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Top 5 faith & culture stories: Should Christians vote for a Mormon?
Denison Forum on Truth and Culture ^ | Dec. 28, 2011 | Jim Denison

Posted on 12/31/2011 8:49:24 AM PST by Colofornian

Time magazine says the #1 religion story of the year is the rise of Mormonism. Two Mormons are running for president; Glenn Beck's commitment to the Mormon church made headlines; .

As we continue our series on my top 5 faith and culture stories of 2011, let's ask today: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints a cult? Can Christians vote for a Mormon candidate? What does the mainstreaming of Mormonism say about our culture? The answers to these questions will take more space than my typical essay--I hope the following information is helpful.

If by "cult" we mean the popular caricature of a manipulative group that practices mind control and exploits its members, the Mormon church clearly does not qualify. However, scholars use the word differently. According to Walter Martin's definitive The Rise of the Cults, a "cult" by definition claims a founder other than Jesus, follows a book other than the Bible, accepts beliefs that are outside orthodox Christianity, and seeks salvation in ways other than by grace through faith.

How do Mormon beliefs stack up against this definition?

There is no question that Mormons claim to be Christians. But what do they believe about God? Their movement was founded 1800 years after Christ by Joseph Smith (1805-44). He taught that "God was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heaven" (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). His physical intercourse with Mary resulted in the conception of the physical Christ (Journal of Discourses 1:51; 4:218).

Do Mormons follow a book other than the Bible? In addition to Scripture, they consider the Book of Mormon to be "another testament of Jesus Christ" revealed by Jesus to descendants of Israel living in early America. They also follow Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price, compendiums of theology and prescribed practices.

Do they accept beliefs outside orthodox Christianity? Smith taught plural marriage as a "new and everlasting covenant" (Doctrine and Covenants 132:1,4), though the church repudiated polygamy in 1890. They baptize for the dead, believing that this action can speed the progress of the deceased in the afterlife.

Do they seek salvation in ways other than by grace through faith? Mormons believe that baptism purges their Gentile blood and replaces it with the blood of Abraham through the Holy Spirit. In this way they become the actual offspring of Abraham (History of the Church 3:380). They believe in three levels of glory: the telestial kingdom (for those who have no testimony of Christ); the terrestrial kingdom (for those who fail the requirements of exaltation); and the celestial kingdom (reserved for members of the Mormon church who will become "gods"; Doctrine and Covenants 132:20).

Are Mormons Christians? That depends on the degree to which they accept the non-biblical teachings of their faith regarding God and salvation. I have known Mormons who assured me that they have asked the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive their sins and become their personal Savior and Lord. Many Mormons I have met do not know the doctrines of their church I have discussed today. However, I have also met Mormons who believe that their progress toward the celestial kingdom depends not on Jesus' sacrifice but on their missionary work and other church activities.

Should the Mormon beliefs of Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman influence Christians as they decide which presidential candidate to support? Our decision should be informed by our answers to two questions. First, to what extent do Romney and Huntsman accept the non-Christian elements of their faith? Second, to what degree would decisions made by the president be impacted by uniquely Mormon beliefs?

What does the mainstreaming of Mormonism say about America? "Pluralism" is the belief that many religions lead to God. According to a recent survey, two-thirds of evangelicals under the age of 35 believe non-Christians can go to heaven, even though Jesus clearly said, "No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

I predict that we'll see an escalation of pluralism in the new year as our culture's rejection of absolutes becomes even more pervasive. But just as all roads don't lead to Dallas, all roads don't lead to heaven. Are you on the right one? Are you praying for someone who isn't?


TOPICS: Current Events; Other non-Christian; Religion & Politics; Theology
KEYWORDS: beliefs; inman; lds; mittromney; mormon
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From the article: But just as all roads don't lead to Dallas, all roads don't lead to heaven. Are you on the right one?

