Are Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses Christian?

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You are free to embrace the social trinity. I don’t care. But the two scholars, David Kemball-Cook and Bryan Cross, you have referenced in this thread, both say the social trinity can not be embraced as a Christian understanding of the ONE God. It is polytheism. I agree with them.
TOmNossor;14196504:
I understand quite well what Cross and Cook say. They say the view Catholics……
We are not talking about the Catholic Church. You were talking about the social Trinity. You did not adress what I said.
I think you really believe this, but it has been clearly referenced on this thread that the Mormon Church still teaches that God was once a man, and man can become God. One Mormon, gazelam, spent some time trying to justify this Mormon teaching.
While Christ never sinned, man does, and the Mormon Church claims man can become God. Reason would tell us that in Mormonism there is nothing truly unique about God or Jesus Christ; they are creatures just like man. To use a Christian word: Mormon’s claim God and humanity are consubstantial; of the same nature.
We are talking about what the Mormon Church teaches, not what you believe. You did not address what I said.
 
No. A thing can just be a thing. It doesn’t have to be a creature or a creator.
I think by “creature” was meant not just a biological creation, but any kind of creation. I could be wrong. In biology, everything is a creature. Likewise, outside of biology everything is, if not a “creature,” at least - created. The alternative is to accept an infinite regression, which from all I’ve seen is an impossibility.

= = = = =
if matter is uncreated, i.e. infinite and eternal, it is not a creature. if it is not a creature, it must be the creator. maybe that conclusion is reasonable to a mormon, i do not find that conclusion reasonable but am willing to read what a qualified mormon theologian might write to explain its reasonableness.
If God is infinite and eternal, and matter is infinite and eternal, then matter is … In that case, Mormonism is a form of materialism. “More refined matter” seems to me to be a buzz word with no meaning whatsoever. Its only use seems to be in arguments intended to deny the existence of “spirit” in contrast to matter. Because Mormonism is materialistic, even “spirit” and “God” must be matter. But we know that thoughts, emotions, the act of inspiration, and so on, are not matter. So the early Mormons said, they may not be matter “as we know it,” but they are ‘more refined matter,’ and refused to explain the term, because there is no explanation.

What is a refined quark, proton, Hydrogen atom, or water molecule? If there is spiritual water, and it is “more refined” than water on earth, can we mortals swim in it and never drown?

= = = = =
I would suggest that if a Catholic can believe that Christ is a single person with a dual nature. One nature is finite, glorified, and distributed without end; and the other nature is infinite. Then, it boarders on ridiculous to suggest, “To a Christian, a God of flesh and bone would not be infinite.”
I suppose Jesus didn’t have bones till sometime after the conception of his physical body. - “The Word became flesh…” (John 1:14) - Otherwise, instead of being a genuine human “conception,” it would be more like a “reception.”
 
I remember hearing or reading that, but it was quite a few years ago. I was also told by more than one Melchizedek Priesthood holder, and may have read it in one of Pratt’s writings or Young’s sermons, that if any harm is about to be done against the body of an Exalted Being, such as a hand being cut off, the “spirit” within that more bodily part quickly withdraws, faster than lightning, so that the spirit hand is not cut off when the Exalted bodily hand is cut off. Which leads to many difficult questions in consequence. It’s interesting, but fruitless trying to get an explanation for it, in my experience.🙂
Never heard that one. But it makes a kind of sense to Mormon thought, since the body to them is like a glove, with the spirit existing the body like a hand in a glove.

I was taught once, in a Gospel Doctrine class, that the prophecy of stars falling from the sky at the millennium, would be because the earth was being physically moved, at warp speed, through space to its celestial orbit near Kolob. Yes, the teacher really said warp speed. The stars would appear to be falling.

You should always try for the explanation.
 
I would suggest that if a Catholic can believe that Christ is a single person with a dual nature. One nature is finite, glorified, and distributed without end; and the other nature is infinite.
Christ is one person in two natures. The two natures are “without confusion, without change, without division, without separation”.

We receive Jesus, body, blood and divinity. There is no separation of His natures in the Eucharist.
 
God in His Absoluteness is truly beyond understanding. How can it be otherwise for a being within a creation filled with conditioning elements and events, in trying to relate to a Being outside and prior to that Creation, as Father Spitzer says, “unconditioned transcendent reality.”

I personally believe that one source of “eternal joy” in the Hereafter is that, while we will not and never could have the potential to comprehend God, neither essentially nor any other way, we will each day find we understand him better, know him more intimately. That’s my personal belief, and if I’m wrong, “God will provide.” 🙂
Very beautiful! I agree with you 100%. 🙂
 
consubstantial with the Father according to the Godhead, and consubstantial with us according to the Manhood
Plus that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God “made known in two natures without confusion *, without change, without division, without separation, the difference of the natures being by no means removed because of the union, but the property of each nature being preserved and coalescing in one prosopon [person] and one hupostasis [subsistence]–not parted or divided into two prosopa [persons], but one and the same Son, only-begotten, divine Word, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The property of each nature is preserved.

