[Apologetics] Re: [Apologetics] Re: [Apologetics] Posthumous ´baptism´

[Stuart D. Gathman]

On Sun, 4 May 2008, Art Kelly wrote:

> Thanks, Stuart, for that information. That certainly adds an insight into
> Mormonism.

Modern Mormons are trying to be "just another denomination".  I have had
many long sessions with missionaries and elders, and truly, most simply do
not understand the logical consequences of doctrines like man becoming
God.  Invincible ignorance as Catholics would put it. And frankly, the
problem is not so much with man becoming god (since we already create our
own sub-universes via stories and computer virtual worlds), but the
demotion of God to "once a man".  Which is why is classify classic
Mormonism as a form of pagan atheism.  Instead of an infinite stack
of turtles, there is an infinite family tree.

Oh, and you Catholics would *love* the part about how God had sex with Mary
to conceive Jesus.  And Satan is Jesus' elder brother, by another wife
presumably.  (A case of sibling rivalry.)  But that is all classic Mormonism -
and they are trying to push that under the rug these days.  With the result
that Mormons on the street by and large read their Bibles, trust Christ for
justification, depend on the Holy Spirit for sanctification, and don't
understand the rejection from orthodox Christians.  They have an emphasis on
Spirit led works being the "proof of the pudding".

So the default position when talking to Mormons, at least in my neck of
the woods, it to assume invincible ignorance, and be gentle.  I wouldn't
even try to separate a Mormon from their community - unless it is one
of those sick ones with patriarchs and harems of teenage girls.

-- 
	      Stuart D. Gathman <stuart at bmsi.com>
    Business Management Systems Inc.  Phone: 703 591-0911 Fax: 703 591-6154
"Confutatis maledictis, flammis acribus addictis" - background song for
a Microsoft sponsored "Where do you want to go from here?" commercial.