I'm a Christian and I have a Mormon friend. I started asking him about his religion because I was curious as to what they believe. He told me that they have this other book that they added to the Bible. (The book of Mormon) Now, I think that's wrong to do, but I was still curious as to what was in it. So I asked him if I could see it.

He brought it to me and I took it home. I read the intro to it and thought it was weird. I told my mom about it and she freaked out saying I shouldn't be reading it.

So my question to other Christians is this: Is it okay to read other religious books other than the Bible, just because you want to know what's different about it? I have no intention on believing anything in that book, because I know what I believe.

You believe in God, the Father, Son and Holy Ghost... Everyone has different opinions on religion. I may not agree but that's their choice.
As long as your faith is strong enough to know THE HOLY BIBLE is the true word of God.. it's only natural to read about other religions. Don't get sidetracked... God Bless... :)

Thank you. That's what I thought too, but my mom flipped out too much and it got me thinking about it.

I would like some other opinions on this too. Thanks. =)

Whenever I go to read something like the BoM, or something from the JW's, or such material, I always try to pray over it first and ask the Lord to drive out any influences that might be hanging in or around it. Like the late Walter Martin, I tend to believe that Satan himself energizes such cults. At the same time, with appropriate care, I don't have a problem checking out what they're saying in order to deal with it when the subject comes up. The question isn't whether you're reading it, but why. I can appreciate your mom wanting to be cautious and protect you from that kind of error, but if your goal is to read it with a view to sorting out where, how and why it diverges from the Truth, and you do it prayerfully with that thought in mind, I don't see much of a problem. Maybe a compromise would be to read it with your mom, and ask her to help you understand what's wrong with it.

I've tried to read it before, and frankly, it's so badly written I've never gotten past the first few pages.

Why is it wrong, if you went to seminary you would study all the worlds religions in many.

First of course while some may disagree, for our purpose, Mormons are christians, merely with different beliefs than others.

** let us make a note, their faith is protected here as all others.

I have read the Book of Mormon, ( very interesting) and the Quran ( great book to read) I have read many of the texts proven false, like the writings of Thomas and others. Even the book the "moonies" had out some years ago.

I have studied the faith of Baptist, Methodist and Lutherans, the Eastern Orthodox and of course Catholic.

For our purpose the study was of course to learn their faith to discuss it.

You should read and educate yourself on many things,

Whenever I go to read something like the BoM, or something from the JW's, or such material, I always try to pray over it first and ask the Lord to drive out any influences that might be hanging in or around it. Like the late Walter Martin, I tend to believe that Satan himself energizes such cults. At the same time, with appropriate care, I don't have a problem checking out what they're saying in order to deal with it when the subject comes up. The question isn't whether you're reading it, but why. I can appreciate your mom wanting to be cautious and protect you from that kind of error, but if your goal is to read it with a view to sorting out where, how and why it diverges from the Truth, and you do it prayerfully with that thought in mind, I don't see much of a problem. Maybe a compromise would be to read it with your mom, and ask her to help you understand what's wrong with it.

I've tried to read it before, and frankly, it's so badly written I've never gotten past the first few pages.

What a wonderful answer!:)

I will add, no it is not poorly written, it is a very interesting book, that while not my belief is the belief of many on additional material about Jesus. And of course in no way takes away from the bible that they also believe in.

Again, this will not be a Mormon bashing post, those posts will be deleted

Just to be clear, I have no intention on bashing Mormons.

I think you all are correct. I've actually been reading other religion's books for a while now. I've read the Watchtower and some Christian Science magazine. And I think it's interesting to see what they believe and see what's different. But I never take it to heart. I believe Jesus is our Savior and that he died for our sins. And I'll always believe that. I won't let another book tell me otherwise.

Just to be clear, I have no intention on bashing Mormons.

I think you all are correct. I've actually been reading other religion's books for a while now. I've read the Watchtower and some Christian Science magazine. And I think it's interesting to see what they believe and see what's different. But I never take it to heart. I believe Jesus is our Savior and that he died for our sins. And I'll always believe that. I won't let another book tell me otherwise.

As I said before.. there is nothing wrong in reading about other religions. This is a free country and we have freedom of religion. I may not agree with them but I don't argue about or I don't put them down. I know what I believe in and nothing could ever change my mind... Blessings to all.

FR_Chuck,

I know a Mormon and think this person is such a moral, kind, loving person. BUT the book of Mormon DOES in fact take away from the Bible. I wouldn't dream of putting this person down... BUT according to the BIBLE the religion is false. The Apostle Paul has warned not to add to the Gospel even if an ANGEL should appear and tell you something different.. We have been warned not to ADD or take things out of the Bible. Jesus himself said many would come claiming to be him... BUT he said we are to believe them NOT.

