Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Current Affairs (05/31/12)
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TITLE: Summer, Saints, and Strawberries | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sharon Eastman
06/06/12 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“What are you doing? You’re supposed to be making strawberry jam,” said her husband, Mike.
“They’re scrumptious! I just can’t resist, and there’s plenty for the jam.”
“Good! And, jam reminds me of the shape our economy is in. I just read in the paper that Mitt Romney has a net worth of over $250 million. Now that’s more than I made last week,” he chuckled.
“That’s almost obscene! No wonder he’s for big business and the wealthy. They call it the trickle-down theory, but too many hands obstruct the trickle.”
“Obama seems more for the common man, but some of his views appall me, pro-choice, pro-gay. These issues are ruining our Christian culture.”
Diane quickly hulled the berries with her red-stained hands. She looked forward all winter to this summer task. “Obama claims to be a Christian, a liberal one at that, and Romney claims to be a Mormon, whatever that is.”
“Mormonism happens to be a very popular growing cult with groups all over the world. Haven’t you ever heard of Donny and Marie Osmond, the most famous Mormons in the world?”
“Of course! My parents took me to see them in concert when I was just nine. I was a fan, and it was great fun! But, I never paid attention to their religion.”
“My co-worker, Ted, happens to be a Mormon also. He’s the nicest guy and has high morals, clean lifestyle, and close family ties,” Mike said as he put down the paper.
“I remember that I went steady in high school with a guy, who was a Mormon. I had never heard of that religion until then.”
“What was he like? Was he better looking than me?” Mike asked with a grin.
“No, Silly, I married you, didn’t I? But I do remember that he was good looking, and he was rich. His family owned a prosperous electrical company. He was always well-dressed and clean cut, too,” Diane said as she stirred the strawberries.
“I’ll never forget the airplane they had, how much he loved flying. Sometimes they’d fly over my house, and I’d wave, like he could ‘really’ see me.”
“Sounds like a good catch! Sorry, but I don’t have an airplane. I just love you!”
“That’s all I need, and I’ve long forgotten him. Funny, but I do remember him being really frightened about being baptized.”
“Yes, being baptized is a big ordeal in the Mormon church – like ours should be, of course.”
“How do you know?” Diane said quizzically
“Well, I know a little bit about Mormonism from the World’s Religions class I took in Bible College. First of all, in the 1800s a man named Joseph Smith started this cult when he received visions and ‘holy’ plates. He translated these into doctrine.”
“That wasn’t very long ago, considering. Look at how they’ve grown!”
“Yes, cults grow very fast.”
“What are their beliefs? What makes them so different than traditional Christianity?”
“Instead of one God, there are many gods. God the Father is an exalted man with a body of flesh and bones. He even has a wife!”
“Wow! This is bizarre!”
“The saddest part is that Jesus is not recognized as God. Christ’s death on the cross cancelled the penalty of sin and promised that all men would be redeemed. Unfortunately, we know that all men fall short of the glory of God, and only those who receive Christ as savior will be redeemed.
“ Oh, no, all those lost people!”
There’s much more to study about Mormonism, but it gets confusing – and, in my opinion, ridiculous.”
“I guess it takes all kinds, but I’m really glad Jesus saved me from that.”
“Amen,” Mike said as he pounded the table.
“Well, one batch of jam is set. Would you like some on an English muffin?”
“Of course, and spread it on thick like politicians spread their promises.”
* * *
Internet – Contender Ministries – Mormonism vs. Christianity
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I thought that was the biggest difference with their belief. I have to look that up...I always had an interest in "religion" and what others believe. I went to a Christian College, and loved all the different religion classes I had to take.
I look forward to when we are ALL ONE in the REAL and ONLY church which is Jesus Christ. Great job with this. THanks.
God bless~
My understanding is that there are several sects out there. They have become well-known because of Warren Jeffs who was doing horrific things to children. I know that is a different branch. There are the fundamentalism and the Church of Latter Day Saints.
You did a nice job of getting your point across. I think it is something all Christians need to be aware of because there are so many examples in history of religious people who claim to be a prophet of God but are nothing more than cults.