Are Mormons, Muslims, and Catholics Christian?

[@markjd4]

As a Catholic, it always bugs me when somebody asks me “Are you Catholic or Christian?” I always answer “both.”

[@denzelminimo1883]

Same.

[@themaskedhobo]

I really think it's a regional thing. My grandmother from Louisiana despite being Catholic had always called protestants "Christian" and Catholics "Catholic" which always confused me being raised Baptist in California. I had always been taught that Catholic were another branch of Christianity, like Lutheran, or Methodist, or Adventists. Mormons were never included though, I had older family members that were former FLDS from the 1960's and before who had left. This likely impacted my family's opinion on the matter, and of course led to how I was much later raised.

[@u5faddd]

Same

[@MarcillaSmith]

Are we on KZbin, or a video-hosting platform?

[@MarcillaSmith]

@OtterMarten Except strawberry milk is no less milk than chocolate milk is, whereas the Vicar of Christ sits on the Throne of St. Peter.

[@GabrielUngacta]

I had a classmate from Europe. And when people asked him "Are you Catholic or Christian" he would go "huh?". He said Europeans find this question very weird because they ask "Catholic or Protestant?" We Americans are the odd ones who think that Catholic and Christian are different religions.

[@johnscanlan9335]

Actually it's a minority of mostly non-Catholic Christians who for some reason I don't understand don't want to call themselves Protestants, which is what they are.

[@darrylbatchem8985]

It is thanks to the KKK that Americans are the odd ones, unfortunately "America" thinks they define Christianity and the rest of the world just goes "What crazy you talk?". Interestingly they don't only convince protestants of this they also have a well defined atheist preaching KKK ideology.

[@nelsonmcatee3721]

Nothing at all odd about it. A catholic can be a Christian, because that's an individual decision. But as a whole, Catholics are not Christians. They are just church members. That can be said of a lot of denominations but the lack of a personal experience or true heart felt conversion is more prevalent among Catholics, and also Episcopalians/Anglicans. There is a lot of paganism and unscriptural doctrine and practices mixed in the Catholic church but the Jesus of the Catholic church is still the same Jesus as the rest of the Christian churches, including the Oneness Apostolic Pentecostals. Their doctrine is skewed, but a strong case can be made for either Oneness or Trinitarian views. But the Jesus of the Mormon, Jehovah's Witnesses, Universalist/Unitarian, and Muslim religions are a different Jesus. This Jesus is not the eternally existent creator God. Their Jesus is a lesser being. These are cults. That is the number one characteristic of a cult, it lowers Jesus.

[@darrylbatchem8985]

@@nelsonmcatee3721 I am an ex protestant convert to the Catholic Church. Does that make me a Christian, Nelson. Do you really know anything about what you are talking about or are you just regurgitating the nonsense of your forefathers? You have some really big balls to be making statements like this Nelson, but unfortunately very little brains.

[@johnscanlan9335]

@@nelsonmcatee3721 NO! Catholics are real Christians. Other non-Catholic followers of Jesus are Protestants. Why are you embarrassed to say you're a Protestant?

[@krazykris9396]

I grew up Catholic. Most people in my congregation considered Protestants to be Christian, but they wouldn't consider non-trinitarians to be Christian (i.e. Mormans, oneness pentacostals, etc.)

[@AI-hx3fx]

Pretty much. The Trinity is the demarcation or the pale as is the divinity of Christ.

[@jenex5608]

Cool. I'm a trinitarian Christian

[@xx99Username99xx]

As a nonbeliever, I find it odd that so many Christians consider trinitarianism of all things to be such an essential doctrine. Even most Christians seem willing to concede that they aren't at all clear on what it would mean for there to be "one God in three persons," or how that would be different, in practical terms, from unitarianism or tritheism. It feels almost more like a semantic argument than a theological one. And they're especially vague on the nature and role of the Holy Spirit as compared with God's other persons. Plus, Biblically speaking, the doctrine is barely mentioned, let alone explained. And some of the few Biblical mentions, like the so-called Johannine Comma in John 5:7-8, are widely agreed to be later additions not found in the oldest versions of the Bible. But probably the most glaring issue to me is that almost all Christians would agree that the God they worship is the same as the God of the Jews and of the Old Testament, which is simply not a trinitarian God. Sure, there are a few stray references in the OT that hint at syncretism or henotheism (or even arguably outright polytheism in a couple of places, though I'm sure most believers would dispute that point). But there's nothing that closely resembles Christian-style trinitarianism. Surely if the God of the Jews existed in three persons, the Jews would have had some notion of this fact prior to the rise of Christianity. Unitarians take the much more intuitive approach of "one God means one God" and they get gatekept by other Christians for it. Although historically tritheism seems to have been more of an accusation made by Christians against their theological opponents, rather than a doctrine anyone explicitly held, it is, in principle, equally intuitive: If there are three persons who are all God, then there are basically three Gods. But anyone preaching anything that even hinted at this idea was condemned as a heretic. Somehow, for most Christians, only the vague, confusing, and scripturally ill-supported compromise of trinitarianism is acceptable. Weird hill to die on.

[@blade7506]

@@xx99Username99xx you wouldn’t understand

[@mr.anderson2241]

@@xx99Username99xx the Trinity is the only concept that properly explains God’s form without renouncing monotheism and doesn’t have an even stranger concept of “one is one” even when God has 3 forms that are accepted upon and are separate yet still one. You can’t say God is one and believe the Trinity is false, yet still attempt to believe in the father son and Holy Spirit all being God but no Trinity. It’s nonsensical. What the Jews believe in does not matter at the end of the day, the argument anyways can be made that the point in which Christ was revealed to them was the point in which the Jews received the fullness of God’s nature yet did not seek out to adopt the doctrine.

[@LandgraabIV]

I grew up Protestant in Brazil and it was very weird to me when I found out some Protestants in the US say Catholics are not Christians. I've never heard any Protestant in Brazil ever claim that. That they are the "wrong kind" of Christians, yes, but never that they're not Christians at all.

[@garymartin9777]

study US history. there was a time -- or two or more -- where Catholics were persona-non-grata in many US communities.

[@rinkevichjm]

The real definition is that a person is a Christian if he has a valid baptism. A baptism that isn’t trinitarianism isn’t a valid baptism.

[@caleschnell]

@@rinkevichjm shut up

[@Fivegunner]

First, it's Roman Catholic, not just Catholic. Second, none is Christian, just like any other "church" that became from Roman catholicism and from protestantism.

[@rinkevichjm]

@@Fivegunner no there’s no Roman Catholic Church. There is the Latin Catholic Church whose cathedral is St John Lateran.

[@lib-center96]

I'm not offended, as a Catholic. I'm glad there are videos clarifying this from a neutral POV. Us Catholics genuinely think ourselves Christian, as do Protestants, even if due to disagreements we sometimes deny one another that label. Though I suspect some non-Catholic Christians would be offended if they were asked "are you Christian or Protestant?"

[@ripcord8738]

Since people have been arguing about this subject for a very long time, I'd say you're right.(although it's the "pot calling the kettle black")

[@silveriorebelo2920]

@@ripcord8738 no, denying catholics the identity of Christians is an invention of protestant bigotry of the 20th century - it seems to work well to bully catholics with no catechetical bases, for pressuring them into converting to the protestant pseudo-Gospel...

[@qcrctgavarcesxrfab8015]

Coming from a majorly Catholic country, every Catholic person I know answers Catholic when asked what their religion is, while Protestants say Christian

[@lib-center96]

@@qcrctgavarcesxrfab8015 yeah because Catholicism is the most well known denomination, so when someone says Protestant, it doesn't ring a bell right away

[@catholicfemininity2126]

I personally am disturbed that many don't think Catholics are Christian.

[@jonathanstensberg]

“Hi, I’m Joshua, and I am really sick of the comment section.”

[@ReadyToHarvest]

Now I'm carefully considering how many people will be offended if I heart this comment. It's pretty funny tho.

[@happymradrian]

@@ReadyToHarvest heart it, you'll be cool

[@robertthompson3447]

@@ReadyToHarvest Even with your information packed content, the comment section always has more.

[@ReadyToHarvest]

@@robertthompson3447 I agree. I do love the comments. I think I get many more positive comments than negative ones and there are some very helpful and informed commenters here, too.

[@mantrik007]

Jesus and his apostles had envisioned the Church as one body of Christ. The word catholic means universal. It's this universal church that compiled the Bible in the 4th century. The Bible was compiled to help in arranging readings from the appropriate scriptures during the mass. So, the mass came first, the Bible was compiled much later to be used in the mass. It's the Catholic Church that held off Islamist invasions of Europe by galvanising various Christian kingdoms. For sure, there were mistakes made by the Church and Popes at various times in history under the influence of powerful kings, but their contribution should be acknowledged in preserving the Christian traditions from the time of the apostles. If the Church had not played its part, much of Europe may well be subjugated into accepting Islam. With islam firmly established in Europe, rest of the colonial world would have also followed suit and we would all be following Sharia laws with burqa clad women in our societies. It's only in America that people ask such ridiculous question about Catholics.

[@h.antoniovillalobos6417]

I’m Catholic. I think your channel is great. I appreciate the more academic and unbiased approach to how you present your content. I’m learning a lot about other faiths and denominations, including my own. Thank you for the work you do. God bless you.

[@barbmcrae4023]

Joshua, I've been using your videos in a study at the Senior Living Community where I'm the chaplain. We have enjoyed them so much. We've learned new things about our own denominations and about others. Our conversations have continued at times well beyond the class time. It's helped us to see others a little more clearly and with compassion. Thanks for putting so much time and effort into this project.

[@ReadyToHarvest]

Thank Barb, I'm so glad to hear that! Lots more to come!

[@kentstallard6512]

Former ordained Christian minister here. Doesn't the existence of all these various denominations all claiming to have the "correct/true/authentic" interpretation of the Bible and version of Christianity cause believers to question the entire premise? If God inspired the writing of the Bible to serve as a guide to "true" Christianity then why is it so inherently ambiguous and contradictory?

[@sherin5201]

​@@ReadyToHarvestby the way which church you attend ? I mean non denominational or denominational? Which denomination? Curious to know

[@b6983832]

As a Catholic, I would probably define a Christian as a person baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit who is accepting the Nicene Creed.

[@masterspark9880]

That would mean that anyone who died before the Council of Nicea isnt Christian

[@captain_squiddy]

Ah yes the Nicene Creed. That thing that is definitely in the bible

[@b6983832]

@@captain_squiddy You are talking with a Catholic. We don't accept Luther's Sola Scriptura. (Which by the way is not mentioned in the Bible).

[@christophersalinas2722]

@@captain_squiddy sola scriptura fan detected

[@justanotherbaptistjew5659]

@@b6983832 “no man ought, for the confirmation of doctrines, to use books which are not canonized Scriptures” -Origen

[@PipeDreamerJacques]

As a Catholic, I was bewildered the question was even asked (about Catholicism). It’s one thing to say, “they are Christian, but we disagree on X, Y, & Z” and another to say we aren’t Christian at all. (The latter being a pretty bold claim, historically speaking…) I certainly agree that ‘honoring’ the name of Christ isn’t sufficient; Trinitarian doctrine being a litmus test to say the least.

[@jaqian]

I'm surprised you haven't heard it before, many Protestants would say we Catholics aren't Christian lol

[@vngelicath1580]

@@jaqian Historic Protestantism never claimed that Roman Catholics or even the Roman Catholic Church isn't _a_ true Church. Even while making the claim that the Pope was/is antichrist, Luther, Calvin and others were by that very claim insisting that the Roman Church is (part of) the true Church, as a condition for antichrist is that he sits "in the Temple of God claiming to be God...", the Temple (Church) that the Pope sits in has to be '.. of God..' in order to fullfil being antichrist. It seems paradoxical but Protestantism has never question the legitimacy of the Catholic Church even in its most extreme polemics.

[@KCFlyer2]

I grew up Catholic in the south and was told I wasn't Christian. Some today will still say that unless I accept Jesus Christ as my personal lord and savior and are born again unto the Lord that I am going straight to hell. I hope denomination doesn't determine who gets to heaven. My father was a Methodist who did not convert. Mom was a Catholic. If they are true, then I won't be with one or the other in heaven. FWIW - my dads mother was the daughter of a Baptist minister in North Carolina. She never accepted mother. That's the crappy part about religion.

[@pastorart1974]

More than 300 years ago Roman Catholics routinely executed those Protestants who rejected the authority of the Pope and only accepted the authority of Scripture. Muslims routinely execute Christians of all Denominations and Jews. I have read the Quran and that is what it teaches. I am not aware of any Protestants who have ever killed anyone of other religions except in self defense. Roman Catholics beliefs deviate from Scripture in a dozen different ways. I can't type fast enough to list them here. See 1 Timothy chapter four. The Sexual Abuse of Children in the Roman Catholic Religion is directly related to their rules banning clergy from getting married. Peter was not appointed Pope by Jesus and the evidence in the Bible is clear. Many Modern Day Roman Catholics pay more attention to Mary than to Jesus. John-Paul 2 dedicated his entire papacy to Mary. Mary was a Virgin until Jesus was born and after that Msry and Joseph had at least seven more children the Old Fashioned Way! Four boys, who are named in Matthew and Mark, plus at least 3 girls who are never named. The Mass violates Scripture. John MacArthur has some excellent videos on the Roman Catholic Religion. A personal friend of mine, who was born into the Roman Catholic Religion and spent the first 34 years of his life as a Roman Catholic, got saved, was converted by being Born Again - - has created a lot of teaching about how the Roman Catholic Religion deviates from Scripture. This includes a set of audio messages available on a set of 5 CDs. I wish he would upload them to You Tube.

[@KCFlyer2]

@@pastorart1974 Thank you for explaining why I left ALL religion behind. If the Catholics were right that only Catholics would get to heaven, I won't see my dad. And since my mom wasn't "saved" when she died, if Protestants are right the when I get to heaven, I won't see my dad. You know...I always thought that God was this all loving and unconditional being, so I have a tough time imagining why he would disallow a whole family to reunite in heavenly glory because of a religion. Funny thing about Catholics though....they aren't Christians, but they are about the only denomination that has this "Christ" guy on a cross in their churches. Do you know why so many people are leaving the church...regardless of religion? Because even Christians can't agree. Bonus question....protestants broke off from the Catholic church because of differences. But we have Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Presbyterian, Church of Christ, and numerous "bible churches" - why? What is the difference between THOSE religions, and who won't be "saved" from them?

