I need to make it clear that I very strongly separate Mormonism, and mormons.
One of my friends is a Mormon and he knows more about the bible than most of my Christian friends. We have interesting discussions but must part company regarding Jesus fully atoning blood. We agree to disagree there.
The band I used to be in was almost ALL mormon. I suspect some Mormons are even Christian, but if they are, they do not agree with their own church’s doctrine about who Christ actually is.
But regarding the points of your last paragraph, I am seriously confused about that. I do know that many Mormons, as they learn more and more about Mormonism, leave the church and either become agnostics or become Christians.
I understand you perfectly, and I hope our Mormon FRiends do too.
One of my friends is a Mormon and he knows more about the bible than most of my Christian friends. We have interesting discussions but must part company regarding Jesus fully atoning blood. We agree to disagree there.
Yes, I have two Mormon missionaries who come to keep me company on Wednesday afternoons. They were unaware, as of two weeks ago, that their religion refuses the Blood of Christ to those who arguably need it the most. They are going to get back to me on that one.
I think they are less enamored of my company than they once were, however. Our discussion last week was in regard to their use of Biblical priesthoods (Aaron, Melchizedek). They cannot seem to be able to get around Col 2... :)
But regarding the points of your last paragraph, I am seriously confused about that. I do know that many Mormons, as they learn more and more about Mormonism, leave the church and either become agnostics or become Christians.
Is this the part to which you refer?
But shall believing and sincere Mormons be damned to Hell for their having been taught that confusion? No, I think not. I recognize their God as Jehovah. I recognize their Priest as Christ. Too bad for the confusion, all the same. This Thread: My post #550
It is my belief that those who firmly believe upon the Blood of Christ are "of the Body", regardless of what misshapen doctrine might have gotten them to such a point.
They worship the God Jehovah, and believe upon Jesus Christ. They try mightily to live according to the Word. That is the important stuff. As you have already said, their knowledge of Scripture is comparable to Fundamentalists and Catholics. They REALLY try.
That is *not* to condone their prophet or their book. They are being horribly misled by things that have been *added to* the Holy Word.
But claims of authority aside, is that any different than those who add to the Scripture by way of tradition? It is all confusion. It is all a distraction from the purity of the Word, and the purpose of the Redeemer.