What are the basic beliefs of the Mormons? Are they consistent with Christianity?

Question

I have met a number of Mormons, or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they are nice people. But cannot understand how they see Joseph Smith as this great prophet.. As a Christian I believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How could Joseph Smith fit in there? It also seems to me there are quotes in the New Testament about the Holy Bible being a closed book.

What are the gold plates? What evidence do we have that they existed or not? I recall some objective source dismissed the plates, or some Latter Day Saint documents as being forgeries. Compared to the Old Testament, the Mormons should be better documented, since it is so much more recent. What gives the revelation of Joseph Smith legitmacy?

The thing that puzzles me about the Mormons is their mixing it with Christianity. It is like using kool aid and pop tarts for Communion. Any and all responses appreciated.

Answer 1

A COMPARISON OF MORMON
TEACHINGS

WITH CHRISTIANITY.



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Many Mormons make the claim to be true "Christians". When you compare their teachings with basic, orthodox Christian doctrines do they agree?

As you compare the claims in this tract you must ask the question ''Is Mormonism Christian or not?'' For further help or information write to us:

THE PRE EXISTENCE OF JESUS CHRIST.

Mormonism: The Mormon Jesus was born in the heavens as a spirit-child of "heavenly father" named Elohim, an exalted man, and one of his spirit-wives by sexual relations. Lucifer, who became Satan the Devil, is the brother of this Mormon Jesus. (The Gospel Through the Ages, p. 15; History of the Church, Vol 6 p. 308, 474.).

Christianity: Jesus Christ is not created, but is eternal, and has always been God. (See Timothy 1: 16: John 1: 1-3; Micah 5:2 1 Timothy 3:16; Titus 2:13; Revelation 1:8; Matt. 1:23).



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THE EARTHLY BIRTH

Mormonism: Elohim, the Mormon heavenly father, came to this earth in human form and had sex relations with the Virgin Mary, who was no longer a virgin, and she gave birth to the Mormon Jesus as a result. (See Doctrines of Salvation Vol. 1;18; Orson Pratt, The Seer, p. 158; and Journal of Discourses 8: 115 quoting Brigham

Christianity: Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary as "Emmanuel", "God with us." (See Matt. 1:23 ) Jesus was conceived in the Virgin Mary's womb when the Holy Spirit came upon her.) See Matt. 1 :20).



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THE EARTHLY LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST

Mormonism: The Mormon Jesus was the bridegroom at Cana of Galilee according to the Mormon interpretation of John 2: 1-2 and was therefore married to at least one wife while on earth. (See Journal of Discourses, Vol 2, p. 82 quoting Orson Hyde (Apostle).

Christianity: There is no biblical record of Jesus marrying. A reading of the account in John 2:1-12 shows Jesus was "invited" to the wedding. Bridegrooms do not receive invitations to their own weddings!



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YOUR MOTHER WHICH

ART IN HEAVEN? MRS. GOD

Mormonism: teaches that God the father has many wives in heaven, thereby resulting in not only a father in heaven , but a mother-in-heaven Mormon doctrine. All Mormons on earth today believe they were originally the result of such sexual, heavenly union. (See Orson Pratt. The Seer, p37; also Mormon Doctrine by Bruce McConkie, p. 516)

Christianity: The Bible has absolutely no mention of any such "wives" of God the Father.



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VIEW OF THE BIBLE

Mormonism: "Ignorant translators, careless subscribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors--many plain and precious things were deleted, in consequence of which error and falsehood poured into the various churches. One of the greatest heresies of modern Christendom is the unfounded assumption that the bible contains all the inspired teachings now extant among men." (Mormon Doctrine p. 82, 83).

Christianity: "All scripture is given by God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. "2 Timothy 3: 16-17).

"Thy word is very pure". (Psalms 119: 140)



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BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD

AND GENEALOGY

Mormonism: Mormons research genealogies and get baptized in their temples in proxy for their dead relatives. They misinterpret 1 Corinthians 15: 29 "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

Christianity: Doing genealogies is useless for the Christian. (See 1 Timothy 1 :3 , 4) 1 Corinthians, Chapter 15, is on the subject of the resurrection, not baptism. I Cor. 15: 29 shows the folly of THOSE (not WE believers but THOSE unbelievers)who denied the resurrection, and yet practiced the pagan rite of "baptism for the dead". Hebrews 9:27 shows that once a person is dead, he faces judgment. Nothing the living do can change this.



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VIEW OF THE CHURCH

Mormonism: There is no salvation outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." (Mormon Doctrine p. 670).

All other churches are entirely destitute of all authority from God; and any person who receives baptism or the Lord's Supper from their hands will highly offend God; for He looks upon them as most corrupt of all people. Both Catholics and Protestants are nothing less than the whore of Babylon." (The Seer, p. 255).