[@MusicBlik]

"Mormon" here - I appreciate your fair-handed treatment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm an active participant in your regular polls, and I feel like most of your subscribers are at least willing to have a civil dialog, which speaks to the type of audience you're trying to attract.

[@POTATOSOOPS]

If you believe that God was once a man, you're not a Christian. God is a spirit, and your beliefs are whackadoodle.

[@watcherwlc53]

@@POTATOSOOPS pejorative

[@daltonbranham9086]

Also LDS… that’s it just wanted to say

[@johnscanlan9335]

I am a Roman Catholic and I have to say I am rather offended by a Protestant, which I define as any Christian who is not Catholic, an Eastern Orthodox or other Middle East based Christian, even questioning the validity of the Christianity of the Roman Catholic Church. You may have perfectly valid criticisms of some Catholic doctrines, but that in not way negates the very real connection devote Catholics have with the Holy Trinity. I could easily make very complex arguments about the falsity of Protestant dogmas as well. But I wouldn't do that because I have a basic respect for other people's religious faiths!

[@paulhallett1452]

Was Heavenly Father ever a man? What actually happened at Joseph’s first vision? Has God always been God - how many Gods are there? These a basics which do render Mormons outside of the Body - I pray for conversion every day - not mere revulsion when Mormons learn the facts of Joe’s lies and crimes and open fraud - but a knowledge that the Keys never left, the One True Church remains - and the infallible teaching office Christ gave to Peter remains an unbroken chain - who don’t need to have God change his mind - please reach out if you need help (we all do) Lucifer’s brother is no God and cannot save!

[@Styrophoamicus]

I'm Muslim and I thought your discussion of "are Muslims Christian" was very thought provoking. Thanks for your thoughts!

[@Qaranwadani1993]

A Muslim? You could be "Ahmadi" or "Shia" are you still considered a Muslim?

[@minui8758]

He made an easy mistake tho on Islam - the Catholic Church has published documents calling Islam a Christian heresy rather than another religion entirely. It’s not well known and it’s hidden in obscure documents but his line “Catholics wouldn’t see Muslims as Christians” is technically untrue. Not to say that the majority of Catholics won’t see you as unchristian - but the Church hierarchy has a very much more subtle view of you than the majority of the laity

[@ishmamahmed9306]

Two things that could be done to get this distinction less easy to pull apart: 1) Other declarations of faith to become more popular among Muslims e.g. "There are no others gods besides God and Jesus is his messenger" 2) More Christian converts to Islam embracing the argument that they are still as Christian or even more Christian than they were before conversion

[@kara-k3854]

@@Qaranwadani1993from my understanding Ahmadis don’t count as Muslims since they believe in a Prophet after Hz Muhammad SAV but Shia lay people can be considered misguided Muslims, most of their scholars however no.

[@Qaranwadani1993]

​@kara-k3854 the shias believe in "12 infallible imams"

[@Essex626]

"Methodists, Mennonites, Moravians, Moonies, and Mormons" Love that nice little bit of alliteration there.

[@PaulOfPeace54]

Lions and tigers and bear oh my? Who identifies Jesus as their savior?

[@buddyroeginocchio9105]

Triggered a little joke: What's a favorite wedding song at a Moonies' ceremony? "....I'll be looking at the Moon, but I'll be seeing you." I'll probably get banned for life by You Tube for that, but I don't care.

[@normanclatcher]

@@buddyroeginocchio9105 KZbin has bigger fish to fry.

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

Are Catholics Christian? I'm afraid that is a non-question for a Catholic. Indeed, what others think about Catholicism isn't really a concern for Catholics. Having watched many of your videos and of others on the general theme of beliefs, practically none of the issues raised are much debated in the Catholic Church. These things have been settled a long time ago. Therein lies the difference. Catholics don't deny that Protestants are Christians but would rather say the fullness of Christianity is to be found in the One True Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church (I think that is what offends, even though others claim truth for themselves). They do believe that Jesus is our Saviour and they do believe that the Godspel is the unerring word of God. Bible study is encouraged. Individual Catholics don't claim to know what God thinks or what his salvation plan is. Catholics never claim to "know" who is saved but rather practice Faith, Hope and Love. Catholics believe that God wants to be loved freely by His people and wants a relationship with them, just as Jesus lived amongst men and was born of the Virgen Mother. Catholics only worship God but do venerate saints as part of the community in so much as they are models for us to follow. We do believe in the community of the living and the dead. I pray for my deseased father and talk with him often in my prayers and thoughts. So it's not really about what Luther or Calvin thought they knew. Indeed, prideful knowledge has shattered and splintered the Protestant faith into thousands of sects each individually claiming to know the truth. Jesus prayed for unity and man divided the Church. You will know them by their fruits. I see Protestantism as the Tower of Babel. Don't get me wrong, I am not anti-Protestant and respect (and admire) their zeal. Rather than being that worried about what Evangicals think I would imagine the Catholic Church is far more interested in reuniting with the Eastern Orthodox Church which shares our faith in the deepest sense and whose sacraments are valid to us both. If you go to Rome you will see the second largest Cathedral is dedicated to St. Paul and if you go to mass you will hear the Epistles of St. Paul being read. Indeed it was the Catholic Church which compiled the Bible. Reading St. Paul requires one to look at his thought as a whole and understand to which community he was writing. One should be careful about reading into some passages what one wants to hear. There are many different conversion experiences and what they are and whether they are valid or not is not for man's boasting to decide. You always learn more about the accuser than the accused.

[@RobertGrif]

Did... you watch the video?

[@pauljosephbuggle3722]

Yes, I did. And others. We see denominations deciding who or what others are or are not according to what they themselves think. God must be very amused by all these churches arising, joining and slpitting continuously.

[@RepublicofE]

The historic, absolute core orthodoxy of the RC church denies the title of Christian to anybody who is not Roman Catholic. It is true that most modern Catholics would say Protestants are Christians, all the Popes for the past two or three centuries would say they are, and Vatican II affirms that they are. Nevertheless, the rock bed of true RC doctrine is the Council of Trent, which says only RC are Christian. This view can still be found being taught in various trad and conclavist sects. Their view is essentially that you are probably not a Christian if you aren't RC, and if you are a Protestant who is saved it's a pure accident because you really didn't know any better and eventually God will bring you to Rome.

[@todaysmartyrseditor3112]

@@RepublicofE "Their view is essentially that you are probably not a Christian if you aren't RC" Now that is totally untrue. After the end of the Roman Empire and prior to the Reformation there were four main branches of Christianity: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and the Church of the East (if anyone doesn't know this they are really in no position to comment). All of them recognize each other as Christian, although heretical on one or two points. Interestingly, the Catholic Church recognizes the validity of ALL of the sacraments of all the others.

[@RepublicofE]

@@todaysmartyrseditor3112 Yes, but like I just said, that wasn't always the case, and the true font of RC orthodoxy from which all their other doctrines flow, Trent, denies that any Eastern or Protestant denomination is Christian or that you can be a Christian while willingly belonging to them. The Vatican papered over the anathemas of Trent with the Vatican I and Vatican II councils. They are still there under the new wallpaper. Trent still takes precedence over Vatican I and II according to pure RC orthodoxy.

[@thoreau283]

I'm protestant, but I always considered catholics as fellow Christians.

[@MeakH1]

Based

[@benjaminwatt2436]

Christianity should be based in adherence to salvation through the gospel as defined through the Bible. Catholics do hold to Christ's death and resurrection. They also hold to Him as savior and so i conclude that they are Christian. Obviously there are issues that any protestant would have especially with ideas like the perfect nature of mary, as one example. However the main problem i have is many Catholics traditionally accept protestants as Christian.

[@CanalTremocos]

@@marcokite I can accept arguments other churches have that they are the actual OG. That doesn't make us anything less Christian. + How can a church where the smallest chappel is covered with paintings and sculptures of Christ not be considered Christian? If anything I'd cast some doubts at Protestants' claim to be Christian given their conspicuous lack of iconography. (I'm joking i'm joking)

[@jerricosagala2904]

I am Catholics and I always considered the Protestant as heretics. Hence the name "Protestants" bevause you "protest" against the truthfullness of the Catholic Church. Duh, we made the Bible. The Bible is a Catholic book.

[@soulie2001]

@@marcokite Ehhh, Orthodoxy would like to know your location

[@Louieinoz]

There wouldn't be protestants if it weren't for the Catholics. Questioning if Catholics are Christion is the most ludicrous proposition I've ever heard.

[@calebwheeler8143]

As an Eastern Orthodox, I second that.

[@rexjamerson9316]

There were several groups in existence before the Protestant Reformation apart from the Catholic Church. The Waldensians were active approximately 1000 to 1200 ad.

[@travisfarmer4151]

Being Christian, I am not in a position to judge whether or not others are Christian. If they say "Jesus is Lord" that is good enough for me. Our Father knows what is in our hearts and minds. Even if they are "new" at being Christian, they may be confused on certain issues but that is no disqualification. I can only speak for myself and testify that I have come a long way from where I started and made MANY mistakes along the way. THE HOLY SPIRIT is still teaching me new things even after 22 years of learning. May our FATHER bless all of you and lead us into THE TRUTH.

[@chibu3212]

Amen

[@billowspillow]

Saying "Jesus is Lord" is a good thing. But is it not fair to follow up that statement with a clarifying question, "Who do you mean when you say 'Jesus'?" If the person says, "Jesus Luiz who lives two blocks down the road," would you still consider him Christian? If the person says, "The firstborn spiritual child of a man-turned-deity and his wife," would you consider that person a Christian?

[@br.m]

According to Paul, he should judge those inside the church. So people claiming to be Christian and preaching the Bible must be judged. If they are teaching falsely and have gone beyond what is written, teaching what they ought not teach.. Then they should be silenced. Because the Bible says so. Even the Demons knew Jesus is Lord.

[@rileyfairchild6873]

Asking a Catholic if they are Christian is like asking an Iowa native if they are an American citizen.

[@DavidLTJ]

Great video. I'm a member of prison ministries and a practicing Catholic who work with Methodists, Evangelicals, Baptists and Pentecostal to mention a few. Apart from their obvious curiosity around the eucharist and our firm acknowledgement of reverence, shown to God, I NEVER had to answer any questions regarding my Christianity. I find it odd that there are so many KZbin videos of Christians slandering each other. Please don't get me wrong, your enlightenment is greatly appreciated; Thank you. for sharing!

[@barrypatrickius]

I went through twelve God- forsaken years of catholic school; the roman catholic church is a bastardized, illegitimate, unbiblical form of Christianity which was already on its way out from the abominations that Augustine the apostate introduced into it and then went completely of the rails when Constantine stopped the persecution(not bad) but made "Christianity" the state religion(very bad) of the Empire and consequently it took over the administration of the church and completely paganized it. The roman catholic church is an abomination of hell.

[@DavidLTJ]

@@barrypatrickius My sincere appreciation for your opinion. By hanging on to historical malpractice before you and I ever existed, simply nullifies the Power, Might and Glory of God to eradicate corruption in the church. Scripturally, there is only one accuser of the brethren, I wonder who delegated this authority to you? I may not know your journey, but you certainly don't know mine. I am a Christian, saved by grace through faith, not earned; and I know that I'm a sinner. i have just one request to you; Stop slandering other Christians, its unkind and unnecessary.

[@barrypatrickius]

@@DavidLTJ I went through twelve GOD FORSAKEN years of catholic school. They are the satanic scum of hell!! I KNOW what they teach and what their doctrines are, another gospel, BLASPHEMIES, ERRORS, HERESIES I wonder who delegated this authority to you? THE BIBLE!!! James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is FIRST pure, THEN peaceable. 1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, and he himself is judged of no man. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. from such withdraw thyself. “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24). This shows Jesus wants us to judge, but we must judge righteously. The Law of Moses says: “In righteousness, you shall judge your neighbour.” (Leviticus 19:16) Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Righteous judgment Scripture is used to understand scripture. So, although Jesus says we should not judge in Matthew 7, He says we should judge in Luke 12. It is then up to us to determine exactly what He means because Jesus does not contradict Himself. But He says: “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” (Matthew 18:16). Does Jesus want us to judge or not? Yes, He does. In the same Matthew 7 where He says: “Judge not,” He also says: “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine.” (Matthew 7:6). We cannot identify “dogs” without judging. Neither can we determine “swine” without judgment. Jesus then goes on to say: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15-16). If we are to identify false prophets by their fruits, we cannot but judge them. QUESTION What does the Bible mean when it says, “Do not judge”? do not judge, judge not ANSWER Jesus’ command not to judge others could be the most widely quoted of His sayings, even though it is almost invariably quoted in complete disregard of its context. Here is Jesus’ statement: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). Many people use this verse in an attempt to silence their critics, interpreting Jesus’ meaning as “You don’t have the right to tell me I’m wrong.” Taken in isolation, Jesus’ command “Do not judge” does indeed seem to preclude all negative assessments. However, there is much more to the passage than those three words. The Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean we cannot show discernment. Immediately after Jesus says, “Do not judge,” He says, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs” (Matthew 7:6). A little later in the same sermon, He says, “Watch out for false prophets. . . . By their fruit you will recognize them” (verses 15-16). How are we to discern who are the “dogs” and “pigs” and “false prophets” unless we have the ability to make a judgment call on doctrines and deeds? Jesus is giving us permission to tell right from wrong. 1 Timothy 4 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, OH gee!!! Who does that???? 1 Thessalonians 5:21 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Timothy 3:2 A bishop then MUST be blameless, the HUSBAND of one WIFE, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Matthew 15:3 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the teaching which he received of us. Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, Mark 7:8 ESV You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” 1 Corinthians 5 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom ye are to judge? 13 But them that are outside the faith God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person who claims to be in the faith. The roman catholic church IS THE SATANIC ANTICHRIST SCUM OF HELL!!!!!!!

[@DavidLTJ]

@@barrypatrickius No matter how your stance is towards any denomination, it simply doesn't justify your claim. Even the Pharisees were experts at quoting scripture and know-it-all Bible scholars were told by Jesus “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to” (Matthew 23:13). " Is your slander aimed at me in person? What did I ever say or do to. you that justifies this? Galatians: 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is, charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, longanimity, Mildness, faith, modesty, continency, chastity. Against such there is no law. Forgive me, but I don't see HATE as fruit of the Spirit.

