Mormon on the Mount

Some are hailing Mitt Romney's speech as one of the grandest, noblest orations in the history of presidential politics. This is one for the history books, no doubt, but was it as noble and open as some would have us believe? I don't think so.

In the speech, Mr. Romney tried to convince conservative Christians (who make up a significant percentage of Republican voters) that his Mormon faith was normal, mainstream and very much like their own faith. With evangelicals in mind, he said,"What do I believe about Jesus Christ? I believe that Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind." John Green, director of the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life and a professor of political science at the University of Akron, called that "one of the boldest statements of faith that I can ever remember."

Or was it?

Far from being a bold statement of his true beliefs, Mr. Romney's response demonstrates the evangelical concern over Mormonism: they deceitfully word their beliefs in ways that appeal to Christians when, in fact, their beliefs are diametrically opposed to biblical Christianity.

Foreseeing this evangelical concern, Mr. Romney added, "My church's beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths. Each religion has it own unique doctrines and history. These are not bases for criticism but rather a test of our tolerance."

Let's get a few things clear here...

Mormon Belief: Jesus is the first 'son' of God. God's other 'sons' include the angels and all mankind.

Christian Belief: Jesus is the Father's "only begotten Son."

Mormon Belief: Jesus is not a member of the Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate Gods.

Christian Belief: There is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three are the same in their nature and equal in power and glory.

Mormon Belief: God was once a human. He progressed to become God, and male (not female) humans may do the same. God is one of many gods.

Christian Belief: God has eternally existed as the One True God. Humans are His creation and can never become a deity.

Mormon Belief: Jesus visited the Native Americans after His resurrection and started the true church among them. (So I wonder why we never found any Mormon Indians... hmm)

Christian Belief: Jesus visited His disciples in Jerusalem after the resurrection then ascended into heaven only to return on the Last Day.

"Unique doctrines," indeed, Mr. Romney! Can I tolerate a man who believes such things? Certainly. But I cannot tolerate a man (and a religion) that attempts to trick people into thinking these wicked, cultish heresies are merely a "unique" expression of Christian thinking!

Romney's speech is sure to woo many conservatives... the kind who love to hear presidential candidates talk about keeping nativity scenes at courthouses and God in the pledge. But I hope, I pray that evangelical Christians (to whom this speech was directed) will see it for what it is:

An attempt to make a false church that exalts a false Christ

seem normal and good.

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."

1 John 4:1