I know this offends the multi-culturalist post-modern spirit that many have been brought up (especially in public schools) to believe. But this is reality. As the author said:

According to a recent survey, two-thirds of evangelicals under the age of 35 believe non-Christians can go to heaven, even though Jesus clearly said, "No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

So. Even Evangelicals are losing their way by claiming, in effect here, that Jesus didn't need to come to earth -- and die on the cross, after all...other roads to heaven somehow exist...though Jesus Himself knew of none!

1 posted on 12/31/2011 8:49:31 AM PST by Colofornian
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To: All
From the article: Joseph Smith...taught that "God was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heaven" (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). His physical intercourse with Mary resulted in the conception of the physical Christ (Journal of Discourses 1:51; 4:218).

God started off as some intelligence...became a man...then a god? He has a body of flesh and bones? This body came and had intercourse with Mary? You, too can become a god? This is really the beliefs of a man somebody would seriously consider making THE leader of the free world?

Seriously?

The top discussed threads in 2011 dealing with Mormon 'Weirdness' (Note: 2 of the first four listed were started by Mormons – so they themselves recognize their own peculiarity):
* Are Mormons "Weird"? (418 replies)
* Anne Frank, a Mormon? (314 replies)
* HAVE YOU NOTICED THIS ABOUT MORMONS? (309 replies)
* About Mormonism - Mormon Underwear (296 replies)
* Mormonism and Mitt Romney’s “Weirdness” (235 replies)
* 21 facts everyone should know about Mormon teaching [Mormonism/Anti-Christian] (110 replies)

Sampling of other threads on the 'weird' beliefs of Mormons:
* Planet Kolob to Mormons: It’s not our weird beliefs, it’s our credibility
* Mormonism's Outlandish Heresies [Mormonism/Anti-Christian]

2 posted on 12/31/2011 8:52:14 AM PST by Colofornian (Martyrs don't die in shootouts! Sacrificial lambs aren't armed! J. Smith fired 2 weapons as he died)
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To: All
From the article: ...let's ask today: Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints a cult? ...scholars use the word differently. According to Walter Martin's definitive The Rise of the Cults, a "cult" by definition claims a founder other than Jesus, follows a book other than the Bible, accepts beliefs that are outside orthodox Christianity, and seeks salvation in ways other than by grace through faith...

Discussions on FR in 2011 about whether Mormonism is a cult were common:
* Cult! A Classic False Claim (551 replies)
* COLUMN: Can the LDS religion be considered a cult? CO (355 replies)
* Mormon official challenges 'cult' designation (286 replies)
* Hey, Who are You Calling a Cult? (244 replies)
* Mormon Hypocrisy Gamecock (201 replies)
* Rick Perry backer Robert Jeffress: Mitt Romney not a Christian (195 replies) Is Mormonism a Cult? (182 replies)
* Mormonism, Cults, and Christianity (Is Mormonism a Cult, or is it simply not Christian?) (150 replies)
* Mars Hill Pastor Mark Driscoll: Mormonism is a cult (110 replies)
* Perry Supporter Calls Mormonism a “Cult” (102 replies)

Sampling of other threads on this topic: Perry backer: Romney in a 'cult,' not a Christian
* Mormonism, Cults and Christianity
* Opinion: Is Mormonism a cult?
* It's a cult
* MORMONISM: CHRISTIAN OR CULT?
* Mormon Errors [Mormonism/Anti-Christian]

3 posted on 12/31/2011 8:53:49 AM PST by Colofornian (Martyrs don't die in shootouts! Sacrificial lambs aren't armed! J. Smith fired 2 weapons as he died)
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To: All
From the article: Do they accept beliefs outside orthodox Christianity? Smith taught plural marriage as a "new and everlasting covenant" (Doctrine and Covenants 132:1,4), though the church repudiated polygamy in 1890. They baptize for the dead, believing that this action can speed the progress of the deceased in the afterlife.

These baptisms of dead people are done secretly.