[@barrypatrickius]

@@DavidLTJ You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to” (Matthew 23:13). " that is the scum filth legalistic salvation by works roman catholic church. Psalm 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. every false way. roman catholicism and every sacramental church Psalm 119:128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. Psalm 26:5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers(the pope and the cardinals); and will not sit with the wicked. Psalm 139: 21Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? (the pope and the cardinals)and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies. Revelation 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes,(Greek for conquerors of the laity, professional, sacramental clergy) which I also hate. Revelation 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.😡 Psalm 55 15 Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them. Psalm 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.

[@a.duncan6791]

I'm impressed with the way you lay out information. I've always thought all the ways different believers proclaim their faith was like a sporting league wherein all the teams are vying for first place. As an old Mormon friend answered the question of who's right in their beliefs, he responded: "God sits on a mountain. There are many paths up the mountain." Works for me...

[@Texano5-0]

I used to argue with my best friend when we were back in school because he would constantly say that I wasn’t Christian because I was catholic and then we talked about the crusades and he really tried to say that Catholics had nothing to do with the crusades……..which were started, paid for, and fully supported by the Pope/Catholic Church.

[@JohnDoe19991]

On the request of Orthodox Emperor

[@KeepCalmCapybara]

Well, if you used the crusades to validate catholicism, then you did the wrong thing, that's because the crusades tells nothing about catholic doctrines. The crusades was more of a geo-political matter.

[@davidweihe6052]

The Pope did not pay for the First Crusade, certainly. Geoffrey and Baldwin of Lorraine had to hock their duchies in order to pay to equip their forces, and I expect that other nobles paid their own way, just as they would on an ordinary pilgrimage. The Pope furnished a Papal Legate to supply command/control and act as the diplomatic locus when in the "Greek" Empire, and I presume paid his way, but that was about it.

[@joycegreer9391]

Don't know what the Crusades have to do with correct theology.

[@Texano5-0]

@@KeepCalmCapybara I wasn’t validating anything about the doctrine. I was pointing out that if you’re gonna call the crusades a Christian war, then Catholics are Christians because all the crusaders were catholic. And the means of the crusades was for the catholic church’s means.

[@estherlovelle]

I’m a Catholic and I clicked out of disgust lol. I appreciate all you do keep it up.

[@oliveragag8576]

Me too

[@Arcticroberto9376]

Prejudice against Catholics is common lol, the American southeast is full of misconceptions about Catholics

[@mitchellosmer1293]

Tell me, where in the Holy Bible does it say GOD RESTED on the First day of creation?? Tell me, where in the Holy Bible does it say GOD BLESSED the First day of the week? Tell me, where in the Holy Bible does it say GOD SANCTIFIED ( made holy) the First day of the week? Tell me, where in the Holy Bible does it say GOD NAMED the First day of the week? Tell me, where in the Holy Bible does it say GOD DECLARE the First day of the week as HIS Holy Day? ---Catholics claim Sunday is the day of worship, a holy day.PROVE IT!!!!

[@chaldeang7687]

@@mitchellosmer1293 Romans 14:5

[@mitchellosmer1293]

@@chaldeang7687 Quote---Romans 14:5, : One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. Romans 14:5, KJV: un quote it is VERY OBVIOUS you do NOT know the Bible well. Nor the meaning of that verse. The Jews were condemning the Gentiles that wanted to keep the Jewish feast days the same as a Jew.---Some ate lots food--some ate none---Some ate only veggies---some ate meat----Some drank lots water---some drank wine--some did not....-----A gentile is NOT required to follow the Feast day food restrictions.-------Romans 15:5 about telling the Jews thay had NO right to tell a gentile what to eat or drink.------

[@paulgauntlet7921]

I have an MA in religious studies and must say I admire your dedication to education. While you obviously must have theological disagreements with many of the traditions you cover, I’ve never noticed that in your videos. You are very good at describing what others believe without it seeming like an endorsement or criticism, rather a direct presentation of facts.

[@KatrinaSanford]

Thank you so much for presenting the facts from multiple points of view and giving people the tools to consider the questions, where the questions are coming from and the answers for themselves, instead of telling people what they should think. This is such a breath of fresh air in a society where we have people constantly telling people what they should think and not allowing people to come to their own conclusions or even understand why they think what they think. I very much apprectaite what you are doing!

[@matthewbateman6487]

I grew up 'Christian' but in my late teens, early 20s wanted to understand my faith more deeply, and wanted to make sure the specific things I believed weren't just my opinion. --- I just found this video today, but this whole 'well what even is a Christian.' and 'Who gets to decide' was a big factor in what eventually lead me to Catholicism.

[@Texano5-0]

Welcome to the church brother

[@matthewbateman6487]

@YAJUN YUAN Absolutely. But it is my view that person cannot be a genuinely, actually, sincerely good Catholic, and be a bad Christian.

[@santamanone]

@@matthewbateman6487 I also considered Catholicism. I was raised fairly ecumenically; Mama was Methodist, Dady was Southern Baptist, and an uncle was Episcopalian. I attended all of these churches before being confirmed Episcopalian. After a few decades though that Church drifted too far leftward for me and I looked around at Catholicism, Lutheranism, and Eastern Orthodoxy before finally being catechized and Christmated into Orthodoxy. I still consider Roman Catholics as brothers.

[@gwit247]

This is what's leading me to the catholic church. The protestant church broke away from the catholic church and much of what they have today was from the catholic church. So in that light I decided to explore how much original protestants actually kept the same after the reformation from the original church. Martin luther was a catholic. I don't think he ever intended for it to stray so far off and so many denominations. Well this is at least the way I see it.

[@mercster]

God gets to decide, noone else. A church can accept you as a member or not, but that doesn't mean they decide if you're Christian or not. And joining the Catholic church, just because "They go back thousands of years and it's the only way to be sure!" is, well, kinda simplistic and reductionist. Don't get me wrong, I consider my Catholic brothers and sisters Christian. But there are plenty of churches out there that are decent and honest. An appeal to "ancient" is kinda facile.

[@christianwalton7080]

As always: I appreciate your work and striving to simply present information in the way you do. God bless Joshua :)

[@maryangelica5319]

Hey, from a Catholic, this was an excellent video over-all, and I understand why you posed the question and discussed it the way you did. However, I think even the attempt at neutrality might be missing something and seems betray a particularly Protestant worldview on the nature of religion, and it limits the complexity of your argument. You seem to argue that the various religions define who is or isn't Christian on the basis of adherence to certain core beliefs, and you present that everyone across the board is doing this. This isn't what I see, at least if you consider the "institutional" position on the matter rather than the average person's view. For example, how the Catholic Church specifically *institutionally* characterize who is or who is not a Christian is not quite based on adherence to a belief. While many Catholics use a metric of certain core beliefs like Trinitarianism or the Nicene/ Apostles creeds, and while we characterize certain positions that Protestants hold as heretical, the main metric used for whether or not someone is Christian, assuming they identify, is actually based on the validity of their Baptism. According to the Catholic Church, Baptism is the means by which one becomes a Christian, but you need to have some things in place in order for one to say that the baptism was considered a "valid" one. These include that you have to be baptized with water, that you aren't being forced against your will to be baptized or that it's just a re-enactment, and that you are Baptized with the words that Jesus commanded, "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," and according to the proper intention behind those words. So while the belief is relevant, it's not the main hinge point. Mormons aren't considered Christian because they aren't Trinitarian per se, If a Catholic adopts certain theological beliefs that are more like that of Mormons, he doesn't stop being a Catholic, but he is considered a heretical Catholic (of out of ignorance, a material heretic, if deliberately so, a formal heretic). Mormons aren't considered Christian because they are not validly baptized, since their use of the baptismal formula is equivocal in meaning to that of Catholic church and other churches that hold to historic Trinitarian theology. What further complicates things is that Catholics believe that there is an indelible seal that comes with Baptism. You can't undo it. Thus apostate/lapsed Catholics or other Christians are often treated differently with respect to canon law than people who were never validly baptized. You don't have to be re-baptized if you return from the Church or if you are converting from a more mainline denomination with an identical enough baptism. In annulment proceedings, presumed marriages between lapsed baptized people are also approached differently than marriages between people who weren't baptized at the time. This isn't entirely unprecedented. Judaism has something like this. While it is true that the ethnic group is distinct from the religion, a Gentile doesn't become a Jew simply by believing Jewish things. Being Jewish means being part of that covenant that God established with the Jews. You can become a God-fearer and that would be ok, but if you want to say you are "Jewish", it's going to take a bit, more, especially if you are a guy, than that. Hinduism is also something like this, but in the opposite way. Hindus tend to be unified more by common practices than by specific tenets, but go in the opposite direction. There aren't really any core tenets to Hinduism, but rather a hodgepodge of practices, and the notion of heresy isn't much of a thing in Hinduism like it is in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. You can be an atheist and still be considered a Hindu.

[@mormonguru5984]

You have interesting research on the various doctrines that make up who’s a Christian and Who doesn’t quite make the cut. I noted that for a Baptism to count it cannot be forced upon them. Is it not forced on you when you’re baptized as an infant? I’ve attended Sunday school, went to Catholic school, joined the youth group in college. Yet, On the day of my confirmation I was still having questions about the abuses of the priesthood and didn’t feel the Holy Spirit come upon me as it is promised in the scriptures. Years later after searching for the true church I reconnected with an old friend who served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She invited me to church and I saw an adult Baptism at their church, where they carefully lowered the Sister into the water and baptized her in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I knew then what I felt was the prompting of the Holy Ghost to continue investigating the “Mormons” All the Catholics showered me with anti-“Mormon” propaganda leaflets and (all the same stuff that Protestants use to cover the gunk of their own flawed leaders.) I didn’t let the naysayers and the negative energy of the doubters devalue my spiritual conviction that there is something great on the other side of my baptism. On the day of my baptism, my mother was away on vacation and since I was already in college, I went ahead and scheduled the baptism with the foreknowledge that she will decline my invite to attend it (Matthew 19:29). After the Baptism similar to the Catholics there is a confirmation. The major difference in the Confirmation by the Elders is that there is a personal blessing bestowed on you by the Holy Spirit. It confirmed to me that Catholicism is not wrong. It’s just incomplete. God has a plan for all the Catholics to receive the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. Catholics are Christians just as much as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints claim it. We preach of Christ and we try to model our lives by his example. To me that is what makes a Christian. Sorry I’ll get off the soap box. Have a blessed Palm Sunday. Lots of Catholics who convert to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ still make crosses with palm leaves. It felt so good to be in the company of others who’ve had a similar faith journey where they brought all the good things from Catholicism and added on the restored gospel as Isaiah said, “line upon line precept upon precept. “

[@maryangelica5319]

@@mormonguru5984 to answer your questions: " I noted that for a Baptism to count it cannot be forced upon them. Is it not forced on you when you’re baptized as an infant?" Not anymore than food or a diaper change are. I also didn't just say forced, but rather "forced against your will" specifically, precisely for this reason. You can't force someone to be baptized when he specifically doesn't want to be baptized. Babies neither want nor don't want to be baptized. "Yet, On the day of my confirmation I was still having questions about the abuses of the priesthood and didn’t feel the Holy Spirit come upon me as it is promised in the scriptures. " Abuses in the priesthood don't imply Catholic doctrine is wrong (and if you think there is not similar kinds of abuse in the church of latter day saints, you are highly mistaken... just do a google search). You aren't promised that you will "feel" the Holy Spirit in Confirmation... He comes to you, whether you feel it or not. I didn't "feel" anything in my confirmation either, and I was also going through a lot of questioning when my confirmation happened. What Jesus promised us with respect to the Holy Spirit is that he would lead us, his Church, to all truth. But how he does that is not limited to feelings. It extends to all of our faculties and experiences. In my case, it was through a lot of reflection and study, as well a discernment of God's actions in my life. I had found, in the end, that the graces from my confirmation were efficacious in me and guided me through some very tough spiritual turmoil. As for the rest, I appreciate the attempt to guide me to (what you think is) the truth, but, to be honest, the basis of your faith on these "promptings" testifies to me more a weakness rather than a strength in the claims of your church. I too have had what feels like promptings, and not mere feelings, to investigate other creeds besides my own, as well as my own faith, as well as yours... and I did find your church's claims lacking. But no matter, I hope you had a blessed Palm Sunday as well..

[@mormonguru5984]

@@maryangelica5319 Thank you for answering my question. And Yes, the Church with all its training for protecting youth has its share of independent actors going off and committing egregious sins against humanity. I just feel that there’s a swifter justice system within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where a disciplinary council is called and justice is served where the perpetrator repents and also serves a period of penance + jail time by applicable jurisdiction. I appreciate those thoughts on the role of the Holy Spirit in leading us to the truth. I feel like our spiritual journeys will always have questions come up and we are promised that the Holy Ghost will lead us to finding those answers

[@VirginMostPowerfull]

@@mormonguru5984 You literally think God is an alien on another planet and hope that one day you will also become a god creating and demanding worship. How is that in any way reasonable? Seems clear to me you were deceived by a lying spirit.

[@mormonguru5984]

@@VirginMostPowerfull Hold your judgement. Best not to tell people what they believe. But ask them. Clearly you’ve been lied to by a deceived spirit about aliens and planets. Probably a well meaning pastor who thinks all Muslims, Buddhists are going to hell with us

[@maxenielsen]

I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - a Mormon. So the question of who’s a Christian or not is very familiar. I think you’ve done a great job of exploring this question! Thank you! Another interesting and related question is who would Jesus consider to be Christian? This question probes deeply. It probes us. It explores who we believe Jesus is and what we believe He teaches and wants from us and for us. As well, it goes beyond what we think and believe and into what and who we are. I have my beliefs about Jesus, and those beliefs lead me to act to become a better person. And they lead me to experiences with Jesus - very personal and profound experiences. I am just as certain that others who believe in Jesus have equally profound experiences with Him. So my beliefs and the associated specific definitions are very important to me. And I believe that the beliefs of other Christians, and the specifics of those beliefs, are just as important to other Christians. At the same time, is know Jews and Muslims who have specific beliefs that differ from mine. These friends also have profound and transformative experiences based on those beliefs. Why we go through life with so many differing points of view is a mystery. But as I see the hand and love of God moving in the lives of all people, I can trust His reasons behind these differences. And I can humbly and gratefully feel joy in loving others. Thank you, again!

