Is Mormonism Christian? A Comparison of Mormonism and Historic Christianity

Several months back I expressed my displeasure with the idea of America having a Mormon President. I was indeed talking about Mitt Romney.

A certain self professed erudite City College professor made a post on his blog pointing out that I was “bashing Romney over his religion”.

Bashing is such a strong word. The histrionic Professor has no concept of what *bashing* really is apparently. What I was doing was stating the TRUTH. What I did was pose the question about Mitt Romney and his ability to lead this nation with his adherence to Mormonism.

I am fully convinced that Mitt Romney is NOT a Christian, no matter what HE professes, much the same as I doubt that claims of being a Christian are true when made by Barack Hussein Obama.

I do NOT believe that Mormonism is a true Christian religion. I know they adhere to some tenants of Christianity, some shared beliefs, but Islam also has some shared beliefs with Christianity. That doesn’t make Osama bin Laden a Presbyterian now does it?

Apparently I am not the only one that feels Romney isn’t a true Christian, the article below is from the Institute for Religious Research and was published in 1999, long before Mitt Romney came upon the national scene as a presidential contender, and I am only posting it in an effort to educate the faux erudite and to enrich the knowledge base of my friends and readers that are in concert with me and my beliefs concerning Romney and Christianity.

Is Mormonism Christian?
A Comparison of Mormonism and Historic Christianity

Is Mormonism Christian? This may seem like a puzzling question to many Mormons as well as to some Christians. Mormons will note that they include the Bible among the four books which they recognize as Scripture, and that belief in Jesus Christ is central to their faith, as evidenced by their official name, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Furthermore, many Christians have heard the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing Christian hymns and are favorably impressed with the Mormon commitment to high moral standards and strong families. Doesn’t it follow that Mormonism is Christian?

To fairly and accurately resolve this question we need to carefully compare the basic doctrines of the Mormon religion with the basic doctrines of historic, biblical Christianity. To represent the Mormon position we have relied on the following well-known Mormon doctrinal books, the first three of which are published by the Mormon Church: Gospel Principles (1997), Achieving a Celestial Marriage (1976), and A Study of the Articles of Faith (1979) by Mormon Apostle James E. Talmage, as well as Doctrines of Salvation (3 vols.) by the tenth Mormon President and prophet Joseph Fielding Smith, Mormon Doctrine (2nd ed., 1979) by Mormon apostle Bruce R. McConkie and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

1. Is There More Than One True God?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that there is only one True and Living God and apart from Him there are no other Gods (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; 44:6,8; 45:21,22; 46:9; Mark 12:29-34).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that there are many Gods (Book of Abraham 4:3ff), and that we can become gods and goddesses in the celestial kingdom (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-20; Gospel Principles, p. 245; Achieving a Celestial Marriage, p. 130). It also teaches that those who achieve godhood will have spirit children who will worship and pray to them, just as we worship and pray to God the Father (Gospel Principles, p. 302).

2. Was God Once a Man Like Us?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that God is Spirit (John 4:24; 1 Timothy 6:15,16), He is not a man (Numbers 23:19; Hosea 11:9; Romans 1:22, 23), and has always (eternally) existed as God — all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere present (Psalm 90:2; 139:7-10; Isaiah 40:28; Luke 1:37).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that God the Father was once a man like us who progressed to become a God and has a body of flesh and bone (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22; “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!” from Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 345-347; Gospel Principles, p. 9; Articles of Faith, p. 430; Mormon Doctrine, p. 321). Indeed, the Mormon Church teaches that God himself has a father, and a grandfather, ad infinitum (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 373; Mormon Doctrine, p. 577).

3. Are Jesus and Satan Spirit Brothers?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that Jesus is the unique Son of God; he has always existed as God, and is co-eternal and co-equal with the Father (John 1:1, 14; 10:30; 14:9; Colossians 2:9). While never less than God, at the appointed time He laid aside the glory He shared with the Father (John 17:4, 5; Philippians 2:6-11) and was made flesh for our salvation; His incarnation was accomplished through being conceived supernaturally by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:34-35).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Jesus Christ is our elder brother who progressed to godhood, having first been procreated as a spirit child by Heavenly Father and a heavenly mother; He was later conceived physically through intercourse between Heavenly Father and the virgin Mary (D&C 93:21; Journal of Discourses, 1:50-51; Gospel Principles, p. 11-13; Achieving a Celestial Marriage, p. 129; Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 546-547; 742; Ezra Taft Benson, Come unto Christ, p. 4; Robert L. Millet, The Mormon Faith: Understanding Restored Christianity, p. 31). Mormon doctrine affirms that Jesus, all angels, Lucifer, all demons, and all human beings are originally spirit brothers and sisters (Abraham 3:22-27; Moses 4:1-2; Gospel Principles, pp. 17-18; Mormon Doctrine, p. 192).

