Friday, May 04, 2007
Mohler on Mormonism
Dr. Albert Mohler has posted his contribution to the current OnFaith internet discussion: "After 175 years of existence, is Mormonism entering the mainstream of American religious life or are people still suspicious of it?"
His response: "Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide." Here is an excerpt:
His response: "Evangelicals, Mormons on Same Side of Cultural Divide." Here is an excerpt:
Mormonism holds that God is an exalted man, with a physical body. Christianity teaches that God is Spirit. Mormonism denies the historic Christian understandings of the Trinity, the person and work of Christ, and the doctrine of salvation. Christianity promises salvation through Christ's atonement and the sinner's justification by faith. Mormonism promises deification. Christianity calls for personal faith in Jesus Christ. Mormonism calls for obedience to its own teachings as the path to exaltation. Mormonism replaces belief in the sole authority of the Bible with other writings, including the Book of Mormon. This list is only a brief summary of the vast chasm that separates Christianity from Mormonism. Put simply, Mormonism is not just another form of Christianity. It is a rejection of historic Christianity.
That is a theological summary, but there is a sociological dimension as well. From that perspective, Mormonism can certainly claim to have achieved a comfort level in contemporary American culture -- especially in what might be called "Middle America." Most Americans would feel quite comfortable with Mormon neighbors. The Mormon effort to identify with American culture has been stunningly successful, and the movement's idealization and inculcation of family values has won it the admiration of millions of Americans -- including many evangelical Christians. The convergence of Mormon and evangelical Christian concerns on a host of cultural, moral, and political issues is no accident. The preservation and conservation of the family is a prime concern of both groups.
Labels: Mormonism
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5 Comments:
Living among lots of LDS folks, I can't thank you enough for your posts dealing with mormonism. Using the same language but with different meanings can make things difficult when talking to them. I appreciate Dr. Mohler's succint treatment of the differences between these two religions. THANKS!
Dr. Mohler, as always, cut to the chase about the nature of mormonism. The "discussions" going on below his piece are instructive, at least from the standpoint of examining mormon apologetic tactics. I have just started to watch the PBS series, it seems pretty well done and even handed so far, which is no doubt what raises so many mormon hackles!
Maybe it was Russell Kirk, but someone pointed out that conservatives should take advantage of whatever alliances they can make. There were many humanists (scholars of the humanities) in the early twentieth century who were writing against the rise of modernity, and while they were not Christians, many of them were friends and allies of the Christian humanists (such as C.S. Lewis).
I am curious to know how much of a difference an Evangelical-Mormon alliance on moral issues would be from the Christian-Deist cooperation that we saw at the founding of America?
Honestly, I'm not sure what to make of this and probably have more questions than solutions!
I was reading mohler's post and thought of you. Of course, you have already linked to it here...I was wondering if you had read any of the comments. I think they could use you over there...or are you "A Former Mormon"? Anyway...interesting stuff
Anonymous,
While I would love to interact with others on Mohler's comments, I am simply far too busy at the moment. I'm sure that you understand.
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