I must have seen the expression a hundred times, a look of utter, bewildered incomprehension when someone even raises the question of whether or not Mormons are really Christians. Why of course we're Christians, is the standard response. We are, after all, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The wounded and befuddled Mormon might even add that the prophet Joseph Smith Jr. was visited by God the Father and Jesus the Son back in Palmyra, New York, in 1820. So, yes, we're Christians. How could you even suggest otherwise?
I've witnessed some variation of this exchange so many times that I'm convinced the wounded reaction on the part of Mormons is sincere. A Mormon honestly cannot understand how anyone could question whether he or she was a Christian.
But the question has surfaced once again, this time publicly and with a vengeance, because of the candidacies of Jon Huntsman and Mitt Romney for the Republican presidential nomination. Most recently, Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, told a reporter that Romney "is not a Christian" and characterized Mormonism as a "cult."
I have no brief for Jeffress, whose politics I despise as inimical to the Christian and, in particular, evangelical values that I honor. And the fact that he can dispense such zingers wearing his trademark treacly smile disposes me to like him even less. But it's important also to understand the context of the fundamentalism he represents.
For Jeffress and for millions of other fundamentalists, the word "Christian" is a specialized term reserved only to those who hold certain beliefs. Having grown up fundamentalist, I spent the first two-plus decades of my life convinced that Roman Catholics were not Christians - because they were not fundamentalists.
The preface to my book Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory recounts the rainy day in my childhood when I finally mustered the courage to "witness" to Stanley, my next-door neighbor and playmate. "Stanley," I began, my voice quavering, "are you a Christian?" When he replied in the affirmative, I was sure he was lying. Stanley was Roman Catholic.
Although they tend to be less vocal about the matter, at least publicly, fundamentalists also begrudge the label "Christian" to anyone who is not an evangelical, including mainline Protestants. So it should come as no surprise that Jeffress would consider Mormons non-Christians. (The label "cult," however, is another matter. Although fundamentalists like to sling the word about rather freely, I generally think it's inadvisable because the word is invariably pejorative. I've yet to meet anyone who said, "Yes, I'm a member of a cult!")
All of this begs the larger, normative question about whether Mormonism is indeed "Christian." My friend Jan Shipps, for example, a devout Methodist who knows more about Mormons than any "gentile" (non-Mormon, in Mormon parlance) on the planet, insists that, yes, Mormons are Christians.
Although I know many Mormons and admire their faith, I think the answer to that question might be a bit more complicated. Here's why.
Although Mormons themselves don't go much for creeds, one of the formative creeds in Christian orthodoxy is the Nicene Creed, which includes the following affirmation: "We believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins." Christian groups, then, generally regard baptism as universal. If I wanted to become, say, Roman Catholic, I would not be required to repeat my baptism; I would simply be "received" into the Roman Catholic Church.
Not so with Mormonism. If I converted to Mormonism, I would have to be baptized a second time as a Mormon by Mormons. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, despite the Nicene Creed's reference to "one baptism," does not recognize as legitimate my baptism in the Evangelical Free Church of Bay City, Michigan.
I'm not enough of a theologian to rule on whether or not Mormonism's teaching on baptism disqualifies it from using the term "Christian." At the very least, however, that teaching renders the wounded look in the eye just a tad disingenuous. If Mormons want to be considered Christians, why don't they in turn acknowledge without prejudice the Christianity of, say, Methodists or Presbyterians or Episcopalians or Roman Catholics?
As for Jeffress, he's entitled to his views, of course. But one of the changes I've noticed in fundamentalism over the past three or four decades is that it's no longer acceptable publicly to criticize Roman Catholics as "non-Christians," even though most fundamentalists, in their heart of hearts, continue to believe it. We can only hope that the same reticence will, in the not-too-distant future, apply to Mormons.
Randall Balmer, an Episcopal priest, is Professor of American Religious History at Columbia University. He is the author of a dozen books, including "God in the White House: How Faith Shaped the Presidency from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush."
