A Non-Denominational Christian's Thoughts on LDS and the Election

My parents taught me that an honest question deserves a well thought-out and thorough answer.  As the child-full-of-questions, they carefully explained life, the universe, and everything when I asked (even when they were to the point of exasperation).  Gosh, I'm thankful for their example.

My friend recently posted the following on Facebook (here's the link: http://www.lds.org/new-era/2011/08/the-only-true-and-living-church):

And I told him I would give him my response.  So, without further ado...

I think what you're asking is, "Why do Christians support Romney when he doesn't believe most Christians are part of the 'true church'?"  Completely legitimate question, but let's start with some background.

What do I think about Mormon's Exclusive "Church"?
Though Mormons believe they are Christians, most Protestants and Non-Denominational (e.g. "Bible" churches) Christians don't believe they are.  Protestants and Non-Denoms believe that one becomes a Christian by faith alone (believing that God/Jesus is who he says he is and did what he said he did), while Mormons believe that works are also a part of becoming a Christian.  This is obviously a broad-stroke picture, but the point is that they don't agree with traditional Christians.

Mormon theology is based on the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon.  Protestants and Non-Denoms (and probably Catholics, but I'm not certain) don't use the Book of Mormon because it doesn't meet the requirements for the Biblical canon.  As you probably know, there are a lot of gospels (think "The DaVinci Code"), but only some are part of scripture.  Some of the requirements are the following:  that they should be primary sources, written close to when the events happened, and verified by the rest of scripture.  Some problems with Joseph Smith's revelations are that they were to one man (privately), much later than the rest of scripture, and they contradicted the other parts of scripture.  (There's a lot more on this in the book The Case for Christ by Strobel.)

With all of that said, I don't see why there couldn't be Christians who are Mormon.  It would be silly to think that every person adheres perfectly to every tenet of their denomination.  I think it's very likely, given that they have the same Bible that I do, that some Mormons have the same saving faith that I have.  I'm not in any sort of position to say that specific people are or are not Christians; God and the person are the only ones certain of the state of a person's soul.

So, if a person believes in Jesus' saving work on the cross, then I believe they are part of the Church (universal).  If they think that I'm not part of the Church since I don't go to their LDS church, then I think they are misled.  But, knowing who is and who isn't part of the Church isn't a requirement for salvation, so it's not essential.

What does the responsible Christian do if they don't (spiritually) agree with either candidate?
So Romney doesn't think that I'm a Christian.  Well, I suppose that doesn't matter so much to me.  I disagree with both candidates on different (Christian) issues; neither lines up perfectly with my theology (and I doubt any candidate ever will... unless I ran for president... Lord, help us all).

The responsible Christian will consider the issues most important to him or her and then find the candidate that most aligns with those issues.  Honestly, you could substitute "American" with "Christian" in the last sentence, because the general principle is the same, even if the issues are different.  I think it's less about rooting for someone on your "team" and more about finding someone who you agree with.  We get so caught up with labels (and I do think that labels are helpful in some situations), that sometimes we can miss glaring discrepancies.  It's important to know the facts.  It's also important to know what you believe and why you believe it.  This is what my friend was getting at (I think), and I agree with him (and I say "way to go" for holding me accountable).  You know who you are -- thank you.

EDIT:  I suppose the main idea here is that I'm voting for my president, not my pastor (an important distinction).  America's not a Christian nation, and so I don't expect the president to play the pastor role.

Recipe: Raw Granola (Swedish Museli)

I am such a big fan of breakfast.  Before we were married, Handsome infrequently ate a granola bar before his first class, but now I've convinced him to start every day off right.  Breakfast helps you wake up, starts your metabolism going, and doctors say that breakfast-eaters have a healthier weight than non-breakfast eaters.  (Have I convinced you yet?)

I love cold cereal.  I could eat it for every meal, but I find that a lot of the cereal at the grocery store is too sugary for me (either that or it's like tiny pieces of cardboard).  This Swedish Museli is perfect for me.  The oats are soft with a little bite, the nuts and apple give it a nice crunch and the fruit makes it just the right amount of sweet.  I hope you enjoy this easy, healthy breakfast as much as I do!

