well i was wondering who thought mormonism and christianity are the same, i can give you a convincing arguements against the statement that they are the same but feel free to post your opinion.

Mormonism is a sect of Christianity, much like Lutheranism, Catholicism, etc.

DNG : You need to understand the difference between a denomination and a cult.

The difference between denominations, like Lutherans, Methodists, and Reformed, is that they all agree on the core non-negotiable beliefs (what I call primary beliefs), but they would disagree with minor beliefs (what I call secondary beliefs), like how to do church, views on end times, views on baptism, etc.

A cult is having the characteristics of a Christian sect, but goes against those non-negotiable beliefs. Their beliefs would instead be heresy and heterodoxy.

oobia37: I just recently finished teaching the differences between Christianity and Mormonism to a group. I would be interested to hear this convincing argument.

I've always found it funny that Christians get to decide who is and isn't "Christian enough" to be in their club.

geeogree : I agree. Who are we to judge. Mormons still believe that Jesus was our lord and savior, they just believe it in a different way.

DNG : (and geeogree) Actually we should distinguish it, because you could basically see Mormonism as a different religion let alone a cult. It's not a matter of whether someone is "Christian enough" to be in "some club" (in fact it's not even about our deeds and efforts), but a matter on whether they are Christians at all. Since Christian believe that the Word of God is true, then one must be careful if someone is spreading the wrong truth. It's called discernment.

If you do a little research, you can obviously tell that they are not even close to Christianity. (You might even have a better chance arguing Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians than Mormons)

Basically, Mormons believe that everyone can be gods and that "God the Father" used to be a man that reached godhood after death and basically produced Jesus and the Devil (which means they are brothers) with a female god and that they believe that we are spirit brothers of Jesus and the Devil as well and that we can be gods if we head towards the right direction in works...so it's like a mixture of Pantheism and polytheism, which is not what Christians believe (which leads to the wrong understanding of the trinity)

I can talk a little bit more on the differences between Mormonism and Christianity later (not the secondary beliefs, but the primary beliefs) but the BIGGEST DIFFERENCE and probably the most important doctrinal error that Mormons make is that they think being saved is based off of their good works, just like all the other religions, while Christians believe that no one can merit themselves to heaven, but by God's grace. You can do NOTHING to help you get to heaven, but through God's grace alone.

"We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do," (Mormon Bible)

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Still, just because they say they are Christians, does not mean that they are. You always need to see from the beliefs of the group itself.

Hopefully I did not take oobla37's argument...

"I can talk a little bit more on the differences between Mormonism and Christianity later (not the secondary beliefs, but the primary beliefs) but the BIGGEST DIFFERENCE and probably the most important doctrinal error that Mormons make is that they think being saved is based off of their good works, just like all the other religions, while Christians believe that no one can merit themselves to heaven, but by God's grace. You can do NOTHING to help you get to heaven, but through God's grace alone.|

That reply alone proves you don't actually understand what a Mormon believes about Heaven.

And the fact that you quoted the "Mormon Bible" shows how ignorant you are on the subject. But thanks for copying and pasting this from somewhere.

geeogree : Actually no, it's just a long list that I cannot organize it in time before my sleep. I need to run tomorrow morning, and it's already midnight. I can talk about Bible and the Book of Mormon, the Atonement, God vs gods, Salvation, baptism of the dead, etc etc. It's a long list. (And I taught this for a ministry group in college, so I have to at least know something about the subject, or at least researched it)

And for the Mormon Bible reference, it's found in 2 Nephi 25:23 in their Mormon translated Bible. Check me if I'm wrong.

I know the reference thanks.

And since you can do nothing but say Mormon Bible over and over I'm done here. If you had enough respect for a religion to call the book by the correct name then maybe I would have more time for someone like you.

geeogree : Oh, hahaha, I thought something sounded weird from what I wrote. Yeah, after checking my notes, I realized that I wrote down the wrong place of where the reference is from. 2 Nephi is from the Book of Mormon (DUH! even though the Mormons mistranslated, they did not add a new book to it). Sorry for that mistake, I was typing in a rush.

This brings to another KEY difference between Christians and Mormons: Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God. Mormons have 4 things that are deemed holy scriptures: The Book of Mormon, Doctrines and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, and the King James Version of the Bible with an added footnote: as long as it is translated correctly. Instead of translating according to Authorial Intent, it is translated to support their beliefs.

And this is where discernment is so important. If you look at the beliefs taken from these books (let alone the fact that the Bible warns of additions when it is complete and inspired), it is contrary from the Bible and the source is not from God. Even though Joseph Smith claimed that he received the golden plates from an angel and translate it to the Book of Mormon, if it is preaching a different gospel, it is not correct.

"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!" (Galatians 1:6-9)

Why would Paul make a warning against even angels, since they are suppose to be God's Messengers? Well, the Bible also warns that Satan can also appear as an angel of light (after all, he was a fallen angel)

"And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14)

So how can you discern the difference? from what they are teaching.

No, Mormonism is not real Christianity. There are a few things taught that violate biblical doctrine.

i guess play4fun did take my arguement and yes mromons have created a new bible to go off of, mormonism is more of a cult, but the BIGGEST diference is that mormons have put books for first priority above the Bible, not good.


geogree,I've always found it funny that moderators get to decide who is and isn't "good enough" to be in their club. somehow im sensing irony

oobla37 : Sorry for taking your argument...

oobla37 : That last statement didn't even make sense. If everyone was a moderator there would be chaos. Again I REALLY want a rolling eyes smilie

I still think that Mormons are a form of Christianity since they still believe in Jesus Christ as their savior and they also follow the bible. The main requirements for being Christian I do believe. Even if it's a far off branch of it. Honestly who gives a s***. I don't see the problem if they call themselves Christians or not. Doesn't matter.

oobla37 : irony.... really? Give me a break. That is such a pathetic comparison.

If you're done pretending matter I'm going to close this thread.