LDS beliefs about Jesus Christ?

[KathleenGee]

The emphasis of living the Mormon life at the week by week local level within communities is the emphasis on Joseph Smith. Every day of the week has activities available for their members to participate in, that pretty much can encompass quite a bit of one’s time.

There is also the problem when dialoguing with Mormons of using words that mean differently…or answering our concerns by framing their answers back as to make us think we are on the same page.

As they believe revelation is ongoing, their beliefs, practices, and rituals are also changing. So what they or a certain geographic area of Mormons might believe in, will be different in others, and this is very common both in the American Catholic church as a whole, as well as pockets within a given diocese. The point is when is a belief within Catholicism is orthodox vs that which is not, or what position is in the spirit of the Church, and that which is in dissension. With Mormonism, it is changing all the time, and there is a tendency not to be open about past practices within Mormonism with those members who were not aware of such previous differences. There is one organization who asked the Mormon church a series of questions about any members leaving, or what were the reasons they did leave, and the Mormon Church would not answer them for atleast 10 years.

I sincerely believe that there are Mormons who sincerely believe in Jesus Christ in the same way as I do…but I cannot define the parameters, in part because I have never had the opportunity to discuss much of anything at all face to face with Mormons.

 

[Mencius]

This, of course, bears no relation to actual truth, but lists personal opinions, which simply reflect the degree of ignorance that exists today. Christianity gets to define who is Christian and who is not. You can’t simply hijack the name and claim it honestly.

Yeah, but it was interesting, nonetheless.

It makes zero sense that the LDS have rejected the Christian denominations because of the alleged “revealation” to Joseph Smith, telling him that they were all abominations. Yet, one of the biggest things that the LDS seeks today is to be counted among them.

Gimme a break. Protestants were considered heretics for how many hundred years?

 

[Mencius]

From the Orthodox Wiki:

“The Mormons’ belief differs with the Orthodox belief in deification because the Latter-Day Saints believe that the core being of each individual, the “intelligence” which existed before becoming a spirit son or daughter, is uncreated or eternal. Orthodox deification always acknowledges a timeless Creator versus a finite creature who has been glorified by the grace of God. The Mormons are clear promoters of henotheism, and the Church Fathers have absolutely no commonality with their view.”

There is a lot of animosity between the Orthodox Church and the LDS. With Western Europe under the curse of secularism, LDS missionaries are find modest success in the former Soviet bloc. Nonetheless, the LDS Church resembles Eastern Orthodoxy more than any other Church.

 

[Stephen168]

The unfortunate part of refutation is the absolute stupidity of ignoring what was said by the Church Fathers.

Actually, the meaning of the ECF is clearing different than the meaning for you, and the Mormon Church. This has been pointed out to other Mormons who have actually quoted the ECF not just claim they said something. Review post #160 and #168.

 

[Stephen168]

I think they do too. It happens at the time of the full moon when they sacrifice babies and young virgins in some weird rite to Joseph Smith.Then in their Family Home Evenings they teach their children how to lie, cheat, and steal; to do anything to get converts to their church.

I think you are bearing false witness against your church.

 

[Stephen168]

Nonetheless, the LDS Church resembles Eastern Orthodoxy more than any other Church.

Can you list three ways you are uniquely like Eastern Orthodoxy than Catholicism in your doctrine?

 

[Mencius]

Can you list three ways you are uniquely like Eastern Orthodoxy than Catholicism in your doctrine?

1. No guilt from original sin
2. Speaking openly about becoming gods (yes, there are differences, but at the very least, the language is similar).
3. Son’s divinity is derived from Father.

 

[Stephen168]

Can you list three ways you are uniquely like Eastern Orthodoxy than Catholicism in your doctrine?

1. No guilt from original sin
2. Speaking openly about becoming gods (yes, there are differences, but at the very least, the language is similar).
3. Son’s divinity is derived from Father.

#1 is not unique to Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism
#2 is not a doctrine; and Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism do not share the same meaning of “becoming gods”
#3 is not unique to Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism; and they do not share the same meaning of “Son’s divinity is derived from Father” (Homoousian)

I was hoping for a unique doctrine of Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism which that both share.

 

[SteveVH]

#1 is not unique to Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism
#2 is not a doctrine; and Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism do not share the same meaning of “becoming gods”
#3 is not unique to Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism; and they do not share the same meaning of “Son’s divinity is derived from Father” (Homoousian)

I was hoping for a unique doctrine of Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism which that both share.

I agree. There is no similarity at all in understanding. But what really sets them apart is the fact that EO’s celebrate the Mass, believe in the true presence in the Eucharist, believe in the trinity, believe in the seven sacraments and have authority to effectuate the sacraments. As in Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism could not be further apart. I’m truly amazed that anyone would make that statement.

I’m trying to imagine anyone studying both religions and then arriving at the conlusion that they are similar in any way, much less “the LDS Church resembles Eastern Orthodoxy more than any other Church.” That statement is nothing if not outrageous. I would love a member of the Eastern Orthodox faith to chime in here.

