User:InProgress/Common Questions Drafts/Page 3 - Revision history

GeorgeCobabe: /* Longer answer */

2010-10-06T23:07:55Z

Longer answer

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	===Longer answer===		===Longer answer===
	We believe the Book of Mormon was written by a group of Israelites who fled Jerusalem just before its destruction by Babylonians. They brought with them scriptures that resemble our Old Testament, and the Book of Mormon was intended to compliment the Old Testament - in particular it describes the relationship these peoples had with God, the covenants God made with them, and the revelations they received through their own prophets. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the LDS Church was led to the hiding place of the record, and translated it by the power of God. Today, members of the LDS Church consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture, alongside both the Old and New Testaments.		We believe the Book of Mormon was written by a group of Israelites [[User:GeorgeCobabe\|GeorgeCobabe]] , identified as descendants of Joseph, [[User:GeorgeCobabe\|GeorgeCobabe]] who fled Jerusalem just before its destruction by Babylonians. They brought with them scriptures that resemble our Old Testament, and the Book of Mormon was intended to compliment the Old Testament - in particular it describes the relationship these peoples had with God, the covenants God made with them, and the revelations they received through their own prophets. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the LDS Church was led to the hiding place of the record, and translated it by the power of God. Today, members of the LDS Church consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture, alongside both the Old and New Testaments.

	In 1821, Joseph Smith was directed to the hiding place of the plates by a visitation from an angel. After he was able to retrieve the plates, he translated them by the power of God into the Book of Mormon text that is used today. Members of the LDS faith hold the Book of Mormon to be scripture with the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, and claim it to be another testament of Jesus Christ. Like the New Testament, the Book of Mormon contains many teachings of the Savior as well as providing other revelations on the gospel and God's plan of salvation for mankind.		In 1821, Joseph Smith was directed to the hiding place of the plates by a visitation from an angel. After he was able to retrieve the plates, he translated them by the power of God into the Book of Mormon text that is used today. Members of the LDS faith hold the Book of Mormon to be scripture with the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, and claim it to be another testament of Jesus Christ. Like the New Testament, the Book of Mormon contains many teachings of the Savior as well as providing other revelations on the gospel and God's plan of salvation for mankind.

GeorgeCobabe: /* Additional resources */

2010-10-06T23:04:11Z

Additional resources

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	===Additional resources===		===Additional resources===
	Both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians believe that “theosis” or deification was taught by the apostles and was a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosis and http://www.antiochian.org/node/16916 for examples.		Both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians believe that “theosis” or deification was taught by the apostles and was a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosis and http://www.antiochian.org/node/16916 for examples.

			[[User:GeorgeCobabe\|GeorgeCobabe]] comment not for the text: I would use caution here as I do not beleive that Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic beleive as we do about the eventual goal. They still think of God as something altogether different from us. So their idea of theosis may be close but is not the same as we generally believe.[[User:GeorgeCobabe\|GeorgeCobabe]]

	The International Bulletin of Missionary Research (an ecumenical publication) reported in an item in May 2001 that: “There are … somewhat over one billion Roman Catholics … 215 million Orthodox,” 80 million Anglicans, and 342 million “other Protestants.” Since Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox seem to agree with us on this point, there are, according to these figures, roughly 1.2 billion Christians that would take issue with those who condemn “theosis.” Since our critics are presenting an opinion shared by only about 340 million Christians, they are misleading others into believing that their position represents Christianity, when in fact it represents, at best, only about 28% of the total Christians listed above. The ''Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'' on the subject of “Deification” states:		The International Bulletin of Missionary Research (an ecumenical publication) reported in an item in May 2001 that: “There are … somewhat over one billion Roman Catholics … 215 million Orthodox,” 80 million Anglicans, and 342 million “other Protestants.” Since Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox seem to agree with us on this point, there are, according to these figures, roughly 1.2 billion Christians that would take issue with those who condemn “theosis.” Since our critics are presenting an opinion shared by only about 340 million Christians, they are misleading others into believing that their position represents Christianity, when in fact it represents, at best, only about 28% of the total Christians listed above. The ''Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'' on the subject of “Deification” states:

