Deseret News | Prominent Dallas minister says Romney no Christian

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Prominent Dallas minister says Romney no Christian

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Anonymous | 2:30 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

The Nicene Creed is in the Bible? What do they teach you people at BYU? Wake Up!

To Fredd | 2:40 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

If our true and LIVING prophet said that pologamy was to be reinstated I would certainly do a LOT of soul searching, fasting a prayer before saying, or I should say before I allowed my husband to say "I DO" with another woman. Frankly, the Lord has asked us, through his true and living latter day prophets, to do a lot of things and I maybe do a third of them. I'm human and the good Lord will only lead me as far as he knows I can handle things. He stretches me just like my Karate lessons do, but I progress at my own rate both spiritually and physically and with the Lords help each day. I CHOOSE MY LIFE's COURSE...NOT President Hinckley, which is an EXTREME difference from the false prophet of the RLDS faith. In choosing my life's course though, I try my hardest to listen to the Lord and his living prophet, because I KNOW that is what has made my life the great blessing it has become today. I'M NOT BRAINWASHED, I do think for myself, just like you do. In Jones town they didn't get to choose...they were murdered!

Anonymous | 2:48 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

To Another Convert | 2:13 p.m.

Did you LISTEN to the discussions about the "Great Apostasy" and Talmage's book by the same name?? That is the most vitriolic, twisted bit of historical revisionism ever imaginable! And the book was commissioned by the LDS Church prophet and apostles - how exactly does that count as "respect and acceptance of other churches' beliefs"??? Have you lost your sensibility?

Comments continue below

John | 2:56 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

As a member of the LDS church, I've never had the "luxury" of being able to vote for a major presidential candidate who shared my religious beliefs. I've always had to choose a candidate based on whose values most closely aligned with mine. I think its funny that so many religious conservatives are now faced with a similar situation for the first time and are finding it so difficult.

George | 2:57 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I live in Pennsylvania and I find it very curious that when you speak of Mitt Romney, the first thing that is brought up is his religion. I have YET to hear someone start a conversation in the same manner when talking about Guilliani, Thompson, or any of the other candidates. I don't think it is necessarily a bad thing that people are asking about his beliefs, because I too have some "disagreements" with certain issues he has handle in the past as the Gov. of Ma. This pastor says, "He is neither for nor against Romney." However, I bet on Election Day he will be! Mitt Romney is NOT running for any religious office... It is a POLITICAL OFFICE AND NOBODY EVER AGREES 100% with any candidate on all the issues. Look at his past political voting record, see what he stands for and has voted for and base your opinion on that. Nobody cared for JFK's religion either, but as a President he did a pretty good job. Some people don't like the fact that Pres. Bush acknowledges the existance of a God and His influence in Pres. Bush's life... too bad, get over it.

look at us | 3:01 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I don't care anymore what people want to call me or my religion...Christian or not. Fine. Just look though how we are all (myself included though none of my previous comments have been posted yet) playing right into Satan's hand by all the fighting over unimportant things. Rev. Jeffress has his opinion. He may get in trouble with the IRS for it, but good for him for speaking his mind freely in church. Which by the way, unfortunately, churches can lose their non-profit tax status if they do preach politics over the pulpit thanks to President Lindon Johnson in the late 60's. So while I think the good Rev. is ignorant and ill informed, I'm grateful he spoke his mind and has some freedom to do so. I love Baptists, because my cousins and ancestors were Baptists and I love them. I used to go to the Baptist church with my cousins and I loved singing their songs. My cousin kept trying to get me to be baptized there, but I kept telling him "I already am". Thank heavens God is my ultimate judge and not Rev. Jeffress. God bless us all.

clarkesq | 3:47 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

By the way, Elder Holland's conference address was brilliant. It will go down as a classic in Church history. The LDS community should be proud it is different and not try to be like the rest of the so-called Christianity. ItTs very roots are different and a rejection of mainstream Christianity. So stop groveling for acceptance from the right-singers.

David the younger | 5:26 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Check out the wikipedia.org article called "List of Christian Denominations". The article estimates that there are over 300 branches of Christianity and 38,000 Christian Denominations. I'm not sure why faithful LDS are so desperate to be associated with the mess that is "Christianity"?