According to Joseph Smith, he SAW and talked the JESUS. BUT According to the Bible... I believe HIM NOT.

Never will I bash a person who is a Mormon, for I believe them to be so sincere and sometimes even more MORAL than some so called Christians. HOWEVER, I call a spade a spade. The book of Mormon... (according to the Bible) is untrue. And that is all I have to say about THAT. (just like Forrest Gump.)

I will add, no it is not poorly written, it is a very interesting book, that while not my beleif is the belief of many on additional material about Jesus. And of course in no way takes away from the bible that they also believe in.

Again, this will not be a Mormon bashing post, those posts will be deleted

I'm not trying to bash anyone. The stories are imaginative, to be sure. When I said "poorly written" I was referring to things like the grammar, which is frankly horrible. As a linguist, I found it painful and couldn't read much of it because the attempt to mimic King James English and style raised my blood pressure too much.

If you consider that bashing, feel free to let me know and delete. I won't be offended.

I'm not trying to bash anyone. The stories are imaginative, to be sure. When I said "poorly written" I was referring to things like the grammar, which is frankly horrible. As a linguist, I found it painful and couldn't read much of it because the attempt to mimic King James English and style raised my blood pressure too much.

If you consider that bashing, feel free to let me know and go ahead and delete. I won't be offended.





I've read some of the Mormon bible and I know a few mormans.. Nice folks. I just stick to my KJV because it brings me joy to know this world is not all there is.. There is one way to salvation.

If we're saved by the blood of Jesus Christ and we have truly accepted him as our personal Saviour by asking his forgiveness and
Believing in him, that he sent his only son to die for us and he will come again then.. if your Catholic, Baptist,Mormon,Jewish ,LDS you'll be there and there won't be any fussing and arguing. God Bless You All:)

I just want to clear up a couple misconceptions about mormons.

the book of mormon isn't seen as adding to the bible by the mormons. The way they see it, the book of mormon takes place in another part of the world from where the bible is set. They view the book of mormon as a companion to the bible, not an addition to it.

they also have two other books, the pearl of great price and the doctrine and covenants. Both are basically rules, guidelines, history, and teachings particular to the mormon religion. Neither one is seen as having any direct relation to the bible, or the book of mormon.

classyT, by your reasoning, it's the bible that takes away from the book of mormon. It's the bible that discredits the book of mormon, not the other way around. In fact, the mormon church believes just as strongly in the bible as they do in the book of mormon. They see neither of them as taking away from the other, only adding to both.

kit, mormons and lds are the same thing. Mormon is just a more generally used and accepted term for members of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints. Also, the bible they use is the king james version. They see it as the most accurate of the versions present today.

monkey, you can't seriously think that south park presents 100% of the truth in their spoofs. They pick out enough of the truth to make it easily recognizable, then pepper it with their own interpretations and information to make is amusing to their target audience. In order to get a realistic portrait of lds beliefs, you would need to talk to a knowledgeable member of their church.

also, dwashbur, the mormon church is not a cult. Neither is the jahovah's witnesses church. Both are recognized, organized religions in the united states. While they do have some of the hallmarks of a cult, so does EVERY other religion in the world. That doesn't make those two christian churches cults, when the rest are not.



now, I guess I should answer the original question. I see nothing wrong with reading the holy books of any religion. In fact, I see nothing but good from knowing about several different religions. Not only does it give you a better understanding of where people are basing their values and opinions, but it can actually give you a better understanding of your own religion.

have you ever read something, and kind of understood what it was saying? Then, read something else later that made me go, 'oh, so THAT'S what that other book was trying to say?' you don't even have to believe anything the second book said. It could just be that it explains a basic concept in slightly different language, or said something on a subject that was so far off from what you already read that your brain makes connects it wouldn't have before. It's also possible that knowing more about other religions can cement your believe in yours.

i just want to clear up a couple misconceptions about mormons.

the book of mormon isn't seen as adding to the bible by the mormons. the way they see it, the book of mormon takes place in another part of the world from where the bible is set. they view the book of mormon as a companion to the bible, not an addition to it.

they also have two other books, the pearl of great price and the doctrine and covenants. both are basically rules, guidelines, history, and teachings particular to the Mormon religion. neither one is seen as having any direct relation to the bible, or the book of Mormon.
classyT, by your reasoning, it's the bible that takes away from the book of mormon. it's the bible that discredits the book of mormon, not the other way around. in fact, the mormon church believes just as strongly in the bible as they do in the book of mormon. they see neither of them as taking away from the other, only adding to both.

kit, mormons and lds are the same thing. mormon is just a more generally used and accepted term for members of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints. also, the bible they use is the king james version. they see it as the most accurate of the versions present today.