Freeper threads in 2011 dealing with the "secret" activities of Mormons:
* Anne Frank, a Mormon? (314 replies)
* Temple dress guidelines [MormonISM - Open] (157 replies)
* Is God's Kingdom a Kingdom of Secrecy? [Mormonism]
* The Secret LDS Temple Ceremony [Mormonism/Anti-Christian]
* Go Ahead And Skip That Temple Wedding (Mormon)
* Why the need for secret death oaths in the LDS Temple Endowment Ceremony? [Secretive Mormon church]
* Mormons even marry the dead by proxy (Vanity: The OTHER World Series)
* Mormon bishop's daughter spills Romney's 'secrets' ...
* Mormon bishop's daughter spills Romney's 'secrets' ...

4 posted on 12/31/2011 8:55:12 AM PST by Colofornian (Martyrs don't die in shootouts! Sacrificial lambs aren't armed! J. Smith fired 2 weapons as he died)
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To: All
From the article: Do they accept beliefs outside orthodox Christianity? Smith taught plural marriage as a "new and everlasting covenant" (Doctrine and Covenants 132:1,4), though the church repudiated polygamy in 1890. They baptize for the dead, believing that this action can speed the progress of the deceased in the afterlife.

The Mormon church didn't “repudiate” polygamy. It just initially went more underground (the Lds church continued to solemnize hundreds of plural unions from 1890 to 1910!) Obviously, already existing polygamous families remained as such (Mormon leaders could hardly “repudiate” such families living in their midst). And Mormon leaders still allowed Mormons to supposedly marry polygamously “for eternity” in their temples...it was simply, in their minds, colonized to another sphere.

Perhaps THE best link you can find on historical Mormon polygamy is the source of this article:

Polygamy [Everything you might want to possibly know about historical Mormon polygamy] (201 replies)

Sampling of other threads on this topic:
* Mark 12:25 and Marriage in Heaven [Mormonism/Anti-Christian]
* Celestial Marriage & Eternal Exaltation / Redefining Celestial Marriage [Mormonism/Anti-Christian]
* Celestial Marriage: Key to Exaltation [Mormonism/Anti/Chistian]
* Eternal Marriage/Eternal Progression [Mormonism/Anti-Christian]
* Polygamy: Will You Have to Share Your Husband With Other Women?
* The Pharisee, the Temple and Polygamy [Wanna multiply eternal spouses? If Lds, rituals still occur!]
* Only for Eternity [Mainstream Mormon Ecclesiastical Polygamy...Supposedly Still Practiced!]
* Polygamy and me: Growing up Mormon
* Mormons Teach Polygamy is Divine [one-minute YouTube clip]

5 posted on 12/31/2011 8:57:03 AM PST by Colofornian (Martyrs don't die in shootouts! Sacrificial lambs aren't armed! J. Smith fired 2 weapons as he died)
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To: Colofornian

If Romney were to be elected, you can guarantee the Mormon questions raised here and more will be raked over the goals for four years, a huge distraction.


6 posted on 12/31/2011 8:59:00 AM PST by DaxtonBrown (http://www.futurnamics.com/reid.php)
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To: Colofornian
I have another question for Christians. Should Christians vote for Marxists? Something for Christians to consider. And yes I am one.
7 posted on 12/31/2011 9:00:23 AM PST by Nuc 1.1 (Nuc 1 Liberals aren't Patriots. Remember 1789!)
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To: All
From the article: Are Mormons Christians? That depends on the degree to which they accept the non-biblical teachings of their faith regarding God and salvation. I have known Mormons who assured me that they have asked the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive their sins and become their personal Savior and Lord. Many Mormons I have met do not know the doctrines of their church I have discussed today. However, I have also met Mormons who believe that their progress toward the celestial kingdom depends not on Jesus' sacrifice but on their missionary work and other church activities.

#1 What people trust in for their salvation /degree of glory is only part of the matter. The author covers that part toward the end of the above paragraph.

#2 What Jim Denison misses out on within the previous section is Who. Oh, sure he mentions “Jesus Christ” – but fails to recognize that the apostle Paul said there was “another Jesus” (2 Cor. 11:3-4)...that devotion to the true Jesus is something that can fall away. And in Mormonism's case, it has embraced “another Jesus” – a “Jesus who doesn't exist.”

