Does the Evangelical Lutheran church see Mormons as Christian?

Upvote:0

If you define people as "Evangelical Lutheran" if they follow the teachings of Martin Luther, then they would probably believe that Mormons are not really Christians. Here is why: Martin Luther was mainly the first, who translated scripture into the German language. There he clearly choose that the books he translated are the canon of books inspired by the Holy Spirit and through that absolutely correct (Sola scriptura). He said e.g. that the hieroglyphics are great books to read but do net belong to the original canon. As mormons believe in the book of mormon (which was not in the canon of Luther) they would probably say that Mormons are not real christians according to Rev 22, 19. But actually it probably depends on their set of mind. Some would some not.

Upvote:5

The Lutheran denomination, "The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America", which is just one of many bodies using the word "Evangelical" in its name (and it should be noted that there are denominations, mainly in Europe, which adhere to the teachings of Martin Luther which do not include that word in their name) publishes a document available for free download at download.elca.org under the title "Do Lutherans re-baptize former Mormons who are joining the congregation", in which it is noted that belief in the doctrine of the Trinityβ€”that there is one God comprised of three independent, but inseparable and coequal personsβ€”is considered by Lutherans to be a fundamental, essential tenet of the Christian faith, so that one cannot reject the doctrine of the Trinity and be Christian. By contrast, Mormons are said in the document not to accept the doctrine of the Trinity, as they hold that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, are three separate entities. On that ground (probably among others), the ELCA, in common with most other "Evangelical Lutherans", would deny that Mormons are Christian.

More post

Search Posts

Related post