Eternal Christianity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
My search for truth is based on some simple observations, The world exists and so do we. Was there a divine creator or not? If so then what demonstrates the nature of this being or beings? Who is authorized to speak for God? Can we identify actual eternal unchangeable truth? Can we communicate directly with God, and if so how do we do so? Do we even care about the answers to these questions? If so then a host of other questions should come to our minds. Are there answers or not?
I found answers to my questions about God, the purpose of life and our eternal destiny as individuals and families in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints over 45 years ago. When asked what my faith is about, my response is that Mormonism is eternal Christianity. It is charity, service and the love of God extended to his children.
If you have heard much about Mormons, chances are it wasn’t from a Mormon and there is probably some misunderstanding attached to it. Even though Mormons love to talk about their religion, they don’t have much opportunity to do so as such topics are taboo in so many circles.
Misconceptions about Mormons and Mormonism, (the nickname for the theology of the Church) have been perpetuated since Joseph Smith first spoke of his religious experience almost 200 years ago. His testimony set many teachers of religion in the orthodox sects of his day against him.
Over the centuries since then, former members that have become disaffected for various reasons have actively spread their personal agendas against the church also. Mainstream Christian apologists, (those that defend traditional Bible theology) have also helped to expand the false notions propagated by these folks as well as their own doctrinal distortions. They mix facts, fiction, and personal bias and add sound bites such as non-biblical and non-Christian and call the church a cult as a means to confuse people. These false notions have resounded in the Christian community. My exposure to and observation of these critics, their motives and tactics demonstrate that they are either uninformed, cynical or disaffected people spreading their bias to uninformed listeners.
Over the centuries since then, former members that have become disaffected for various reasons have actively spread their personal agendas against the church also. Mainstream Christian apologists, (those that defend traditional Bible theology) have also helped to expand the false notions propagated by these folks as well as their own doctrinal distortions. They mix facts, fiction, and personal bias and add sound bites such as non-biblical and non-Christian and call the church a cult as a means to confuse people. These false notions have resounded in the Christian community. My exposure to and observation of these critics, their motives and tactics demonstrate that they are either uninformed, cynical or disaffected people spreading their bias to uninformed listeners.
These critics have also taken historical events of which they do not have all of the facts and developed cynical narratives mixed with their opinions. They have not been able to disprove the claim of the church or of the prophet Joseph Smith himself that God did, in fact, call him to be a prophet in the latter-days.
These critics operate on the irrational assumption that a 14-year-old boy told numerous lies to start a religious organization that would endure severe opposition for more than a century, somehow recruit centuries of leadership that would carry on his message and then become established throughout the world and be known for its moral and family values and a book that centers on Jesus Christ. It is a simple thing to observe the fruits of his life and teachings. He was either a prophet of God or he wasn't. My experience and observations are conclusive that he was and of such I testify.
I suppose it is even somewhat ironic that what was meant to be a major slur or put down (calling us Mormons) has been embraced to the degree that it is uniquely identifying. That doesn’t, however, change the fact of who and what we really are. That is having a desire to be disciples of Jesus Christ and to proclaim his eternal gospel. The uniqueness of Mormonism stands apart from the masses of scholars that debate to this very day the doctrines of the Bible of which they still disagree after thousands of years of discussion.
These critics operate on the irrational assumption that a 14-year-old boy told numerous lies to start a religious organization that would endure severe opposition for more than a century, somehow recruit centuries of leadership that would carry on his message and then become established throughout the world and be known for its moral and family values and a book that centers on Jesus Christ. It is a simple thing to observe the fruits of his life and teachings. He was either a prophet of God or he wasn't. My experience and observations are conclusive that he was and of such I testify.