4. Is God a Trinity?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost are not separate Gods or separate beings, but are distinct Persons within the one Triune Godhead. Throughout the New Testament the Son and the Holy Spirit, as well as the Father are separately identified as and act as God (Son: Mark 2:5-12; John 20:28; Philippians 2:10,11; Holy Spirit: Acts 5:3,4; 2 Corinthians 3:17,18; 13:14); yet at the same time the Bible teaches that these three are only one God (see point 1).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate Gods (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 370; Mormon Doctrine, pp. 576-577), and that the Son and Holy Ghost are the literal offspring of Heavenly Father and a celestial wife (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 2, p. 649).

5. Was The Sin Of Adam and Eve a Great Evil Or a Great Blessing?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the disobedience of our first parents Adam and Eve was a great evil. Through their fall sin entered the world, bringing all human beings under condemnation and death. Thus we are born with a sinful nature, and will be judged for the sins we commit as individuals. (Ezekiel 18:1-20; Romans 5:12-21).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Adam’s sin was “a necessary step in the plan of life and a great blessing to all of us” (Gospel Principles, p. 33; Book of Mormon — 2 Nephi 2:25; Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, pp. 114-115).

6. Can We Make Ourselves Worthy Before God?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that apart from the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross we are spiritually “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1,5) and are powerless to save ourselves. By grace alone, apart from self-righteous works, God forgives our sins and makes us worthy to live in His presence (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6). Our part is only to cling to Christ in heartfelt faith. (However, it is certainly true that without the evidence of changed conduct, a person’s testimony of faith in Christ must be questioned; salvation by grace alone through faith, does not mean we can live as we please — Romans 6:1-4).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that eternal life in the presence of God (which it terms “exaltation in the celestial kingdom”) must be earned through obedience to all the commands of the Mormon Church, including exclusive Mormon temple rituals. Works are a requirement for salvation (entrance into the “celestial kingdom”) — Gospel Principles, p. 303-304; Pearl of Great Price — Third Article of Faith; Mormon Doctrine, pp. 339, 671; Book of Mormon — 2 Nephi 25:23).

7. Does Christ’s Atoning Death Benefit Those Who Reject Him?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the purpose of the atoning work of Christ on the cross was to provide the complete solution for humankind’s sin problem. However, those who reject God’s grace in this life will have no part in this salvation but are under the judgment of God for eternity (John 3:36; Hebrews 9:27; 1 John 5:11-12).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that the purpose of the atonement was to bring resurrection and immortality to all people, regardless of whether they receive Christ by faith. Christ’s atonement is only a partial basis for worthiness and eternal life, which also requires obedience to all the commands of the Mormon church, including exclusive Mormon temple rituals (Gospel Principles, pp. 74-75; Mormon Doctrine, p. 669).

8. Is The Bible The Unique and Final Word of God?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the Bible is the unique, final and infallible Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1,2; 2 Peter 1:21) and that it will stand forever (1 Peter 1:23-25). God’s providential preservation of the text of the Bible was marvelously illustrated in the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that the Bible has been corrupted, is missing many “plain and precious parts” and does not contain the fullness of the Gospel (Book of Mormon — 1 Nephi 13:26-29; Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3, pp. 190-191).

9. Did The Early Church Fall Into Total Apostasy?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the true Church was divinely established by Jesus and could never and will never disappear from the earth (Matthew 16:18; John 15:16; 17:11). Christians acknowledge that there have been times of corruption and apostasy within the Church, but believe there has always been a remnant that held fast to the biblical essentials.

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that there was a great and total apostasy of the Church as established by Jesus Christ; this state of apostasy “still prevails except among those who have come to a knowledge of the restored gospel” of the Mormon Church (Gospel Principles, pp. 105-106; Mormon Doctrine, p. 44).

—————————————————————

Conclusion: The above points in italics constitute the common gospel believed by all orthodox Christians through the ages regardless of denominational labels. On the other hand, some new religions such as Mormonism claim to be Christian, but accept as Scripture writings outside of the Bible, teach doctrines that contradict the Bible, and hold to beliefs completely foreign to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles.

Mormons share with orthodox Christians some important moral precepts from the Bible. However, the above points are examples of the many fundamental and irreconcilable differences between historic, biblical Christianity and Mormonism. While these differences do not keep us from being friendly with Mormons, we cannot consider them brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible specifically warns of false prophets who will teach “another gospel” centered around “another Jesus,” and witnessed to by “another spirit” (2 Corinthians 11:4,13-15; Galatians 1:6-9). Based on the evidence presented above, we believe Mormonism represents just such a counterfeit gospel.

It has been pointed out that if one claimed to be a Mormon but denied all the basic tenets of Mormonism — that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that the Book of Mormon is true and divinely inspired, that god was once a man who progressed to godhood through keeping the laws and ordinances of the Mormon Church, and that the Mormon Church was divinely established — the Mormon Church would reject such a person’s claim to being a Latter-day Saint. One cannot fairly call oneself a Mormon if one does not believe the fundamental doctrines taught by the Mormon Church. By the same token, if the Mormon Church does not hold to even the basic biblical truths believed by the greater Christian community down through the ages, how can Christians reasonably be expected to accept Mormonism as authentic Christianity?

