Mormons Are Christians - No Doubt About It

Mormons are Christian of The Re-Established Kind

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I most emphatically declare myself, to be Christian. As much as I would prefer not to be so bold on this subject, I must say, that to Mormons, a suggestion that is contrary to our Christianity, is absolutely ludicrous.

To a Mormon, and in particular, this Mormon, who believes with all her heart and soul, that it is only through Jesus Christ, and His atoning sacrifice on our behalf, that we can be saved -- this assertion is more than absurd to an LDS member, such as myself. To suggest that Mormons, who do everything in the Church and as well as in their personal lives, in the very name of Jesus Christ, are somewhat floored by this judgment that has come upon us -- from none other than those who go about to call themselves Christian as well.

Clearly, the name that the LDS Church bears officially is -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Could our Christianity be any bolder? The very name of the LDS Church literally bears witness to the world, that Jesus Christ stands at the head of His Church.

We also declare, that no man, took this name upon himself in ordering the name of the Church. We as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, testify to the world, that the Church of Jesus Christ, as established by Him, has been restored to the earth in these the last days.

I understand that there are those who feel that the Mormon faith does not practice Christianity in the same way, that those who generally consider themselves Christians do. In that manner, I can easily understand how they would find us different. But, to assert that we are not even Christians, is to act out in such a way, that any true disciple of Jesus Christ would find alarming. I am alarmed, to say the least.

Jesus Christ boldly taught that -- If ye are not ONE, ye are not mine. It is my understanding, that all those who profess Christianity, believe in a Millennial reign of Jesus Christ, at the time of His Second Coming. Those who will have place with Him, during this period, will be of one heart and one mind. I must say, that I am perplexed, as to how those who go about insisting on divisiveness, with others of God's children, can be at peace thinking that when He comes again, they would be rewarded by a claim of such discipleship.

Does any loving parent, if they believe a child has gone astray, then say that they are now not a part of their family any longer? I recently was watching one of the more popular new shows on television. You all are quite aware that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been receiving a lot of media attention. I can't imagine anyone not knowing why, but this is because Mitt Romney, who is a Mormon, is making a run for the office of the Presidency of the United States.

• Has Mixing Religion and Politics in the Public, Ever Been Good for a Candidate?

  
  

Because of Mitt Romney's religion, that, of being Mormon -- the media has done an artful job of magnifying the issue of divisiveness amongst those who are Christians, into the public political arena. And of course, taken the attack of evangelical Christians, on that of Mormon Christians, if you will, and blown it completely out of proportion. It is now much more public and inflamed than it was, even prior the beginning of this presidential election. It appears that they have taken the opportunity to capitalized on this issue, for entertainment purposes. Albeit, that Mitt Romney has received a lot of media attention because of it. We all have. But it is unfortunately being targeted at large, on the belief that the LDS Church being wrong, now having a less than positive impact on Mitt Romney's candidacy. This is a man, who if he could turn away from his faith, would be rewarded greatly I am sure. The baggage of the false attacks on the Church have been nothing less than a detriment to his campaign.

Most political candidates will do most anything that is required to become elected to their office. Mitt Romney has held fast to that which he believes, regardless of the damage that it is causing. He has unfairly had to defend the doctrines of the LDS Church, when this is not appropriate for a candidate to have to do so. Yet, Mitt Romney, still has the confidence in the American people to see through such attacks and look at him fairly in the end. I admire that. Many in his profession, may very well have turned away from a thing that may lose them, their hearts desire to obtain.

What I witnessed when watching this news magazine program that I was speaking of, was a fairly large group of Christians, who had taken to the road together. Their passionate cause, was to go about and save the Mormons from going to hell. During a particular interview that was aired, the media was asking some of these folks, who were standing outside of a familiar LDS building -- the question why?

These responses continue to be very disturbing to me, as I have heard them many times before. They responded, that it was their love for the Mormon people, as their reason for acting out in such a manner. There was also a comment, eluding to the fact that the Mormons are good people, but... I'm sorry, I just don't buy this whatsoever. Why don't we feel the love then? Perhaps this is supposed to be "tough love"?

During this interview, there were members of the LDS faith, who were leaving their meeting, and walking past this group that had assembled; as they had no alternative but to face this gauntlet of so called "Christians". These self-proclaimed, well meaning people, were literally getting in their faces, and with insistence, now attempting to let them know how misguided these LDS people were. In return, the members of the LDS Church, quickly maneuvered themselves around, and away from this onslaught, and simply kept walking. They did this not to be rude, but to avoid this contentious barrage that they found themselves in. This is what the media portrayed to the public.

I personally experienced this on a much smaller scale. This past summer, as I was visiting Temple Square, in Salt Lake City, I also, had to avoid those that were standing in select areas, just right off the private grounds. They were handing out fliers and attempting to stop members of the LDS Church. They had hopes that they might discourage... I don't know what really. Most people, just as I described before, did the best they could, to not be caught in their web.

I cannot see a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- using such a tactic.