I am the same as my mother in height. I am the same as my father in eye color. By definition the word same has one meaning. What is being compared has different properties and so they are not the same in the same way.

By definition, the word consubstantial has one meaning. Jesus has two natures. One is the divine the other is human. What is being compared has different properties and so they are not the same in the same way.

Consubsrantial means same substance/nature/being. The word same indicates something is being compared. The substance/nature/being of the two natures of Jesus are the comparisons. Jesus’ divine nature is the same as the Father’s. Jesus’ human nature is the same as ours. The properties of each nature informs what is the same in the comparison.

In other words. A=B; A=C; B does not equal C.*
 
quote “Originally Posted by TOmNossor View Post
I would suggest that if a Catholic can believe that Christ is a single person with a dual nature. One nature is finite, glorified, and distributed without end; and the other nature is infinite.” end quote
Christ is one person in two natures. The two natures are “without confusion, without change, without division, without separation”.

We receive Jesus, body, blood and divinity. There is no separation of His natures in the Eucharist.
Thanks Rebecca:thumbsup:

TOm, when Jesus dies He retrained his immortal HUMAN Soul.

When Jesus Rose from the dead after 3 days; that Soul was reunited with His now Glorified and immortal body… .

This was accomplished that WE MIGHT know that in the Final Judgment {end Times} All of humanity with again have their souls reunited with their NOW Glorified bodies too; but the immediate Judgment at death, remains also in force

God Bless you

PJM.
 

I was taught once, in a Gospel Doctrine class, that the prophecy of stars falling from the sky at the millennium, would be because the earth was being physically moved, at warp speed, through space to its celestial orbit near Kolob. Yes, the teacher really said warp speed. The stars would appear to be falling.

You should always try for the explanation.
Wow, never heard that one till now.

“the whole moon turned blood red” - I was told that means there will be a war, with blood shed, on the Moon.

“The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair” - I should think if they explain the red moon and the falling stars, they would have attempted an explanation of a black sun, but haven’t heard one. I’ll do some searching…
 
…“The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair” - I should think if they explain the red moon and the falling stars, they would have attempted an explanation of a black sun, but haven’t heard one. I’ll do some searching…
Someone offered: “Mt St. Helens blackened the sun over a considerable area for a few days.” I hardly think a minor volcanic eruption was what John saw. Bigger ones that St. Helen’s have occurred during the 20 centuries from then till now.

Prophet Hinckley claimed: "The era in which we live … The vision of Joel has been fulfilled wherein he declared:

“And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.”
(Joel 2:30–32).

But I doubt he really believed that, since he also said in the same lecture,
Those who observe us say that we are moving into the mainstream of religion. We are not changing. The world’s perception of us is changing. We teach the same doctrine. We have the same organization.
(lds.org/general-conference/2001/10/living-in-the-fulness-of-times?lang=eng)
Which is obviously, patently not the case.
 
This is according to the Jehovah’s Witness website
jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/are-jehovahs-witnesses-christians/

Are Jehovah’s Witnesses Christians?

Yes. We are Christians for the following reasons:

We try to follow closely the teachings and behavior of Jesus Christ.—1 Peter 2:21.
We believe that Jesus is the key to salvation, that “there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.”—Acts 4:12.
When people become Jehovah’s Witnesses, they are baptized in the name of Jesus.—Matthew 28:18, 19.
We offer our prayers in Jesus’ name.—John 15:16.
We believe that Jesus is the Head, or the one appointed to have authority, over every man.—1 Corinthians 11:3.
However, in a number of ways, we are different from other religious groups that are called Christian. For example, we believe that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, not part of a Trinity. (Mark 12:29) We do not believe that the soul is immortal, that there is any basis in Scripture for saying that God tortures people in an everlasting hell, or that those who take the lead in religious activities should have titles that elevate them above others.—Ecclesiastes 9:5; Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 23:8-10.
 
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amiga2u:
The Trinity is One. We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons, the consubstantial Trinity. The divine persons do not share the one divinity among themselves but each of them is God whole and entire: “The Father is that which the Son is, the Son that which the Father is, the Father and the son that which the Holy Spirit is, by nature one God.” Each of the persons is that supreme reality, the divine substance, essence or nature. That’s what Jesus commanded the apostles to do…" All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus didn’t say baptize them in Jesus name alone. Christians are baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit not in their names, for there is only one God, the almighty Father, his only Son, and the Holy Spirit: the Most Holy Trinity.
 
