Supposed you are asked to explain the following question; "Are Mormons Christians?". For the sake of this question let's say that all brands of "faith" are included in the scope of this topic.
How would you answer? What would you say is the defining point that makes one a Christian. You have one sentence of reasonable length and 30 seconds to respond to the person asking this question, which will be seen by millions of television viewers.
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I would answer, "No, because Mormons effectively deny Jesus' promise that whoever believes in him, has eternal life. Only those who believe in Jesus for eternal life can truly be called Christians for denial of this constitutes a denial of the supremacy of Christ in his saving activity."
Andrew, thanks for your answer. Let's say that the question is a bit more generic. In America many people are religious and consider themselves christians.
As an evangelical how would you define what it means to be a Christian in one sentence?
That's tricky. It seems that in the New Testament usage of the word it refers to people who believe in Jesus for eternal life and also follow him. However in everyday usage I might be hesitant to add the bit about following him simply because I don't like to give the impression that following Jesus is one of the requirements for entering heaven. So if asked that question I would probably say, "A Christian is someone who believes that Jesus Christ has given them eternal life as a free gift." Why do you ask?
Thanks Andrew, you see Mike Huckabee was asked this question the other day on CNN, "Are Mormons Christian?"
Now obviously by saying no you would open a whole can of worms that you wouldn't have time to deal with during that interview. Rather than answering in the negative would it not be better to give a brief description of what really makes one a Christian?
True! That's an excellent point!
Blessings,
Andrew
I made a point of taking 30 seconds to type out a response before I looked to see what anyone else had to say. I said, "If they are, it isn't because they are mormons, but in spite of it."
Daniel, I was laughing.
I think your answer is almost worse than a simple no, lol.
But if anything you have added a very juicy hook for further questions.
hee hee
God bless,
Jim
Actually Daniel I am beginning to like your answer more as I think about it.
What a good way to peel the facade of all religion away.
I tried to knit the answer to the prescribed situation. 30 seconds, one sentence, millions of television viewers - and the unspoken presumption that my reputation will be cemented forever by the media according to my response.
I think the evangelicals would understand my meaning, and the mormons too.
Mormons dont believe that Jesus has given them eternal life.
They believe they can be lost if they fall away and their final salvation depends upon their works.
God Bless
Matthew
What is a Christian?
A Christian is somebody who knows Christ.
She knows Christ as the guarantor of eternal life and her following Him flows from her increased knowledge of Him.
God Bless
Matthew
Hi Matthew, thanks for stopping by.
A Christian is somebody who knows Christ and the Mormons think He is just some weird angel, so no, they aren't Christians. I love Daniel's answer. He could be a politician!
Yes, or a very clever preacher. :)
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