What do Mormons think of Christianity, Wicca or Homosexuality?

Question

I don't know a lot but Romney has me concerned - I wonder what Mormon's think of alternatives like homosexuality or Wicca? I'm hoping some Mormons will answer this. All I know is the basis for the religion (John Smith) and the multiple wives thingie... I'll keep my opinions on what I know of the background to myself until I get more first hand knowledge.

I'm looking for today's generally accepted views. We all know what the most common Christian views are on these subjects (I said COMMON - not ALL, so take a breath before you flame). But now we have a Mormon running for president - I think considering how much Bush allowed his religious views to color his actions while in office we should know more about Romney's, or at least Mormons. He's insisted on NOT discussing it so I'm a little concerned here.. what a person holds as their most sacred and deep seated beliefs most certainly DOES have an effect on what choices they make.

Thanks for any input on the actual question

Answer 1

I suggest better visit and investigate the Mormon church, for you to find out answers to your questions...It is hard for you to understand their doctrines if you don't have any idea of it.

Answer 2

Hmm this is a very interesting question! I've been reading the answers and mulling it over for a couple of hours now and hopefully I'll be able to properly articulate my opinion. First, I'm surprised at how many people still separate 'christianity' and 'catholicism'. Ok, so you can be Christian without being Catholic just like you can be Pagan and not be Wiccan. But if you're a Catholic you are a Christian. No biggie. BUT it really irritates me at how many still equate Wicca with Witchcraft. Since the original question specifically mentions WICCA, my answer will be from the viewpoint of a Wiccan - not a witch or the ex-Catholic I am ;) I do think they can be combined by Wiccans. For example, the Opening of the Temple Ritual I have learned calls in Archangels. I could see it working especially for those who follow a more eclectic path who pick and choose from other traditions. The Blessed Virgin could be the maid/mother aspect of the Goddess (if you leave out the immaculate conception and mother of Jesus part). The sign of the cross could be interpreted as the triple aspect also. I'm sure there are other correlations but am too tired to think of them right now. Of course this is a one-way street, it would NOT work for the christians/catholics, unless as has been said, they just want to "dabble" in witchcraft and ease their conscience at the same time. As to the why part, well, as I said I used to be Catholic and am still learning Wicca. While I no longer fear any kind of divine retribution or suffer guilt I've talked to others at my school who do not have such an easy time letting go. Whether or not they might desire such a combination as a transition into full Wicca or end up some eclectic christo-wiccan-pagan remains to be seen. There is at least one member I know of at my school who considers himself both Christian and [wiccan or pagan I can't remember which]. Hoping this has made at least a bit of sense, goodnight and bright blessings! EDIT: Wiccanforlife, did you really mean to say that a respectful Wiccan does not practice witchcraft?

Answer 3

Some of my fellow Mormons have given some good answers to your question, however, they all seem to miss one important detail when it comes to Homosexuality - the Church's official doctrine when it comes to Homosexuality is that while same sex attraction is NOT a sin, acting upon it is a sin (equal to having any sexual relations outside of marriage). I would also stress and refute what Tanya said above - Official doctrine of the Church is to NOT encourage marriage if someone is struggling with same sex attraction. While some leaders believe that this will turn someone straight, the First Presidency has condemned this activity as being dangerous and should not be encouraged by local leaders.

Answer 4

Mormons respect other religions, while, of course, disagreeing with them on some theological points. In a statement made by the first presidency in 1978, the Church proclaimed: "The great religious leaders of the world such as Mohammed, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals."

Mormons are strong believers in the separation of Church and State. I've been surprised Romney hasn't emphasized this more. Perhaps he will on Thursday with his forthcoming "Mormon speech." Romney would definitely not be a Bush repeat.

http://www.allaboutmormons.com

Answer 5

Well since you aren't even aware of the guy's name (Joseph, not John) I don't know how seriously to take this question.

On the actual question:
*We claim the privilege of worshipping the Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience and allow all men the same privilege. So if you want to be Hindu / Wiccan / Bahai / whatever...go for it. A Mormon president is going to support mankind's right to choose their own faith, whatever that may be. We have had a hard struggle to be able to practise our own religion, so we understand, maybe more than anyone else, about why religious tolerance is necesary.

*We believe that homosexuality is a perversion...marriage should take place between a MAN and a WOMAN. That this is the basis of family. Now having said that, we recognize that it is impossible to legislate sexual orientation. A Mormon president is not going to incarcerate any homosexual simply for being homosexual.

Moreover, Mitt Romney does not bring his religion into his politics. Which, I believe, is how politics should be.

Answer 6

John smith? Good beer but not a prophet!

Joseph Smith however was the LDS Prophet of the Restoration.

Christianity/Wicca: We beleive that man can worship the Almighty by the dictates of his own conscience and hope others will allow us to do the same.

Homosexuality: Is a sexual sin and is not in harmony with the Church's views on the family and how your body should be treated. We do not hate homosexuals but it should not be practised.

Answer 7

I think that, despite the general feelings among Mormons that homosexuality is wrong, I think homosexuals are safer with a Mormon president than with an evangelical.

As for Wicca, our 11th article of Faith says "We claim the priviledge of worshipping almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men teh same priviledge--let them worship who, what or where they may".

Myself, I have studied a little about Wicca and witch craft (from those who believe) and find it to be a respectable religion. Even tho there are parts I do not agree with (reincarnation for one) I believe there is much we can learn from each other. I have looked at my faith thru many of the things I find beautiful about wicca and it has helped me find deeper things about my own faith.

