Posted on 11/22/2012 6:48:30 AM PST by greyfoxx39
-SNIP- Though a Romney win, by many indicators felt within reach, it didn’t happen. However, the fact that it almost did - and with very few variables could have - this reality has changed everything for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints (Mormon) – for the good. -SNIP-- As members of the LDS Church have taken increased opportunities to discuss their faith because of interest in Mitt Romney’s Mormonism, over time it became increasingly evident that no matter what sensitive issue came our way, be it baptism for the dead, racism, polygamy, Mormon temple worship, gender equality, etc… the chance to share our faith while clarifying Mormon teachings turned out to be a net positive. -SNIP- This evidence clearly suggests that Mormonism, now, can and should be considered a mainstream Christian religion. -SNIP- We have no interest, other than the hope of a general acceptance of our faith as Christian: to be considered the same as other Christian faiths. We understand that our message that boldly proclaims a restoration of the original Christian Church that Jesus Christ organized when He was upon the earth can be, at first, unsettling – and we’re perfectly all right with such reactions. We want our message to be different enough to compel the curious into allowing us to tell that story. -SNIP- As a Mormon, I see great hope in the results of this election. It has brought Mormonism out from relative obscurity, now clearly to be considered a mainstream Christian religion
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Let US make man in OUR image.” Here you see the triune God in the creation.
- - - - - -
Also, we are commanded to baptize in the NAME (singular not plural) of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
We will have to agree to disagree. I feel confident in the beliefs expressed in the Nicene Creed and the Apostles Creed. My faith in the Church founded by Jesus Christ and the authority he gave to Peter and his successors is unshakeable. Have a nice day.
Also, when Jesus was baptized - he came up out of the water, the Father spoke from heaven, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove. Another example of the trinity.
Well, I guess I’ve managed to stir the pot enough for one day. I have the Mormons and the Catholics angry with me. If they get angry because we attempt to correct their false beliefs in some areas, then so be it. I certainly don’t claim to know it all, as none of us do - however, I’ve studied every religion there is and have walked with the Lord for nearly 35 years. You do learn some things in that period of time, but none of us will ever know it all.
Peace to all and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
I keep seeing posts like this, even though they don't fully tell what happened. Graham's website had a page that described what constituted a 'cult', then listed Jehovah's Witnesses, Scientologists, the Unification Church, Universalists, Spiritists, and Mormons as examples of cults.
Graham never removed Mormons from that list. All his organization did was to remove the entire page on cults - in other words, he treated Mormonism exactly as he treated Moonies, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Scientologists,
When his organization was asked why this was done, they didn't say "because Mr. Graham no longer considers Mormons a cult".
The organization said they:
"removed the information from the website because we do not wish to participate in a theological debate about something that has become politicized during this campaign."
If I buy your explanation, then it follows that (paraphrasing you in conformity with the evidence) "Rev. Billy Graham close to his deathbed in preparation to meet God, has removed his proclamation of the Jehovah's Witnesses, Moonies, Universalists, Spiritists, and Scientologists as a unchristian cult."
That said, I respect your right, and the rights of others, to the free practice of your religion.
Of course, the church was founded by Jesus Christ. We don’t disagree on that.
Do I think Catholics will go to heaven? I believe there will be many Catholics in heaven for God looks at the heart and there are many Catholics who also give their lives for Jesus. Just like in any group - there are some strong - some weak. We are to pray for those who are weaker in the faith.
Peace and blessings.
Scoutmaster is correct, the entire list of cults were removed, not just Mormonism. Also BGEA has stated that they still consider Mormonism a cult and I have verified this as well.
“We called the BGEA on October 24 and talked to a representative. When we asked if the media were putting words into BGEA’s proverbial mouth—that “Mormonism was no longer a cult”—the spokesman fully agreed that the BGEA’s action was being misinterpreted. He added that nowhere did the association ever make such a statement. According to Ken Barun, “We removed the information from the website because we do not wish to participate in a theological debate about something that has become politicized during this campaign.”
It can be debated whether this move was the wisest decision. In hindsight, the BGEA leadership must now understand that taking the article down created much more of a stir than if the article had just remained on the site. By deleting it, the media was able to twist this action into saying that Billy Graham must somehow no longer think that Mormonism is a cult. This simply is not the case.
http://www.mrm.org/billy-graham-mormonism-christianity
BGEA still considers Mormonism a cult.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving, brother!
I’m not sure I categorize Mormons as a cult. When I think of cults, I think of the Moonies, and those who followed Jim Jones. I do, however, think they err in their teachings.
There are generally 3 discipliary definitions of a cult. Mormonism fits all 3.
Anthropological - a religion
Sociological - a ‘high demand group’ Mormonism is all about control of members, what they read, what they think, how they dress similar to moonies.
Theological - a group that seeks to be part of a larger parent religion (in this case Christianity) that does not accept the basic theological and historical tenants of that faith. Again, Mormonism fits this definition.
Ok so no trinity, then how many gods are there?
You'll note that I never said whether or not I believe Mormonism is a cult. I try my best to refrain from theological discussions on FR, although sometimes I've strayed.
I will write about Mormon and LDS history - but I try to avoid theology.
“As to the triune God making sense to humans... Revelation about the divine doesn’t make sense to humans. Doesn’t have to. We see that God is One in the Bible. We see each member of the Godhead has all the attributes of God. We rightly conclude there is One God who has three Persons. Settled in the face of cultic opposition more than a thousand years ago.”
Please explain in the following scripture, who Christ was talking to during his time in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to his crucifixion: to Himself or to His Father in Heaven?
Luke22:42 [KJV]
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
“...Settled in the face of cultic opposition more than a thousand years ago.”
please explain who this group of men were who met and decided as a committee the true nature of the Godhead?
Your last sentence sums up the LDS right nicely...
“Someone in the mormon church decided that more converts/more money could be gained by pretending to accept Christianity. But the belief remains that ONLY through mormon membership and taking part in arcane rituals in mormon temples can salvation be gained. “
not quite accurate. you must understand the difference between “salvation” and “exaltation” as the mormons call it. mormons believe that all mankind will be saved thru the atonement of Jesus, but exaltation to one of 3 kingdoms in heaven is dependent on one’s good works, obedience to the Gospel and to other ordinances, as well as repentance and baptism.
Ouch...
I would like to see the source for that, do you mind posting it?
1. Mormons always ask this... The incarnate Christ was praying to the Father, in dependence and submission th Him.
2. Wish I had time to teach you more about Church history, but it is Thanksgiving and if you look outside Mormon sources you will find the facts.
Blessings to you on this day,
ampu
One of the most prominent, is the required 10% financial commitment isn't it, for the highest heaven?
“One cannot obtain salvation and remain in ignorance to the Word. “
What happens to everyone else?
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