 

[Mencius]

#1 is not unique to Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism
#2 is not a doctrine; and Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism do not share the same meaning of “becoming gods”
#3 is not unique to Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism; and they do not share the same meaning of “Son’s divinity is derived from Father” (Homoousian)

I was hoping for a unique doctrine of Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism which that both share.

OK here’s another one. Both Mormons and Eastern Orthodox interpret “the rock” in Matt. 16:16 to mean revelation.

#1, #2, #3 in any case Mormonism is closer to Eastern Orthodoxy than Catholicism.

 

[Stephen168]

OK here’s another one. Both Mormons and Eastern Orthodox interpret “the rock” in Matt. 16:16 to mean revelation.

Not unique

#1, #2, #3 in any case Mormonism is closer to Eastern Orthodoxy than Catholicism.

Not at all.

 

[Stephen168]

I agree. There is no similarity at all in understanding. But what really sets them apart is the fact that EO’s celebrate the Mass, believe in the true presence in the Eucharist, believe in the trinity, believe in the seven sacraments and have authority to effectuate the sacraments. As in Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Mormonism could not be further apart. I’m truly amazed that anyone would make that statement.

I’m trying to imagine anyone studying both religions and then arriving at the conlusion that they are similar in any way, much less “the LDS Church resembles Eastern Orthodoxy more than any other Church.” That statement is nothing if not outrageous. I would love a member of the Eastern Orthodox faith to chime in here.

1. celebrate the Mass,
2. believe in the true presence in the Eucharist,
3. believe in the trinity,
4. believe in the seven sacraments
5. have authority to effectuate the sacraments
   So in at least 10 doctrines Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy are the same, which includes infant baptism; #2 &5 is unique to Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism.

Mormonism share zero of these doctrines.

 

[Mencius]

Not unique

Not at all.

Most religious beliefs aren’t unique.

 

[Stephen168]

Most religious beliefs aren’t unique.

Real presence in the Eucharist is unique to Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy

 

[catholic-rcia]

Rich, do you know how many of the ECF tell us that God became man so that we might become God? Do you know that our own Catechism teaches this same deification/theosis? I have never quite grasped why we Catholics act so indignant over something we actually believe in? Why do we act so uncomfortable with these words when the ECFs said them so often? My head hurts when I see this this type of attack; it almost screams “I don’t even know what my own church teaches”.

Your views are so drastically different from mine. Your perspective of Mormons teachings have nothing in common with the numerous Mormons I have spoken with and the books I have read. Exactly how old were you when you stopped going to the Mormon church and then when you finally left? You obviously done a great deal of study of anti-Mormon literature; I assume that is where you have gotten much of your information.

How does their Savior become Joe Montana in their mind? This sounds like disinformation at worst and sarcasm at best.

 

[KathleenGee]

The Nicene Creed…where did it originate? Where is Nicea??? What part of the world?

I met a woman whose parents are Roman Catholic and Orthodox, and to her, in the middle, it is a schism politically based.

The Nicene Creed in English is now following the Latin text professed…Jesus…consubstantiated with the Father…of the same substance. No orthodox will tell you they are two separate entities…Orthodoxy traces its foundation as well to the apostles.

From what I have read of Mormon weekend gatherings…primarily sharing of testimonies and little lessons…I would see it totally unconnected to Orthodoxy.

 

[catholic-rcia]

What I am saying simply is that Jesus was never created, I was. He being my creator, me being His creation. Being like Him….Sanctification yes.

My information is very much correct. I will never seek any kind of equality with God, as I am good where I am and very much satisfied to be in Him.

In Christ
Rich
www.utahmission.com

 

[Mencius]

I’m trying to imagine anyone studying both religions and then arriving at the conlusion that they are similar in any way, much less “the LDS Church resembles Eastern Orthodoxy more than any other Church.” That statement is nothing if not outrageous. I would love a member of the Eastern Orthodox faith to chime in here.

LOL. That’s not what I meant. I meant the LDS Church is closer to Eastern Orthodoxy than it is to anything else.

 

[Mencius]

What I am saying simply is that Jesus was never created, I was. He being my creator, me being His creation. Being like Him….Sanctification yes.

My information is very much correct. I will never seek any kind of equality with God, as I am good where I am and very much satisfied to be in Him.

In Christ
Rich
www.utahmission.com

Mormons don’t believe either of those things. Jesus is coexistent with God, and we’ll never be equal to God.

 

[po18guy]

Yeah, but it was interesting, nonetheless.

It certainly shows how much work we have to do.

Gimme a break. Protestants were considered heretics for how many hundred years?

One God of all creation. One God in three persons. The Divinity of Christ. Conception by the Holy Spirit. Worship of Jesus. When the LDS do that, they will also be Christian. As it is, the LDS only use the name.