Doctrine of Devils Session 18

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Doctrine of DevilsSession 18
Mormonism Part 4
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Was Joseph Smith a prophet of God?

• This is the single most important question
  relating to Mormonism.
• If Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God
• His writings must be obeyed to be saved.
• A person must be a Mormon to be saved.
• If Joseph Smith was a false prophet of God
• His writings must be disobeyed.
• The Mormon Church is not theLords Church.

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Beloved, believe not every spirit, but test the
spirits whether they are of God because many
false prophets are gone out into the world.1
John 4.1
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Was Joseph Smith a Prophet of God?
And if you say in your heart, How shall we know
the word which the LORD has not spoken? when a
prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the
thing does not happen or come to pass, that is
the thing which the LORD has notspoken the
prophet has spoken it presumptuously you shall
notbe afraid of him.Deuteronomy 18.21-22
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Was Joseph Smith a Prophet of God?

• In 1835 Joseph Smith prophesied that the Lord
  would come in 56 years (History of the Church,
  Vol. 2, p. 182).
• 1891 has come and gone.
• The Lord did not come back.
• This prophecy fails the test!

6
Was Joseph Smith a Prophet of God?

• Joseph Smith said that there are men living on
  the moon who dress like Quakers and live to be
  nearly 1000 years old (The Young Woman's Journal,
  Vol. 3, pp. 263-264. See reprint in Mormonism --
  Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner,
  p. 4).
• We have been to the moon and have not found any
  1000 year old Quaker life form.
• This prophecy fails the test!

7
Was Joseph Smith a Prophet of God?

• The test Deuteronomy 18.21-22.
• Joseph Smith fails the test!
• He was not a prophet of God!

8
4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• David Whitmer, one of the three witnesses to the
  Book of Mormon, made this statement
• I will now give you a description of the manner
  in which the Book of Mormon was translated.
  Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat,
  and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely
  around his face to exclude the light and in the
  darkness the spiritual light would shine

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• A piece of something resembling parchment would
  appear, and on that appeared the writing. One
  character at a time would appear and under it was
  the interpretation in English. (An Address to
  All Believers in Christ, by David Whitmer, 1887,
  page 12)

10
4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• Martin Harris (another of the three witnesses)
  claimed that Joseph Smith received the
  translation directly from God, and that it was a
  perfect translation.
• George Reynolds quotes the following from a
  letter written to the Deseret News by Edward
  Stevenson Martin explained the translation as
  follows By aid of the seer stone, sentences
  would appear and were read by the prophet and
  written by Martin, and when finished he would
  say, Written,

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• and if correctly written, that sentence would
  disappear and another appear in its place, but if
  not written correctly it remained until
  corrected, so that the translation was just as it
  was engraven on the plates, precisely in the
  language then used.' (Myth of the Manuscript
  Found, Juvenile Instructor Office, 1883 edition,
  page 91)

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• George Reynolds, who was a member of the First
  Council of the Seventy, 1890-1909, made this
  statement in 1883
• But at the outset it must be recollected that
  the translation was accomplished by no common
  method, by no ordinary means. It was done by
  divine aid. There were no delays over obscure
  passages, no difficulties over the choice of
  words, no stoppages from the ignorance of the
  translator no time was wasted in

13
4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• investigation or argument over the value, intent
  or meaning of certain characters, and there were
  no references to authorities. These difficulties
  to human work were removed. All was as simple as
  when a clerk writes from dictation. The
  translation of the characters appeared on the
  Urim and Thummim, sentence by sentence, and as
  soon as one was correctly transcribed the next
  would appear. (Myth of the Manuscript Found,
  1883 edition, page 71)