We learn very clearly in the Book of Mormon about the corruption that comes from Priestcraft. This is another minister who's worried about losing some of his paying membership to the Mormons. I wonder how many of the better part of his "flock" he has already lost? I can't blame this guy too much because I know I would get pretty defensive if someone was threatening my livelihood.

These are the last days and the wickedness of the world is everywhere. As a whole, the LDS church and it's teachings are a shining example of goodness and Christian virtue. It doesn't really matter what guys like this think, the stone cut out of the mountain without hands will continue to roll forth and fill the whole earth.

sashabill | 5:44 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

So what's the difference between this Rev. Jeffress fellow and your average Mormon bishop? For one thing, all the Mormon bishops I know have Honest jobs.

IRS interest. | 6:19 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

This indictment of a presidential candidate's faith is not only morally irresponsible, it raises the possibility of legal action for illegal campaign intervention, The Interfaith Alliance warns.

While Pastor Jeffress claims in his sermon that "I'm neither for nor against Mitt Romney," he then told the Dallas Morning News that it is important to elect a Christian president. By classifying Mitt Romney as a non-Christian, Jeffress is attempting to tell his congregates not to vote for Romney.

"The Internal Revenue Service has made it clear that houses of worship put their tax-exempt status at risk when religious leaders express support or opposition to political candidates," said Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, President of The Interfaith Alliance. "Just as a pastor can't tell his congregates whom to vote for, a pastor cannot tell his congregants whom not to vote for."

Ugh... | 6:58 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Most of you are arguing over semantics. Some Mormons try to follow Jesus and some don't. So if Christian means someone who tries to follow Jesus, then some Mormons are Christian and some aren't. If someone wants to define Christianity differently, then Mormons may not be Christian by that definition. I believe the good Mormons I know will be in heaven versus some born again who claims to know Jesus, but doesn't do his will (See 1st John 2:4).

Romans 8:16-18 | 7:04 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Maybe Mormons do believe in a different Jesus. A Jesus that requires a life of faith and works instead of a one-time lip service "confession". A Jesus that can glorify man far beyond any reward traditional Christianity claims.

A comment on Elder Holland | 7:17 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

I sometimes wonder how many evangelical Christians and/or Catholics realize that much of their doctrine was a product of doctrinal compromises established during the Niceaen and other subsequent councils. After all that Old and New Testament prophets have said about having the gospel revealed to prophets and spelled out in the scriptures, why would they accept such compromises as the true gospel? Especially the part about Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit being "...absolute, transcendent, imminent, consubstantial, coeternal, and unknowable, without body, parts, or passions and dwelling outside space and time." (quoting Elder Holland)

This should not be taken as an attack on those not of the LDS faith, but as a sincere question about the basis of that faith.

Craig | 7:32 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Anonymous 1:29. I'm LDS and I'm not offended by Rev. Jeffres remarks at all. I dont agree with him, but he has a right to say what he believes about my faith and we LDS have a right to respond. The rest of your reply to me was so twisted and void of logic or substance that I'm not going to make further comments to you. Good day.

Anonymous | 8:22 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

To A comment on Elder Holland | 7:17 p.m.
You need a real education on Christian history. No, the Trinitarian doctrine was not invented or a compromise at the Council of Nicea. It had its origins back when Jesus walked the earth in the flesh, as did a number of other ideas. Believers at the time were simply and sincerely trying to make sense out of the fact that God had walked amongst them. And they DID claim to have both authority AND inspriation/revelation from God when they met to work through doctrinal differences! That is no different than the LDS history. LDS theology did not spring full-grown and complete from one revelation or even from one prophet. It developed in significant ways over decades, with a major "correlation" taking place around the turn of the century. There is no difference between this "correlation" effort and the Council of Nicea. It was a "correlating" council carried out by those in authority, guided by the spirit.

deseretmorningnews.com moderator | 8:37 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Comments have a)drifted and b)become less than civil, I am not approving many. If you can keep on topic and polite, your comments will appear.