I suppose it is even somewhat ironic that what was meant to be a major slur or put down (calling us Mormons) has been embraced to the degree that it is uniquely identifying. That doesn’t, however, change the fact of who and what we really are. That is having a desire to be disciples of Jesus Christ and to proclaim his eternal gospel. The uniqueness of Mormonism stands apart from the masses of scholars that debate to this very day the doctrines of the Bible of which they still disagree after thousands of years of discussion.
Those that have taken antagonistic positions against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have made part of their tactics to label the church and its members as non-Christian. They have spread false soundbite notions in the Christian community. They have various reasons for doing so, however, my exposure to and observation of their motives and tactics demonstrates that they are either uninformed, cynical or disaffected people spreading their bias to uninformed listeners.
I am however grateful to a degree for them and their negative arguments and adverse positions. Their opposition is what has caused me to study their allegations and compare them to the truth. This essay contains many of my observations after doing so and my blog contains expanded versions of many of the topics so I will not try to elaborate on every point of doctrinal nuance here.
I am however grateful to a degree for them and their negative arguments and adverse positions. Their opposition is what has caused me to study their allegations and compare them to the truth. This essay contains many of my observations after doing so and my blog contains expanded versions of many of the topics so I will not try to elaborate on every point of doctrinal nuance here.
Catholics, Protestants and evangelical Christians have all posted numerous online doctrinal statements and essays. They have posted multitudes of videos as well as preaching and discussing their precepts. It is important to realize that what is the mainstream of Christianity is either Catholic or reformed Catholics which is what Protestants and Evangelicals are. There are some non-mainstream Bible churches as well. I have studied their apologetic positions regarding Mormons and their doctrinal teachings regarding God, creation, and salvation.
I have also looked at the “anti-Mormon” influence and arguments that are designed to undermine the Mormon church. I was curious why one that calls themselves a Christian could label another believer in Christ as a non-Christian. I don't know that Mormons have ever taken an antagonistic position against any other Christian group unless it is that they feel threatened by the message of the church that God speaks in our day through living prophets and that he has introduced additional scripture to the world.
What are the actual powers and purposes of our creator to do what he does? The central position taken by most mainstream theologians, that most Christians other than Mormons adhere to, is that all of creation was spoken into existence out of a void or nothingness for no particular reason. By some mysterious and supernatural or unnatural power, God causes things that never existed before.
Even though the Bible doesn't specifically teach this, Bible scholars like this theory and teach it because as long as there is the unexplainable mystery behind creation then they can maintain a position of authority as far as the Bible goes. I will explain the theology that results and the ramifications it entails.
Mormons do not ascribe to this theology of creation out of nothing or creation exnihilo as it is called in theological terms and its doctrinal significance. This is one of the reasons for the non-Christian label by critics.
Our understanding develops with the idea all things exist eternally in a natural or chaotic state both in terms of elements and of intelligence throughout the vast infinite universe. God can organize and command these elements through his all-powerful nature and he is sovereign over them to bring about creation and beget offspring in his image and likeness. Nothing can be created out of nothing or destroyed as to its basic eternal nature.
I will describe some of the beliefs of Mormons. You can decide if they are Christian or not. I will also the describe underlying doctrines of orthodox Bible scholars that are used to establish mainstream sectarian teachings.
Our understanding develops with the idea all things exist eternally in a natural or chaotic state both in terms of elements and of intelligence throughout the vast infinite universe. God can organize and command these elements through his all-powerful nature and he is sovereign over them to bring about creation and beget offspring in his image and likeness. Nothing can be created out of nothing or destroyed as to its basic eternal nature.
I will describe some of the beliefs of Mormons. You can decide if they are Christian or not. I will also the describe underlying doctrines of orthodox Bible scholars that are used to establish mainstream sectarian teachings.
Latter-Day Saints believe that our Creator is an actual person, has a glorified physical body and therefore an actual presence. The Godhead consists of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. They are three separate and distinct individuals. All things are done under the direction of the Father. He delegated many aspects of creation to the Son as well as the role of Savior and Redeemer. We can call each God or refer to them together as God, as they are united in one purpose to bring salvation to all of us. They each speak for themselves and for each other at times as needed, as their unity is perfect.