Jeff Schweitzer: The Church of America
Romney responds to Mormon flare-up; Perry passes - Yahoo! News
Is Romney's Mormon faith affecting votes? - CBS News
Mitt Romney is a Mormon. Does it matter in politics? - CSMonitor.com
Romney slams Mormon critic's 'poisonous language' - politics ...
The problem with the baptism criteria is that many Christian churches don't recognize infant baptism. I would have to be baptized again if, say, I converted from Methodism to Baptism. But I am not sure even mainstream Baptists would deny that I was Christian beforehand; I just wasn't properly baptized in their view.
None of this means that Mormons are bad people or ineligible for any public office or can't represent me politically. It's just that, factually, I don't think they're Christians. No judgment implied beyond that. Honestly. :-)
*blushes* I obviously meant New Testament. The coffee hasn't quite kicked in yet...
The question really shouldn't be - I am Christian. Mormon's don't believe the same things that I do - therefore Mormon's shouldn't be allowed to be concidered Christian.
This basic idea of 'who defines Christianity' and who defines heresy is the question at hand. Why should the Southern Baptist Convention have an authoritative definition of who is and who isn't Christian. They shouldn't.
I find it quite offensive to have someone tell me that I am not Christian. Who appointed them as judge of my conscience and efforts to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Yes Mormon's believe differently. If we didn't - what would the point have been for a restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Be careful not to crucify the Savior for the blasphemy of declaring himself the Son of God.
Mormonism as the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth exists because the ancient church was invaded by wolves in sheeps clothing that inserted heresy into the pure truths of the gospel.
1978.
Tack that one on with the Catholic Church and women and we have ourselves a theme.
Look at Article 6 saying *no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States* and tell me why must anyone be a Christian to become president. The concern of what qualifies one for president is that he will "ensure the faithful execution of the laws", especially constitution per Article 2, section 8 he takes a oath to protect WITH HIS LIFE as does congressman, military and police. Are we interested in the governing of this nation constitutionally of to allow its corruption to continue to rum rampant? That's the thing to be concern with, and nothing more.
The only religion I profess is "a way of life providing understanding of the purpose for existence" so does that disqualify me for president should a state draft me as their presidential candidate? It makes me an atheist so does that disqualify me if drafted? No, to both, because I am the only person I know require the Preamble be the only platform for any elected official & Articles & Amendments the means of obtaining it.
What is needed in a governmental office is integrity, love for the people and taking their oath to mean "with their lives" like the Military and Police, people wanting to know what they can do for the people rather than for themselves such as serving one tern and have retirement for the rest of theirs and spouse's lives, which the military don't get for putting their lives on the line.
Now for my comment... I consider anyone that reverences our Savior - Jesus Christ - to be a Christian. I recognize that the Nicene Creed binds many other Christian Faiths in a common starting ground, but Christianity was around long before that council in many forms - with diverging principles. The same is true today (as shown so well in this article). I believe in Jesus Christ and I accept him as my Savior.
As for the question of "one baptism" - I would like to address this concern. We believe that it only takes one baptism, by proper authority. I am sure that comment will raise issue among many of you, but I wanted to point out that I applaud any that choose to do something in their life to come closer to Christ (like baptism) - I know it will bless them. I also know that sometimes there is something good, and there is something better. My introduction should indicate that I believe baptism by a worthy Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is something better and worth the difference.
If those calling themselves Christians, meaning "believer in Jesus the chirst," believed in him they would live as he told us, following him daily, are "born of the spirit" as John 3:8 suggest we're recognized & we would have no place for our heads (Matthew 8:20). Only when living that life will spirit teach the kingdom message to us as we become the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) preparing to enter the kingdom on earth.
