GodsWordisTrue said:
You quoted Arizona inaccurately.
Christian is a label. Jew is a label. Do you use these labels or not? COTMC is a label you just used. A label is used to identify a person, place or thing.
I would regard it as a designation. But that's a matter of semantics.
A label is generally a derogatory term. I'm sure the Pharisee's didn't mind being called Pharisee's. But I bet they didn't like being called hypocrites.
I use the term COTMC, becasue it is not offensive to COTMC. Many, however, would object to being called anti-mormons, or con-mormons as opposed to pro-mormons whereas other's would not be offended.
I use the term COTMC so as not to cause offense.
GodsWordisTrue said:
When you judge whether or not a Christian has respect for a Latter-day Saint, what criteria do you use?
The same that they would have their faiths respected. I treat each person belief with respect, although I may disagree. Occasionally I do cause offense, but I hope it is not seen as intentional, and I apologise for the offesne once it has been pointed out to me.
There are some who believe they are right. Feel they have a mandate to "expose" the beliefes of another and then take that as a licence to ridicule that belief. However, it is possible to disagree with anothers belief and discuss that disagreement without mocking or ridicule or misrepresentation.
I think the council of Gamaliel is particularly significant. In Acts 5:33-40 we read:
33*¶ When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
34*Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35*And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36*For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37*After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38*And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39*But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
40*And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
GodsWordisTrue said:
When I say that Latter-day Saintism is not Christianity, I base it on the definition of Christian that is commonly held by evangelical Christians. It is not a reflection on someone's character.
Granted. I disagree with the definition, and I doubt its universality. That's one of the reasons why I posted the poll. I probably should have researched the possible answers because so many people couldn't commit themselves.
But it does go to show that there may be differences in:
a) What churches may be Christian.
b) What someone may consider someone else to be Christian.
c) Who God considers to be a Christian.
GodsWordisTrue said:
I am not saying that LDS are scum, or filthy perverts or anything of that nature. I would not call Hindus and Muslims derogatory names either except in individual cases. Some people who use the title of Christian, Latter-day Saint, Jehovah's Witness, Hindu, Rosacrucian, etc. are perverts.
Agreed.
GodsWordisTrue said:
We are to judge righteously. Living a Christian life involves believing in right doctrine as well as having outward evidence of that belief.
Also agreed!
