What are some misconceptions people have about the LDS(mormon) Church?

Question

I was watching the PBS special last night and for the most part I thought it was fair. Except for one or to rather large misconceptions. Please no bashing of anyone, mormon or not.

What I still don't understand is why some people don't think we are Christian I have yet to hear a resonable explination. My neighbor simply replied with a "Just 'cuz"!!!

Well Mallory I can't quite remember which city it was but we do believe that there is a city in Missouri that was the Garden of Edna and will be the site of the next Zion.

I just relized I spelled 'Eden' "edna" sorry about that!

Answer 1

I watched the PBS special too. I don't believe I have any misconseptions pertaining to your beliefs, I just don't share them. Not trying to offend in the things I'll write...I'm just trying to be honest with my observations.

One of your responders wrote: "Mormonism" is classic Christianity restored, rather than the Traditional which is based on centuries of distortion". While that makes for a great sounding "selling point", the facts simply do not support that. There is no historical basis for the sacred under-garments, the beliefs that God the Father has a physical body, that we can become gods, in baptisms for ancestors, etc.

Rather than a restoration, Mormon beliefs are a new addition to Christian belief....one for which there is no basis. Ultimately, it all comes down to whether one accepts the claims of Joseph Smith.

The claims of "insights" or "revelations" are not new to Joseph Smith...there were scores of people before him with similar claims. Thus, if I accept Smith's claims, why would I not also accept Mohammed? The Apostle Paul gave us a strong warning in this regard:

Galatians 1:8 - "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!"

While Mormons embrace much of Christianity, their beliefs are obviously outside that of the orthodox Christian faith. Again, no offense, but that is what prompts most Christians to view your group as a cult. Whether or not individual Mormons trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior is something for God to judge, not me. However, judging the content of your message as compared to historical Christianity and the scriptures...I see Mormon belief as a corruption, not a restoration.

I know that's not what you wanted to hear, and I hope you understand that it is not my intent to simply bash...

Answer 2

The biggest misconception I hear is that we worship Joseph Smith, he replaces jesus, WHICH is not true. Jesus is the savior, He is the only way, because fo Joseph Smith we have more of HIs gospel.
Also people say women are treated as second class citizens when I feel like women are more respected in our church then in society. Some reason women today think that if they have a big career they will gain respect, I think having a child and be so self less as to stay home and devout every moment to them and to nurture them should gain the most respect.
I'm pretty sure most people know that we do not practice polygamy, they say that to either make jokes or to bring up the past.

Answer 3

The biggest misconception I've heard is that we don't believe in Christ. We certainly don't adhere to the beliefs which Augustine introduced into the early church especially that of the Trinity which states that the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are one. Greek philosphy created havoc within the church of that time. The Arians tried to preserve what the early Early-Day Saints (followers of Chist, holy, separated) knew but Hellenism and politics became the base of church doctrine. How many Personages did Stephen see (in Acts) before he was killed? "Mormonism" is classic Christianity restored rather than the Traditional which is based on centuries of distortion. Acts 3:19-22: we are here.

Answer 4

I did alot of research on Mormonism once and there was a site that said Joseph Smith said there were people dressed like Quakers on the moon who lived to be a thousand years old. Also that the Garden of Eden was in Independence, Missouri. And many other hilarities.

Answer 5

One of the most common misconceptions in the USA is the belief that the LDS Church still practices polygamy, when it clearly isn't.

However, outside the USA, mostly in Caribbean Nations and most of Latin America, LDS missionaries are thought to be CIA agents. Like if a kid age 18 to 22 could be in the CIA.

Answer 6

Please no offence... I didn't watch the programme but I think it fair to say my only contact with the group you speak of normally coincides with a knock at the door on my (god-given) day of rest - of which I enjoy once a week
Furthermore my choice of god to worship, where and how I worship I tend to treat as somewhat personal......so if everyone did the same.......we could all have a bit of a sleep-in!

Answer 7

My brother dated a Mormon a few years back and from my understanding Mormons believe that Jesus died, rose again, then came to North America to spread the word (as opposed to ascending to Heaven). I always thought this was kinda funny, although I can't say with certainty that this is true.

Answer 8

Many believe it is a denomination of Christianity, just because they use the name of Jesus Christ. In fact it is a polytheistic religion whose teachings are completely incompatible with the core beliefs of Christianity.
.

Answer 9

Members of the LDS church must be on LSD

Answer 10

I didn't watch it, I was at bible study.