As a person who is a member of the "Mormon" or LDS Church, I am frequently frustrated at those who say that we are not Christians. The simple explanation is that the very name of Jesus Christ is in the name of our church, and by the most basic dictionary definition, we are certainly Christian.
However, the definition of "Christian" is subject to almost as many interpretations as there are so-called "Christian" religions, and each one defines it according to their doctrines, except for the Latter-Day Saints. We accept the simple dictionary definition as accurate and adequate. Any other definition is simply unfair, and cannot be justly imposed upon any other religion or person. Furthermore, we adhere to Jesus' advice in the maxim, "By their fruits ye shall know them." Any honest, objective observer of LDS people, doctrine, and actions will eventually conclude that we are Christians, meaning that we follow Jesus Christ and His teachings
But, many within the Church continue to assert some kind of equivalence to mainstream, evangelical Christianity. I think that is a losing battle that may not be the most wise course of action. There are at least two reasons for this.
First, mainstream, evangelical Christianity is not the equivalent of LDS doctrine. The honest student of LDS doctrine will realize that it is vastly different and better (more fair, just, logical, and ennobling) than evangelical Christianity. To make ourselves equivalent to such a definition of Christianity is to minimize the glorious simplicity and beautiful fairness of LDS theology.
Second, and the impetus of this article, is the attitude of Islam toward Christianity. Although some would try to convince us that Islam is a "religion of peace", the honest and objective scholar will learn that Islam has a very dim view of Christianity and Christians. Muslims are instructed to go to war to spread Islam, and to kill any nonbelievers (infidels) who do not convert to Islam. (Islam has soldiers, not missionaries.) Although, under some circumstances (particularly if it is not of immediate benefit to kill the infidels), the infidels may be allowed to live, and be subjects of the Muslims, and pay a tax instead. If we want to build and maintain good relations with Islam and Muslims, then it would be foolish to ally ourselves with the same "Christians" who fought the Crusades and who Muslims frequently revile.
Therefore, it would be to our benefit to distance ourselves from mainstream, evangelical Christianity and to promote ourselves and our religion as something different; believing in Christ, but having, teaching and living so much more.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
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4 comments:
I think I disagree with you. (Gasp!)
We definitely are different from other Christians and we definitely shouldn't lower our standards or compromise our principles. However, I think that ultimately, we are on the same side. As we get closer and closer to the Second Coming, the world will be increasingly divided. But it will not be Mormons against the rest of the world. It will be good vs. evil. There are good people everywhere. There are some Mormons who will not choose the good side. The New Jerusalem will be populated with good people of all faiths. They will all be part of the Kingdom of God but will not necessarily belong to the Church of God. So, to me, while we have the Fullness of the Gospel, in these Latter Days, the battle is much broader and whether or not you're a Mormon will matter less than which side you choose. It feels like the choices are the same as the War in Heaven. Will we choose Satan's Plan or Heavenly Father and Jesus' plan?
Because of the nature of the fight, it seems disingenuous to separate ourselves from other Christians. Unless they are following Satan, but I suspect most are not.
Angela, I think you are being very kind, which isn't a bad thing, but can invite trouble. Also, my remarks are regarding religious organizations as a whole, rather than individuals.
If these other "Christian" religions deny and condemn our gospel, and demand to be separated from us, then they cannot possibly be part of the true Church of Jesus Christ and are therefore apostates whom Christ will condemn and command to depart from Him at the last day.
I don't think we should stop trying to reach out though. When the time comes that sides must be chosen and they still can't bring themselves to align with us, well then, they've made their choice.
Sure, we should always keep trying; The Lord would. but, I'm beginning to think that many of them have made their decision and sealed their fate--sad as that is.
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