Quantcast


Advertisement

The God Blog

Email | Print | Text - Text +

January 30, 2008 | 2:08 pm

Romney says Mormons not Christians?

Posted by Brad A. Greenberg

From the Unlikely About Face Department:

“Mitt Romney has acknowledged that Mormonism is not a Christian faith.”

That comment was made by a policy expert from Focus on the Family. But if you recall from his faith in America speech, Romney said:

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. My church’s beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has its own unique doctrines and history.

In other words: We’re as Christian as Lutherans and Catholics. Romney’s campaign has rebutted the Focus on the Family claim.

GetReligion has the backstory and a bit more explanation:

There’s quite a bit of buzz out there right now in evangelical circles about a series of informational videos that are up and running at CitizenLink.org — which is part of the wider kingdom linked to an activist by the name of James Dobson. The videos feature clips of recent webcasts with Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council.

Right now, everyone is asking — will Dobson endorse either (gasp) Mitt Romney or (gasp!) John McCain? It is in that context that the following blog item by Michael Scherer appears at Time, with the pushy headline: “A stealth Mitt Romney endorsement from the religious right’s powerbrokers?”

The clip on Rudy Giuliani is harsh (note that reference to dancing in drag). No surprise. The McCain video says voters have no way of knowing what the senator will do next. No surprise. Then the video on Mike Huckabee is surprisingly critical. No surprise?

After praising Huckabee’s social views, both Perkins and Tom Minnery, a policy expert at Focus on the Family, hammer the former Arkansas governor for his foreign policy views. Minnery suggests that Huckabee does not understand the cause for which American troops are dying in Iraq. Then Perkins suggests that Huckabee lacks the fiscal and national security credentials needed for a conservative presidential candidate. “The conservatives have been successful in electing candidates, and presidents in particular, when they have had a candidate that can address not only the social issues, [but] the fiscal issues and the defense issues,” says Perkins. “[Huckabee] has got to reach out to the fiscal conservatives and the security conservatives.” Ouch.

Now hang on, here comes the buried lede.

So what about Romney? He comes up roses. “He has staked out positions on all three of the areas that we have discussed,” says Perkins. “I think he continues to be solidly conservative.” Then Minnery defends Romney from criticism that he is too polished and smooth. “Mitt Romney has acknowledged that Mormonism is not a Christian faith,” Minnery adds. “But on the social issues we are so similar.”
So what’s the reality here?

13 Comments — Leave your comment

Share this post: del.icio.us Favicondel.icio.us Digg FaviconDigg Facebook FaviconFacebook Google FaviconGoogle Reddit FaviconReddit StumbleUpon FaviconStumbleUpon Technorati FaviconTechnorati YahooMyWeb FaviconYahooMyWeb

COMMENTS

We welcome your feedback. Comments may not exceed 700 characters.

Privacy Policy

Your information will not be shared or sold without your consent. Get all the details.

Terms of Service

JewishJournal.com has rules for its commenting community.Get all the details.

u love romney

Comment by Anonymous on 2/05/08 at 10:54 am

The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) is often accused of not believing in Christ and, therefore, not being a Christian religion   This article helps to clarify such misconceptions by examining early Christianity’s theology relating to baptism, the Godhead, the deity of Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

•  Baptism:  .

Early Christian churches, practiced baptism of youth (not infants) by immersion by the father of the family.  The local congregation had a lay ministry. An early Christian Church has been re-constructed at the Israel Museum, and the above can be verified. http://www.imj.org.il/eng/exhibitions/2000/christianity/ancientchurch/structure/index.html
The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) continues baptism and a lay ministry as taught by Jesus’ Apostles.  Early Christians were persecuted for keeping their practices sacred, and prohibiting non-Christians from witnessing them.

•  The Trinity: .

A literal reading of the New Testament points to God and Jesus Christ , His Son ,  being separate , divine beings , united in purpose. .  To whom was Jesus praying in Gethsemane, and Who was speaking to Him and his apostles on the Mount of Transfiguration?

The Nicene Creed”s definition of the Trinity was influenced by scribes translating the Greek manuscripts into Latin.  The scribes embellished on a passage explaining the Trinity , which is the Catholic and Protestant belief that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The oldest versions of the epistle of 1 John, read: “There are three that bear witness: the Spirit, the water and the blood and these three are one.”

