The Mormon Question

I haven't posted anything new in a long while due to the press of other matters. However, the whole Mitt Romney/Mormon question stirred up by a certain pastor's introduction to Rick Perry is fascinating to me. I was reviewing a blog on Fox News Insider on the issue of Romney's Mormon faith and Mormonism in general. There were a lot fair minded comments from folks defending Mormons and their Christianity; however, there were a surprising number of vitriolic comments as well like this one:

Pipe Surgeon

Mormonism is a cult. I should not have to go into details. Those who call themselves Christians, should know that Mormon's are not true believers. All the scripture twisting in the world will not change that fact.

Sorry to all the marginal Christians who feel one religion is as good as any other.

Mormonism is not very old. It was founded by a man. He put his hat over his face to translate reformed egyptian hyrogylphics. By the way there is no such thing, according to people who are experts in ancient languages. The name of the person who put his head in his hat is Joseph Smith. No he was'nt martryed for the Lord of Lords.

For some reason I felt I had to respond. I share it with you below and look forward to your comments if anyone is reading this even. Readers or no, I hated to let the time I spent on this go to waste and so it gives me a new blog entry without having to write a new one!

Terrylaw

What is it about religion that causes us to become intolerant? Why did the Crusaders go hacking away at other Christians, Jews and Muslims? Why did the inquisition take place? Why did so many of the church reformers before and after and including Luther lose their property, their freedom and/or their lives preaching reform? What does any of this kind of hate and bigotry have to do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ? The answer, of course, is absolutely nothing. As a community of believers I don't know why we are not looking for the commonality of our doctrines? Maybe even more importantly why are we not looking to the fruits of those doctrines as expressed in our conduct with each other and our relationship to God.

For example, a lot has been said in these posts regarding the Nicene Creed. It is apparently a litmus test for cult membership. Believe in the creed and you are a Christian. Don't believe in it and you are a cultist.

It is true that Mormons do not believe in the fourth century doctrine of the Trinity. However, take a look at the much older Apostle's creed (from the 2nd century.) It is my understanding that it is an accepted creed for most Christian churches. Although the LDS church does not include that creed in its canon, my personal view is that creed is very consistent with LDS doctrine regarding the nature of the Godhead and our relationship to God and his Son Jesus Christ.

I think we would surprise ourselves, if we really understood our brothers' and sisters' beliefs, how many similarities there really are. And as for values, which should be reflections of our beliefs in our doctrines, I think you will find LDS values to be consistent with our Christian brother and sisters. Jesus said, "If ye love Me, keep my commandments." John 14:15. Isn't that the goal for which we are all striving (and frequently coming up short?)

Let's not allow our most cherished faith to become a tool of the other side that can be used to divide us and divert us from our common goal to bring the best person (whoever that might be) to the office of the President of the United States.

The Left is laughing at us as well they should.

Heaven help us all.