Is there anything wrong with being a Mormon Christian?

[AeonJ]

I ask this because it seems like many people don't like this sect of Christianity.

Yet if I were any other sect or denomination I'd still be different. They are too numerous to count, all differing from another.

So what's the difference in being different?

 

[TasteForTruth]

There are numerous reasons, which the non-LDS Christians here can ennumerate as they see fit. But one difference that many Christians have shared with me, which is often a reason they cite for not liking Mormonism, is that we actively seek to convert other Christians to the LDS faith. That feels to them like a judgment against their personal discipleship as Christians (not to mention their collective Christianity), and I can understand that. That's all I'll ad here, since I'm not a non-LDS Christian, and I don't dislike the LDS religion.

 

[Soulgazer]

I have nothing against Mormans or any one else that claims to be Christian. Handsome is as handsome does......I think Jesus pointed that out once. Something about those Samaritans that nobody seemed to like.

 

[NvxiaLee]

I ask this because it seems like many people don't like this sect of Christianity.

Yet if I were any other sect or denomination I'd still be different. They are too numerous to count, all differing from another.

So what's the difference in being different?

I respect Mormons as much as many other Christian groups. But, Mormonism isn't really comparable to most of these "too numerous to count" Christian sects. Mormonism is based on extra-biblical revelation. Most denominations are simply based on differences of opinion of interpretation of the Bible. Catholics follow Tradition, but that Tradition isn't based on extra-biblical revelation, just the opinions of Christians long ago. Pentecostals claim to have special revelation, but they don't base their religion on anything revealed. Some sects openly disagree with some biblical teaching, but it's their opinion that there's not much inspiration behind the Bible.

I don't have the option of saying that I and Joseph Smith have a difference of opinion over the meaning of scripture. I have to call him a false prophet.

 

[Soulgazer]

I respect Mormons as much as many other Christian groups. But, Mormonism isn't really comparable to most of these "too numerous to count" Christian sects. Mormonism is based on extra-biblical revelation. Most denominations are simply based on differences of opinion of interpretation of the Bible. Catholics follow Tradition, but that Tradition isn't based on extra-biblical revelation, just the opinions of Christians long ago. Pentecostals claim to have special revelation, but they don't base their religion on anything revealed. Some sects openly disagree with some biblical teaching, but it's their opinion that there's not much inspiration behind the Bible.

I don't have the option of saying that I and Joseph Smith have a difference of opinion over the meaning of scripture. I have to call him a false prophet.

The bible is an anthology of Christian scriptures compiled by catholics to promote catholicism. If you are Catholic, your argument is valid. If not, what the heck are you doing parroting the catholic stance?

I have a different set of scripture that warns not to listen to ANY prophet who claims to have messages from angels. That does not keep me from respecting Mormans.

 

[Rescued One]

I ask this because it seems like many people don't like this sect of Christianity.

Yet if I were any other sect or denomination I'd still be different. They are too numerous to count, all differing from another.

So what's the difference in being different?

Well, something sure ain't right! The misssionaries seem to think there's something wrong with being a non-Mormon Christian. They keep agreeing with Joseph Smith:

18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.

19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all ccorrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”

20 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. 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.” It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?

If there's nothing wrong with being a non-Mormon Christian, why did Joseph Smith say:

I answered the questions which were frequently asked me, while on my last journey...

Third --- “Will everyone be damned, except the Mormons?”

Yes, and a great portion of them, unless they repent, and work righteousness.
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 119

 

[Rescued One]

The bible is an anthology of Christian scriptures compiled by catholics to promote catholicism. If you are Catholic, your argument is valid. If not, what the heck are you doing parroting the catholic stance?

I have a different set of scripture that warns not to listen to ANY prophet who claims to have messages from angels. That does not keep me from respecting Mormans.

If the Catholics had changed the Bible to suit themselves, we'd have a very different Bible than the one we have today!

 

[Byrd4God]

I respect Mormons as much as many other Christian groups. But, Mormonism isn't really comparable to most of these "too numerous to count" Christian sects. Mormonism is based on extra-biblical revelation. Most denominations are simply based on differences of opinion of interpretation of the Bible. Catholics follow Tradition, but that Tradition isn't based on extra-biblical revelation, just the opinions of Christians long ago. Pentecostals claim to have special revelation, but they don't base their religion on anything revealed. Some sects openly disagree with some biblical teaching, but it's their opinion that there's not much inspiration behind the Bible.

I don't have the option of saying that I and Joseph Smith have a difference of opinion over the meaning of scripture. I have to call him a false prophet.

I completely agree with this statement..

