Christian/Catholic...the Mormon Question?

Question

I asked a question last night about the Mormon Church and possible unity. I got alot of great answers and insight..even from some Mormons.
I am a main-line Christian (Protestant) BTW. It's a weird feeling to know that the Mormon Church shares so much with us yet we view each other as false religion. To me it's like seeing a relative from a distance but we can't come together because of this great wall of glass that divides us. We can't accept the book of Mormon and they won't live without it...I guess it just seem sad to me. I really hope and pray that grace is extended deeper than we know...I know that I will require it. I have no problem accepting Catholics as my brothers and sister...we have differences but we share so much. Sometimes I think that on judgement day God will point out that I was wrong on 239 issues (biblically)...maybe another will be wrong on 229 issues...am I better?? I know over the years I've changed my mind on several issues..I'm not so arrouganrt to think I've

arrived...that ALL my doctrine ducks are in a row!

I'd love to hear your thought?

Answer 1

I agree that although we do not share everything we do share more and that is the most important. I too feel we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and we will find many of us from all walks will be in Heaven.

Answer 2

It's shameful that most "Christian" religions view each other as false or cults. I left Christianity (as a religion) because down deep, it projects hate, not love. I still believe in Jesus, but my view of him is different than many Christians. As for the bible, the new testament wasn't even started until 80 years after Jesus died. This tells me that the bible is really just a bunch of stories.

I am a Spiritual person, not a biblical one. Sometimes, God just wants spiritual fruits, not religious nuts.

Here's another thought....without diversity, we'd all be the same.

You can't come together because of the wall of hate that lies between the two Christian religions. Love would accept each other's differences and there would be peace and understanding. This doesn't mean you'd have to agree with each other, but rather, accept each other for the spiritual beings that you are.

Instead, you chose to seperate, divide and tell each other that the other is wrong. That is hate, my friend. And, it's the attitude towards many people of other cultures and religious paths. Fundamentalists, Evangelists, Mormons, Presbetarians, etc are all so wrapped up in trying to convert others and "save" the world. They are unaccepting of any other way except theirs. They claim it's through love, but I can tell you that anyone who tries to change someone's spirituality is not filled with love. We all have our own spiritual path to walk. It's up to each invidual to love and accept one another or not. Love does not care what religion we practice, what race we are, what language we speak, what our sexual preference is, whether we are poor or well off....Remember, love is UNCONDITIONAL. When someone tries to change you or tell you that your religion is wrong, that is putting conditions on you and that is not love.

I hope I've helped.

Answer 3

It's nice to see that you have an open mind. Following a prescribed religion/faith should never perpetuate a closed mind.

There are not very many differences between Christian - Catholic - Mormon beliefs. They all believe in the power and teachings of Jesus. The Mormons teach more of the other teaching (gnostic) of Jesus, not just what is in the Bible. It surprises alot of people when they find out that the Chursh of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, does not only hold to their own Doctrine and Covenants but also the Bible (as the first answerer proves).

I have been to several different Christian churches, all claiming that they are the only way to heaven. I have studied Catholicism for many years. I was babtized in the Mormon faith. (I am currently agnostic.) You are right about your feelings come judgement day - no one knows how g-d (if there truly is one) will react to all these different faiths.

Mormons do not believe in many G-ds in the way that most think they do. They believe in one higher entity above all. In order for one to understand more of what the Mormons teach, it would be a good idea for all Christians to read more of what Jesus has said other than what few texts rest within the pages of the Bible. (I am not referring to the Book of Mormon but the Nag Hammadi Library Texts - link below.)

Answer 4

Well, just because you may not agree on some main doctrinal issues doesn't mean that people of all religions can't be civil and accepting towards one another. The fact is that some things that you see as small differences in each religion may just be the foundations of those other religions. Throwing out 'The Book of Mormon', for example, would throw out everything that the Mormon religion is based on and why they believe their religion to be the one and true one. Not any religion is exactly like another and no one really wants to throw out pieces of their beliefs to conform nicely to one mainstream. I find it, not sad, but just the opposite, that people can believe and worship God freely however their heart tells them to, and still come together as friends and neighbors.

Answer 5

Religion is like a mountain, and everybody wants what's on top, for the most part. The Hindus come through the jungle to get there, the Muslims through the desert, Jews through Palestine, Buddhists and those who follow Shinto through the bamboo forests, and so on. All except some Christians, who spend an inordinate amount of time running around the base of the mountain, proclaiming that their way is best. This means, of course, that they're not climbing the mountain. You seem like your feet are pointed in the correct direction. Peace.

Answer 6

As a Catholic I am concerned at the multiplicity of gods in the Mormon faith. I believe in the One True God and no other gods before me.
Mormons believe that each and every human male is capable given the right circumstances to become the father/god of their own universe or planet.
This seems to me to be a polytheists faith. I do not claim to be certain of my concerns and wait to read what others say as well.
If Mormons believe in many gods, than this would be impossible towards unity with them. It is why I question if they are Christian. No offense intended, I simply don't know.

Answer 7

your ideas are good. we all came from the same place, hence we are physically related. I believe that a truth is a thruth. is there is no room for an untruth.God doesn't judge on wrongs. Research David, was declared a friend of god, but he made many mistakes. He was always sincerely sorry and took the punishment necessary. Jesus said that his father
Looked into the depth of a person .IE the kidneys and the heart..

Answer 8

Don't confuse politics and spiritual issues. I totally support the Mormons in our nation's capital.. they believe in the same moral responsibilities we do. But when it comes to knowing God, accepting the Bible as infallible, recognizing the deity of Christ as unique among men, they have believed what the scriptures do not teach.

I actually believe about the Catholics that they can meet Jesus in their church,. but its very difficult to find Him behind the virgin and the saints. (Only one mediator between God and man, Christ Jesus)

I have very little respect for the teachings of the JW's because we are at odds on both spiritual and political issues. I don't hate them, I would love to see them in my church individually learning how wrong they've been taught about the identity of Christ and the role of the believer in a secular world. It seems the only function they serve in the world is to draw away those who want to learn, who seek guidance in life walk into pointlessness. No political views, no political action, no spiritual intimacy, just removed from involvement in history making events.

http://judgeright.blogspot.com

Answer 9

If nothing else, please realize that we as Mormons love and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We don't worship Joseph Smith, but know that he was truly a prophet who was responsible for restoring the Lord's gospel to the earth. We love him for the sacrifices he made on our behalf.
We are taught to love all mankind no matter what! We do not view you as a "false" religion, just incomplete. It's like eating a pie, the LDS have the whole pie and all other Christian faiths have just the crust. Wouldn't you want the whole pie?
Christ and our Heavenly Father love us and want what is ultimately best for us. I find it interesting that people honestly believe our religion is "bad", we promote and live by Christ's teachings...yes the same Christ as in the Bible. The only One whom through salvation can be attained.

Answer 10

very christian of you. I'm catholic and can't understand why some Christians(including catholics) try to focus on our differences rather than encourage each other or at least just be tolerant of each other, which is the christian thing to do right? because of all these intolerance's etc. alot of people, take atheists for example, don't take us seriously because they see people of different denominations bark at each others heels so often. genuine questions of interest are fine but we sometimes get to offended/defensive at times. lets live and let live and let god show us at the judgment just how well we served him under whatever banner we chose to live by.