Re: LDS attacking mainstream Christian beliefs

Jeff Shirton wrote:

Hello again Jeff.

<snip>
> I would have thought it non-productive to (again) list *all* of
> the differences. I used montheism as an example, but if you
> don't like that example, there are many others I could have used,
> such as:
>
> - polygamy as a "true principle";
> - "eternal progression";
> - works partly required for salvation, "after all we can do".
>
> The particular example isn't the issue (so you can choose whichever
> one you wish). The issue is the diametrical opposition between
> the LDS belief and the Christian belief. To assert one is to deny
> the other, and vice versa.

Yes, these examples are very specific to LDS beliefs, but what I have a hard
time understanding is how you can lump non-LDS Christians in one group despite
the differing doctrines.

As a teenager I was exposed to some Christian beliefs while living with my
father and step mother. They attended a non-denominational local church. I was
taught about the trinity (how we cannot understand it, yet Christ taught the
gospel is simple?), about literally fearing God (isn't love a better motivator
than fear?), about service (but if works are not needed then why service?), and
about charity (make sure you have small bills for the tray so it looks like you
are giving a lot! I am not making this up, it was discussed in our youth Sunday
school class!)

The bottom line is as a member of the LDS Church with only a little bit of other
gospel experience and knowledge, I cannot understand how other non-LDS
Christians can accept the differences in doctrine within and yet put their foot
down for LDS specific beliefs.

>>As Justin already used in his example, that of baptism, would
>>seem to split Christians into two groups, right and wrong.
>>So where do you stand?
>
> I believe that water baptism, a work of man, is not required for
> salvation. We are to be baptized, however, and the Bible teaches
> immersion.

The water baptism was defined by God, through his Profit John the Baptist, and
was affirmed by Christ himself. I do not understand how any Christian could
think otherwise.

>>And that would make the other group totally wrong in your opinion.
>
> Yes, that is correct.
> But baptism, IMO, is not "crucial" to one's salvation (eg. the thief
> on the cross), and so isn't nearly as important as monotheism,
> salvation by grace alone without works, etc. etc.

Again, if it was 'crucial' for Christ, how can any Christian think it is not
crucial?

I find it interesting how in some ways LDS take the Bible more literally than
many other Christians!

--
Phil Frisbie, Jr.
Hawk Software
http://www.hawksoft.com

.

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