Jesus Himself defined “eternal life” as a true relationship with Him and His True Father: “And this is eternal life: That you know you, the Only True God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)

It's comparable to you meeting somebody online who claims to be either Elijah or Elisha of the Old Testament (both of these men were taken directly to heaven minus dying). Perhaps they could tell you things about themselves similar to these men; but identity-wise, if they are not either one, it doesn't matter how close some of those attributes are...they are counterfeits.

If you would like to sort out this question in depth, FR had PLENTY of 2011 discussion on this topic:
* Are Mormons Christian? (652 replies)
* The Christ of Mormonism (Real Mormonism) (393 replies)
* Mormon and Christian (275 replies)
* Fox News anchor says Romney isn't a Christian (224 replies)
* Is Mormonism Christian? (208 replies)
* How do Mormons answer ‘not Christian’ claims? (200 replies)
* ARE MORMONS ANTI-CHRISTIAN? (186 replies)
* Mormons worship a different Jesus (175 replies)
* Mom, Are We Christians? (173 replies)
Latter-day Saints aren't Christians? (162 replies)
* Why Mormonism Can Never Be Part of True Christianity (156 replies)
* A Different God? Mitt Romney, the Religious Right, and the Mormon Question (145 replies)
* If Mormonism is 'anti-Christian,' then how can it be considered 'Christian?' (129 replies)
* A Theologian Weighs In on the Mormon Church (129 replies)
* SHOULD CHRISTIANS ASSENT TO MORMON DEMANDS TO SEE THEM AS CHRISTIANS? [Vanity] (118 replies)
* whom do Mormons worship? (102 replies)

Samplings of other threads on this topic:
* "We're Christians Just Like You!
* Is the LDS View of God Consistent with the Bible? [ANTI-Trinitarian]
* The Biblical Jesus vs. the Book of Mormon Jesus
* Mormonism - Does it follow Jesus Christ? [Mormonism/Anti-Chistian
* Mormon Errors [Mormonism/Anti-Christian]
* Christian, Mormon doctrinal differences

8 posted on 12/31/2011 9:01:09 AM PST by Colofornian (Martyrs don't die in shootouts! Sacrificial lambs aren't armed! J. Smith fired 2 weapons as he died)
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To: Nuc 1.1
I have not Voted for Anyone in 30 years. I vote Against the worst Candidate.

So in 2012 I will vote AGAINST Obama (the Anti-American).

9 posted on 12/31/2011 9:03:00 AM PST by sr4402
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To: All
From the article: Can Christians vote for a Mormon candidate?...to what extent do Romney and Huntsman accept the non-Christian elements of their faith? Second, to what degree would decisions made by the president be impacted by uniquely Mormon beliefs?

Here were some of the top 2011 discussions of Romney's religion on FR in 2011:

* Mitt Romney is a Mormon and I am a Baptist: Get Over It! (381 replies)
* The new, ugly debate about Mitt Romney's Mormon faith will only push him closer to the nomination [Begun by Ripliangone, 376 replies]
* Tricia Erickson: 'An indoctrinated Mormon should never be elected as President' (353 replies)
* Author: LDS is 'dangerous religion' [Romney article] (336 replies)
* Would You Vote for Someone Just Because They're Mormon? (271 replies)
* Will Romney, Huntsman help or hurt Mormons? (255 replies)
* Why a Candidate's Faith Matters? by robert Jeffress himself (163 replies)
* Can a Mormon presidential candidate win over the Republicans’ evangelical base? (157 replies)
* Why This Evangelical Can't Vote for Mitt Romney (145 replies)
* Mitt Romney Is A Devout Member Of A Historically Racist Church (still a recent enough thread- may bump higher than 141 replies)
* Can a Mormon be president? Two opposing views (104 replies)
* Mitt Romney's Mormonism: A TNR online debate (95 replies)
* A Vote for Romney Is a Vote for the LDS Church: One evangelical explains why he cannot support Mitt (94 replies)
* The Mormon Plan for America and The Rise of Mitt Romney

