Mormonism cannot be considered orthodox Christianity because the religion rejects historic Christianity.  "Christianity is rightly defined in terms of `traditional Christian orthodoxy,'" Mohler writes. "Thus, we have an objective standard by which to define what is and is not Christianity."

He continues, "We are not talking here about the postmodern conception of Christianity that minimizes truth. We are not talking about Christianity as a mood or as a sociological movement. We are not talking about liberal Christianity that minimizes doctrine nor about sectarian Christianity which defines the faith in terms of eccentric doctrines. We are talking about historic, traditional, Christian orthodoxy."

Our Distinguished Panel of Judges was most impressed by Mohler's claim to the corner on true Christianity.  The Church Report continued its blow-by-blow account:

In his rebuttal, Card acknowledges Mohler's explanation of Mormon beliefs as "clear and fair-minded," but argues that Mormons are Christians even though they reject central biblical doctrines.

Card writes: "And just as you would put any reference to Mormons as `Christians' in quotation marks, we Mormons refer to those who believe as you do as `Christians' in exactly the same way. Here's the difference. While we have no patience with creeds that owe more to Plato and other Greek philosophers than to Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, we do recognize and respect as fellow Christians anyone who confesses that Christ is the Savior of the world."

"Without doubt," Mohler acknowledges, "Mormonism borrows Christian themes, personalities, and narratives."
Mohler argues, "Nevertheless, it rejects what orthodox Christianity affirms and it affirms what orthodox Christianity rejects. It is not Christianity in a new form or another branch of the Christian tradition." He continues, "By its own teachings and claims, it rejects that very tradition."

Our Distinguished Panel of Judges fondly recall the last time, (or at least the last time that they recall) Mohler took a similar stand -- on Larry King Live.

Religion News Service reported:

The president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has called the Roman Catholic Church "a false church" that "teaches a false gospel."...

     Appearing on CNN's "Larry King Live," Al Mohler was speaking on Pope John Paul II's pilgrimage to Israel and his recent apologies for the past sins of the Catholic Church. While stopping short of calling the Catholic Church a "cult," Mohler said the Catholic hierarchy is unbiblical.

     "As an evangelical, I believe the Roman church is a false church and it teaches a false gospel," Mohler said. "I believe the pope himself holds a false and unbiblical office." ...

     Mohler also criticized the pope's efforts to create a dialogue with Jews and Muslims...  The pope "has actually embraced all monotheists, both Jews and the followers of Islam, as long as they're sincere within the penumbra of the gospel, within the canopy of the gospel," Mohler said. "And that is just unbiblical, and by the way, not very pleasing to either Jews or to Muslims."

While Mohler's rejection of the office of the papacy as "unbiblical" got most of the attention, Our Distinguished Panel of Judges wishes to underscore that Mohler also rejects intefaith "dialog." After all, when it comes right down to it, what is there to talk about? Either you have the truth, or you don't.