Finally, A Mormon who is Telling the Truth!

I’ve always said when I find a Mormon who tells the truth about these things I will share it.

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I’ve been in dialogue and discussion with Imam Syed Soharwardy for many months.  We have had numerous phone and email conversations.  (We hope to meet in person soon.)

One thing about Imam Soharwardy that I find helpful to our dialogue and discussion is his honesty when it comes to discussing Christian and Islamic theology.

Syed says he loves Jesus, honors Jesus and respects Jesus; but he is quick to point out that Islam does Not believe that Jesus and God are the same. Thus, Muslims are NOT Christians; they are Muslims.

Jesus and God being ONE is a Christian belief that is clearly taught in the Bible and a doctrine that Christians have been killed and tortured for over the centuries, right up to today.

As Syed and I have discussed theology it is refreshing that he has the integrity to be honest regarding Islam’s beliefs.

I have had very similar discussions with Mormons over the years.  Very recently I met with two Mormon leaders from our community.

They wanted to “discuss” my view that Mormonism is NOT Christianity.

I’ve had this kind of discussion with Mormons before and always left feeling very frustrated with the lack of honesty and integrity that Mormons display when it comes to describing what they believe about the Trinity, Heaven, Hell, God, Salvation, and, most importantly, JESUS.

If it were not for my formal training in Mormonism I would not have been able to catch the very subtle but real differences that Mormons hold about Jesus and other Christian doctrines.

During our discussions, each time I would challenge Mormon doctrine on Jesus they would say, “We believe in Jesus and we trust him for our salvation.”

The Bottom Line!  Mormons will not truthfully say what they believe about “Who Jesus is” and how “their” Jesus is different from the Jesus of Christianity.

However, recently while reading an article by Daniel Burke, a writer with the Religion News Service, Robert Miller, a Mormon theologian, was quoted speaking about God and Jesus in a way I’ve never heard a Mormon leader speak.

Robert Miller, Emeritus dean of religious education at Brigham Young, said, “For Latter-Day Saints, God and Man are the same species.  God has substance–he is not a force or power.  God is Exalted, Glorified man…”

Dr. Miller continues, “Mormons believes that God had a celestial wife, to whom Jesus was born…”

Obviously, in Mormon doctrine, Jesus is a step below God on the stairway to heaven and NOT an equal member of the Trinity.

My purpose in writing today is not to debate Christianity and Mormonism.

  However, I must report that Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Theological Seminary, said in the Burke article,

The idea of humans becoming gods runs counter to mainstream Christianity.  Confusing the two has traditionally been considered blasphemous.  Traditional Christianity holds that God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit coexist and share one substance.  Mormons deny the doctrine of the trinity and that is huge.

Rather my purpose today is to express my appreciation to Robert Miller for having the integrity to say what Mormons actually believe about Jesus and God and pointing out that Mormonism and Christianity are NOT the SAME. Thank you, Dr. Miller.

I’ve always said when I find a Mormon who tells the truth about these things I will share it.

Maybe NOW we can have significant discussion moving forward.

By the way, I must remind every reader of the Bible’s straightforward admonition. Paul, the Apostle writes,

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel–which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.  But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!          Galatians 1:6-9

Final word. On the bases of Holy Scripture, just as Muslims are not Christians but rather Muslims, Mormons are not Christians; they are Mormons.

Dr. Tom Smiley is a pastor, author, speaker, blogger, husband, dad, and Christ-follower.  He is a regional radio talk show host, regularly filling in at WDUN Jacobs Media.  He is the founder of Life with Smiles Ministry.  His Sunday messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his “blog” entries and thoughts on God, Christian faith, current events, politics and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/

 His books: Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents, Angels all Around, and Uncommon Common Sense can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website (www.lifewithsmiles.com).  Dr. Smiley is available for speaking engagements and discussion forums and can be contacted at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org or by calling 770.532.6307.

Origins [VIDEO]

Four Videos that Explain the Truth about Evolution.

 

Dr. Tom Smiley is a pastor, author, speaker, blogger, husband, dad, and Christ-follower.  He is a regional radio talk show host, regularly filling in at WDUN Jacobs Media.  He is the founder of Life with Smiles Ministry.  His Sunday messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his “blog” entries and thoughts on God, Christian faith, current events, politics and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/

 His books: Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents, Angels all Around, and Uncommon Common Sense can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website (www.lifewithsmiles.com).  Dr. Smiley is available for speaking engagements and discussion forums and can be contacted at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org or by calling 770.532.6307.