10 posted on 12/31/2011 9:03:31 AM PST by Colofornian (Martyrs don't die in shootouts! Sacrificial lambs aren't armed! J. Smith fired 2 weapons as he died)
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To: Colofornian

It seems to me that even though some people might not be raised to be Christian, the sacrifice of Jesus was necessary even for them to get to heaven, though they don’t know it yet. Call it a sort of hybrid pluralism, but Jesus only made the way to heaven possible, even though many will initially take the wrong path. Of course, I don’t want to encourage taking the wrong path as a result, but I don’t think Romney will spend much his time preaching instead of playing the part of President.


11 posted on 12/31/2011 9:04:01 AM PST by Telepathic Intruder (The right thing is not always the popular thing)
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To: Nuc 1.1

Where I Vote for someone is typically in a Primary. This Primary Romney will NOT get my vote.


12 posted on 12/31/2011 9:04:34 AM PST by sr4402
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To: All
From the article: They believe in three levels of glory: the telestial kingdom (for those who have no testimony of Christ); the terrestrial kingdom (for those who fail the requirements of exaltation); and the celestial kingdom (reserved for members of the Mormon church who will become "gods"; Doctrine and Covenants 132:20).

In this final level of glory, Lds say only MARRIED temple Mormons (15-20% of all Mormons) can live forever with Heavenly Father.

That's it.

That leaves out all singles. Even Mormon singles.

It leaves out even the majority of Mormons!

It "definitely" -- Mormon-doctrine wise, leaves out all non-Mormons.

And Mormons push for "religious tolerance?"

Listen, if the Mormon "heaven" doesn't include God the Father, it ain't heaven!

13 posted on 12/31/2011 9:07:28 AM PST by Colofornian (Martyrs don't die in shootouts! Sacrificial lambs aren't armed! J. Smith fired 2 weapons as he died)
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To: Nuc 1.1

“I have another question for Christians. Should Christians vote for Marxists? Something for Christians to consider. And yes I am one.”

You’re a Marxist???


14 posted on 12/31/2011 9:08:38 AM PST by aMorePerfectUnion (You know, 99.99999965% of the lawyers give all of them a bad name)
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To: Colofornian

No.


15 posted on 12/31/2011 9:08:59 AM PST by reaganaut (Mormonism is all about glory to self, not Glory to God. - which explains Mitt Romney)
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To: Nuc 1.1

A marxists?


16 posted on 12/31/2011 9:10:38 AM PST by svcw (God's Grace - thank you!)
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To: Telepathic Intruder
It seems to me that even though some people might not be raised to be Christian, the sacrifice of Jesus was necessary even for them to get to heaven, though they don’t know it yet. Call it a sort of hybrid pluralism, but Jesus only made the way to heaven possible, even though many will initially take the wrong path.

Well, it goes back to "identity." Do Mormons have "another Jesus?"

I've posted this Q&A before...here it goes again:

Q1 Isn't the first distinct focus on the Mormon "Jesus" was that he was some unembodied vague "intelligence" even before the Mormon claim that Jesus, like Superman, had parents from another planet?

A Yes. Lds "scriptures" Doctrine & Covenants 93:29,33 assign ALL of us eternal status as past-tense intelligences. (So we're ALL supposedly as "eternal" as Jesus is)

Q2 Well about what about once the Mormon "Jesus" got to the spirit baby stage? Comparing so-called "spirit babies" born to a mom goddess in heaven, what difference was there between the "Jesus spirit baby" and the supposed rest of us "spirit babies" born to such a mom goddess?

A Mere spiritual birth order--The Mormon Jesus supposedly having been birth first in some "pre-existent world"

Q3 What about the Earthly Origins of the Mormon Christ?

