The Voice Of One Crying Out In Suburbia

The real issues

Dr. Mohler has concluded his online debate with Orson Scott Card on Beliefnet and his frustration is palpable in his final, gracious post. The question all along has been simple, "Are mormons Christian?" Mr. Card, in his lengthy posts, has addressed every issue BUT that question. As Dr. Mohler states:

The debate has never been about whether Mormons are good Americans or would make good neighbors. I dare say that most American Evangelicals and traditional Roman Catholics would find more in common with Mormons in terms of child-rearing, sexual morality, the protection of marriage and family, and a host of other issues, than they would with liberal Catholics or liberal Protestants. No argument there.

The debate is not over Mitt Romney or his right to run for President of the United States. That is a settled constitutional fact – and a fact for which we should all be thankful. Nor is it about whether Evangelicals should vote for Mitt Romney. There is so much to admire in the man’s marriage and family and leadership ability. This question is very complicated – as is the case with almost all political questions.

The debate is not over the right of Mormons to hold their faith, promote their faith, and spread their faith. That, too, is a constitutional right – the same right that protects the religious liberty of all persons of all faiths and no faith.

For me, and as the question was posed to me, the issue is theological. That is why I cannot answer the question except as I have from the start.

The issue is not about sincerity, or being good neighbors or being qualified to hold public office, but rather whether or not mormon beliefs can be rightly considered to be Christian. If so, then we could accept our differences, just as I accept my differences with Presbyterians or Lutherans. If not, as is the case, then mormons hold to a damning false belief system that lacks the power to save and as such are in peril of their eternal souls, and in that respect are no different than atheists, pagans, muslims or any other unbeliever. Thanks again to Dr. Mohler for declaring the Gospel of Jesus Christ, clearly, lovingly and unflinchingly.