The Professor who did not do his Homework

Our local newspaper, The Gainesville Times,  published a guest columnist who wrote under the guise of taking Mitt Romney’s faith off the political table.  The writer was a professor of economics who began his column with the statement “Mormonism is not a cult.”  He continued to write about how Mormonism was just another expression, how be it different, of Christian faith.

I wrote a response to the columnist in the form of a “letter to the Editor” addressing how the professor was incorrect and had no basis of historical fact.

My letter to the Editor was rejected by the Managing Editor of The Gainesville Times. His rejection was accompanied by, what I perceived to be, a rather offensive email that among other things indicated I was attacking the Mormon faith.

I had two basic questions for The Gainesville Times. 

First, what qualified an economics professor to speak to matters of faith between Mormons and Christians.

Second, why did The Times allow the professor to make a disparaging comment about a Christian who holds to historical Christianity yet disallow my response to his wrongful conclusion on the grounds that I am attacking another faith.

I have informed The Gainesville Times that I believe their position is unfair and demonstrates a lack of integrity and honesty.  Additionally, I told The Times I believe our local area readers deserve better.  I believed that The Times would give my letter to the Editor fair consideration.  I was wrong.

I entitled my response, “The Professor did not do his Homework.”

Why did The Times feel a professor of economics was qualified to address the theological aspects regarding Mitt Romney and the Mormon Church?

While it is possible for Peter Morici to give analysis to Romney’s economic ideas, He is NOT qualified to give analysis regarding the Mormon faith and Christianity.

The Times does its readers an injustice when it publishes a column by an economist who has no credentials to speak on theological issues.  This was obvious when the Professor so blindly and incorrectly stated “Mormonism is not a cult”.

I realize when most hear the word “cult,” thoughts of Satan worshippers, animal sacrifices, bizarre and pagan rituals come to mind.  However, in reality, most cults appear much more innocent.

While many people don’t like the term cult, by definition Mormonism is a cult.  Mormonism and Christianity are not one in the same.

Distinct from a religion, a cult is a group that claims to be part of the religion, yet denies essential truth(s) of that religion.

The two most common teachings of cults are Jesus was not God and salvation is not by faith alone.

If Professor Morici had asked a Mormon, he would have discovered that Mormons deny the deity of Christ and salvation by faith alone. Both of these denials classify Mormonism as a cult by definition.

While it may be true that Mormons believe many things that are in agreement with or similar to what the Bible teaches, the fact is they deny the deity of Christ and preach a salvation by works.  Therefore, Mormonism is a cult by definition.

Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, set out to begin a brand-new religion that claims to be the “only true church on earth.”

If Professor Morici had done his homework, he would have discovered that Mormon beliefs contradict, modify and expand on the Bible.  Christians have no reason to believe that the Bible is not true.  Christians believe the Bible is sufficient for all matters of faith.

Although Mormons are usually friendly, loving, and kind people, they are deceived by a false religion that distorts the nature of God, the Person of Jesus Christ, and the means of salvation.

If the Professor had done his homework, he would have discovered that Mormonism promotes a comprehensive set of teachings and doctrines that are self-consciously set against historic Christianity.

Most readers of Morici’s column will realize his real agenda in writing.

It really was about insulting and defaming Christians who stand on Biblical Truth in matters of faith and practice.  Why else would the Professor refer to Christians who hold to historcial Christian doctrine, as “rigid and inflexible” while making no mention that the Mormon position insists that those who believe differently need “converting.”

The Professor gets an “F” on Homework and  The Times gets an “F” on integrity.

 

Dr. Tom Smiley is a pastor, author, speaker, blogger, husband, dad, and Christ-follower.  He is a regional radio talk show host, regularly filling in at WDUN Jacobs Media.  He is the founder of Life with Smiles Ministry.  His Sunday messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his “blog” entries and thoughts on God, Christian faith, current events, politics and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/

 His books: Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents, Angels all Around, and Uncommon Common Sense can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website (www.lifewithsmiles.com).  Dr. Smiley is available for speaking engagements and discussion forums and can be contacted at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org or by calling 770.532.6307.

Red, Yellow, Black OR White……It is the President’s Policies That I don’t Support

Personally, I’m SICK and TIRED of being called racist for not supporting President Obama.  I Don’t Care if my President is RED, YELLOW, BLACK or WHITE, What I care about is His/Her Vision for America and Core Values.  