Christianity: The Church in the Bible is the entire born- again body of believers in the true Jesus Christ of the Bible. (Almighty God manifested in the flesh). It is not a man- made organization with a false prophet at it's head!

The true church partakes of the Lord's Supper of bread and wine, not water as the Mormons use. (See John 3: 3-7; Ephesians 1:22,23; 4: 11-16; Matthew 26: 26-30.)



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IN CONCLUSION:

As will be evident by this time, in the reading of this tract, Mormonism is not Christian. Further, Mormonism has made vicious attacks against the body of Christ in all denominations. This tract and others like it, is an honest attempt to defend the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and point out the errors of those "coming to us preaching another Jesus, another gospel with a different spirit". (See 2 Corinthians 11:4)

Answer 2

Think of all the different Christian denominations and their similar, but different beliefs. Here are some examples.

Baptism
Some churches believe it is necessary for salvation, while other preach you should do it to follow the example of Jesus. Some sprinkle, others pour, and other immerse, and still others agree to any of the three. Some churches baptize babies.

Music
Some churches have nothing but singing. Others have pianos or organs. And, there is the groups with the drums, guitars, and whatever else.

Communion
Do you do it every Sunday, once a month, once a quarter, or is it necessary? Do you use wine, juice, or water? Crackers, bread, or, unleaven bread?

Preachers/pastors
Some churches will not let women be preachers. Others allow gay pastors.

Adding to or taking away from the Bible
The books of Deuteronomy and Revelations talk about this. So if it is mentioned in the Old Testament, then is the New Testament adding to the Bible? How about the other books the Bible talks about? Where are they? Wasn't the Book of Revelations written before most of the New Testament?

How about the organization of the churches. There are Popes, Cardnials, Bishops, Pastors, Preachers, Apostles, Fathers, Deacons, Elders, Prophets. Where did this all come from?

My God is a loving God. He is my Father in Heaven. Do you think a loving Father would give his child a 2000 year old book, written in a different language, slap him on the back, and wish him good luck? If this is your defination of "Loving Father," then I want no part of it.

And, why would Jesus appear only to the Jews? Is the rest of the world condemned because they don't know him? The denominations can not agree on an answer.

It appears Christianity is mixing it up themselves.

If you desire to know more about the "Mormons," then have the missionaries over. They will be glad teach you. If you really want to know the truth, pray and God will give you an answer.

Answer 3

If you want to know what Mormons believe in, perhaps you should read their canon, The King James Version of the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. There you will find what Mormon's believe in.

According to the church, the gold plates are a collection of scripture (as well as some history) kept by the people of Ancient America (the native americans). Just before the destruction of Jerusalem in 600 BC, a prophet, by the name of Lehi, was commanded to take his family and leave Jerusalem. By the power of God, they were led to the Americas. One of Lehi's sons, Nephi, was commanded to keep a record of his people. This record was kept throughout the years, until about 400 AD, when a man, by the name of Mormon, was commanded to compile the records into one. His son Moroni finished the compilation, and hid it in the hill Cumorah, which is located near the town of Palmyra, NY.

The witness of whether they existed is the Book of Mormon, and the testimony of the 3 and 8 witnesses, found at the beginning of the book. It may seem weak, but perhaps you should read it, and decide for yourself.

The scripture saying that the Old Testiment is a closed book is in Deuteronomy, and the one in the New Testiment is in Revelations. If in fact these were relating to the fact that no more scripture could be added, wouldn't that mean that all of the New Testiment, and most of the Old, cannot be considered Canon? Also, scholars have suggested that the NT is not in chronological order. Meaning, even if Deuteronomy was wrong, a good chunk of the NT cannot be considered Cannon. And, if you, for a moment, accept the fact that it is a record of an ancient civilization in America, a good chunk of the book was written before John wrote Revelations. Meaning, a good chunk of the book could be considered Cannon, based on that argument.

That would be my debate for that point.

While there are many points that they disagree with mainstream Chrsitianity on, the fact is, they believe in Christ. They believe in his teachings, and are trying their best to follow them.

Oh, and if you are truly confused on this issue, may I suggest you do as James directed.

"If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and abraideth not, and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing waivering..."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints really like this scripture. It's the one that started the religion. Perhaps you should try it for yourself.

Answer 4

Well, "Mormonism" is one form of Christianity. So in that sense, it is 100% consistent with Christianity.

For Mormons, Joseph Smith is like Peter was for the early Christians. Mormons worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Joseph Smith is believed to be a prophet, like Peter was, or like Moses was, called by God to be a witness to the people of the Divinity of the Godhead (or Trinity).

