labels

[Avrham]

Hello just had a interesting chat with a friends from Church(LDS) the questioned was asked of me "Am I Christian or Latterday-Saint" well I said Christian i was politely told no I am Latterday-Saint because Christianity is only mentioned once in the bible(Acts) and we(Church) are known as Saints /body of Saints

well I wonder are Labels one of the ways that Satan can give a false sense of security to people who wear/like titles in any Church/Organisation

I like to call myself Christian even people who :)don't consider me a Christian/LDS I like to just think I am follower of Christ:)

[Elgama]

I had a thread about this recently - personally I am not Christian, I don't identify with Christianity - I am happy being a follower of Christ or a Latter Day Saint

-Charley

[melissar]

I like that response. I had not thought about it in that way before,

[KristofferUmfrey]

Hello just had a interesting chat with a friends from Church(LDS) the questioned was asked of me "Am I Christian or Latterday-Saint" well I said Christian i was politely told no I am Latterday-Saint because Christianity is only mentioned once in the bible(Acts) and we(Church) are known as Saints /body of Saints

well I wonder are Labels one of the ways that Satan can give a false sense of security to people who wear/like titles in any Church/Organisation

I like to call myself Christian even people who :)don't consider me a Christian/LDS I like to just think I am follower of Christ:)

You might have them read...

Alma 46:13-16...

13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his abreastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the btitle of liberty) and he cbowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of dChristians remain to possess the land—

14 For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church.

15 And those who did belong to the church were afaithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ btook upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or cChristians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come.

16 And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the afreedom of the land might be favored.

So,YES... I am a Christian

[applepansy]

I am a Christian. I work hard to keep my baptismal convenants and follow Christ's example. As a child I was taught that a Disciple of Christ is someone who lives as Christ did, and to do what Christ would have us do as written in the scriptures.

I'm also a Mormon. I'm very proud of my heritage.

When people question my about what I am, I tell them. If they try to tell me that I'm not a Christian because I'm a Mormon, or a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I remind them that they can only decide what they are. . . they can't decide for me what I am.

:) I always stay positive in these situations.

applepansy

[Justice]

What is interesting about this discussion is the actual definitions have been blurred over time. Just because one group of people view themselves as something doesn't make it so.

For instance, the Jews, at the time of Christ, claimed to be the "children of God." But, if they reject Christ, how can they be? It's an interesting twist. They claim to be God's children and to be waiting on the Messiah, but when He came, they rejected Him.

Much like today, people who claim to follow Christ, claiming to be Christian, have rejected His words in the Book of Mormon. The only real Christians are those who believe all of Christ's words.

So, the question isn't, "Are Mormon's Christian?" but, "Are those who don't beleive in Christ's restored Church Christians?"

Anyway, that's my take on the Christian thing.

Edited December 28, 2008 by Justice

[KeithLBrown]

I thought that I might add a little spice to this discussion and share a few interesting facts with all of you. Having studied both Biblical Hebrew and Greek for a couple of semester each, I love to take words like "Christian" and trace their root meanings. I even have Hebrew and Greek study references in my library that I use from time to time.

Here are the notes that I wish to pass along:

The Greek word for "Christian" is Christianos. The word literally means "follower of Christ; Christian." The word “Christian” occurs three times in the New Testament:

The designation of the early followers of Christ as Christians was initiated by the non-Christian population of Antioch, and originally it was probably a term of mocking or derision – "little Christs."

• Reference: Acts 11:26:

“And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

Eventually, however, Christians used it of themselves as a name of honor, not of shame

• Reference: Acts 26:28

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.”

• Reference: 1 Peter 4:16

“Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

Prior to their adoption of the name, the Christians called themselves believers (Acts 5:14), brothers (Acts 6:3), or saints (Acts 9:13), names which also continued to be used.

Reference: Acts 5:14

“And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.”

Reference: Acts 6:3

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”

Reference: Acts 9:13

“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:”

Sidebar Notes:

• At its most basic, the word Christian means anointed, although most would interpret it as also meaning follower of Christ (a believer in Christianity).
• The name "Christ" comes from Khristos, which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word for "Messiah", which also means "anointed."

When someone asks me, "What religion are you?" I reply by saying that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Afterwards, I may add that most people commonly refer to us as Mormons. But, personally, I always state that I am a Latter-day Saint or a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints first.