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• Oliver B. Huntington recorded in his journal that
  in 1881 Joseph F. Smith, who became the sixth
  President of the Mormon Church, taught that the
  Lord gave Joseph Smith the exact English wording
  and spelling that he should use in the Book of
  Mormon Saturday Feb. 25, 1881, I went to Provo
  to a quarterly Stake Conference. Heard Joseph F.
  Smith describe the manner of translating the Book
  of Mormon by Joseph Smith the Prophet and Seer,
  which was as follows as near as I can recollect

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• the substance of his description. Joseph did not
  render the writing on the gold plates into the
  English language in his own style of language as
  many people believe, but every word and every
  letter was given to him by the gift and power of
  God. So it is the work of God and not of Joseph
  Smith, and it was done in this wayThe Lord
  caused each word spelled as it is in the book to
  appear on the stones in short sentences or words,
  and when Joseph had uttered the sentence or word
  before him

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• and the scribe had written it properly, that
  sentence would disappear and another appear. And
  if there was a word wrongly written or even a
  letter incorrect the writing on the stones would
  remain there. Then Joseph would require the
  scribe to spell the reading of the last spoken
  and thus find the mistake and when corrected the
  sentence would disappear as usual. (Journal of
  Oliver B. Huntington, page 168 of typed copy at
  Utah State Historical Society)

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• Joseph Smith we heard a voice from out of the
  bright light above us, saying, 'These plates have
  been revealed by the power of God, and they have
  been translated by the power of God.
• The translation of them which you have seen is
  correct, and I command you to bear record of what
  you now see and hear.' (History of the Church,
  by Joseph Smith, Vol. 1, pp. 54-55)

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• Joseph Smith I told the brethren that the Book
  of Mormon was the most correct of any book on the
  earth (History of the Church, Vol. 4, page 461)

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• What do these statements mean?
• The original 1830 edition and translation of the
  Book of Mormon was brought about completely by
  the power of God.
• Anything brought about by the will and power of
  God is perfect in every way and has no need of
  being changed by any person.

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• What do these statements mean?
• According to the alleged prophet of God, Joseph
  Smith, the original 1830 edition of the Book of
  Mormon was perfect in every way, was more correct
  than any book that has existed or ever will
  exist, was okayed by GOD, and was in no way
  deserving of any changes!

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?
And yet, there have been over 4,000 changes to
the original 1830 edition and translation of the
Book of Mormon!!!
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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• Jerald and Sandra Tanner documented nearly 4,000
  changes in their book 3,913 Changes in the Book
  of Mormon.
• These changes are those that have occurred
  between the 1830 and the 1964 editions.
• These changes do not include the capitalization
  and punctuation changes.
• In the more recent 1981 edition there were even
  more changes implemented.

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• Could these simply be typographical errors?
• Common sense should tell us that, while
  relatively few typographical errors might be
  expected, 4,000 changes cannot be blamed on
  typographical errors.

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• Two original documents
• A photograph of the original manuscript of the
  Book of Mormon published in the book, A New
  Witness For Christ In America, Vol. 1.
• The original handwritten printer's manuscript of
  the Book of Mormon, located in the Reorganized
  LDS Church Historian's Library in Independence,
  Missouri. (Photos of the printer's manuscript can
  be seen at the University of Utah Library Special
  Collections.)

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• How does this compare with the Bible?
• Original Language
• 1830 Book of Mormon Reformed Egyptian
  (officially does not exist)
• Bible Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek (all taught in
  major universities)
• Translation Process
• 1830 Book of Mormon Power of God (allegedly)
• Bible Skill of men

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4,000 Changes To The Most Correct Book Ever?

• How does this compare with the Bible?
• Stated Accuracy in Translation
• 1830 Book of Mormon No translation errors
• Bible Translation errors
• Observed Accuracy in Translation
• 1830 Book of Mormon Thousands of major errors
• Bible 99.9 accurate

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What kinds of changes have been made?

• Jesus is God the Father or the Son of God?
• 1830 ed., pg. 32 These last recordsshall
  make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people,
  that the Lamb of God is the Eternal Father and
  the Saviorvs.Modern editions, 1 Nephi 13.40
  These last recordsshall make known to all
  kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of
  God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the
  Savior

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What kinds of changes have been made?