Scribes later added “the Father, the Word and the Spirit,” and it remained in the epistle when it was translated into English for the King James Version, according to Dr. Bart Ehrman, Chairman of the Religion Department at UNC- Chapel Hill.  He no longer believes in the Nicene Trinity. .

Scholars agree that Early Christians believed in an embodied God; it was neo-Platonist influences that later turned Him into a disembodied Spirit. Harper’s Bible Dictionary entry on the Trinity says “the formal doctrine of the Trinity as it was defined by the great church councils of the fourth and fifth centuries is not to be found in the New Testament.” 

The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) views the Trinity as three separate divine beings , in accord with the earliest Greek New Testament manuscripts.

•  Theosis

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 non-canonical 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.  (Gospel of Thomas 50, 28-30, Nag Hammadi Library in English, J.M.Robinson, 1st ed 1977; 3rd ed. 1988)  The Church of Jesus Christ (LDS agrees with Athanasius and Thomas regarding theosis.

•  The Deity of Jesus Christ

Mormons hold firmly to the deity of Christ.  For members of the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS), Jesus is not only the Son of God but also God the Son.  Evangelical pollster George Barna found in 2001 that while only 33 percent of American Catholics, Lutherans, and Methodists (28 percent of Episcopalians) agreed that Jesus was “without sin”, 70 percent of Mormons believe Jesus was sinless.  http://www.adherents.com/misc/BarnaPoll.html

•  The Cross and Christ’s Atonement: .

The Cross became popular as a Christian symbol in the Fifth Century A.D. .  Members of the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) believe the proper Christian symbol is Christ’s resurrection , not his crucifixion on the Cross.  Many Mormon chapels feature paintings of the resurrected Christ or His Second Coming.  Furthermore, members of the church believe the major part of Christ’s atonement occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane as Christ took upon him the sins of all mankind.

•  Definition of “Christian”: .

But Mormons don’t term Catholics and Protestants “non-Christian”.  They believe Christ’s atonement applies to all mankind.  The dictionary definition of a Christian is “of, pertaining to, believing in, or belonging to a religion based on the teachings of Jesus Christ”:  All of the above denominations are followers of Christ, and consider him divine, and the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament.  They all worship the one and only true God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and address Him in prayer as prescribed in The Lord’s Prayer.

It’s important to understand the difference between Reformation and Restoration when we consider who might be authentic Christians. . Early Christians had certain rituals which defined a Christian http://sacred-texts.com/chr/ecf/207/2070037.htm , which members of the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) continue today. .  If members of the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) embrace early Christian theology,  they are likely more “Christian” than their detractors.

•  The Parallel with the “Rise of Christianity”

Rodney Stark in his book “The Rise of Christianity” found parallels with the rise of Mormonism:
A similar growth rate (40 percent for Christianity, and 43 percent for Mormonism) for both nascent religious movements.  Conversions proceeded along social networking lines, primarily.  While Christianity retained Jews’ belief in the Old Testament, Mormonism retains Creedal Christians’ belief in both the New and Old Testaments.  The Romans martyred the Christian leaders, the mobs in Missouri and Illinois martyred the Mormon leaders.  In both cases, they expected the fledgling movements to fail without their leaders.

•  The Need for a Restoration of the Christian Church:

The founder of the Baptist Church in America, Roger Williams, just prior to leaving the church he established, said this:

“There is no regularly constituted church of Christ on earth, nor any person qualified to administer any church ordinances; nor can there be until new apostles are sent by the Great Head of the Church for whose coming I am seeking.” (Picturesque America, p. 502.)

Martin Luther had similar thoughts: “Nor can a Christian believer be forced beyond sacred Scriptures,...unless some new and proved revelation should be added; for we are forbidden by divine law to believe except what is proved either through the divine Scriptures or through Manifest revelation.”

He also wrote: “I have sought nothing beyond reforming the Church in conformity with the Holy Scriptures. The spiritual powers have been not only corrupted by sin, but absolutely destroyed; so that there is now nothing in them but a depraved reason and a will that is the enemy and opponent of God.  I simply say that Christianity has ceased to exist among
those who should have preserved it.”

