There is a GREAT disturbance in the FARCE!!
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?
She’s just running with the fact I didn’t ping her. OY.
That's hard to defend or explain away.
Like you have never forgot to ping someone or made a statement in passing that you didn’t ping them to.
My opinion is you are just nitpicking (another very LDS thing to do) rather than deal with the issues at hand and the questions posed to you. I asked you several questions which you did not answer as have others on this thread.
So get off your high horse.
I've noticed...
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/js_h/1/20#20
When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home.
And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was.
I replied, “Never mind, all is well—I am well enough off.”
I then said to my mother, “I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true.”
Confirming?
In what way?
I believe Jews have thier prayers answered, and they are not Christians...
OMgoodness, I said I was suspicious of your statement “I am not a mormon”. Sorry, honey that is not gossip, it is a suspicion, and further more I stand by that suspicion.
Since THIS reply is to #165, I have SUSPICIONS as to WHY you've IGNORED #150.
I'll not voice them, so as to give you an unfettered blank space to post your reasoning.
If you choose not to do that; then I'll take it as tactic approval to VOICE my opinions of your reasonings.
Posting reasons for this below...
Did I leave enough room?
Excellent observations.
Now quit talking about Mitt's religion.
We all KNOW it has NO influence in his POLITICAL decisions.
There is a GREAT disturbance in the FARCE!!
“Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, him I will destroy” (Bible verse Psalm 101:5).
“An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire (Bible verse Proverbs 16:27).
James explains: “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law.
But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge” (Bible verse James 4:11). Gossiping is bearing false witness, and that brings the death penalty (Bible verse Romans 6:23).
So realize that gossip is sin. Repent and determine never to gossip again.
You ARE ignoring #150.
Now's your chance to defend or explain.
So realize that MORMONism is sin. Repent and determine never to promote MORMONism again.
Tara - really?
Asking questions IS NOT gossip.
Stating a suspicion IS NOT gossip.
Exposing false prophets and blasphemy IS Biblical,
I will continue to do what IS Biblical as long as I draw a breath to do so.
Is that the Job of a Christian???
To convert Mormon’s Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims to a certain Christian religion or denomination?
Or is it to be a reflection of Jesus Christ, sharing the Good News and letting GOD judge the heart’s of other’s?
I am not a fan of Mitt Romney, but it has nothing to do with him being a Mormon, what if he was Jewish???
Questions are fine....
But it can slide into gossip...IMHO..
Just something I think we should all be aware of..
:)
YES it is.
To convert Mormon’s Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims to a certain Christian religion or denomination?
NO, not a certain religion or denomination but to the Body of Christ.
Or is it to be a reflection of Jesus Christ, sharing the Good News and letting GOD judge the heart’s of other’s?
Everyone has a different style, we are not all the same.
I am not a fan of Mitt Romney, but it has nothing to do with him being a Mormon, what if he was Jewish???
That would be a good point if this were primarily a Romney thread, it isn't so it isn't.
And just WHICH one would that be?
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