Simple, Sensible, Systematic Theology

I have been reading several books on the Mormon church lately-both what they believe and how they live. Some of the books were written by Mormons, others by non-Mormons(a.k.a. gentiles.) The thing that stuck out to me most was that there is no Mormon theology. What doctrines they have are always changing. Whatever the current Mormon prophet says is considered divine truth, regardless of what past prophets have said. In The Mormonizing of America, Stephen Mansfield writes, "There is no Mormon systematic theology or final theological voice. The text of Mormonism is Mormon history." Feelings are an authority for the Mormon. There is no absolute truth; what you go to bed believing may change by the time you wake up. A Mormon may not believe tomorrow what he professes today. That, for me, makes me so grateful to have God's full revelation, unchanging, given once for all. I know what I believe, and I know that it will not change-not tomorrow, not ever. It is not just curiosity that makes me want to know about the Mormons; I have some Mormon family members, and have gotten a glimpse into the lifestyle of that religion. When I was young (8 or 9), I went to a temple with a relative. Being a gentile (non-Mormon), I wasn't allowed past a certain point. Even at my young age, I thought that was sketchy. Having secrets is a sure sign of something fishy. Fast forward to high school, where I learned about the Reformers who wanted to make the Bible available to everyone so that there would be no secrets, and you see why I have come to treasure the Protestant Reformation and the Reformers. There are now no secrets. If you want to know what a Christian believes, just read a Bible; it's all there-not a word added, not a word taken away.