JamesStutz: /* Longer answer */

2010-10-06T01:19:17Z

Longer answer

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:19, 6 October 2010
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	In 1821, Joseph Smith was directed to the hiding place of the plates by a visitation from an angel. After he was able to retrieve the plates, he translated them by the power of God into the Book of Mormon text that is used today. Members of the LDS faith hold the Book of Mormon to be scripture with the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, and claim it to be another testament of Jesus Christ. Like the New Testament, the Book of Mormon contains many teachings of the Savior as well as providing other revelations on the gospel and God's plan of salvation for mankind.		In 1821, Joseph Smith was directed to the hiding place of the plates by a visitation from an angel. After he was able to retrieve the plates, he translated them by the power of God into the Book of Mormon text that is used today. Members of the LDS faith hold the Book of Mormon to be scripture with the Old and New Testaments in the Bible, and claim it to be another testament of Jesus Christ. Like the New Testament, the Book of Mormon contains many teachings of the Savior as well as providing other revelations on the gospel and God's plan of salvation for mankind.

	The Book of Mormon also excels in leading men to Christ in that it provides us with a clear definition of the Gospel and the plan of salvation (2 Nephi 31; 3 Nephi 27; Moroni 8:24-26; see also Sep 92 Ensign, pp. 7-13). As such it contains the fullness of the Gospel (D&C 20:9; 27:5; 42:12).		The Book of Mormon also excels in leading men to Christ in that it provides us with a clear definition of the Gospel and the plan of salvation (2 Nephi 31; 3 Nephi 27; Moroni 8:24-26; see also Sep 92 Ensign, pp. 7-13). As such it contains the fullness of the Gospel (D&C 20:9; 27:5; 42:12).

			*[[User:JamesStutz\|JamesStutz]](Alternative: Should we just use what is already in the Introduction of the Book of Mormon?)
			The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are among the ancestors of the American Indians.
			The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.
			After Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language.
			In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God. The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto him and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved.

	===Additional resources===		===Additional resources===

JamesStutz: /* Short answer */

2010-10-06T01:18:08Z

Short answer

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	===Short answer===		===Short answer===
	We believe the Book of Mormon was written by a group of Israelites who fled Jerusalem just before its destruction by Babylonians. They brought with them scriptures that resemble our Old Testament, and the Book of Mormon was intended to compliment the Old Testament - in particular it describes the relationship these peoples had with God, the covenants God made with them, and the revelations they received through their own prophets. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the LDS Church was led to the hiding place of the record, and translated it by the power of God. Today, members of the LDS Church consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture, alongside both the Old and New Testaments.		We believe the Book of Mormon was written by a group of Israelites who fled Jerusalem just before its destruction by Babylonians. They brought with them scriptures that resemble our Old Testament, and the Book of Mormon was intended to compliment the Old Testament - in particular it describes the relationship these peoples had with God, the covenants God made with them, and the revelations they received through their own prophets. Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of the LDS Church was led to the hiding place of the record, and translated it by the power of God. Today, members of the LDS Church consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture, alongside both the Old and New Testaments.

			*[[User:JamesStutz\|JamesStutz]] (Alternative: Should we just use what is in the Introduction of the Book of Mormon?):
			The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel.

	===Longer answer===		===Longer answer===

SteveWilloughby: /* Additional resources */ typo

2010-10-04T18:36:14Z

Additional resources: typo

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	Both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians believe that “theosis” or deification was taught by the apostles and was a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosis and http://www.antiochian.org/node/16916 for examples.		Both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians believe that “theosis” or deification was taught by the apostles and was a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosis and http://www.antiochian.org/node/16916 for examples.