The Lutheran, Baptist and Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) churches recognize an apostasy from early Christianity. The Lutheran and Baptist churches have attempted reform, but Mormonism (and Roger Williams, and perhaps Martin Luther) require inspired restoration, so as to re-establish an unbroken line of authority and apostolic succession.

*  *  *
•  Christ-Like Lives: 

The 2005 National Study of Youth and Religion published by UNC-Chapel Hill found that Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) youth (ages 13 to 17) were more likely to exhibit these Christian characteristics than Evangelicals (the next most observant group):

 
1. Attend Religious Services weekly
2. Importance of Religious Faith in shaping daily   life –  extremely important
3. Believes in life after death
4. Does NOT believe in psychics or fortune-tellers
5. Has taught religious education classes
6. Has fasted or denied something as spiritual discipline
7. Sabbath Observance
8. Shared religious faith with someone not of their faith
9. Family talks about God, scriptures, prayer daily
10. Supportiveness of church for parent in trying to raise teen   (very supportive)
11. Church congregation has done an excellent job in helping teens better understand their own sexuality and sexual morality                                      

  LDS             Evangelical
1.  71%                  55%
2.  52                   28
3.  76                   62
4. 100                   95
5.  42                   28
6.  68                   22  
7.  67                   40
8.  72                   56
9.  50                   19
10.  65                   26
11.  84                   35

So what do you think the motivation is for some to denigrate the Mormon Church?  You would think preachers would be emulating Mormon practices (a creed to believe, a place to belong, a calling to live out, and a hope to hold onto) which were noted by Methodist Rev. Kenda Creasy Dean of the Princeton Theological Seminary, as causing Mormon teenagers to “top the charts” in Christian characteristics.  (see http://MormonTeenagers.blogspot.com)  It seems obvious people shouldn’t be denigrating a church based on First Century Christianity, with high efficacy.

Comment by Mormons Are N.T. Christians on 7/09/08 at 8:03 am

I work in an LDS Temple. This is my testimony. God is alive and well, he loves all the children of th eearth both past, present and future. He is preparing a way that all who will repent, and keep his commandments may return with their families to live with Him and enjoy eternal life. This is God’s church on th earth. I undestand why it is threatening to non members. My counsel is to humble yourselves, study the claims, read the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the take your conclusion to God in prayer. If you pray with a sincere heart, with real intent He will reveal the truth. Hard to believe that all this is going on and so many are too proud to see?? The above posting is true. Why not join the only true and living church on the earth. Visit mormon.com It’s all good

Comment by Ernest Hemple on 7/09/08 at 11:23 am

You’re probably wrong but what difference does it make.  He’s a marvelous gentleman, a unique businessman, statesmanlike in his presence and does not delight in denigrating others.  The only other President or candidate we’ve had in recent years who came anywhere near his caliber was Ronald Reagan.  I know Mitt Romney will do a great job as Vice President or President.  Let’s leave religion out of it

Comment by Ina Callery on 7/09/08 at 11:28 am

Great comment “Mormons Are N.T. Christians”!  I have many friends who are Mormon (Latter-Day Saints) and I have to say, they are the most Christian people I know!

Comment by E.B. on 7/09/08 at 1:01 pm

If you would like the official source of information on the Mormon religion go to http://www.mormon.org or http://www.lds.org

Comment by John Adams on 7/09/08 at 1:52 pm

I think it is funny the way this articals title misleads you. First it says Mitt Romney has acknowleded that Mormons aren’t Christians.

When you read the artical, it wasn’t Romney, but someone else that said that the LDS faith are not like other Christian faiths. That is not the same as the title of the artical.

Next, ALL Christian faiths believe slightly different doctorine. Otherwise, they would believe in the same doctorine and then be of the same faith. The fact that there are differences do not detract from faith in Christ. They just attribute different attributes to the Christ they worship.

My suggestion, when making a title for a topic, make sure it correctly fits the story itself.

