Respuesta Personal de Steven

Mientras servía como misionero mormónque era a menudo tan cuestionada sobre si o no nosotros, como los mormones, eran cristianos. Al principio no entendía por qué la gente se pregunta el cristianismo de una religión que lleva el nombre de Jesús Cristo en su título. Me di cuenta de que nosotros, como miembros de la iglesia mormona, son bastante diferentes de los miembros de la mayoría de iglesias cristianas en dos formas principales. Creemos en un libro aparte de las Escrituras para ir junto con la Biblia (el Libro de Mormón), y creemos que Dios sigue trabajando a través de los profetas de nuestro tiempo, empezando por José Smith. Llegué a la conclusión de que la gente debe pensar que no son cristianos, principalmente para los dos razones. Me gustaría compartir una experiencia personal para mostrar cómo estas dos creencias me llevó a una fuerte creencia en Jesucristo.

Cuando tenía 14 años de edad, que era un promedio de niño bonito que participan en algunas de las locuras del mundo. Me gustaría ir a la iglesia todas las semanas con mi familia, pero no necesariamente viven las cosas que aprendí el resto de los días de la semana. Una semana yo estaba en vacaciones de la familia, y me acaba de pasar a abrir el Libro de Mormón y empezar a leer (esto no era una práctica común para mí como un joven de 14 años). Sin embargo, en medio de mi lectura me encontré con una escritura que se hundió profundamente en mi corazón. Era una advertencia para vivir una vida recta, y advirtió de las consecuencias del pecado. Esta escritura permite que el Espíritu Santo para entrar en mi corazón y me dan ganas de cambiar. Recuerdo haber tenido un sentimiento de culpa terrible por haber desobedecido a ciertos mandamientos. Estos sentimientos de que el Espíritu me hizo arrodillar y decir un escrito la oración al Padre en el Cielo. Recuerdo que me pidió perdón, y no llegó de inmediato.

Seguí a orar y leer las Escrituras en las próximas semanas. Aprendí acerca de Jesucristo y su sacrificio expiatorio. Recuerdo que un día de aprendizaje que Cristo había vencido al mundo y todos los pecados del mundo. Me enteré de que Cristo había dado a luz y se sintió la culpa que yo sentía, y que había sufrido más allá de lo que yo era entonces experimentar, ya que su sacrificio fue para todos nosotros. Me enteré de que Jesucristo había superado esos sentimientos, y que ahora Él se levantó y junto a su Padre. Me pregunté entonces: “Si el Salvador había superado sus pruebas, él podría ayudarme a superar la mía?” La respuesta fue un absoluto y rotundo “¡Sí!” Él me ayudó, me ayudó a sentir una remisión de mis pecados y me ayudó a sentir la paz de nuevo en mi vida. Me sentí perdonados por el sacrificio de Jesucristo.

Este fue un punto de inflexión en mi vida. I se convirtió al Evangelio de Jesucristo, y yo no quería mirar hacia atrás. ¿Cómo fue este gran cambio ocurrido? Porque yo estaba leyendo el Libro de Mormón y el Espíritu cambiado mi corazón. ¿Cómo puedo recibir el Libro de Mormón? Debido a que Joseph Smith, un verdadero profeta de Dios, traducido ese libro para que lea hoy. El Espíritu no puede dar testimonio de mí de la veracidad de lo que estaba leyendo, si el libro eran falsas. Lo que yo sentía no era simplemente mi propia emoción artificial. Llegó con una convicción absoluta de que la verdad puede llegar a cada uno de nosotros, como hijos de Dios. José no podía haber traducido el libro si fuera un falso profeta. Doy testimonio de que Jesucristo es el Salvador del Mundo, y mi Salvador personal. Que es donde reside mi fe. Creo con todo mi corazón que Jesucristo llamó a José Smith como un profeta, y que el Libro de Mormón es otro testamento de Jesucristo. La Biblia y el Libro de Mormón van de la mano, tanto en la enseñanza de la misericordia y la gracia de Jesucristo. Creo con todo mi corazón que soy cristiano, y los de mis amigos que son mormones que viven la forma en que los mormones se les enseña a vivir también los verdaderos cristianos. Sé que esto es cierto.

