|
|
|
COMMENTARY • January 2005 |
Landmark tabernacle event underscores gaps in Mormon theology
By Bill McKeever
CHRISTIAN EXAMINER- Opinion |
I had the privilege of sitting in the seventh row of the Mormon Tabernacle Nov. 14 to hear Christian apologist/philosopher Ravi Zacharias. Speakers of such caliber are a rarity to Salt Lake City. Even rarer is to have them speak on the same platform where Mormon leaders like Brigham Young gave some of the most notoriously anti-biblical messages imaginable.
The event was not without controversy. Many Christians in Utah were concerned that Dr. Zacharias’ message would be, at best, misunderstood, or, at worst, purposely spun by the Mormon church to make it appear that his message was in harmony with the teachings of Mormonism. To be sure, ministry in Utah is like no other place on earth. The Mormons often use words that are similar to those used by Bible-believing Christians. Words such as “justification,” “salvation by grace,” “scripture,” and “born-again” are defined very differently by members of the Latter-day Saints Church.
Sadly, because of some unfortunate comments made by Dr. Richard Mouw, who is the president of Fuller Seminary, much of the attention has turned away from what Dr. Zacharias actually said. Dr. Mouw used his brief talk to give a broad-brush apology for the way evangelicals have treated Mormons in the past. No one doubts that there have been bad examples on both sides and it would have been nice if Dr. Mouw’s comments were reciprocated by at least one of the Mormons sitting on the platform, but that was not to be. The Mormon church has never retracted or apologized for the horrendous things its leaders have said about the Christian faith.
Rather than dwell on Dr. Mouw’s comments, I would much rather use this space to concentrate on what was said by Dr. Zacharias that evening since his powerful message covered many important points that have been given little coverage.
For instance, Dr. Zacharias spent a considerable amount of time expounding on the evilness of humanity. Though Mormons often speak of sin, LDS leaders have downplayed mankind’s depravity. Brigham Young taught, “Many of us have been taught the doctrine of total depravity—that man is not naturally inclined to do good. I am satisfied that he is more inclined to do right than to do wrong. There is a greater power within him to shun evil and perform good, than to do the opposite.”
Dr. Zacharias spoke of religions in the world that erroneously teach how people can be saved by pulling up their “bootstraps.” When I heard that word, I immediately recalled a statement made by 12th Mormon President Spencer W. Kimball. He wrote, “Man can transform himself and he must. Man has in himself the seeds of godhood, which can germinate and grow and develop. As the acorn becomes the oak, the mortal man becomes a god. It is within his power to lift himself by his very bootstraps from the plane on which he finds himself to the plane on which he should be. It may be a long, hard lift with many obstacles, but it is a real possibility.”
Zacharias then told an interesting story of how he was approached by a man who wanted to be his roommate in eternity. Zacharias graciously explained the folly of wanting a human companion when heaven will be graced with the presence of Christ. We might ask the same question of our Mormon friends who feel that eternal marriage with a human spouse is necessary if one hopes to achieve “eternal life.”
Zacharias strongly emphasized the all sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and when he mentioned the importance of the Trinity, a loud “Amen,” accompanied by applause, rocketed off the walls by the majority of Christian listeners. Mormon leaders have always denounced the Trinity. Mormonism teaches a tri-theistic view of the Godhead and also teaches that faithful Mormon men can become gods as well.
While Mormons are led to believe that Christ is necessary for mankind to be resurrected from the grave (immortality), His act was not all sufficient when it comes to achieving eternal life (Godhood). This is gained only by a life of obedience to the laws and ordinances established by the LDS Church.
When Dr. Zacharias spoke at Weber State in Ogden, Utah the next evening, he mentioned with amusement how two of the Mormons sitting on the platform the night before came up to him and said they agreed completely with what he said in his Sunday evening sermon. One can only wonder how these men could make such a statement. Clearly what Dr. Zacharias taught is not in accord with the teachings of Mormonism.
Bill McKeever is the founder/director of Mormonism Research Ministry based in the Salt Lake City area. For more information see mrm.org.
|
All site contents copyright© Christian Examiner™ (formerly the Christian Times)
Christian Examiner™, P.O. Box 2606 El Cajon, CA 92021 • 619-668-5100 • Fax 619-668-1115
Email: info@christianexaminer.com • Web site: www.christianexaminer.com |
|
