I have observed a fascinating phenomonen associated with the Christian and Mormon debate.
Some Christians, including myself, search through reams of ancient writings of past mormon prophets and use statements to show the difference between modern day Mormonism and some of the teachings of that day and the error both modern and early mormon teachings have compared to mainstream Christian thought.
And some Mormons, search through reams of ancient christian writings to find the difference between modern Christianity namely protestants and early church teachings and in finding early church teachings that are parallel to modern mormon thought.
So why are so many searching through the back of each others’ theological closets. I imagine that both want to show the error of the other and the complete contradiction of their faith, and thereby win them to their point of view. Just an observation. Is this not the case?
September 1, 2006 at 10:45 pm |
I am happy to see you posted this as an article.
Yes, I agree with you on this point. Each side dives through mounds of information to prove points of doctrine. It really doesn’t matter if the mounds of documents are LDS based or Early Christian writings.
It is a point is brought up with some preconcieved starting position on a point.
There are times I have asked people who call themselves Christians who don’t go to Church who take their boat out on Sunday and entertain the family ect ect. These same Christians who will claim the Book of Mormon is false. I always ask two questions. 1. Have you read the Book of Mormon. (most of the time it is NO) followed up closely with Have you read the Bible cover to cover. (most of the time it is surprizing that they say NO). I then follow up with Why do you believe the Bible to be true? Most of the time I get excuses.
Now this is not intended to be a slam on the “mainstream Christian group” as thier are Mormons who do the very same thing having never read the Book of Mormon cover to cover. What I find interesting is just because the Bible has been around and their parents probably have one at home it gives it credibility even though a person has not studied it for themselves? Anyone doing this has to take a look at themselves to give an honest assessment of where they stand with Christ.
Preconcieved notions do not get you to the truth. Preconcieved notions do not get you to heaven.
Only pure study and prayer to Heavely Father through Jesus Christ with confirmation from the Holy Ghost can anyone achieve the answer[s] they are looking for.
Sometimes preconcieved positions in doctrine take time to overcome. No matter which side is performing the missionary work it is patients in delivering the message and the love of Christ that converts. Not anyones intellect. That is my two cents worth anyway.
Thanks for posting this on your blog.
Wer62
September 4, 2006 at 1:42 pm |
I agree with your topic, we (Both sides) Do this. Funny thing isw though, Mormons claim we as Christians are attacking them by doing this. But they dont use the same standerd by saying they are attacking us.
I dont feel I am attacking them. God is clear in his word, There is a hell that burns with out end, You follow a false Jesus you will go to it.
Paul say to search the scriptures to know if these things are true, So that is what I do, I search the Scriptures. Rick b
September 13, 2006 at 4:22 am |
Jonathan,
This is an excellent post. I’ve am from a mormon background as well (years ago). I have been a born-again Christian for 30+ years, but still feel at odds a bit in my evangelical Church family (never with Jesus).
From time to time I get a bit vocal. After each time I try to ‘correct’ somebody, I lament at my arrogance. Perhaps God isn’t nearly a picky as I am about the jot and tiddle of scriptural understanding or of topics like science-religion, etc.
I have a generally conservative view of Christian theology. Jesus is Savior and Lord. It is through his sacrifice that I am made acceptable, if, with humble heart, I confess my sin. It was a one time event but a life time confession.
But what if I have slightly wrong theology. Perhaps I think God the Father is made of flesh and bone? Or even that Jesus is a separate God from God the Father?
Jesus tells of the religious person who goes to pray at the temple. “Thank you God that I am righteous. I tithe. I fast. I go to church every Sunday. I know that you are the only God but also the triune God. I am not like that tax collector over there.”
Then Jesus tells of the tax collector who won’t lift his eyes to heaven. “God I am a sinner. I am so sorry to have failed you and my family. Forgive me. I am sorry, but I have never read the scripture so I really don’t know who you are very well. I find it hard to go to Church because I have to work on Sunday. Please forgive me. Please have mercy on me.”
Jesus said, “The tax collector left justified.” NOT GUILTY!
Perhaps this is the key to heaven. Maybe we should not damn others if they think differently about God. This does not say that we cannot grow in wisdom as we understand God better. It just allows us to be a bit more courteous when we are in disagreements.
By the way, I have some wonderful Mormon friends who are sure that God’s grace and forgiveness is door heaven.
Thanks agains Jonathan