Personal Response by Lance

On the first weekend of April and the first weekend of October, the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes casually referred to by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon” Church or the LDS Church), including the modern prophet and Twelve Apostles, speak to the world in what is known as general conference. From the Conference Center in Salt Lake City the words of the prophet, the apostles, and other leaders are carried via TV, radio, satellite, and the Internet to more than eighty countries and translated into more than eighty languages. We invite everyone, regardless of religious belief, to join with us in watching or listening to general conference.

The reason I love general conference is best described by the opening words of one of the Church hymns, “Come, listen to a prophet’s voice, And hear the word of God” (“Come Listen to a Prophet’s Voice,” Hymns [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985], no. 21).

I know that the messages that are prepared are truly inspired by God and are His word. The speakers prayerfully prepare and are guided by the Holy Ghost in what they say. As I listen to them, the Holy Ghost testifies of the truths that I need in my life. Every time I listen to general conference I am given inspiration as to how I can be a better Christian. I always leave with a greater determination to follow the commandments and serve others. I am inspired to know what I need to repent of or simply change in my life to come closer to my Father in Heaven.

One way I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true is that I am able to hear this modern revelation at general conference. Just as the ancient apostles taught the people according to the challenges of their day, the modern prophet and apostles clearly explain the doctrines of Jesus Christ and speak out on issues that are currently facing the Mormon Church.

For example, many people wonder about how Mormons view the Bible, given that we also have the Book of Mormon and other scripture. One of the Twelve Apostles, Elder M. Russell Ballard, gave an incredible talk in April 2007 entitled “The Miracle of the Holy Bible” in which our view of the Bible as the word of God is very clearly outlined.

Speaking to members of the Mormon Church Elder Ballard said, “Brothers and sisters, I am sure many of you have had the experience of hearing people say that ‘Mormons are not Christians because they have their own Bible, the Book of Mormon.’ To anyone harboring this misconception, we say that we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and the author of our salvation and that we believe, revere, and love the Holy Bible. We do have additional sacred scripture, including the Book of Mormon, but it supports the Bible, never substituting for it.” (M. Russell Ballard, in Conference Report, Apr. 2007, 78) Read Elder M. Russell Ballard’s Talk. Watch Elder M. Russell Ballard’s Talk on YouTube.

The question has come up a lot recently as to whether or not Mormons are Christians. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, another of the Twelve Apostles devoted his two most current general conference talks to this topic. He said that there are two main reasons people may falsely assume we aren’t Christians. First is our view of the Godhead as three separate and distinct beings. In October 2007 he gave a talk entitled “The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent.” In this talk, Elder Holland explained how the modern view of the trinity came out of the councils of the fourth and fifth centuries and the creeds that were established. After explaining where the notion of the trinity came from, he taught very clearly the true nature of God and Jesus Christ from the scriptures. Read the entire talk by Elder Holland . Watch Elder Holland’s talk on YouTube.

The other reason that Elder Holland gave why people may believe Mormons are not Christians is that we believe in continuing revelation that allows for an open scriptural canon. In his talk, “My Words . . . Never Cease,” he explained that our belief in continuing revelation is in accordance with the way God has worked throughout time. Our belief in the Book of Mormon and modern revelation simply shows that God has spoken to all nations anciently and that He is still speaking today. Read Elder Holland’s talk. WatchElder Holland’s talk on YouTube.

During the first weekend of April and October, the four general sessions of conference are held on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and then 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time. On Saturday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM there is also a priesthood session for all of the men of the Mormon Church. Each session is composed of different speakers covering different topics. I look forward to these weekends every six months because general conference is a spiritual feast that fills me with the word of God.

Personal Response by Lance

I served for two years as a Mormon missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormon Church) in Mississippi and Louisiana. It was the greatest experience of my life. I loved sharing the gospel with the people of the South because so many of them have deep faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. They were very kind to us missionaries coming to their door. I cannot count the number of people who let me into their home, as a complete stranger, to share what I believe. I learned that “southern hospitality” is very real and I believe it is because the people have good Christian values. There were also many people who turned us away but even this was usually done politely.