[@Carolus33]

Please leave your false religion and come back to the one True Church established by Jesus Christ, the Holy Catholic Church.

[@matthewhunter6421]

​@@Carolus33 as soon as you stop molesting kids, you can then more convincingly pretend to be the church of God,but even then, you're still just pretending

[@GldnClaw]

@@Carolus33 You sure are attempting to evoke the spirit of contention, sirrah.

[@nathanjames6305]

Thanks from a Latter-day Saint (Mormon) here, for your even and fairhanded treatment of our faith. I think the reason why a lot Latter-day Saints (especially those in Utah) struggle to understand why others do not consider us Christian is because they don't understand that different Christian denominations define "who is a Christian" differently than we do. I grew up in a predominately catholic, evangelical, and baptist town in the Midwest and realized early on that my Christian school friends and I had different criteria for "who is a Christian." Latter-day Saints basically consider anyone who accepts Jesus as the Messiah and savior as a Christian but (as you pointed out in your video) that is not true for other denominations.

[@ntmn8444]

Dude, I’ll tell you why I struggle. You guys are really nice, so it’s not a knock at all on Mormons, but the faith itself I have a problem with. You teach that Jesus and the Holy Spirit aren’t just 2 distinct persons, they’re 2 distinct gods from the Father, and this quite frankly, is idolatry. God is one. It’s a challenge to your religion, but not to you. If only more people were as kind as Mormons are, the world would be a better place.

[@terrikennedy3088]

The LDS Church firmly insisted "we are not Christians." During my sentence living 10-minutes from Temple Square embedded in a world where loyal comrades were the grownups I learned from from birth. I was born in 1966. From my position inside, I observed The LDS Organizations consistency in morphing its PR and self-talk to retain the most advantageous positioning for it's continuing existence. The LDS regimen bends to the world. Those who follow Jesus Christ do not. LDS victims worship a man, not God. The loyalty to Josph Smith is Hitleresque in it's fervor. There is genius in its self perpetuation. It's a hub of Spiritual Warfare on the American Judeo Christian landscape, that fails to rouse alarm, but should.

[@shishsquared]

I love my LDS brothers and sisters, but per your own theology, Christianity and Mormonism are categorically different. Joseph Smith was told at the first vision that all other denominations were an abomination to God, setting LDS apart from Christianity. Both cannot be true at the same time, and either those believing through other denomination(s) will be saved, or LDS believers will be saved. They are mutually exclusive. You have to understand this. It is disingenuous for LDS members to categorize themselves as Christian because they differ so much from everyone else asserting to be Christian.

[@milo8425]

It's the preposterously different definitions of God and Jesus that throw people off. Like, say there was a religion about a guy named Bob from the bronze age. And for 4000 years everyone understood Bob to be an Alien who sucked your soul into his big vacuum when you died. Lots of variations but Bob is always an alien and there's always a vacuum. Then a mere 150 years ago some kid preaches that Bob is actually a magical elf from a long line of magical elves and you don't go in a vacuum but are actually called to become an elf yourself, and it's all just magic and while Bob played a mediocre role in disseminating the knowledge of magic he wasn't all that special outside that. Both technically see Bob as a higher being with some role in the fate of humanity, so both could claim to be Bobists. But stretching the term that thin makes the meaning of Bobism useless. This is how Christians feel about Mormons.

[@Nepthu]

@@shishsquared Modern LDS downplay much of their history in favor of coming together. That said, their own prophets did not want to be associated with other Christians. "What! Are Christians ignorant? Yes, as ignorant of the things of God as the brute beast." - Prophet John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, v. 13, p. 225

[@RepublicofE]

Hey, hey, all you evangelicals out there who keep asking why Lutherans, Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, et al have the three ecumenical creeds when the Bible alone should be enough...... This is why.

[@robertguidry2168]

The Nicene creed is the only ecumenical creed, and even that the Western formulation includes the filioque which the orthodox reject

[@leullakew9579]

The thing is most Evangelicals (some Lutherans - especially theologically conservative Pietistic Lutherans are Evangelical) do agree with most of these ecumenical creeds, the thing is most of Evangelicals (many non-Lutheran Evangelicals) don’t outright cite these creeds but firmly believe in them.

[@todaysmartyrseditor3112]

It should be noted that creeds or their antecedents are older than the modern Biblical canon. For example, Irenaeus wrote in the second century about the "rule of faith" which was in effect a creed by another name. BTW, even the word 'Gospel' is a later innovation, they were originally called the 'Memoirs of the Apostles'.

[@thursoberwick1948]

Yet these creeds date from centuries after Christ. With the best will in the world, one can argue they represent earlier traditions, but they certainly were not formulated within the first, second or third generations of Christianity

[@todaysmartyrseditor3112]

@@thursoberwick1948 Arguably the first creed is 1 Corinthians 15:3-7

[@FavineMoore]

I just found your channel, and it's everything I have been looking for. For years I have been looking for someone to break down all the many different sects of the Christian faith. You do wonderful work, i'll be going through you back log of videos now.

[@ReadyToHarvest]

Thanks Favine!

[@CarlosRomero-pl9tk]

who gave authority to evangelicals to gate keep the title of Christian?

[@LOwens-xf8yo]

You do an amazing job of being unbiased! That ability is not often found on this subject. I am curious how you have managed to do this. Was this a part of your training? Or does it come from your own belief in being non judgmental? I would love to see a video about how you came to study religious denominations without any expression of judgment. You have a true gift!

[@manderse12]

I'm an atheist, and I subscribed to Ready to Harvest because I was so impressed by the host's integrity as a religious scholar, as well as his conviction to present accurate information to the public. He's an example of one of the few Christians that I have heartfelt respect for.

[@greglamothe5942]

​@@manderse12 after watching many of these videos I don't remember ever hearing him say that he was a Christian or of any of the religions he speaks of.

[@manderse12]

@@greglamothe5942 Hi, Greg. I did hear the host say that he identified as a Christian in a previous video. I think it was the one called "What is a cult?" He began by differentiating how various people define "Christian" and then act as gatekeepers of their identity around that concept. Then he proceeded to explain the boundaries of the use of the word "cult" by making reference to that analogous case. He may have changed his self-reference since then???

[@rons3634]

Interesting. Not really answering the question, it was more of an analysis on how different people interpret and answer the question. Focused on the question as opposed to the answer. Good idea.

[@arreksu0666]

He said at the end of the video that he wasn't intending for there to be an answer anyway

[@borrowedtruths6955]

The answer is no, that's all the longer this video needed to last. Mormons do not serve the Savior of the Bible, Muslims don't even recognize His deity, and Roman Catholics profess that the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was not sufficient for the salvation of our souls.

[@Baltic_Hammer6162]

I took it as ...think about the labels people apply to themselves and others. Jesus had many followers but most fell away leaving the small core that stayed.

[@russellmiller6023]

It made for a good video that way but missed out on the answer. It is like a study of the question regardless of a conclusion based on any one thing. Which there is and it is very simple. If any of the beforementioned groups does not believe in the trinity. Which is in three parts the son the father and the holy ghost they are not a Christian organization by the basic established rules of Christianity.

[@aliciahammett3641]

John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. Many prefer their religion over Jesus Christ, but if you choose Him and His Word only, not an added religious book, Mormon, JW, Apochrypha and Koran, God gives them power to become children of God.

[@joshuacooley1417]

I would say the first clarification we need is by the generic term "christian" do you mean any sect that descends historically from Christianity, including heretical sects? Or by the term Christian do you mean only sects that can be considered to be orthodox? It is relatively useless, in my opinion to make personal judgements about individuals because there is too much that we can't know that is important to answering the question. That leaves judging the sect as a whole, based upon their doctrine as a whole. In the historic sense, both Mormonism and Islam are Christian sects, because they both began as off shoots from Christianity. However, both are heretical. I can say this because orthodoxy was defined by the Church 1700 years ago. The entire Church agreed upon and wrote a definitive creed, specifically for the purpose of defining baseline christian orthodoxy. If a sect denies any doctrine of the creed, it is a heretical sect. Now, going back to the individual. Being involved in heresy is never good. However, being a part of a heretical sect is not a guarantee that a person is therefore necessarily unsaved. We are not saved by correct knowledge, we are after all not gnostics. We are ultimately saved by relationship with God, which is possible by his grace and mercy. It is possible that someone could be in a heretical sect, without knowing any better, and still may truly love God. Again, trying to determine who is Christian on an individual level is largely a waste of time, and foolish. There are always going to be false believers in the best of groups and true believers probably even among the worst.

[@LutieIV]

I'm Mormon and I think you did a very good job of giving a neutral perspective of our beliefs which is very unusual

[@Carolus33]

Please leave your false religion and come back to the one True Church established by Jesus Christ, the Holy Catholic Church.

[@evangrow4213]

We could say the same to you haha

[@catherineocallaghan4102]

No you cant

[@joshuathomas8529]

​@@catherineocallaghan4102yes any one from any denomination can. This video sums up why people belong to which group very well. Catholics are Catholics are that way because they believe it to be the correct religion. The same goes for every other religion.

[@run4cmt]

The Catholic Church was corrupt and had to be reformed by Luther. I am tried of hearing it is the only true Church from Catholics@@Carolus33

[@adamwilhoite6251]

Loved the video. Wasn’t offended by being called Mormon. And even the general church leaders have said not to be offended. It’s been 200 years of being called Mormons. Can’t expect it all to change over night. I hope my fellow members haven’t given you grief. Love your videos. Very educational.

[@unknownmovements]

Well... let's give it another 1,000 years and see what happens. The most likely scenario? Considering Catholics didn't lift their excommunication of Eastern Orthodoxy until 900 YEARS after the Schism nor do many Catholics and Protestants recognize the other as Christians 500 YEARS after the Reformation... probably not gonna be too good for you Mormons since you think God was once a man from another planet and that there were biblical prophets in the Americas. Yeah... make it 2,000 years.

[@DrDoerk]

Why don't you believe who Jesus is in the Bible

[@thadrepairsitall1278]

@@DrDoerk believe me, they do. The Mormon scriptures include the King James Bible in its entirety.

[@DrDoerk]

@@thadrepairsitall1278 Joey Smith made his own translation

[@marshallscot]

@@DrDoerk The Mormon King James Bible is 99.9% identical to the regular King James. If it hurts your feelings that much then the citations with the alternate translations are literally right their in the book.

[@GMAAndy333]

As a devout Catholic, I appreciate that my religion was not trashed in this video or in the comments I read. Based on religious affiliation, we can’t know the true heart and soul of the individual. I have no doubt there are popes and priests in hell. As the body and community of Christ, it is good to personally know our Father and Redeemer. It is crucial to know and follow God’s Holy Will and His Truth. It would be ideal if we were One in our beliefs and when we are in Heaven we will be.

[@greatsage4132]

When you say you are a devout Catholic, what do you mean by that. I was once a Catholic, despite my families agnosticism, going to church every Sunday and on special feast days but never regarded myself as a devout Catholic.

[@mitchellosmer1293]

quote--- I have no doubt there are popes and priests in hell. --unquote Prove it!!!

[@mitchellosmer1293]

@@greatsage4132 Tell me, where in the Holy Bible does it say GOD RESTED on the First day of creation?? Tell me, where in the Holy Bible does it say GOD BLESSED the First day of the week? Tell me, where in the Holy Bible does it say GOD SANCTIFIED ( made holy) the First day of the week? Tell me, where in the Holy Bible does it say GOD NAMED the First day of the week? Tell me, where in the Holy Bible does it say GOD DECLARE the First day of the week as HIS Holy Day? ---Catholics claim Sunday is the day of worship, a holy day.PROVE IT!!!!

[@FB-eg5vb]

True but I was kind of worried when he. Put Muslims there, Muslims don’t even consider themselves Christians because they don’t See Jesus as God they see him as a profit and they don’t read the Bible.

[@FB-eg5vb]

@@mitchellosmer1293 well I have no doubt you will go to hell by Playing God and Trying to climb to the top like Lucifer. God makes the final judgment not you.

[@livesouthernable]

I’m a Mormon. Notice I said Mormon and not member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Yes, that is the title we’re supposed to use, but the whole house could burn down waiting on someone to finish calling out your name at that rate. I don’t have that kind of time. Also, I think anyone who’s worshiping Christ is a Christian. The fact that anyone is petty enough to turn to someone else and tell them you’re not in the club because you don’t do it just like I do is sad.

[@billwhitteaker2722]

I was curious how you were going to answer and I think you did a very good job keeping it civil, thoughtful, and something all sides can ponder.

[@uelmills]

Thanks again. As a Baptist pastor (evangelical but not fundamentalist) 😕 I value your VERY clear dilineation between encyclopedic definitions and personal convictions. You held to that neutral position on the well researched video on the JWs. Thanks for being clear about your aims and moderating the viewer’s expectations.

[@shihyuchu6753]

What is a Fundamentalist? Do you not believe the fundamentals in the Bible?

[@leullakew9579]

Most Protestant and most other Christians (Catholic and Orthodox) would agree not wanting to consider Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostals, or the like being are called Protestant let alone be considered Christian and would like to give them their own category. But secular academia keeps categorizing them as Christians or Protestant Christians, but we can at lest (“compromise” - idk if it’s ethical to “compromise”) with academia and recognize them as “Christian” as long as they’ve been given some weird fringe designation to make a clear distinction that they are not in agreement with most of mainstream Christian orthodoxy (small “o”).

[@sorenpx]

@@shihyuchu6753 There are different ways in which "fundamentalist" has been defined, but likely he means that he doesn't hold to a strictly literal interpretation of every part of the Bible. For instance, fundamentalists will often say that the 6 days of creation must be six literal 24-hour-periods with no room for argument. Many also hold that the KJV is the only legitimate English translation of the Bible.

[@shihyuchu6753]

@@sorenpx I know no person who takes a "strictly literal interpretation of every part of the Bible". I do however, think i'ts possible that the liter 24 hour days of creation could be true. I'm undecided

[@sorenpx]

@@shihyuchu6753 Well at least according to ONE definition of fundamentalism, that's the difference between you and a fundamentalist. The fundamentalist is not undecided. The Bible has decided the issue for him. The Bible says it was six days and so it was six days.