If the Mormon Church believes it is the only true Christian Church, it should not attempt to publicly present itself as a part of a broader Christian community. Instead it should tell the world openly that those who claim to be orthodox Christians are not really Christians at all, and that the Mormon Church is the only true Christian Church. This in fact is what it teaches privately, but not publicly.

SOURCE:
Are Mormonism, Mormon Church, and Mormon beliefs Christian?

As previously said; I do NOT believe that a Mormon is a true Christian and there are no words that can be said and no blog criticism that can be leveled that will change my mind.

If Mitt Romney were to become the GOP nominee for President, would I support him? Yes, I would, I wouldn’t like it, but I would support Dagwood Bumstead or Hagar the Horrible over Barack Hussein Obama.

And Professor, telling the truth isn’t bashing, except in the small minds of men like you!

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13 Responses to Is Mormonism Christian? A Comparison of Mormonism and Historic Christianity

  1. Longstreet says:

    Very insightful and very helpful, Fred.

    I have a Book of Mormon and have read a small part of it. I must say it IS troubling for me.

    Thanks for the info!

    JDL

  2. mrchuck says:

    I am still trying to understand why the Mormons left Ohio in the early 1850’s. and moved to Utah. Religious persecution they say.
    What was this all about? What persecution?

  3. Bunkerville says:

    Thanks for the information regarding this issue. The one thing I can say, at least he is not a Muslim.

  4. BobF says:

    Based upon the Bible, Mormonism is not Christianity. The basis of Bible Christianity is that Jesus Christ is GOD; the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in One. In Mormonism, Jesus is a god who’s brother is the devil.

    Although I don’t like Romney, I will support him as the Republican nominee because Obama is destroying our nation. That said, I would not hesitate to wholeheartedly support a Mormon for President. Here’s my reason why.

    I spent 26 years active duty in the USAF, rising to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. The man who taught me what it was to be a Senior NCO; to be a leader and manager of men was a Mormon Bishop. For five years he took me and other upcoming NCO’s under his wing and groomed us for increased responsibility; he led by example. He never tried to force his religion on anyone nor did he ever put his bishop duties ahead of his military obligations except for one occasion. On that occasion we had a KC-135 crash on landing, killing the flight crew of six men. The co-pilot was one of his church members and he left work, as the man’s minister, to tell his wife and children their husband/father would never be coming home again. Throughout my military career, I have witnessed Mormons serve honorably, putting their military duties before all else, with many, like the co-pilot, paying the ultimate sacrifice.

    I would rather have a honorable Mormon in office than a dishonorable Christian.

    • BobF says:

      One more thing. Based on his doubletalk and flip-flops throughout his political career, I don’t believe Romney is that honorable but he’s much more than Obama who has no honor.

    • TexasFred says:

      I would rather have a honorable Mormon in office than a dishonorable Christian.

      Or a rat bastard Muslim like Obama…

  5. Robert says:

    If some “Professor” is bashing you for bashing Romney in any form he will be seriously busy next year, should Romney win the POTUS spot… MOST of your readers Fred are NOT Republicans. Most of them are American CONSERVATIVES. There’s a BIG difference. Romney will be held to a standard by us and should he falter, he will get SLAMMED here and across the web. We won’t be turning a blind eye again because he has an R behind his name.

    As for his religion…. We got a stealth Muzzie in their now. We’ve had Christians, We’ve had fake Catholics and I believe at least 3 or 4 atheists who made a good spectacle of their supposed religion… A mormon? Well, as soon as they become “Splodey’s” in coffee houses because someone drew Jesus on a napkin, then I’ll worry about how he worships.

    The fight is now. I’ll back Romney against Obama. I’ll back him but I won’t follow blindly.

  6. Katie says:

    I really don’t care as long as he isn’t a Muslim. We got one in the White House now. I know this about Mormons: They love this country. They help their neighbors. They are great preppers (It is ordained by their faith to store 1 year of supplies and food in their homes.). They do come on about their faith strongly, but so do some Baptists and other evangelical groups.

    I prefer Mormon Romney over Muslim Obama any day. Don’t you?

    • TexasFred says:

      Well I’ll be DAMNED… I thought that was what I said when I wrote this:

      If Mitt Romney were to become the GOP nominee for President, would I support him? Yes, I would, I wouldn’t like it, but I would support Dagwood Bumstead or Hagar the Horrible over Barack Hussein Obama.

      Guess I need to put a NEON SIGN on the blog telling people that there is more than a title and a few front page paragraphs…

  7. Bloviating Zeppelin says:

    Bottom line?

    Like you, I’ll take Romney over Obama in November. Plain and simple.

    BZ

  8. Patrick Sperry says:

    I already have a supply of clothespins laid in…

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