Raw Granola (Swedish Museli)
by Lauren Spare

1 c. Dried Cranberries
2 c. Old Fashioned Oats (not instant)
2 Apples, grated
3/4 c. Sliced or Slivered Almonds (toast for more flavor)
3 1/2 to 4 c. Milk

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Let sit overnight or for several hours before serving.

To eat: scoop a portion into a bowl. Top with sugar or honey to sweeten, add additional milk or some yogurt, to taste.

Museli will last a week in the fridge.

Rescue

Source:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/6692087047/

This morning I heard God say to my heart, "There is nowhere that I will not go to rescue you."

Be encouraged.

God never gives up on us.  Ever.

To my Teenage Self

Moving back to the place that I grew up calling "home" has been surreal.  Hundreds of faces and places bring a rush of memories--most happy, but some that still bring tears (and some that fall in both categories).  I'm nearing a quarter-century in years, but ten years ago seems like yesterday, and I feel an overwhelming thankfulness well up in my chest when I think of how far I've come.

Sometimes, I can't help but wish some things were different, and pray that others will see that I am not who I once was.  I know I can't change the past, and I'm thankful for the things I've learned from my mistakes, but if I could write a letter to my teenage self, here's what I would say:

• Keep your eyes on the horizon.  Everything looks big at first, so back away, take a deep breath, and trust that mountains are climbed step-by-step (so keep walking...).
• You are more than your looks, your brain, your choices, your wit or your charm; you are a beloved child of the Living God.  Everything else is secondary, at best.
• Don't be so hard on yourself.  Lighten up, girl!  This is just the beginning (and mistakes teach you more than perfection).
• Don't be afraid of the dreams that God has put in your heart.  Don't listen to the lies.  God will lead you.  You will push through.  Be brave and trust Him.
• Similarly, don't be afraid of the gifts God has given you.  You have much to offer.  Be gracefully confident.
• In relationships, what matters most is if you were loving.  You cannot control other people, but you have complete control over yourself.  You cannot make someone admit they hurt you, and they may never be sorry, but you still must forgive them.
• Dating is for marriage, because there's nothing "fun" about a broken heart.  Trust me.  (Oh, and gentlemen really do exist.  Sometimes, you have to wait for them to grow up.)
• Above all, follow God.  Nothing.  Else.  Matters.

On Gadgets and a Reluctant Fondness

Well, folks, I'm still living the dream up here in the big ol' R.C., trying to avoid headaches from styrene fumes (but only when I have to visit the shop and look important).

A few days ago, my work provided me with a new phone... an iPhone, to be exact.  And I chose it.  (Feel free to let out your collective *gasp*... I'll wait.)

Source:  http://www.apple.com/iphone/features/siri.html

If you've ever brought up the PC vs. Mac debate or any Apple products around me, you have probably heard my (humble?) opinion on Apple.  They're kind of like the popular girl in high school.  Everyone loves them and everything they do, and they do whatever they want.  They're beautiful, sure, but (to outsiders) annoying (at best).  (Do I sound like the jealous nerd in the corner, yet?)  To Apple's credit, their products are high quality and so it's reasonable that they are popular.  But they're not the only quality product out there (and I have a soft spot for open-source software).  I've always said I won't judge anyone who has Apple products, because they are a good choice, but it's best to be an informed consumer (and maybe not over-pay so you can have the "it" brand).

So, you may be wondering why I have an iPhone.  Legitimate question, really.  Truth is, it was between an iPhone and the crufty ol' Blackberry, and considering the things I need to do with my device, Apple was the logical choice.

And, (keep this on the D.L., ok?) I actually really like it so far.  Especially Siri.  With all the things that happen in a day, my best effort to remember something later is a total failure.  I love the "reminders", but wouldn't use them if I had to type it all out and configure it every time... Siri to the rescue!  Just tell her when or where and what it should say and she's got you covered.  Everything else on the phone I could take or leave, but Siri is incredible (and so far, no one else has been successful at a similar product--I heard S-Voice by Samsung is close, but not there yet).

There you have it, friends.  Over and out.