[@ZanethMedia]

Fortunately there seems to be a consensus among charitable Christians that one can be in a different tradition and still be considered Christian. Many Catholic Christians consider Evangelicals to be Christian and vice versa.

[@realmless4193]

It helps that there is magisterial teaching saying which heretics are still Christian and which aren't. Essentially, if they provide valid baptisms, they are united to the Church by virtue of their baptism.

[@Ziiphyr]

@@realmless4193 Amen!

[@thetraditionalist]

catholics are not christians

[@garethv8934]

@@thetraditionalist That's an interesting belief. Would you care to elaborate on how you came to hold this belief?

[@foxbat252]

The consensus only goes so far. I'm a unitarian, which in my opinion is a branch of Christianity, however many Christians do not consider us Christians.

[@johnswanson7504]

I am Catholic and I was not offended at all by what you said. I have enjoyed watching several of your videos so far. I appreciate all the work that you have put into each episode.

[@jamesreed5678]

It seems a lot of Evangelicals believe in a big tent Christianity. Yet, their tent still doesn't have room for trinitarian Catholics who love God and are of the denomination that gave birth to the Protestant churches.

[@notapplicable430]

@@jamesreed5678 Catholics worship Mary more than Christ. No man can serve two masters.

[@PokerMonkey]

@@notapplicable430 Bearing false witness is sinful. Catholics worship God alone. Go get a Catechism of the Catholic Church and find me the words: “We worship Mary”.

[@notapplicable430]

@@PokerMonkey You worship Mary.

[@rrsafety]

@@notapplicable430 who told you that lie? Your snake wrangling preacher?

[@noskalborg723]

As a Latter-day Saint, I'm honestly more upset that you didn't point out our standard for Christianity. Sparkle creed churches love not Jesus because they don't strive to keep his commandments, this makes them anathema.

[@brianpayne5773]

This is the best video on the topic I have seen. I am a member of the Church or Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (mormons) and went to an evangelical Divinity school. You are very objective in how you do it. My point, when people tell me I am not a Christian, I ask them what a Christian. Many have been shocked when I don't argue their point when their definition includes things like the trinity. I always go, "Well, if that is your definition, then, by that definition, you are right." The only people I try to convince are the ones who share the same definition. So yes, not all evangelicals don't consider me Christian, and I am not offended by that. Your video is great. It really shows the complexity of the issue.

[@williamgullett5911]

Does the LDS church teach you become your own god or get your own planet? Yes or no?

[@marcodesalud7034]

Mormons cannot embrace any historic creed or confession of Christendom which is why those that do would never consider a Mormon a Christian.

[@williamgullett5911]

@@marcodesalud7034 they think they become "like GOD" when they die. That's a little presumptuous

[@marcodesalud7034]

@@williamgullett5911 yes, like the Watchtower that originated from the same 19th century movement, they are polytheistic.

[@arizgirl3852]

@@williamgullett5911 They teach you CAN become a god and create your own worlds and have multiple wives, unlimited sex, create spirit children to be born in their created worlds to populate them. You can only achieve this if you are good enough to enter the Celestial Kingdom upon death. Their god was once a man and was exalted to be a god. They believe their god had sex with Mary to create Jesus. There’s so much more. I was once in that church and was thankfully awakened to the truth of the Bible. I am saved by the shed blood of Jesus and His FINISHED work on the Cross. All praise and glory to God!! The one true God of the Bible. The God who is the great I AM; who is Spirit; whose face mortal man can not look upon and live.

[@andyfrank2928]

I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Can't say I disagree with anything in this analysis. It used to offend me if evangelical folks told me I wasn't a Christian. Then I grew up, and now I fully acknowledge and embrace our differences. I'm happy that people are generally more knowledgeable about my beliefs than they used to be, and I'm glad you recognize the distinctions. Also, I'd like to thank the folks in the comment section for their sincere concern regarding the state of my soul. You get full credit for your belief in Christ in my theology.

[@MatthewHavertzPurposePictures]

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well. I think this was an excellent video. I have watched several other videos from this channel and find them just as fair and well-researched. Thank you! I may even refer this video to friends of mine (both in and outside of my religion) the next time this topic comes up in conversation. Often, when I'm having this discussion (and I've had it frequently), this is how I approach it: Someone will say something like, "You're a Mormon. You're not a Christian." I will then respond and say, "What is your definition of a Christian?" I then use their own definition to let them decide whether they would like to define me as a Christian. I think that's the fairest way to do it. Personally, as for me, I define a Christian as anyone who believes that Jesus Christ is the one and only Savior of the World and that Jesus Christ suffered for our sins, died on the cross, and was resurrected. Under my own definition, I consider myself a Christian. Furthermore, I believe the Bible is God's word. I personally use the King James version of the Bible most often. Jesus' name is also in the title of our Church. Finally, Joseph Smith even said, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.” For anyone that may be upset with me for calling myself a Christian, I would ask that you please don't be angry that I define myself as a Christian based on my own definition. In return, I promise I won't be angry with you for not defining me as a Christian based on your definition.

[@kathyern861]

Mormons are not Christians

[@mormonguru5984]

What is a Christian? Anyone who claims belief in Jesus Christ’s divinity. Other Christian denominations struggle with our doctrine on the eternal nature of Man D&C 93:29 is what give them pause on embracing us as brothers and sisters in Christ

[@borrowedtruths6955]

One of the many areas in which Mormons fall short of saving faith is their belief that God is merely an exalted man who earned his position by good works (Mormon Doctrine, p. 321; Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345). This directly contradicts the Bible, which states that God has existed in His position as God of the universe from eternity past (Revelation 1:8; 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:15-16; Psalm 102:24-27). God was never a man (Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Hosea 11:9) and is the holy and powerful Creator of all things (Genesis 1; Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 37:16). Mormons also believe that they themselves can attain the status of gods in the afterlife through their works here on earth (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345-354). However, no man can ever become like God (1 Samuel 2:2; Isaiah 43:10-11; 44:6; 45:21-22), despite what the serpent told Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:5). Anyone who believes without question the teachings of the Mormon doctrines will be eternally damned.

[@kathyern861]

@@borrowedtruths6955 "fall short of saving faith" In other words, "they have no saving faith"

[@theKnightsofGod]

I am a devout Christian myself and I do appreciate the neutrality of this channel. I served a purpose not often seen but needed. It actually is very helpful in evangelism. People are more receptive when you can understand them rather than just attack them and not know what they are talking about. Keep up the good work man.

[@b6983832]

@@trevrockrock16 I am a Catholic, but it does not mean saying that Christians of other denominations were not Christians. It seems you are saying that only Protestants are Christians. Is that your understanding of God´s plan for salvation of mankind - just the members of your small group?

[@theKnightsofGod]

@@trevrockrock16 no I'm a devout Christian. Catholicism isn't what Christianity actually is.

[@theKnightsofGod]

@@trevrockrock16 nowadays the crusader can be used to represent a number of things nowadays. Very few ppl have issue with my logo but there is the occasional person that takes the Knight templar crusader image far too literal. Just to make a point to argue.

[@xeroclan9595]

I love this perspective. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this really opened my eyes about why people say we aren't Christians. Thank you for this video!

[@TVHouseHistorian]

Actually, none of these are Christian. Simply put, Christianity asserts that Jesus is God, while all the other aforementioned faiths believe him to be simply a prophet or something else. None of the other faiths are Christian - not even Catholic. Catholicism does not acknowledge Jesus as the only High Priest.

[@TodoWasTaken]

@@TVHouseHistorian Who said Jesus was the only high priest?

[@TVHouseHistorian]

@@TodoWasTaken the Bible.

[@TodoWasTaken]

@@TVHouseHistorian Where exactly? Only place I can think of you could be referring to is Hebrews, but it refers to Jesus as a great high priest and never says he was the only one.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

@@TodoWasTaken 1st Peter 2:5, Romans 8:34, and 1st John 2:1,2 all refer to Christ’s priesthood. Nowhere in scripture does it say or even imply that there is more than one high priest. Christ’s deity can be traced all throughout the Old Testament, as well as the New. Since he is God (Colossians 2:9, and somewhere in Romans 9 or 10) he has the authority to forgive sins, and as God come in the flesh, he understands our weakness. Being both fully God and man, only Jesus can be High Priest. He is the only justification for sin, only He has the authority to forgive sin. No one else on earth has that qualification.

[@AnaBrigidaGomez]

Thank you for showing that we can actually discuss things academically even if we have personal beliefs. I feel is a lost art that will save us a lot of trouble if we remember it.

[@TroySchoonover]

I am a Latter-day Saint and ask, are you really neutral? You make a judgement every time you make a video comparing differences between Christian denominations and specifically exclude The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You haven't been neutral about that for years, and it does irk me a little bit. I grew up and still live here in the Bible Belt (I love it!), and I actually served as a missionary in Virginia (knocking on the doors of Divinity School students attending Regent University was a real treat), so I appreciate your channel because it helps me understand and love all of my neighbors more. Still, though.... Neutral? Not hardly. This video is a very calm, well-reasoned attempt at CYA after all these years of clearly taking a personal position about who is Christian and who is not. That's okay, though, because while others in the comments praise you for your neutrality, you have never actually claimed that yourself, you're just generally pretty good at it, with my obvious criticism noted. Having grown up as a Latter-day Saint among people who had little to no understanding of our views, or held a dim view of them if they knew much, I grew accustomed to it decades ago. It's been my experience that for the last 15 years or so that there has been far less bomb throwing among Christians at other people claiming to be Christians, and much more banding together as we all defend ourselves from a rapidly secularizing and hostile populace. And on that note, I am extremely grateful to live in the South among so many good people of faith, because I want my children to be in an environment and have friends who share their values. I have much more to fear from hostile, blue-haired harpies my children have to deal with in school, who draw no distinction whatsoever among all of us as Christians, and simply see all of us as hateful bigots who need to be cancelled. These conversations in the comments sections of your videos are almost like a time machine for what life was like before the early 2000's, when Christians held away in the U.S., and we could afford to bicker among ourselves. We all disagree on religious doctrine, and they are absolutely critical distinctions, but it feels like the tone of those disagreements are not as hot as they used to be, since we all have to give attention to and deal with incoming fire from outside forces hostile to religion in general.

[@lizzsszzy7800]

His videos do have an overall greater focus on American Protestant Christianity. I am evangelical, although I do respect the beliefs of Roman Catholics and Latter-day Saints and consider them allies on our shared beliefs (the atonement and resurrection of Christ, the traditional family, etc)

[@clearstonewindows]

Just found your channel. I'm a member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints. I love how factual you are and how much research you've done on everything. Very interesting brain. Seems like you've done a lot of thinking and would be fun to have a conversation with.

[@ReadyToHarvest]

Welcome to the channel! Glad to have you as a viewer.

[@a.r.hollowayauthor7210]

@@ReadyToHarvest Thank you for being polite. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints don't often get even the common curtesy of people we engage with acknowledging that there is a Big C (what you call Academic) Christianity that we belong in. Another thing that Mormons typically encounter when we try to have these discussions about what is and is not salvific etc, is we tend to get lied too by members of these different protestant groups saying things like "Oh we're totally fine with Catholics, we just have insignificant differences with them! Nothing salvific!" (I've had a sola scriptora scholar lie to my face about that) and then turn around and the very next day go on another podcast and declare Catholics as non-Christian (this dude did that . . . It happens all the time, the gaslighting is real). Usually its over the issue of the Trinity and the nature of God that we are denied membership in their "club". They will also just straight up gaslight and lie about other Big C Christian Denominations that don't hold to the trinity, even existing. I'll mention for instance, Eastern Orthodox Catholics general uneasiness with the concept, and their idea of Apotheosis when discussing where we have similarities particularly to the primitive church and some traditions that came from that era, and they'll just straight up lie about it. "It didn't happen, they don't believe that, The Bible declares the trinity we don't use the creeds" (which is usually what they will yell at us when we mention our view of the God Head). They often will pretend that there is this Christian Social Club that Mormons aren't allowed to be a part of. But then turn around and deny salvation for the very people in that very club the second the Mormon leaves the room. Its . . . well, infuriating and gaslighting (and just straight up lying). The frustrating thing is, we agree on FAR more pieces of doctrine then we disagree on when it comes to nearly all practical matters. Which is also frustrating because I've literally been in rooms before where LDS Charities (a multi-billion dollar organization) were trying to participate in charity drives, international aid projects, etc, and they were forced to not declare publicly that they were a part of the project and helping if not entirely funding it, so the Protestant church's can get the credit, and not have to spend the money, because it would be too embarrassing for them to work with the 'Mormons" publicly. The way we are treated by the rest of the Christian community, not just due to doctrine but in general, is honestly disgusting and I've only become more aware of it the more I've been a part of the charity and non-profit side of things. I got a glimpse of it on my LDS mission down in Florida where I was harassed by local pastors while teaching on the doctrine of chastity with someone who was struggling with a pornography addiction, and run off the road by another in a pick up truck from a totally different denomination and into a ditch. The level of sheer disrespect, and dangerous behavior is . . . well its bad. The intellectual crap is just the tip of the ice burg. Thank you for laying this stuff out at as you did. I don't need you to believe what I believe for me to treat you with decency and respect, and I am thankful that you don't need me to think like you do to do the same.

[@PeaceToAll-sl1db]

what made you join the mormon cult

[@clearstonewindows]

@@PeaceToAll-sl1db I feel like that's not a genuine question? Are you really curious to learn or just want to call it a cult and move on? If I'm wrong let me know. Because generally people "name call" when they don't want to deal with the Ideas. Hopefully, I'm wrong.

[@PeaceToAll-sl1db]

@@clearstonewindows we know it is a cult - no need to hear more :) nothing you can say will change that. you follow a man made religion.

[@layneewilson]

As a Latter-Day Saint, we have our 11th Article of faith "“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

[@markam306]

I remember being told early in life that Christians are people who follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. I usually don’t ask people what denomination of christian they are, I notice how Christian they are from their actions.

[@PokerMonkey]

But what if they all believe different things?

[@LibertarianPatriot]

Not exactly. There are those that believe Jesus was just a man that’s a good example, and those that believe He is just a prophet. They are not Christian and not Children of the Most High.

