The link attached to this post is from a blog from Seattle PI writer Amy Rolph; a decent writer by any means. But it appears (since I have never met her) she may be in over her head on this post. Or is she?
Amy commented, from a secular perspective, Seattle pastor Mark Driscoll's comments that he believes Mormonism is a cult. (As do I, for that matter.) And pastor Driscoll's initial post not only explains a few key differences in mainstream Christianity and Mormonism (specifically, the lack of a triune God in Mormonism) but a detailed history review the word, "cult itself, dating it back to the early 17th century. The key to this is pastor Driscoll's use of the ESV bible's definition of a cult; being, "…any religious movement that claims to be derived from the Bible and/or the Christian faith, and that advocates beliefs that differ so significantly with major Christian doctrines that two consequences follow: (1) The movement cannot legitimately be considered a valid “Christian” denomination because of its serious deviation from historic Christian orthodoxy. (2) Believing the doctrines of the movement is incompatible with trusting in the Jesus Christ of the Bible for the salvation that comes by God’s grace alone.”
That, from a Christian's perspective, is exactly what the Mormon Church is. Ergo, the "cult" moniker.
Mormons believe God and Jesus are two separate individuals, yet Jesus states, "He how has seen me has seen the Father" and "I and the Father are one", and "before Abraham was, I am", where Jesus used the very same phrase "I am" used when God introduced Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14. Jesus also commanded we baptize others in the "name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit", placing Himself and the Holy Spirit on equal footing with God Himself. Either Jesus was telling the truth, or he is the greatest deceiver (liar) the world has ever known. But the miracles he performed His prophecies that have come true and are today coming true have convinced me He is the Son of God, and God Himself, in the flesh. While Mormons will confess they acknowledge the three facets of the Godhead, they deny that these three manifestations can be the one and the same God.
This difference can separate a good, loving person from the grace of God. In John 4:1-3, John warns about the spirit who fails to claim Jesus (God) has come in the flesh; that this spirit is of anti-Christ, and should be avoided. John 3:18 refers to such a person as condemned, for denying Jesus as the born Son of God.
Mark goes on to point out we are not saved by the sacrifice Christ made, giving us His grace to be good, but only by the blood of Jesus Christ that covers all of our sins and transgressions, past present and future. he also quotes various Mormon commentaries and discourses that are in direct contradiction of Ephesians 2:9, "not by works, so that no one can boast".
I can go on. Mormonism teaches perfection is an attainable goal (vs. Romans 3:23); in baptism for the dead (this removes all freedom of choice) as one family member can "pinch hit" for another member who had passed away; as was the case when a cousin of mine who is Mormon was baptized for his atheist father.
Some questions I have with any Mormon are, "Are you at peace with your Heavenly Father? If so, does this peace come via your righteous means, (which would contradict Ephesians 2:9) or via the righteous means of Jesus Christ?" The average Mormon is uncomfortable understanding these questions together.
Mark Driscoll, myself and every Christian I know of does not want to see any Mormon (or anyone, for that matter) be condemned, yet Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one comes to (God) the Father except through Him. That means there is only one path; not many. It's an easy path; however, narrow but straight. All have access but unfortunately few will find it.
Amy has stirred up a kettle of controversy that will result in lots of attention and some great ratings for her site, something all bloggers aspire! Furthermore, she makes no attempt to explain one side or the other, she just sticks out the few comments she thinks will agitate the most people:Christian, Mormon, and atheist/ agnostic. For that, I have to say, well done!
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