Latter Day Saints Vs Mormon

The Church And Its Leaders Are Rightly Cautious About Officially Endorsing Any Material That Has Not Been Approved By The Correlation Process Of The Church

How does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints view apologists?How does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints view apologists?

• Does the Church avoid mentioning the work of LDS apologists in any public forum sponsored by the Church?
• Does the Church avoid endorsing any LDS apologetic scholarship?

Homosexuality And The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter

All homosexual or same-sex sexual activity is forbidden by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in its law of chastity, and the church teaches that God does not approve of same-sex marriage. Adherents who participate in same-sex sexual behavior may face church discipline. Members of the church who experience homosexual attractions, including those who self-identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual remain in good standing in the church if they abstain from same-sex marriage and all sexual relations outside an opposite-sex marriage, but all, including those participating in same-sex activity and relationships, are allowed to attend weekly church worship services. However, in order to receive church ordinances such as baptism, and to enter church temples, adherents are required to abstain from same-sex relations or any sexual activity outside a legal marriage between one man and one woman. Additionally, in the churchs plan of salvation noncelibate gay and lesbian individuals will not be allowed in the top tier of heaven to receive exaltation unless they repent, and a heterosexual marriage is a requirement for exaltation. The churchs policies and treatment of LGBT people has long been a source of controversy both within and outside the church. They have also been a significant cause of disagreement and disaffection by members.

Cain And Abel Were Also Brothers And Yet No Bible Reader Believes That They Are Spiritual Equals Or Equally Admirable

However, critics do not provide the context for the idea that Christ and Lucifer were brothers. Cain and Abel were also brothers, and yet no Bible reader believes that they are spiritual equals or equally admirable. In a similar way, Latter-day Saints do not believe that Jesus and Satan are equals. The scriptures clearly teach the superiority of Jesus over the devil and that Michael and Lucifer and their followers fought against each other to uphold the plan of the Father and the Son.

Finally, while it is true that all mortals share a spiritual parent with Jesus , we now have a different, more important relationship with Jesus. All of Gods children, save Jesus, have sinned and come short of the glory of God . In sinning, they abandon and betray their divine heritage and inheritance. Only through Jesus can any mortal return home to God the Father. This return becomes possible when a sinner is born again, and adopted by Christ, who becomes the spiritual father to those whom He redeems.

Critics also ignore the Biblical references that imply that Satan is one of the sons of God.

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Is It Appropriate For A Church Member To Be Involved In Apologetics

C.S. Lewis pointed out that since enemies have invoked ‘science’ or ‘reason’ to attack faith, it may now be necessary that someone respond in the same vein:

To be ignorant and simple nownot to be able to meet the enemies on their own groundwould be to throw down our weapons, and to betray our uneducated brethren who have, under God, no defense but us against the intellectual attacks of the heathen. Good philosophy must exist, if for no other reason, because bad philosophy needs to be answered.

Indeed, the great risk which apologetics seeks to counter is that those unfamiliar with anti-Mormon arguments will assume that there are no good answers to the critics. Elder Neal A. Maxwell warned of the consequences of such a situation:

Let us be articulate for while our defense of the kingdom may not stir all hearers, the absence of thoughtful response may cause fledglings among the faithful to falter. What we assert may not be accepted, but unasserted convictions soon become deserted convictions.

Similarities On Both Religion

Adventists have views that are very opposed to Mormon doctrines. Understanding how they vary necessitates a process of learning about each denominations views. There are views about hell, heaven, and salvation that distinguishes each sect.

Although it might seem fair to think that Adventists and Mormons are similar, their beliefs are incompatible.

Other religions like Jehovas Witness Have much more in common Read About It Here

Because of what they do outside of the church, it is acceptable to compare Adventists with Mormons. One thing they both have in common is that they all go door-to-door. They usually walk door to door in pairs, dressed appropriately in ties, dress shirts, long dress skirts, and other formal clothes. They also have something to hand out at the door when they go door-to-door. Because of their appearance, it would seem fair to assume they are all the same. The similarities between the two religions make it easy to mix up Adventist and Mormon.

Even Baptism is a similar function

Differences

Although there are some parallels between Adventists and Mormons, their views are vastly different.

Mormons and Adventists share beliefs in prophecy, the trinity, the Bible, and many other things, according to the Mormons official website . The Mormons view the Book of Mormon as just another testament of Jesus Christ, which is a unique belief.

Ellen G. Whites books, according to Adventists, are the witness of Jesus Christ.