Old Marine | 8:44 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

While I consider myself a 'Christian' I am not LDS. But, I also would not disqualify Mr. Romney as a candidate for the presidency simply due to his religious beliefs. I am considering him only on the basis of his ability to lead our country in a non-partisan manner. We have seen more political fighting and back-stabbing in the past six years than most any time in history and it has come from both sides. I believe everyone has to believe in something but, I will not vote for a Muslim or Atheist (Obama is a 'former' Muslim and I cannot trust him.) This nation was founded on faith in God and the inspiration and guidelines the Bible gives us. We've moved a long way from that standard though over the years and I certainly hope that we can return there too...

Huh? | 9:25 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

How incredibly interesting it is to see the double standards that people make. What sort of an uprising would there be if a religous leader were to make a disparaging remark on Barak Obama's race, or Hillary Clinton's gender? Shame on Rev. Jeffress for fueling the fire of bigotry.

U Student | 9:35 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

While I can't say that I think payed clergy is the best way for a church to be run, I do feel that we should not lump all people who make their livelihood as a preacher for a church as evil. Nobody has explicitly done this but the undertones do seem to be there. I think that many of these people do it because they love God and they love people and they want to serve them, not because they expect great monetary rewards or glory.

Concerning Rev. Jeffres comments. I don't think they were good, or constructive, and if I was a member of his congregation I'd be ashamed. Sometimes destructive and useless comments about non-LDS religions are made in LDS sunday school. I am sorry when I hear them. Sometimes, I think some of us Mormons get so proud of our true church and get so "indignant" that anybody could believe something which we think is so obviously false, that we look down on those people--especially because they are so often at a distance from us--and forget that we're all pushing through many of the same trials. We might as well do it together.

Will Carter | 10:28 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

As a recent convert to the Mormon faith, I am appalled at the level of ignorance and prejudice which dictates comments like those of Mr. Jeffres. I oppose Mr. Romney because he is a Republican and I am a Democrat. However, to claim, without knowing his heart and soul, that he is not a Christian is the height of bigotry and unChristia in itself. Long ago, I supported the candidacy of Morris Udall, a Democrat and a Mormon even though I was then a traditional protestant. I see no reason why Mr. Romney should be disqualified as a bona fide candidate simply because he is of a different religion. His politics should dictate one's political opinions not his faith which is between Mr Romney and our common Father in Heaven.

Tasha | 10:38 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

As a member for only three years (an agnostic before) it amazes me how other Churches have "lessons" about the LDS Church. People tell me what LDS people believe and don't really believe me because they think I am brain washed. I hope this is not negative but I couldn't believe in a Church that taught against another Church. I don't understand churches fighting against each other instead of uniting. I just wish people would find out the truth for themselves. Of course I probably need to do that at times. I shouldn't and others shouldn't always believe what "self proclaim experts" say. As far as the LDS is concerned I research and still reasearch its beliefs.

To Old Marine:
I have read one of Obama's books. And to my knowledge he didn't practice any religion until he was a young man,and this was a Christian religion.
Sorry this is off the topic.

Also can anyone explain simply what is meant by Trinitian(sp) doctrine?

Johnny | 11:17 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Anyone who accuses another of not being a Christian, cant be mich of a Christian themselves.

Trinitarian | 11:59 p.m. Oct. 20, 2007

Tasha, Trinitarian doctrine is simply a reference to the traditional Catholic/Protestant view of the Godhead as three persons in one, in contrast to the "Mormon" view that there are three perfectly united but seperate and distinct Beings who comprise the Godhead. Traditional Christianity seems to just accept the incomprehensible by definition, 3-in-1 view. They reject the comprehensible, perfectly united beings of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost concept out of hand arguing that such a concept is polytheism. See Elder Holland's talk in this last general conference for a better reference.

Paul | 12:29 a.m. Oct. 21, 2007

Modern-day Christians sometimes ignore the fact that for over 2 centuries the early Roman church debated the true nature of God. Decades of debate culminated in the 4th century Nicene Creed, which has pretty much defined the nature of God for most Christians since then, and that's all well and good. Mormons have a view of God that is different in some respects, which one might expect since it came, Mormons accept, through revelation to a prophet. This being America, we can all choose which view to follow. But when one group labels the other as non-Christian because they believe in revelation, it strikes me as just a little un-Christian, and un-biblical as well.

Adam | 1:40 a.m. Oct. 21, 2007

If the "Christian" thing to do is to decide who is a correct "Christian" then I guess this will never settle itself out.

