mormons christians?

Question

why aren't mormons considered christians by most mainstream christians? they call themselves christians and they have a different concept of Jesus than others, but then again, so do all christians.

and what is the agreed definition of a christian? somebody who believes in Christ as their savior right?

Answer 1

Yes, someone who believes in and follows Christ is a Christian. Period.
And yes, typical Christians and Mormons have a different view of Christ - we do not believe Christ is God the Father, we believe they are two different and distinct perfect, resurrected beings.
And yes, not all "christians" believe in Christ the same way either. how confusing!
We do believe in the Bible and we also believe in the Book of Mormon, which is esentially another testament of Jesus Christ. NOT a replacement for the Bible. If one truly and prayerfully studied both, they would find that the two go hand in hand in doctrine and truth.

Answer 2

If you just merely read other Yahoo! Answers about Mormons you will know exactly why they don't think Mormons are Christian. There is a ton of prejudice and misinformation out there.

People seem to think Mormons don't read the Bible. Which is funny because Mormons are studying the New Testament in Sunday School this year. They think Mormons pray to Joseph Smith. Many dismiss the Book of Mormon, yet have prayer books they read from. They don't understand why polygamy was in place and that true LDS do not practice polygamy. Many don't understand the need for order and tradition. Some think Mormons are weird because children are not to date before 16 or that they are not to partake of certain beverages. They call Mormons clichey when the Church offers help, financial and otherwise, to people who are NOT Mormon. We teach self reliance and a love of family, and that is just foreign to people. They take simple principles and just pick it a part.

My favorite argument is that many do not like the fact that Mormon's declare they are the true Church. It makes me wonder, if THEY felt that their church was not true, why would they stay there? Mormons are not afraid to say it!

And of course, the unforunate part is sometimes one bad apple ruins the whole bunch. Mormons already have a bad name, so when you meet a zealous one, or an unrighteous one then they all must be that way. This is the same reason I have bad feelings about Pentecostals. Ran into one over the top zealot and have a hard time separating one person from the whole bunch. I, however, don't go bad mouthing them.

It is just one of the hazards of being Mormon. We have the word Christ in our name and still get labelled a cult. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. People are just either misinformed or have an ax to grind. When people get on their anti Mormon rants I tell them I am sorry they feel that way but it is what I believe.

Answer 3

Because most "mainstream christians" don't know what the word Christian means. Think think it means that everyone should believe the exact same thing about Jesus Christ. If anyone varies from them they are not Christian.

Answer 4

We are Christian just as Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, Jehovah's Witness, and all the others are Christian. Why does everything need labels though? We are a religion just like the rest of them.

I would agree with you on the agreed definition of a Christian, and since that is the definition, all you have to do is read the Book of Mormon (which is one of our books of scripture, Another Testament of Jesus Christ) especially 3 Nephi, to see that we are Christian just like the other Christian religions.

The reason everyone attacks us and says we aren't Christian is because they are scared of being wrong. We are Christian as much as they are.

Answer 5

I suppose that mainstream Christians don't think Mormons are Christians the same way they don't think Adolf Hitler was Christian.

Answer 6

Do we have to follow the conventional practice of labeling groups/movements? Just because the label (Christian in this case) is accurate in one case is it then true for everone in the group?

Another way of looking at it is allowng for differences between a group's official position and the positions held by various individuals.

Answer 7

Mormons do not read the Bible---they read the Book of Mormon, which is nothing more than a fairy tale. The Jesus that the Mormons talk about is not the Jesus of the Bible; therefore, they are not Christians. There is only one Jesus Christ and there is only one concept of him, and he and that concept is in the Bible. Any other concept of Jesus is false. The agreed definition of a Christian is someone that has been born again of the Christ of the Bible.

Answer 8

They say we are NOT Christian because we believe in a different Jesus, but from what I have seen we do believe in the TRUE Jesus. And the Bible is THE MAIN BOOK we do follow. It is just that we also believe that the canon is not closed and that God has/does/and will reveal many things to the people.

Latter-day Saints, unlike many other Christian traditions, do not accept the definitions of God as created by the Greek philosophers.

Our beliefs about the Godhead "are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]." (The Holy Bible, Ephesians 2:20)

Using the apostolic and prophetic teachings as our base, Latter-day Saints believe in the Jesus who was the preexistent Word of the Father; that was the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; that was the God of Abraham , Isaac, and Jacob; that was the Only Begotten Son of God who was born to the virgin Mary in the town of Bethlehem; that was baptized by John; that healed the sick and raised the dead, that walked on water, multiplied loaves and fishes, and performed many other miracles; that set a perfect example for mankind to emulate and that all men and women are commanded to follow his teachings and example in all things.