monkey, you can't seriously think that south park presents 100% of the truth in their spoofs. they pick out enough of the truth to make it easily recognizable, then pepper it with their own interpretations and information to make is amusing to their target audience. in order to get a realistic portrait of lds beliefs, you would need to talk to a knowledgeable member of their church.

also, dwashbur, the mormon church is not a cult. neither is the jahovah's witnesses church. both are recognized, organized religions in the united states. while they do have some of the hallmarks of a cult, so does EVERY other religion in the world. that doesn't make those two christian churches cults, when the rest are not.



now, i guess i should answer the original question. i see nothing wrong with reading the holy books of any religion. in fact, i see nothing but good from knowing about several different religions. not only does it give you a better understanding of where people are basing their values and opinions, but it can actually give you a better understanding of your own religion.

have you ever read something, and kinda understood what it was saying? then, read something else later that made me go, 'oh, so THAT'S what that other book was trying to say?' you don't even have to believe anything the second book said. it could just be that it explains a basic concept in slightly different language, or said something on a subject that was so far off from what you already read that your brain makes connects it wouldn't have before. it's also possible that knowing more about other religions can cement your believe in yours.

God bless all of you... I know how I feel and what I believe and nothing can change my mind on my beliefs. As for the South Park remark.. I hate programs like that who put down religion. It might be to you funny to you... but it's a stupid show and that remark was uncalled for! I won't argue about my beleifs and I won't argue about any one elses'.

I can't change your mind you can't change mine. I answered the OP question and I have no more to say thank you all.. God Bless

And I will follow up, The book of Mormon is not their bible, they use the same bible as most all other Christians, it is just additional beleifs, And it is written in the basic translation skills of early America. If one reads it, they would know it was not their bible and even the slightest study of their faith.

There are two basic groups, one larger than the other, they split at the time of Joseph Smiths death. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and one of similar name but they add Reorganized to their name.

And the stupid remarked was deleted.

And I will follow up, The book of Mormon is not their bible, they use the same bible as most all other Christians, it is just additional beliefs, And it is written in the basic translation skills of early America. If one reads it, they would know it was not their bible and even the slightest study of their faith.

There are two basic groups, one larger than the other, they split at the time of Joseph Smiths death. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and one of simular name but they add Reorganized to their name.

And the stupid remarked was deleted.

Are you referring to the remark I made about South Park? I'm sorry if you deleted it but it is a stupid show, so I guess now I get thrown off this forum? My problem with that idiotic show is they make fun of everything any denominations stand for... And there are parents who allow their children to watch them as they make fun of the birth of Jesus.. Easter... hanakku.. So if you don't agree with me that's your choice. Maybe I don't need to be here... Send this Curly Ben or Rick J
J . You are an expert maybe you can have me thrown off yourself. Do what you have to do... Frankly, I don't care anymore.

And I will follow up, The book of Mormon is not their bible, they use the same bible as most all other Christians, it is just additional beleifs, And it is written in the basic translation skills of early America. If one reads it, they would know it was not their bible and even the slightest study of their faith.



Umm, that's not what their missionaries say, and that's not what the tour guides at the tabernacle in Salt Lake City say. The cover of the book calls itself "Another Testament of Jesus Christ," and the numerous missionaries I have talked with and virtually every other Mormon I have ever talked to call it "the completion of the Bible."

I'm not sure what you mean by "basic translation skills of early America." It is clearly written with a conscious attempt to imitate the King James Version of the Bible, right down to division into chapters and verses as well as Jacobean pronouns etc.

I am sitting here with one of the Stake Leaders for Atlanta, it is "another" or an "additional" no where do they say it replaces or changes their Bible. They believe the same OT and NT that we all other Christians use.

What about some other books or materials on the American Indian religiouis beliefs, I have not read any on them

Umm, that's not what their missionaries say, and that's not what the tour guides at the tabernacle in Salt Lake City say. The cover of the book calls itself "Another Testament of Jesus Christ," and the numerous missionaries I have talked with and virtually every other Mormon I have ever talked to call it "the completion of the Bible."

I'm not sure what you mean by "basic translation skills of early America." It is clearly written with a conscious attempt to imitate the King James Version of the Bible, right down to division into chapters and verses as well as Jacobean pronouns etc.

Actually, the phrase used is, 'companion of the bible.'

Also, saying that it is another testament of jesus christ only means that the book of mormon testifies that jesus christ was the mortal son of god born to a virgin mother to redeem the world from it's sins.

Rather or not it was intentionally written to mimic the KJV of the bible, can be argued until we all grow old and die. The simple fact is that the mormon church will never say it was intentionally written and no else believes it was translated through divine assistance from a set of golden plates buried in New York several thousand years ago. Since neither side will give any ground, it's pointless to argue over it.

I am sitting here with one of the Stake Leaders for Atlanta, it is "another" or an "additional" no where do they say it replaces or changes their Bible. They believe the same OT and NT that we all other Christians use.