A * Place of birth: Jerusalem (vs. Bible pinpointing it as Bethlehem).
* The Mormon Jesus was twice made a son of God via Mary 'cause Lds say Heavenly Father was the literal paternal father of the conceived Jesus;
* The Mormon Jesus only became God's "only begotten Son" upon conception within Mary. Not so: Jesus, as the Son of God from eternity (John 17:5) -- having shared God's glory before the world was -- is God's one and only Son (John 3:18)...the rest of us are mere "adopted" sons -- if we are indeed His.

Q4 Is the Mormon "Jesus" an exalted spirit baby-become-god?

A As noted above, the lds jesus is not the Son of God from eternity past. That "jesus" worked his way up to godhood status. He's not an exalted God-become-man, but an exalted man-become-God. He was an elder spirit bro of Lucifer. Had you or your brother been "first" in that pre-existent spirit world birth order, he could have been Christ!!!

This "jesus" is foreign to the Bible. The Messiah of the Bible shared the glory with the Father in the beginning (John 17:5). This Jesus is THE Son of God, not just a son of God. And THE Son of God did not consider equality with His Father something he couldn't let go of while becoming a man (see Philippians 2). Phil. 2 makes it clear He was already divine, not just a "wannabe" God like Dear Ole Dad.

Q5 Is the True Jesus Christ a 'Saved Being'?

A In contrast to the Mormon christ -- who is but a "saved being"--a mere creature like dear ole Dad, the true Jesus Christ is eternal!

The 'Mormon' Jesus: "Christ is a saved being” (lds "apostle" McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Vol. 3, p 257)

“Modern revelation speaks of our Lord as he that ‘ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth‘ (D&C 88:6). Christ's rise to the throne of exaltation was preceded by his descent below all things. Only by submitting to the powers of demons and death and hell could he, in the resurrection, serve as our exemplar of a saved being... (McConkie and Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 1, p. 234)

Please also see...
* McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, Vol. 3, p. 238 where he said the Mormon "jesus" "Needs salvation...Came to earth to work out His own salvation)
* McConkie, "The Seven Deadly Heresies,' in Speeches of the Year, 1980 [Provo: Brigham Young University Press, 1981] p. 78 where he said: "There was only one perfect being, the Lord Jesus. If men had to be perfect and live all of the law strictly, wholly, and completely, there would be only one saved person in eternity." [cited in Come, Follow Me: Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide 1983 (1983) p. 72

I'm sorry, but the real Christ did not need to "work out His own salvation" as Lds apostles teach; in fact, He is THE Savior of the world: And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be THE Savior of the world. (1 John 4:14; cf. John 4:42).

Q6 Is the Mormon christ just one savior among many?

Yes. Admittedly this is currently publicly downplayed -- but to Lds directly -- baptism of/for the dead has been played up by Lds "prophets" from Joseph Smith to Joseph Fielding Smith to others as THE most important individual responsibility there is -- wrapping that responsibility up in their own works-driven salvation:

Lds "prophet" Joseph Fielding Smith: “But greater than all this, so far as our individual responsibilities are concerned, the greatest is to become SAVIORS, in our lesser degree which is assigned us, for the dead who have died without a knowledge of the Gospel. Joseph Smith said, ‘The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us, is to seek after our dead’…It will suffice here to say that the Lord has placed upon us this responsibility of seeing that our dead receive the blessings of the Gospel. Said Joseph Smith: ‘Those saints who neglect it, in behalf of their deceased relatives, do it at the peril of their own salvation.’” (The Way to Perfection, pp. 153-154)

Lds "prophet" John Taylor: ...we are the only people that know how to SAVE our progenitors, how to SAVE OURSELVES, and how to SAVE our posterity in the celestial kingdom of God;...we in fact are the saviours of the world..." (Journal of Discourses, vol.6, p.163).

Joseph Fielding Smith again: "... mortals have to BE SAVIORS on Mount Zion, acting by proxy for the dead." (The Way to Perfection, p. 325)

Taylor again: "We know something about our progenitors, and God has taught us how to BE SAVIORS FOR THEM by being baptized for them in the flesh,, that they may live according to God in the Spirit." (March 20,1870, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 14, 3/20/1870)

No, "saviors of the world" are NOT plentiful per the Bible (see 1 John 4:14; John 4:42).