	The International Bulletin of Missionary Research (an ecumenical publication) reported in an item in May 2001 that: “There are … somewhat over one billion Roman Catholics … 215 million Orthodox,” 80 million Anglicans, and 342 million “other Protestants.” Since Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox seem to agree with us on this point, there are, according to these figures, roughly 1.2 billion Christians that would take issue with those who condemn “theosis.” Since our critics are presenting an opinion shared by only about 340 million Christians, they are misleading ~~other~~ into believing that their position represents Christianity, when in fact it represents, at best, only about 28% of the total Christians listed above. The ''Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'' on the subject of “Deification” states:		The International Bulletin of Missionary Research (an ecumenical publication) reported in an item in May 2001 that: “There are … somewhat over one billion Roman Catholics … 215 million Orthodox,” 80 million Anglicans, and 342 million “other Protestants.” Since Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox seem to agree with us on this point, there are, according to these figures, roughly 1.2 billion Christians that would take issue with those who condemn “theosis.” Since our critics are presenting an opinion shared by only about 340 million Christians, they are misleading others into believing that their position represents Christianity, when in fact it represents, at best, only about 28% of the total Christians listed above. The ''Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'' on the subject of “Deification” states:

	:Deification (Greek ''theosis'') is for Orthodoxy the goal of every Christian. Man, according to the Bible, is ‘made in the image and likeness of God’.... It is possible for man to become like God, to become deified, to become god by grace. This doctrine is based on many passages of both [Old Testament] and [New Testament] (e.g. {{b\|\|Psalms\|82\|6}}; {{b\|2\|Peter\|1\|4}}), and it is essentially the teaching both of St. Paul, though he tends to use the language of filial adoption (cf. {{b\|\|Romans\|8\|9-17}}; {{b\|\|Galatians\|4\|5-7}}), and the Fourth Gospel (cf. {{b\|\|John\|17\|21-23}}).		:Deification (Greek ''theosis'') is for Orthodoxy the goal of every Christian. Man, according to the Bible, is ‘made in the image and likeness of God’.... It is possible for man to become like God, to become deified, to become god by grace. This doctrine is based on many passages of both [Old Testament] and [New Testament] (e.g. {{b\|\|Psalms\|82\|6}}; {{b\|2\|Peter\|1\|4}}), and it is essentially the teaching both of St. Paul, though he tends to use the language of filial adoption (cf. {{b\|\|Romans\|8\|9-17}}; {{b\|\|Galatians\|4\|5-7}}), and the Fourth Gospel (cf. {{b\|\|John\|17\|21-23}}).

SteveWilloughby: /* Longer answer */

2010-10-04T18:31:40Z

Longer answer

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	Past and present-day leaders of the Church have repeatedly spoken against racism or intolerance as unbecoming true disciples of Christ.		Past and present-day leaders of the Church have repeatedly spoken against racism or intolerance as unbecoming true disciples of Christ.
	At all points in the history of the Church, members and visitors of all races have been fully welcome to join congregations and worship together, with all the opportunities of Church membership except those of the priesthood and temple. Contrasted to what was common during the same time period elsewhere in the Christian world, where (for example) African Americans were required in many cases to form their own segregated churches, this is an indication that this policy was due to the specific understanding of how priesthood authority was to be administered, not a general feeling of ill will toward members of any particular ethnic group. (Of course, individual members of the Church are as susceptible to prejudice as any other human being is, and such attitudes are officially considered to be undesirable by Church doctrine, and something we should strive to eliminate from our dealings with our fellow men and women.)		At all points in the history of the Church, members and visitors of all races have been fully welcome to join congregations and worship together, with all the opportunities of Church membership except those of the priesthood and temple. Contrasted to what was common during the same time period elsewhere in the Christian world, where (for example) African Americans were required in many cases to form their own segregated churches, this is an indication that this policy was due to the specific understanding of how priesthood authority was to be administered, not a general feeling of ill will toward members of any particular ethnic group. (Of course, individual members of the Church are as susceptible to prejudice as any other human being is, and such attitudes are officially considered to be undesirable by Church doctrine, and something we should strive to eliminate from our dealings with our fellow men and women.)
	[[[User:SteveWilloughby\|SteveWilloughby]] 12:31, 4 October 2010 (MDT)]		-- [[User:SteveWilloughby\|SteveWilloughby]] 12:31, 4 October 2010 (MDT)