Our Eternal Father is the father of our spirit. He is an eternal being of the male gender. Fatherhood and manhood are features of godhood. His fatherhood is not independent of womanhood and motherhood, both genders are eternal. God is the supreme head of the human family. He is not a solitary being or the only one of his kind, nor is he a single parent. Men are created in his image and women in the image of our eternal mother. Womanhood is eternal, not a not sudden decision in the Garden of Eden to come up with a new creature. God did not suddenly decide that it was not good for the man to be alone. For this purpose, Mormons believe marriage is ordained by God to unite a man and woman with potential to be endowed with powers of creation as an eternal companionship.
As the Most High God, he is all knowing, and all powerful. He governs in an infinite kingdom but not alone. He knows and comprehends all things. God is the creator of endless worlds, souls and salvation. The spirits of these souls are us, the spirit children of our eternal Father. As such we are eternal beings, the intelligence of each one of us is co-eternal and uncreated. As such our individual worth is incalculable. Because of God’s love, we exist with the power to progress with the gift of agency that allows us freedom of choice. He has all power to help us learn and grow to our full potential according to our willingness to participate. No one will be forced to follow the plan.
Creation comes about because of God’s perfect love, and all beings will be better off for having passed through mortality. Only a very few souls capable of absolute rejection of their Redeemer will not be better off. Satan, however, rejected the plan and was cast out forever. This knowledge comes by way of revelation through prophets authorized by God to receive, administer and disseminate it. The priesthood is exercised only through authorized servants. The church is a restoration of eternal gospel truths and the church of Christ, not a reformation of the Catholic or another Protestant church.
Our Eternal Father is the father of our spirit. He is an eternal being of the male gender. Fatherhood and manhood are features of godhood. His fatherhood is not independent of womanhood and motherhood, both genders are eternal. God is the supreme head of the human family. He is not a solitary being or the only one of his kind, nor is he a single parent. Men are created in his image and women in the image of our eternal mother. Womanhood is eternal, not a not sudden decision in the Garden of Eden to come up with a new creature. God did not suddenly decide that it was not good for the man to be alone. For this purpose, Mormons believe marriage is ordained by God to unite a man and woman with potential to be endowed with powers of creation as an eternal companionship.
As the Most High God, he is all knowing, and all powerful. He governs in an infinite kingdom but not alone. He knows and comprehends all things. God is the creator of endless worlds, souls and salvation. The spirits of these souls are us, the spirit children of our eternal Father. As such we are eternal beings, the intelligence of each one of us is co-eternal and uncreated. As such our individual worth is incalculable. Because of God’s love, we exist with the power to progress with the gift of agency that allows us freedom of choice. He has all power to help us learn and grow to our full potential according to our willingness to participate. No one will be forced to follow the plan.
Creation comes about because of God’s perfect love, and all beings will be better off for having passed through mortality. Only a very few souls capable of absolute rejection of their Redeemer will not be better off. Satan, however, rejected the plan and was cast out forever. This knowledge comes by way of revelation through prophets authorized by God to receive, administer and disseminate it. The priesthood is exercised only through authorized servants. The church is a restoration of eternal gospel truths and the church of Christ, not a reformation of the Catholic or another Protestant church.
The dominant doctrine encompassing known forms of orthodox Christian beliefs come about from theological scholarship. Jews also ascribe to this basic idea. It is that the creator is not a man or a person but a genderless being of unknowable proportions and somehow divided into three persons. This understanding is the result of an ecumenical council held in 325 AD. It is called the Nicene Creed. Deity was determined to be a trinity of beings and of a character and power that are not describable or explainable. Even though the nouns and pronouns associated with deity under this theology refer to the male gender, it is neither a father nor a male in actuality as it has no body and is deemed to be celibate.
