WASHINGTON – Is Mormonism the fourth Abrahamic religion? The head of the Southern Baptist Convention’s political arm discussed the idea this week during an interview regarding presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
Dr. Richard Land, president of the SBC’s Washington-based Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said on the TV show “Political Capital” with Al Hunt that he considers the Mormon Church to be the fourth Abrahamic religion.
“Judaism being the first, Christianity being the second, Islam being the third and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being the fourth,” said the prominent Baptist leader.
Although his consideration of Mormonism being an Abrahamic faith could be seen by some as a promotion of the religion typically considered a cult by Christians, Land clarified that he views Mormonism “in the same sense” as he looks upon Islam – as another religion.
“Joseph Smith would play the same character in Mormonism that Muhammad plays in Islam,” Land noted, referring to the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, or Mormonism.
The question of whether Mormonism can be considered part of the Christian family has not only drawn attention from adherents of both faiths, but also non-believers because of its implications on the presidential race.
Interest has particularly soared after Romney’s successful bid for the endorsements of several evangelical leaders in South Carolina, as well as his win at the Values Voter Summit in Washington last week.
Yet Romney still faces staunch opposition from some evangelicals because of his Mormon ties.
Recently, the pastor of a prominent Texas church decried the notion of considering Romney a Christian.
“Mitt Romney is a Mormon, and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise,” said Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church of Dallas, according to the Baptist newswire EthicsDaily.com. “Even though he talks about Jesus as his Lord and savior, he is not a Christian. Mormonism is not Christianity. Mormonism is a cult.”
Similarly, Bill Keller of LivePrayer.com also called Mormonism a cult and “totally inconsistent with biblical Christianity.”
“If you are a true follower of the Bible and believe what God says, it basically says that those who follow other Gospels – false Gospels and false religions like Mormonism – are going to die, be lost in their sins and go to hell,” said Keller to The Christian Post.
The ministry leader voiced concerns that a Mormon president would attract attention to the Mormon Church and give it credibility.
“In doing so it is going to lead people into these false beliefs and ultimately die in their sins,” Keller warned.
As pointed out recently by Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. – president of the SBC’s flagship seminary, the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. – Mormons believe the church was corrupt after the death of the apostles and became the “Church of the Devil.”
Thus, Mormons reject the Apostles Creed and Nicene Creed – which are based on the Bible and were agreed upon by the ancient Christian churches as statements that true believers should affirm.
Furthermore, Mormons claim that it was not until the 19th century that the Prophet Joseph Smith restored the true church. This “true church” was given the keys to the Kingdom and the authority of the only true priesthood. Continue >>
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There is a book called The Changing World of Mormonism that has photos of the 3 printings of the Book of Mormon. Complete pages have been added and/or deleted from the original. So,
Was the Book of Mormon not translated perfectly and has no errors in the first printing which would leave the current version full of errors
-or-
Was the first printing full of errors which needed correcting and thus the entire religion comes from a false precept?
My favorite is the doctrine of Adam/God which says that Adam progressed to become a god, went to bed with the virgin Mary and came up with the body of Jesus the Christ which was possessed by the spirit of Jesus the Christ (child of God and Mrs. God in heaven) at the baptism of John. The church had a pamphlet on this doctrine which I believe I still have in storage.
PT 1-Hesadanza & all:
1) The Bible says we are all children of God as far as creation- "Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us?" (Mal 2:10). That's a Hebrew parallelism- second part repeating the first a little differently. The ONLY way one can be a child of God in any other sense besides a common physical creation is by personal faith in Jesus- Jn 1:12.
2) Isa 14:12 does not say Lucifer rejected the Father's plan. That is from LDS scriptures, not the Bible.