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Apologists Participate For A Variety Of Reasons

Apologists participate for a variety of reasons. They may:

• have an interest in Church history and doctrine
• have a background in the study of ancient languages or other religions which give a useful perspective on the restored gospel
• experience frustration with anti-Mormon authors who ignore the totality of LDS doctrine and thought
• wish to protect others from poorly-reasoned criticisms, thus preventing others from enduring the suffering which anti-Mormon attacks have caused in the apologist’s own life, or the lives of friends or family
• want to enhance their own knowledge of Church doctrine or history
• need information to improve their ability to share the gospel with others who have sincere questions or misunderstandings
• enjoy the company of other like-minded Church members, who are interested in the same sorts of issues
• serve in Church leadership positions which require them to address questions

Belief In Reincarnation Yoga

As is the case among members of other religious groups, significant minorities of Mormons express belief in certain tenets more commonly associated with Eastern religions. One-in-ten Mormons say they believe in reincarnation that people will be reborn in this world again and again. This is comparable to the number of white evangelical Protestants who hold this belief . In addition, more than one-in-four Mormons believe in yoga not just as exercise, but as a spiritual practice, comparable to the 23% of the general public who this belief.

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Restorationism And Prophetic Leadership

The LDS Church teaches that, subsequent to the death of Jesus and his original apostles, his church, along with the authority to act in Jesus Christ’s name and the church’s attendant spiritual gifts, were lost, due to a combination of external persecutions and internal heresies. The restorationas represented by the church began by Joseph Smithrefers to a return of the authentic priesthood power, spiritual gifts, ordinances, living prophets and revelation of the primitive Church of Christ. This restoration is associated with a number of events which are understood to have been necessary to re-establish the early Christian church found in the New Testament, and to prepare the earth for the Second Coming of Jesus. In particular, Latter-day Saints believe that angels appeared to Joseph Smith and a limited number of his associates, and bestowed various priesthood authorities on them.

Despite The Fact That Some May Have Prayed Directly To Jesus Christ In The Past Latter

Latter-day Saints are criticized for not praying directly to Jesus Christ.

Despite the fact that some may have prayed directly to Jesus Christ in the past, Latter-day Saints accept the Lord’s Prayer as a divine pattern which was reinforced and clarified in modern scripture. We trust the Lord’s word as revealed in both ancient and modern times and will continue to pray to our Heavenly Father as Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer directed.

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A Comparison Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter

Many who are investigating The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are interested in the similarities and differences between our church, Catholicism, and Protestantism. Ive compiled the following table to help those who are interested in comparative religion. Im happy to entertain any corrections in the comments section. I hope this chart helps!

Adventist And Mormon Beliefs About The Second Coming

The religious group redefined Daniels prophecy, deciding that on October 22, 1844, Christ reached a new heavenly sanctuary in order to prepare for an early but unknown return to earth. Miller never recovered from his humiliation and retired quietly, however, the Seventh-Day Adventists have survived to this day.

The millennial aspirations revealed in the Bible are the foundation of Adventism. Adventists believe that during the Second Coming, Christ will separate the believers from the wicked and establish his millennial reign, based on their scriptural studies. Because of the Adventists emphasis on the Second Coming, many of them made predictions about when it will happen.

The millennial idea was popular in America at the time, and William Millers prophesy was only one of many expressions of it. The charming Shakers, also known as the Believers in Christs Second Appearing, and the considerably more powerful Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often known as Mormons, are among the others. The Mormon conviction that the Second Coming of Christ will occur shortly, putting history to a close, is referred to as the later days.

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Presidential Tenure And Succession

Both Community of Christ and the LDS Church are headed by a President of the Church, a position created and held by Joseph Smith. In the LDS Church, succession to the presidency has been based on apostolic seniority. In Community of Christ, the president has the power to appoint a successor if the outgoing president does not appoint a successor, the Council of Twelve Apostles nominates a successor.

After Smith, the next three presidents of Community of Christ served as President of the Church until their deaths. In 1978, W. Wallace Smith broke this tradition and retired from the presidency, designated himself as “president emeritus”, and appointed Wallace B. Smith as his successor. Wallace B. Smith and his chosen successorMcMurrayalso retired from the position. In the LDS Church, every President of the Church has served until his death and none have selected a successor prior to death.

The LDS Church determines its presidential successor by principles of apostolic seniority combined with inspiration from God. When a church president dies, the member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who has been an apostle the longestthe President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostlesbecomes the new president of the church. Prior to making the succession official, the apostles individually and collectively pray for divine guidance and confirmation of their proposed action.