Such references are a facade of comfort and are used only because they are used in the Bible itself. Scholars understand this but most parishioners do not. Accordingly, this earth is the extent of the trinity's habitable creations. There have been no other souls created with a potential for eternal life or salvation. Human beings have no prior state of existence. The souls of all beings have come into existence beginning about 6000 years ago and then only at their individual birth. The genders of male and female were new concepts by deity first used for the first time in the Garden of Eden. They are temporary states of being.
The Trinity has no stated purpose for creating the earth or mankind. From the pulpits of Christendom, one will hear that it is because of love, yet they cannot describe any reasonable basis for loving something that never existed before. It is part of the mystery. Under this theology men and women are temporary creature creations, essentially pawns whose value or worth is questionable.
The Orthodox concept of God's love is that it allows for a majority of his creations to face the proposition of eternal hell simply for having been created. Satan was an angel created by God out of nothing that became evil because he was given free will. How is it that with such power creation out of nothing has resulted in such chaos? Human creation and existence on earth with its suffering is forced upon us and all are subject to the devil. Some religious scholars profess that damnation and salvation are predetermined.
After the death of Christ and his apostles, the church lost its way and fell into apostasy. These theologies while somewhat ancient have come to be by way of creeds, ecumenical councils, debates and scholarship. They are scriptural opinions by Bible scholars and theological philosophers. They are not necessarily biblical. They claim no revelation in the process of forming their opinions and disseminate them without actual authority. The priesthood is random and sought by the whim of the individual. Many are acting on their own desires to try and do some good based on what they have learned or been taught according to their individual understanding of the Bible. While most have parts of the truth they don’t have all that God desires for them to have. When one disagrees with another they simply "reform" the Bible teaching to suit their preference.
Such references are a facade of comfort and are used only because they are used in the Bible itself. Scholars understand this but most parishioners do not. Accordingly, this earth is the extent of the trinity's habitable creations. There have been no other souls created with a potential for eternal life or salvation. Human beings have no prior state of existence. The souls of all beings have come into existence beginning about 6000 years ago and then only at their individual birth. The genders of male and female were new concepts by deity first used for the first time in the Garden of Eden. They are temporary states of being.
The Trinity has no stated purpose for creating the earth or mankind. From the pulpits of Christendom, one will hear that it is because of love, yet they cannot describe any reasonable basis for loving something that never existed before. It is part of the mystery. Under this theology men and women are temporary creature creations, essentially pawns whose value or worth is questionable.
The Orthodox concept of God's love is that it allows for a majority of his creations to face the proposition of eternal hell simply for having been created. Satan was an angel created by God out of nothing that became evil because he was given free will. How is it that with such power creation out of nothing has resulted in such chaos? Human creation and existence on earth with its suffering is forced upon us and all are subject to the devil. Some religious scholars profess that damnation and salvation are predetermined.
After the death of Christ and his apostles, the church lost its way and fell into apostasy. These theologies while somewhat ancient have come to be by way of creeds, ecumenical councils, debates and scholarship. They are scriptural opinions by Bible scholars and theological philosophers. They are not necessarily biblical. They claim no revelation in the process of forming their opinions and disseminate them without actual authority. The priesthood is random and sought by the whim of the individual. Many are acting on their own desires to try and do some good based on what they have learned or been taught according to their individual understanding of the Bible. While most have parts of the truth they don’t have all that God desires for them to have. When one disagrees with another they simply "reform" the Bible teaching to suit their preference.
The Methodology for Saving Souls.
From conversations with friends, Bible study groups and church seminars over the years and my own experience before I was a member of the Mormon faith, I have observed that most adherents attend bible based churches for fellowship and some god themed entertainment. Congregants are for the most part unfamiliar with the resultant meanings of the theology they should understand. Likewise being unfamiliar with Mormon teachings and history they succumb to false notions about our doctrines. They learn about them from their own pulpits through inaccurate sources brought to speak by their pastors. I will try to simplify the explanation of how salvation is carried out. I will refer to the two methods or processes as Mormonism and mainstream.