Thanks

Comment by Matthew Alger on 7/09/08 at 5:30 pm

In the beginning GOD created the Earth through/by his WORD (Title used many times for Jesus Christ).  GOD told Jehovah take of these materials of other worlds and form an earth much like those of the past.  This clears up carbon dating questions. The God spoken of in the Old Testament is most often Jesus Christ.  Psalms 82:1, 6, 7 and 8.  GOD = the Father, God = Jehovah, Jesus Christ, The Word, The Prince and other titles not listed hear. In Hebrew these titles are clearer “1.)GOD standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods.  6.) I have said, ye are gods; and all of you are the children of the most High.  7.) But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.  8.) Arise, O God, Judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.”  These few verses clarify much.

Now let’s look at Acts 7:55 - 56.  This is verse from the trial and stoning of Steven.  “55.) But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.  56.) And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God.”  Note there are many such verses clarifying the distinction between GOD the Father and Jesus Christ.

Mormon is a nickname for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The only church on the face of the earth lead by a Prophet and Apostles, who are the foundation with Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone as quoted from Ephesians 2: 19 - 20.  An apostasy took place as was prophesied and a restoration has taken place in 1830.

We have a living prophet, 12 apostles and other offices as described in Ephesians.  The Priesthood of God has been fully restored.  We are definitely Christian and members or his restored Church

Many more truths can be found at http://www.mormon.org or http://www.lds.org

Comment by Arnold Barfuss on 7/09/08 at 8:26 pm

The comments you’ve printed seem to view Romney and the “Mormon Church” favorably—in spite of the misleading title.  I’m an editor and wanted to correct all the mis-spellings… but that’s not as important as the content of the comments you’ve included here.  They all seem to agree with each other:  (a) For those who are actually knowledgeable on the doctrines of Mormonism, it is evident that “Mormons” truly are the real Christians; and (b) Romney is often ill spoken of by those who have inbred prejudices and are not acquainted with the man himself or his beliefs.  I, too, find many similarities between Governor Romney and our former President Reagan—one of the finest Presidents we’ve ever had.  I sincerely hope that Senator McCain will come to realize what a great running mate he’d have in Governor Romney.  May God bless America and freedom-loving people everywhere!

Comment by Jeanne on 7/10/08 at 1:12 am

Joseph Smith was persecuted when he was fourteen for telling church ministers that he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. Because he said he saw Christ they said he wasn’t a christen. It sounds much like it did when they rejected Jesus and said he was of the Devil. I guess persecution comes with Christ’s doctrine. People then had a hard time accepting too.

Comment by glenda mcwilliams on 7/10/08 at 2:23 am

So ... this is an old story that seems to have found new life today. Anybody want to share the site that directed them here?

Comment by Brad A. Greenberg on 7/10/08 at 2:37 am

This site was brought to my attention by an automatically generated email I receive from yahoomail that links me to any story related to Mitt Romney. Most of the stories are current but occasionally an older one slips in there.
However, my point in posting is simply to defend my faith as many others have aptly done before me. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints (LDS church or Mormon Church) we are not strangers to misunderstandings about our faith - as I’m sure is the case with the Jewish faith in certain many parts of the counntry. That being said, I’ve always been somewhat sympathetic towards other misunderstood faiths and am sometimes surprised to not find reciprocity of my sympathies.
May I refer readers to the title page of the Book of Mormon which states that the purpose of the Book of Mormon is “to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations”.
Lastly from the introduction to the Book of Mormon.

“We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10: 3-5.)
Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah.”

Comment by Matt Nielsen on 7/10/08 at 10:01 am

Mitt = Moses.  He cries let my people go.

Comment by Glenda on 7/11/08 at 7:20 pm

Post a Comment

Name:  
Email:  

Type the word you see below:

Comment:


About this Blog

Blog Home
About the Blogger(s)
Contact

RSS


Blog Archive






Newspaper

Serving a community of 600,000, The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles is the largest Jewish weekly outside New York City. Our award-winning paper reaches over 150,000 educated, involved and affluent readers each week. Subscribe here.

© Copyright 2012 Tribe Media Corp.
All rights reserved. JewishJournal.com is hosted by Nexcess.net. Homepage design by Koret Communications.
Widgets by Mijits. Site construction by Hop Studios.

counter fake hit page