There is no question that there are several Christian denominations in this world, but when we look at what those traditional Christian denominations base their beliefs on it brings into question how the Church of Latter Day Saints can be deemed a Christian church. I get that they do believe that Jesus is "a Savior", but that is pretty much the only key tenet and belief that they have that aligns with traditional Christian beliefs.
I would like to point out some key beliefs that Mormons hold to that are contrary to that of the traditional Christian faith. (Note: this is not an exhaustive list)
- Mormons recognize the King James Version only as one of their Scriptures, but they also hold that the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrines and Covenants are scriptures that must be followed as well.
- The Book of Mormon was written in the 1800s by Joseph Smith who claimed that God led him to some tablets that provided him with the words to write the Book of Mormon. In which, Smith outright made the claim that "the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth."
- Mormons believe that the Bible today is inaccurate and incomplete. (To this I would love to hear any evidence that might able to prove this by my opponent).
- Joseph Smith taught that God is one of many gods who were once men like us. (a blatant contradiction to the traditional Christian tenet of believing that there is only one God.)
- Perhaps the most prominent tenet of the traditional Christian faith is that of Jesus being fully and eternally God, but to the Mormon, Jesus was not fully God and was created in heaven before coming to earth like the rest of all mankind is before entering the earth.
- For Mormons, their belief in the Trinity is not in line with how traditional Christians believe in the Trinity. All because it is too confusing.
- Mormons do not hold to the traditional Christian belief that salvation only comes from one placing their faith in Jesus Christ. They believe that several works must be accomplished prior to receiving salvation as well. (i.e. being baptized; leading chaste, clean, pure lives...)
- Lastly, Mormons believe that their works will determine whether they become gods of their own world. (A belief going against the traditional Christian belief that God is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End and that there is not other gods but Him).
With the aforementioned beliefs that Mormons hold, which again is not a complete list, I posit that just based on these doctrines alone, it is not adequate or proper to declare that the Church of Latter-Day Saints is a true Christian denomination and that it should be more appropriate to give Mormonism its own religion in line with Islam or place it under a cultic religion.
On a side note: I do want it to be noted that I believe that those who are a part of the Church of Latter-Day Saints are not bad people. Their beliefs in and of themselves are not bad, they strive to live lives that are morally good just as most other world religions do. I do think that is important, however, to determine whether Mormon's beliefs are more accurate to what the Holy Bible teaches or if they need to reevaluate their core beliefs if they want to call themselves genuine Christians.
Sure, I will start a new debate and put you on there. Thanks
I think the person you're debating here is pretty clearly a troll. If you'd like to find someone to actually engage with you on this topic, I'd be willing to.
Just a disclaimer, I'm not actually a Mormon personally, but I do find the arguments that they are not actually Christians to be weak and rely too much on special pleading.
Your right, it is a cult.