I am not much into debating Mormonism, but Dr. Al Mohler (Southern Baptist) and Orson Scott Card (Mormon, and author of my favorite sci-fi book Ender’s Game) have begun a debate on Mormonism and Christianity at beliefnet. Though both are being very nice to one another, if you read the comments, you can see that clarity is lacking due to some typical issues with such debates, i.e. definition of terms, a lack of agreement on a common authority (e.g. the bible), and infighting on who gets to own the term “Christian.” However, I do like Mohler’s approach in discussing the obvious – that Mormonism differs in significant ways from traditional, historic, orthodox Christianity, so that regardless of who gets to claim the label “Christian,” they are NOT the same faith.
What is obvious from the debate and comments is that:
- “Orthodox” Christianity is different in some significant doctrines from Mormonism
- Mormonism rejects orthodox Christianity
- Mormonism has adopted much of the vocabulary and doctrines of Christianity, with some notable exceptions, the most damning of which is their soteriology – they don’t just believe that you should believe that Jesus died for you in order to be saved (from the coming judgment), but that you also must be baptized as a Mormon.
- The also seem to give Jesus every possible accolade save one – that he is LORD. Now, perhaps some do and I’ve missed it, but this seems to be a litmus test for whether or not one has the Spirit of God (Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:3-4)
Of course, I suspect that many Mormons, like Catholics, ARE Christians despite the bad doctrine and obfuscated gospel that is typically preached in their temples/churches (and I’ve been in Protestant cults churches that obfuscate the gospel too). But that does not make Mormon doctrines correct, and they may be leading many AWAY from the glorious, liberating gospel with their supposed “revelations” from angels.
But the question is not whether or not a supposed Christian church has the elusive ‘perfect doctrines.’ The questions are:
- Do they teach the same thing, esp. when it comes to salvation, or differing?
- If differing, how do you decide which one is correct, if either?
- How does not define the term “Christian”? By the orthodox canon, or by the apocryphal books, by a subjective feeling that one is “following the spirit of Christ?”
In fact, the term “Christian” is being deprecated and abandoned, esp. outside of the U.S., because it is associated with American culture, cultural Christianity (not individual belief, but identification with a larger group), and American foreign policy. The term “Christ Follower” is becoming much more common as a replacement for the term “Christian.”
Our preacher had a great sermon on what other names people who follow the Bible can be called.
Christian is only in there three times. But words like "saint" (one which the Catholic church has totally annihilated as easy to use in our culture), and "disciples of Christ", and "brethren", are all used many many times.
Honestly, have you ever read the book of Mormon? I must consider it fanfic. I am sorry to cause any grief to my Mormon friends (of which I have quite a few, and we have numerous discussions on this subject), but…
It's interesting to me that the Bible, via the Apostle Paul, says that if anyone brings a gospel other than what already been taught, whether from another man, an apostle or even an angel, such a person is anathema. Both Mormonism and Islam purport to have received a special teaching on the "truth" via angels.
< a href="http://lucasrowe.blogspot.com">Smoke If You Got 'Em
I agree Luke. However, Mormonism is not the same kind of wicked system as Islam. I mean, you could argue that both lead people away from the true gospel, but at least in Mormonism, you have a good chance to learn about Jesus and put your faith in him. And Mormons are quite devoted to the family.
Islam? No possibility of examining the bible. Murder, deceit, and killing one's own family members if they turn away? Islam is more clearly demonic in origin and practice, by far.
I mean, if your child had to fall into one of these cults, isn't the choice obvious?
Both Mormonism and Islam purport to have received a special teaching on the "truth" via angels.
I would think that would be something Mormons would consider. That is really pretty scary when you think about it, because it is so true. And seeker, the Mormons do not like to talk about the late 1800's and the way their religion flourished in the west!
Paul made his "other gospel" comment while struggling against the apostacy that was already creeping over Christendom. The adoption of the completely un-Biblical Nicene Creed signaled that the apostacy was complete.
The gospel that was restored to the earth by revelation of angels to the prophet Joseph Smith was the original, pure gospel that Paul taught.
So are you saying the Book of Mormon is the "original, pure gospel"?
And therefore the people who lived before Joseph Smith and after Christ, were all following a counterfeit, tainted gospel?