I was asked many times by the faithful people of the South why I was trying to convert people who are already Christian. Many are living very honorable lives and serving their fellow men as they put their trust in Jesus Christ. They would ask why we don’t send our Mormon missionaries to other parts of the world where people don’t know about Jesus Christ. I would explain that we do. We have missionaries all over the world speaking almost every language. We also have Mormon missionaries who are devoted to humanitarian aid. We try in every way that we can to help God’s children and bring them back to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.
They would still wonder why they as Christians needed to talk to me. As I pondered this question, the answer came to me very powerfully in the form of a question: “Why would any Christian not want to know that Jesus Christ has restored His church to the earth, the very church that we read about in the New Testament?” I would simply explain to those who didn’t understand why I served in the South, that the message that we bring is from God and that He sent us out to share it with everyone.
Our message is very simple and extremely important. God is our Father in Heaven, and He loves us very much. By sinning we cut ourselves off from His presence and He has prepared a way for us to return to live with Him (John 3:16). Throughout all of time God has called prophets (See Amos 3:7) to teach us that this way is through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Jesus Christ truly suffered and died for our sins that we might be forgiven and He was resurrected so that we will all live again. These prophets that teach of Jesus Christ hold the authority of God to lead us and keep the doctrines of Christ’s gospel pure. Jesus Christ himself taught His gospel when He came to the earth, and He established His church on the “foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
God is a God of order and the Church that was established by Jesus Christ was very well organized. He called apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers and others to help build up the Saints and bring everyone to a “unity of the faith”. The church was established to bring everyone to “a knowledge of the Son of God” (See Ephesians 4:11-13).
Sadly, before everyone could be brought to a knowledge of the Son of God and be brought to this unity of faith, Jesus Christ and the leaders of His church were killed. The Lord prophesied that this would happen. He said to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:9-11).
This prophecy was fulfilled. The very foundation of Jesus Christ’s church was destroyed, and the followers of Christ were left to interpret things on their own. Without the authority of God, or the priesthood, men interpreted the scriptures in many different ways and started the many different denominations that we see in the world today. The unity of the faith that was to be established was not achieved and we now have many different religions with highly varying beliefs.
I loved serving in the South because, in sharing the creation of Jesus Christ’s church and the following apostasy or falling away, many people came to understand something that they had been trying to figure out for a long time. I met so many people that had attended many different churches and couldn’t understand why the teachings were so much different and why the churches competed so much with each other. I loved being able to explain that Jesus Christ had established His church but that it was lost.
I was then able to explain the answer to the question I was asked so many times: “Why was I talking to people who were already Christian?” I was able to explain that Jesus Christ didn’t want His church gone forever and that He has restored it to the earth to prepare the way for His second coming. Because they could see the results of the confusion that had resulted following the apostasy, many of the people of the South recognized the need for this restoration of Jesus Christ’s original church.
The Church was restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. Much like the people of the South that I was talking to, Joseph had seen the confusion of the many churches in New York as he was growing up. He searched long and hard trying to find out which church to join. He did what all of us must do to find answers from God. He studied his scriptures and he prayed. In the spring of 1820, he went to a quiet grove of trees near his home and prayed vocally to our Father in Heaven. He prayed to know which of all the churches he should join. He had an incredible experience in which he saw God our Father and his Son Jesus Christ.
He said of this experience, “I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me . . . when the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith History 1:16-17)
Joseph was called as a prophet, and Jesus Christ established His church again on the earth in these last days through him. I loved being able to share with the people of the South that the Mormon church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the Lord’s church again established on the earth. I saw people’s lives change as they came unto Jesus Christ and lived by His teachings. It was an incredible experience to see someone recognize that the Lord didn’t stop speaking in ancient times but that He has again called prophets and apostles to guide us in these troubling times.
There were also many people that didn’t believe what we taught. I had never had so many people question my beliefs from every angle. This caused me to study my scriptures more and pray to my Father in Heaven to know what was true. I found from God through the power of the Holy Ghost that the message that I was sharing is true. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that He is leading His church today through a modern prophet and twelve apostles. As my knowledge and testimony of this grew stronger and stronger, I would say to people, “I’m here to tell you that this is true. Your neighbor will tell you something else is true. You can ask me what is true. You can ask your pastor what is true. You can ask anyone what is true, but I don’t want you to get your answer from any of us. I want you to get your answer from God through prayer and scripture study. That is the only way that I know for myself.”
Even though many didn’t believe what I taught and even heavily questioned my beliefs, I was amazed at the kindness that they showed to me and the other missionaries. I have some great friends that I still keep in touch with that are active members of other faiths. These friends include pastors and leaders of other churches. It is one of our articles of faith in the Mormon church that “we claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” (Articles of Faith 1:11).
As Mormons, we believe in allowing others to believe as they desire. We still try to share our beliefs with everyone and when I am asked why I share my beliefs with other Christians I will continue to respond with the question, “Why would any Christian not want to know that Jesus Christ has restored His church to the earth, the very church that we read about in the New Testament?”

