In the attempt to prove the point that Christians need not necessarily be afraid to vote for a Mormon for President, much confusion, and hysteria has been birthed. Atheists like Chris Hitchens have also mucked up the works by forcing marginally "Christian" characters like Al Sharpton to make theological assertions.
Many Mormons have expressed shock and surprise to discover that Christians do not consider Mormons to be Christians. Simple explanations such as, "If you don't hold to Christian doctrine, then you are not in fact Christian" has not seemed to satisfy this shock. Thus I have begun a multi-part series of explanation as to why Mormons and Christians are distinct.
In the last post I touched on the "sacred texts."
This installment will address one of the most essential key doctrinal differences - the theological assertion of "original sin."
Original sin refers to the depravity of man. Scriptures are replete with this assertion.
Romans 3:23: "For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."
Christians believe that once Adam fell, that all of man kind has been born with the willful, selfish, craven desire to "do what I want." Parents easily see this in the will of their toddlers. But the point in Christian doctrine says that left to our own devices mankind would miss the mark of God's standard. Everyone has - no exceptions. The "sin nature" is in born in the heart of every person, and thus the need for salvation through Christ's death and resurrection to be "born again." The view that we can not save ourselves and that it is only Christ who can save us drives home our total dependency upon God's truth (scripture) and God's son (Jesus Christ) to receive God's salvation.
Mormons believe that there is no such thing as "original sin" or "human depravity." Mormon doctrine would essentially allow a "good person" to conceivably live their entire life and not be found guilty of having committed sin. And while they argue that mankind is not depraved, they then attempt to justify the need of an "atoning work" of Christ. But it begs the question - if mankind is not depraved - what atonement is necessary?
The rejection of the biblical, scriptural, textual view that man is born into sin - because of Adam's original sin is a key doctrine to the Christian faith. In other words it's one of the non-negotiables, one can not be a Christian - by definition one who aligns themselves with Christian teaching - if they reject that same teaching.
Mormons reject the absolute need of salvation, because they reject the condition that produces that need.
Since the depravity of man/the need of salvation is one of if not the central belief of Christianity - by definition Mormons place themselves outside the circle of Christianity.
As I have said repeatedly - we are NOT electing a "pastor" or "spiritual shepherd" to the office of President. In essence what we are hiring is a CEO. As such what we need to know from the hiring candidates has more to do with character - is he/she an honest person, competent in what they do, do they have a proven track record, and most importantly - do they hold the position on the issues that you do. If so - their faith is truly a secondary matter.