Being the Political Editor for The Christian Post many times brings me in contact with the day’s leading newsmakers when it involves national political issues, especially when they cross over into the Christian arena.
If you have paid the least bit of attention to the news the past several days you’ve seen stories or news clips about the comments that Dr. Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas made at the Values Voter Summit in Washington last Friday regarding whether The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons, as they are more commonly called.
As an evangelical Christian who has read and studied the subject of cults and other false religions, I understood what Dr. Jeffress meant when he described Mormons at a “theological” cult, as opposed to a “sociological” cult. Many who heard his comments had no idea what he was talking about. They only knew he called Mitt Romney’s religion a “cult.”
Yet the issue is not how he defined cults, but rather that he used it at all to describe another religion. Below are three articles we have written on The Christian Post over the last couple of days that may explain the issue in a bit more detail. Two were written by me, the other by my colleague Napp Nazworth, who holds a Ph.D. in Political Science.
http://www.christianpost.com/news/interview-robert-jeffress-refuses-to-back-down-on-mormonism-is-a-cult-57933/
http://www.christianpost.com/news/mormonism-debate-what-is-a-cult-57979/
http://www.christianpost.com/news/albert-mohler-suggests-mormonism-is-a-rival-worldview-57753/
Stayed turned. We also plan on writing about what Mormon’s believe and how that differs from Christianity so you can make a more informed decision when you choose who to support for president.
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (mormon) and if you notice in our name, it says “Church of Jesus Christ”. Because Jesus Christ is the center of our church. Trying to be like Him and to share his example is the point of our church and the point of this life. I don’t know where you have heard that Jesus is the son of Adam, but if you go to lds.org, you will get the real truth on our religion and maybe learn a few new things which can really make your life better. I know that Jesus Christ died for me and you and that it is through Him that we can be saved. Through the atonement, we can become like God and it is a wonderful gift for ALL of us to partake of. I know there are plenty of “Mormons” who profess to be Mormons and then do likewise, but I am not. I hope you have the chance to meet a real Latter Day Saint someday and go into their home and feel a happiness and feel the Spirit. It will truly change your life. We believe that all people will be saved based on their efforts in life and their willingness to repent for things they have done wrong. We all sin. We all have done things on a daily basis that are not ok. That is the beauty of our church and knowing the truth in our church. I hope you can find the answers you are looking for! lds.org
Heather,
Thank you for your comments. Regardless of your thoughts on the issue, I believe one of the advantages of Dr. Jeffress’ comments is that it is opening up a discussion of what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints and Christians really believes so individuals can form their own opinions. There are a few issues I am interested in learning more about. For example, both Joseph Smith (Mormon) and Charles Russell (Jehovah’s Witness) went into the woods and received a message from angels, yet this is no historical or archeological evidence to support their claims. So, why is one better than the other since they have different beliefs from that of Christianity (i.e., the Trinity). Scripture is clear that no one is to add or take away from the Bible. Then why is the Book of Mormon necessary? You mention that through atonement, we can become like God. Christianity does not teach this. Why do Mormons say that that Satan is a half-brother to Jesus? The Bible clearly says Satan was a fallen angel. These are just a few of the questions I have and look forward to learning more about. I will definitely take your advice and visit the LDS website. Thanks again for your time in addressing the issue.