Q7 How were our sins atoned for? By sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane?

A Lds leaders have constantly de-emphasized the cross of Christ by pointing to the garden, where Jesus sweat blood, as the place of atonement.

Q8 Did the Mormon "jesus" really die for our personal sins or our rebellious nature?

A No, if you take merely the Mormon Articles of Faith -- Article #2.

Lds "apostle" Jeffrey Holland though claims forgiveness of personal sins applies to only to members of the Mormon church:

From this Holland article: Latter-day Saints believe that other aspects of Christ's gift are conditional upon obedience and diligence in keeping God's commandments. For example, while members of the human family are freely and universally given a reprieve from Adam's sin through no effort or action of their own, they are not freely and universally given a reprieve of their own sins unless they pledge faith in Christ, repent of those sins, are baptized in his name, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and confirmation into Christ's church...
Source: Lds "apostle" Jeffrey Holland: ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST - Mormon- (OPEN)

The Mormon 2nd article of faith emphasizes the Mormon doctrine of men being subject to punishment for their own sins; this Mormon "jesus" doesn't serve as our Substitute [LDS second article of faith: "We believe that men will be punished for their OWN sins, and not for Adam's transgression."]

The Mormon second article of faith, therefore, is a half-truth and a false gospel. Men who do not place their faith in the true Jesus Christ will indeed die in their sins; beyond that, Jesus' blood covers the sin of others. The flip side of the Mormon 2nd article of faith is that the Mormon jesus was simply punished for Adam's sin to release us to "free agency."

Also, the Mormon leaders accuse Jesus of having rather anemic blood:

"Joseph Smith taught that there were certain sins so grievous that man may commit, that they will place the transgressors beyond the power of the atonement of Christ. If these offenses are committed, then the blood of Christ will not cleanse them from their sins even though they repent. Therefore their only hope is to have their own blood shed to atone, as far as possible, in their behalf. This is scriptural doctrine, and is taught in all the standard works of the Church." (Joseph Fielding Smith, "Doctrines of Salvation, vol.1 , p. 135)

"Man may commit certain grievous sins--according to his light and knowledge--that will place him beyond the reach of the atoning blood of Christ. If then he would be save he must make sacrifice of his own life to atone-- so far as in his power lies -- for that sin, for the blood of Christ alone under certain circumstances will not avail." (Lds "apostle" Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 93).

So much for the power of Christ's blood to cover sins per Mormonism.

Q9 Was the Mormon Jesus a creature before He was a 'Creator'?

A Yes. The Bible assigns Jesus as being the Creator of All Things & All Beings -- whereas the Mormon "Jesus" is Simply a spirit Creature offspring of Kolobian parents.

Compare that to the Jesus of the Bible Who created ALL things--including all angels...including even Lucifer (see Heb 1; John 1; Col. 1:16; see even D&C 93:9-10).

Q10 Why do Mormons downplay the uniqueness of Jesus?

A Because of their unique doctrine that
(a) we were all eternal;
(b) we were all spirit babies just like Jesus;
(c) their teaching that Jesus was a "saved being" -- in need of "salvation";
(d) all Mormons become "saviors" via baptizing dead people;
(e) all temple Mormons become gods.
(f) and SOME Lds leaders' teachings that Jesus is not deserving of worship.

The Mormon "jesus" upon spirit birth was not unique other than his spirit birth order. He's just one god among perhaps millions of Mormon "gods." (Lds "prophet" Spencer W. Kimball not all that long ago told 225,000 gathered that perhaps "225,000 gods" were among them then!!!)

Q11 Do Mormons worship Jesus?
A It depends upon which Mormon and which Mormon leaders you talk to. Lds "apostle" Bruce McConkie advised Lds STRONGLY in 1982 to not worship Jesus.

