Why does Mormonism even exist?

Question

Galatians 1:8-9 states that we must not accept any 'gospel' preached to us which is different from the Bible. That alone undermines the very basis of the faith. It is not unreasonable to conclude that Satan, under the guise of the angel Moroni, deceived Joseph Smith, the founder, using him to set up a 'faith' to draw people away from the true Word of God.

Mormon answerers, please don't quote the Book of Mormon. The Bible is fair play though.

Answer 1

You are assuming that the Bible is 100% accurate. There are no mistranslations, no missing information, nothing that has been changed, inserted, deleted, etc over the millenia by the many corrupt church officials through the Dark Ages, etc.

Is that a reasonable assumption?

Mormonism exists because of this:

Joseph Smith read this verse in the bible:

James 1:5

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.

Smith took God at His word and asked Him what religion was the true one. It was through this act of faith that the true church of Jesus Christ was restored in the latter days.

And the reason why so many millions have embraced "Mormonism" is because of this challenge in the Book of Mormon:

Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Like millions of others, I have taken this challenge. I have asked God if the Book of Mormon is true. I have asked Him if Joseph Smith was a true prophet. I have asked Him if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the true church.

I received an undeniable answer to my prayers. There is no doubt in my mind that God does answer prayers and that my prayers were answered.

That's why Mormonism exists.

Answer 2

Gospel is in the Bible, but the Bible is not all Gospel. Some books are the "Gospel according to...." The Book of Galatians is a letter, not a Gospel.

The Book of Mormon is not a Gospel either.

Now, remember also that the the Books of the Bible existed long before there was a Bible. They were separate scrolls, and some churches used some, and other churches used others. At the Councils of Hippo, Nicaea and Trent, as I recall, the church leaders VOTED on which books then being used by various major churches would be accepted as official Canon. I think this was by order of Emperor Constantine, who wanted uniformity.

So, when Galatians 1:8-9 says 8But 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! 9As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!

What is the gospel that is referred to there? It's certainly not the whole Bible as we know it today, since the Bible had not yet been put together into one book!

Answer 3

People are so funny about the Bible.
First off God did not write the Bible..man did.
The Bible is a compilation of letters, histories and, some Things from God and Christ. It was compiled by man for those particular men's own needs.
Why are we so arrogent to think that the Lord scattered the 12 tribes but would only give the Gospel to one chosen group. God loves all his children. Every tribe has scripture of their own Some day this will be evident. The Book of Mormon is the scripture and history of another tribe. The lessons there are no different than those in the Bible because God's law does not change. But He loves all his people so He made sure they all would have access to his law.

Answer 4

Joseph Smith Power Trip

Answer 5

Galatians is a terrible example for Mormon bashers to use. Paul wrote that those who taught the gospel differently than he did were cursed. This is the very reason the church needed to be restored to the earth. Through centuries of apostasy the truth Paul taught was lost to the earth.

What did Paul teach in Galatians?

11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

This words of Paul could have been echoed by Joseph Smith. Paul preached that the gospel had to be revealed by Christ and not a man or an angel. This is why we have additional scripture.

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

Answer 6

Galatians 1 8-9

8.But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

(Anyone who preaches any other gospel is accursed. The Bible and Book of Mormon are of the same gospel. Refer to the sources below for more information on this common misconception.)

Answer 7

That might have happened, but until some idiot actually gets the 1st amendment thrown out, (Which in my opinion would be one step away from anarcy and stalinism,) the United States has the Freedom to worship.

If you are going to crack down on Mormonism (Which I don't suggest,) you'll have to crack down on Scientology, Church of Religious Science, Satanism, wiccan, and any other religion that is not christianity.

As long as the Mormons don't kill people and claim to do it in the name of religion, they have the same right to practice their religion, as the Muslim's, who's prophet was in actuality, a bandit.

Answer 8

CelloMan144 you're absolutely right! I keep saying that in the bible it says beware of false prophets (Joseph Smith) sad thing is with so many people that have joined the LDS I guess stupidity is contagious. Stay back Mormons! Back! Back I say! LOL

Answer 9

If you were to say this to a Mormon, you would have a featherweigth hit. Mormons feel like they have the same GOSPEL as Protestant Christians. They will say that they agree with you 100%. They believe the Jesus died for our sins and that he rose from the dead and everything like that. You will have to do more Research than that to really get underneath it all. I suggest if you want to find out about it, go to LIFEWAY and get a book called "Unmasking Mormonism." It will answer a lot of questions and even has a way to witness to one.

Answer 10

Yes, Mormonism exists, but it is a FALSE religion, just as Jehovah's Witnesses is. They both sprang out of the same era of American history and for much the same reasons - ignorance and arrogance.

God's Word, the Bible, stands alone and needs no extra help from any other book. Mormons use many of the same words as Christianity uses, but their words mean entirely different things.

Their Christ is the brother of Lucifer, for instance. He can't save them from ANYTHING. Their secret, magic underwear has occult symbols of the Masonic Lodge on it. FACT is that Joseph Smith was booted out of his beloved Masonic Lodge for using their symbols on his magic underwear! Most Mormons aren't even aware of that.

It's a tragic, false religion that has lead thousands of souls straight into the pit of hell.