What about some other books or materials on the American Indian religiouis beliefs, I have not read any on them

I'm not sure many books exist on that subject. Most of the indian tribes don't have a written language of their own, and a lot of the beliefs were altered or lost during the relocations. Some of the tribes saw writing as evil, and would have refused to write anything down until fairly recently.

It's hard to say what is fact and what is mistruths. Many writers and historians, even as recent as a 50-100 years ago, didn't bother to differentiate between tribes when they were gathering information. Later writings take their books as fact, and the mistruths get passed down the line until it's hard to find where the real truth lies.

actually, the phrase used is, 'companion of the bible.'



I do know the difference between "companion" and "completion." I have had at least a dozen Mormons, including at least 4 missionaries, use that term. You may know some who say "companion"; I'm telling you what they told me. Period.

I do know the difference between "companion" and "completion." I have had at least a dozen Mormons, including at least 4 missionaries, use that term. You may know some who say "companion"; I'm telling you what they told me. Period.

I've never heard it referred to as a completion of the bible. I don't doubt that you have. I just never have.

I have been around easily hundreds of mormons in my life, and am more than passingly familiar with their teachings. I can only recount things as I have learned and experienced them.

Is it possible that the mormons you're heard refer to it as a completion were part of the reformed church? I'm not very familiar with it, but I do know that the reformed church changed a lot of the terminology, among a vast number of other things, when it split off.

I've never heard it referred to as a completion of the bible. i don't doubt that you have. i just never have.

i have been around easily hundreds of mormons in my life, and am more than passingly familiar with their teachings. i can only recount things as i have learned and experienced them.

is it possible that the mormons you're heard refer to it as a completion were part of the reformed church? I'm not very familiar with it, but i do know that the reformed church changed a lot of the terminology, among a vast number of other things, when it split off.

No. The missionaries in particular were the usual ones. And it's "reorganized," not "reformed."

No. The missionaries in particular were the usual ones. And it's "reorganized," not "reformed."

Oops. They mean essentially the same thing. Like I said, not very familiar with that branch of mormonism.

Now I'm wondering why I never heard the bom referred to as a completion of the bible. I doubt it's a regional thing. Oh well, no way to know and it's not worth dwelling on.

I grew up near Palmyra, NY, the home of Joseph Smith, who wrote the Book of Mormon. I have walked through the Sacred Grove and climbed the Hill Cumorah where the Angel Moroni told Joseph to dig up the golden plates. I have, as a librarian, called their visitor center more than once to get information for a patron straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak. My dad was a Lutheran minister who would welcome LDS and JW missionaries into our home. Those were educational discussions!

While doing the research for my Texas books, I spent some time researching American Indian creation stories and Indian beliefs about how God and Nature are important in their lives. (Go to 299.72 for books on this at your local public library.)

When a young (East) Indian woman became my library volunteer (I was the coordinator for all volunteers) some years ago, she introduced me to Hinduism and encouraged me to read up on it. Several more Indians became coworkers, and that gave me more opportunities to learn about Hinduism and ask questions. Various library volunteers have been Christians, Jews, Unity, agnostics, atheists, Muslims, Jains, Wiccans and members of other belief systems. Of course, we didn't spend lots of time discussing religion while we were supposed to be working, but they all were eager to answer any questions I had and suggest books and other materials I could read to find out more about their beliefs. And since I worked in a public library, putting my hands on resource material was a piece of cake!

One teenage page (book shelver) said he was an atheist and challenged me to prove to him that there is a God. I often drove him home after work, and I think I learned more from him as very scientific person with no beliefs in a god and from doing my own research on "is there a God?" than he learned from me. (Btw, David left the library when he graduated from h.s, eventually earned a Ph.D. in microbiology, and I lost track of him, but his mom later told me he had become a Christian when in his early 30s.)

My conclusion is, yes! Learn all you can about others' belief systems. You will be able to have amazing conversations with many interesting people, and the knowledge will broaden you and help you firm up your own beliefs.

oops. They mean essentially the same thing. Like I said, not very familiar with that branch of mormonism.

They might disagree with you! They consider themselves the true followers of Joseph Smith, and basically say the Salt Lake City branch is apostate. That's basically why they call themselves "reorganized" rather than "reformed," because the latter implies that they have something in common with the other group and, at least to some, them's fightin' words.


now I'm wondering why I never heard the bom referred to as a completion of the bible. I doubt it's a regional thing. Oh well, no way to know and it's not worth dwelling on.

