OK ... Here it
is ... as promised. In my last posting, in the April 26th article
concerning Pastor Joel Osteen and his comment stating that "Romney and
Obama are Christians and I see mormons as 'brothers in Christ'", I
stated that I would do some more research on this 'claim' and would let
you know what I've come up with. While I was confident in my statement
refuting Mr. Osteen's position last week, I must tell you that I am even
more certain ...... and 'stunned' at some of the discoveries I've come
across. ...... So, let's get started .................
As
for Mr. Romney and his Mormon faith, I did know enough from rather
brief earlier research that there were major differences in their
beliefs verses the non-negotiable basics of the christian doctrine ...
but I must admit that I am amazed by how far & wide the differences
are. Let me list just some of these differences:
*Christians believe that there is just one God (mono-theistic).
Matthew 23:9 is just one of various verses that says it plainly: "And
do not call anyone on earth father, for you have one Father, and He is
in heaven." ..... Mormons believe in many gods (poly-theistic). They
teach that the universe is inhabited by different gods who procreate
spirit children, which are in turn clothed with bodies on different
planets, "Elohim" being the god of this planet. (Brigham Young's
teaching that Adam is our heavenly father is now officially denied by
Mormon authorities, but they hold firm to the belief that their god is a
resurrected, glorified man). Brigham Young also taught that Adam-god
was the only god we would ever need. In addition, he also taught that
no one could get into heaven without Joseph Smith's permission.
Continuing, Mr. Young claimed that Adam-god came down from heaven and
had intercourse with Mary to conceive Christ. He also taught that Jesus
was NOT begotten by the Holy Spirit. ...... No one can refute this from
the Mormon church but in 1976 it was brought down by church hierarchy
that this was false doctrine (Adam-god) . It was never mentioned that
this was taught by Brigham Young himself! ... This then would make him
and other early leaders false prophets - these, the very people who
shaped the church. ... To finish this brief point, there are more than
60 utterances of Joseph Smith (original founder) that did not come to
pass. The Bible says that if a prophet misses on only one, he is false
and do not fear him (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
*As previously stated, mormons do not believe in the virgin birth.
*Mormons believe that Jesus is the brother of Satan!!! Wow!!! John
3:16 is just one of many verses that says it plainly that Jesus is the
ONLY son of God. It says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His
one and only Son...".
*Mormons do not believe in the Holy Trinity.
*Jesus married Mary and Martha, and the other Mary (at Cana of Galilee). (Journal of Discourses - 4:259 & 2:82).
There's
much more, but I can't take much more of these unbelievable
distortions. ... Simply put, one could search the corridors of pagan
mythology and never equal the complex structure that the mormons have
erected and masked under the terminology of orthodox Christianity.
Since
the 1830's, the book of mormon has gone through extensive corrections,
almost never being mentioned publicly ... and sad to say, the great
majority of mormons are in almost total ignorance of the shady
historical and theological sources of their religion. In fact they are
mostly shocked and angered when the unglamorous and definitely
unchristian background is revealed to them.
To
close this part, I'll just say that the Mormon Church has gone to great
lengths to re-package their public image since the 1980s. Their goal is
to make their church look like simply another denomination of
Christianity ... and many are buying it!!! ... I guess I can understand
some who do no research to maybe fall for this complete lie .... but
Joel Osteen?! .... This guy has a huge following and is supposed to
understand the basic tenants of our faith. ...... I guess some will do
anything for fame & popularity ...... To say it plainly, Mormonism
is NOT Christianity and IS a cult.
And now for
Mr Obama ... The president has come out and said that he is a christian
.... and Joel Osteen apparently agrees. ... So let's for a moment look
at some of the beliefs and political positions of this man:
*Gay Rights ... As OFFICIAL policy, Mr. Obama IS promoting the
homosexual agenda at ALL levels of government and society ... exhibiting
blatant disdain and hostility to God and biblical truth. Open
acceptance of this kind of "life style" always begins with the approval
of corrupt religious leaders. Obama started out by sending a clear
message to the world (and to God) by having Episcopalian Bishop Maurice
Robinson - an outspoken homosexual who is "married" to another man -
bring the invocation at his inauguration. He has since appointed many
homosexuals to important government and advisory posts, including the
current Education Secretary/school czar, Kevin Jennings. ...... What's
scary about this? No civilization has EVER survived widespread,
blatant homosexuality. In the case of Sodom and Gomorrah, God served
notice that when nations embrace such perversions as normal, they have
signed their own death warrant (Jude 3-11).
*Abortion ... Like all feminist organizations, many politicians and
much of the general population, Obama believes in and promotes
'infanticide'. Obama has always supported abortion at any time during a
woman's pregnancy - even partial-birth abortion at full term. Worse
yet, when a live-born infant survives a botched abortion, he supports
denying medical care to the baby so it might live. In fact, as an
Illinois senator, Obama voted twice not to allow medical care for babies
who survive botched abortions. Recently, in one of his budget
proposals, Obama showed his true character by authorizing $400 million
for "Planned Parenthood" abortion clinics. ... To date , this country
has killed some 55 million babies and our president's record shows that
he clearly supports this travesty.
In summing
up, Obama was elected precisely because significant segments of our
society wholly embrace his liberal, godless values and beliefs as a way
of life. .... and sadly, most Americans love their sinful ways. ...
Remember that God warns, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil;
who put darkness for light and light for darkness; who put bitter for
sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20) .
So
Mr. Osteen, I still, and will continue to question your judgement and
ultimately, your ability to lead anyone. Saying that either of these
men qualify as christian leaders when, in fact, they subscribe to heresy
and blatant sinful lifestyles, is a classic case of poor judgement ...
and with your vast influence , a dangerous ground to be walking upon
....
Even though I find it difficult (because
I, too, am human) to pray for these three men, it is my responsibility
and charge to do so .... because the Bible says so ... therefore NOT
making it optional. ... I also will be praying for each of you who are
still involved in the political process. How you will come to a
christian decision as to how to vote in the coming election is beyond me
......
America is being judged ... I feel it
deep down in my bones ... I see it all around me ... There is a denial
of sin ... Their is a lack of discernment about the eternal and
unchanging laws of God ... There is a failure in the church to be the
'salt and the light' in a culture spiraling into the moral abyss ... may
God have mercy on our souls ......
Until next time,
Red