	===Additional resources===		===Additional resources===

SteveWilloughby: /* Longer answer */

2010-10-04T18:31:00Z

Longer answer

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:31, 4 October 2010
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	Past and present-day leaders of the Church have repeatedly spoken against racism or intolerance as unbecoming true disciples of Christ.		Past and present-day leaders of the Church have repeatedly spoken against racism or intolerance as unbecoming true disciples of Christ.
			At all points in the history of the Church, members and visitors of all races have been fully welcome to join congregations and worship together, with all the opportunities of Church membership except those of the priesthood and temple. Contrasted to what was common during the same time period elsewhere in the Christian world, where (for example) African Americans were required in many cases to form their own segregated churches, this is an indication that this policy was due to the specific understanding of how priesthood authority was to be administered, not a general feeling of ill will toward members of any particular ethnic group. (Of course, individual members of the Church are as susceptible to prejudice as any other human being is, and such attitudes are officially considered to be undesirable by Church doctrine, and something we should strive to eliminate from our dealings with our fellow men and women.)
			[[[User:SteveWilloughby\|SteveWilloughby]] 12:31, 4 October 2010 (MDT)]

	===Additional resources===		===Additional resources===

GregSmith: /* Additional resources */

2010-10-04T15:55:49Z

Additional resources

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:55, 4 October 2010
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	Both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians believe that “theosis” or deification was taught by the apostles and was a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosis and http://www.antiochian.org/node/16916 for examples.		Both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians believe that “theosis” or deification was taught by the apostles and was a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theosis and http://www.antiochian.org/node/16916 for examples.

	The International Bulletin of Missionary Research (an ecumenical publication) reported in an item in May 2001 that: “There are … somewhat over one billion Roman Catholics … 215 million Orthodox,” 80 million Anglicans, and 342 million “other Protestants.” Since Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox seem to agree with us on this point, there are, according to these figures, roughly 1.2 billion Christians that would take issue with those who condemn “theosis.” Since our critics are presenting an opinion shared by only about 340 million Christians, they are misleading other into believing that their position represents Christianity, when in fact it represents, at best, only about 28% of the total Christians listed above. The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology on the subject of “Deification” states:		The International Bulletin of Missionary Research (an ecumenical publication) reported in an item in May 2001 that: “There are … somewhat over one billion Roman Catholics … 215 million Orthodox,” 80 million Anglicans, and 342 million “other Protestants.” Since Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox seem to agree with us on this point, there are, according to these figures, roughly 1.2 billion Christians that would take issue with those who condemn “theosis.” Since our critics are presenting an opinion shared by only about 340 million Christians, they are misleading other into believing that their position represents Christianity, when in fact it represents, at best, only about 28% of the total Christians listed above. The ''Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'' on the subject of “Deification” states:

	Deification (Greek theosis) is for Orthodoxy the goal of every Christian. Man, according to the Bible, is ‘made in the image and likeness of God’.... It is possible for man to become like God, to become deified, to become god by grace. This doctrine is based on many passages of both [Old Testament] and [New Testament] (e.g. {{b\|\|Psalms\|82\|6}}; {{b\|2\|Peter\|1\|4}}), and it is essentially the teaching both of St. Paul, though he tends to use the language of filial adoption (cf. {{b\|\|Romans\|8\|9-17}}; {{b\|\|Galatians\|4\|5-7}}), and the Fourth Gospel (cf. {{b\|\|John\|17\|21-23}}).		:Deification (Greek ''theosis'') is for Orthodoxy the goal of every Christian. Man, according to the Bible, is ‘made in the image and likeness of God’.... It is possible for man to become like God, to become deified, to become god by grace. This doctrine is based on many passages of both [Old Testament] and [New Testament] (e.g. {{b\|\|Psalms\|82\|6}}; {{b\|2\|Peter\|1\|4}}), and it is essentially the teaching both of St. Paul, though he tends to use the language of filial adoption (cf. {{b\|\|Romans\|8\|9-17}}; {{b\|\|Galatians\|4\|5-7}}), and the Fourth Gospel (cf. {{b\|\|John\|17\|21-23}}).