McConkie must have seized upon the Mormon "scripture" of D&C 20:17-19 as the key verse that would “guide” his pattern of worship once & for all: and that he should be the ONLY BEING whom they should worship ... as he quoted it to BYU students. (See Our relationship with the Lord)

Christians worship this Messiah, just like God told the angels to do in Hebrews 1:6. And I challenge grassroots Mormons to defy their leaders -- like Lds "apostle" McConkie when they tell them NOT to directly worship Jesus (see Mormon 7:7; 2 Nephi 25:29; 4 Nephi 4:37; 3 Nephi 11:17; 3 Nephi 17:10).

I DIRECTLY pray to this Jesus as Stephen did in Acts (7:59) -- and even as the supposed Book of Mormon disciple characters DIRECTLY and repeatedly did to Jesus in 3 Nephi 19: 6-26...again -- a Mormon "scripture" de-emphasized & ignored by Mormon leaders).

Q12 If Mormons do worship Jesus -- and if they deem Jesus a "separate" god than Heavenly Father, doesn't that mean they worship more than one god?

A Yes.

To show you the extent of confusion this has caused even among Mormon leaders, look at "apostle" McConkie's book, Mormon Doctrine:

"Three separate personages--the Father, Son and Holy Ghost--comprise the Godhead...To us, speaking in the proper finite sense, these three are the only gods we worship." (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 567-577, 1966 edition)

Q13 Wait a minute. Didn't you just get done telling us that McConkie advised BYU students NOT to worship Jesus in 1982?

A Indeed, he did, after saying the above in 1966! But McConkie was so confused, he would say "3" then "2" in the same book...and then eventually settled on "1" by 1982!

McConkie, on p. 848 of Mormon Doctrine, emphasized worshiping two gods: "The Father and the Son are the objects of all true worship....No one can worship the Father without also worshiping the Son....It is proper to worship the Father, in the name of the Son, and also to worship the Son" (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 848).

Q14 Doesn't the Book of Mormon contradict even the two-god worship theory of McConkie's?

A Yes. Mormon 7:7 reads: 7And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the bworld, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to ddwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end.

So you can see how confusing this gets...trinitarian theology is found frequently in the Book of Mormon...including worshiping the Holy Spirit!

Q15 Doesn't it all boil down to how many gods you worship?

A Yes.

Thomas calls Jesus his God in John 20:28; even the Joseph Smith's concocted "Nephite disciples" called Jesus “their Lord and God” (3 Nephi 19:18).

And look @ what other Mormon "scriptures" say:
* The D&C says Jesus is God (19:4; 62:1; etc.) Since there’s only one true God in the bible and in the LDS scriptures [for example, the Mormon "scripture" from the Pearl of Great Price says "no God besides me" (1:6)]
* All this means is that either Jesus is a false god or is the one true God. As Jesus Christ is a God to Thomas (John 20:28) -- so Thomas has two gods?

I testify Jesus Christ is my only Lord, my Savior, my God! He is the Only Lord, the Only Savior, the Only True God!

17 posted on 12/31/2011 9:11:26 AM PST by Colofornian (Martyrs don't die in shootouts! Sacrificial lambs aren't armed! J. Smith fired 2 weapons as he died)
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To: Colofornian

Lookin down kickin the dirt wondering what to do...
I got it we can vote for a politician 8)


18 posted on 12/31/2011 9:16:09 AM PST by Tigen (I shall raise you one .)
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To: Colofornian

Lookin down kickin the dirt wondering what to do...
I got it we can vote for a politician 8)


19 posted on 12/31/2011 9:17:35 AM PST by Tigen (I shall raise you one .)
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To: Telepathic Intruder

Sorry, TI. People are not raised to be Christians. The maybe raised in a Christian home, but they become Christians by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.
That maybe what you meant, I could not tell from your post.
Jesus made the only way to Heaven. The choice is ours, unfortunately people do not always choose wisely.


20 posted on 12/31/2011 9:18:06 AM PST by svcw (God's Grace - thank you!)
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