3) The LDS Church redefines what the words you use for Jesus mean. SON OF GOD means one of billions of spirit children of Heavenly Father & Heavenly Mother (a God & Goddess), and Lucifer/Satan is spirit brother to Jesus. Jesus was not begotten of the Holy Ghost, but of the Father in the same, literal sense that all humans are begotten of their parents. Yes literal & real. SAVIOR & REDEEMER means he died to give resurrection free, but individual salvation has faith & works, and salvation in the celestial kingdom ('heaven') is earned with some becoming angels and others becoming gods & goddesses, as the Father became a God. The Book of Mormon says "We know that it is by grace that we are saved, AFTER *ALL* we CAN do." Eph 2:8-9 says by grace we are/have been saved without works so none can boast. ATONER is in the context of the above, plus that Jesus did not atone/pay for sin solely on the cross, as the Bible teaches (1 Cor 15:1-5, Rom 5, Col 1,etc), but it started in Gethsemane and finished on the cross. THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH means only the LDS Church (D&C 1:30;115:4, Ensign 12/1989, p 51), the LDS Jesus being the only name to be saved by is in the context of works system of salvation, and the LDS Church being the sole source for individual salvation.
PART 2-Hesadanza & all:
4) The Book of Mormon does not say that Jesus and J Smith determines who gets into heaven, but LDS prophet, Brigham Young did: "... no man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith.... Every man and woman MUST have the certificate of Joseph Smith, junior, as a passport to their entrance into the mansion where God and Christ are ... I CANNOT go there without his consent.... He reigns there as supreme a being in his sphere, capacity, and calling, as God does in heaven (JOD vol. 7:289) and "I will now give MY SCRIPTURE—"Whosoever confesseth that Joseph Smith was sent of God ... that spirit is of God; and every spirit that does not confess that God has sent Joseph Smith, and revealed the everlasting Gospel to and through him, is of *Anti-christ* ... (vol. 8:176)". You said "We also have modern revelation from God through living prophets and apostles", and BY said he gave scripture here, twisting Romans 10:9 by adding Smith to Jesus as requirement. JS stands between us & salvation in 'God's presence'- a mediator, in effect. NT says "ONE mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:5).
5) The testimony link you gave is typical LDS approach- U avoid the real differences. It isn't what LDS say so many times, but what they leave out that is crucial: that Father, Son & HG are 3 separate Gods, we can become literal gods, LDS salvation, gospel, Godhead are different, & a lot more. The NT says in 2 Cor 11:3-4,13-15 Gal 1:6-9 that there's a different Jesus/spirit/gospel, and those who preach them are servants of Satan. That's heavy, but it is what Paul said. LDS Church states there are many gods (Abraham 3-5, D&C 132,etc) & works added to salvation. Polytheism isn't an Abrahamic religion, but paganism teaches many gods.
The LDS Church, in effect has the LDS Church & JS as the way to salvation, placed as the mediators between God & man. This is not Christianity.
Yes, Jesus Christ is the only Son of God, with a capital S. That is because he is the Savior, Redeemer, Atoner, the Supreme Judge, the head of the Church, and the only name under heaven whereby a man may be saved in the kingdom of God.
But that does not exclude the rest of us as children of our heavenly father. The Bible tells us over and over again that we are "sons of God", "children of the Most High", "offspring of God", and "heirs of God." These are not just figurative, but very literal and real statements of our relationship with God. We believe the prophets and apostles when they speak. We also have modern revelation from God through living prophets and apostles that teaches us this sublime truth.
Yes, we are all brothers - You and I, and everyone that has lived upon this earth, and even the third of the host of heaven that was cast out with Lucifer for rebellion against the Father. Satan thought that he would agrandize himself and take the glory of the Father. He rejected the Father's plan and fell. Yes, he was a choice son, a "son of the morning", and rebelled and was cast out (Isaiah 14:12).
We do teach that there is a hell - it is called outer darkness, where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
The Book of Mormon does not say that only Jesus and Joseph Smith determine who gets into heaven. Sorry. That is misinformation.
Yes, we do believe that God has revealed more book of scripture. It is called the Book of Mormon. And if God reveals more, we will accept it.
We do not equate Jesus with Satan. That is misinformation.
We believe in the literal, real resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We do believe that there are ordinances that Christ established in His Church that must be done to gain salvation. It is for that reason that he established commandments. "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
We do not impose our view militarily. On the contrary, we allow all men to worship God, "how, where, or what they may" (AoF 11).