Answer 8

Thanks for your question. First to address you primary question about Mormons and Christianity, Wicca and Homosexuality.
We believe that we are Christians, we know we are. The difference between us and Catholics and Protestants is that we believe in continuing revelation, we have additional scripture and we believe that God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are three seperate and distinct persons. That God the Father and Jesus Christ have physical bodies and that the Holy Ghost does not. Therefore, we don't believe in the doctrine of the Trinity - three forms of one God. Instead we believe that they are three individuals one in purpose.
As for other religions, we believe that there is good in all of them, and as our dear prophet has said on numerous occasions, "bring the good that you have and see if we may add to it."
As for homosexuality, we believe that it is not ordained of God. I would refer you to a proclamation to the world on the family which goes into further detail about or beliefs on what constitutes a family. (I'll link to it.) We believe that if a person has sexual desires toward a person of the same sex and that person is a member of the church that he/she should get married to a member of the opposite sex and do their best to master control of those thoughts and feelings. If they find that they can not, then they should remain celibate.

For more information about Mormons I refer you to two sources of information. First our articles of faith (the second link), and a link to a website geared toward those who want more information (the third link).

I'm not trying to be pushy, or self - righteous. The name of the person I think you are refering to is Joseph Smith. John Smith was the person associated with Pocahontas.

Answer 9

I agree that a person's religious beliefs color how they see the world.

Some info on the Mormon church.
It was Joseph Smith, not John. But don't feel too badly- you're not the first to make that mistake, and you certainly won't be the last.

As a life-long member of the LDS (Mormon) faith, I feel that I am pretty well versed in our views of most things.

Of course, I can't speak for each Mormon, individually, but as a group, we're taught that a couple of the main reasons for this life is to 1) learn and make choices and 2) find lasting happiness.

On the one hand, we all need to make our own choices, Mormon or not. But at the same time, asking a Mormon to approve of choices that are contrary to God's commands is not really fair.

We believe that God's commandments are designed to help us obtain this second objective of lasting happiness. Granted, not all people feel this way.Some people make good choices, and some don't.




That being said...

Homosexuality- I struggle with this as I have a gay brother. He and his partner held a commitment ceremony this last summer. I did not attend. Instead I sent an email to him telling him that I love him, and that I want him to be happy, but my beliefs tell me that his choice to live a gay lifestyle will ultimately take him further away from the happiness God wants for him... "Please don't ask me to support something that my heart tells me will only bring you sorrow."

With Mr Romney applying for the job as chief legislator, I don't know how he will balance his belief in the need for each person to make their own choices and his belief that homosexuality is against God's commands. I personally feel that in this case, the arena of one's bedroom isn't the place for legislation.



Christianity- We believe ourselves to be part of the Christian community. We believe Jesus was/is who he claimed to be- the Messiah, the One who paid for our sins. We follow his teachings as we understand them, as do other Christian denomonations.

No, we're not Trinitarian, and many Christians feel this makes us non-Christian. Let them say what they will-- we still believe in and follow Jesus Christ.

One of the main principals this nation was based on is freedom of religous worship. Granted, in the early days of our church, we didn't get much of that, but that doesn't make us bitter or retaliatory. We still feel that religious freedom is one of the things that makes America so great....



Which leads to our feelings about the Wiccan faith.... Sort of. I don't know much about that belief system, so I don't really want to say what the church's stand is regarding those who practice it. I've heard some things, but I don't know how accurate that information was.



I've heard that Mitt will soon be delivering a speach regarding his faith, or Mormonism in general, but I don't know how true that is, or when he plans to deliver that speach. I'm curious about what he'll say.

Answer 10

Mormons are Christians and of course look favorably on all other Christians. Basically, we invite all to come unto Christ. For those that are not of our particular faith, we say, bring all that is good in your background and let us add to it. We have the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to share with all the world.
As for non-Christian beliefs, such as Wicca or Druids or any other faith, we say, come unto Christ, let us show you the way to eternal salvation. We can find common ground in our desire to be of service to one another. Let us work together for the common good of society and share that which is good in each others background.
As for alternative lifestyles such as homosexuality, we say repent and return to the values that God established for His children in this mortal existence. All sexual relationships outside of marriage between man and woman, are contrary to God's commandments.
P.S. Joseph Smith was the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under the direction of Jesus Christ and plural marriage was practiced from the 1840s to 1890. It served its purpose and was terminated by Jesus when it was no longer possible for the church to continue to live the principle.
As for politics, the Church does not take official stand on political issues unless it is of primary moral or religious content. For instance, when California passed the definition of marriage law, the Church actively supported it. This is in line with our primary purpose for existence. When Utah tried to expand drinking laws, the Church actively opposed it. However, the Church does not dictate how the members should vote or what party to belong to. Most Mormons tend to be conservative Republicans but not all. The Unruh family were Democrats. Harry Reid is a liberal Democrat, though I can't understand why. I just found out that James Faust, the recently deceased second counselor in the First Presidency, was a Democrat. That surprised me.
So when Mitt Romney says that his faith will not interfere with his administrative responsibilities, it means that he will try to keep their functions separate. However, it is my belief that you can never fully separate your beliefs from your actions. Our decisions are always colored by our beliefs. Thus, when making an administrative decision, we inevitably ask ourselves if this is the right action to take. Mitt will be no different in that sense. Will he pray privately for guidance? Of course he will. Will he search his conscience to know what is the right course of action? Of course he will.
I hope this helps.