Laura | 6:14 a.m. Oct. 21, 2007

A cult is any religion--look it up in the dictionary. As for the LDS faith teaching that Jesus is not the only way to salvation? That's the only way I've ever heard. Ignorance is a horrible thing, and to spout off the way Rev. Jeffress has to his congregation with nothing but assumptions tells me that this man shouldn't be standing behind a pulpit. Sen. Romney is a Christian and these attacks won't stop because there's nothing else to fuss over him about.

Jamie | 8:23 a.m. Oct. 21, 2007

Religion and Politics have always been the so called
"no no's" of socially dealing with others. BOTH of
THESE SUBJECTS ARE PRESENT IN MITT ROMNEY's RUN
for the Presidency. There ARE employers who make it a rule in the workplace that there will be NO TALK among the employees on these two subjects. The comments on this story
and the one on Friday and the stories themselves
about the Texas pastor show the reasons that some employers choose this course of rule making. It could slow down productivity at least in some
cases.

It's good to have a forum here on the Deseret News
website to express ideas, comments, etc. Hope it stays.

Time usually heals many problems. Any type attention
to the Church IS ATTENTION. Earlier in this column
somebody quoted Brother Brigham with one of his wise
observations.

Lord Bless....

Kevin | 8:38 a.m. Oct. 21, 2007

I used to work downtown Dallas across the street from First Baptist, the largest Baptist church in the US, at the time when the Dallas Temple was being built. The pastor at First Pastor, Dr. Criswell, gave a similar sermon about how the LDS were not Christians. The LDS gave a Temple Open House for religious leaders in the Dallas area. The temple president walked through the new buidling with Dr. Criswell. Almost every work of art in the building was Christ-centered. Upon exiting the building Dr. Criswell, almost in a whipster, commented that he had been wrong. In other words, Mormons were Christians. However he did not reveal his new found knowledge across the pulpit. Interesting that history is repeating itself at First Baptis.

to Jay H. | 8:43 a.m. Oct. 21, 2007

regarding your comparisons to the "techniques" used by FLDS and Jonestowne, and the LDS church: There is a HUGE difference between an organization wanting to be a part of and influence the lives of its members and mind-control. Of the myriad differences in "technique," I suppose the most obvious is the fact that the LDS Church urges, indeed, demands, that its members find out the truth for themselves. Free agency is one of the most importent LDS principals and is completely contrary to brainwashing.

joycelohr | 8:50 a.m. Oct. 21, 2007

It is entertaining to read all the views expressed here. I am a practicing LDS member who could care less what others think of us. I KNOW that I believe in Jesus Christ and do my best to follow HIS ways and HE knows it too. Living in Maryland, there are many people that follow their faiths as well as I try to follow mine. I think God will judge us on our actions much more than our beliefs. My vote in Maryland will not count towards a republican getting elected as my state always goes to the democrat electorate. I still will vote though, for the person I think would best reflect the issues I agree with. I cannot sit back and let Hillary and Bill back into the White House without casting my vote against it. I have a hard time supporting Rudy Guiliani now that his dirty laundry has been aired. He is pro-choice and has cheated on his wives,not much better than Bill Clinton who not only cheated on his wife but did it in his office, remember Monica? If you believe in strong families and honesty, you have very few candidates to choose from.

Anonymous | 9:25 a.m. Oct. 21, 2007

Your LDS distortions of Christian histor and doctrine are offensive. If you do not understand something, don't attack it - I am refering to the Trinitarian doctrine and the true history of Christianity. As you LDS always say to those who have been "misinformed" about Mormonism, Don't listen to "anti-Trinitarians" (or shall was say "anti-Cristians", i.e., Mormons) if you want to learn the truth about Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and other mainstream religions. Go to a well-educated priest or take a university course at a theology school.

happyjoy | 10:53 a.m. Oct. 21, 2007

I feel Romney is just using his Mormonism to get votes. He wants to make sure "everyone" knows he's a Mormon - especially the Mormons (because, hello folks, nationwide they probably outnumber the next belief system).

What I want to know about Romney is: what is going to do about healthcare, global warming, our economy (including the housing market - most of you in Utah have been sitting pretty on your assets - the rest of the world is not able to sell their home because the housing has dropped so low that we owe more than the homes are now selling for). I could give a rats patooty if Romney is Mormon; I want to know what he will do for our country!