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Morgan Freeman may be considered a great actor, but does that make him a great political commentator?

I was saddended when I heard him say, “This WHOLE tea party movement and especially that part against Obama Is ALL about RACE. 

He continued by suggesting that Tea Party dislike of Obama is a form of racism.

Personally, I’m SICK and TIRED of being called racist for not supporting Obama.

RED, YELLOW, BLACK or WHITE; Race DOES NOT matter to me……here is some of WHY I AM DO NOT SUPPORT our current President.

 - I do not share Obama’s vision or value system for America;

- I do not share his views that Radical Islam is our friend and Israel is our enemy who should give up any land;

 - I do not share his Abortion beliefs;

 - I do not share his philosophy of re-distributing wealth;

 - I do not share his views on raising taxes on those who make $150,000+;

 - I do not share his view that America is Arrogant;

 - I do not share his view that America is not a Christian Nation;

- I do not share his view that the military should be reduced by 25%;

 - I do not share his views on homosexuality and his definition of marriage;

  - I do not share his re-worked beliefs regarding healthcare; 

The  Progressives and Liberals in our Society, led by numerous entertainers who would have no platform and no real credibility but for their celebrity status, 

 –have mocked and attacked the very core values so important to the founding and growth of our Country !

 — have made every effort to remove the name of GOD or Jesus Christ from our Society !

 – have challenged capital punishment, the right to bear firearms, and other basic American Values I Treasure.

 I Don’t Care if my President is RED, YELLOW, BLACK or WHITE; What I care about is His/Her Vision for America and Core Values!

Today President Obama and I are WORLDS apart and NO The Color of His Skin has no Bearing on my lack of support and confidence for him.

 

Dr. Tom Smiley is a pastor, author, speaker, blogger, husband, dad, and Christ-follower.  He is a regional radio talk show host, regularly filling in at WDUN Jacobs Media.  He is the founder of Life with Smiles Ministry.  His Sunday messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his “blog” entries and thoughts on God, Christian faith, current events, politics and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/

 His books: Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents, Angels all Around, and Uncommon Common Sense can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website (www.lifewithsmiles.com).  Dr. Smiley is available for speaking engagements and discussion forums and can be contacted at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org or by calling 770.532.6307.

A False Christ in a Damning Deception [VIDEO]

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Dr. Tom Smiley is a pastor, author, speaker, blogger, husband, dad, and Christ-follower.  He is a regional radio talk show host, regularly filling in at WDUN Jacobs Media.  He is the founder of Life with Smiles Ministry.  His Sunday messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his “blog” entries and thoughts on God, Christian faith, current events, politics and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/

 His books: Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents, Angels all Around, and Uncommon Common Sense can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website (www.lifewithsmiles.com).  Dr. Smiley is available for speaking engagements and discussion forums and can be contacted at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org or by calling 770.532.6307.

Is the U.S. Tax System REALLY Fair?

An honest examination reveals that the current Tax system is not a “Fair” process.  How can it be when over 50% of Americans pay NO Federal Income Tax.  To make matters worse, they actually collect cash payments through the tax code.

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Regardless of the geographical area of your birth….if you grew up in America, (at least a few decades back) you were taught the basic lesson of being “Fair”.

Is the U.S. Tax system Really Fair?

3 Key Questions to consider:

Are higher-income people paying enough – or would raising their taxes depress their incentive to work?

Are the poor getting gouged – or do too many get off without paying a penny?

Are those in the vast middle getting squeezed?

Ask these questions in light of a government that Demanding more money to spend.

To pay for all the “nannie state” give aways, The White House Plan is Cut taxes for families making less than $250,000, and collect more taxes for families may making more.

The History of our tax code has always had higher-income tax filers pay more in taxes than those lower down the income scale.

But just how much more?

The highest earners ALREADY pay the lion’s share of the dollars Uncle Sam collects.

Generally speaking the top 10% of income earners pay 71% of all federal income tax revenue.   

Narrowing it down further:  The top 1% of households, which makes 15%- 19% of pre-tax income, paid 35%-40% of all individual income taxes.

A Tax Foundation survey found over 55% of Americans think the amount of federal income tax they pay is too high. Those most likely to feel that way, according to the survey, include those making between $35,000 and $50,000.

