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?
Isn’t that where you live “denial of lds teachings” USA.
mormonISM teaches that the lds god had intercourse with Mary, the literal child of their god. sex and incest.......
At least this has been amusing...(simple observation not gossip).
Yep.
Right now I am smelling ‘Hoppin John’ being cooked in the kitchen, something the hubby does every Jan 1. It is soooooo good.
Apparently, as the saying from the “Trailer Trash Cook Book” I got him years ago, it’s good luck.
Horrible pix on the front, horrible name but some of the BEST basic comfort food recipes I have ever seen.
Enjoy the evening.....I know I will!
Some say I’m full OF ‘it’!
You seem to be well schooled in Oprah’s brand of christianity.
Is there ANYTHING that another would do ‘in the name of religion’ that would cause you to speak out?
(other than to scold folks like me?)
Look over THERE!
So you really don't care if MORMONs teach false doctrine, because YOU know what the true doctrine is.
Is that what I'm hearing here?
So; you don't care that they teach false doctrine either!
Great!
You never heard me once make a false claim with the teaching of Jesus Christ...
I believe what Jesus taught and the law of GOD is eternal...
You don’t know me, yet you hurl an insult...
saying: You seem to be well schooled in Oprah’s brand of christianity.
Is that really Christlike my friend??...
“Higher Power” Oprah? Translated: Faith in oneself.
btw, she’s still overweight. So much for that.
How would you like Orthodox Judaism coming to you and saying
your faith is false, rooted in Paganisim? Would you appreciate that? furthermore you are not going to abandon what you believe in as a Christian, just like a Mormon isn’t or an Orthodox Jew would.
You are not going to abolish the Mormon Faith, so is it better to get in a no win situation debating scripture, or is it better to be a reflection of Jesus’s teachings and live like he would want you to?
I see more value in presenting the Word of GOD to a godless and secular society and bringing the lost into the fold.
@.@
You come on here spreading ‘Oprah Christianity’ then tell SV to ‘repent’?
Wow.
HUH?
You said:
You come on here spreading ‘Oprah Christianity’
I have no idea what that even is.....
I follow Jesus not Oprah...
Maybe you need to re-read the Bible...
1 CORINTHIANS 6:5
I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?
Can this be the case in a church that boasts so much of its wisdom, and that prides itself so much in the number and qualifications of its intelligent members?
You are replying a post that I made to you, so huh? on the not ping thing.
Well, BINGO!
That is exactly what is being done HERE.
Applause.
I think it’s a *Trap* that many Christians can get caught up in....
IMHO Satan loves to plant traps and snares!
To convert Mormon’s Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Catholics, Muslims to a certain Christian religion or denomination?
- - - - - -
It isn’t about converting them to a specific denomination, it is about converting them to Christ (Catholics already being Christians).
None of the others you listed are Christian. Telling the good news of Christ also means exposing false doctrine.
Tara are you one of those people standing on the street corner who cry out they are hungry when they fast?
Bottom line: would you vote for a mormon for president?
Bottom line: do you beleive that Mary had sexual intercourse with the lds god?
Ok, those are the two primary question in this thread. Just wondering where you stand.
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