Week of May 13

 

Mormons: Christian? Cult? What do they really believe?

What Mormons really believe will be explored at Lifetree Café locations nationwide.

The program, titled "Mormons: Christian? Cult? What do they really believe?" includes filmed interviews with people who have left the Mormon church and also those who have joined it. A filmed interview with a theology professor will also be shown and discussed.

We'll discuss what Mormons believe and whether the Mormon church is Christian. Some accuse the Mormon church of being a cult. We'll explore whether that's a fair depiction.

 

Comments (13)

  • — Mormonism is definitely NOT Christian...regarding its views on the Atonement, Nature of God, Salvation, Hell.... by Dr Thaddeus Irvine on April 25, 2012

  • — I was born into the mormon church and I can tell you it is not Christian. The average member has no idea what the leaders of the church (and I use the term loosely) beleive. If they did it would scare them. They need our love and prayers. by Jess Davies on April 30, 2012

  • — I love that there's a place like Lifetree Cafe where Christians and Mormons can come together and have open, civil and fruitful conversations about Jesus. by CC on May 01, 2012

  • — This is such a great topic for today with all that is happening with the presidential candidate, Mitt Romney. I would love to be able to sit down with a Mormon and hear what they actually believe in their own words. Only at Lifetree! What other chance in my life will I be able to do this? Keep up the good work Lifetree! by MRB on May 01, 2012

  • — I grew up hearing about Mormons only in the context of a "Cults" class. Through the Lifetree program in Colorado I got to know some Mormons personally. I still think their theology is off, but it's good to no longer feel afraid. We had a great conversation and I listened...I learned...and I was able to share my faith. Two thumbs way up on this experience. Thanks! by M on May 01, 2012

  • — Kudos for your efforts in presenting a fair and balanced dialog about the differences between Mormonism and traditional Christianity. There are important differences worth understanding. One difficulty is to define the term "Christian". For 2000 years, it has been used to divide, marginalized and discredit those who threaten the establishment. We have a sad history. Even today, after much bloodshed, there are many who would proclaim that Catholics ( or visa versa, Protestants) are not Christians. Maybe we could all be better Christians by being more inclusive and loving. I still think a respectful discussion on the theological differences is productive. God bless you for your good example. by Joel cannon on May 08, 2012

  • — With the preponderance of qualified theologians who are Mormon, one wonders whether this “discussion” would be either fair or balanced (to use another commenter’s term) or neither. Why not invite a qualified person from the Mormon faith rather than nip around the edges in the dirt and the muck? Perhaps there is a fear that what you will find there is not what you have been told by those anxious to validate their own decisions and determinations. Mormons love Christ. Love him so much that it propels them to be different to love all and be scorned for it. Do you count yourself in the same boat? Then you have a lot in common already. You should go to your local Mormon meetinghouse this Sunday and see for yourself. Bring your love of Christ and your life will be enriched. by T on May 09, 2012

  • — T, the point of this Lifetree program is to invite Mormons, Christians, and those who subscribe to other beliefs into an open and honest dialogue over what you believe. No dirt. No muck. No judgement. I would encourage you and others to find the nearest Lifetree Cafe and join in the conversation. by CC on May 10, 2012

  • — Thanks again Lifetree for providing a way to grapple with our Faith journey from the inside-out. When we consider the true facts it can and does get messy. It's great to have a safe place to share doubts and concerns as well as the joy of the Journey from both sides. Thanks Lifetree! by Steve and Gaitha Athans on May 13, 2012

  • — Christian: "a person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ: He died like a true Christian." -Webster's Dictionary The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints teaches its members to exemplify the teachings of Christ, therefore they are christian. Christian is a broad term, which is why thousands of protestant churches, the Roman Catholic church, Orthodox Catholic church, Church of England, and more all are considered Christian, even though they have very very different beliefs regarding Christ's teachings. LDS members are christian, just not protestant christian, or Catholic christian. by Shaun on May 14, 2012

  • — It is sad as a "Mormon" to hear non-members refer to the LDS (Latter-day Saint) Church with fear or suspicion. The Church has been doing missionary work in the U.S. for 182 years. Currently over 56,000 full time missionaries spend all their time teaching people about "Mormon" doctrine and still the Church is a mystery to most people. The "Mormons" are doing all they can to bring the Church out of obscurity. With so many resources being spent by the Church to make itself know to the people of the world, how is it that there can be such ignorance on the topic. Satan is the master of fear and misinformation. As a "non-Mormon" aren't you curious what it is about the LDS Church that Satan does not want you to know? Check it out...what are you afraid of? by Terry Dillon on May 15, 2012

  • — Terry, I agree completely with your desire to break down the mystery, fear and suspicion surrounding the LDS church. The whole point of this Lifetree program is to invite a dialogue where you can openly share what you believe--in your own words. What a rare and golden opportunity. I'd encourage you to find a Lifetree Cafe branch near you. by cc on May 15, 2012

  • — Using the New Testament of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, is most likely the best way to see how a given denomination or sectarian doctrine aligns with the true Gospel. One must also understand the Law in order to fully comprehend the New Covenant and its impact on all of us. I have found what I believe to be "Christians" in nearly every denomination I've encountered...Mormons included. I have also encountered the opposite as well. We can all learn from each other, so long as we share truth. The Scriptures hold that truth. There will always be differences of interpretation and application. I believe it was D.L. Moody who was once told by a group of parishioners, "We don't much like your way of doing things," to which he replied, "Sometimes I don't either, but I prefer it to your way of not doing things!" Translation, what are we doing for Jesus and our fellow man, and should we knock anyone who follows His teachings? by Jim on May 17, 2012

  • Please enter your name.
  • Please enter a valid email address.
  • Please enter your comment.