An honest examination reveals that the current Tax system is not a “Fair” process.  How can it be when over 50% of Americans pay NO Federal Income Tax.  To make matters worse, they actually collect cash payments through the tax code.

Given these facts, it is not hard to imagine that the $ 250,000 ceiling of no new Taxes will soon dwindle to much lower income levels.

Given each American Taxpayer owes $133,526 of the National Debt. Who knows, your income level may be the “Next Level” that politicians say isn’t paying ENOUGH!

 

Dr. Tom Smiley is a pastor, author, speaker, blogger, husband, dad, and Christ-follower.  He is a regional radio talk show host, regularly filling in at WDUN Jacobs Media.  He is the founder of Life with Smiles Ministry.  His Sunday messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his “blog” entries and thoughts on God, Christian faith, current events, politics and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/

 His books: Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents, Angels all Around, and Uncommon Common Sense can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website (www.lifewithsmiles.com).  Dr. Smiley is available for speaking engagements and discussion forums and can be contacted at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org or by calling 770.532.6307.

 

Get to the SOURCE of the Weapons Killing our Soliders

 Explosives used against U.S. forces are so sophisticated that they must have originated in Iran.

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As the U.S. comes to grips with the deadliest loss of American lives since the war in Afghanistan began, more has been revealed about the helicopter crash that claimed 38 lives.

The Chinook chopper was on a mission to back up U.S. Army Rangers, who had come under fire by Afghan insurgents in the area, military official said.

The team had completed their mission of subduing the attackers, and was departing in the helicopter when it was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.

The most telling comment coming out of the tragedy was, “‘this was not a new tactic and it wasn’t a new weapon.

A spokesman for the Taliban movement said the craft had been shot down with a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) from as close as 150yds in an ambush attack soon after it took off following the raid.

Ambushing aircrafts is a common tactic of insurgents in parts of southern and eastern Afghanistan, making the aircraft vulnerable during take-off.

When our President learned of the incident at Camp David, He issued a statement saying his thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who perished.

At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says he is deeply saddened by the loss, and vowed that the U.S. will stay the course to complete the mission to make the world a safer place.

A better response would have been for President Obama and Defense Secretary Panetta to pledge and demonstrate a renewed effort to “GET TO THE SOURCE OF THE WEAPONS KILLING OUR SOLIDERS.

Let me be very clear, anyone who doesn’t understand the role of Iran in the killing of American soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq must be suffering from grand delusions.

The truth:

Iran has been waging a proxy war against us(US) and other Western countries since 1979 and this latest attack on  an American Chinook chopper  should surprise no one. 

In the past British Special Forces have seized shipments of Iranian arms intended for the Taliban.  48 rockets were intercepted in Nimruz Province, in southern Afghanistan, in February of 2010.

Some of the explosives used against U.S. forces are so sophisticated that they must have originated in Iran.

This recent attack may have been a “lucky shot” but  it should serve as motivation to go after the suppliers of weapons which are killing Americans.

 

Dr. Tom Smiley is a pastor, author, speaker, blogger, husband, dad, and Christ-follower.  He is a regional radio talk show host, regularly filling in at WDUN Jacobs Media.  He is the founder of Life with Smiles Ministry.  His Sunday messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his “blog” entries and thoughts on God, Christian faith, current events, politics and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/

 His books: Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents, Angels all Around, and Uncommon Common Sense can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website (www.lifewithsmiles.com).  Dr. Smiley is available for speaking engagements and discussion forums and can be contacted at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org or by calling 770.532.6307.

 

A Second Obama Term and The Second Amendment

Mike McDaniel explains it best in his recent blog:  “No longer restrained by the need to maintain appearances in order to win reelection, no longer restrained by the need to appease congressional Democrats, he turns to those facets of his agenda too unpopular to openly pursue during a first term. Very near the top of his list is gun control – or, more properly, the disarming of the American people.”

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Believing that Something Won’t Happen, Doesn’t Mean it Won’t. 

Many people think that despite the many negative factors that exist, President Obama will barely cross the next presidential election finish line as victor. 

Should that happen, among the many facets of a new term agenda will be ADDITIONAL Private Citizen Gun Control regulations. 

Mike McDaniel explains it best in his recent blog:  “No longer restrained by the need to maintain appearances in order to win reelection, no longer restrained by the need to appease congressional Democrats, he turns to those facets of his agenda too unpopular to openly pursue during a first term. Very near the top of his list is gun control – or, more properly, the disarming of the American people.” 

