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Christianity. It is something simple. Christianity is to have a belief in Christ. It is a belief in the words of the New Testament.
So then, why would it ever need be asked, "What is Christianity?"
In the world their are LDS believers, "Mormons" if you will. They live and worship around the globe. The official name of their religion is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." I am among this group of people. We all believe in Christ. We read the bible, and those with true faith turn to our Savior as our Reedemer and Salvation. In every sense of the term, we believe in Christ.
When I was around 8 I was informed, by a friend of mine, that I didn't believe in Christ. My young friend informed that my soul was in peril. I refuted her words saying, "I'm mormon. I believe in Christ. We all do." She looked at me and simply stated, "Well your not Christian... So my mom says your going to hell."
At age 8 I was confused. Believeing in Christ and his purpose is the definition of Christianity. Thus, I was a Christian.
As I have grown I have become more able to say with certainty that I am a Christian. Yet, increasingly I have found that my non-mormon friends do not agree with me. Many times I have asked why, and increasingly I have found that... People don't know. They don't know why they consider Mormons "non-Christian." They just know they do. Many parroting, as my friend did, "My parents say!" Or, "My pastor told us."
I have learned to accept that Mormons aren't considered to be Christian, among many main stream christian sects. Leaving one fundamental thing to bug me. And that is, I am. I feel and know for myself that Christ is my Savior and Redeemer. Because of this faith, I wish to glorify him. I wish my actions to reflect his love, mercy, and example. I wish to lead others to Christ, and I wish my life to be a reflection of his. How though can others be led to Christ if they do not see me as a Christian?
Well... They can, if I have faith. I can live to glorify him, and pray that my works can reflect my Savior's glory. For it is through him, and him alone, that mankind may be saved. I can live hoping that my actions will speak louder then others learned notions. For if Christ is with me, his Spirit will testify.
No matter what teachings may cloud the human mind, the Holy Spirit can always point to truth, and to Christ.
No matter what teachings may cloud the human mind, the Holy Spirit can always point to truth, and to Christ.
I think that the other side of this is that as Mormons, we need to be ready to visit other sects of Christianity, to learn about thedifferences through experience, so that we can more effectively share the similarities. That means stepping outside of the Mormon bubble, and visiting the many places where Christians gather to worship.
ReplyDeleteIt means being interested and involved in projects led by other Christian denominations, and being humble in our service beyond the boundaries of traditional Mormon interactions. Serving others also means worshipping with them.
Thank you for that insight! That is one of the things I hoped people would get from reading this post.
DeleteEveryone needs to learn to judge less, and to love more. That is how to become more like Christ, and when we become more like him the Holy Spirit can more fully come to testify of the truths we know, and the Savior we love.
I really liked this post. Though you know I'm not Mormon, I really enjoyed your post. You used a good tone of voice, especially considering the sensitivity and controversy of the subject. I understand where you're coming from, though. Thank you for posting.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked the post!
DeleteI have a journal from high school in which I wrote about this exact topic. I smile now at how similarly we wrote about it. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat I learned a bit later was that, ultimately, your relationship with Christ is very personal, so what others think about it is of little importance. It can be frustrating to feel misunderstood, but I know that you are a person with a very strong and clear sense of self. Great post, bug.
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it. :)
DeleteThat is what I am finding, is that how people view it really don't matter. But, I have found this since I believe that something greater then me, my Savior, will be able to testify of himself through me. Thus, if he can do that... all I need do is continue to live as best as I know able. I love you my lovely aunty. :)
Hi, thedamsel! I just ran across your blog from the Reb, and I thought I might be able to shed a little light on what you may be seeing. I'm not a Mormon, nor do I believe that all Mormons are going to hell. Your friend was probably referring to the predominant Mormon belief that Jesus was not God while on earth, something that is usually considered a core doctrine of Christianity. That may be what your friend meant!
ReplyDeleteYou may have already figured this out (a lot of time has passed since you were eight, I assume! :), but I thought I'd put this out here in case you hadn't.
Hello there Taylor! I would have responded early, but finals were a bit crazy.
DeleteTo shed a bit of light on that "belief." We actually don't believe in the Trinity at all. We believe that God, Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three physically separate beings, though one in purpose. This is something that some people do occasionally reference as their "reasoning." That particular friend never though that to be the reason. Even after growing up and further discussion. She never could tell me why, as she saw the differences and then saw that many other Christian sects have differences as well.
I really enjoy further discussion, and this is a fair point to discuss. However, even as we believe a little differently as to the physical nature of the Godhead, we still do believe in Christ. Which I think often confuses people.