[@Metroid-rg9pn]

As a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this is, hands down, the best video I've seen on this topic

[@DrDoerk]

Why don't Mormons believe in the Bible?

[@Metroid-rg9pn]

@@DrDoerk We do believe in the Bible, as long as it's translated correctly. We don't believe that any scripture, including the Book of Mormon, is infallible.

[@DrDoerk]

@@Metroid-rg9pn you mean translated to make it say wjat you want it to say? The bible is very clear that you will not become gods, and that Jesus Christ is God, not Satan's brother.

[@Metroid-rg9pn]

@@DrDoerk I'm afraid I have to disagree with you on both points, but I've talked with enough evangelicals to know that God could come down and tell you himself that you're wrong, and you still wouldn't change your mind. Regardless, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

[@DrDoerk]

@@Metroid-rg9pn why do believe a polygamous man that lived just 200 years ago who had multiple false prophecies? The bible tells us, that if a man claims to be a prophet, yet makes a single false prophecy then he is not a prophet. Joey had multiple false prophecies, so why do you believe him more than the Lord Jesus Christ?

[@retailleadershipdevelopment]

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (yeah yeah, I'm still going to use the actual correct name) I think the video was interesting and fair. It just presented things from the view points and opinions of people from different denominations. As to whether other people think I'm a Christian or not based on doctrines I believe...I don't really care what they think. I aspire to concern myself more about what Christ thinks of me then what other people think of me. What a person from any other given denomination thinks about me doesn't really matter. Neither myself or that person will be the one making judgements about either of us on judgment day and the One we both profess to believe in is the only One who has the power to save. On that I'm guessing most of us do agree.

[@pelicanantics9812]

I just found this channel but I am blown away by its neutrality. As an atheist it's always irked me how few and far between truly academic Christian channels are. This channel is an amazing resource for learning about the different denominations and theological positions.

[@Tadneiko]

Yes... but if you are an Atheist, why do you care? Honest question.

[@ZennZennster]

​@@Tadneiko I would assume because it is interesting. Many people find religion and mythology to be fascinating whether or not they believe it. I would call myself a follower of Christ but I still enjoy learning how others around the world give praise to their vision of God. In the same way I don't have to be Italian to find Roman history interesting, one does not have to he Christian to find it interesting. And who knows, that natural curiosity may lead the them into the grace of Christ. ❤

[@jeffrey8959]

@@Tadneiko Well, I'm an Empiricist and I like to explore religion the same way I do any other mythology.

[@violetsnotroses3640]

@@Tadneiko I'm an atheist, and I find religion very interesting! I like trying to understand people who have different beliefs than mine, and it's nice to hear explanations from people who aren't trying to push their own position. I like history, and I like to learn new things. But also, as an American, our country's history is steeped in religious extremism, and our public policy is shaped by it, despite the lack of a state religion. Other people's religious beliefs affect my daily life, so I want to understand them better.

[@UniDocs_Mahapushpa_Cyavana]

A shame human neutrality *never* extends to supernatural claims. At most you get the claims asserted being given equal default weight...

[@Paolur]

As an atheist I'd call anyone a christian who wants to be called as such, its not my place to say they aren't

[@jg2072]

I really appreciate your effort to be neutral and raise questions and offer some explanations. From a Catholic.

[@Ziiphyr]

Same as a Catholic.

[@thetraditionalist]

catholicism is wrong

[@athleticguy15]

@@thetraditionalist Your comment is certainly not in the spirit of this video.

[@johnyoung1761]

@@athleticguy15 S/he's certainly not got the same spirit as our denomination researcher (and Joshua might even agree!) but the comment certainly confirms the point of the video.

[@thetraditionalist]

@@athleticguy15 maybe not but the comment section is where you can freely express opinions

[@rogermetzger7335]

When I was a boy, my parents were Christians in the sense that they considered themselves Christians. They were diligent in reading Bible stories to my siblings and me. They encouraged us to memorize literally scores (maybe hundreds) of Bible passages (from the Hebrew Bible, the Gospels and the Epistles). I was profoundly influenced by a phrase my mother used often, “the honest in heart”. I understood her to mean that she expected to see people in heaven whose understanding of doctrine was quite different from her own, based on the assumption that if both they and she had had adequate time to study scripture on Earth, their doctrinal positions would have been quite similar. During my teen years, I was profoundly influenced by a phrase employed by Christian clergyman, “safe to save”. He explained that God wants to admit every human to heaven but that if some people were to be admitted to heaven, they would cause similar problems there that they caused on Earth and heaven wouldn’t be heaven if God were to permit them entrance. I’m not opposed to religious organizations having behavioral and doctrinal criteria for voting membership but whether I subscribe to those criteria is not as important to me as whether the criteria for participation in the Lord’s supper are a) whether guests consider themselves Christians and b) whether they have been baptized (without reference to whether they were sprinkled or immersed, whether they were baptized as infants or as adults, to which creed or creeds they subscribe or by what “authority” they were baptized). I’m 78. When I was younger, I was sometimes dogmatic (in the sense of thinking that the Bible is clear about some doctrines) but the older I get the more I abhor dogmatism. I prefer to interpret the Bible as “literally” as I can but, after more than sixty years of trying, I still haven’t found a way to interpret every Bible passage literally. I prefer to explain how I decide which passages to interpret literally. Hopefully, the above ideas can help some people to be more reasonable and less dogmatic. When we get to heaven, I suppose we will find that some doctrines that we thought were mutually exclusive were, instead, merely enigmatic.

[@Ziiphyr]

Although I’m way younger than you, that’s way I came back to be Catholic. That’s how I learned Christianity that I grew up and loved.

[@Baltic_Hammer6162]

Have been reading or listening to Dr Michael Heiser? His work blew open the Bible and continues. I prayed earnestly to be lead to the truth, teachers speaking ONLY the truth & no lies, and for discernment to sort out the lies. The Holy Spirit had to rebuild my faith from the ground up. I could not have done it myself, no way no how. The process was perfect in every way, subject, teacher, delivery, and built on the stone of the previous step, to prepare me for the next step. The last big step was Dr Micheal Heiser's work.

[@StaggerLee68]

That was child abuse, clearly.

[@justinnelson1565]

I believe that in Heaven the Bible wont matter anymore, because we will Have God Himself, Jesus Christ, to speak to us. We need the Bible here because it is like a Roadmap to get Home, but once we are Home, we wont need the roadmap anymore, because we are Home and don't need to travel anymore. The Words written in the Bible are definitely precious and we should treasure them, but when we see Jesus nothing that happened down here will matter any more. We won't be able(I believe) to sin anymore, as we will have a new body that God will give to us, that new body will have new thoughts and actions, and this former evil life will be passed away forever, Behold, God makes All Things New...

[@StaggerLee68]

@@justinnelson1565 You should work on yourself to stop doing evil things. There is no Magic Sky Daddy that will use a scapegoat to absolve you of your immoral and unethical ways. You have admitted that you are are living an "evil" life. Get off your ass and do something about it. Nobody else can take on your misdeeds and leave you unaccountable for your actions. It is a very ugly idea that you can cast off your bad decisions and behavior , that is in itself the most immoral thing one could do. The indoctrination was l;eveled at you by those who want to control you, you;'ve been abused by those who falsley proclaim to love you. Get some help and find a way out of this Death Cult, they are extremely dangerous. You can escape the horror show they are pushing you into. Escape now or your life will be serving a cult that just wants you dead.

[@gypsyjay6240]

Christian, according to the Bible 1. A believer in the religion of Christ. 2. A professor of his belief in the religion of Christ. 3. A real disciple of Christ; one who believes in the truth of the Christian religion, and studies to follow the example, and obey the precepts, of Christ; a believer in Christ who is characterized by real piety Christians are “Christ like” we talk like the savior. Care like the savior. Act like the savior. Minister like the savior. It’s all about the savior.

[@paulmiller7775]

My opinion, this is one of the best videos you have produced, if not the most important one! Well done!

[@ThePhoenixAscendant]

Wow. Just wow. This video is... excellent... First off, the clickbait aspect of the title is 10/10! And no, I'm not saying that as a slight. Second, you've done an amazing job at remaining absolutely neutral in your delivery, giving all sides addressed the same weight as the others and providing well timed information to help people understand and more importantly to help them think about the question and weigh the options for themselves. You've really done an excellent job with your delivery and with your scripting as well as the immense amounts of research you must be doing and it really shows! Also I love the section preempting any comments which may arise regarding the vernacular used for particular groups, the addition or omission of various groups, and your own faith. It's like "Yeah, I know you're gonna say this stuff so let's get it out of the way and move on." Epic!

[@AlexE5250]

Absolutely agree with your point here. I’m Catholic and I don’t take offense at him asking the question if we are Christian. I like that he remains neutral and as a result he draws a wide audience of many different Christian viewers

[@silveriorebelo2920]

I think this talk is competely mediocre and offensive against catholics - making space for fundamentalists anti-catholic bigotry

[@ThePhoenixAscendant]

@@silveriorebelo2920 I don't see why everything has to come to an us vs them dichotomy. Why can't it be an opening to calm discussion..?

[@jb111082]

This was more in depth than I was expecting. I really enjoyed this. (I'm an atheist, for what it's worth) Edit: Just finished the video and I'm rather impressed. It was thought provoking, well articulated, and concise without being simplified. It was respectful to all denominations involved. This is the kind of civil discourse we need to be having in the United States. We don't all agree, but what we can do is be respectful to those that hold a position, belief, or political ideology that we personally do not. Thank you very much for this. You earned yourself another subscriber.

[@ReadyToHarvest]

Thanks, glad to hear it exceeded expectations!

[@michaelsilver253]

Haven't seen this channel but once before. Was all set to have my jimmies rustled, but was happily surprised that they were indeed not. A+ work my dude

[@dman7668]

I really enjoy your fact based representation of all these different views. Without any spin. You really go out of your way not to misrepresent different religious beliefs. You are not afraid to let people make up their own mind and just present the facts. Refreshing.

[@paulhallett1452]

But implies (as a protestant, mind you) that a protestant somehow has a say in what makes a Christian - like a broken family - the abusive cheater who left doesn’t get to lecture on their knees as they crawl back home

[@DrDoerk]

@@paulhallett1452 I'm assuming the catholic is the cheater?

[@onewholovesvenison5335]

When ranked from most to least Christian, the order is Catholic, Mormon, and Muslim. Catholicism fits the bill for orthodox Trinitarian Christianity, along with Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Mormons, though believing Jesus to be the messiah and son of God who rose from the dead, have unique ideas about the Trinity, as well as some other unorthodox beliefs. Muslims, although claiming to revere Jesus as messiah, do not consider him to be the son of God, and do not even think he was killed. I suppose one broad, yet concrete definition of Christianity would be the belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah who was killed and raised from death in order to save humanity from their sins. This definition would include Mormons and Unitarians, but exclude “Atheistic Christians” and Gnostics. However, from an orthodox trinitarian perspective, Non-trinitarian theology can put a person’s salvation at risk, because it alters their understanding of the gospel.

[@thursoberwick1948]

Muslims have some surprising beliefs about Jesus. They believe in the Second Coming of Christ for example... but Isa is a pretty minor part of their religion and gets less airtime than Mohammed, put it that way.

[@onewholovesvenison5335]

@Master Kush That’s why I put the phrase in parenthesis. The so-called “Atheistic Christians” were one group mentioned in the video that did not fit the orthodox definition of christians. Some people seem to think that all it means to be Christian is to consider Jesus a real groovy guy.

[@bobbymiller7242]

I love this video because it shows how bias plays into our fundamental understanding of faith. Personally, I find it beneficial to always mark a distinction between church doctrine and individual belief because nobody ever perfectly upholds the doctrines of their church and God can do a work with someone in a church that teaches heresy even if that person does not understand the heresy in what they're taught. Obviously there is a line somewhere but it is probably farther back than what most Christians would hold to. Pragmatically, I believe that teaching the fundamentals (which is an ambiguous term for the sake of this argument) and leaving the judgement to God (as it is impossible to take a peek into the Lamb's book of life) is what the calling of discipleship is. A disagreement over fundamentals will most certainly cause a rift, but I believe that (for the most part) God has allowed the multiplication of denominations for the sake of our own transgressions and bias. Arguing over denominations is fine and can be beneficial, but I don't think we should ever allow someone's denominational claim define their status as a Christian. It's ok if someone is inconsistent because we all are but a belief in Christ for salvation is what matters most.

[@thecuteness9534]

Bias is just another word for opinion and is the excuse for believing in the absence of knowledge. I take significant exception to your assertion that "God has allowed the multiplication of denominations for the sake of our own transgressions and bias." Since humans sided with Satan and rebelled against God, this period is named Satan's "system of things," and yes; God is allowing it. However, purity of worship has been a constant theme throughout every covenant God has made with humanity. Attributing the defilement and dilution of Christian beliefs as God's will on our behalf is repugnant to me. Please remember Matthew 7:13,14. I appreciate your peaceful intent for promoting inclusion, but that is also a temptation to follow the ones down the broad road leading to destruction.

[@jjfranco0426]

Love this ;-) I'm a Latter-Day Saint - and your dialogue is the right on - between me and my God :-)

[@SongMom8]

In my mind, the basic definition of a Christian is someone who believes in Christ. Naturally you would think this person would also desire to live a Christ-like life… follow His example and be a good, kind, and loving person.

[@TheDragonSeer]

Imo the latter is the proof of the former.

[@Coldyham]

The problem with this is that different groups have different views of who Christ is. Most notably, Muslims, unitarians, atheists etc don't believe he's God, Talmudic Jews don't think he's even come yet, and Mormons believe he's a god, rather than a member of the trinity

[@Charistoph]

Belief is important, but an attempt to follow His direction is what is truly important in defining a Christian. Belief without action is pointless. James warns of this in his letter such that later editors devoted a whole chapter around it. Matthew also has Jesus emphasizing it, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 7: 21 He also doubles down in Parable of the Sheep and Goats in Matthew 25.

