I will continue my previous post by giving two final reasons for critiquing Mormonism.

3) Mormon claims require a response. Mormonism asserts that our churches are false and that our beliefs (as summarized in our creeds) are an abomination to God. Why shouldn't we respond to these charges? The Apostle Peter instructs us: "…and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Peter 3:15). I must defend the historic doctrine of the Trinity against Mormon counterclaims. I must defend the good news—full salvation (eternal life) is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. I must defend the inspiration, inerrancy, and sufficiency of the Bible as God's complete and accurate revelation to us.

Occasionally, I will hear Mormons suggest: "We do not argue against your beliefs." This is simply untrue. Mormonism is built upon a denial of historic Christianity's fundamental beliefs. Anytime a Mormon shares their faith, they are also telling others how historic Christianity is wrong (see my first point).

Even Joseph Fielding McConkie mistakenly says,

As to how we as Latter-day Saints view those not of our faith and as to how we determine who in this world is “Christian” and who is not, may I suggest that though many in the Christian world are anxious to draw a circle and exclude us. We choose to draw a very large and inclusive circle. We will pray with any man who is willing to do so. Our bookstores do not contain anti-anybody literature, we do not attack those of other faiths in our missionary lesson plan, nor do we do so in our church services or in any class sponsored by the Church. We do not give out warnings against those of other faiths nor do we ever forbid our membership from listening to or talking to anyone they desire.

(By the way, I highly recommend reading McConkie's entire message, "The First Vision and Religious Tolerance," available in two parts: Part 1 and Part 2)

Apparently, McConkie has forgotten about a book he co-authored with Robert Millet, "Sustaining and Defending the Faith." This work is a direct attack against the historic Christian faith. Additionally, entire LDS ministries exist to argue against our beliefs. The Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (at Brigham Young University, a school run by the LDS church), the Foundation for Apologetic Information & Research, and many others write against the beliefs of those who hold to the historic Christian faith.

It is clearly incorrect to maintain that the LDS church does not seek to refute historic Christian doctrine. In light of this reality, I must give an answer in response.

4) Love. This reason is the most important of all. If God's truth inherently denies error, if the gospel is the one and only hope for eternal life, and if Mormonism denies God, His truth, and His gospel, then I must show that Mormonism is wrong. I do this out of love, desiring for God and His good news to be understood and believed. I care about humanity and each individual's relationship with God. I also recognize that Mormonism cannot reconcile us with our Creator. Love compels me to proclaim the hope God has given us in Jesus Christ. I pray that we may all trust in Him and in His redemptive work alone for our eternal life.

(Originally posted at the A-Team Blog: http://ateam.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2005/12/19/1448503.html )