Christians believe in sharing the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are to actively teach, by sharing their testimonies, with those who would like to know more about the Church. To my knowledge, which on this I believe to be most credible -- I am not aware of any of our missionaries, who serve throughout the world, or LDS members, using this approach as representatives of Jesus Christ. I am confident, that this approach would never be encouraged by the Church for its members. If it were to happen on some scale, it would not have been authorized by the LDS Church. Unfortunately, people have their own will, to do as they like, but this is not part of the program for sharing the gospel that is taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I feel certain, that if I personally attempted to get in the face of another individual, in like manner... I most likely would be shutting off any opportunity, of their ever wanting to hear a thing that I had to say about Jesus Christ. As my experiences are so extremely different, while sharing my beliefs -- I have no concept as to how anyone could possibly believe that a potential convert could feel the Spirit witness of truth, with this type of method. How could I then account to the Savior, that I had followed in His ways?

• What Does it Mean to Be a Christian?

I have asked myself, what does it mean to be a Christian. The Bible testifies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that only through Him can we be saved. Jesus Christ beckons those who accept His words, to then follow Him. To be a Christian, to me... is to receive His words, exercise faith in Him unto these promises, and be willing to keep His commandments to the best of our knowledge and ability to do so. The blessing of our willingness to do these things, then qualifies us, for the Father to then send the Holy Ghost to be with us, to sanctify us; so that we may be cleansed of all sin; and to ultimately guide us back into His Presence.

Unfortunately, there are too many that would have others believe that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not worship Jesus Christ. These same organized groups, would also have you believe that we do not accept the atonement of Jesus Christ, as 'other' Christians. These doctrines are simply either being purposefully distorted, or the result of a carelessness on their part, in not seeking to know what and how Mormons believe in Jesus Christ.

They would also want you to accept their assertion, that the Mormon faith is a cult, in the worst sense. It is my understanding, that these organized groups, proclaim that The Church of Jesus Christ is not accepted by any other Christians, worldwide.

In the "Articles of Faith", wherein are stated some of the core beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints -- article number four declares,

"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."

These tenets alone, that Joseph Smith listed, when he was asked what the Mormons believe, verify that Mormons are indeed Christian. Because we believe in a restoration of the same Church which Jesus Christ Himself organized, we also believe that there was an apostasy which then necessitated such. I will write more on the apostasy and our beliefs regarding this, in another article. This background is critical though, if you are to understand or accept the foundation of the LDS Church and its teachings.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through this restoration, testifies that God speaks to man again and in our day. He does this in the very same way that He did, as recorded in the Bible -- through His living Prophets. We are a Church that believes and testifies of modern revelation. Not only to prophets, but to individual members does God speak to, through the Holy Ghost. In this way, as opposed to what many suppose, because we do accept a living prophet, is so that the members of the LDS Church are not dependent on man for their understanding of, and testimony of Jesus Christ. We believe that these things are taught and witnessed to us, through the gift of the Holy Ghost. We are continually admonished to confirm all things through and by the Holy Ghost. Owning one's own testimony is central to Mormonism. Therein, lies its Power, to confound many, who will not look.

A prophet is a man who has been given, of Jesus Christ, the authority to administer God's Church here upon the earth. His words are considered, as coming directly from the Lord Himself, through His living prophet, unto His children. The prophet of God, then teaches, declares doctrine; testifies of the living God; speaks on behalf of the Lord in all things as pertaining to the entire church; has been given the Priesthood of God, which is to act in His Name...

The prophet Joseph Smith was asked the question -- what makes the Mormon Church different from any other church? Fair question, right? He answered this question by saying that it was the fact that we have and do believe in living prophets. Which is, that the Holy Ghost is truly manifest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That we are a people that look to a living prophet, who God speaks through, for the benefit of His people. No other church that I am aware of, holds to the belief in living prophets today. As strange as this may seem at first thought, it is true nonetheless.

One must ask themselves the simple question, as to why God would not speak to His children in our day, as He did in the Bible? We testify that He does. The gift of the Holy Ghost, which members receive by laying on of hands, is very real and different than the spirit, which is given to all men, regardless of religious faith. This is known as the "light of Christ''. It is a light that when followed, will lead a man into the truth of all things.

When that truth is received, and covenants made, then the Father, as taught in the Bible, will send the gift of the Holy Ghost, as representative of the Son Himself. The gift of the Holy Ghost's personal companionship, to an individual, is one of the greatest gifts that God can bestow on those, here upon the earth.

As much as this declaration, by other Christians, is somewhat painful to LDS members of the LDS Church, we are firm in the faith, that we have in Jesus Christ. We know personally, how we worship Him. We know personally, the depth of our need for Him to save us from our sins. We know, that He was the only person to ever live that was perfect. We know, that it is only in His name, that we can be made whole.

And, we know, most importantly, that our love for Him and desire to do His will and walk in His ways -- is an acceptable offering unto God.

He was the babe, born in Bethlehem.

He was the man, who walked the roads of Galilee.

He is our God, who bled from every pore, as He took upon Himself our sins and willingly offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, and died on the cross at Calvary.

And it is He, that from the garden tomb, three days after He was crucified unto death... was lifted up again, overcoming physical death and resurrected unto Life Eternal.

He is Risen!

This is Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified should come into the world, and take away the sins of the world... that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.

tDMg

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