Agreed.

fallen2grace,
You have gotten some good advice.
The best is and I fully agree that to read material from other denominations and religions does broaden your knowlegde, derepens your understanding of others and can very much help strengthen you Christian faith.
So have at it.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

fallen2grace,
You have gotten some good advice.
The best is and I fully agree that to read material from other denominations and religions does broaden your knowlegde, derepens your understanding of others and can very much help strengthen you Christian faith.
So have at it.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Just be careful, because some of that stuff can seem pretty persuasive if you're not intimately familiar with, not just what you believe, but why you believe it.

dwashbur,
Yes, that is true.
Fred

No. The missionaries in particular were the usual ones. And it's "reorganized," not "reformed."

The "reorganized" are what many of my inlaws are involved in. SOME of them are good people too! When I read their misson statement (reorganized church of Latter day saints) they stated they believe Jesus to be divine. I wasn't sure what that even means. I believe Jesus is God. ANYway, I was married in that type of church because my husband's uncle was a minister there. I have no idea why I shared that info. BUT... If I could have a re-do, I wouldn't have been married there or by someone who didn't share my beliefs. Sorry off topic... again... as usual...

The "reorganized" are what many of my inlaws are involved in. SOME of them are good people too! When i read their misson statement (reorganized church of Latter day saints) they stated they believe Jesus to be divine. I wasn't sure what that even means. I believe Jesus is God. ANYway, I was married in that type of church because my husband's uncle was a minister there. I have no idea why i shared that info. BUT... If I could have a re-do, I wouldn't have been married there or by someone who didn't share my beliefs. sorry off topic...again...as usual...

Basically, they believe that jesus is the son of god, and part of holy trinity. In the mormon church, reorganized or otherwise, the holy trinity are all seen as divine and equally important. They do not believe that jesus IS god, but a separate entity. The same with the holy spirit.

The father, the son, and the holy ghost. Heavenly father (god) is the one true god and creator of the universe. Jesus is his son who ascended to heaven to help his father rule. The holy ghost doesn't have a body and is everywhere at once; listening to prayers, instilling and affirming faith, and generally just giving the feeling of god's presence to people.

Hope that helped a bit. I'm trying to explain something I learned a long time ago, and never really thought too deeply about at the time, so I hope I didn't just confuse you more.

It is never wrong to read other religious books. I would ask why did your mother freak out so badly and what is she afraid of?

The only people who are insecure about reading other spiritual or religious books are people who do not have enough faith and spiritual strength in themselves to be strong enough in their faith to be excepting of other peoples beliefs and also be able to explore them without it effecting their walk.

I am in the belief it is actually beneficial to being open to exploring and seeing and reading other books.

People who do not, I think will be worse off.

Joe

classyT,
Some Mormons believe that Jesus is not God but some do.
Some believe that Jesus is Adam reborn.
So it goes.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Adam reborn? That's not a concept I'm familiar with. It does create an interesting amalgam of heaven and reincarnation.

hheath541, Try this one.
Brigam Young is quoted as saying, "Adam is our God and the only God we have to do with."
Fred

I don't remember any real talk of adam at all, beyond the obvious mentions in the eden mythos.

Then again, leaders tend to have the oddest quotes isolated, sometimes. Maybe it's something he said that was taken out of context, or a personal belief of his, or a belief of the mormon church I'm simply not familiar with. I'm knowledgeable, but not an expert.

It is never wrong to read other religious books. I would ask why did your mother freak out so badly and what is she afraid of?

The only people who are insecure about reading other spiritual or religious books are people who do not have enough faith and spiritual strength in themselves to be strong enough in their faith to be excepting of other peoples beliefs and also be able to explore them without it effecting their walk.

I am in the belief it is actually beneficial to being open to exploring and seeing and reading other books.

People who do not, I think will be worse off.

Joe


I have no clue why she freaked out. And I won't say what she actually said because it isn't appropriate and will offend others. But I think it might have to do with my dad. She's very angry and bitter towards him because he walked out. He thinks he's a Mormon, but I don't think he is. He doesn't know half of what they believed and was surprised when I told him that they use water instead of wine(or juice) in communion. He was raised Catholic.

That's probably it, then.

How does he claim to be mormon and not know they use water for the sacrament? Anyone who's gone to a Sunday service at a mormon church would know that. It's kind of hard to miss when they're passing the tray right beneath your nose.

When most Mormons say they believe Jesus is divine, they mean it in the same sense that they - at least the men - expect to become gods someday themselves. "Divine" means different things to different people, and one of the big problems is that a group may take a word or phrase out of historic Christian teaching, like "divine" and redefine it to fit their own ideas. Then when we're talking with them it sounds like they're saying the same thing we are. But the reality is that they mean something quite different.

One of the many reasons language is my bag...

When most Mormons say they believe Jesus is divine, they mean it in the same sense that they - at least the men - expect to become gods someday themselves. "Divine" means different things to different people, and one of the big problems is that a group may take a word or phrase out of historic Christian teaching, like "divine" and redefine it to fit their own ideas. Then when we're talking with them it sounds like they're saying the same thing we are. But the reality is that they mean something quite different.