Mitt Romney is as much a christian a any of the fundamentalists. My experiences are most who denounces another concerning any matter are hiding themselves from the fact that they aren't what they claim to be. Beware of "the counsel of the ungodly, standing in the way of sinners and sitting in the seat of the scornful" (Psalm 1:1) for thy enters not the kingdom and prevents those who would from entering as well.
"This is the same lie the serpent sold to Eve. The Christian God doesn't tolerate competition."
That, my friend, is the Original Sin. It wasn't sex, it wasn't eating an apple and it wasn't being disobedient. It was man's desire to be a god and Satan exposed it! (Genesis 3:5, 22). Now the fact that there are no crosses in their Temples, believe that Satan is Jesus’ brother and that that they feel that they are of the Melchizidek priesthood (the desire to be a god), I believe that you can see whose finger prints are all over that religion. It’s the Church of Jesus’ “Brothe”r, beguiling those who believe that they are Latter Day Saints.
"This is what the LORD says—
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
and what is yet to come—
yes, let them foretell what will come.
Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”
Isaiah 44: 6-8
Do you really believe that every word of God is in the Bible.
-- Yes it most certainly is.
Because you are quite offended at the idea of a Book of Mormon existing that should be treated as a scriptural equivalent to the Bible.
-- Yes - the Book of Mormon is a problem for me. I don't believe it is scripture.
But you have never read any of it.
-- I don't need to, because the Bible contains all scripture.
How did the Wise Men know Jesus had been born?
-- They saw his star.
When they asked Herod where he was, how did the priests know he was born in Bethlehem?
-- The scriptures said so.
Why didn't the priests know that Jesus had been born?
-- I don't know
Because know where in the Old Testament is there a revelation about a star appearing at the birth of the Savior. The wise men were instructed by 'extra biblical revelation' because for the safety of Jesus, the priests were not supposed to know when he would be born.
Book of Mormon prophets where aware fo this prophesy and the Birth of Jesus Christ was recorded in their history when they saw the sign.
I don't expect any non-Mormons to understand the teachings of the Book of Mormon. Of course Evangelicals don't believe that yet. That's why we send Missionaries - to teach it to you. Why don't you read it before you judge it. It is not pornography. It won't poisen your mind. It will upset your pastor though.
So you are concerned with where the Garden of Eden was. OK - if it wasn't Missouri - where was it? Provide evidence. Noah got in a big boat and landed some place completely diffferent from where he left. We can guess pretty well where he landed - but do you have a clue where he left from? No? Well than why get your undies in a bunch over something so silly?
--Randy - Christians believe that God revealed all his word and it is in the Bible. All og Gods word is in the Bible and every thing in the Bible is God's word. The Bible contains all truth.
So what about God revealing his will through Prophets as he did in olden days?
-- He doesn't need to do that because He has given us the Bible.
Do you believe that God can inspire and instruct you when you pray?
--yes
Do you think your Pastor can seek inspiration through prayer to guide his congregation?
--yes
Then you believe in the gift of prophecy
-- I guess so, but I don't believe there should be any more scripture
Why not?
-- Because the Bible has all the word of God in it already.
Where in the Bible does it say that?
-- I'll tell you tomorrow.
The problem is - that the Bible doesn't ever say that. It couldn't ever say that because the Bible didn't exist when the books were written. The Bible is a collection of books that were written much earlier. The Bible didn't exist when it was written, so no author ever referred to the Bible (other than Ezekial).
So because I am Mormon - I am not Christian right?
-- right
Only Christians can be saved?
-- yes
So is being saved pretty much the same thing as being a Christian?
-- you could say that. Only Christians are saved, and only those saved are truly Christians.
Can you tell when you go to church who is saved and who isn't?
-- no, that is a personal experience that only the individual and God will be able to verify
But your Pastor knows who is saved and who isn't in his congregation can't he?
-- no, like I said, it is personal. The pastor has no authority to judge that.
Don't you find it odd that your Pastor - who has never met me - can tell you with a straight face that I am not saved and am not a Christian if he can't even determine that for members of his own congregation?