[@Charistoph]

@@Coldyham, Correction, we believe the Trinity is a man-made concept used to try and explain the unique oneness between the Father, Son, and Spirit, as well as appeasing those of the Deuteronomist and Hellenist bent. That the term "trinity" was never used by the apostles should be a clue on that. We believe to to worship one is to worship the others. Their oneness is like what a husband and wife should strive for, as well as all the disciples of the Church, as Jesus said in the Great Intercessory Prayer. Jesus is one with the Father, and therefore He is God. It is through Jesus that the Father caused our planet to be created and prepared for us living in it. So maybe get your facts a little straighter before trying to say what others believe, or you may be found to unwillingly be bearing a false witness.

[@stevestolarczyk8972]

You always have such intelligent, thorough content. Well done.

[@thegreatauk360]

Love your content. So few people are able to give neutral opinions while holding differing personal ones. You are able to produce video after video just doing that mastefully. Being atheist myself but coming from UCC specifically ive always been interested in theology and the things people believe. So thank you for what you bring to the table.

[@MrWill9894]

@ASUNDER the only Judgement Day that’s actually real is Terminator 2, and that movie came out like 30 years ago. Chill.

[@MrWill9894]

@ASUNDER I’ve spent enough time dealing with a narcissist in this life to know that I’d rather not have to deal with another in the next, thanks. I’ll continue to live my life as a good person and if that isn’t enough for your god, that’s his problem, not mine

[@MrWill9894]

@ASUNDER so regardless of my conduct in life, if I didn’t worship god the correct way (hilarious considering how many different denominations there are of Christianity alone) then I’m punished for all of eternity, even though God supposedly knew how my life would go before I was born? So god created me and everyone else who doesn’t believe to suffer? Sounds like a toxic narcissist abuser to me

[@MrWill9894]

@ASUNDER you’re hedging your bet on the awfully precarious assumption that your particular interpretation of Christianity is the one correct religion; being that there are thousands of different religions and denominations currently active, that’s a pretty unsafe bet. I’m sure the Catholics you so confidently brushed aside see you quite the same way you see me, and their interpretation is equally as likely of being correct as yours or mine. Quoting scripture at me isn’t going to make me a believer in the same way as me quoting Star Trek isn’t going to convince you of the existence of aliens.

[@MrWill9894]

@ASUNDER also, if your god’s judgement of me is that I won’t have eternal life or be tortured forever, good. That’s what I want. Not existing would be infinitely preferable to brown nosing an abuser

[@Tata-ps4gy]

As a quranist Muslim, here is my take. There are 4 religious terms: Hanif, Abrahamist, Christian and Muhammadist And 2 spiritual terms: born-again and Muslim Hanif is anyone who thinks there is only one God. Abrahamist is anyone who follows Abraham's teachings. Christian is anyone who considers Jesus Messiah. Muhammadist is anyone who considers Muhammad God's Messanger. So Catholics are Hanif, Abrahamist and Christians. Sunnis are Hanif, Abrahamists, Christians and Muhammadists. Born-again is the spiritual phenomena of someone purifying his soul from previous sin. Muslim (Arabic word for submitter) is a person that submits his will to God's. Represented by the phrase "we hear and obey". The terms "born-again" and "Muslim" are not academic. The other 4 are. All three groups mentioned in the title of the video are Christian, even if they deny it.

[@owlman_]

Maybe I'm being very reductive, but as a Catholic, my definition of Christianity is the Nicene Creed. It hits all the main points of fundamental Christian theology in my view. If your church accepts the Nicene Creed, I'll consider you Christian. Doesn't matter if you're RCC or not.

[@buddyroeginocchio9105]

Thank you, yours is a most reasonable and useful answer.

[@ikengaspirit3063]

Nicenists are heretical.

[@duckmeat4674]

Does that count with or without the filoque?

[@LincolnDWard]

@@duckmeat4674 In my view, yes. That age-old debate is a very minor theological point in the grand scheme of things.

[@mitchellosmer1293]

quote from the Nicene Creed:. He descended into hell; --unquote Where is the in the Holy Bible????

[@bobjacobson858]

People holding opposing views may sometimes BOTH be wrong, especially if the principle at the base of the dichotomy is false. This is an excellent video, and provides useful insight on the question being asked.

[@stephenhosking7384]

Catholic here, having converted from Anglicanism decades ago. Another fine video from you. I expected that when you got to Catholics you would run through (from a neutral POV!) the usual reasons that Protestants object to Catholicism - Mary, the Pope, saints, icons, etc. - but you skipped all that, and just said while many Evangelicals will accept that "Catholicism" is Christian ("academically"), they will say that many of its adherents aren't. This is the objection to Catholicism I have found most often among Protestants, after they hold their tongue about the rest. In their view, a Catholic can be a "Christian" so long as they practice their religion in a somewhat Protestant way. They may speak of approvingly of "enlightened Catholics" who put Christianity before Catholicism (in their view), and are typically very ecumenical. When they consider Catholics, many frown upon those who show signs of distinctly Catholic belief. Individualism has always been integral to Protestantism, so they like a Catholic who shows the sort of "individualism" they are used to. Such Catholics can be, and often are, suspect in their Catholic orthodoxy, ie. "too ecumenical" or "too questioning".

[@PeaceToAll-sl1db]

pray one day you will be saved

[@270eman]

Mary doesn't answer prayers dude. Zero scripture to back that up as a legitimate practice. She is not the father, the son, or the ghost. She cannot hear you. The pope is corrupt and part of a criminal organization. Bunch of pedophiles and child abusers. They were buddies with the mafia. I think you believe in the death and resurrection you are saved but definitely misled by some non-sense. Purgatory is a made up invention so they could extract money from their believers for a supposed reduction in the time in purgatory. "Indulgences" NONSENSE. Just as made up as Muhammed's counterfeit great value christianity.

[@ashmoleproductions5407]

@@PeaceToAll-sl1db The irony of your post is lost on you.

[@mitchellosmer1293]

quote--- In their view, a Catholic can be a "Christian" so long as they practice their religion in a somewhat Protestant way.--unquote Obviously you DO KNOW what a Christian is. A FOLLOWER of the TEACHINGS of Christ. catholic---a FOLLOWER of the teachings of Catholicism. etc, etc. Do you FOLLOW the TEACHINGS of Christ????

[@adamgonzalez8668]

I’m LDS and I the this video was fair and respectful kudos to you my friend for being respectful 👍🏼I even subscribed to your chanel

As a Vietnamese member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I appreciate your informative video. I agree with you that theologically mainstream Christians from both Protestants and Catholics do not consider the Church of Jesus Christ as a Christian Church. However, I believe in Christ Jesus as my Savior and Redeemer. I strive to follow Him and rely solely on His merits for my salvation. The things I do and my obedience to His teaching and commandments are just purely an outward expression of my inner commitment to follow Him, after I have already put my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. My family members who are Catholics genuinely love me and respect for faith because they have seen how my conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ and my devotion to the Lord have shaped my way of life. Kindly regards.

[@charleslandreth3128]

You're in a cult, not a single member of the LDS Church believes the gospel, else they would have rejected Joseph Smith's blasphemous teachings.

[@KnuttyEntertainment]

Define cult, also what teachings are blasphemous?

[@charleslandreth3128]

@@KnuttyEntertainment Mormons teach that all churches outside of the LDS are apostate, that they are the only true church. They put the teachings of Joseph Smith above the Bible. They teach that God was once a man and that through adherence to Mormon doctrine man can become a God himself. They believe Jesus and Lucifer were brothers. Shall I go on?

[@KnuttyEntertainment]

​@@charleslandreth3128 Many of these things are half right. We teach that we are God’s personal church on the earth, the only one that holds proper priesthood authority. In that way we are the only true and living church (emphasis on living); God is not a God of confusion, he has one church or he has none, 2+2 cannot be both 4 and 5. In the end, all churches believe this. Only a very foolish man can truly believe that both Islam and Hinduism are correct. Or even that both Calvinism and Arminianism are correct. However, that does not mean that people in other churches cannot be true disciples of Christ or part of his church spiritually if not physically (though earnest expression is little substitute for right convention). We also believe that all churches have essential truths that we as a people should seek to appropriate, taking the best from all but avoiding the shortcomings thereof. To have the whole truth, and then continue to receive yet more. Our last article of faith puts it thusly: “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” As for having the teachings of Joseph Smith being above the Bible, this is again, half true. We believe in modern prophets that have authority over the church and can receive revelation from God. As such, current revelation supersedes past revelation. At one time, God told the Israelites to not eat pork and circumcise all infants, later the commandment was revoked. The important thing to realize is that both commandments were equally authoritative for their time and one was not more true than the other. It is just as silly to say that Joseph Smith was above the Bible as it is to say that Paul was above Moses simply because one came after the other. Truth is truth, it is unchanging, and God’s words do not pass away. As such, the words of all God’s prophets are compatible on that front. But as for which practices best serve the situation of a certain people at a certain time, that can change. The questions “what is true” and “what shall we do” are very different indeed. Joseph Smith instituted a temporary practice of polygamy. Later prophets deemed it no longer necessary. Continuity does not entail supremacy. The relationship between being man and being god. It is true that we believe god was once man and we can become like God, but this is not based upon the teachings of the Book of Mormon so much as it is based upon the Bible. One only has to note the very obvious fact that God WAS once a man to show how non-radical the idea is. A man named Jesus of Nazareth that is. And did Jesus not say in John 5:19 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise?” I could also point to the passage in Genesis where it says that man was made in God’s image. But perhaps it would be easier to show the inverse of the relationship. For if man can become like God, it would not be very hard to believe that God was once like man. First, we are called the children of God (Psalm 82:6) and children can grow up to become like their parents (Romans 8:16-17). Indeed we are commanded to become perfect like God the Father is perfect, and God would not give us . (Matthew 5:48) And in so doing we may become one with Jesus and the Father the same way they are one with each other. (John 17:20-23) Yes, we believe that Jesus and Lucifer were once brothers as Lucifer was once an angel. This is only because they are both sons of God. Who is the father of the angels if not The Father? Indeed, sons of God is a title that seems to even be given to fallen angels. Many Christians believe that the sons of God mentioned in Genesis 6:2-4 are fallen angels. (Google Nephilim if you’ve never heard of it before) the term is also used to refer to angels in Job 1:6 and 2:1 again in the context of Satan. Now, I must note that just because Jesus and Lucifer were siblings doesn’t mean they’re at all chummy with each other. It has no bearing on their respective roles as advocate and adversary.

[@charleslandreth3128]

@@KnuttyEntertainment You ask "who is the father of the angels if not the Father?" I'll allow the Bible to speak for itself by positing another question~ Hebrews 1:5- "For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?” Saying that Jesus Christ and Lucifer were both just sons of God is blasphemous because the Bible refers to Christ repeatedly as the ONLY begotten Son of God. Also what concord hath Christ with Belial? Mormons are like teflon when it comes to what the bible actually teaches: nothing sticks!

[@BS-vx8dg]

Very impressive video. Of course, I say that as someone who already understood and believed your thesis (that it is not possible to neutrally answer this query). I didn't enjoy it because I learned anything. I enjoyed it because I love hearing the clear exposition of rational thinking. This was fantastically done. As a former Mormon and inactive Catholic, I guess I should say that you did a good job of representing these faiths "fairly", except I think that would be an insult to you. This wasn't about being fair to anyone, it was about being logical and factual. Well done.

[@frankfowlkes7872]

Thanks for posting this question. I have noticed many have already started playing the "I'm the only one that's a true Christian" card. I wish I knew all the answers but the one thing I feel certain about is when I stand accountable at the judgement seat one day none of these people will be there to judge me! Many years ago in the 80's my wife and were applying to adopt a child after our second ectopic pregnancy. We applied at large "Christian" agency who turned us down because we were , in their opinion, from different religions. I was a Baptist and my wife was Catholic. Then he added that Catholics were not true Christians and were all "going to Hell"! I was completely stunned by this allegations and inquired about the organizations knowledge of church history. The gentleman I was speaking with had no idea that for the first 1,500 years of the Christian Church everyone was either a Roman or Greek Catholic. I guess Hell must be pretty crowded! I will state outwardly that I have not figured it all out but will trust God to be fair and just in the end.

[@ripcord8738]

That's an interesting post. The experience with the agency was an "eye opener". I'd have been stunned, too. If he told you you were going to hell then he's no gentleman. You're right, most people know very little about the history of any religion. I don't believe in a "burning hell" but if there was one, I'd take the opposite view; it's empty, with a for sale sign. I've never heard of a clergy man, priest, minister, or Rabbi tell their congregation that the deceased was in hell. Btw, I'm a an ex Catholic, now JW.

[@frankfowlkes7872]

I agree with you Ripcord in that the traditional view of Hell is not true and again it goes back to a poor knowledge of Biblical history. I also want to state that I don't think that the viewpoint of that particular adoption agency is the viewpoint of a majority of traditional Christians. We did eventually adopt a wonderful baby girl and now have a grandson who is the joy of our life! Things often work out though not always the way we expect them to.

[@ripcord8738]

@@frankfowlkes7872 I would agree. One person doesn't represent how the majority think or feel. Congrats (belated) on the baby girl. I've got two of my own(all grown up, of course) and a grandson too.; the light of my life. He's beautiful.(I tend to be a little biased) You gotta wonder, though. If there's no burning hell, what happened to all those people? Based on demographics, there were roughly thirty billion that lived and died over the past six millenniums. They gotta be somewhere.

[@John3.36]

Your statement about the first 1500 years either being Roman or Greek Catholic is untrue. There were many groups that were outside of those groups that identified as Christian.

[@frankfowlkes7872]

I would encourage you to to look at the history of the Christian church with an open mind . 99% of all Christians after 325AD identified as what we would now refer to as Catholics. This in no way means that the Catholic Church was the sole pathway to salvation! Salvation has always come through Christ but the Catholic Church was the only major vehicle for Christ's message until the schism in the 11th century and even then the Church was still basically Catholic just Greek and Roman.

[@cominginsecond]

I'm fine with evangelicals saying that LDS are not Christian because of how they define Christianity. What bothers me is when evangelicals say the LDS have a "different Jesus" than the rest of Christianity. That's nonsense. Our Jesus is the guy that was born in the Bethlehem and started a religious movement. It's true that we believe different things about Jesus, but it's clearly the same person. The reason why they want to engage in this sophistry is because they want to be inclusive about who they consider Christian by saying "We will accept anyone as Christian who believes that Jesus is God" but then deny LDS entry into the club by saying "Well, even if you believe Jesus is God, you still don't count because it's a different Jesus'".