We believe that Jesus suffered in the garden and on the cross, until he finally died as a willing sacrifice for mankind in order to bring about an infinite atonement through the shedding of his blood. After his death, we believe that he was physically resurrected and that he ascended into the heavens, from which he will come at the end of this world to establish his kingdom upon the earth and eventually to judge both the living and the dead. We believe Jesus is and was the Holy Messiah, the Savior and Redeemer of the world and all those who will follow him. Finally, we believe in the Jesus who is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations.

Now that we have established the identity of the Jesus Christ in whom Latter-day Saints believe, may I ask who is the Jesus in whom you believe?

A dictionary defines a Christian as "one who professes belief in Jesus as Christ or following the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus," and "one who lives according to the teachings of Jesus." Thus two characteristics identify Christians: First, they profess belief in the Savior, and second, they act in harmony with the Savior's teachings. Faithful members of the Church called Saints or Latter-day Saints, qualify clearly in both characteristics. In our belief and our action, we demonstrate that "Jesus Christ Himself (is) the chief corner stone" of our faith.

Answer 9

Well, I would consider them more along the lines of Joseph Smith-ians, because they are following the teachings of Joseph Smith before they even begin to look at the teachings of Christ.

CHRISTians on the otherhand follow the teachings of Christ alone, no more and no less, hence the title of CHRIST-ian.

Joseph Smith-ians, however, have done a fine job of continually adding and taking away from the foundations of Christ's teachings for many years now.

ADDITIONALLY: When a denomination applies certain character qualities to their Christ that are not character qualities we see in Scripture or in Christ's example in Scripture, then we know that the Christ that denomination is worshiping is not the same Christ of the Holy Bible.

Mormons have believed that Jesus Christ is the spirit brother of satan and we see this no where in Scripture, but it is written in Joseph Smith's "revelations." This is just one example of how Mormons claiming to worship a Jesus are obviously not worshiping the same Jesus of the Holy Bible.

Answer 10

Dear Mormons, you believe that God the Father was a man before becoming God and do not accept the triunity of God, so you are preaching a FALSE GOSPEL. Preachers and believers of False Gospels are on the wide road to eternal torment.

Almighty God was, is and will always be triune (one God in three persons, not three gods). God is comprised of the Father, the Son (Lord Jesus) and the Holy Spirit, each serving a function. There is only one God (Isa 43:10-11; 44:6,8; 45:21-22; 46:9; John 17:3; 1 John 5:20-21). The Father is God (1 Peter 1:2; Philippians 2:11), the Lord Jesus Christ is God (Matthew 1:23; John 1:1; 20:28; Hebrews 1:8; Hebrews 13:8; Revelation 1:7-8; 2 Peter 1:1; Titus 2:13) and the Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4; Acts 28:25-27; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 3:17).

Since Christianity began there were always souls on the earth who belonged to Christ and had worshiped and fellowshipped together. THERE WAS NEVER A NEED FOR ANY PARTICULAR BUILDING OR FOR RESTORATION. The Church has always been a spiritual body of souls belonging to Lord Jesus Christ who is the head of that body (Colossians 1:18; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:15-16). It's good to worship and fellowship with believers and help and edify one another in love. Church is not made of earthly material.

Mormons, you hold in your temples rituals largely borrowed from Free Masonry, trust in "blessed" clothing for protection, believe the lie that women should not be allowed any position of authority in the Church and embrace the false doctrine of Christians being required to tithe.

On Tithing: God Does Not Command Us to Give 10% or Any Fixed % of Our Salary or Property
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lypPT-x68BI

IT IS VITAL TO OUR SALVATION THAT WE BELIEVE AND PREACH GOD’S TRUE AND UNCORRUPTED GOSPEL (GALATIANS 1:8).

IN THE BOOK OF MORMON AND OTHER LDS DOCTRINES, THERE ARE SEVERAL CONTRADICTIONS WITH THE BIBLE AS WELL AS WITH OBJECTIVE FACTS.

MORMON DOCTRINES VERSES THE BIBLE

THE BIBLE TELLS US THE CHURCH BEGAN IN 33 AD (MT 16:18 ACTS 2)
The Book of Mormon says the Church began in 147 BC, (Mosiah 18:17)

IN THE BIBLE, "DISCIPLES WERE FIRST CALLED CHRISTIANS IN ANTIOCH" 40 AD, (ACTS 11:26)
Alma 46:13-16 supposedly written in 73 BC refers to Nephites as Christians

THE BIBLE SAYS JESUS IS THE ONLY HEAD OF THE CHURCH (COL 1:18)
Joseph Smith is head of Mormon church because Mormons trust in Smith’s false doctrines (D&C 28:2-6)

THE BIBLE TEACHES THAT CHRIST BROUGHT END TO AARONIC PRIESTHOOD AND IS THE ONLY HIGH PRIEST AFTER MANNER OF MELCHIZEDEK. (HEB 5:9; II TIM 2:2)
LDS teach only they have authority to baptize, ordain, etc - have two-part system of priesthood - Melchizedek and Aaronic

