Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 10/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Mr. Card,

Some Latter-Day Saints on my college campus approached me today. I listened to what they had to say and asked questions, meanwhile developing a sense of pity on them. I didn't say anything against them, but I sure would like to know some things I would be able to say in the future as to how Mormonism is misleading. Please help me in articulating the Truth.

Thank you.

ANSWER: Peace

dear Gina,
   Mormonism is a complex non-Christian religious system. One of the difficulties  is that they use words differently.

A classic example is virgin.

If you ask them is Mary the virgin mother of Jesus. They will say yes, however they mean something very different from Catholics and other Christian. They mean she didn't have sex with any mortal being. Yet, they believe she had sex with God the Father, in a physical manner.

Another thing that adds to the complexity is they believe in Progressive Revelation, which that God can and has changed doctrine over time.

Feel free to write me again, if you have a less general questions about their doctrines compared to the Gospel.


         your servant but Christ's first
         George

         

         



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, George, for your quick response. Where did they get the idea that Mary physically had sex with God the Father and the idea of progressive revelation? Which doctrines have changed over time?

Further questions are, what is their belief on living prophets? What do they think about the saints? What do they believe about the Pope?

In Christ.

Answer
Peace


dear Gina,

They believe God the Father has physical body, and that through several of their prophets either directly or indirectly taught Mary had sex with the "Heavenly Father"

The term: living prophet for them has several uses. The main use is for the head of their Church. They believe he has the fullness of the priesthood in power and authority. He and a few other other men in their sect can and do receive revelation regularly from their god.

Some people accuse us Catholics of believing the same thing about the pope. We do NOT, we believe he doesn't learn new doctrine from God but we believe God guides him and his fellow bishops in teaching the Church.I can explain more if want.

I am in the middle of writing a small series on Progressive Revelation for a friends private blog, if you want me send u a copy. Write me in about 2 weeks, when I hope to have it done.

         your servant but Christ's first
         George