Are Mormons Christian: Why do people care so much? (salvation, tradition)

[Halcyon]

I can understand Mormons wanting to call themselves Christian, but why do other people seem to object to it so much?

What harm does it do traditional Christians if Mormons call themselves Christian?
Why are there so many anti-Mormon websites out there?

Christ taught to love our neighbours, and part of that love is a respect for that persons feelings and beliefs - we can disagree with them (the beliefs) and debate their validity, but there should always be respect.

Where has all this apparent hate/intolerance come from, and why is it directed at those who love Christ by others who also purport to love Christ?

[dawny0826]

Hi Halcyon!

Obviously, I'm not Mormon but I thought I'd share some thoughts here...

I can understand Mormons wanting to call themselves Christian, but why do other people seem to object to it so much?

Speaking for myself...prior to coming to RF...I was ignorant to what Mormonism was really about and instead of seeking information from Mormons themselves, I accepted the wrongful stereotypes that others labeled Mormons as. I think many people agree with these labels and label Mormons as being "non-Christian" without knowing much about Mormonism at all. Ignorance.

I'm so happy that I listened to that pressing within my spirit...telling me to stop "talking" about what I didn't know and to really "listen" to what the LDS members here had to say about their faith.

What harm does it do traditional Christians if Mormons call themselves Christian?

It does no harm at all because they ARE Christians. Despite differences in worship and biblical interpretation...they believe as I do and many Christians do that salvation is found in Christ.

Why are there so many anti-Mormon websites out there?

There's a lot of ignorant people and hateful people, unfortanately. People get too caught up in their own views and versions of things that they forget to really listen to what others have to say...

Christ taught to love our neighbours, and part of that love is a respect for that persons feelings and beliefs - we can disagree with them (the beliefs) and debate their validity, but there should always be respect.

I agree completely.

Where has all this apparent hate/intolerance come from, and why is it directed at those who love Christ by others who also purport to love Christ?

I think many Christians (myself included) fall prey to their flesh...getting wrapped up in what THEY believe is right and forgetting that it's not really about US at all...it's about Christ and His message of love and compassion towards ALL, regardless of religious belief.

I'm proud to call Mormons my brothers and sisters in Christ and will always be grateful to the LDS members of RF. They've been blessings to me.

[kai]

all i knew about Mormons was urban myth type stuff, i started out with some bad ideas but after coming here and listening/reading a lot of threads i have come to change my mind.(only about them being evil, not joining up)

[Bishka]

Why do they care? Because we are different and in their eyes we threaten 'their salvation'.

They don't understand and these biases and misunderstandings have been going on since the beginning. They don't wish to understand, they don't want to, they'd rather wallow in their ignorance and stupidity and 'be right' then actually know the truth.

I don't find many people like that on RF. Very few in fact.

[michel]

Originally Posted by beckysoup61

Why do they care? Because we are different and in their eyes we threaten 'their salvation'.

They don't understand and these biases and misunderstandings have been going on since the beginning. They don't wish to understand, they don't want to, they'd rather wallow in their ignorance and stupidity and 'be right' then actually know the truth.

I don't find many people like that on RF. Very few in fact.

I certainly have nothing against Mormons calling themselves Christian. What the heck has it to do with me anyway ? What has it to do with anyone who isn't a Mormon ? We all have a choice of which faith we follow.

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by dawny0826

I think many Christians (myself included) fall prey to their flesh...getting wrapped up in what THEY believe is right and forgetting that it's not really about US at all...it's about Christ and His message of love and compassion towards ALL, regardless of religious belief.

I agree, it is easy to get carried away, especially in a debate environment. I've done it here, gone too far and not shown enough respect, and i regret that.

But it seems some people come here delibrately to condemn Mormons, and don't even listen to the replies our LDS members give them, they choose not to learn. It just makes me a bit sad.

Originally Posted by becky

Why do they care? Because we are different and in their eyes we threaten 'their salvation'.

That's really what i don't understand. How do you threaten their salvation???

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by Halcyon

That's really what i don't understand. How do you threaten their salvation???

Not a freaking banana-cakes clue...we just do. I've always wonder this too.

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by michel

I certainly have nothing against Mormons calling themselves Christian. What the heck has it to do with me anyway ? What has it to do with anyone who isn't a Mormon ? We all have a choice of which faith we follow.

I hope I didn't come across as attacking. I meant that I find very few purposefully ignorant people here......I usually find loving arms and smiling faces that support and love me..which I appreciate.

[d.]

to these people, any religion that's not their particular flavour of christianity is satanic. so it's no wonder LDS bugs them.

[Bishka]

Originally Posted by divine

to these people, any religion that's not their particular flavour of christianity is satanic. so it's no wonder LDS bugs them.

Haha. Sorry, that gave me a bit of a laugh, and I needed that. We are different, but so what? We still worship the same Christ.