AboutDrew Williams Expertise Are Mormons "Christians?"
What is the truth about Mormons and drinking coffee, coke and alcohol?
Why don`t Mormons watch "R" rated movies?
Are there still Mormons who practice plural marriage?
Why are Mormons married in a "Temple" and why are only a few people allowed to attend?
What's the difference between a "Mormon" and a "Latter-day Saint?"
Experience I am the author of the book: "Complete Idiot's Guide to Mormonism" (Penguin), which has now been read by more than 10,000 people. I have spoken on topics pertaining to the history of Christianity and Mormonism around the world, and have taught Mormon doctrine for more than 20 years, and am a former Methodist (practicing Baptist), convert to the Mormon Church. Without sounding "preachy," I can help clarify points of concern regarding Mormons as Christians, and can help others understand principles of belief behind the Mormon Church--as well as speak somewhat concerning the context of the New Testament (and the Book of Isaiah).
Organizations LDS Church
Publications New Era, The Friend, Wall Street Journal, Computer World, Internet Week, others.
Expert: Drew Williams Date: 1/23/2008 Subject: Morman beliefs
Question Hi,
I have a question about Mormon beliefs and I am serious and I want you to know I am not bashing this religion. I am curious as I have recently been visited by two sisters and they said something that made me curious. Question; Do Mormons believe that people who are Christians or catholic, who believe in Jesus Christ, will go to heaven or do they believe that you must believe in Joseph Smith and the Mormon bible to go to heaven.
Answer Hi Sharon. Thanks for asking such sobernig question--and i appreciate the fact that you are taking a serious approach to your questioning.
The issue of "Heaven" is slightly more complex than can be answered in a few lines. So I will do my best to put something together that at least provides a summary of the context of what Mormons believe "Heaven" is.
1. Our position is that "Heaven" is the place where God lives. But we refer to this as Celestial Glory or the Celestial Kingdom. HOWEVER, and this is quite relevant, as it is referred to in the New Testament, "In my father's house are many mansions." as well, "the glory of the sun is different than the glory of the moon, and the glory of the stars. . ."
2. Upon his defeating death through his own resurrection, Jesus Christ guaranteed that all of us will be raised from the dead, and will be judged for our actions in this life. At that point, if we completed the tasks as defined by his words (and scriptures), we will be afforded the opportunity to enter into God's presence--and that means our families will be together forever, further glorifying God's eternal plan.
3. But for those who have fallen short of their commitments and obligations, there is still a kingdom for them to inherit--although not in the presence of God the Father. And by the standards of this world, it is a paradise by its own right--but the souls there are still cut off from their Father's presence forever.
4. And even those who stood as evil men are afforded the opportunity to inherit an eternal realm aligned with how they lived their lives and by their actions, although far far away from the presence of God and Jesus. And in the case of either of these two "lesser" kingdoms, there are no family units, just individuals (and that truly would be "Hell" for people who looked forward to the eternal joy of a companion by their side).
So, Sharon, the idea of "Heaven" is a bit more intricate. It's kind-of like saying "What do Mormons believe a 'House' is?"
As for the idea that someone must believe in Joseph Smith--he was just a man, and we do not worship him under any circumstance. We worship one person--God the Father, and acknowledge his literal son, Jesus Christ, as the only way through which we can pass into our Father's presence.
And there is no "Mormon bible"--but there is another Testament of the life and teachings of Christ, which is sanctioned as canon by the LDS faith (you might remember, there were hundreds of books that James I of England chose to leave out of the final collection--as advised by William Shakespeare and others).