[@orbitty1354]

As catholics we call ourselves Catholics and Christians are Christians. We really don't care we just try to be good Catholics that more or less want to be left alone. We really don't tell anyone off unless they put us on the defense.

[@brotherbruno1783]

Many thanks for drawing the question more accurately than most. People don’t understand that some groups define “Christian” very strictly, and others very loosely. As a Catholic the answer is somewhat strict (especially on the subject of who God is), but not so much that it excludes all Protestants.

[@duckmeat4674]

"No salvation outside of the church"

[@brotherbruno1783]

@@duckmeat4674 The documents of the second Vatican council, most especially Gaudium et Spes, very clearly spell out that not everyone who is non-Catholic is “outside the Church”

[@prkp7248]

Spherical church theology. That's why catholics Acknowledge Baptism made in other churches, like anglican church, orthodox church, lutheran etc. - if Catholic church acknowledge it as real Baptism, it means that they are part of church, but not strictly.

[@brotherbruno1783]

@@prkp7248 Assuming the baptism was not done in direct intention to reject the Catholic Church, that is. If for whatever reason you attend Mass and have not been baptized and decide to “convert” to Anglicanism for the sake of rejecting Catholicism, that baptism is not considered valid if you ever were to return to the Church. Assuming that’s not the case, if you are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, your intention is to be baptized into the Church Christ founded even if you do not actually belong to it formally. So the baptism is legitimate. For example, a soldier in the Middle East who is an atheist can - and has - validly baptized someone else in the desert with a bottle of water as there was no chaplain or body of water available. What matters is correct matter and form. Is it flowing water, and the baptism commenced with the correct formula (I baptize you in the name . . .)? If both of those answers are “yes,” and it’s not done with the intent to reject the Catholic Church or the Trinity, then the baptism is valid.

[@anthonyshumate1083]

Raised Catholic and have gone to Catholic with religion classes for half my life, I've always been taught that all that's required to be Christian is to believe that Jesus Christ saved us.

[@tabandken8562]

Then you should still be Catholic. It's the Church Jesus founded and promised the Spirit of Truth to.

[@FB-eg5vb]

@@tabandken8562 Facts!

[@jerryj5833]

Joshua, your videos on these topics are clear and objective. I appreciate what you are doing!

[@MethodistPreacher]

I’ve always believed Catholics are Christian. The Roman Catholic Church kept the Faith and Holy Scriptures through history. No, I don’t believe or accept some of their doctrines. But, they are Trinitarian.

[@tyiu5629]

Thank you again for another awesome video. You are one of the rare KZbinrs for whom I want to click the Thumbs Up button over and over again. I wish there is a way to give you a 100 Likes. Please keep up the great work. Oh, I wanted to add that I "suspect" that you and I hold very different beliefs. What I'm saying is that my being a huge fan is not related to whether we share the same theological views. That your beliefs do not permeate or colour your lectures is exactly why I think you are so awesome. I love your ability to present balanced and concise overviews of all the denominations.

[@MsSpiffz]

When I lived in South Wales, it was normal for me to be asked by Catholics 'Are you a Catholic or a Christian?' which I found very odd indeed!

[@thursoberwick1948]

Try parts of Scotland or Northern Ireland. In some places, people try and ascertain whether you are "Catholic" or "Protestant", and it is all to do with tribal labels and your ancestry, not your personal beliefs.

[@Radxcor83]

As a Catholic convert of almost a decade now, I can say I have heard this a handful of times, and it always makes me facepalm.

[@thursoberwick1948]

@@Radxcor83 Well, there are such people, as I note above Cory. We have them in Scotland, they call themselves "Catholic", but they wouldn't know a chalice from a chasuble, and may have never attended. They're cultural, or hereditary, Catholics. Not wishing to pick on RCs particularly (since these folk exist in most major churches), but there are also Catholic "churchgoers"... these are people who atrend for various reasons, either being forced while at school etc, or go for political reasons (i.e. election coming up), or for social/family reasons. There are probably some who just enjoy the music. It's unfair to say who these people all are, but yes, they exist, and are not necessarily Christian, because they don't believe. A number of supposed Protestants and Orthodox churchgoers fall into the same category, so I don't see that an issue specific to Catholicism.

[@Radxcor83]

@@thursoberwick1948 I absolutely agree with you. I think it's more prevalent (or at least more obvious) in the Catholic church since it has, literally, over a billion people in it's ranks, It's bound to be more noticeable.

[@thursoberwick1948]

@@Radxcor83 True, but we have "Catholics" in sone parts of Scotland who never attend, or maybe never attended. It's often in certain sections of the Irish-descended population, who went to certain schools or support teams such as Glasgow Celtic or Hibernian FC. There is a mirror with so called Protestants too. They tend to support Glasgow Rangers, Hearts and other such football teams. I've had discussions with such people who self-identify as Catholic or Protestant. One of them looked at me blankly when I asked him what he thought of Jesus. If those types are drunk, they'll sing sectarian songs. A bit sad as all true Catholics and Protestants believe Jesus Christ is their Saviour.

[@maxheadrom3088]

It took me a while to understand that in the US "Christian" means (usually) Protestant. I seems it has come, recently, to mean "Evangelical". In Brazil, Christian means anyone who believes in Jesus and follows the gospels - or anyone who are part of any religion that comes from the Catholic Church. (I'm not sure, however, if Maronites, for instance, come from the Catholic Church and even if they don't people would still consider them Christians). Here it's Historians who decide who is a Christian or not. Edit: Here in Brazil, I never heard a Roman Catholic say that Protestant Religions are not Christian. I could mention the Good Samaritan parable but then I would be opening a huge theological can of Dune sandworms! (AFAIK, btw) You chose an intriguing title that made me watch the video. I was raised a post Vatican II catholic and even had a great aunt who was a nun and a cousin who was a priest - your title did not offend me at all. Partly because you put Muslims in it (a religion I deeply respect but never considered to be Christian) and also because I've watched a lot of your videos and I'm aware your goal is to teach - and you do a great job at that, btw!

[@octavianpopescu4776]

As an Eastern Orthodox, I see it similarly to how you define it in Brazil. If someone thinks Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross and was resurrected, it's good enough for me to call them Christian. And it feels odd, seeing these exclusionary definitions, especially from some Protestants who, no offence to them, but they showed up out of nowhere in the 16-17th centuries and acted like invented Christianity, especially those in the US. I mean, we defined Christianity in the Ecumenical Councils centuries before Columbus reached America and now, they act like they're the only true Christians. Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy can trace their lineage all the way to Jesus Himself. There are Bibles in Ethiopia older than Luther. Denying them/us our Christian identity seems weird to say the least, when history is on our side.

[@johnmascola3403]

This is the most honest assessment I've Ever seen. Being older and little wiser, I've encountered A Lot of people who are Christians but not in their character, namely what they have done with their lives and the treatment of others. I've also encountered those who are Not Christian at all But, who are far more Christian in their character. Humanity is hyper-obsessed with words and definitions about Who or What is a Christian. But, We MUST realize the clear and simple fact, it is God Almighty alone who will Judge all of us who done His will or not.

[@hanstheman29]

"I don't believe that heaven waits for only those who congregate" - Don Williams

[@megameow321]

I don’t like how you’re defining ppl of good character as Christian, and those of bad character as not. Goodness isn’t solely sourced or found in Christianity, neither is badness.

[@isanyoneelseheretoday]

Being "Christian in character" does not merit salvation. Only faith in the one Christ, God incarnate, who died for your sins, and rose from the dead

[@megameow321]

@@isanyoneelseheretoday Question: is “faith” just having an opinion about facts? Seems like an extremely low bar for something so important (eternal life or torture).

[@isanyoneelseheretoday]

@@megameow321 1 Corinthians 15:2-4 KJV - By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Paul indicates in v.2 there is a "belief in vain" likely as Judas Iscariot did, whereof you have a knowledge of what Christ teaches but you are not convinced of it's truth. From scripture we see a saving faith is a belief, a conviction as to what is true, greater than just a knowledge of what is being said but the commitment of that truth as a reality. We see this reiterated in 1 John 1 John 2:19 KJV - They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. There are those who will partake in Christianity who do not actually have a conviction that what is said is true. I am not the judge of who is and who isn't saved, but the bible makes it clear, are you trusting in the death of Jesus, knowing that because of His complete works you will be in heaven by the grace of God? Or are you trying to earn it still, with your works, relying on what you have done? Only God knows and you know your own heart

[@evanboothe5649]

No matter how you slice it, Catholicism and Orthodoxy are the most certainly Christian Christianity. They are the original church.

[@chriswhetton3584]

I think my main understanding from this is that When a Evangelical tells me I am not a Christian, they aren’t saying I don’t believe in Christ as the savior of the world, they are simply saying you don’t believe what I do. I think Evangelicals probably need to come up with a better way of saying that. I have always taken it as an insult and an ignorant assumption about what I believe. This has always been fed by the fact when I ask them why not, they don’t actually know beyond someone else told them that or tell me something I allegedly believe or practice that is hilariously incorrect. I do want to preface this with the fact I have met 2 or 3 who could give a straight answer aligned with what is mentioned in this video.

[@wesbittick4567]

Eventually it really comes down when Christ says to each of us on that day , “ well done thou good and faithful servant or depart I never knew you “.

[@bryanhaycock672]

You handled a difficult topic well. Your neutral point of view allows education without it being perceived as proselytism.

[@andrewthomastaylor]

Saying a Catholic isn't a Christian is very ignorant. Considering they developed all of the core doctrine for all other Christian denominations. Ie: putting together the bible, coming up with theological teaching/norms, passing tradition down. I would consider today's modern protestant denominations far less Christian than Catholic denominations. Anyone that says otherwise doesn't know much about Christian history.

[@rexjamerson9316]

Your statement is filled with egregious errors. And I say this is a person who studied theology for 4 years in college.

[@andrewthomastaylor]

@@rexjamerson9316 that’s great, must not have learned a whole lot then 😂 should’ve been paying more attention.

[@geordiewishart1683]

Catholic core doctrine is paganism

[@Ciprian-IonutPanait]

no they did not. Catholics are heretics that split from the orthodox due to Pope's pride

[@anonymoose2474]

@@andrewthomastaylor The original church was orthodox and catholic, the RCC is neither

[@mikec8116]

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” G. K. Chesterton

[@Thelaretus]

As a Catholic Christian, I must remind you we actually use the *second* criterion to determine what a Christian is -- a saving moment; in our case, Baptism. Allow me to explain. The Catholic Church defines a Christian as a person validly baptised into the faith on the Trinity, with the intent to follow Jesus' command towards regeneration, and who preserve that faith. Mormons and JWs aren't Christians, not directly because they don't believe in the Trinity, but because that lack of belief causes them to not baptise validly, and causes brcoming one of them to be apostasy. Also many 'Evangelical' communities aren't Christian because they don't baptise 'in the name of the Father, of the Son, and on the Holy Spirit', but they attempt to do it 'in the name of Jesus', which is not a thing. If you're wondering, we also consider catechumens (those preparing to be baptised) to not be fully Christians yet, but they're associated to the Church and therefore with Christ as His pupils and are to be saved as long as they remain willing to be baptised.

[@agorapanologia]

I'm a much more unconventional Mormon than most, and I've honestly never been offended by being denied a Christian by other faiths. We are very different from much of mainstream Christianity, and I suppose those differences are enough to make us "not Christian" and that's fine. It doesn't change what we believe and teach about Christ. In any case, I've always felt that we have more in common with Islam in the sense that they choose not to label themselves Christian, despite their own beliefs about Christ. I wish we leaned more into that and set ourselves apart even more as a faith, instead of desperately seeking approval from the Christian world, approval we'll never get and really don't need.

[@briandavis6898]

As a fellow mormon, I generally agree. One thing that the body of Christianity generally accepts is the baptism of other denominations and for Mormons that's nearly sacrilege because the sacrament of baptism is one that must be performed by Church priesthood and not just a Christian pastor or believer so in that case we both agree that we don't accept each other's sacraments but on the other hand warm and see Christianity as one who affirms that Jesus is the messiah regardless of whether we disagree on other doctrinal issues. This is why Mormons use the term saints as in latter-day saints and don't generally label themselves as Christian in the broader sense of the word.

[@luxither7354]

To me, I'd say you aren't Christian because your additional Canon runs contrary to the Canon of the New and Old testament. And I don't mean the shallow, "Oh God is so different in the Old and New Testament" sort of criticisms you hear from Atheists and former Christians who grew up in a vaguely Christian household, but the fact that certain passages are just straight contradictory to scripture. I'll give examples if you want.

[@agorapanologia]

@@luxither7354 Thank you, but I've probably seen them. I've seen and read through pretty much every objection to my faith available, including how our scriptural canon disagrees with mainstream Christianity's reading of the Bible. Of course, from my point of view, it isn't that we're contradicting anything, but rather correcting or illuminating vague scripture or replacing what has been lost. Although we believe in the Bible, and teach from it, we do so with the knowledge that it is an old book that has been translated many times over and it has definitely lost something in the process. We don't believe that it is exempt from what is typical of old literature.

[@luxither7354]

@@agorapanologia That's a very mature way to look at it, and although I would disagree with it and may assert an argument, I actually don't have enough knowledge to argue that case well enough. However, unlike some Christians I've discussed with, I think you've asserted a far more compelling argument (Catholic BTW).

[@briandavis6898]

@@luxither7354 I'd love to hear examples, because I find that the book of Mormon is very Christ centric, and even acknowledged as such by some Christian ministers ( Dr. Lynn Ridenhour for example). And the doctrines if the church that are most cited as unbiblical actually come from the bible. From polygamy to baptism for the dead to a preexistence to three degrees of heaven. Even the notion of Jesus and Satan being brothers (the morning stars sang together, and the juxtaposition of Cain and Abel). All found in the Bible. So I'm curious what contradictions you have found.

[@tbekoam]

One of your best videos, keep up the great work!

[@TarZan49]

Courageous. Thank you. Blessings to you and your channel. "Let those who have ears to hear, let them hear."

[@jenningsrountree458]

I love watching various episodes of your show/channel. This has to be one of the best i have seen so far. I have watched it twice so far -a week apart. You obviouly do indepth research for every episode. I look forward to watching every episode as time permits.