THE BIBLE REVEALS THAT WE ARE SPIRITUALLY DEAD UNTIL OUR SPIRITUAL REBIRTH. (I PET 1:23; II COR 5:17)
According to Mormon teachings, baptism into LDS Church is how persons are born again

THE BIBLE TELLS US THAT JESUS WAS BORN IN BETHLEHEM WHICH IS ABOUT 10 KM SOUTH OF JERUSALEM (MT 2:1 + MT 21:17)
The Book of Mormon says "He shall be born of Mary at Jerusalem" (Alma 7:10)

IN THE BIBLE IT SAYS THAT THERE WERE 3 HOURS OF DARKNESS AT CRUCIFIXION (LK 23:44)
The Book of Mormon says there were 3 days of darkness at crucifixion (Hel 14:20-27)

THE BIBLE CLEARLY STATES THAT GOD IS SPIRIT WITHOUT FLESH &BONES (JN 4:24; LK 24:39)
Mormon doctrines teach that God has flesh and bones like man: (D&C 130:22)

THE BIBLE TEACHES THERE IS NO PRE-EXISTENCE OF THE SOUL - GOD CREATED OUR BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT (ZECH 12:1; PS 139:13-16)
Mormon doctrines teach that everyone pre-existed - we all exist eternally

ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, THERE IS NO MARRIAGE IN HEAVEN (MATTHEW 22:30)
LDS doctrines claim the ability to bear children in Heaven and the must of having a Temple Marriage

THE BIBLE SAYS MARY WAS ". . . WITH CHILD OF THE HOLY GHOST." (MATT 1:18)
LDS believe God, as a resurrected, physical man, is literal Father of Jesus - same manner in which men are conceived on earth

BOOK OF MORMON VERSES FACTS

BOOK OF MORMON: Native Americans wrote many official records (Hel 3:13), scrolls (Mor 5:23) and other writings (Mor 9:2; 2 Nephi 9:18)

SCIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL FACT: Native Americans never wrote books but used simple pictures to communicate

BOOK OF MORMON: Native Americans are descended from Jews

SCIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL FACT: Being "mongoloid", they are descended from East Asia

BOOK OF MORMON: God cursed Native Americans with dark skin. Anyone who marries a Native American shall get dark skin too (2 Nephi 5:21-23; Jacob 3:3-9; Mormon 5:15-17; Alma 3:6-10)

SCIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL FACT: If this were true, there would be no part Native Americans, only full-blooded Native Americans. The statement is genetically false

BOOK OF MORMON: When Native Americans accept Mormon teachings they will become, "white and delightsome people" (2 Nephi 30:5-7; 3 Nephi2:15)

SCIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL FACT: This is white supremacist racism and implies a correlation between skin colour and righteousness (at one time, Mormons wouldn't baptize Negroes)

BOOK OF MORMON: Horses, cows, oxen & asses were all native to North America (1 Nephi18:25)

SCIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL FACT: Horses, cows, oxen & asses were all introduced to North America by European settlers

6 Reasons the Mormon Church’s structure is not like the early Christian church
1. There were more than 12 Apostles in the early church
2. Once a foundation is built, it no longer needs to be rebuilt
3. The LDS Church’s organizational structure is backward when it places Prophets over Apostles. God set Apostles to be first in the Church OVER Prophets
4. The position of “Seventy” did not exist in the early church
5. The office of “Priests” did not exist in the early church
6. Deacons were not 12 year old boys in the early church

http://www.4mormon.org/church-organization/

In the Mormon Church there are symbols and temple rituals borrowed largely from Freemasonry. This is because the founder, Joseph Smith was a Freemason (this is common knowledge). His doctrines therefore cannot be trusted.

http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sociopolitica/sociopol_brotherhoodss01c.htm

Testimonies from ex-Mormons Bishops and others who left the Church founded by Joseph Smith for true Christianity:

http://www.4mormon.org/ex-mormons/ex-mormon-testimonies/


REDEMPTION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

Because mankind is incapable of meeting God’s standard of perfection necessary to abide in God’s presence (Romans 3:19-20,23), God sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay the total debt for the believer’s sins and mercifully credits to his account Christ’s righteousness (Romans 3:21-28,5:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21). Jesus’ gracious act of atonement was complete and covers all sin (Colossians 2:13-14; 1 John 1:9). Salvation is not based on good deeds but according to the mercy of God (Titus 3:4-5). Believers are justified by faith; it is a gift by God’s grace (Romans 4:3-8; Ephesians 2:8-9). A true, living faith will result in a desire to live a holy, loving life of good works (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:6; James 2:14-26), but failure to be absolutely successful at righteous living does not negate the believer’s justified status.

https://victoryinjesuschrist.wordpress.com/