If someone asks me, "Are you a Christian?" My reply is that yes I am. I am a follower of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I believe in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the True and Living God, that He died for all of our sins - past, present, and future, and that He rose triumphantly from the grave on the third day. Furthermore, I believe that the Bible and the Book of Mormon are the Word of God. It is upon His Word that my faith and testimony are built. Am I a Christian? Absolutely. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and yes, I am a Christian.

Edited December 28, 2008 by KeithLBrown

[Andyman]

Interesting question! It had me thinking also. When my friends or someone asks me What faith I belong to? I always say "Im a Latter Day Saint" Usally afterwards there remark is "Is that a Chrisitan?" I reply "yes". So I think both LDS and Christian are the same in my view because I know that the Church is true and consider myself a Christian.

[Moksha]

I had a thread about this recently - personally I am not Christian, I don't identify with Christianity - I am happy being a follower of Christ or a Latter Day Saint

-Charley

Hey Charley, I remember when you said that before. I described myself as first and foremost a Christian. Since I know we are not engaged in a holy war, and that we both go to the same Church, what could this signify?

[Traveler]

Hello just had a interesting chat with a friends from Church(LDS) the questioned was asked of me "Am I Christian or Latterday-Saint" well I said Christian i was politely told no I am Latterday-Saint because Christianity is only mentioned once in the bible(Acts) and we(Church) are known as Saints /body of Saints

well I wonder are Labels one of the ways that Satan can give a false sense of security to people who wear/like titles in any Church/Organisation

I like to call myself Christian even people who :)don't consider me a Christian/LDS I like to just think I am follower of Christ:)

Very interesting topic. It is my opinion that certain terms mean something different to people with different background. Many non-LDS have a understanding of Christian that is backwards to me that I have no problem telling them I am not what they understand as Christian.

There are other concepts and ideas that I do not know how to deal with because the meening is changed for them from what I understand. Another example is when someone ask me if I have been saved. My understanding and covenants concerning these things appears to be quite different than theirs. But this is not just a non-LDS LDS problem. I find this happens often among my LDS brothers and sisters.

As for being a Christian - I would like to say two things:

First. Going to church no more makes someone a Christian than sleeping in a gurage will make someone a Chevy.

Second: If you think the best way to make it known that you are a Christian is by telling others - I do not think you are a Christian. Another way of putting this is: What you do sounds so greatly in my ears that I cannot hear a word you say.

For me it is simple - If you believe in charity, love and compassion then you believe in G-d. If you say you believe in G-d and act as though charity, love and compassion will not save (change) you (and everyone else) then you do not believe in G-d.

The Traveler

[Elgama]

Hey Charley, I remember when you said that before. I described myself as first and foremost a Christian. Since I know we are not engaged in a holy war, and that we both go to the same Church, what could this signify?

Since that thread its something I have been putting more thought into - its more to do with who I am, than whether the Church itself is part of Christianity. Its part my search into my own identity, your not me so its obviously not part of yours, for some reason I have been prompted by my Heavenly Father to take this journey right now.

Personally I walked away from mainstream Christianity to become a Latter Day Saint, I find many Christians more confusing and do not identify with the group of religions that call themselves Christians as I see it my view of the Creation and Atonement are radically different to most Christian groups and to me they are essential doctrine.

For you being Christian is spiritual, for me its a physical label that belongs to a group I deliberately left, I believe becoming LDS was a step forward in my progression, and to call myself anything other than LDS is really a step backward or feels like it. Having put a lot of prayer, meditation into this right now I am happy with I am not Christian I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and all that entails. Personally I feel ultimately the only people qualified to decide if someone is Christian is that person and the Lord

-Charley

[Justice]

The designation of the early followers of Christ as Christians was initiated by the non-Christian population of Antioch, and originally it was probably a term of mocking or derision – "little Christs."

Yes, much like the term "Mormon" is used today and was originated by non-Mormons as a term of derision.

Those who did not believe that Christ was the Messiah coined this phrase to differentiate His followers from the "true faith" as they viewed it. They viewed it as contrary to God's will that people follow Christ, so by calling them Christians they would be calling them a cult, or even occult.

If you think of how the terms Christian and Mormon are used today you will see similarities.

Thank you for that post.

[bert10]

Labels serves to both....to divide into groups and to bind those in that group. And it's how we use Labels....that determines if it is wicked or not.

