Perry supporter says Romney's religion 'a cult'

[SlyPokerDog]

Controversial remarks by the pastor of a Dallas church stole the spotlight from several Republican White House contenders Friday during the first day of the Values Voter Summit, an annual gathering of evangelicals and other social conservatives.

After introducing Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Robert Jeffress, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas, told reporters that Republicans shouldn't vote for White House hopeful Mitt Romney because he's a Mormon and described the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a "cult."

Speaking live on CNN's "The Situation Room," Jeffress told CNN Political Correspondent Jim Acosta, "I think Mitt Romney's a good, moral man, but I think those of us who are born-again followers of Christ should always prefer a competent Christian to a competent non-Christian like Mitt Romney. So that's why I'm enthusiastic about Rick Perry."

In the same exchange, Jeffress told Acosta that the Southern Baptist Convention "has officially labeled Mormonism as a cult." In fact, a website maintained by the Southern Baptist Convention lists the Mormon faith under its "New Religions and Cults" section, which also includes Jehovah's Witnesses and the Church of Scientology.

Contacted by CNN, the Romney campaign had no comment on Jeffress' remarks. Michael Purdy, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, declined to comment on a statement "made at a political event."

"But those who want to understand the centrality of Christ to our faith can learn more about us and what we believe by going to mormon.org," Purdy said in a statement.

The Perry campaign told CNN via email that it did not ask Jeffress to introduce the Texas governor at Friday's event. Asked personally about Jeffress' remarks after a campaign event in Iowa Friday night, Perry told reporters that he did not think Mormonism is a cult, a view Perry spokesman Mark Miner had expressed earlier on Perry's behalf.

Speaking Friday evening on CNN's "John King, USA," Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council and an organizer of the two-day event, said the Perry campaign was informed two weeks ago about event organizers' plan to have Jeffress introduce Perry and the Perry camp, in Perkins' words, "signed off on" that plan. Perkins also told CNN Chief National Correspondent John King that event organizers did not know what Jeffress was going to say in introducing Perry nor did the Texas governor's campaign.

http://articles.cnn.com/2011-10-08/...ormonism-perry-supporter-cults?_s=PM:POLITICS

 

[barfo]

One cultist calls another cultist a cultist. Big news.

barfo

 

[PapaG]

Did Mitt bring his Magic Underpants to protest this travesty?

 

[MARIS61]

Neither is fit serve, so who cares?

 

[Mediocre Man]

It is a cult. Move along.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

we all wind up in the same heaven anyways, ruling the planet argynon in the kolob system

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I was wondering when this would come along. I also wonder to what extent Obama's people will use it in the general election. It's classless, but it is an election afterall.

 

[huevonkiller]

Shouldn't we vote for someone based on their political views, not religion?

Obama's church was creepy though. Damn what a loser.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

if he believed that the invisible relefrast in my cockhole rule the galaxy as kind and generous gods, but have been usurped in their power by shoozlesnog, the omnipresent ass virus of the ppppokrednag, i wouldnt care much

but middle america sure would

 

[ABM]

It is a cult. Move along.

As I understand it, yes, Mormonism is a cult.

 

[Masbee]

As I understand it, yes, Mormonism is a cult.

And so is Christianity.

Only difference, the Mormon cult is only 150 years old.

And Born-Agains critisizing other religions? Gees. Jesus is literally the son of god who died for our sins and was resurected. The Earth was created by god in 7 days. And all the other crazy shit they believe to be true? And they have the balls to diss other folks similar, but slightly different fantasy stories?

I have no respect for those church leaders and the followers who enable them.

 

[3RA1N1AC]

you have no respect for followers of religion?

must be lonely in your isolated tower of disdain

 

[ABM]

And so is Christianity.

Only difference, the Mormon cult is only 150 years old.

And Born-Agains critisizing other religions? Gees. Jesus is literally the son of god who died for our sins and was resurected. The Earth was created by god in 7 days. And all the other crazy shit they believe to be true? And they have the balls to diss other folks similar, but slightly different fantasy stories?

I have no respect for those church leaders and the followers who enable them.

I kind of like this definition, below. And, in its context, I suppose Jeffress is correct in what he had said:

http://cultdefinition.com/

The term [cult] is confusing because it is ambiguous — infused with a variety of meanings depending on who uses it — and for which purpose it is used.

For example, the term ‘cult’ can be used in a theological and/or a sociological sense. The word takes on different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

For instance, a Christian theologian can state that, say, the Mormon Church is theologically a cult of Christianity.

From that perspective — the viewpoint of a Christian — that is true since the Mormon Church rejects, changes or adds to the essential doctrines of the Christian faith to such an extend that Mormonism must be regarded as having separated itself from the faith it claims to represent. While the ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ claims to be not only Christian in nature but also the only true expression of historical Christianity, Mormonism in reality has usurped and plagiarized Christian terminology and scriptures, creating a new religion.