What is the eternal Christianity of Mormonism? We lived with God before we born on the earth to our mortal parents. We are part of his eternal family. He chose his most righteous and also firstborn son in our pre-mortal family to be a Redeemer and Savior to us. He was known as Jehovah and was born as the Son of God on the earth and the only begotten of the Father in the flesh. He became Jesus the Christ.
As a member of the Godhead, Jesus was always the plan for mankind’s salvation. He would be a voluntary sacrifice for sin. This plan was based on eternal laws of agency, justice and mercy and the perfect love of God. The creation of earth and mortality was and is a necessary step for the eternal growth and happiness of his children.
Mortality would be introduced by a choice, not by force. The Eden setting was designed for this purpose. “The man has become as one of us” was the declaration by God after the fall. Adam and Eve became this world's first Christians. It was a forward step not backward. Exposure to the opposing forces of good and evil with all of its hardships and death would be overcome and temporary. The consequences of sin would also be conditionally reconciled through choice by individual acceptance and obedience.
All human beings will be beneficiaries of the resurrection made possible by Christ as a free gift. Having bodies not subject to the afflictions of the flesh, all will live eternally in a kingdom based on and pertaining to our individual willingness to accept and obey the principles pertaining to those kingdoms.
There are three basic variations in the destinations or kingdoms that exist in the eternities. They will be of a superior glory than our existence on earth. The highest and most glorious of these kingdoms is the most dynamic in its nature. Init family relationships continue intact and bonds formed on earth will endure and even increase for those that are willing to follow God’s plan. All individuals regardless of when they lived on earth will learn about Christ will have an opportunity to know and accept or reject his gift of eternal life in his kingdom before the final judgment.
As a member of the Godhead, Jesus was always the plan for mankind’s salvation. He would be a voluntary sacrifice for sin. This plan was based on eternal laws of agency, justice and mercy and the perfect love of God. The creation of earth and mortality was and is a necessary step for the eternal growth and happiness of his children.
Mortality would be introduced by a choice, not by force. The Eden setting was designed for this purpose. “The man has become as one of us” was the declaration by God after the fall. Adam and Eve became this world's first Christians. It was a forward step not backward. Exposure to the opposing forces of good and evil with all of its hardships and death would be overcome and temporary. The consequences of sin would also be conditionally reconciled through choice by individual acceptance and obedience.
All human beings will be beneficiaries of the resurrection made possible by Christ as a free gift. Having bodies not subject to the afflictions of the flesh, all will live eternally in a kingdom based on and pertaining to our individual willingness to accept and obey the principles pertaining to those kingdoms.
There are three basic variations in the destinations or kingdoms that exist in the eternities. They will be of a superior glory than our existence on earth. The highest and most glorious of these kingdoms is the most dynamic in its nature. Init family relationships continue intact and bonds formed on earth will endure and even increase for those that are willing to follow God’s plan. All individuals regardless of when they lived on earth will learn about Christ will have an opportunity to know and accept or reject his gift of eternal life in his kingdom before the final judgment.
Mainstream Christian scholars and theologians teach that we did not exist before our birth. We are not part of a family because we are simple creature creations out of nothing. God introduced the first two of these creations to a state of paradise on earth. This earth is a creation that occurred for no apparent purpose other than a random desire. It was not an act based on an eternal plan but temporary in nature. We had no prior existence and were not known to deity in any manner except perhaps as a thought.
Creation of souls is also based on an apparent whim (for his will and pleasure they say), not on eternal principles. The Eden setting was designed to be mankind’s forever destiny, living in a state of sublime paradisiacal innocence. Mankind would enjoy God's presence and put up with Satan as well since he was also living there. He too was created out of nothing and turned evil when given free will. After Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan’s temptation and fell from paradise they would now die. Scholars determined that Adam and Eve abandoned God and followed Satan because they were deceived.
