Are Mormons Christians?

by Stephen E. Robinson

Book Overview

Missionaries are taunted with it; investigators and recent converts are challenged with it; lifelong members are often puzzled with it-the charge that Mormons are not Christians. Unless we understand... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570084092
• ISBN13: 9781570084096
• Release Date: February 1998
• Publisher: Bookcraft
• Length: 133 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Who are We to Forbid Anyone to Come Unto Christ?

As I have read through Mr. Robinson's book and have observed the controversy relating to whether Mormons should be included within the definition of who or what can be considered a "Christian," I am perplexed by those who claim, in reliance on the Grace of God, to be considered Christians themselves, but once they feel they are safely within His fold, quickly abandon the very Grace that let them in, and then, based on their own standards, boldly exclude others from the fold. As I see this happen, my mind and heart are drawn to the vision of the Apostle Peter that is recorded in Acts 10:9-35, where he is invited to "eat" from the creatures that are within the sheet that descends from heaven before him. Peter's reaction, based on his historical prejudice was, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean." The heavenly instruction that was then given to Peter was, "What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." Later, Peter confirmed, "God hath shewed me that I should not call ANY MAN common or unclean." So with this Divine admonition in mind, I am persuaded by the positions taken by Mr. Robinson in his book. Who are we to say who should or should not be considered a Christian, or for that matter, who can or cannot partake of the cleansing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ? Aren't those determinations up to Christ and Christ alone? Christ was a God of love and inclusion, and never of exclusion. In three of the Gospels we find Christ commanding his disciples to: "Suffer the little children to come unto me, AND FORBID THEM NOT: for of such is the kingdom of God." He did not limit His invitation to only those children who were not from Mormon families (or from any other kind of family). So as suggested by Mr. Robinson in his book, as for me and my house, we will FORBID THEM NOT, whether individually or collectively, from coming unto Christ, and with us, being called by His name! After reading Mr. Robinson's book, neither my heart nor my mind could support anything to the contrary . . . and I think neither would Christ!

An Invitation to Understanding

I suppose that I ought to mention, from the outset, that I do hold membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Therefore, many will consider my perspective to be "slanted." I trust, however, that they will read on a little further, and see if I might put forth a respectable basis for my endorsement of this book. I first read this book in Arnold, Pennsylvania, at which place I was serving in the capacity of a full-time missionary. I was 19 years of age, at the time. As one might expect, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the points set forth in it lingered in my thoughts from that day to this. I took a few notes, even, and marked my Sciptures, as well. "Armed," as it were, with this knowledge, I went about the normal duties of a full-time missionary. It was not at all long before I had one opportunity after another of sharing the truths which I learned in reading "Are Mormons Christians?" in our conversations with investigators. Here let me observe, with emphasis, that: a.) the majority of these investigators agreed with these truths, as I recited them, and b.) they did not realize that I was quoting any book in particular (I did not bother to preface my statements with, "As Stephen E. Robinson has written, in 'Are Mormons Christians?'..."). In the final analysis, this book is an excellent piece of work, demonstrating, as it does, the impossibility of other Christians condemning the Latter-day Saints as unchristian. In point of fact, any sort of accusation brought against the Latter-day Saints to condemn them as unchristian could, with equal force, be employed to condemn all other groups of Christians--denominational and "non-denominational" alike--as unchristian. For instance, many condemn the Latter-day Saints as unchristian because certain features of their liturgical practices are not mentioned, in any specific way, in the Bible. However, the fact is that this very same charge could just as easily be brought against any other Christian organization. (This is one of the points made in the book). But, of course, the character of any person--or group of persons--claiming to follow the Prince of Peace, and yet endeavoring to persecute or revile against the Latter-day Saints, is certainly questionable, to say the least. After all, the Scriptures positively command, "Let NOTHING be done through STRIFE" (Philippians 2:3). Strife is not of God. Strife is of the Devil. I recommend this book whole-heartedly, especially to those embarking on a sincere investigation of Mormonism.

An non-LDS Christian's perspective

I think Robinson presents a convincing argument for including LDS faith holders under the heading of Christians. He not arguing that the LDS perspectives falls under Protestant, Catholic, or Orthodox headings...just Christian. He also is not arguing that the LDS perspective/beliefs are correct...just that there have been other groups, who are currently categorized under the heading of Christian, who have also held some disparate opinions on some of the same issues that the LDS do.A very thought provoking read.

An excellent book on the LDS Faith

Mr. Robinson does an excellent job in backing up his point that the Mormon's are Christians. They are not Orthodox by any means, but they do follow the New Testament. Their interpretations are often very different than Evangelical, Catholic, or any other Protestants. However their traditions and faith are clearly founded in the Bible. If you wanted a book that showed that the Mormons were not Christians you will be dissapointed. Mr Robinson is a scholar that proves his point very well.

Exclusions can never be exclusive enough.

Having read this book three times, I am still amazed at the variety of means that are employed to exclude Mormons from Christianity. This book is not designed as ammunition for argument, rather as a scholarly examination of how every charge leveled against the Latter-day Saints unavoidably takes in others who are universally accepted as Christians. The book is neatly organized, extensively documented, and thorough, yet easy to read and comprehend. A must if you are as concerned with fairness as you are with definitions.