"...Another reason that I am writing is becuase I have some questions about Mormonism. I am not Mormon and I do not want to become one. I am perfectly happy with my faith as a Non-denominational Christian. My curiousity with the LDS and the FLDS is at an all time high though. I have a friend of mine, who really is a great genuine guy who would give the shirt off of his back. He is Mormon. We have had some discussions about it but I am delicate in the conversation because I don't want to disrespect or be judgemental to his beliefs. [...] I guess what I am looking for is the Honest to God truth. I keep thinking there must be some good to it because I know great people who are LDS members and they are happy with their faith and believe what they have been taught is the truth. I also know, aside from the people who I know that are Momon, there are a lot of followers. There is 2 sides to everything and the only information I seem to get is one-sided. One side is truly behind the Mormon religion and the side that is against it. I am hoping with your relgious education, experience, and knowledge, I can get some honest insight [...]
-C."
Dear C.,
I'll tell you my opinion, but I think I'm going to introduce you to a Lutheran friend (pastor) who is a little more versed on the subject of other faiths. But my thougts first...
Trinity
First: Mormons don't belienve in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in the same way that Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Anglicans (including Episcopalians like me) and Protestants do. For Mormons the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three (or maybe two) separate individuals. That difference greatly alters greatly the conception of God and who Jesus is and what Jesus is all about.Morality
Second: I agree. I see many moral Mormons out there. Some Mormons are really, REALLY good people. Indeed, I think that as a whole Mormons could teach many others a great deal about family as a priority, about self-discipline, community, and moral living. I have heard of a non-Mormon who once said that if Mormonism was a civic club or organization they would sign right up (because of the things I just mentioned). The problem for that person was the religious claims of Mormonism, stemming from the Book of Mormon and from the LDS hierarchy.
A Common Problem
Third: Many Christians ("and Mormons" or "including Mormons" depending on your perspective) believe that living a good (i.e. a righteouss and morally pure) life is what is needed to enter heaven or to "be saved." Orthodox Christianity says that is mistaken. We simply can't be good enough to enter Heaven or save ourselves by doing good things or being good people. When we think that we can, Christ (and the Bible) tell us that we're in denial.
Salvation
Fourth: What saves us is Jesus Christ. Who he is. What he is. What he did, is doing, and will do. And that is why my first point is so important. Mormons and orthodox Christians disagree on who Jesus is, what he meant, and what his actions resulted in. And thus we have a different understanding of what salvation is all about.
Who's In & Who's Out?
Last Point: "Are Mormons saved?" This is undoubtedly the question that comes up next. The answer is "That's up to God." (That is, by the way, is the same answer for each of us when we ask about our own salvation.)We all have a faulty understanding of Jesus and salvation because we are all sinners. Sin inhibits our view of truth, goodness, and righteousness. We all depend on God's grace through Jesus to straighten us out. And each of us has to choose every day whether to accept that grace or refuse it. In as much as a Mormon or anyone else, accepts Jesus on Jesus' terms, we are promised salvation through Jesus. The question then is how much are we (all of us) embracing what Jesus calls us to, without addition, negation, or excuse.
I personally think the answer to that question will defy denominational and religious boundaries. Best advice I know is to cling to Jesus and not let other things get between the two of you. Much easier said than done.
