In the back and forth over the bigoted barking terrier Al Sharpton's questioning of Mitt Romney's sincere commitment to his faith, the time has finally come for some basics between Christians and Mormons to be explained.
I have attempted in more subtle ways to point out - that it is perfectly acceptable - even agreeable to allow Mormons and Christians to disagree on what divides them. Hugh Hewitt has written a superb book on why such differences don't have to be a dividing point when attempting to achieve a political end - and on Hugh's point we both agree.
Where I must differ is with the constant meme's on TownHall and elsewhere that decries ANY differences between the groups as bigotry. Differences are differences - they can not be gotten around. Bigotry would be the lesser treatment of an individual on the basis of such differences. And sinice Mormons and Christians are NOT one and the same - many have requested that I point out what distinctions do exist.
1. The use of divine texts - also called "SCRIPTURE":
Christians in the Apostolic tradition (which Mormons reject) view the Biblical text as inspired "God breathed" and authoritative. There is careful textual instruction to not "add to" nor "take away from" the texts.
Mormons however allow the biblical text as sacred (not necessarily authoritative), and couple with it, "The Pearl of Great Price", "Doctrines and Covenants", and "The Book of Mormon."
Put in civic history terms - these are two different nations with two different constitutions.
Does this mean Mormons can't serve as President - HOGWASH - nothing could be further from the truth. What it does mean is that Mormons are Mormons - and not Christians, and the texts by which they govern their liturgy, practice, theology, and evangelism - are the distinguishing difference.