	The language of 2 Peter is taken up by St. Irenaeus, in his famous phrase, ‘if the word has been made man, it is so that man may be made gods’ (''Adv. Haer'' [''Against Heresies''], V, Pref.), and becomes the standard in Greek theology. In the fourth century St. Athanasius repeats Irenaeus almost word for word, and in the fifth century St. Cyril of Alexandria says that we shall become sons ‘by participation’ (Greek ''methexis''). Deification is the central idea in the spirituality of St. Maximus the Confessor, for whom the doctrine is the corollary of the Incarnation: ‘Deification, briefly, is the encompassing and fulfillment of all times and ages’,... and St. Symeon the New Theologian at the end of the tenth century writes, ‘He who is God by nature converses with those whom he has made gods by grace, as a friend converses with his friends, face to face.		:The language of 2 Peter is taken up by St. Irenaeus, in his famous phrase, ‘if the word has been made man, it is so that man may be made gods’ (''Adv. Haer'' [''Against Heresies''], V, Pref.), and becomes the standard in Greek theology. In the fourth century St. Athanasius repeats Irenaeus almost word for word, and in the fifth century St. Cyril of Alexandria says that we shall become sons ‘by participation’ (Greek ''methexis''). Deification is the central idea in the spirituality of St. Maximus the Confessor, for whom the doctrine is the corollary of the Incarnation: ‘Deification, briefly, is the encompassing and fulfillment of all times and ages’,... and St. Symeon the New Theologian at the end of the tenth century writes, ‘He who is God by nature converses with those whom he has made gods by grace, as a friend converses with his friends, face to face.

	Finally, it should be noted that deification does not mean absorption into God, since the deified creature remains itself and distinct. It is the whole human being, body and soul, who is transfigured in the Spirit into the likeness of the divine nature, and deification is the goal of every Christian. (Symeon Lash, ''The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'', ed. Alan Richardson and John Bowden, Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983, pp. 147-48; as quoted in Stephen L. Robinson, ''Are Mormons Christian'', p. 62)		:Finally, it should be noted that deification does not mean absorption into God, since the deified creature remains itself and distinct. It is the whole human being, body and soul, who is transfigured in the Spirit into the likeness of the divine nature, and deification is the goal of every Christian. (Symeon Lash, ''The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'', ed. Alan Richardson and John Bowden, Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983, pp. 147-48; as quoted in Stephen L. Robinson, ''Are Mormons Christian'', p. 62)

	==QUESTION 6b: Nature of God: What does the Church believe about the Trinity?==		==QUESTION 6b: Nature of God: What does the Church believe about the Trinity?==

GregSmith: /* Additional resources */

2010-10-04T15:55:01Z

Additional resources

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:55, 4 October 2010
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	The International Bulletin of Missionary Research (an ecumenical publication) reported in an item in May 2001 that: “There are … somewhat over one billion Roman Catholics … 215 million Orthodox,” 80 million Anglicans, and 342 million “other Protestants.” Since Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox seem to agree with us on this point, there are, according to these figures, roughly 1.2 billion Christians that would take issue with those who condemn “theosis.” Since our critics are presenting an opinion shared by only about 340 million Christians, they are misleading other into believing that their position represents Christianity, when in fact it represents, at best, only about 28% of the total Christians listed above. The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology on the subject of “Deification” states:		The International Bulletin of Missionary Research (an ecumenical publication) reported in an item in May 2001 that: “There are … somewhat over one billion Roman Catholics … 215 million Orthodox,” 80 million Anglicans, and 342 million “other Protestants.” Since Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox seem to agree with us on this point, there are, according to these figures, roughly 1.2 billion Christians that would take issue with those who condemn “theosis.” Since our critics are presenting an opinion shared by only about 340 million Christians, they are misleading other into believing that their position represents Christianity, when in fact it represents, at best, only about 28% of the total Christians listed above. The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology on the subject of “Deification” states:

	Deification (Greek theosis) is for Orthodoxy the goal of every Christian. Man, according to the Bible, is ‘made in the image and likeness of God’.... It is possible for man to become like God, to become deified, to become god by grace. This doctrine is based on many passages of both [Old Testament] and [New Testament] (e.g. ~~Ps.~~ 82 ~~(81).~~6; ~~[NOTE: What does this Psalm reference mean? It appears to be pointing to two different psalms.]~~ 2 Peter 1.4), and it is essentially the teaching both of St. Paul, though he tends to use the language of filial adoption (cf. ~~Rom.~~ 8.9-17; ~~Gal.~~ 4.5-7), and the Fourth Gospel (cf. 17.21-23).		Deification (Greek theosis) is for Orthodoxy the goal of every Christian. Man, according to the Bible, is ‘made in the image and likeness of God’.... It is possible for man to become like God, to become deified, to become god by grace. This doctrine is based on many passages of both [Old Testament] and [New Testament] (e.g. {{b\|\|Psalms\|82\|6}}; {{b\|2\|Peter\|1\|4}}), and it is essentially the teaching both of St. Paul, though he tends to use the language of filial adoption (cf. {{b\|\|Romans\|8\|9-17}}; {{b\|\|Galatians\|4\|5-7}}), and the Fourth Gospel (cf. {{b\|\|John\|17\|21-23}}).

	The language of 2 Peter is taken up by St. Irenaeus, in his famous phrase, ‘if the word has been made man, it is so that man may be made gods’ (Adv. Haer, V, Pref.), and becomes the standard in Greek theology. In the fourth century St. Athanasius repeats Irenaeus almost word for word, and in the fifth century St. Cyril of Alexandria says that we shall become sons ‘by participation’ (Greek methexis). Deification is the central idea in the spirituality of St. Maximus the Confessor, for whom the doctrine is the corollary of the Incarnation: ‘Deification, briefly, is the encompassing and fulfillment of all times and ages’,... and St. Symeon the New Theologian at the end of the tenth century writes, ‘He who is God by nature converses with those whom he has made gods by grace, as a friend converses with his friends, face to face.		The language of 2 Peter is taken up by St. Irenaeus, in his famous phrase, ‘if the word has been made man, it is so that man may be made gods’ (''Adv. Haer'' [''Against Heresies''], V, Pref.), and becomes the standard in Greek theology. In the fourth century St. Athanasius repeats Irenaeus almost word for word, and in the fifth century St. Cyril of Alexandria says that we shall become sons ‘by participation’ (Greek ''methexis''). Deification is the central idea in the spirituality of St. Maximus the Confessor, for whom the doctrine is the corollary of the Incarnation: ‘Deification, briefly, is the encompassing and fulfillment of all times and ages’,... and St. Symeon the New Theologian at the end of the tenth century writes, ‘He who is God by nature converses with those whom he has made gods by grace, as a friend converses with his friends, face to face.

	Finally, it should be noted that deification does not mean absorption into God, since the deified creature remains itself and distinct. It is the whole human being, body and soul, who is transfigured in the Spirit into the likeness of the divine nature, and deification is the goal of every Christian. (Symeon Lash, The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology, ed. Alan Richardson and John Bowden, Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983, pp. 147-48; as quoted in Are Mormons Christian, p. 62)		Finally, it should be noted that deification does not mean absorption into God, since the deified creature remains itself and distinct. It is the whole human being, body and soul, who is transfigured in the Spirit into the likeness of the divine nature, and deification is the goal of every Christian. (Symeon Lash, ''The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology'', ed. Alan Richardson and John Bowden, Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983, pp. 147-48; as quoted in Stephen L. Robinson, ''Are Mormons Christian'', p. 62)

	==QUESTION 6b: Nature of God: What does the Church believe about the Trinity?==		==QUESTION 6b: Nature of God: What does the Church believe about the Trinity?==

GregSmith at 15:26, 4 October 2010

2010-10-04T15:26:02Z

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	* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon_basics		* http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon_basics

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