 

[Byrd4God]

I respect them just as I respect anyone who is not a Mormon. I just happen to believe that they are spreading a false Gospel. As Christians are we not called to defend the Gospel?

 

[NvxiaLee]

The bible is an anthology of Christian scriptures compiled by catholics to promote catholicism. If you are Catholic, your argument is valid. If not, what the heck are you doing parroting the catholic stance?

I wasn't aware that I was parroting the Catholic stance. But, I'm not going to get into that here.

I have a different set of scripture that warns not to listen to ANY prophet who claims to have messages from angels. That does not keep me from respecting Mormans.

What is your set of scripture?

 

[Soulgazer]

If the Catholics had changed the Bible to suit themselves, we'd have a very different Bible than the one we have today!

You could not be more wrong. Where did you learn this?

 

[alfonsobonetti]

The bible is an anthology of Christian scriptures compiled by catholics to promote catholicism. If you are Catholic, your argument is valid. If not, what the heck are you doing parroting the catholic stance?

I have a different set of scripture that warns not to listen to ANY prophet who claims to have messages from angels. That does not keep me from respecting Mormans.

Oh so well said......

They don't realize the hypocracy of most of their judgments against us.
They hold fast to the Catholic/Protestant Bibles just like a form of idoloartry, when they don't even believe in the "authority" of Catholics or other Protestants, i.e. namely Lutherans who created the Protestant Bible.

Just because we have "more" that somehow makes us "bad"?
Of course, I know they add all kinds of other "intellectual" (leaning on the flesh of men) arguments against the LDS Church, but their entire foundation is just as flimsy (more in our view) as they think our foundations are.

It's just like their condeming our Prophets/Apostles..... What about their Preachers and Religions? They may not claim themselves to be "Prophets or Apostles", but they certainly act like them, dictating doctrine, standing as watchmen, creating religions, on and on. I mean, at least we have a foundation of Prophets and Apostles like the Bible teaches, their foundations are MEN. By the way just like the Bible warns, "Prophets" who mingle the doctrines of men with the doctrines of God. You don't have to be called a prophet to act exactly like one. These people lead MILLIONS of followers toward one way or another, and low critics want to critisize US??? Makes me laugh all the time. They should get their own houses in order before they even have a claim/stand to be critical of us.

 

[alfonsobonetti]

I respect them just as I respect anyone who is not a Mormon. I just happen to believe that they are spreading a false Gospel. As Christians are we not called to defend the Gospel?

Opperative word is "defend" the Gospel..... not "attack" other Gospels.
Did you know that know-where in the New Testament does any leader attack another Faith? The only ones there was criticism of was fellow Jews, ones they worshiped in the Temple with, etc.

Per the New Testament it's perfectly acceptable to defend and protect the faith within ones own house and people, but it's not acceptable per the New Testament to "attack" other Faiths and Christians.

Anyway, a subtile but important difference.
I would also note that "defending" the Faith and "protecting" the Faith is exactly all mormons do.
We don't have attack ministry's against others. Not saying we've never in our history ever uttered a negative word against other Christians, but it is WITHIN THE FAITH. More importantantly, as low critics do we don't misrepresent and degrade other faiths.
Mark/Luke 9 also make clear in Christ's own words his feelings toward his followers who attack his "other children" who are not with him/them. He said it's better they hang a rope around their neck, then "offend" his other children.

I swear.... Low critics of mormonism "offend" us in their every word toward us.

 

[Byrd4God]

Opperative word is "defend" the Gospel..... not "attack" other Gospels.
Did you know that know-where in the New Testament does any leader attack another Faith? The only ones there was criticism of was fellow Jews, ones they worshiped in the Temple with, etc.

Anyway, a subtile but important difference.
I would also note that "defending" the Faith is exactly what mormons do.
We don't have attack ministry's against others.
Mark/Luke 9 also make clear in Christ's own words his feelings toward his followers who attack his "other children" who are not with him/them. He said it's better they hang a rope around their neck, then "offend" his other children.

I swear.... Low critics of mormonism "offend" us in their every word toward us.

The truth often offends people. Were the Pharisees not offended by Jesus when He spoke the truth?

 

[Soulgazer]

The truth often offends people. Were the Pharisees not offended by Jesus when He spoke the truth?