In other words, the Mormon Church is not a Christian denomination, nor it is a sect — a term often used to indicate a group or movement that, while still part of the faith it identifies with, has doctrines or practices not in line with those of historical Christianity, but usually not to such an extend that it must be considered a different religion altogether. From a Christian perspective that religion fits meaning #2 in the dictionary definition quoted above, since it is a “religion regarded as unorthodox or spurious.”

In its turn, the LDS Church likewise does its best to distinguish itself from groups that it considers to be separate religious movements — even while those movement claim to represent historical Mormonism.

[Note that the term 'sect' itself is also ambiguous, and -- to make things even more confusing -- is often used instead of the term 'cult.']

Yet those who deal primarily with the sociological characteristics of groups and movements usually find little to nothing in Mormonism and the Mormon Church that would cause them to apply the term ‘cult’ — because their evaluation is based largely on how the group or movement acts, rather than what it beliefs.

Note that while cult experts who approach cults from a sociological view generally do not address theological issues, cult experts who deal with cults from a theological perspective often also address sociological issues. The latter is a better approach, since people’s actions are informed by their beliefs.

A prime example of a cult of Christianity (as defined theologically) that developed into a full-blown cult (as defined sociologically) is the Children of God, now called The Family International.

Another example of a cult of Christianity (as defined theologically) that developed into a cult (as defined sociologically) is the International Churches of Christ — a prime example of an abusive church.

The Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, whose members are referred to as Jehovah’s Witnesses, theologically is a cult of Christianity, and sociologically has countless cult-like elements as wewll.

Cults — as defined theologically — also exist in other religions. The definition holds, as long as a certain group claims to be part of, or representative of, a religion while at the same time violating that religion’s essential doctrines.

Essential doctrines are those doctrines that define a given religion’s basic essence. Much the same way, say, a tuna salad must include tuna, religions have basic, essential ingredients (doctrines).....

 

[Mediocre Man]

And so is Christianity.

Only difference, the Mormon cult is only 150 years old.

And Born-Agains critisizing other religions? Gees. Jesus is literally the son of god who died for our sins and was resurected. The Earth was created by god in 7 days. And all the other crazy shit they believe to be true? And they have the balls to diss other folks similar, but slightly different fantasy stories?

I have no respect for those church leaders and the followers who enable them.

It's pretty simple, actually. The Mormon church teaches from a book that is not the Bible. Joseph Smith is a false Idol. Believing in Christ is about faith, and if that is the road you choose, you are taught not to worship false Idols.

 

[D-Rock]

It's pretty simple, actually. The Mormon church teaches from a book that is not the Bible. Joseph Smith is a false Idol. Believing in Christ is about faith, and if that is the road you choose, you are taught not to worship false Idols.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) does not worship Joseph Smith any more than they worship Moses, Abraham, Peter, or any other prophet. Joseph Smith holds a special place in the theology as a dispensation head like Adam, Enoch, Noah, etc., a prophet who had an important role in a pivotal part of Earth's history. You can think what you want about that, but at least get the doctrine and teachings correct. If you want to call him anything negative, call him a false prophet. At least then I could respect a differing opinion instead a misinformed statement.

Additionally, I'm curious, with respect to ABM's quoted section, how "the Mormon Church rejects, changes or adds to the essential doctrines of the Christian faith to such an extend that Mormonism must be regarded as having separated itself from the faith it claims to represent." What are the essential doctrines of the Christian faith? Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and it's only through his atoning sacrifice that we can return to live with God? Mormons whole-heartedly believe this. Is there anything more essential to Christianity than this?

And, yes, this is D-Rock commenting on another thread dealing with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As I've said before, I have no problem with people believing what they want. I'm fine with Masbee and whoever calling Mormonism a cult (even though I obviously disagree with the negative connotations the word has), but I can at least correct incorrect statements and misinformation.

As to the comments by Jeffress and it's connection to Perry, it seems pretty hard to believe that Perry had no idea what was going to be said. Seems like it was intentional. Religion should have nothing to do with politics, but I doubt that will ever be the case; at least not in the Republican party.

 

[barfo]

It's pretty simple, actually. The Mormon church teaches from a book that is not the Bible. Joseph Smith is a false Idol. Believing in Christ is about faith, and if that is the road you choose, you are taught not to worship false Idols.

And similarly, baptists teach from a book that is not the book of Mormon.

Does anyone doubt that, were it not for accidents of geography and tv coverage, we might be, say, Hawks fans instead of Blazer fans?

From a distance, there is no difference between one cultist and another.

