What parts of Mormanism make peaple think.That its a Cult?

[The_Incredible_Piff]

The Church doesn't contend with the Bible, the Church contends with the various doctrines and teachings that are attributed to the Bible, in other words the interpretation of scriptures. During the Nicean convention, scriptures weren't just cannonized... doctrine was established and the Christian Church began to take official positions on various ideas and principles. This is where the apostasy began, when people began to subscribe to the teachings and doctrines of men rather than that of Jesus Christ.

[a-train]

The reality is that whatever a man's heritage, it is contrary to some other's. Only through a modern and current communication with God can a man discern once and for all between truth and error.

-a-train

[prisonchaplain]

It's perhaps worthy of another thread, but, from the Protestant perspective, we are not nearly so divided as the terms "splintered" and "severe" suggest. We do not see denominations as "protests" against other groups, but rather as unities of like-minded church. We come together to do gospel work, not to counter other denominations. There are so many Christian gatherings in which many denominations cooperate together. Billy Graham's crusades are perhaps the most famous example.

Yes, there are doctrinal differences. But, for the most part, we expect to find out in heaven, who was right about what. And, though we may discuss, and occasionally argue about these matters, we seldom condemn our theological opponents to hell over the disagreements.

Maybe we have a high tolerance for uncertainty. If Joseph Smith was right, then that uncertainty is unnecessary and confusing and hurtful. Otherwise, perhaps there are simply some doctrinal tares amongst the wheat?

[The_Incredible_Piff]

Understood, however to deny the fact there has been division within the Christian faith is just being naive (no offense).

I mean during the Nicean convention you had groups who believed Jesus to be God, Jesus to be simply a messenger/prophet, Jesus to be divine yet seperate from God. In today's society you have Unitiarians, Trinitarians etc. Church's that teach different doctrines in terms of salvation and about carrying one's self. This is severe division, especially considering all these different groups (although they might be cordial to each other) bear the Christian name.

The differing docrtines of belief is the point. I'm not alluding to the idea that the differing groups of Christians are at war with each, I'm simply stating that there are some pretty glaring differences between them in terms of doctines. If they were all unified in their teachings and doctrines then there would have been no division at all, hence the use of the term splintered.

This division is the very reason the restoration was needed and the very purpose for which Joseph Smith was called.

[Maya]

Yes chapalain the Ecumenical movement has really done a great job and tries to get all "christians" under the same roof, doing a lot good work there. If they would not hold on the trinity the mormons would be there too, but as you noticed it would not work that well then either, as the mormons dont flinch to wordly ways as a church. Funny thing is that Catholics and protestants, as I have understood have a completely different view of trinity, stil they are allowed together by the table. At least LDS are trutful and dont even try to get by the table and admitt the severe differences right away.

[abqfriend]

Hi, I am a Catholic. The Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Church and the many Christian churches that are called "Protestant," may disagree on many things--but almost all of them agree on a belief in the Trinity. Many Protestant Faith traditions including Lutheran- study and speak their belief in the Trinity as found in the ancient creeds of the church at their worship services.

A belief in the Trinity is one of the doctrines of many faith traditions including my own. There was much disagreement on the defining of this doctrine especially over the first 300-400 years of Christianity. The teaching of my Church and many others is that those who do not believe in the Trinity-are not Christian. I do not hold such a belief. I consider members of the LDS Church as Christians.

I believe in dialog and Ecumenism between myself and those of differing faith traditions.

-Carol

[a-train]

The desire to consider one's fellow beings as equals is not fulfilled only with misinformation or blind foolishness. Our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters are no less important or intelligent than us. Further, they are no less sought after by the virtue and condescension of our LORD than we.

The great message of Mormonism is not that salvation or the knowledge thereof has come exclusively to a select group through some privileged individual or elite, but rather that the heavens are open and God seeks to bring all mankind unto Himself.

Certainly the rejection of God's counsel on the basis of tradition can be a wedge between man and God, but it will matter little that we believe in the modern-day prophets if our relationship to the LORD is compromised by our own neglect of prayer and personal revelation.

-a-train

[Misshalfway]

Couldn't have said it better A-train.