Anonymous | 11:33 a.m. Oct. 21, 2007

My vote for president will not be a vote to keep him or her and others from having illicit affairs; my vote for president will be for a man or woman who can provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. If he happens to be the best at being president, but have some personal idiosynchracies, that is none of my concern. Just because a man has what appears to be a "good family" does not mean he is best qualified to protect the country.

nubbs1 | 1:25 p.m. Oct. 21, 2007

I f Romney wants to get things out of the way concerning his beliefs, i know of 13 articles of faith he could use immediately and then go from their, but it is sad that it has come to this. What is Ironic is that there are good LDS people in both parties and those of the religious right are showing their true colors.

Anonymous | 8:24 p.m. Oct. 21, 2007

I would rather vote for someone who has some moral standards. We have had too many people who have no moral standard trying to run our nation, but they are only thinking of themselves and not the people they are suppose to represent and setting a bad example.

sk

scruffydog | 12:23 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Anonymous at 9.25 am, I suggest you take your own advice and take a class in the history of Christianity. It is documented fact that the Council of Niceae was the source of trinitarianism in Christianity, and it is clear from an analysis of trinitarianism that it was a strand of belief from the Hellenic world and not from the Hebraic world. The Nicene Creed was an attempt to define a baseline belief because there were so many different beliefs within the Church. What's next? A denial that there was an Avignon papacy?

Who Cares | 7:52 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

I am tired of people getting worked up over whether we are Christians or not. Since when do Mormons care so much about what the rest of the world thinks of them? Come to reality. Most people think we are weird and most people will continue to think we are weird. If we can't deal with that, go have a beer. I've done it before and it's a lot of fun (and then you really don't have to worry what everybody thinks). Let's just be happy we have the restored Gospel in our lives. And one more point I have to make, Romney is the one who keeps talking about his Christianity. If he wants to keep putting it out there, that Jesus is his personal Almighty Lord and Savior, hallelujah!, then he's got to be able to take the heat when it comes too. Can't have it both ways Mr Romney, you have to take the good with the bad, my friend. Hallelujah!!

Anonymous | 7:57 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

To scruffydog | 12:23 a.m
No, there is no such documented fact. Trinitarian doctrine was not "caused" at Nicea. The Creed eminating from Nicea was a consumation and articulation of a doctrine that was extant for hundreds of years prior to Nicea, beginning while Jesus was alive in the flesh.

Father Bradford | 8:09 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Mitt Romney's Mormonism asserts that the Nicene Creed (and the definition of "Christianity") was essentially fabricated as a mish mash of compromise between warring doctrinal factions. Such a mis-characterization is misrepresentative and is not supportable in the historical sources. The writings of the erly Church Fathers reveal that the Trinitarian doctrine that has been the core of Christianity for almost 2,000 years, was believed among early Christians from the time that Christ walked the earth in the flesh. To say otherwise is not only unsupportable, but also a misrepresentation.

Just wondering | 8:13 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

I am just wondering. I have been taught that the best way to find out the truth is to ask our father in heaven what is true.Chances are pretty good that this REV. Jefferey's didn't have the ending remarks " and if you want to know for yourself if this is true just ask God".I believe that if those that applauded his remarks would have done that with true intent that none of us would be writing these things today. If you wonder if Mormons are Christians just ask God he will tell you the truth every time. I really don't wonder any more

Father Bradford | 8:14 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

The fact that Mitt Romney's Mormonism asserts a separation and distances itself from the core doctrine of Christianity is precisely why Mormons are considered by the rest of Christianity not to be Christians. It is a matter of historical fact, not a judgment about how nice Mormons are compared to Catholics or others. Mitt Romney may or may not be nice and a good man, but his theology is definitely not Christian.

David Adams | 8:21 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Article VI,section 3 states:"no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

I find this unending discussion of Romney's religious affiliation to be un-American and demostrates that religious bigotry still has a home in the U.S.A.

cg | 8:32 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

After reading all these comments about what the Rev. said, something comes forcefully to mind..we as members of T C of J C of L D S should take on ourselves the example of Christ described in MARK 14:56 thru 63. in Vs. 60 & 61, it says "And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But he held his peace,and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Do read the rest, for we need to be silent as Christ was, for silence can speak volumes.Many seeing have not eyes to see, and hearing , have not ears to hear.

