But even if he did say them, it would have been a gross exaggeration used to make a point. He never lived under a Muslim ruler and did not know what that would be like. But I did. And I can tell you, there is no such thing as choosing between Muslim and non-Muslim leaders under Islam.

Ping to read later.

11 posted on 11/30/2011 7:42:51 AM PST by Alex Murphy (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2703506/posts?page=518#518)
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To: Da Coyote

Yea, you win. First one to bring up Romney.


12 posted on 11/30/2011 7:44:11 AM PST by svcw (God's Grace - thank you!)
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To: ReformationFan
1. The Osmonds are a big family and are Mormons.

2. The Bin-Ladens are a big family and are Muslims.

Coincidence? I think not.

13 posted on 11/30/2011 7:46:00 AM PST by GrandJediMasterYoda (Nancy Pelosi - The #1 reason why we need a Constitutional amendment for Congressional drug testing.)
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To: Responsibility2nd
Mormon will make it easier for me Why?
14 posted on 11/30/2011 7:46:59 AM PST by svcw (God's Grace - thank you!)
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To: ReformationFan

If Mitt was a conservative I’d vote for him regardless of his Mormon faith.


15 posted on 11/30/2011 7:48:05 AM PST by Jack Hydrazine (It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine!)
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To: ReformationFan; All
"Both believe that Christianity was corrupt and incomplete until their respective founders came on the scene"

Martin Luther?

16 posted on 11/30/2011 7:49:11 AM PST by NakedRampage (Puttin' the "stud" in Bible study)
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To: ReformationFan
Already posted a month ago here.
17 posted on 11/30/2011 7:50:06 AM PST by TheMightyQuinn
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To: dog breath

A Mormon and a Muzzie walk into a bar.

The Muzzie declares to the bartender and its patrons that there is only one god and his name is Allah.

The Mormon gets a surprised look on his face and declares to the bartender and its patrons, “You aren’t going to believe this but my name just happens to be Allah!”

LOL!


18 posted on 11/30/2011 7:52:23 AM PST by Jack Hydrazine (It's the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine!)
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To: ScottinVA
An argument can be made some facets of Mormonism are distasteful, but to liken it to Islam is utter BS.

Which part of mormonISM do you find tasteful?

You are aware that Joseph Smith said he was the next mohammad, correct?

You are aware that mormonISM and islam have been creating partnerships with each other for more than two decades, correct?

When you say the comparison is BS, which parts? The list is pretty clear as to why they are nearly identical in these aspects.

19 posted on 11/30/2011 7:52:27 AM PST by svcw (God's Grace - thank you!)
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To: MHGinTN

Very well. I see your point. YOU obviously know Mormons who live lives of deceit, dishonesty and debauchery. You probably know hundreds of Mormons who cheat on their wives, and live in opposition to their church’s teachings.

As for me... I know of thousands of CATHOLICS who live in opposition to papal theocracies as they support abortion and live like Kennedy’s - but nope... Don’t know of any Mormons who do.

But that’s just me.

So. If the time came for me to vote for a man who I could not trust politically AND religiously verses a man who I could not trust politically but COULD trust religiously; then the answer is simple.

That said... I still hope I do not have to vote for Mitt the politician.


20 posted on 11/30/2011 7:57:04 AM PST by Responsibility2nd (NO LIBS! This means liberals AND libertarians (same thing) NO LIBS!)
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