Absolutely! Mormons believe that it is self-evident, through their core doctrines, practices, and commitment to Jesus Christ, that members of The Church of Jesus Christ, are Christians in the truest sense.

The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.[1]

Like other Christians, Mormons believe Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God. Their everyday lives are centered in Him. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are the children of God” [Romans 8:16]. Christ, however, was the Only Begotten in the flesh, and Mormons worship Him as the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. Mormons believe in His infinite atoning sacrifice and literal resurrection, and that “salvation is everlastingly in Jesus Christ.”[2]

Personal Response by Stephen Robinson

If Christian means that a Latter-day Saint (Mormon) believes that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God, Savior of the world and the only name by which humanity can be saved in eternity then it is simply a matter of record that Mormons are Christians because they believe these things. The oft-heard claim that Mormons are not Christians comes from denominations who define Christian very narrowly usually to include only themselves and to exclude most other. Thus many Catholics would deny that Protestants are proper Christians and vice verse. Seventh Day Adventists were accused of being non-Christian by evangelicals until the early twentieth century.

What is usually meant that Mormons are not Christians is that Mormons are not “our kind of Christians.” It is a historical fact that Latter-day Saints believe the New Testament and worship Jesus Christ. However, they are not traditional, historic evangelical or Orthodox Christians. Non-Christian religions, such as Islam and Judaism, consider Latter-day Saints to be Christian because they accept and worship Jesus.

Mormons accept the entire the New Testament, including Jesus’ tolerance of non-standard preachers in his own day, “Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us” (see Luke 9:49-50).

In the end only the individual Latter-day Saint can answer such a questions because Christianity in any denomination it is a matter of personal faith in and commitment to Christ.

Stephen E. Robinson, Are Mormons Christians? (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991).

Personal Response by Karen Merkley

I have to say that I marvel that Mormons’ Christ-centeredness can be so under-received or unknown, but then shouldn’t really, because Christ himself was misperceived. In the wheel of Christianity, Mormonism is the hub. We are centered in a true knowledge of Christ and the fulness of His gospel.

I’m a Mormon-Italian-American, mother of two beautiful girls, and convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love Jesus Christ and recognize Him as my personal Savior. Am I a Christian? Certainly an imperfect one, but certainly, “yes.”

