� David Miller wrote:
> DAVEH: > > You still fail to understand what I've been trying to > > convey to you.� The divisions of the "Mormon realm" > > do not accept each other.� Each believes the others > > are in error, as opposed to Protestant factions that > > accept each other. > > I don't think you have a proper grasp on the way that Protestant factions > accept one another. DAVEH:� That may be......which is one of the reasons I am enjoying being on TT.� There are a lot of things I don't understand about Protestantism, and I hope I will gain a better perspective as my questions are answered. > Some Protestant sects are like the Mormons in that they believe they are the > only true authority for God on earth today. DAVEH:� I assume you are referring to folks like 7DA, CofC, JW, RCC, etc?�� Do any of the 'born again' or evangelical movements feel that way too?� And....is there a name that describes the "hard-core Christian" groups that somebody like Carroll or Glenn would feel are "OK", as opposed to those they would feel are outside the realm of "Christianity" such as the groups I just mentioned....7DA, CofC, JW, RCC? > Most Protestant sects are not so arrogant, but they still believe that the > other Protestant sects are in error and sending a lot of people to damnation > because of their teachings. DAVEH:� I guess that is what I'm not comprehending about Protestant theology.� As many have said previously, all that is required for salvation is a belief in Jesus.�� If that is true, and all the Protestant sects teach such.....then why would any of their adherents be led to damnation (due to beliefs in false or misleading doctrines) instead if they are "believing in Jesus"?�� Logic would suggest that there must be more to salvation than 'belief'. > When I consider what you and other Mormons have shared about the eternal > destiny of those outside Mormonism, like me, it just seems to me that you > are more accepting of Protestants than I am. DAVEH:� LOL......Well, ain't that an interesting thought.� But of course, you are right.� From what I've heard on TT, the HCC (Hard-Core Christians for the lack of a better word) don't leave a lot of room for the love of the Lord for his wayward children.� Though we (LDS) believe that proper doctrine and proper authority are an important part of salvation, we also believe that such will be made available to all who truly seek it.....even if their search for salvation continues in their post mortal existence. > I think most Protestants are > heading to eternal damnation. DAVEH:� While I probably wouldn't argue against that point, on the other hand I don't believe that simply being a Protestant dooms them to damnation as some may think I believe!�� Furthermore, let me say again that my perspective of eternal damnation is significantly different than most Protestants.....and certainly yours. > �From what Blaine wrote, after the sinners > have suffered some kind of temporary punishment for their sins, they will be > received into heaven. DAVEH:� Bear in mind that Blaine defines heaven much differently than you. > �You also have indicated an acceptance of others here, > such as Glenn, as being your brother in Christ. DAVEH:� Annnnnnnd........I would include you too!� Others however have found my "brotherly association" not to be to their liking, so I've tried to avoid being too chummy with anybody beyond Glenn.� He seems not to be bothered by my friendship with him, and I obviously enjoy his fellowship despite his rather "tense" attitude toward my beliefs and affiliations with LDS theology.� But yes, by virtue of our shared relationship to the Father of our spirits......we are all children of our Father in Heaven. > So your statement here seems very convoluted to me.� On the one hand you > think Protestants accept each other, DAVEH:� I have failed to separate the HCC from the "fringe" segment, which may lead to some confusion.� It is the HCC segment that I view as "Protestants (who) accept each other" despite their doctrinal disparities. > whereas Mormons do not, but by your > conversation you accept people like Glenn as your brother in Christ.� This > is all very confusing. DAVEH:� I hope I never look down my nose at anybody who purports to follow our Lord and Savior, despite our theological differences.� I may believe you and Glenn are doctrinally in error, but I respect your belief in Jesus and in no way want to denigrate your relationship with Christ.� That is why I often times simply say that I "respectfully disagree" instead of letting the discussion degenerate into a mud slinging battle royal....which is a rather unChristian thing to do with "brothers in Christ", IMO. > Understand that while most Protestants believe God is working within other > sects, that does not mean that they accept everything taught in those sects. > If they did, then there would not be any sect.� The main difference appears > to be that most Protestants recognize authority to preach the gospel and > baptize converts extends beyond their organization.� Mormons apparently > believe that authority exists only with them, DAVEH:� Yes, I think that is a good analysis of our basic difference. > just like the Roman Catholics > believe about their organization. DAVEH:� Yeah.......from our "proper authority" standpoint, it boils down to either the RCC or the LDS.� It seems that few others claim a "proper authority", but instead assume a "believers authority". > �Yet, despite all that, it seems as if > Mormons look at themselves as being the source by which all the world will > ultimately be saved, DAVEH:� <VBG>� Jesus is that "source"!� We are merely servants fulfilling his wishes, in our opinion. > some for the first heaven, some for the second heaven, > and some for the third heaven. DAVEH:� Not exactly.�� Most of what we do involves "exaltation".� One does not have to be LDS to be resurrected......Jesus bridged that chasm and nothing we do has any effect on that.� Nor (as I understand) does the "proper authority" have much to do with the 1st & 2nd "heaven".� It is exaltation in the 3rd heaven that requires proper authority. > �All things considered, from my perspective > it seems that Mormons are much more accepting of others than Protestants are > of each other. DAVEH:� I suppose we have a particular fondness for factions that believe the BofM as we do, but we do not believe they have the "proper authority" any more than Protestants. > �Maybe I just don't understand the way you look at things. DAVEH:� Hopefully my above explanation will help you understand us a little bit better.� If not.....ask again. > What do you think about Joe Smith's wife and her son, Joe Smith III?� They > went off with a sect that divided from your sect. DAVEH:� I cannot speak for the choices they made (other than to respectfully disagree) or the reasons they made them.� Nor would I think to predict their ultimate fate.� That is between them and their Savior. > I know you consider them > apostate, but what does that mean?� In eternity, will Emma be with Joe > Smith?� Will Joe's son have fellowship with his dad?� From what I have > heard, I would think that you would affirm these things, but sometimes I'm > not so sure. DAVEH:� Ahhhhhh.......finally, somebody who is asking me what I believe instead of telling me.....Thanx!�� <VBG> ��� I would like to think Emma will be with JS in heaven, and that his son will also be reunited.� But I have no way of knowing and hesitate to speculate.� Nor do I ever remember the Church making any statements regarding their eternal destiny. > Maybe you can clarify it for me. DAVEH:� I hope I did. > Peace be with you. > David Miller. -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dave Hansen [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.langlitz.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ � ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
