amerige@sbcs.UUCP (Stephen Amerige) (02/21/85)
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In order to disabuse the public mind as to things pertaining to
`Mormonism,' and as a a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, having performed missionary service, I would like to
share my thoughts on `Christianity.'
I have read several postings and would like to see contention cease.
Are Mormons Christians?
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If one defines a `Christian' to be a believer in Jesus, as our
Savior, the answer is a certain "yes." If one defines a `Christian'
after the trends of current religious beliefs as concerns the historical
and divine nature of Jesus, then I think it may be understandable that
some would call Mormons, "non-Christians."
Let us, however, consider the time that Jesus lived. At that time,
there were "followers" teaching all manner of false teachings, such as God
would abhor. Jesus came as the 'Christ'--to set things in order. This
was not to say that these people were evil, or willfully rebellious.
But rather, that the teachings of man crept into the true order of God.
When Jesus came, he redeclared the truth and gave it fuller meaning,
dispelling the ignorance of those who had ears to hear. Those who listened,
let us call them the `followers of Christ,' were the only ones able to make
that claim, since those that did not follow could hardly be called
`followers.' But to the majority--those who would not listen--these people
were not followers of the `truth.' So it is today. The question comes
down to, "Are Latter-day Saints enlightened, and hence true `Christians'?"
Now, how does this make you feel? If you feel that there may be some
truth to it, then your obligation is to study it out, and prayerfully
consider it and act upon the light you receive (James 1:5).
If you don't, then isn't it a demonstration of a lack of self-confidence
to try to defame another? Mutual respect is where it is at today.
Perhaps a more interesting discussion might be started under the
heading of `Principles of Faith: <faith> <principle>' with contributions
from different <faiths> about a specific <principle>. This would help
us to better appreciate each other, and help us to come to understand
ourselves better. I will post one next week on:
Principles of Faith: Mormon, Salvation
--Stephen Amerige
{philabs, okstate, allegra}!sbcs!amerige