Author: Sharon Lindbloom
-
Mormonism’s Bad Reputation
An editorial in World Magazine dated 10 November 2007 takes a look at one way in which Mitt Romney’s Mormonism may be a valid concern in his bid for the U.S. Presidency. In “Trifling with the Truth” (subscription required) Joel Belz writes, “When it comes to politics, I’ll admit that God doesn’t call His people…
-
It’s a Big Deal: “Mormonism Isn’t Christianity.”
A tempest in an herbal teapot is brewing over a sermon preached by Dr. Robert Jeffress last month. On September 30th Dr. Jeffress told his congregation at First Baptist Church of Dallas, “Mitt Romney is a Mormon. Even though he talks about Jesus as his Lord and Savior, he is not a Christian. Mormonism is…
-
The Double Evil of Sin
When I talk with Latter-day Saints about sin and salvation, the conversation inevitably turns to the LDS idea of meriting God’s grace via personal worthiness coupled with repentance. During these conversations I find that, generally speaking, Mormons don’t seem to think about sin in the same way God talks about it in His Word. They…
-
The Latter-day Mystery of John the Beloved
In an article describing the way leadership vacancies are filled within the LDS Church, a recent issue of Church News explained, “On the Mount of Transfiguration in the incident recounted in Matthew 17:1-11, Peter, James and John received those keys, defined as “the rights of presidency, or the power given to man by God to…
-
Two Views of the Fall
Mormonism and traditional Christianity view the acts of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden very differently. According to Mormonism: To the first man and woman on earth, the Lord said, “Be fruitful, and multiply” (Moses 2:28; see also Gen. 1:28; Abr. 4:28). This commandment was first in sequence and first in importance. It…
-
Inconsistency in Joseph Smith’s Canonized History?
I have often pondered the Joseph Smith History found in the Pearl of Great Price. As he told his story of what led him to seek divine guidance (resulting in the First Vision), Joseph described the spiritual atmosphere in his community. He related how confusing he found the doctrinal claims of various Christian denominations. Add…
-
LDS Growth and Retention
The September 20th issue of Apologia Report included an interesting summary of a recent article by John Dart on LDS growth and retention. With the permission of Apologia Report’s author Rich Poll, the summary follows. “Counting Mormons” by John Dart, news editor for Christian Century — a valuable independent update on official LDS membership tracking…
-
Becoming Scripture: D&C 138
Here’s your history lesson for the day. On October 3rd 1918, then LDS Church President Joseph F. Smith received a vision regarding the redemption of the dead. The next day at General Conference, “President Smith declared that he had received several divine communications during the previous months. One of these, concerning the Savior’s visit to…
-
Excommunicated for Apostasy
Last Sunday (23 September 2007) the Phoenix East Valley Tribune ran a story about Lyndon Lamborn’s excommunication from the LDS Church. The article begins, “Being excommunicated for apostasy by the Mormon church is one thing, but Lyndon Lamborn is livid that his stake president has ordered bishops in eight Mesa wards to take the rare…
-
The Habit of Clear-Thinking People
A regular participant in the comment section of Mormon Coffee recently took issue with some of the moderating that takes place here. She wrote, i realize you try your best to control the tone on this site-as one-sided as it may be. that is completely your prerogative, obviously. with that said, don’t be surprised at…
-
Men on a Mission
A Business Wire press release dated September 10, 2007 announces an interesting new product that its creators hope will become the “must-have stocking stuffer of the year.” Mormons Exposed is producing and selling “a steamy 2008 calendar featuring twelve handsome returned Mormon missionaries who have dared to pose bare-chested in the first-ever Men on a…
-
September 11, 1857
A significant date in the history of our nation. A date marking tragedy in the history of many families. A day of mourning 150 years ago. A day of sorrowful remembrance in 2007. The Mountain Meadows Massacre is not pleasant to recall, but it should not be forgotten. There are lessons for all of us…
-
Abominable Creed
One of the oldest Christian creeds known today is the Apostles’ Creed. The Apostles of the early church didn’t formulate the creed; rather, the Apostles’ Creed, compiled later, is comprised of a brief summary of the Apostles’ teachings. This creed, as well as other Christian creeds, is sometimes recited as a formal statement of belief.…
-
The Mormon Church vs. Hollywood
Today the Hollywood movie September Dawn opens in 1000 theaters nationwide. The dramatized portrayal of the Mountain Meadows Massacre–wherein Mormon men massacred 120 emigrants as they peacefully passed through southern Utah in 1857–is unwelcome among Latter-day Saints. The film has been called “controversial” by the news media, but has received stronger condemnation from Latter-day Saints.…
-
LDS Temples Open to All
On August 8th ABC’s Nightline posted a story about the Hill Cumorah Pageant, a Mormon drama enacted each year by LDS Church members for audiences in Palmyra, New York. The sub-title to the Nightline article reads, “In Upstate New York, Mormons Re-enact Their History and Answer Questions About the Scrutinized Faith.” Journalists Dan Harris and…
-
Authoritative LDS Teachings on Blacks and the Priesthood Designated “Folklore”
Last week Deseret News reported on a new film in the works: “Nobody Knows: The Untold Story of Black Mormons.” Three Latter-day Saints have teamed up to produce this documentary. They hope to present a theatrical release next June to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the LDS Church’s announcement lifting the ban on blacks…
-
LDS Apostle Explains the Purpose of Life
The official web site of the LDS Church has posted a transcript of the interview Apostle Dallin H. Oaks gave to Helen Whitney, maker of the PBS documentary “The Mormons” which aired earlier this year. Mr. Oaks told Ms. Whitney, “Before the close of his ministry, in Illinois, Joseph Smith put together the significance of…
-
Good Works in the Name of Christ
Over the last month Beliefnet.com has sponsored an online debate between LDS author Orson Scott Card and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president Dr. R. Albert Mohler. As I was reading some of the debate today, one bit from Mr. Card’s argument posted on July 11th caught my attention. While acknowledging that Mormonism and “traditional orthodox…
-
LDS Student Sues Over Loss of Scholarship
The state of West Virginia offers financial aid to students via various funds and scholarships. One, PROMISE Scholarship (Providing Real Opportunities for Maximizing In-state Student Excellence), is described on its web site as “a merit-based scholarship program designed to keep qualified students in West Virginia by making college affordable.” As reported in The West Virginia…