The Mormon Controversy
Since one of the major Republican candidates is a professing Mormon, there now is a stirring controversy whether Mormonism is actually a legitimate part of the Christian community. Well, let’s see. Most Mormons are pro-life; most Mormons believe homosexuality is a sin; most Mormons believe in traditional marriage; most Mormons abhor divorce; Mormons are industrious and believe in capitalism; and many Mormons abstain from alcohol and drugs.
If we measure Christianity solely by outward standards the Mormons are Christians, and in fact, seemingly above the standards of many evangelicals. But of course they believe in and teach another Jesus and a works based salvation. They have many bizarre beliefs and practices as well. (holy underwear, baptizing the dead, historical polygamy, historical racism, Garden of Eden in Missouri, etc.)
OK, they are not part of the orthodox, mainstream evangelical theological community. However, does it not bother anyone that they in large part exhibit the traits that evangelicals strive for? It may not change what we know about their teachings, but what does it say about us and our so called “orthodoxy”. And what would be a word that could adequately describe people who teach one thing and do another while castigating people who more fully follow their own teachings?
Ummm….I’m guessing the word “hypocrite”. You see, I have found that in the midst of a constant stone throwing contest, mirrors are always barred. The self righteous contentment that is sometimes found in being a “discerner” can quickly become a diversion to our own failings and shortcomings.
Oh, and by the way, the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas called Mormonism a cult and proclaimed that Romney was not a true Christian. However, he said the President Obama was a professing Christian and could not take issue with that. He went on to say that given the choice between Obama or Romney, he would have to vote for Romney.
Please, class, pay attention here. This evangelical preacher has just said that he would vote for a cultist who denies the true Jesus and belongs to an antichrist denomination simply because of his moral and economic positions. What does that say about the compromise politics continues to present within the church? It says that millions of professing believers are more concerned with the direction of the country then they are with the direction of the gospel.
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2 comments:
I would ask if the Pastor specifically said that he was voting for Romney out of his confused commitment to the Gospel and therefore those listening should do the same; or that he thinks Romney would do better as a political leader.
The reason I ask is that voting one way or the other really doesn't make much of a difference, and the man is entitled to his opinion as such. But if he is saying that it is the Christian position, he is deluded and confused.
It is evident that he believes Romney would present a better way or leader to enhance our earthly lives (especially money). And that is the entire definition of American politics. People vote for the person whom they deem better to lead them in an earthly way.
In fact, the believer who would boldly speak to Christ's exclusivity would undoubtedly have no chance of election. America is a pluralisric nation and one needs to make room for every religion to be a viable candidate.
That, among other things, makes American politics a fallen exercise that ignores the exclusivity of the gospel as the ONLY agent of change.
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