Mormonism and Islam Comparisons

20 December

Jeff Flake Senator and MormonIt’s not very often I check in on speeches our politicians give at the many events they attend. However, last week I made an exception when I came across a headline featuring a talk Senator Jeff Flake gave at a mosque in Scottsdale, AZ.

Some things Mr. Flake said in his speech served as another reminder of how Mormons like to compare themselves to the Islamic faith, so we’re looking at the article from Prescott News. We’re doing this not because of the recent incident in San Bernardino, rather, the article reminded us to bring attention to what they’re doing.

Our main question is why are they doing this?

The other issue we’re looking at is the truthfulness of what Mr. Flake said at this mosque. You can find our list of questions about comments made by Mr. Flake below. Text from the newspaper is in black font, our questions are in red.

Flake Speaks at Islamic Center in Arizona

“Flake calls for acceptance, tolerance and inclusion across the country, as he discusses the similarities between the Mormon and Muslim faiths.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and his family today attended an afternoon prayer service at the mosque of the Islamic Center of the North East Valley in Scottsdale, Arizona.”

Why would it be good for a Christian to look for similarities between any group of unbelievers to buddy up with them? And why does the LDS Church go out of its way to do so with the Islamic faith? Mind you, this isn’t the first time they’ve done this.

There have been numerous times the Church has published articles on the similarities. Here are a few of them you can check out –

Mormons and Muslims Spiritual Foundations and Modern Manifestations, edited by Spencer J. Palmer

“What Every Latter-day Saint Should Know about Islam,” in Religious Educator 4, no. 2 (2003): 9–23.

Ensign, ‘Ishmael, Our Brother,’ June 1979, James B. Mayfield

Ensign, ‘A Latter-day Saint Perspective on Muhammad,’ August 2008, James A. Toronto

“There is, as I mentioned, much that separates Mormons and Muslims, but we do collaborate on a number of things – in helping to bring relief after natural disasters. We cooperate, our two faiths, on the translation of ancient texts, and there is much in the history and the tradition, and even some doctrine that is common between us.”

We’re not sure what history, or tradition Mr. Flake is referring to, but if denouncing the Bible is the common doctrine, then we wholeheartedly agree with him on that point.

What ancient text translation is the Mormon Church working on alongside the Muslims? Why would you do this if you’re a Christian organization?

“As Mormons and Muslims, we trace our lineage to father Abraham. While we may not agree on the divinity or the prophetic calling of Jesus and Mohamed, we all revere them as inspired teachers and leaders.”

We actually think they have more in common with the Muslims in their beliefs about Jesus than he’s letting on.

Neither of the two faiths believe Christ Jesus is God incarnate.

“Early persecution drove Mohamed from Mecca to Medina. Early Mormon persecution, drove the Mormons from Illinois to Utah.”

Persecution didn’t drive Mormons to Utah. Because of their poor behavioral choices, they were evicted from the entire state of Illinois. They had to move to Illinois because of the same behavioral problems they had in Missouri.

Likewise, Mohammed wasn’t kicked out of Mecca. He was treated with kindness even after harassing the locals and declaring war on them. He found a willing participant for war with the residents in Medina. You can read more info at the website thereligionofpeace.com.

“…The principle of the fast is embraced and practiced by both of our religions. …we both practice the fast in different ways, as well as the responsibility and the obligation to care for the sick and the needy. That is something that is central to both of our faiths.‎”

“Muslims make the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. The Mormon hajj is to our holy temple. Because like Muslims, Mormons do not drink alcohol, our trip to the temple is usually followed by a stop at Dairy Queen. Ice cream is about all we Mormons have – I’m not sure if there’s a corollary for Muslims.”

Again, what does this have to do with providing the true gospel in the Bible to Muslims in a mosque?

“It is well known by those in this room, but certainly underappreciated around the country, that Muslim Americans have fought and died alongside Christians, Jews and others in every war our nation has fought since the Revolution, including most recently, in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thousands of Muslim Americans have served proudly in our military. Making the same sacrifices as their fellow soldiers to secure our freedoms.”

Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.

Name one Muslim that fought alongside early Americans in the Revolutionary War. Just one.

We’re not exactly sure what purpose this talk served.

“My hope and prayer today is that the isolated voices calling for division are overwhelmed by the chorus of voices like those in this room today calling for acceptance, for tolerance and inclusion.”

We understand our state and local leaders need to make public appearances in an effort of bringing different groups together in a cohesive manner for the sake of the country. Got that. It’s what we as taxpayers hire Mr. Flake and others to do.

What we don’t understand is why Mr. Flake felt compelled to bring his religious ideologies into the fray.

Why as a Mormon, was it important to point out similarities between your religion, and Islam?

What purpose does this serve?

If you’re truly a Christian…

Did it glorify and honor the God of Christianity; Christ Jesus?

Did it bring people to a saving knowledge of who He is and how He changes lives?

Please, if nothing else gets through, know that we’re praying diligently for both Mormons and Muslims. May they know the saving grace of Him who can redeem and make us new.

For more info on Islam see Ed Decker’s site @ Saints Alive.

With Love in Christ;

Michelle

1 Cor. 1:18

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