Yes, I am a Mormon. I am a Latter-day Saint of the Church of Jesus Christ. Christ leads the church today through revelation to living prophets and apostles. To those that question our Christianity, please read the testimony of one of his living apostles:
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-15,00.html
Odd that so many make statements about the Book of Mormon or about its message of Jesus Christ that are so far from what it really teaches. Here is a simple quote from the Book of Mormon about Salvation and its relationship to Jesus Christ (all quotes from the 1908 edition of the Book of Mormon published by the Community of Christ, Independence, Missouri):
[Mos 1:116] And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given, nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent.
That does seem sort of clear, doesn't it? And what is the Doctrine of Jesus Christ. Here again in simple words from Jesus himself from the Book of Mormon:
[3 Ne 5:32] Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me;
[3 Ne 5:33] And I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me, and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me;
[3 Ne 5:34] And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.
[3 Ne 5:35] And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.
[3 Ne 5:36] Verily, verily I say unto you, that this is my doctrine; and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me, believeth in the Father also;
[3 Ne 5:37] And unto him will the Father bear record of me; for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost;
[3 Ne 5:38] And thus will the Father bear record of me; and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost, are one.
Pretty clear isn't it. So why do so many Christians feel compelled to lie about the message of the Book of Mormon?
I agree with you JC. I don't see how mormans can pretend to be biblical christians, when half of their beliefs conflict with the OT and NT. Traditional biblical Christians would be thought of as Protestants and Catholics, or the branches off of catholicism like Anglican or Calvinist. They follow the OT and NT , even if they do it in different ways. With Mormanism, you have a completely new book that contradicts the main Christian doctrines. It's kinda silly... really
To Hesadanza:
A true Mormon believes that satan and Jesus were brothers, and that after a committee meeting, Jesus won the election as savior to the Earth. According to Mormon doctrine, this is why satan is mad and is tormenting the world. A sore loser apparently. True Mormonism also teaches there is no Hell, only different levels of Heaven. They have the "Celestial" Heaven, reserved for gods (yes plural). They have the "Terrestrial", which is halfway, or for Mormons who were not baptized in a Mormon temple. And, finally, "Telestial", for those who never believed at all. And, what I feel the most blatant of all, is that the Book of Mormon said that it is up to Jesus AND Joseph Smith on who gets into Heaven.
However, these teachings are at opposition to what the Word of God teaches. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. There are no others. Jesus had no brothers. There is a Hell, as Jesus spoke of weeping and gnashing of teeth. There is only one God, Jesus said that no man come to the Father but by Him. Jesus did not teach that we will become gods.
A cult, by definition, is a distortion of Biblical Christianity. In Christian Theology, it is taught that it takes acceptance of only 1 of 5 things to define a cult. Some cults meet more than 1.
1. Alternate book. A cult has a problem with the Word of God, and therefore has to have an alternate book. (I.e. Book of Mormon, Jehovah Witness, Quran, etc.)
2. Deity of Christ. A cult has a problem with the deity of Christ. In the case of Mormon, they believe him to not be the only Son of God, and equate Him with satan.
3. The Resurrection. This is obvious. Many religions don't accept this.
4. Salvation by Grace. This is also obvious, as many religions are about works.
5. Militancy. A cult would attempt to impose it's view militarily.
It only takes an acceptance of one of these to be defined as a cult. Incidentally, there is only one religion that meets all 5 criteria, can you guess which one? If you guessed Islam, you guessed absolutely correct.
So, beloved, with all of this being said, I ask you now: Are you a true Mormon?
Hesadanza--
Do you believe that Jesus is the ONLY Son of God?
I'm a Mormon, and I am Christian. Here is one of our hymns:
I Believe in Christ
Hymns, I Believe in Christ, no. 134
1. I believe in Christ; he is my King!
With all my heart to him I’ll sing;
I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy,
In grand amens my tongue employ.