Since many things changed in "mainstream" christendom after the apostolic era, Joseph Smith claimed to be the "restorer" of lost Christian truths revealed to him by angels, messengers, etc. much in the same way that Isaiah testified that Israel had strayed and needed to be reminded of truths, or like how Moses revealed the Ten Commandments even though they had all been made known as early as Cain & Abel.

There are many fallaway members of the Church (most notably Ed Decker and the Tanner family) who like to publish "new findings" about early Mormon documents purporting to be genuine about why Mormonism is wrong. Most of these people were members who felt pressure to be perfect and became convinced that the Church couldn't be true. Many of these "anti-mormons" end up coming back into fellowship in the Church. One of them even wrote a book about it.

Gainsayers, by Darrick Evenson

My question is: if these "findings" really are "genuine documents" from the 1800's, then with as many offshoot groups and anti-mormon groups as there are, why wouldn't they have disspelled the religion earlier? It doesn't make a whole lot of sense...

Answer 5

It sounds like you have not done enough study to really be sure what you are talking about...you hear something? You think something or you recall hearing something??? Most of the time when a person "hears" something - unless it's directly from the source - it's probably not true. Consider that please.
We also believe in God the Father, in His Son, Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. In my experience a typical Christian believes God and Jesus Christ are the same being, we do not. Also, to answer your question about Joseph Smith - he doesn't "fit in" into the godhead, we don't believe he is a part of the godhead. We believe he is a prophet of God, as well as Gordon B Hinckley, Ezra T Benson, Spencer W Kimball, Moses, Abraham, Nephi, Moroni, Mormon, Isaiah, everyone since Adam's time that has held the Priesthood of God and was chosen to lead His church.
I can tell you how I 'see' Joseph and all the others as prophets - I have prayed to my Heavenly Father, studied the scriptures, fasted, and had so many confirming spiritual experiences in which the Holy Ghost has testified to me in my heart and in my mind that what I believe is true, that I am a child of God, that he loves me, that my Savior loves me and that He bled and died for me, that Joseph Smith saw and spoke with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and that they instructed him on restoring Christ's gospel.
The plates are basically an ancient record, as is the bible, of people living on the American continent. They were records of the people and their lives through living (or not living) the gospel.
The evidence? The Book of Mormon itself is witness, there are testimonies of witnesses who physically saw and handled the plates, all of whom never denied their testimony.
If you truly wish to know more, speak with some LDS missionaries, they can answer any question you have.

Answer 6

Mormons believe in Jesus Christ so doesn't that put them in the Christianity category...Joseph Smith is said to be a prophet that found the gold plates and translated it into the Book of Mormon.
The New Testament reveals the views of the 12 disciples...these are all up to some scrutiny...but for the most part I believe if you believe in God, and that he sent his son Jesus Christ to deliver us you are basically a christian...other beliefs in a religion is what makes the religion unique.
I was raised in a Catholic/Mormon upbringing...
I don't necessarily believe in Joseph Smith...Book of Mormon or any of that but I respect it. They are good people and in all religions you will run into those extremists...the many wives which was banned some time ago still goes on but it's nothing that is condoned by the church anymore.
I believe loving the lord should unite all regardless of what label you carry your beliefs in...protestants, catholics, Methodist...it doesn't matter God is universal :)

Answer 7

I think you may have something confused... Mormonism isn't actually a religion for starters. "Mormons" are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They ARE Christians because Christians believe in Christ and follow his teachings.

As for Joseph Smith, when he was 14, the country was in a very religious state. Every religion was preaching to everyone. They all had something that conflicted with all the others though. He had members of his family scattered all over the board and he wanted badly to know which one to join. He was reading in James in the New Testament and came across:

If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God,
that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:5
So he went into the woods behind his house and did just that. He asked God. He prayed to Heavenly Father to ask which church was the true church, which one he should join and according to his account, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ descended above him and told him that he should join none, but should restore the true gospel onto the Earth.

Latter-Day saints believe that the true gospel had been lost when the Apostles died and refer to the period between that time and the organization of the Church as the great apostasy.

There are indeed quotes in the New Testament about the Bible having no other record added to it. Latter-Day Saints and I believe that that was referring to the specific book in which it was written. You would also have to understand that the Book of Mormon is not an addition or an alternate bible or anything of the sort. The Book of Mormon is an account of Jesus Christ in the Americas. If what Jesus taught was truly God's word then why would he limit his teachings to just Israel? Jesus, being freed from the trappings of a body would be able to travel to other continents and share his Gospel with them wouldn't he?

