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, albeit different, of Christian faith. <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> I had two basic questions for The Gainesville Times. <br /> <br /> First, what qualified an economics professor to speak to matters of faith between Mormons and Christians?<br /> <br /> 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?<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> I entitled my response, "The Professor did not do his homework."<br /> <br /> 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".<br /> <br /> I realize when most hear the word "cult," thoughts of Satan worshipers, animal sacrifices, bizarre and pagan rituals come to mind. However, in reality most cults appear much more innocent.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, set out to begin a brand-new religion that claims to be the "only true church on earth."<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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 historical Christian doctrine, as 'rigid and inflexible' while making no mention that the Mormon position insists that those who believe differently need 'converting.' <br /> <br /> The Professor gets an "F" on Homework and The Times gets an "F" on integrity.<br /> <br /> <br /> <i>Dr. Tom Smiley, is Senior of Pastor of Lakewood Baptist Church, Gainesville, Ga. The 2400 member congregation is a vibrant Christian fellowship locally and globally. Dr. Smiley's is the founder of "Life with Smiles Ministry". His messages are broadcast on AM 550 WDUN and his"Blog" entries and thoughts on God, Faith, Current Events, and Islam are available at the website below. His Books, "Runaway Lives: overcoming emotional undercurrents", "Angels all Around", and "Uncommon Common Sense" can be ordered at his Life with Smiles website. Contact Dr. Smiley at [email protected]</i><br /> <br /> <b><i> Featured columnist's opinions and comments are their own and do not represent the views of AccessNorthGa.com or JACOBS Media.</i></b>