Ask Me Help Desk - Do you think it's right to read other religious books...

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesushelper1976

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athos

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwashbur

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