Monday, September 21, 2009

A Simple Take on Why Mormons Are Christians

The following is a response I wrote to someone on a group blog:

"I agree with everything you wrote in your comment about how to define a Christian. I hope you will understand that what you wrote is what is said in just about every Mormon meeting I have attended for over 40 years.

That’s what is so frustrating about these types of conversations about whether Mormons are Christians. ALL Christian denominations disagree about some points of theology / doctrine; that’s why there are so many denominations. All of us, however, have a deep conviction that Jesus is the Savior and Redeemer of the world - that we are lost and fallen without His grace - that our works mean nothing without His atoning sacrifice - that if works are not fruits of the Spirit’s influence in our lives then they are “dead” to us - etc. We agree on SO much more than most people realize - and most criticism of how we view Jesus simply is incorrect.

Sure, there are some “weird” statements in our past, but how is that any different than Martin Luther claiming that The Epistle of James is not real scripture, for example? Why is the standard so different for us?"

2 comments:

Julie said...

Ray-

This comment has nothing to do with your post, but I was just thinking of you and yours today and felt compelled to give a "shout out" of thanks. Over the past several years, you have made comments or posts in the bloggernacle that have brought peace and comfort to me. It can be very lonely to be single and LDS (especially in the midwest) and it has been comforting to read messages from a fellow saint who "gets it" and understands that people come before programs. Thanks to MamaD too because I am sure you would not be who you are today without her in your life. Anyway, thanks for all you share online. You probably don't realize just how much you lift "the hands that hang down". Blessings! Julie (Professionalmom)

Mama D said...

Wow, Julie, that is unexpected but gratefully accepted. I know Ray will be touched that somehow his efforts have blessed you. May you continue to find peace and comfort in your life!

Maybe Ray already knows this, but if you don't mind sharing, where in the Midwest are you? We are also Midwesterners.