One of the many reasons language is my bag...
We had a big discussion on theosis here on this board a year or so ago. That is the Mormons' belief, but maybe not in the same sense as the traditional idea of it?

...different things to different people, and one of the big problems is that a group may take a word or phrase out of historic Christian teaching, ... to fit their own ideas. Then when we're talking with them it sounds like they're saying the same thing we are. But the reality is that they mean something quite different.

One of the many reasons language is my bag...

Don't all Christian denominations do that very thing? "Historic" Christian teaching? Whose history?

Are you suggesting Mormons are not Christian? Just curious.

dwashbur,
Yes redefine the meaning of some words causes lots of confusion and trouble.
It happens in a lot of different beliefs.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

When most Mormons say they believe Jesus is divine, they mean it in the same sense that they - at least the men - expect to become gods someday themselves. "Divine" means different things to different people, and one of the big problems is that a group may take a word or phrase out of historic Christian teaching, like "divine" and redefine it to fit their own ideas. Then when we're talking with them it sounds like they're saying the same thing we are. But the reality is that they mean something quite different.

One of the many reasons language is my bag...

That particular belief (of becoming gods) has been re-explained, debated, and redefined so many times, just within the mormon church, that it's pretty much impossible to know which version and interpretation to believe. The way I always understood it, is that they don't expect to BECOME gods, just to spend eternity in the PRESENCE of god.

I know I'm probably taking this the wrong way, but you seem to be suggesting that the word 'divine' is purely christian in origin.

dwashbur,
Yes redefine the meaning of some words causes lots of confusion and trouble.
It happens in a lot of different beliefs.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

It's not even a purely religious phenomenon. Words get redefined all the time.

Gay - happy --> homosexual
Queer - weird --> homosexual
Fag - cigarette -->homosexual
Handsome woman - attractive --> manly

hheath541,
The Mormon missionaries that come to my door DO believe that they will become gods.
They believe that God was once a man who became God. They say... "As man is God once was. As god is man can be."
I have talked with them a lot.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Maybe it's something I simply never privy to, not being male. Or maybe it's something I simply ignored and never filed away, or misunderstood. Don't know. A lot of the finer details and foibles I am just unfamiliar with because it's been so long since I heard them, or I just never did.

I'm a Christian and I have a Mormon friend. I started asking him about his religion because I was curious as to what they believe. He told me that they have this other book that they added to the Bible. (The book of Mormon) Now, I think that's wrong to do, but I was still curious as to what was in it. So I asked him if I could see it.

He brought it to me and I took it home. I read the intro to it and thought it was weird. I told my mom about it and she freaked out saying I shouldn't be reading it.

So my question to other Christians is this: Is it okay to read other religious books other than the Bible, just because you want to know what's different about it? I have no intention on believing anything in that book, because I know what I believe.

I would suggest to you that you think very seriously before you read books or literature published by sects that add to the Bible. Is there any difference between the Koran or the Book of Morman, both offer a completely different intrepretion of Scripture.

The difference between Christian belief and the Mormoms or the JW is that Christians believe Jesus Christ is God and we believe this on the testimony of Jesus Christ himself, where as these others believe Jesus Christ is a lesser God or even an angel. Each seeks and expects a different reward

classyT,
Some Mormons believe that Jesus is not God but some do.
Some believe that Jesus is Adam reborn.
So it goes.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

I know... it isn't what the Bible teaches at all. And these young men that go door to door are so sincere and sweet. Good, good people But I believe they are being deceived. I'd hate to be Joseph Smith standing at the Great White Throne Judgement... he's got some serious splaining to do.
To answer the OP:
There is nothing in the world wrong with being informed about another religion. I believe it can help in witnessing. My concern would be if someone wasn't grounded in their Christian faith, they could become like the man that James speaks about in the NT. He is tossed and turned by every doctrine that comes along. I know someone like that. She was a mormon, then she decided she was a born again Christian and now she is a Universalist. Only the Lord knows her heart. Stand for something.. or you will fall for anything...

Don't all Christian denominations do that very thing? "Historic" Christian teaching? Whose history?

I confess I'm not sure how to answer that. Historic Christianity is just that, Christian teaching that has come down from the New Testament onwards. It includes things like the trinity of God, the deity of Jesus as a full part of the godhead, salvation by grace brought about through his death and resurrection, that sort of thing.


Are you suggesting Mormons are not Christian? Just curious.

To quote a new friend of mine, good grief. Where exactly did I say that? I went to great lengths to avoid such ideas, yet somehow you managed to read it into my words anyway. I give up.

Just to throw another question out there.

Someone told me that Mormon's think God has a wife. Is this true?

I do not know if that is true Mormon speaking but sometimes I wonder. Why does God only have to be considered the male figure.

