What about LDS dating? Do LDS dating sites qualify as Christian? A number of singles have wondered why we have yet to review online LDS dating services at Oasis Singles. Well, the reason we have had no mention of LDS dating is because we would categorize Mormon beliefs (LDS Dating is specifically for Mormon adherents) outside of orthodox Christianity.
Now please don’t misinterpret us. We are not trashing individual LDS singles here. In fact, LDS folks are amazingly gracious, kind, and loving people. And I admire their zeal for their brand of evangelism. If only more Christians could be so filled with such boldness and passion for the Great Commission!
Why I Would Not Use LDS Dating Sites
Many single Christians don’t know the differences between Christians and Mormons. Yet there are so many fatal differences that we would consider a Christian dating an LDS single as being unequally yoked.
For example, while Southern Baptists and Roman Catholics disagree over many serious theological issues, they would agree on the essentials of historic Christian beliefs such as the Virgin Birth of Jesus, that God has always been God, the Deity of Christ, the Trinity, etc. Conversely, Mormonism and LDS doctrine are foreign to core Christian beliefs.
LDS DAting Site Beliefs
When browsing dating websites, it’s not uncommon to come across niche platforms that cater to specific religious communities. Among them, LDS (Latter-day Saints) dating sites have grown in popularity. However, despite the mention of Jesus Christ in the title of their church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), many evangelical Christians do not consider LDS or its followers to be “Christian” in the traditional sense. This distinction has deep-rooted theological bases. In this article, we’ll delve into the core theological differences between evangelical and LDS beliefs to explain this perspective.
1. The Nature of God
Evangelicals: Evangelicals hold to the doctrine of the Trinity, which asserts that God exists as three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) but is one in essence. This means that Jesus is considered co-eternal and consubstantial with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
LDS: Latter-day Saints believe in the Godhead as three distinct beings: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. While they work together in unity and purpose, each has a separate physical or spiritual body. The Father and the Son have tangible bodies of flesh and bones, whereas the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit.
2. Scripture and Revelation
Evangelicals: The Bible (Old and New Testaments) is the sole and final authority for evangelicals. It is considered the inspired Word of God, without any errors in its original manuscripts.
LDS: In addition to the Bible, the Latter-day Saints consider the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price as scripture. They believe in continuing revelation, meaning God still speaks to prophets today, especially the president of their church, who is regarded as a living prophet.
3. Salvation and Grace
Evangelicals: Evangelicals emphasize salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Good works are a byproduct of true faith but are not the means to achieve salvation.
LDS: Latter-day Saints also emphasize Jesus’s role in salvation but have a more synergistic view, meaning both grace and works play a role. They believe that while Christ’s atonement provides salvation, one’s works are essential for exaltation (reaching the highest level of heaven).
4. View of the Afterlife
Evangelicals: Evangelicals traditionally believe in Heaven and Hell. Those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior go to Heaven, while those who reject Him are eternally separated from God in Hell.
LDS: Latter-day Saints have a more nuanced view of the afterlife. They believe in three degrees of glory: Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms, as well as Outer Darkness. One’s placement depends on their deeds, choices, and the extent of their acceptance of LDS teachings.
5. The Nature of Jesus
Evangelicals: Jesus is seen as the eternal Son of God, fully God, and fully man, who lived a sinless life, died for humanity’s sins, and rose again.
LDS: While Latter-day Saints also view Jesus as the Savior and Redeemer, they believe He is a separate being from the Father and was the firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father in pre-existence. His divinity is distinct from the traditional Christian understanding.
Overall then, LDS dating sites and Mitt Romney may be nice, but single Christians interested in obeying Jesus should not join them. Have another view on LDS dating?
In Conclusion: The Role of LDS Dating Sites
Given these significant theological differences, it’s clear why some evangelicals do not view LDS beliefs as aligning with traditional Christianity. As such, it’s essential for believers to find partners who share their theological convictions, leading to the emergence of niche dating platforms. LDS dating sites cater to those who uphold Latter-day Saints’ teachings, while Christian dating sites often cater to those holding traditional evangelical beliefs.
While both communities undoubtedly love and want to serve God, the differences in their foundational beliefs are substantial. Mutual respect is crucial, and understanding these distinctions can foster more informed and respectful discussions between the two groups.
In the realm of online dating, it’s always beneficial to find platforms that align with one’s faith and beliefs, ensuring a strong foundation for potential relationships. Whether one agrees with a particular theological standpoint or not, understanding the basis of such views is a step towards tolerance and mutual respect.
Bible Verse of the Day
~For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time~Matthew 24:24,25
2 Comments
misael
creo que la evidencia es tan notable entre
los que creen y los que no creen ; mientras
nosotros nos peliamos entre nosotros mismos,
creyendo en cristo , que mal ejemplo.
CRISTO DEVERIA UNIRNOS Y NO DIVIDIRNOS…
JDD
Just for the record, despite what you’ve read on anti-Mormon websites, Mormons do believe in the Virgin Birth, do believe in the Deity of Christ, do believe in the Trinity (social trinity, not Nicenean trinity, but the differences are minor), etc.
With all due respect (and I mean that sincerely), perhaps you should be more careful before passing judgment on an entire group of people. Aren’t we supposed to be leaving the judgment of who is a true Christian and who isn’t up to Jesus Christ?