“The Father is that which the Son is, the Son that which the Father is, the Father and the son that which the Holy Spirit is, by nature one God.” Each of the persons is that supreme reality, the divine substance, essence or nature.
If this statement is indeed true, with one being what the other is, why can speaking against Jesus be forgiven while speaking against the Holy Spirit can’t be forgiven?

Matthew 12:32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
 
As a former Mormon, I’d say that, while well-meaning, they’re not really Christian. I’ve heard it best described as “Christian Fan Fiction.”
 
If this statement is indeed true, with one being what the other is, why can speaking against Jesus be forgiven while speaking against the Holy Spirit can’t be forgiven?

Matthew 12:32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
BECAUSE:)

Jews, like US are mortal, Created by God for His Purpose {Isaiah 43: verses 7 & 21}

drbo.org/

The Holy Spirit is GOD, Immortal and Eternal, and ONE’ Co-Equal in every sense of the word, and the WORD.👍

John 3: 1-17 {and yes my fried we are aware that you choose not to accept Johns writings & TEACHINGS; just WHY this is though is a bit of a mystery:shrug:

Today’s Catholic Bible had already existed for some 1,500 years before Joseph Smith

HERE WE FIND THE Trinity, in one place, at the same time:)

" [13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan, unto John, to be baptized by him. [14] But John stayed him, saying: I ought to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me? [15] And Jesus answering, said to him: Suffer it to be so now. For so it becometh us to fulfill all justice. Then he suffered him.[16] And Jesus being baptized, [THE SON OF GOD} forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him: and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove,[GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT} and coming upon him. [17] And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased {GOD THE FATHER} …AMEN!

God Bless you and thanks for asking
 
As a former Mormon, I’d say that, while well-meaning, they’re not really Christian. I’ve heard it best described as “Christian Fan Fiction.”
One of my favorite quotes, from my old theology teacher:

“The Book of Mormon is the greatest Bible fanfic in the history of the world.”
 
John 3: 1-17 {and yes my fried we are aware that you choose not to accept Johns writings & TEACHINGS; just WHY this is though is a bit of a mystery:shrug:
Simple: LDS don’t reject John’s writings and his teaching, though interpretation may vary somewhat from yours, as both of ours vary from Protestants.
 
One of my favorite quotes, from my old theology teacher:

“The Book of Mormon is the greatest Bible fanfic in the history of the world.”
Honestly, I think that’s giving the Book of Mormon too much praise. Mark Twain’s assessment of it is the most accurate:
It is chloroform in print.
 
BECAUSE:)

Jews, like US are mortal, Created by God for His Purpose {Isaiah 43: verses 7 & 21}

drbo.org/

The Holy Spirit is GOD, Immortal and Eternal, and ONE’ Co-Equal in every sense of the word, and the WORD.👍

John 3: 1-17 {and yes my fried we are aware that you choose not to accept Johns writings & TEACHINGS; just WHY this is though is a bit of a mystery:shrug:

Today’s Catholic Bible had already existed for some 1,500 years before Joseph Smith

HERE WE FIND THE Trinity, in one place, at the same time:)

" [13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan, unto John, to be baptized by him. [14] But John stayed him, saying: I ought to be baptized by thee, and comest thou to me? [15] And Jesus answering, said to him: Suffer it to be so now. For so it becometh us to fulfill all justice. Then he suffered him.[16] And Jesus being baptized, [THE SON OF GOD} forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him: and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove,[GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT} and coming upon him. [17] And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased {GOD THE FATHER} …AMEN!

God Bless you and thanks for asking
I believe a different question was answered instead of the one I asked. I get that Catholics believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal. If that is the case, why can speaking against the Son be forgiven, but not speaking against the Holy Spirit? (Matthew 12:32) Shouldn’t speaking against either be treated in the same manner since they are co-equal per Catholic belief? Thanks in advance.

PS - LDS believe John 3.
 
I believe a different question was answered instead of the one I asked. I get that Catholics believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are co-equal. If that is the case, why can speaking against the Son be forgiven, but not speaking against the Holy Spirit? (Matthew 12:32) Shouldn’t speaking against either be treated in the same manner since they are co-equal per Catholic belief? Thanks in advance.

PS - LDS believe John 3.
They are co-equal in Divinity, however the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not the same Person.

From the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

254 The divine persons are really distinct from one another. “God is one but not solitary.” “Father”, “Son”, “Holy Spirit” are not simply names designating modalities of the divine being, for they are really distinct from one another: “He is not the Father who is the Son, nor is the Son he who is the Father, nor is the Holy Spirit he who is the Father or the Son.” They are distinct from one another in their relations of origin: “It is the Father who generates, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds.” The divine Unity is Triune.
 
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