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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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To: Godzilla

Well like I said..My chiming in was not in defense of mormon doctrine...It was about being Christlike...

No many Christian (Not Mormon) and Jewish posters I don’t see around here anymore...


301 posted on 01/01/2012 9:58:11 PM PST by TaraP (An APPEASER is one who feeds a crocodile - hoping it will eat him last)
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To: TaraP

But what if your entire Religion is BUILT upon false teachers and false doctrines and wolves in sheeps clothing.

Mormons are wolves in sheeps clothing all of them and many don’t realize they are wolves.


302 posted on 01/01/2012 10:04:35 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: TaraP

The law was fulfilled in Christ. Read Hebrews.

If you believe in salvation by grace, then why are you defending Mormons who believe real salvation is by works what we do, not what Christ has done.

I can give you quotes by their leaders and from their scriptures.


303 posted on 01/01/2012 10:21:28 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: TaraP

Then why don’t you witness to Mormons? They are un-believers. They put their faith in ‘the church’ and works to save them and make them gods, not Christ alone.

They condemn the Bible as being corrupt and incomplete and untrustworthy.

Again, I can give you quotes from their leaders (prophets and apostles).


304 posted on 01/01/2012 10:24:18 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: TaraP; SZonian; SENTINEL

And I don’t sugguest you do read the Book of Mormon. For one, most LDS doctrines are not in it, they are in the Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants.

If you are interested, check out these sites, they are full of information and sources from LDS leaders and scripture.

www.utlm.org (EXCELLENT)
www.mormonoutreach.org

I don’t preach organized religion, in fact I hate it. Mormonism cured me of that. A lot of people leave Mormonism and become athiests because they are told their whole lives that if Mormonism isn’t the ‘only true church on earth’ then no church is. Getting someone out of Mormonism is a two step approach. First, it is extraction, getting them to see that Mormonism isn’t logical, true, or Biblical. THEN, we love them to the Lord. Sadly, all you see on here is extraction end of it. However, there are freepers who will tell you once they saw Mormonism as false, the same ones who debated them, loved them to the Lord.

I have friends who go to all sorts of Christian churches, Calvary chapel, AoG, Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian - it doesn’t matter, but WHAT you believe about Christ does matter.

I apologize for getting frustrated, but I am always concerned when I see people who are Christians who don’t see Mormonism for what it really is.


305 posted on 01/01/2012 10:32:05 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: TaraP

Good. Have you considered some formal studies? I know several good ones online and even Mood Bible Institute (my alma mater) has some great correspondence courses.


306 posted on 01/01/2012 10:33:39 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: TaraP; Godzilla

Jesus knows who his true church is...

- - - -
And Mormons believe it is only them.


307 posted on 01/01/2012 10:38:57 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: TaraP; Godzilla

Everybody has a different way they reach people for Jesus Christ....

- - - -
So why are you criticizing our way?


308 posted on 01/01/2012 10:40:08 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: TaraP

You are welcome. We ‘flying inmans’ as we are called here, have a lot of info and source material on Mormonism. Several of us have been Mormon and even more have spent years studying it. We are a good resource.


309 posted on 01/01/2012 10:41:56 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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To: TaraP

I do more than just post on the Internet in being a Christian....

- - - - -
So do I. This isn’t my only avenue of ministry either to Mormons or other non believers.

But in order to effectively witness you must be solid on doctrine and the Bible.

How do you deal with people who have left Organized religion without debate? How can you say what we do is wrong?


310 posted on 01/01/2012 10:48:13 PM PST by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see")
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THX 1138


311 posted on 01/01/2012 10:49:31 PM PST by svcw (For the new year: you better toughen up, if you are going to continue to be stupid.)
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To: TaraP
You never heard me once make a false claim with the teaching of Jesus Christ...

You are correct. I didn't.

I said that apparently you don't care if MORMONs do.


You don’t know me, yet you hurl an insult... saying: You seem to be well schooled in Oprah’s brand of christianity.

That is an observation based on what you've posted. If you TAKE it as an insult, you are partly right. Take it as a rebuke as well, pointing out that you gloss over some VERY important things the bible teaches, APPARENTLY so that you will not be thought of as a negative person.

312 posted on 01/02/2012 6:39:50 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: bonfire
btw, she’s still overweight.

Nope - just under tall.

313 posted on 01/02/2012 6:40:35 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: TaraP
How would you like Orthodox Judaism coming to you and saying your faith is false, rooted in Paganisim? Would you appreciate that?

You wanna see my t-shirt?

If they can show from their SCRIPTURES that what they so confidently assert is true; then we might have a starting point for dialog.


You are not going to abolish the Mormon Faith...

Oh yes I am, Satan, so you may as well get used to it.

314 posted on 01/02/2012 6:44:05 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: TaraP
...and live like he would want you to?

Did my reply at #149 mean NOTHING to you?

315 posted on 01/02/2012 6:44:51 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: TaraP
I see more value in presenting the Word of GOD to a godless and secular society and bringing the lost into the fold.

And you are to be commended for this!

I, however, try to reach those who are on the WRONG path; not just those wandering around.

There is room for BOTH of us types of people in God's army.

John 4:34-38

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.
Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.
Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.
I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

316 posted on 01/02/2012 6:50:38 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: TaraP

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.


317 posted on 01/02/2012 6:52:13 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: TaraP

Back attcha:

What do you think Jesus is going to do with all the Hindus in the world?
What do you think Jesus is going to do with all the Muslims in the world?
What do you think Jesus is going to do with all the Buddhists in the world?
What do you think Jesus is going to do with all the Sinners in the world?
What do you think Jesus is going to do with all the Selfrighteous in the world?
What do you think Jesus is going to do with all the Liberals in the world?


318 posted on 01/02/2012 6:55:01 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: TaraP
What do you think Jesus is going to do with all the MORMONs in the world?

If one follows a FALSE christ then they will receive a FALSE salvation.

John 3:18

319 posted on 01/02/2012 6:56:35 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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To: TaraP
Maybe I missed the scriptures where...

Maybe?

320 posted on 01/02/2012 6:57:59 AM PST by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going)
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