They created us in their image. Some people would say it is talking about the Holy Trinity. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.

The thing is for almost most species that we know there is male and female, so maybe there is a connection to that theory or thought that God the Father would also have some sort of companion like God the Mother, and together they created everything.

Just like we come together male and female and create as well.
Not many people would like that type of thought but it must be possible when you truly think about it.

Joe

Just to throw another question out there.

Someone told me that Mormon's think God has a wife. Is this true?

Some do, some don't.

The reasoning is rather simple, when you think about it. It takes a man and woman to make a child. So, it only makes sense to have a heavenly mother and a heavenly father.

She's rarely talked about, and isn't worshiped at all. It's just a personal belief held by some people. I don't think anyone's ever tried to elevate her to the level of goddess, or even thinks she needs to be. She more just something that must be there, so is there, and it's nice to think that she is.

Kind of like gravity. Few people ever really think about it. Before you learned about gravity in school, it just didn't matter. After you learned about gravity, it became something you expected to be there, but you rarely actually think about it existing. Almost like an afterthought.

I do not know if that is true Mormon speaking but sometimes I wonder. Why does God only have to be considered the male figure.

They created us in their image. Some people would say it is talking about the Holy Trinity. The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.

The thing is for almost most species that we know there is male and female, so maybe there is a connection to that theory or thought that God the Father would also have some sort of companion like God the Mother, and together they created everything.

Just like we come together male and female and create as well.
Not many people would like that type of thought but it must be possible when you truly think about it.

Joe

Judaism was actually one of the first religions, if not the first, to attribute the creation of life solely to a male deity.

Almost every other religion has a female creator. In greece it is hera. In egypt it is isis. For the celts it is the triple goddess (maiden, mother, and crone as three aspects of one being). For the norse it is frigga. Even the ancients made figures of what is popularly thought to be a creation goddess.

Given all that, is it really so odd to think that the christian god may have a wife?

judaism was actually one of the first religions, if not the first, to attribute the creation of life solely to a male deity.

almost every other religion has a female creator. in greece it is hera. in egypt it is isis. for the celts it is the triple goddess (maiden, mother, and crone as three aspects of one being). for the norse it is frigga. even the ancients made figures of what is popularly thought to be a creation goddess.

given all that, is it really so odd to think that the christian god may have a wife?

While it is true that male pronouns and terms like "father" are used of the God of Christianity (and Judaism), there is nothing inherently male about God. Motherly attributes are often used to describe God (the mother hen in Psalm 91 is the only one I can think of off the top of my head, but there are plenty more), but one of the chief features of the monotheism of Israel in contrast to the nations around them, is the fact that Israel's God didn't have human attributes, and hence couldn't be represented by figures like idols. Obviously, that's gotten lost at times over the centuries, but it's true nonetheless.

given all that, is it really so odd to think that the christian god may have a wife?

Yes. To me it's odd. But then again, that's just me and what I believe.

there is nothing inherently male about God. Motherly attributes are often used to describe God
Yes, I've always thought of God having both male and female attributes or characteristics -- e.g. hunter-killer protector as well maternal comforter.

classyT
I agree with you on reading information about other religions, But it should be like you said, Stand for something or you will fall for anything.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

To quote a new friend of mine, good grief. Where exactly did I say that? I went to great lengths to avoid such ideas, yet somehow you managed to read it into my words anyway. I give up.


When I asked if you were suggesting Mormons are not Christian, I got the idea from this quote of yours on April 14, post #4:

"Whenever I go to read something like the BoM, or something from the JW's, or such material, I always try to pray over it first and ask the Lord to drive out any influences that might be hanging in or around it. Like the late Walter Martin, I tend to believe that Satan himself energizes such cults." (Emphasis mine)

By your "tending to believe that Satan himself energizes such cults", I think my question follows naturally. So I don't think I "read it into your words" - it's right out there in plain sight.

Athos,
I can see how ypu came to that thought.
That is particularly so when it is known that there are people who do not believe that Mormons are Christian.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Athos,
I can see how ypu came to that thought.
That is particularly so when it is known that there are people who do not believe that Mormons are Christian.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Yes, arcura, and that is why I asked the question to dwashbur. Since he objected so strongly, I felt it necessary to quote his own words.

Dwashbur has yet to reply.

there are theories that do not take away or add anything was just about the book of revelation. Just a theory.

I have read the Book of Mormon. There are some really truly good ideas about different things. Does not mean I adopt all, but rings true in some things. So to totally write off the book of mormon to be completely false is not the case.

Another thing is Mormons may use that book as another testament but that will NEVER replace, or interfere or be part of THE BIBLE that we have known for thousands of years.

