AboutDrew Williams Expertise Are Mormons "Christians?"
What is the truth about Mormons and drinking coffee, coke and alcohol?
Why don`t Mormons watch "R" rated movies?
Are there still Mormons who practice plural marriage?
Why are Mormons married in a "Temple" and why are only a few people allowed to attend?
What's the difference between a "Mormon" and a "Latter-day Saint?"
Experience I am the author of the book: "Complete Idiot's Guide to Mormonism" (Penguin), which has now been read by more than 10,000 people. I have spoken on topics pertaining to the history of Christianity and Mormonism around the world, and have taught Mormon doctrine for more than 20 years, and am a former Methodist (practicing Baptist), convert to the Mormon Church. Without sounding "preachy," I can help clarify points of concern regarding Mormons as Christians, and can help others understand principles of belief behind the Mormon Church--as well as speak somewhat concerning the context of the New Testament (and the Book of Isaiah).
Organizations LDS Church
Publications New Era, The Friend, Wall Street Journal, Computer World, Internet Week, others.
Thank you for your willingness to answer my question.
Prior to Jesus' crucifixion, he told his disciples to pray in his name. Does that mean that prior to this time, the jews did not pray in his name?
Adam
Answer Hi Adam.
Great question.
You have to go back a bit further into history and remember that Jesus (born with the Jewish name of "Yeshua" or "Joshua"--Jesus was the Roman translation), was seen by most of the Jewish leadership as a threat to their kingdom. The Jews were under the rule of ROme, but allowed to govern themselves internally, through the SanHedron.
When Jesus told his disciples to pray in his name (not all of those disciples were Jews), he had already bestowed upon them the proper way in which prayer was to be said (replacing old traditional Mosaic law on prayer).
Jews never prayed to Jesus, they prayed to Elohim (God the Father). But Jesus broke down Moasic law by explaining that no one may gain access to the Father except through him (Jesus), and that he was the bridge (as written in Timothy).
So no, the Jews did not pray to Jesus, and today, people should never pray to Jesus either--we pray to God the Eternal Father, and do so in the name of his son, Jesus Christ, who (as I mentioned) serves as our broker to the Father.
Hope that doesn't confuse you, but if it does, I'm happy to expound.