Blessed is the one who on no occasion caused a soul distress. That person is Jesus Christ. He came to the whole place and did not burden anyone. Therefore, blessed is the one who is like this, because he is a perfect man. For the Word tells us that this kind is difficult to define. How shall we be able to accomplish such a great thing? How will he give everyone comfort? Above all, it is not proper to cause anyone distress - whether the person is great or small, unbeliever or believer - and then give comfort only to those who take satisfaction in good deeds. Some find it advantageous to give comfort to the one who has fared well. He who does good deeds cannot give comfort to such people, for he does not seize whatever he likes. He is unable to cause distress, however, since he does not afflict them. To be sure, the one who fares well sometimes causes people distress - not that he intends to do so; rather, it is their own wickedness which is responsible for their distress. He who possesses the qualities (of the perfect man) bestows joy upon the good. Some, however, are terribly distressed by all this. Gospel of Philip

 

[TasteForTruth]

I have nothing against Mormans or any one else that claims to be Christian. Handsome is as handsome does......I think Jesus pointed that out once. Something about those Samaritans that nobody seemed to like.

I respect Mormons as much as many other Christian groups. But, Mormonism isn't really comparable to most of these "too numerous to count" Christian sects. Mormonism is based on extra-biblical revelation. Most denominations are simply based on differences of opinion of interpretation of the Bible. Catholics follow Tradition, but that Tradition isn't based on extra-biblical revelation, just the opinions of Christians long ago. Pentecostals claim to have special revelation, but they don't base their religion on anything revealed. Some sects openly disagree with some biblical teaching, but it's their opinion that there's not much inspiration behind the Bible.

I don't have the option of saying that I and Joseph Smith have a difference of opinion over the meaning of scripture. I have to call him a false prophet.

I have a different set of scripture that warns not to listen to ANY prophet who claims to have messages from angels. That does not keep me from respecting Mormans.

I respect them just as I respect anyone who is not a Mormon. I just happen to believe that they are spreading a false Gospel. As Christians are we not called to defend the Gospel?

These are all very commendable comments in that Nvxialee, Soulgazer, and Byrd4God all remain true to their beliefs without belittling Mormons or their religion.

I applaud all three of you.

 

[TasteForTruth]

The bible is an anthology of Christian scriptures compiled by catholics to promote catholicism. If you are Catholic, your argument is valid. If not, what the heck are you doing parroting the catholic stance?

I have a different set of scripture that warns not to listen to ANY prophet who claims to have messages from angels. That does not keep me from respecting Mormans.

Hey, what set of scripture are you using? You got me curious.

 

[Soulgazer]

Hey, what set of scripture are you using? You got me curious.

I use some of the New Testament writings plus the Nag Hammadi.

 

[CryptoLutheran]

I ask this because it seems like many people don't like this sect of Christianity.

Yet if I were any other sect or denomination I'd still be different. They are too numerous to count, all differing from another.

So what's the difference in being different?

Depends on how you define "wrong" I guess. I don't hold any ill will toward Mormons but I do regard Mormonism to be quintessentially different then when we talk about Catholics, Orthodox or the numerous Protestant denominations.

That quintessential difference has to do with being inside or outside the pale of orthodoxy as defined in the historic Christian Creeds.

Lutherans, Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists, Orthodox, Evangelicals, Methodists, Nazarenes (et al) all subscribe to the basic tenets of the historic Creeds (Nicea, Chalcedon, etc).

Restorationism bypasses the historic faith of Christianity by asserting that there was a falling away and thus a need to restore a pure, true Christianity.

Mainstream Protestantism was never about "restoring" a supposedly lost Christianity, but reforming the Church (with a cascading domino effect of exactly how that reform should look like and what exactly needs reformed).

If being outside of historic, mainstream Christian orthodoxy is wrong then yes I suppose being Mormon is wrong; though I don't know I usually would phrase it as "wrongness" with a strong moral qualifier. I just regard Mormonism to be a distinctly heretical Christian sect because it is. That's not a moral valuation in and of itself, just a statement that it departs drastically from what Christianity has historically taught and confesses in the Creeds.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[CryptoLutheran]

The bible is an anthology of Christian scriptures compiled by catholics to promote catholicism. If you are Catholic, your argument is valid. If not, what the heck are you doing parroting the catholic stance?

I have a different set of scripture that warns not to listen to ANY prophet who claims to have messages from angels. That does not keep me from respecting Mormans.

Yes, the Bible was compiled by catholic (not Roman Catholic) Christians through hundreds of years of consensus. It's a collection of texts for the Church, that's what it is.

Since Protestants and Orthodox are also, effectively, little 'c' catholic (to varying levels) that we have received the historic Canon (more or less) is hardly surprising.

Let's just make sure we don't pretend there was any sort clandestine act in any of this, the Bible is the result of centuries of accumulated tradition and the basic agreement of Christian faithful up and through till the present time.

-CryptoLutheran