differences

[glennh]

Hello folks, as a long time traditional Christian and short time LDS investigater, I was wondering what the LDS church finds wrong with traditional Christian churches. ( I'm have my own humble opinions but as an investigater I'm not sure I'm right) Thank you all for your time.

[darrel]

Originally Posted by glennh

Hello folks, as a long time traditional Christian and short time LDS investigater, I was wondering what the LDS church finds wrong with traditional Christian churches. ( I'm have my own humble opinions but as an investigater I'm not sure I'm right) Thank you all for your time.

Have you read the Joseph Smith History in the Pearl of Great Price.

[Connie]

The below is from this resource: LDS.org - Family Table of Contents - True to the Faith

“Apostasy,” True to the Faith, (2004),13–14

When individuals or groups of people turn away from the principles of the gospel, they are in a state of apostasy.

Periods of general apostasy have occurred throughout the history of the world. After times of righteousness, people have often turned to wickedness. One example is the Great Apostasy, which occurred after the Savior established His Church. After the deaths of the Savior and His Apostles, men corrupted the principles of the gospel and made unauthorized changes in Church organization and priesthood ordinances. Because of this widespread wickedness, the Lord withdrew the authority of the priesthood from the earth.

During the Great Apostasy, people were without divine direction from living prophets. Many churches were established, but they did not have priesthood power to lead people to the true knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Parts of the holy scriptures were corrupted or lost, and no one had the authority to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost or perform other priesthood ordinances. This apostasy lasted until Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son appeared to Joseph Smith in 1820 and initiated the restoration of the fulness of the gospel.

We now live in a time when the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. But unlike the Church in times past, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not be overcome by general apostasy. The scriptures teach that the Church will never again be destroyed (see D&C 138:44; see also Daniel 2:44).

Although there will not be another general apostasy from the truth, we must each guard against personal apostasy. You can safeguard yourself against personal apostasy by keeping your covenants, obeying the commandments, following Church leaders, partaking of the sacrament, and constantly strengthening your testimony through daily scripture study, prayer, and service.

Additional references: Isaiah 24:5; Amos 8:11–12; Matthew 24:4–14; Acts 20:28–30; 2 Timothy 3:1–5, 14–15; 4:3–4; 1 Nephi 13:24–29; Mormon 1:13–14; D&C 1:15–17; Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19

[glennh]

Originally Posted by darrel

Have you read the Joseph Smith History in the Pearl of Great Price.

No, sorry, I have not.

[Just_A_Guy]

No, sorry, I have not.

You can find it here.

There are lots of doctrines that the LDS teach were "lost" by mainstream Christianity, but for me (as a Mormon) it all boils down to other churches'
a) lacking the proper priesthood authority,
b) being led by an imperfect degree of revelation from God, and
c) not having the fulness of the Holy Ghost and therefore lacking the tools necessary bring members to their full spiritual potential.

(EDIT: The tone of this post may seem unduly offensive. If so, please forgive me; I'd go over it and soften the tone but I really have to be somewhere right now. )

[prisonchaplain]

The responses so far have focused on doctrine and deeper inner spiritual matters. The most obvious, outward difference is that LDS bishops don't get to wear the cool, fashionable clergy collars that the rest of us do. :-)

[Just_A_Guy]

PC, I've always wondered what the origin of those collars was. Can you give a short history of the tradition/meaning behind it?

[Palerider]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

The responses so far have focused on doctrine and deeper inner spiritual matters. The most obvious, outward difference is that LDS bishops don't get to wear the cool, fashionable clergy collars that the rest of us do. :-)

I wanted the laugh button....thanks will have to do....hey PC....if I am called again to serve as a Bishop perhaps I could get you to send me one....otherwise I coould always wear my white shirt backwards....

[Islander]

Originally Posted by prisonchaplain

The responses so far have focused on doctrine and deeper inner spiritual matters. The most obvious, outward difference is that LDS bishops don't get to wear the cool, fashionable clergy collars that the rest of us do. :-)

Hahahaha!!! Where is the laugh button when you need it? They keep taking it out.

[prisonchaplain]

I can google the history...but the collars really are not used in my fellowship. Many people think they are "too Catholic." However, African-American pentecostal clergy where them, as do some of the historic protestant mainline groups (Lutheran, Episcopalean, etc.). I use it because our jail has a high turnover amongst inmates, and there's no confusing me with a counselor, unit manager, or (gasp!) warden. :-)