We also believe that God uses natural Laws or else he would cease to be God. So that means that we cannot pray for and receive the answers to a geometry test when we have not properly learned them. Heavenly father can help us remember things we already know and apply them but we have to do our part. SOOOO..... When the wife of a friend of Joseph Smith's took and lost pages of a book called Lehi from the gold plates and told him that to prove he wasn't making it up he had to retranslate it, God would not let him remember those words. We believe that Heavenly Father had and has another plan in mind and that the scripture that we have now of a similar account that is called Nephi after Lehi's son is what we need to hear now and is more beneficial for people at this time.

I assume you mean the revelation U referred to earlier when you say "the revelation of Joseph Smith" because the entire Doctrine and Covenants is made up of Joseph Smith's Revelations from God.

As for the one you're talking about though, what gives it legitimacy is the burning testimony inside me. In me, and my best friend, and my aunt and my mother and the prophet and Gillian in South Africa and Mohamed in Brazil. Despite attempts smother my burning flame of a testimony, I, along with almost every other member; know that the way we feel about the scriptures and the gospel being restored and Joseph Smith and every prophet is real.

Let me please clear up a few things...

Well no actually there is too much to clear up.

I'll at least restate the obvious because people still keep saying the same stupid things.

-Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints DO NOT, DO NOT, DO NOT practice polygamy!!!! We did for a time but DO NOT anymore.

-There is NO SUCH THING as a Mormon fundamentalist. That very name implies that they stick to the fundamental or basic beliefs of Latter-Day Saints and those often referred to s that, do not.

-We take the sacrament every Sunday. We use bread and water to represent the flesh and blood that Jesus sacrificed for our sins.

-We want everyone to have the chance to partake of the gospel. If you had something really good would you keep it all for yourself or would you share it with those that you love?

-The testimony and faith and blessings that I get from the church are enough whiteness to know that it is true. Everything else I have to learn.

Answer 8

Ok...I'm not a Mormon, so my expertise is small...

Joseph Smith: They believe that he had the gold plates (Book of Mormon) revealed to him.

Bible being a closed book: True, but need to take some caution here...The bible books were chosen by men a thousand years after they all were written.

Gold Plates: no evidence they existed (except if you take the word of Joseph Smith and the 8 wittnesses)...they would say the same is true of the 10 Commandments...what evidence do we have they existed???

Are they Christians: in the broadest sense of the word, yes. They believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. Do I agree with them? No....but that doesn't make their beliefs entirely wrong...Do they go to Heaven? That's for God to decide.

Answer 9

They believe that God had a creator, a series of gods with no ultimate sourse.

They have not heard of St Thomas Aquinas:

Nature of the Trinity
Aquinas argued that God, while perfectly united, is also perfectly described by three interrelated persons. These three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are constituted by their relations within the essence of God. The Father generates the Son (or the Word) by the relation of self-awareness. This eternal generation then produces an eternal Spirit "who enjoys the divine nature as the Love of God, the Love of the Father for the Word."

This Trinity does not exist in separation from the world. On the contrary, the Trinity serves to communicate God's self and God's goodness to human beings. This takes place through the Incarnation of the Word in the person of Jesus Christ and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (indeed, the very essence of the Trinity itself) within those who have experienced salvation by God .

They believe eleven men claim to have seen the original golden tablets on which The Book of Mormon was given to Joseph Smith.
But most of them took back their statements."

They left the Church .



The only Apostle who renounced Christ's testimony hanged himself. The others were all martyrs for Him.

They do not understand:
The LDS faith came out of Protestantism which came out of Catholicism.

Answer 10

Heres the Deal:

A ton of people have it all wrong, they put things that I as a Mormon are wondering where on this earth did they come up with that. It is kind of frusterating for people to put things that are totally false. Go to mormon.org to find out the true teaching of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons)

BASIC BELIEFS

You may have questions about what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe. Some of the basic beliefs of the Church are:

God is our Heavenly Father. He loves us and wants us to return to Him.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is our Savior. He redeems us from death by providing the Resurrection. He saves us from sin as we repent.

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can return to live with God if we keep His commandments.

The Holy Ghost helps us to recognize truth.

The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth.

The priesthood authority of God exists in His Church today, just as it did in the original Church.

The Bible and the Book of Mormon are the word of God.

God reveals His will to prophets today, just as He did anciently.

Our life has a sacred purpose.

Families can be together forever.

Through serving others, we can experience joy and draw closer to God.


There is a lot more info at mormon.org if your interested in the truth!

Answer 11

Thats why a lot of churches look at them as having a false religion because you are only suposed to go by the bible not by some other doctrines. It says in the bible there will be false prophets come your way that try to teach false things. Mathew 7:15-23 talks about this. Mathew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many and also Revelation 22:18-19 18. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.