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Sunday, September 9, 2012

In or At Jerusalem?

This is one of those little details that many anti-Mormons still cling to, despite it having been explained many times:  the Bible clearly states that Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2, for example).  But in the Book of Mormon, Alma prophesies that "he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers" (Alma 7:10).  Is this a contradiction?  Many claim that it is, but it is not.

The question:
Does the Book of Mormon contradict the Bible concerning the birthplace of Jesus?

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Are Mormons Christian?

I've been surprised by the ferocity with which others have attempted to define what I believe in.  It just doesn't make sense to me that someone not even acquainted with me would try to tell me what I do or don't believe in.  This is how I feel when non-members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints claim that we are not Christian.  I think the reason many say this is to attempt to vilify the Church.  After all, many Christian denominations believe that it doesn't matter what Church you belong to as long as you believe in Jesus and accept Him as your Savior; so if they can convince themselves and others that Mormons do not, then in their minds they are free to denounce the Church as false.

Often people confuse the question of "Do you consider yourself a Christian?" with "Do you satisfy my definition of what a Christian is?"  Isn't a person's Christianity a question of his or her own personal convictions and beliefs?  And if that's the case, who really has the right to define those beliefs besides that person and God?

The question:
Are Mormons Christian?