Colonel L. | 8:44 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Given the global state of things, where religion (Fundamentalist Islam) is used as the justification for horrible acts of terrorism, it is very likely that Article VI,section 3 will need to be revisited in the near future. Mitt Romney's religion is considered to be among the "fundamentalist" groups on the fringes of Christianity (we should avoid using the word "cult"). As such, consideration of his religious affiliation is anything BUT "un-American" and has nothing to do with bigotry. Dismissing other's views as "bigotry" does nothing to address very important issues that impinge on our national security.

Jocelyn | 8:53 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Maybe this minister has trouble reading he didn't notice the name of Jesus Christ in the official church name. Bottomline really is if Americans want to rise and regain respect from the whole world again; they need a President with both might and light - and none of the other candidates come close to Romney's achievements and background in all relevant respects - capacity, education and moral fibre among others. Another asset that he has over all the others is having a clean and untainted wife who can pass scrutiny. Whatever leaders of all other churches say doesn't count; If Americans know what's best for them - Romney should win the republican nomination and be in the whitehouse.

I wish I were an American who can volunteer my time in campaign. However, my work is here in Canada.

Anonymous | 8:58 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Comments that the best way to find out truth is by praying seem off-topic. If it is not off topic (i.e., relevant to Mitt Romney's religious affiliation being Non-Christian and a "cult"), please tell me how it relates. The point of the article is NOT that "you, too, can know if Mitt Romney's religion is true if you just pray about it"; the topic is about what Mitt Romney's religious affiliation betokens as regards his ability to be a good President. Please refrain from using this as a forum for trying to get people to take Moroni's challenge.

MoMoFromScipio | 9:02 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

"By their fruits ye shall know" whether Mormons are Christians or not. The same rule applies to Baptists or members of any other religious sect.

Rich | 9:32 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

I sat in a meeting yesterday in my LDS bishop's office, admiring a painting of Jesus and two statues of Christ, and then I thought about Dr. Jeffress and his ignorant, demeaning, judgmental and plain incorrect assessment of members of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints as non-Christians. Mormons definitely have a different view of Jesus than some Christian ministers do. I read a survey that 70% of Christian ministers did NOT believe in the divinity of Christ. Probably 99.9% of Mormon bishops believe in the divinity of Christ. We believe that Jesus is the God of this world, but we also believe (as he himself claimed) that he is the Son of God the Father, who sent him to earth to atone for our sins. We also believe that Christ was resurrected, regaining his physical body (also as the Bible claims), not that he is just an amorphous spirit of Love. We also believe the only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ and through his grace. But we also believe (as the Bible says) that faith without works is dead -- that what you do is as important as what you believe.

So Old | 9:40 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Oh no! An evangelical minister doesn't think I (or Mitt) is a Christian! Whoopdee freakin' do!

Seriously, this has been getting old for the past two decades. This man has every right to his opinion, but of course he's using his own personal definitions of "Christian" and "cult." Anyone in his flock that reads ought to be able to spot his inaccuracies.

Anonymous | 9:42 a.m. Oct. 22, 2007

Defend Mitt if you can. But Mormons who claim that Rev. Jeffress' comments reveal his ignorance of the LDS Church only confirm that they are sheltered and out of touch with the rest of Christianity. This is not about people's "fruits" (Mitt being a "good guy") or about having Jesus' name in the title of Mitt's Church. There are a great many Muslims, Hindus, etc. who produce "good fruits" but they are NOT Christian. And there are a great many horrible "cults" (in every bad sense of that word) that have the name of Jesus in their title. These miss the point. Rev. Jeffress was not issuing a moral condemnation and implying that all Mormons are "bad people" simply because they are Mormons. His statements are the Evangelical equivalent to Mormons saying the LDS Church is the ONLY true church, and thereby implying that all other Churches are FALSE. And he is simply stating a historical and doctrinal fact that Mormonism separated itself from Christianity from their beginnings. Try to be less emotional and defensive and you will have more influence in the discussion.

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