Definitely NOT Citizen Friendly

 The facts bear out that a 2^nd Term Obama administration will most definitely NOT be Citizen Friendly to the Second Amendment.

  * In 1996, then Illinois State Senator Obama answered a gun control questionnaire. He wrote that he supported a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, and possession of handguns and “assault weapons.” 

* In 1998, Mr. Obama expressed his support for a complete ban on the sale or transfer of all semi-automatic firearms. He supported Illinois law that bans concealed carry permits. 

* In 1999, Mr. Obama endorsed a 500% increase in the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. This was obviously intended to increase the price of gun ownership so drastically as to make it unaffordable for most Americans. 

* In 1999, Mr. Obama supported a proposal to ban gun stores within five miles of a school or park. This was a reasonable sounding scheme that would have had the effect of banning nearly every gun store in America. 

* In 2000, Mr. Obama voted against allowing citizens to violate local weapon bans where self-defense was involved. 

* In 2005, Mr. Obama voted in the U.S. Senate to ban nearly all rifle ammunition in common civilian use. 

The POINT:  President Obama’s anti-freedom inclinations have not abated. He has merely put them aside temporarily in the pursuit of larger progressive goals.

 Just because gun control has not had the kind of exposure enjoyed by ObamaCare does not mean it is not part of Mr. Obama’s agenda. 

How will HE Do IT?

 A second Obama term will involve greater restrictive laws for private Citizen Gun Ownership.

 According to the Huffington Post the Department of Justice has been holding meetings to plan options for enacting gun controls by bypassing the legislative process though executive orders or regulation making by federal bureaucrats.

 President Obama’s use of his appointed, unaccountable czars who will make up the rules as they go, as well as, harass, obstruct, punish, and harm anyone who might try to stand in their way.

The imperial courts. By appointing the “right” kind of judges and/or jurisdiction shopping, predictable rulings are easy to obtain. Whatever mischief bureaucrats aren’t able to secure can often be accomplished through liberal, activist judges.  Even if lower court decisions are eventually and inevitably overturned, the process takes years, and any rulings adverse to Mr. Obama’s desires can usually be safely ignored.

 Remember, You Heard it HERE:

 Unburdened with the necessity of a second campaign, Mr. Obama will almost certainly go for broke on every item on his progressive wish list.

 Gun control has always been near the very top of every progressive’s wish list, and Mr. Obama is nothing if not a good progressive. 

 In a Second Obama term the Second Amendment WILL BE in great Peril.

 

Dr. Tom Smiley is a pastor, author, speaker, blogger, husband, dad, and Christ-follower.  He is a regional radio talk show host, regularly filling in at WDUN Jacobs Media.  He is the founder of Life with Smiles Ministry.  His Sunday messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his “blog” entries and thoughts on God, Christian faith, current events, politics and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/

 His books: Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents, Angels all Around, and Uncommon Common Sense can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website (www.lifewithsmiles.com).  Dr. Smiley is available for speaking engagements and discussion forums and can be contacted at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org or by calling 770.532.6307.

 

Jesus Is God [Video]

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Dr. Tom Smiley is a pastor, author, speaker, blogger, husband, dad, and Christ-follower.  He is a regional radio talk show host, regularly filling in at WDUN Jacobs Media.  He is the founder of Life with Smiles Ministry.  His Sunday messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his “blog” entries and thoughts on God, Christian faith, current events, politics and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/

 His books: Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents, Angels all Around, and Uncommon Common Sense can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website (www.lifewithsmiles.com).  Dr. Smiley is available for speaking engagements and discussion forums and can be contacted at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org or by calling 770.532.6307.

 

How to Have Joy: Servanthood and Identity in Christ [VIDEO]

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Dr. Tom Smiley is a pastor, author, speaker, blogger, husband, dad, and Christ-follower.  He is a regional radio talk show host, regularly filling in at WDUN Jacobs Media.  He is the founder of Life with Smiles Ministry.  His Sunday messages are broadcast on WDUN 550, and his “blog” entries and thoughts on God, Christian faith, current events, politics and Islam are available at http://tomsmiley.wordpress.com/

 His books: Runaway Lives: Overcoming Emotional Undercurrents, Angels all Around, and Uncommon Common Sense can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website (www.lifewithsmiles.com).  Dr. Smiley is available for speaking engagements and discussion forums and can be contacted at tsmiley@lakewoodlife.org or by calling 770.532.6307.