Comments on Mormons ARE Christian: Mormons ARE Christian

Faithful witness: Please re-read the section on "...

2009-03-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

Faithful witness:

Please re-read the section on "Theosis". Do you think that Jesus Christ is progressing in knowledge and understanding (i.e. is the Jesus Christ of the New Testament on target vis-a-vis the Jehovah of the Old Testament)?

If we have any hope of approaching our Father in Heaven in knowledge and wisdom, wouldn't we be progressing? That is Eternal Progression.

Just wondering, how might you justify or for that ...

2009-03-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

Just wondering, how might you justify or for that matter reconcile eternal progression with first century Christians?

The scripture quoted in Deuteronomy 4:2 should als...

2008-11-15T19:47:00.000-08:00

The scripture quoted in Deuteronomy 4:2 should also be taken into consideration. It says the same thing basically as the one in Revelation. We should assume that these scriptiures pertain only to the books that were being written in at the time. Also, the scholars of the NIV study bible footnote that the verse in the Book of Revelation pertain only to that book.

Also, there are a few scriptures that talk about the divinization of man in the New Testiment, for instance Romans 8:16-17 which reinforces the point made by bot about the righteous desires of a father "The Spirit itself beareth withness with our spirit that we are the children of God. (17) And if children, then heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ (because without his partnership and grace it is not possible) if it so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together"

I know it sounds like a lot, but just listen to what Paul writes in the next verse "(18) For I reckon that the suffrings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us"

Also the parable given in Luke 12:41-48 explains it pretty plainly to me, especially verse 44 "OF a truth I say unto you, that he will make him (talking about the servant who was faithful to his Lord) ruler over all that he hath"

God has everything, so sharing his joy and all that he has with His children would not be taking away anything from him. I hope that helps.

I have to weigh in on the book of revelations as w...

2008-07-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

I have to weigh in on the book of revelations as well. Not critical at all of earlier posts, everyone has their opinion about the dates. But, the Apostles wrote their sermons in text individually, not collectively.

Of the entire corpus of 5,366 known Greek New Testament manuscripts, only 35 contain the whole New Testament as we now know it, and 34 of those were compiled after a.d. 1000. The orders of the books were never preconceived by the Apostles, how could they be? I must say however, if I were compiling the writings and I had to choose a good ending verse to the bible, I probably would have picked the one currently used. But don't confuse Johns intentions, he meant "that" book as in the book he was currently writing in.

I was wondering if other Christians understand the...

2008-07-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

I was wondering if other Christians understand the extent to which Mormons believe they will be Gods. To be as God is, is not to say we are going to be equal to him. Being like God is to gain the exaltation he possesses. Meaning our souls are eternal and can progress in wisdom and power eternally. Opposite of being damned, meaning your progression is stopped.

In the words of an LDS Apostle, Bruce R. McConkie: "There is and can only be one who is supreme, who is the head and to who all the others are subject". Becoming like God is not saying we will ever by equal to him, frankly we won't and can't. He will forever be worshipped by us.

Wikipedia:Mark: c. 68–73,[6] c 65-70[1] Matthew: c...

2008-07-07T22:13:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia:

Mark: c. 68–73,[6] c 65-70[1]
Matthew: c. 70–100.[6] c 80-85.[1] Some conservative scholars argue for a pre-70 date, particularly those that do not accept Mark as the first gospel written.
Luke: c. 80–100, with most arguing for somewhere around 85,[6], c 80-85[1]
John: c 90-100,[1]

According to early tradition, the writing of The Book of Revelation took place near the very end of Domitian's reign, around 95 or 96. Others contend for an earlier date, 68 or 69, in the reign of Nero or shortly thereafter.[13] The majority of modern scholars also use these dates.[14]

Clearly, the Book of Revelation is not the last Book of the Bible.

i guess possibly viewing god and humans as close m...

2008-07-07T20:31:00.000-07:00

i guess possibly viewing god and humans as close maybe defeats the purpose or meaning behind the infinite or sacred. i think that god wants for us is to be with him, and that does not mean being gods like him. for me that gets a bit to close to that of the fall of lucifer. and according to history john was the last of the apostles and his writings of revelation were thought to be have written while on patmos in the last few years of his life. that would make him the last of the apostles to have written biblical text...what scripture are you citing was written after revelation that is considered biblical?

As a father, wouldn't you want your offspring to h...

2008-07-07T16:51:00.000-07:00

As a father, wouldn't you want your offspring to have all that you have (especially intellectually and spritually)? I believe our Father in Heaven wants that for his valiant spiritual offspring.

The Book of Revelation was not the last book written in the New Testament (despite it's placement last). Thus the comment about not adding to the book pertains just to the Book of Revelation.

great comment! looks like this is a true discussio...

2008-07-07T14:59:00.000-07:00

great comment! looks like this is a true discussion. i think i understand why evangelicals (which i am not) see why Mormonism as something other than christianity. the issue of divinization while it may be commented on by previous church writers and saints, i think many traditional followers have issue with the idea of becoming godlike. and from my experience with the scriptures jesus does not comment on becoming like him, but just being with him. im gonna stick with my knowledge of approved church scriptures as added texts just complicate the issue for now, in a strict discussion sense. additionally how does the mormon church account for the passages in revelation that comment on no one should add or take away from the testament? im full of questions today

Divinization, narrowing the space between God and ...

2008-07-07T14:42:00.000-07:00

Divinization, narrowing the space between God and humans, was also part of Early Christian belief. St. Athanasius of Alexandria (Eastern Orthodox) wrote, regarding theosis, "The Son of God became man, that we might become God." . The Gospel of Thomas (which pre-dates the 4 Gospels, but was considered heretical by the Nicene Council) quotes the Savior: “He who will drink from my mouth will become as I am: I myself shall become he, and the things that are hidden will be revealed to him” The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) views the Trinity as three separate divine beings , in accord with the earliest Greek New Testament manuscripts, and agrees with Athanasius and Thomas regarding theosis.

saw your post on Fox Attacks. I wonder if evangel...

2008-07-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

saw your post on Fox Attacks. I wonder if evangelicals believe mormonism as non-christian because of the deification portion of your talk. i have heard that in mormonism you can potentially become a godhead which i think goes against most evangelical thought, possibly because of the idea that there is only one god..im no expert but its just a thought, maybe you could explain further