I glanced at a few definitions of “Christian” on the Internet:

• A religious person who believes Jesus is the Christ and who is a member of a Christian denomination
• Following the teachings or manifesting the qualities or spirit of Jesus Christ
• A person who believes in Christianity; also an adjective
  www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/festivals-christmas.htm
• Religious organizations that provide opportunities for people to satisfy their inner needs and enhance their spiritual growth through organized worship or through other devotional activities under the auspices of one of the group of religious faiths that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ …
  nccs2.urban.org/ntee-cc/x.htm
• “Christ’s ones,” that is, believers in Christ. In Acts 11:26 it says that “the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. …
  *answering-islam.org/Testimonies/TruePath/glossary.htm
• a strongly Hellenized religion that began as a Jewish theological contention that a certain Jesus (Yeshu) of Nazareth (b. ca. 4 BC) was the prophesied Messiah (Greek, Christos). …
  www.hotcakencyclopedia.com/ho.GlossaryNonIndianNation.html
• Christian, as distinguished from Jewish
  encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861674910/gentile.html
• This is simply the word to denote a person who is a follower of Jesus and his teachings.
  www.highwaychurchofchrist.com/dictionary/

By any of those, we fit. I fit. But I don’t need them to tell me that I’m Christian. My relationship with Jesus Christ defines my Christianity; Christianity does not define my relationship with Jesus Christ. I can’t even think of my life apart from my life in Christ. I wake up to Him every day, live for Him, and go to bed after talking with the Father in His name. Like hundreds of thousands of Mormons, I look to the Lord constantly for guidance, revelation, power, vision, strength, and forgiveness.

I know, like other Christians, that amassing treasure, flirting with worldly pleasures, and seeking fame, are like jumping on an endless carousel, spinning carnal circles around peace. There “is a more excellent way” through Jesus Christ who offers the greatest trove of riches, joy, stability and rest we can ever receive (1 Cor: 12:31).

My personal relationship with the Savior grows. I remember the August evening, under a clear sky, brightened by a full moon, when an undeniable witness of Him was infused into my soul. It was a gift-a testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ and an overwhelming feeling of His personal love for me. I recall pouring over His words in the New Testament, learning of Him and His teachings. I was overcome that He, who had spared my life physically, died to save me spiritually. After recording the principal points of His doctrine and teachings, I began to search for the Church that adhered to the same. I recall finding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I embraced it, and became a Christian–a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I recall other triple-lutz turning points-letting go of clutching the covers of my life so tightly, and letting the Lord take more and more control. I recall the moment, twenty-some years ago, that I knelt down and turned my will over to His in a more complete way. I remember letting go of what others think of me, and having Him define me. I remember deciding to put His work first, and to make all of my work, His.

I have felt His closeness in the white hot flame of the refiner’s fire. I’ve been constantly awed as He shines the high beams on His word, and I receive memo after memo of His love, will, direction and counsel. I have joy in my relationship with Him. I’ve known his grace and atoning power as I’ve continued to overcome my weaknesses and grow in my discipleship. I have felt His love and signature across the pages of my life.

Related Scriptures

D&C 76:41-42: This verse sites the reason for Jesus Christ’s coming to earth.

John 10:17-18: This verse explains one of the ways Jesus qualified to be the Savior.

2 Nephi 9:6-26; 3 Nephi 27:13-20: These verses explain the purpose of the atonement of Jesus Christ.

D&C 19:18-19: This verse describes what Jesus Christ felt under the weight of our sins in the Garden of Gethsamene.

Additional Resources:

• “Do Mormons Worship Jesus Christ in Their Church Services?”

Newsroom.lds.org
A video clip of Elder M. Russell Ballard addressing this question.

• “How Are Mormon Beliefs Similar to Other Christians?”

Newsroom.lds.org
This links to a video clip of a modern apostle, Elder M. Russell Ballard, addressing this question.

• “Are Mormons Christians?”

Newsroom.lds.org
This links to a video clip of a modern apostle, Elder M. Russell Ballard, addressing this question.

• “Jesus Christ”

This is a guide to the Scriptures about Jesus Christ.

• “Doctrine and Theology about Jesus Christ”

This provides an abstract of our beliefs about Jesus Christ. LDS FAQ Web Site, BYU Studies.

• “Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior”

This chapter explains who Jesus Christ is, why we need s Savior, how He was chosen, and His atoning sacrifice.

• Joseph penned 13 Articles of Faith when asked about Mormonism by a newspaper editor: http://www.lds.org/library/display/0,4945,106-1-2-1,FF.html

[2] Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah (Salt Lake City, Utah; Deseret Book, 1988) p.28.