[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Glenn - Agreed that division is wrong according to 1 Cor. I accept other denominations as Christians not because I agree with them on everything doctrinally, but because we have the same Father God.DAVEH: This is where we disagree, Glenn. From my point of view, I do NOT "accept other denominations" as being the 'true Church', but I do accept those churches and the members of those denominations "as Christians" because they purport to accept Jesus as their Saviour. IMO, even if they believe the doctrines incorrectly, they are still "Christians" if they are attempting to follow in our Savior's footsteps. And, I accept them as being my brother & sisters "because we have the same Father God".
The concerns you have had with "divisions" within Mormonism is due to a lack of understanding about what we are trying to convey to you, Brother Glenn. The LDS Church purports to be the 'only true Church' on the earth today. IOW, none of the other churches are sanctioned or recognized as the 'true Church' by the Lord in the opinion of LDS theology. That is why some say there is no division in the LDS Church......the 'true Church' is unified in its believed sanction of the Lord, doctrinally and organizationally. However, this is in stark contrast to most Protestant churches which believe that though they are not unified doctrinally and organizationally, they are still "OK" in the eyes of the Lord. IOW, many Protestant denominations feel they can be divided over doctrinal issues and still be acceptable.
For those denominations who believe they are the 'only true Church', (viz. CofC, RCC, 7DA, JW, LDS etc) at most only one of them can be correct at the most. And it could be that all are wrong. But in the realm of Protestantism where none of a group of Churches claim any divine sanction or belief as a 'true Church', but they all accept each other as valid churches......then it logically seems to me that none qualify as a 'true Church' as they are divided by doctrines, etc. Does that help you understand it a little better, Glenn?
While it is not much, it is my little way of not furthering divisions. The Restoration Movement strength (unfortunately the present Church of Christ has gotten away from their roots) was unity. Unity in diversity is a good way to put it.DAVEH: I agree. But in a far more literal sense than you. Apparently you would reject me as a brother because of my LDS beliefs, whereas I accept you because we "have the same Father" despite our doctrinal differences.
What makes a brother or sister is not mental agreement on everything, but have the same Father.
David M - Both Mormonism and
Protestantism stand condemned before God for these kinds of divisions.
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Dave Hansen
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.langlitz.com
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