I trust that you know very little about Mormonism other than what you have heard from misinformed, misdirected, or misinclined individuals. I appreciate your concern, but doubt the substance of it. If I were to explain to you my belief in Jesus Christ, I am pretty sure that you would be shockingly concerned that my belief in his existence and mission and my understanding of his teachings would be disturbingly close to yours. You would then proceed to find other things that must condemn my beliefs - because my understanding of the Jesus of the New Testament and my efforts in discipleship are unexpectedly too close to yours for comfort.
As member of the LDS church myself, it's refreshing to see and hear discourse on this topic. And though I appreciate Mr. Balmer's article, I do differ with him on one issue. Though there may be some members of the LDS church that are offended by comments that Mormons are not Christians, I don't think the leaders of the church really care too much about whether other faiths acknowledge us as Christian or not. In General Conference and in writings, leaders boldly state that we are Christian if Christians are defined as individuals who worship Jesus Christ. They simply state our position and move on. I have been a Mormon my whole life having lived in different parts of the world. My experience has been that Mormons in general don't really care if others consider them Christian or not either. For the most part, we sort of laugh it off or roll our eyes and move on as well. We know who we believe in and worship. We share it with those who are interested and to those who are not, we leave alone. It a quiet calmness, really. I think when I hear comments like that of Pastor Jeffress - and I have heard them my whole life - it really just says more about him and those like him than it does about us. Oh well.
But they willfigh this tooth and nail that "their way" is the correct way. Even when folks given them resistence, they will use that as a sign that they are right and the others are wrong. Intresting that they dropped polygamy when Utah applied for statehood. If polygamy was truly from God, they wold have said, "Hell no{, and sued the US as being unconstutional by denying them of their religious freedom. If its from God, you don't yield to public pressure.
Jesus attended the temple. Romans were not allowed in the temple. Not even all Mormons can enter the temple. It requires spiritual preparation just as it did in the ancient times. We are not surprised that temple worship is foreign to you. But again- we are not trying to be protestants - we are trying to do what the Lord has asked us to do. But are we to say Mormons have temples, Christians don't - so Mormons aren't Christians? Not a useful argument. Particularly when Jesus Christ taught in the temple and respected it sufficiently has the house of God that he cast the money changers out.
I've already explained your misunderstanding of Priesthood keys. Your continuance to propagate your misunderstanding is now bordering on intolerance with what you don't understand. (aka bigotry.) Mormon's believe in a Virgin Birth. You seem to not want to listen to what Mormons tell you about thier beliefs and prefer your own charicature of our beliefs because it is more fun for you to poke fun at.
Please don't misrepresent yourself as an 'unbiased', 'well-read' person. You really are just fighting against a bogey man that you have created for yourself. Why - I cannot presume to explain.
LDS have over their history attacked the mainstream as just as they're getting it now.
Joseph Smith claimed that God said the following of the religions of his day:
"all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt;"
Not the most positive take on other Christian religions. And LDS leaders from Joseph up til the 1980s have the same take on other religions— all apostate and inferior. You still hear it in meetings around the LDS Church.
Current Gospel Principles manual:
"Because of wickedness and apostasy, the apostolic authority and priesthood keys were also taken from the earth. The organization that Jesus Christ had established no longer existed, and confusion resulted. More and more error crept into Church doctrine, and soon the dissolution of the Church was complete. The period of time when the true Church no longer existed on earth is called the Great Apostasy.
The Savior promised to restore His Church in the latter days...Joseph (Smith) was to be the one to help restore the true gospel of Jesus Christ."
Don't even get me started on the portrayal of the creedal Christian minister in the pre-1990 temple ceremony.
How is the LDS claim that creedal Christianity is apostate any different than mainstream Christians claiming LDS aren't Christian? I don't see any real
How many beings did Stephen see when he looked upto heaven prior to his stoning and he saw Jesus Christ standing on the right hand of God?
Use a false standard and you will get a false measurement.