Is Mormonism a branch of Christianity - 4109 Words

Katie Hill Allan AP English 26 May 2010 Mormonism v. Christianity The definition of religion is, â€Å"a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects† (â€Å"Religion†). Many of the world religions at first glance appear to be very similar. However, on closer examination, the differences in the religions are made clear. For example, Mormonism is often described as a branch of Christianity because both religions have Jesus as a central figure. Despite this misconception, Mormonism and Christianity have major differences in their historical backgrounds, key writings, definitions of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, beliefs about salvation and what happens after death, among other†¦show more content†¦He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God†(The Holy Bible). The history and the facts of Christ are very important to the Christian faith. If Christ had never been resurrected from the dead, then the whole Christian religion wou ld be false (â€Å"History of Christianity†). 1 Corinthians 15:14 explains, â€Å"And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain†(The Holy Bible). The resurrection of Christ is extremely important to Christians, because the resurrection proves what they believe, giving purpose to their lives. â€Å"About 32 percent of people in the world, or 2.1 billion individuals, describe themselves as Christians. Some Christians believe that only those who are born again can claim to be Christians, which is why the number tends to fluctuate†(King). Another difference between the LDS Church and the Christian Church revolves around how the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are defined. They believe that, â€Å"God the Eternal Father was once a mortal man†¦He became God—an exalted being—through obedience to the same eternal Gospel truths that we are given opportunity today to obey†(Hunter 104). Doug Adams, a Bible teacher at Berean Christian High School, stated that, â€Å"The Father in the LDS church is not eternal, spirit, nor immutable. The LDS church also teaches that the Father lived on another planet called Kolob. The Father hadShow MoreRelatedThe New Religious Movement Of Scientology1132 Words   |  5 Pagesmovements can take a scientific approach to religion, such as Scientology, referred to as a â€Å"client cult† where services are provided or branch off from an established religion like Christianity as did Mormonism with its teachings based upon the Holy Bible and The Book of Mormon. (Fisher, 2014, 459, 465) With various NRMs emerging including Scientology and Mormonism, will they endure and continue to grow, attracting future generations to their particular religion? Their similarities and differencesRead MoreThe Islam And The Muslim Community1651 Words   |  7 Pagestheology, law, and religious organizations have caused drastic conflict and competition among the two , dividing and tearing communities apart. With approximately eighty-five percent, Sunnis are the majority of the Muslim population. They see their branch of Islam as traditionalist and orthodox. The Qur’an and traditions, or hadith, serve as the main source of religious and legal power. All â€Å"hadith concerning the words and acts of the Prophet and his close companions† are equally as valid. Sunni MuslimsRead MorePaper 2 - the Growth of Contemporary Christianity in Sudan1584 Words   |  7 PagesPAPER 3 – THE GROWTH OF CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIANITY IN SUDAN PRESENTED TO PROFESSOR MARK NICKENS FOR CHHI 302 – DO1 BY REV. JOSEPH T. WHITAKER, III LU23755920 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY LYNCHBURG VIRGINIA NOVEMBER 29, 2014 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2 Read More The Impact on Culture of Islam and Christianity Essay3721 Words   |  15 Pageslonger has the enveloping blanket of a single religion, but a large majority of the population still identifies with grander idea of Christianity, despite the variety. Christianity has evolved into a wide collection of beliefs which many people can appeal to, which is part of the reason why Christianity has become so successful. Noting that both Christianity and Islam have sub-religions that reflect cultural differences, frequently the most extreme of the sects becomes the primary sourceRead MoreReligion As A Social Network1587 Words   |  7 Pagesfaith in an afterlife or reincarnation. Religions such as â€Å"Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism all maintain belief in samsara, the â€Å"wheel of life† that implies a series of lives, deaths, and rebirths for every individual.† Alternatively, Christianity and Islam advocate that people are destined for some sort of afterlife whether that be a version of heaven or hell. Certain perspectives even stretch to say that a maintaining of faith in there being no afterlife at all could be considered a qualificationRead Moresave Essay1055 Words   |  5 Pages State can’t establish anything that favors one religion over another and can’t interfere with practice of religion. The boundaries between these clauses caused conflicts because of separation of school and church. 17. How has evangelical Christianity affected American politics? Does this violate the separation of Church and State? Back in 2000 s/election of Pres. Bush had lot to do with politics of evangelical Christians. They often recall the angelical rights aligning them with politicalRead MoreIn 6-8 Pages Address The Following Issues And Questions:1975 Words   |  8 Pagesday and age, I will tweak it in that God will substitute gods. When this is done, it eliminates Socrates justification for the definition not working. This is because, when we look at a monotheistic religion such as Catholicism, Judaism, Christianity and Mormonism, the God above agrees on one thing. In the book, in accordance with their religion, God only has one set of rules. In the Bible it is the 10 Commandments as well as the ultimate commandment in the New Testament to love your neighbor as yourselfRead MoreCritically examine sociological explanations for the emergence and growth of religious sects in an apparently secular society.5615 Words   |  23 Pagescontroversy. Throughout History, humanity has formed secret societies and secular groups to try to make sense of the world. Most of the time, their strong beliefs have sprung from dissatisfaction with mainstream religions, although the influence of Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism can be seen in many of todays sects. Sects mainly depend on the qualities of the charismatic leader, if there is one. A dictatorial sect leader is as potentially dangerous as a dictatorial political leader; perhaps evenRead MoreJohn Rolfe s Impact On America5544 Words   |  23 Pageswho wanted to start new business in the New World. When John Rolfe moved to Virginia he met the daughter of Powhatan who was kidnapped by Jamestown settlers, but it never happened. Pocahontas later learned how to read English and converted to Christianity. Rolfe fell in love with Pocahontas after a conversation he had with her. He then decided to marry her with the approval of Sir Thomas Dale, the governor and Powhatan. Powhatan later agreed to maintain peace with the colonists and Indians. WhichRead MoreRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 Pagessociety and may even be in use, and which are known to the person who is to become prophet or leader.77 In analyzing the charismatic message of Saint-Simon, Jones and Anservitz come to a similar conclusion. They point out that Saint-Simons â€Å"New Christianity,† drew heavily on two sources: the Christian notion that all persons should love one another and the â€Å"Jewish hope for the coming of a Messianic Era.†78 In fact, Saint-Simonism indicates that the appeal of the charismatic message is derived not