What Does Each Religion Believe About Diet

Mormons think that people should take care of their bodies by practicing healthy habits. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, often known as the Mormon Church, advocates for physical activity, enough sleep, cleanliness, dental hygiene, and good medical treatment. Dietary teachings are also included in Mormon health beliefs.

Following the churchs dietary as well as other health regulations, Mormons believe, demonstrates reverence for the body as Gods temple. The church views health teachings as commandments that improve members bodily, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Avoiding dangerous drugs and maintaining a nutritious diet, for example, boosts members energy and capacity to serve. To enter a Mormon temple, a member must follow the health teachings .

While according to several experts, Seventh-day Adventist dietary views and diet practices are among the healthiest diet alternatives accessible. Those who practice this faith are stated to live a healthy lifestyle that incorporates proper nutrition, exercise, and spirituality.

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Other Social And Religious Customs

Mormon religious customs include ordinances, or religious rites. Several of them, including the ordinance to be married at a Mormon temple, are necessary to reach exaltation, or the highest level of heaven. At the time of the temple endowment, when they promise to keep the convenants of the church, Mormons are given special temple garments they must wear underneath their regular clothing at all times, except when they bathe or swim.

Jehovahs Witnesses do not celebrate Christmas or Easter, as they believe that these holidays are not holy and are tainted by other belief systems. They also abstain from celebrating birthdays, and refuse to participate in government-based activities such as military service. Members can be disfellowshipped if and when they commit what the church considers serious sins, such as adultery. However, those who are disfellowshipped may eventually be reinstated after they repent.

references

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In longer responses to different critical works, we will usually list the claim from the critic in the heading, provide the exact claim in italic text, point out logical fallacies in subheadings, and then provide text providing a direction for response. Following there will usually be a

• List of articles attached to the claim in blue, hyperlink font
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Treatment And Views Of Lgbt People

The church has occasionally addressed the treatment and views of LGBT+ members. Church leaders have given discretion to local leaders on whether to hold church courts for suspected homosexual members, with options ranging from acquittal to excommunication.:17 In 2000 the apostle Packer addressed gay and lesbian youth stating that church leaders dont reject, but rather love them, and that they sometimes must extend tough love through teaching and discipline. Additionally, the 2007 church pamphlet God Loveth His Children acknowledged that some gay members have felt rejection by other members. It criticized those who did not show love and challenged gay members to show love and kindness to help other members change their attitudes. From 1976 until 1989 under president Kimball the Church Handbook called for church discipline for members attracted to the same sex equating merely being homosexual with the seriousness of acts of adultery and child molestationâeven celibate gay people were subject to excommunication.:16,43:382,422:139 Kimballs numerous publications discussing curing homosexuality and condemning same-sex attractions , and his rise to the church presidency in 1973 set the stage for years of harsh treatment of gay church members.:36â37 In a 1977 Utah poll three-fourths of LDS-identified responders opposed equal rights for gay teachers or ministers and 62% favored discrimination against gays in business and government .:15:220

Members Of Fairmormon Are Not Paid For Their Efforts

FairMormon is a 501 non-profit, and all of its members, with the exception of the part-time Bookstore manager, are unpaid volunteers.

All efforts devoted to FairMormon are performed only after its members spend time with their families, perform their “day job,” and fulfill church responsibilities. FairMormon is not, and should not be, the top priority in any of its members’ lives. This means that the work sometimes proceeds slowly, but it does proceed forward.

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Mormons And Family Life

The survey confirms that family life is very important to most Mormons. Four out of five Mormons believe that being a good parent is one of the most important goals in life, and roughly three out of four Mormons put having a successful marriage in this category. This puts family concerns significantly above career concerns, having free time and even living a very religious life as priorities for Mormons.

Two-thirds of Mormon adults are married, compared with 52% of the general public.3 More than four out of five married Mormons are married to another Mormon. By comparison, 81% of married Protestants are married to another Protestant, and 78% of married Catholics are married to another Catholic, according to the Pew Forums 2007 U.S. Religious Landscape Survey.

Nearly six-in-ten Mormons say that the more satisfying kind of marriage is one where the husband provides for the family and the wife takes care of the house and children, while 38% say that a marriage where the husband and wife both have jobs and both take care of the house and children is preferable. Among the general public, the balance of opinion on this question is reversed 30% prefer a marriage where the husband is the sole breadwinner, while 62% prefer a marriage in which both husband and wife work.