Posts filed under 'Orthodoxy'

Orthodoxy detection - can you tell the difference?

Add comment December 20th, 2007

Sherlock Holmes The LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) recently responded officially to a list of questions about Mormonism posed by FoxNews. The LDS is attempting to cast itself as a “misunderstood” Christian denomination. We’ve posted some of those Foxnews questions, the response of the LDS, and then our questions and comments in indented red. We think that this is an excellent lesson and opportunity in doctrinal discernment for Biblical Christians. Foxnews Questions, LDS answers (emphasis ours), and our comments/questions.

 

Q: Why do some call the Church a cult?A: For the most part, this seems to stem from a lack of understanding about the Church and its core doctrines and beliefs. Under those circumstances it is too easy to label a religion or other organization that is not well-known with an inflammatory term like ‘cult.’ Famed scholar of religion Martin Marty has said a cult means a church you don’t personally happen to like. We don’t believe any organization should be subjected to a label that has come to be as pejorative as that one.

Even an organization like the Branch Davidians? How about the Raellians that committed suicide? How about the splinter group of Mormons led by Warren Jeffs, who force polygamous marriages and withhold “salvation” from those that refuse?

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God? A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.

What does “literally the Son of God” mean?

“God, the Father, also has an immortal body” Oh really? God is Spirit (in nature or essence) John 4:24.
Q: Does the Church believe that God is a physical being? A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.
“God, the Father, also has an immortal body” Oh really? God is Spirit (in nature or essence) John 4:24.
Q: If so, does the Church believe that God lives on a planet named Kolob? A: ‘Kolob’ is a term found in ancient records translated by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith did not provide a full description or explanation of Kolob nor did he assign the idea particular significance in relation to the Church’s core doctrines.

So are Smith’s claims about Kolob a statement about a planet that actually exists where the immortally bodied God resides or does it not? What is measured here is not the centrality of Kolob to current Mormon doctrine, but whether or not Smith was a true or false prophet.

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that God and Mary had physical sex to conceive Jesus? A: The Church does not claim to know how Jesus was conceived but believes the Bible and Book of Mormon references to Jesus being born of the Virgin Mary.

Clever dodge. Christians DO claim to know that it was not by physical sex. Rather it was a miracle by the Spirit of God, who is incorporeal by nature (Matt 1:18,20)

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe Jesus appeared in North America after his crucifixion and resurrection? A: The appearance of Jesus in the Western Hemisphere shortly after his resurrection is described in the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that when Christ told his disciples in the Bible He had other ’sheep’ who should receive his message he was referring to those people in the Western Hemisphere.

Archaeological and historical evidence please, including explanations for the various animals that the BOM claims were in North America at the time.

Q: If so, when did this happen? And under what circumstances? A: The appearance of Jesus in the Western Hemisphere shortly after his resurrection is described in the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that when Christ told his disciples in the Bible He had other ’sheep’ who should receive his message he was referring to those people in the Western Hemisphere.
Archaeological and historical evidence please, including explanations for the various animals that the BOM claims were in North America at the time.
Q: Does the Mormon Church believe its followers can become “gods and goddesses” after death? A: We believe that the apostle Peter’s biblical reference to partaking of the divine nature and the apostle Paul’s reference to being ‘joint heirs with Christ’ reflect the intent that children of God should strive to emulate their Heavenly Father in every way. Throughout the eternities, Mormons believe, they will reverence and worship God the Father and Jesus Christ. The goal is not to equal them or to achieve parity with them but to imitate and someday acquire their perfect goodness, love and other divine attributes.

Oops! So I have to strive to obtain that which is legally mine? I thought “joint heirs” means that I inherit, not earn the things that are Christ’s by right and by conquest.

Q: What are or were the “Golden Plates”? A: The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith from records made on plates of gold, similar to metal plates that have been found in other ancient cultures. It contained a history of peoples in the Western Hemisphere including an appearance by the Savior to them. As such, the Book of Mormon is considered a second testimony of Jesus Christ.

The history of these plates is utterly different from the history of transmission of Biblical documents. Biblical documents were never secret, nor secretly translated by a private club. The originals were in the common tongue of the people to which they were written, and transmittal and copying were by normal means and available for review, correction, etc.

Q: Are consumption of alcohol and tobacco prohibited or simply discouraged? A: It is against the teachings of the Church to use alcohol and tobacco or to drink tea and coffee.

So Jesus was wrong to take the cup at the last supper? Also, will he not drink again in His coming Kingdom?

Q: What do the Mormons believe about the family? A: Mormons believe that the family is the foundation for this life and the life to come.

What does this mean?

Q: Can someone who may never marry in life have eternal marriage? A: God will not withhold blessings from any of his children who may not have the opportunity to marry in this life.

But if I do have the opportunity and turn it down for the greater service of God, as St. Paul and so many others did, what then?