The Trinity would now have to undertake a new plan. In order to save the souls of future humans, it would now need to sacrifice a part of itself to itself. This action was a reaction to Adam’s and Eve’s choice and not God’s main plan. It is a literal plan B or a backup plan and it was only designed some 6000 years ago and implemented some 2000. Heaven and hell are the only possible eternal destinations. Mainstream Bible scholars still debate whether salvation is arbitrary and predetermined or not. Some souls born at certain times will be condemned because they did not know Jesus or read the Bible.
Family relationships, marriage, human genders and procreation are also temporary states of being and end at death. Heaven is a static place as those that are saved by the plan will be forever limited in their capacity to grow and learn. Because men and women are simply creature creations albeit now promoted to a paradisiacal eternal life they have no eternal purpose or opportunity to increase in eternity. They will somehow enhance the glory of their creator in a state of everlasting worship even though the Trinity was already perfect and neither had the need or has a need to be worshipped due to already attained perfections.
Creation of souls is also based on an apparent whim (for his will and pleasure they say), not on eternal principles. The Eden setting was designed to be mankind’s forever destiny, living in a state of sublime paradisiacal innocence. Mankind would enjoy God's presence and put up with Satan as well since he was also living there. He too was created out of nothing and turned evil when given free will. After Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan’s temptation and fell from paradise they would now die. Scholars determined that Adam and Eve abandoned God and followed Satan because they were deceived.
The Trinity would now have to undertake a new plan. In order to save the souls of future humans, it would now need to sacrifice a part of itself to itself. This action was a reaction to Adam’s and Eve’s choice and not God’s main plan. It is a literal plan B or a backup plan and it was only designed some 6000 years ago and implemented some 2000. Heaven and hell are the only possible eternal destinations. Mainstream Bible scholars still debate whether salvation is arbitrary and predetermined or not. Some souls born at certain times will be condemned because they did not know Jesus or read the Bible.
Family relationships, marriage, human genders and procreation are also temporary states of being and end at death. Heaven is a static place as those that are saved by the plan will be forever limited in their capacity to grow and learn. Because men and women are simply creature creations albeit now promoted to a paradisiacal eternal life they have no eternal purpose or opportunity to increase in eternity. They will somehow enhance the glory of their creator in a state of everlasting worship even though the Trinity was already perfect and neither had the need or has a need to be worshipped due to already attained perfections.
How does one know the truth? Forty years ago I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I can testify that God can and does reveal the truth and answers the prayers of those willing to study and ask. To say otherwise would be to say that he leaves knowledge of eternal things to chance. Only one church existed when the Savior was on the earth. Men changed it. It has been restored to the earth with the fullness of God’s authority.
The Book of Mormon is another testament of the Savior. Its pages contain doctrine that confirms the truth of the Bible and gives clarity to it. If one wants to know the truth then they must read it and study it. Divine messengers have visited the earth to restore authority and ordinances and covenants that are eternal in nature and assure us of God’s interest in our well being.
The Book of Mormon is another testament of the Savior. Its pages contain doctrine that confirms the truth of the Bible and gives clarity to it. If one wants to know the truth then they must read it and study it. Divine messengers have visited the earth to restore authority and ordinances and covenants that are eternal in nature and assure us of God’s interest in our well being.
The Holy Ghost will testify with confirming power that these things are true and that living prophets guide the church. We can all have a direct channel of communication with God. I have felt it, observed the effects and know that it is real and true. Happiness, understanding of life’s purpose and eternal perspective have been the result. The struggles and challenges of life are more confidently met when we understand why we are here and that Jesus Christ is involved in our lives. It is an eternal plan, not a temporary plan that brought us to this mortal experience and its requisite personal growth through faith and obedience. It will bless us now and continue into eternity to bless our eternal souls if we will embrace it.
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