Peace be unto you

bert10

[MarginOfError]

A square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not necessarily a square

A Latter-day Saint is a Christian, but a Christian is not necessarily a Latter-day Saint.

[Elgama]

A square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not necessarily a square

A Latter-day Saint is a Christian, but a Christian is not necessarily a Latter-day Saint.

so what does that make me a circle?

This quote which I am afraid I could only refind on anti Mormon websites and is incomplete was what intially got me thinking I realised 10 years ago

"In bearing testimony of Jesus Christ, President Hinckley spoke of those outside the Church who say Latter-day Saints 'do not believe in the traditional Christ.' 'No, I don't. The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of whom I speak. For the Christ of whom I speak has been revealed in this the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. He together with His Father, appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in the year 1820, and when Joseph left the grove that day, he knew more of the nature of God than all the learned ministers of the gospel of the ages.'" (LDS Church News Week ending June 20, 1998, p.7 )

It was more detailed naturally given the nature of the sites they missed the first bit talking about the differences with atonement unless it was a slightly different quote I read.

In my research and prayer I also found this article from a General Conference in 1977 that really struck home to me

LDS.org - Ensign Article - The Living Christ

I think the point is our Christ is different and whilst I identify with the Earlier Saints in the New Testament I do not identify with the vast majority that call themselves Christian

-Charley

Edited December 29, 2008 by Elgama

[RainofGold]

so what does that make me a circle?

-Charley

:lol:

[Maya]

Yes I believe the lables are used.

If someone asks me if I am a Christian I as that person to definy what is a Christian first. As then i can give the answere according to that persons understanding of what is a Christian.

If the person says that you have to believe in trinity to be a Christian I tell them that I am not a Christian. I may enlighten them about, how Christians become called Christaians and tell them, that according to that I am a Christian. But I try to avoid debating as that wont serve Gods purposes.

[Justice]

Mailis, I love the quote you have in your signature line. I made a nice print of it and am going to put one of each of my daughter's doors.

Thank you. :)

[Moksha]

So what does that make me a circle?

I was thinking of a tetrahedron.

I think the point is our Christ is different...

-Charley

I am fairly certain they are the same guy. Even the title of our Church, "The Church of Jesus Christ..." suggests to me that we are followers of Christ first and foremost.

I know most testimony bears always proclaim the Church is True. I like it best when testimony bearers say that they believe in the Gosple of Jesus Christ or they know it's true, or something like that.

:)

[Maya]

Mailis, I love the quote you have in your signature line. I made a nice print of it and am going to put one of each of my daughter's doors.

Thank you. :)

I put the words on the picture of Christ and will put it on my wall.

[Elgama]

I was thinking of a tetrahedron.

I am fairly certain they are the same guy. Even the title of our Church, "The Church of Jesus Christ..." suggests to me that we are followers of Christ first and foremost.

I know most testimony bears always proclaim the Church is True. I like it best when testimony bearers say that they believe in the Gosple of Jesus Christ or they know it's true, or something like that.

:)

ok I tend to not express this view in public very often lol so sorry if its offensive to anyone. I knew God long before I got baptised I was LDS long before I knew the Church was true but because I knew Heavenly Father wanted me to be.... the I know the Church is True has come 100% to me only in the last year or so, after a battle to keep my faith over 5 year a couple of talks last April conference and one at Stake conference hammered it home for me.

However whilst I believe we worship the same God as other Christians, because there is only one God we can worship, any sincere faith seeking person worships the same God.. I also believe we worship the same Historical Jesus, There are Jesus/Christ type stories in many religions, some predate the birth of Christ. I agree with the Pentecostal/Evangelical view that the Christ/Messiah we have is different. The quote I brought up from President Hinckley included the line The same Jesus, different Christ, in the original article assuming its the same quote and not a similar one.

Our atonement is so radically different the story starts in the pre-existence and continues through time and space, its linked to the story of we are here, where are going all of which is different to most of the groups of people that call themselves Christian, plus ours holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, which the men in the church also hold, he Heads the church personally.... and for me the single most important doctrine is the atonement., Personally I find the standard Christian Godhead baffling and more difficult to understand from an LDS perspective than other idea of God, in other religions they are in many ways closer to what we teach and believe. I just do not understand given even greater similarities to other religions we want to align ourselves with Christianity, over any other.

-Charley

-

Edited December 31, 2008 by Elgama