I understand that orthodox Christianity does not accept Mormonism as Christian. And I understand that our teaching of the nature of God and our relationship to him is the key reason for this.
But you would be amazed at the examples provided on this forum as to why we are not Christian, including the aforementioned "not singing Christmas carols" along with "not attending church on Christmas day" and "not having an Easter Sunrise service" and "using water in the sacrament [of the Lord's Supper]."
Those arguments are so absurd that I usually cannot let them stand unchallenged. It also makes me wonder about the motives of those making the claims. Hence my "lies for Jesus" statement.
As for the theological differences, for the most part we have to acknowledge that they exist and attempt to correct the worst misstatements. But in the end, it boils down to who we say God is, and who (the collective) you say God is. We probably have to agree to disagree.
Having said that, I also understand the intentions of those who feel that they need to protect others from falling into the "trap of Mormonism." I just wish it could be done in a more civil, mature (and indeed, friendly) manner.
Verbal exchanges, regardless of the level of vitriol, are much better than shootouts and ambushes where folks die, as happened in the 1800s.
But I do appreciate the fact that you acknowledge that there are differences between LDS teaching and historical Christian teaching. That's the beginning of civil conversation. A continuance of a civil conversation would be for LDS leadership to acknowledge what Joseph and Brigham said regarding the Adam-God doctrine, and then publicly repudiate it. That would not eradicate the differences, but it would make a lot of progress.
“And I understand that our teaching of the nature of God and our relationship to him is the key reason for this.”
There are more “keys” than you listed...
1. Nature of God the Father
2. Nature of Christ
3. Mormonic belief in Heavenly Mothers
4. Nature of the Gospel
5. Nature of Heaven
6. Polytheism/Henotheism
7. Preexistent intelligences and spirit
8. Becoming a god
9. 10.11.12.13.... [time limits me]
ampu