Just do not toss it in the garbage as useless because there are many writings and many prayers and thoughts and ideas that actually ring true or coincide with the bible and just because it is not literally from the bible does not mean there is no value in other writings.

there are theories that do not take away or add anything was just about the book of revelation. Just a theory.

I have read the Book of Mormon. There are some really truly good ideas about different things. Does not mean I adopt all, but rings true in some things. So to totally write off the book of mormon to be completely false is not the case.

Another thing is Mormons may use that book as another testament but that will NEVER replace, or interfere or be part of THE BIBLE that we have known for thousands of years.

Just do not toss it in the garbage as useless because there are many writings and many prayers and thoughts and ideas that actually ring true or coincide with the bible and just because it is not litterally from the bible does not mean there is no value in other writings.

exactly, and the book of mormon was never meant to replace the bible. Both are quoted from equally during services.

there are teachings and beliefs particular to the mormon church that just seem right, to me. There are also teachings and beliefs of other religions that I've adopted. Just because something comes from a different path, doesn't mean that it doesn't have value.

Yes, arcura, and that is why I asked the question to dwashbur. Since he objected so strongly, I felt it necessary to quote his own words.

Dwashbur has yet to reply.

To Whom It May Concern:

I did actually answer athos in a PM, and I explained why; I didn't want to be accused of "bashing" somebody, since it has become clear that some here have a different definition of that term than I do. Here's the essence of what I wrote:

No, I do not believe that Mormonism as a religious system is "Christian." I again go with the late Walter Martin: Mormonism, as preached by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, is not Christian theology, it is not Jewish theology, it is not monothesitic theology. It is polytheistic in nature, because it not only says there are many gods, but it says humans can become gods themselves. This is completely at odds with the Bible and thus excludes Mormonism from being considered a Christian sect.

That said, I do NOT judge anyone's heart. I will critique the system and point out why I don't think the system is Christian, but I will not say whether any individual is or is not a Christian. There's no way I can know that; only God knows the heart. If a person within the Mormon religion is in fact a truly born-again Christian, it is in spite of the religion, not because of it. And if someone tells me that's what they are, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt; I can't see into their heart and hence am in no position to judge. This is the same approach I take to any person, regardless of their church affiliation or lack thereof.

Since somebody seemed to want to make this personal, there it is. I will say no more on the subject.

I think the term 'christian' is one too easily thrown around, and too closely guarded by those who use it.

There are those who will call themselves christian, not because they believe that christ was the son of god who died for their sins, but because they give gifts on easter and christmas. For them, being christian has nothing to do with religion, and everything to do with celebrating a consumerized holiday.

Then there are the people who have turned being christian into some sort of exclusive club. For them, anyone with beliefs that even remotely appose theirs, is not seen as christian. They've turned being christian into an us and them philosophy. If you don't do and say and believe exactly as they do, then you aren't a real christian.

I don't think either extreme is a good thing. The way I see it, anyone who believes that christ was the son of god who died for their sins, is a christian. It has nothing to do with what church they do or do not attend. It has nothing to do with what holidays they do or do not celebrate, or how they celebrate them. It doesn't even have anything to do with what scriptures they read or how they live their lives in relation to scriptural guidelines.

I'll let others decide if I'm christian or not, according to how they define it. I already know the truth, and it would probably irritate most of you.

To Whom It May Concern:

I did actually answer athos in a PM, and I explained why; I didn't want to be accused of "bashing" somebody, since it has become clear that some here have a different definition of that term than I do. Here's the essence of what I wrote:

No, I do not believe that Mormonism as a religious system is "Christian." I again go with the late Walter Martin: Mormonism, as preached by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, is not Christian theology, it is not Jewish theology, it is not monothesitic theology. It is polytheistic in nature, because it not only says there are many gods, but it says humans can become gods themselves. This is completely at odds with the Bible and thus excludes Mormonism from being considered a Christian sect.

That said, I do NOT judge anyone's heart. I will critique the system and point out why I don't think the system is Christian, but I will not say whether any individual is or is not a Christian. There's no way I can know that; only God knows the heart. If a person within the Mormon religion is in fact a truly born-again Christian, it is in spite of the religion, not because of it. And if someone tells me that's what they are, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt; I can't see into their heart and hence am in no position to judge. This is the same approach I take to any person, regardless of their church affiliation or lack thereof.

Since somebody seemed to want to make this personal, there it is. I will say no more on the subject.

My apologies - I just now saw your pm. It was sent several days ago but I didn't see it. If I had, I would not have made the last post. Again, my apologies.

Closed, with warning PM to answer or address questions again is against the rules, if it is wrong to post it, it is wrong to PM it.

For purpose of this board, Mormons are Christians with equal rights and protection. They view thierself as such and are considered such from denomination view points. Other Christians groups don't view them as such, but again others don't view Churches with women ministers or gay minsters as Christian either, but they are all equal on our boards