Except, of course, Laker fans. Those people are EVIL.

barfo

 

[D-Rock]

And similarly, baptists teach from a book that is not the book of Mormon.

Does anyone doubt that, were it not for accidents of geography and tv coverage, we might be, say, Hawks fans instead of Blazer fans?

From a distance, there is no difference between one cultist and another.

Except, of course, Laker fans. Those people are EVIL.

barfo

To be clear, Mormons teach from the Bible. In fact, my family is having a discussion on the New Testament as I type this.

Honest question, can any Catholic explain to me what part does the Apocrypha plays in the Catholic doctrine and teachings? Are the writings considered doctrine? Is it considered part of the Bible?

 

[SlyPokerDog]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) does not worship Joseph Smith any more than they worship Moses, Abraham, Peter, or any other prophet. Joseph Smith holds a special place in the theology as a dispensation head like Adam, Enoch, Noah, etc., a prophet who had an important role in a pivotal part of Earth's history. You can think what you want about that, but at least get the doctrine and teachings correct. If you want to call him anything negative, call him a false prophet. At least then I could respect a differing opinion instead a misinformed statement.

Additionally, I'm curious, with respect to ABM's quoted section, how "the Mormon Church rejects, changes or adds to the essential doctrines of the Christian faith to such an extend that Mormonism must be regarded as having separated itself from the faith it claims to represent." What are the essential doctrines of the Christian faith? Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and it's only through his atoning sacrifice that we can return to live with God? Mormons whole-heartedly believe this. Is there anything more essential to Christianity than this?

And, yes, this is D-Rock commenting on another thread dealing with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As I've said before, I have no problem with people believing what they want. I'm fine with Masbee and whoever calling Mormonism a cult (even though I obviously disagree with the negative connotations the word has), but I can at least correct incorrect statements and misinformation.

As to the comments by Jeffress and it's connection to Perry, it seems pretty hard to believe that Perry had no idea what was going to be said. Seems like it was intentional. Religion should have nothing to do with politics, but I doubt that will ever be the case; at least not in the Republican party.

I always enjoy your posts D-Rock and hope you continue to represent your religion in future discussions.

 

[ABM]

...Additionally, I'm curious, with respect to ABM's quoted section, how "the Mormon Church rejects, changes or adds to the essential doctrines of the Christian faith to such an extend that Mormonism must be regarded as having separated itself from the faith it claims to represent." What are the essential doctrines of the Christian faith? Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and it's only through his atoning sacrifice that we can return to live with God? Mormons whole-heartedly believe this. Is there anything more essential to Christianity than this?

Well, for sure, there are differences:

http://carm.org/comparison-between-christian-doctrine-and-mormon-doctrine

As mentioned, above, I can agree that the term "cult" can be relative. In this context, Jeffress appears to have labeled Mormonism a cult, apart from Christianity.

 

[julius]

As I understand it, yes, Mormonism is a cult.

Isn't that like saying "I make up my own definitions"?



That's also like Herman Cain's comments earlier, where he said "Now, I don't have facts to back this up..but...."

 

[ABM]

Isn't that like saying "I make up my own definitions"?

It is.

Guess what? The Mormons teach that Christianity is a cult......and so do Jehovah's Witnesses.......and Muslims (oops, they call Christians infidels, but, I digress... )

So, there ya have it, sports fans....

 

[barfo]

I always enjoy your posts D-Rock and hope you continue to represent your religion in future discussions.

I'm barfo, and I endorse this message.

barfo

 

[barfo]

In fact, my family is having a discussion on the New Testament as I type this.

Why? Has something about the New Testament changed lately?

barfo

 

[ABM]

Why? Has something about the New Testament changed lately?

barfo

Are you starting yet another pithy match?

 

[barfo]

Are you starting yet another pithy match?

You know me.

barfo

 

[ABM]

You know me.

barfo

Sometimes, I wish I did. Not quite sure how/why, but, I'm sure my life, somehow, would be enhanced.

One thing's for sure.....you definitely have a cult following.

 

[barfo]

Sometimes, I wish I did. Not quite sure how/why, but, I'm sure my life, somehow, would be enhanced.

An extra 6", guaranteed.

barfo

 

[ABM]

An extra 6", guaranteed.

barfo

I've heard it said that some people miss heaven by about 6". The distance between their head and their heart.

 

[barfo]

I've heard it said that some people miss heaven by about 6". The distance between their head and their heart.

Those must be fucking short people. The distance between my head (even assuming it isn't up my ass) and my heart (assuming I actually have one) is greater than that.

barfo

 

[D-Rock]

I always enjoy your posts D-Rock and hope you continue to represent your religion in future discussions.

Thanks SPD! Maybe one of these days I can be more involved in posting on more sports related things, but for now, I'll continue to post what I know.