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BUSINESS AND POLITICAL ALLIANCES - Does Christian participation in Mormon financial or political alliances compromise the Christian faith? 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is actively seeking ways to present itself to the public as another denomination within Christianity. One of the ways it is pursuing this goal is by encouraging Mormons to participate in business, political, and religious alliances with mainline Christian groups. When such invitations from Mormons are presented to evangelical Christians, it is often given in an attempt to gain legitimacy in Christian circles. When such occasions arise, what questions can we ask to evaluate whether or not these opportunities compromise the Christian faith?

Question 1: In joining in the business or political activity, are you being asked to compromise any of your beliefs or convictions as a Christian?

Daniel provides an example of someone who maintained his religious conviction in the midst of a political alliance with the pagan empire of Babylon. When Daniel and his colleagues of Judah were taken captive by the Babylonian empire and instructed in the ways of the Chaldeans, they participated in the various activities required of them until they were asked to eat the king's food which violated Jewish kosher laws. Refusing the food on religious grounds, God granted Daniel and his colleagues favor in the eyes of the Babylonian leadership. Their good health became a testimony to the religious conviction with which they served God. (See Daniel 1)

Just as Daniel upheld religious conviction without compromise, so the Christian who seeks partnership with a Mormon organization, business venture or political alliance would do well to ensure that the foundational mission of the alliance does not further the religious ideas of the LDS Church or play into its public relations tactic to present Mormonism as compatible with Christianity.

Given the fact that Mormons often utilize Christian terminology without defining how the LDS definition of these words (such as, "Jesus," "God" and "Scripture") differ from Biblical Christianity, it is also important that the Christian who affiliates himself with Mormons in a non-religious activity be prepared to identify and expose subtle tactics of LDS colleagues to proselytize in any setting.

Question 2: Will the activity involve a religious affiliation that would present the LDS Church as a Christian religion in the public’s eyes?

While the "God" of Mormonism is presented as an "exalted Man" of "flesh and bones" who is not eternally self-existent (See Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 1976, p. 345), the God of the Bible is diametrically opposed to this concept for He is identified in the Bible as an eternally, self-existing "Spirit" who is not a "man" (see John 4:24; Numbers 23:19 and Psalm 90:2). Just as Daniel and his colleagues stood firm in refusing to worship the false "god" erected by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar (Dianel 3), so Christians need to stand firm against Mormon efforts to participate at the leadership level in Christian religious events and affiliations (such as, the National Day of Prayer and Christian broadcasting). Since Mormons are not in agreement with Bible-believing Christians on the fundamental issue as to how to define “God,” Christians must not compromise true worship by allowing Mormons to sponsor or lead Christian religious events. As Mormons continue to seek legitimacy for their religion through "Christian" platforms, it is also important to watch that any non-religious affiliation is not allowed to play into the deceptive facade Mormons attempt to wear in masquerading as a "Christian" religion.

Question 3: Are you being asked to contribute financial assets that would directly benefit their religious cause?

Financial resources in investment accounts may not always allocate funds to Christian appropriate places in every instance. While one should exercise caution in reviewing financial investments and business opportunities, it can be difficult to track all of the various ways financial investment institutions distribute funds. If it is clear that the majority of funds are going to organizations that oppose Christian values (or promote Mormon causes), the Christian may desire to reevaluate his investment allocation in these accounts. If you are asked to financially partner with a company that is owned by Mormons, ask yourself if the company is providing a valuable service to society without directly promoting Mormon religion. If such is the case, we would tend to view this situation as no different than a partnership with a company owned by unbelievers. If ethical standards of business integrity are maintained, we see no reason why financial partnership in these instances would be a violation of the Christian faith. This principle is no different from the principle Paul gave to first-century Christians who were concerned over idolatrous meat sold in the local Roman market. Paul’s admonition acknowledged that Christians are not under bondage to false religion, but free to eat anything that doesn’t cause another brother to stumble (see 1 Corinthians 8:4, 7-13; 10:23-31).

ALSO SEE:

Why Mormons Are Not Christians