I believe in Christ; he is God’s Son.
On earth to dwell his soul did come.
He healed the sick; the dead he raised.
Good works were his; his name be praised.
2. I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!
As Mary’s Son he came to reign
’Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,
To save them from the woes of sin.
I believe in Christ, who marked the path,
Who did gain all his Father hath,
Who said to men: “Come, follow me,
That ye, my friends, with God may be.”
3. I believe in Christ—my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I’ll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan’s grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.
4. I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
From him I’ll gain my fondest dream;
And while I strive through grief and pain,
His voice is heard: “Ye shall obtain.”
I believe in Christ; so come what may,
With him I’ll stand in that great day
When on this earth he comes again
To rule among the sons of men.
Text: Bruce R. McConkie, 1915–1985. © 1972 IRI
Music: John Longhurst, b. 1940. © 1985 IRI
I am severely skeptical (to say the least) about Mormonism, but I for one am fully prepared to leave the matter to Jesus (see Matt 7:21). But I was very disappointed to see the disingenuousness of Richard Land is quoting some poll that says "more than half – do not believe that Mormonism is an orthodox, Trinitarian, Apostolic, traditional Christian faith.” Nice try, Dr. Land, but Mormons themselves do not claim to be "orthodox" (where is that in the bible?), "Trinitarian" (there are other unitarian Christians, genius), or "traditional" (didn't the Pharisees have traditions?).
Here's the thing about the SBC: it's shrinking and it's panicking.
There are now more Jehovah's Witnesses than SBC. There are now more Adventists than SBC. Within the decade there will be more Mormons than SBC. Apparently the Southern Baptist Convention feels as the speaker did at John 11:48.
I guess CP needs to ban her new identity as well... Dannygirl... speaking of two-faced hypocrites...
ashleychan, agreed. I have no problem with a candidate being a public religious person. But I have a big problem with it being a vote-mongering aspect of their campaign.
I find that the whole idea of presidents wearing their religion on their shirtsleeves is disgusting. No president should have to pass a religious test to be elected. The president doesn't represent just the Christians- he represents everyone. That means the Muslims, Buddhists, New Agers, and yes, the Atheists too. This means that the government should be kept neutral- not respecting one religion over another. This helps everyone who is religious not be oppressed by another religion(or religious sect), and protects those with no religion at all. Also, I find the religious pandering by the candidates to be incredibly insincere. They are doing it to get votes, not to praise their God. Even the republicans, who are generally very religious, seem to be faking it a bit. Also, I will say this: Is it me, or is Mitt Romney kinda spooky? He weirds me out a bit
Excerpt taken from a commentary by Roger Oakland named The Inclusive Gospel from www.understandthetimes.org
".............The new evangelization program being promoted by the emerging church, while it may be in the name of Christ, is antichrist. A formula has been established to provide a bridge that has the potential to unite all religious beliefs in the name of Christ, by circumventing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
In the future we will see all faiths join together based on a common mystical experience accompanied by “lying signs and wonders”. The apostasy the Bible warned would be apparent in the Last Days is now fully underway. Only those who hold firm to God’s Word will be protected and delivered. This remnant of faithful believers will be viewed as old-fashioned narrow-minded holdouts who are a hindrance to the establishment of the “kingdom.” As Paul wrote to Timothy, in the Last Days:
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. [15]"
[15] 2 Timothy 3: 12-13
I think that we're all missing the main point of what this article is about.This article is all about how Dr.Land and the SBC will subtley do whatever is necessary to exert their political agenda on America.Even though Dr.land says that he does not believe that salvation can be found in mormonism,the fact that he would state that they might be Abrahamic in origin,he gives cover to not just mormons but all cults that lay claim to being a different form of christianity.Christian Scientist,Jehova Witnesses.Even Rastafareans ,who believe that the man they see as their, messiah(Halai Salasi,former african dictator)is the second coming of Jesus.While Dr.Land will publicly states that he doesn't endorse candidates actions such as these give hints and show that these days the leadership of the SBC put being a consertive as more important than being christian.