Why Mormonism is not Christian?

Question

I for one do not see Mormons as Christian. This is following the same progression that makes Christianity not Jewish; new doctrine. To the Hebrew Bible, Christians have added the New Testament. Mormons has taken both, and added the following texts: Pearl of the Great Price, The Book of Mormon, and D&C (Doctrines and Covenants). Those four scriptures form what is known as a quad (mind you, the King James version of the Bible is solely used.)

Does it not form a new religion when new doctrine is added?
Mormonism is not merely a denomination of Christianty, but a seperate religion on its own.

I am not detracting ANYTHING from Mormonism by calling it "non-christain", but it should be called for what it is: a new religion.

Wartz- I was not posing the question. I have a theory, and use Yahoo! Answers as a means for sharing my theory and hearing arguements both in suppor tof it and opposing it.

Answer 1

I respectfully disagree.

I think Christianity became distinguished as the members no longer abide by the Law of Moses. It was that law that distinguished Jews. So I think it is ritual with respect to beliefs that defines a religion. We must ask "What is the purpose of this religion?" The mosaic law (essentialy Judaism) was to SUSTAIN THE PEOPLE UNTIL THE MESSIAH CAME.

If Joseph Smith *were* to come and claim to be the second coming of Jesus, and thus said "The Christian rites of baptism, and communion, and going to church on Sundays is no longer needed" then I'd agree that Mormonism would be a whole other religion. In fact, Mormons worship Jesus Christ (though however differently than other Christians) for the same reason that all other Christians do:

TO WAIT FOR HIS SECOND COMING.

Answer 2

I agree with your position, to an extent. And hopefully you can clarify for me, or my words will clarify for you, the position the Saints should be taking regarding this issue.

It seems the Church leaders are taking the position that if anybody is a Christian, it is the Latter-day Saints, and no one else. Unfortunately, in my opinion, I've never liked the name "Christian." I would rather not take it up in describing myself, even though my beliefs are founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ, more so than any other "Christian" out there, I feel.

However, my understanding is that Jesus Christ gives his covenant people, collectively, a name, and it isn't "Christians." It's "Saints." Our church (at least mine), the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, doesn't call itself the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Christians. It is clear, that the name we should identify ourselves with, is not Christians, but Saints.

And it bothers me to see the leaders in the church continuing to promote this idea that the Saints are the Christians, because I feel it is causing confusion in the world and among Christian Sectarians (which the LDS is definitely not one of).

The LDS church may be correctly considered a denomination of the teachings of Jesus Christ, but not a "Christian" sectarian church. At least, that's how I view it.

The term Christian, according to what is found in the pages of the Bible, first was used by non-members to identify the Saints. In that light, since when do the Saints identify themselves with a name that the non-members of the church would use, rather than what our Great Head and Master uses?

It simply makes reason stare into the expanse of the heavens with unfocused crossed eyes!

Without a doubt, the Latter-day Saints are Saints. Why use any other word to describe ourselves? It's superfluous, deceptive, and inaccurate. And amid the confusion within the world of Christian Zealotry, perhaps we should identify ourselves with a term that clearly separates ourselves from them!

Answer 3

I agree with you 100%, and so does the World Council of Churches, which does not consider Mormonism a Christian denomination. At least it didn't the last time I checked...time for some updated research, I guess.

Walter Martin, Ph.D., in his book, "The Kingdom of the Cults" considered it a cult and offers scholarly research as to why this is so.

When a religious group does not believe what the Bible says about Jesus, and teaches things contrary to the Bible, but based on what their founder said, then they are putting the words of their founder over the Bible. That is how a cult is defined.

I think Mormons are some great people. I appreciate some (but not all) of their family values. But that being said, I think the theology behind their family values is a cult.

Sorry, Mormons -- but that's what I believe.

Answer 4

New Doctrine- Since the time of Adam, scriptures have been written and handed down, and each time a prophet receives something new from God he writes it down. They all added on to each other, don't be ignorant and think that Moses also had a copy of the book of Malachi. When Jesus taught he changed things from Moses' laws, yet he still preached the same things: eternal life, how to receive blessing, etc. Main point: New things since the beginning have been added to scriptures.

But really it all depends on what you think religion is. Christianity is the belief in Christ, we do believe in Christ. So that does make us christian. I think you still need to elaborate on what your definition of religion is. I think you are a bit confused.

And we do use the Bible (KJV), we use it a lot.

Answer 5

You guys are just jealous you don't have prophets. That's all there is to it.

But whatever, it's your loss not calling us Christian, not our's. I would think a good loving religion would be proud to have good people (which you guys keep saying Mormons are) calling themselves Christian and giving it a good name... But I guess that doesn't matter to you. As I said before, if this is what Christianity is, I'm glad you don't accept me.

Answer 6

Mormans are Christian but are more cultists than religionists. There are many good people who follow the words laid down by Joseph Smith. The strong family ties are to be admired. The problem starts when people start to believe all the B.S. mentioned in the Book of Morman and The Pearl of Great Price. I know of what I speak because I am a Morman. I no longer follow the edicts of the church because I was told that there would never be a Aftican American female high profet. When I asked why God was going by the equipment we are born with and the color of our skin, not by the condition of our spirit, I was laughed at.

Answer 7

It is a new religion but not for the reasons you suggest. Being Christian has nothing to do with what writings are used as athoritative. Certainly the Bible was produced by the Church under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and canonized by the same authority given by Christ. But, the ultimate authority is the teaching of Christ included in all of Sacred Tradition. Christ being the Word made flesh it is He,upon whom, all determination of veracity of teaching must be based and not on the written Word alone but also on the witness of His Church.

The fact is that Mormonism teaches that there are untold numbers of gods and does not agree with Christianity on the Triune God which is a determining belief of Christianity. If one does not believe in the Triune God of Christianity then one cannot be considered Christian. Jesus taught that we must believe in Him for salvation and not in a god of our own creation which is the error made by Mormons and others in some man made churches.
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Yes is is another religion created by Joseph Smith and associates and not Christ.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 8

This is a forum for questions.

Your theory is wrong. Jews do not except Jesus as the Savior, Mormons do, therefore Christian.

Answer 9

Actually you are correct in one form, in that Mormonism is NOT Christianity. They worship "another jesus" who is lucifer's brother. That is NOT the Christ of the Bible. (or of the Jewish Torah.) They have taken texts from the Bible, (out of context) as well as added their own (which was necessary to provide "answers" for the misguidance created when taking Scriptures out of context!)
Yes the New Testament WAS "added" to the Jewish Torah, but it is in COMPLETE agreement with the Torah. It requires a thorough comprehension of BOTH sets of Scriptures, which TOTALLY relate to one another.
History also CLEARLY shows that the evidence which confirms the Bible (both Old testament & New Testament) can be documented.
NOT so, with Mormon theology.)

Answer 10

I see Mormonism as Christian but everyone is entitled to their own opinions as long as there is no bashing or insults.