Mormons Take Exception to Brody File Line
July 6, 2007
Before we open up The Brody File mailbag this morning, let me just make a quick clarification on one of my last blog posts. I've been getting a lot of email about the following line I wrote comparing Evangelicals to Mormons. I said the following:
"According to fundamentalist evangelicals who read The Brody File, they say it's Jesus, nothing more. Mormons say it's Jesus plus something else. The difference between nothing more and something else is the hang up."
Many Mormons emailed me confused. One person said:
"I was really getting into your analysis but you ended it too soon and left me confused when you said, Jesus versus Jesus plus something else. What is that something else?"
Some said they were offended. Well, first let me say that I would never want to offend anybody. So please accept my apology for that.
Now, here's what I meant when I said "something else": Evangelicals believe the Bible is the ONLY word of God and that there will be no additions or subtractions. Mormons believe in the Bible AND the book of Mormon. That's what I meant. Evangelicals don't accept that. There's more differences but this is a big one. A lot of Mitt Romney supporters complain that I bring up the Mormon issue too much. You know what? The reality is, for Evangelicals writing in to The Brody File, this is an important topic for them. I think it's part of the discussion. Should it be the focus? Some will say yes, but I think you need to look at the broader picture.
As for comments, we here at The Brody File post positive AND negative comments. It's all about fairness. Read some comments below. They are all from Mormons.
"As a Mormon, I was shocked by this statement, "Mormons say it's Jesus plus something else." Wow! That really rocked me. You could have said, "… the Bible plus something else" and been more or less accurate I guess but to say that for Mormon's there's "something else" beyond Christ is deeply hurtful. While we do have scriptures in addition to the Bible, those scriptures' primary function is to witness of Jesus Christ. If you take some time to read the Book of Mormon, you'll see that like the Bible, prophets testified of His coming before His birth, and taught His message for 400 years after his death. Christ is the center of our faith and the center of the Book or Mormon. For us there is NOTHING else besides Jesus Christ!!!"
"As an orthodox Latter Day Saint, a theological point needs correction…I fully believe that Christ's grace is not only central to my salvation--it is my salvation. All of these so-called "works" that evangelical Christians claim we do to "perfect ourselves" are only relevant because Christ has commanded us to follow him and his example. Our paradigm is what Peter suggested, that we "grow in grace" through submitting ourselves more fully to the love of Christ and his Atonement. This talk that Latter Day Saints believe they can "do" anything to ensure their salvation is, quite simply, factually incorrect."
"I am a Mormon, and believe that it is Jesus, and nothing else. I get increasingly frustrated when other people that are not of my faith try and define what I believe. What is that "something else" you are referring to? Is it Joseph Smith? Gordon Hinckley, the current prophet? The book of Mormon?well yes I believe in those things, but only to the extent those things lead me to Jesus Christ. I don't worship Joseph Smith.he can't save me. The Book of Mormon testifies in almost every page that Jesus is the only way.the Jesus born of Mary in a stable when there was no room in the inn. That is who I believe in. I know Mitt is not going to put anything before his responsibility as president, because the values and teachings of our church teach otherwise. Our 12th article of faith which was laid out by Joseph smith says "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." Since the law of this land is a clear separation of church and state.well I think you can draw an appropriate conclusion."
Comments?
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