• Jesus is God the Father or the Son of God?
• 1830 ed, pg. 32 And the angel said unto me,
  behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Eternal
  Father!vs.Modern editions, 1 Nephi 11.21 And
  the angel said unto me Behold the Lamb of God,
  yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!

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What kinds of changes have been made?

• Mary was the mother of God (the Father)or the
  Son of God?
• 1830 edition, pg. 25 Behold, the virgin which
  thou seest, is the mother of God, after the
  manner of the flesh.vs.Modern editions, 1
  Nephi 11.18 Behold, the virgin whom thou seest
  is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner
  of the flesh.

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What kinds of changes have been made?

• King Benjamin or King Mosiah?
• 1830 ed., pg. 200 king Benjamin had a gift
  from God, whereby he could interpret such
  engravingsvs.Modern editions, Mosiah 21.28
  king Mosiah had a gift from God, whereby he
  could interpret such engravings

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What kinds of changes have been made?

• King Benjamin or King Mosiah?
• 1830 ed., pg. 546 for this cause did king
  Benjamin keep themvs.Modern editions, Ether
  4.1 for this cause did king Mosiah keep them
• According to the chronology of the Book of Mormon
  (cf. Mosiah 6.5) king Benjamin was already dead
  when the events of Mosiah 21.28 and Ether 4.1
  occurred!

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What kinds of changes have been made?

• Hundreds of grammatical errors.
• Numerous additions, deletions or rewordings.

33
Book of Mormon Contradicts Science and History

• The Writings of the Indians.
• Book of Mormon ? The Indians had official
  records and other writings, and they wrote on
  scrolls (cf. Helaman 3.13 Mormon 5.23 9.2 2
  Nephi 9.18).
• FACT ? Indians of that time period did not write
  books their writing consisted of simple
  pictures.

34
Book of Mormon Contradicts Science and History

• Racial Ancestry of North American Indians.
• Book of Mormon ? North American Indians
  descended from the Hebrews(cf. 1 Nephi
  12.11-23).
• FACT ? North American Indians are of mongoloid
  descent.

35
Book of Mormon Contradicts Science and History

• The Curse of Black (or Dark) Skin.
• Book of Mormon ? Anyone who marries an Indian
  will be cursed with dark skin(cf. 2 Nephi
  5.21-23).
• FACT ? A persons skin color is determined by
  their genes, not because they marry an Indian.

36
Book of Mormon Contradicts Science and History

• Those Who Convert to Mormonism Will Become White.
• Book of Mormon ? When Indians (and black people)
  become Mormons their skin will become white (cf.
  2 Nephi 30.5-7 (pre-1981)3 Nephi 2.15).
• FACT ? To date, the skin color of an Indian or
  black person has never become white upon
  converting to Mormonism.

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Book of Mormon Contradicts Science and History

• Note In the previous two examples, black or
  dark skin is said in the Book of Mormon to be a
  punishment for sinning (cf. 2 Nephi 5.21-23
  Jacob 3.3-9 Mormon 5.15-17 Alma 3.6-10).
• As a side point, this shows the racial prejudice
  of Joseph Smith and the early Mormon Church.

38
Book of Mormon Contradicts Science and History

• Cattle, Beasts of Burden, and Other Animals Are
  Native to North America.
• Book of Mormon ? Horses, cows, oxen, asses, and
  domestic goats were all native to North America
  (cf. 1 Nephi 18.25).
• FACT ? These animals were not introduced to the
  Americas until after Columbus.

39
Book of Mormon Contradicts Science and History

• The Presence of Wheat and Barley.
• Book of Mormon ? Wheat and barley existed in
  North America during the time of the Book of
  Mormon (cf. Mosiah 9.9).
• FACT ? It was much later before the Europeans
  introduced wheat and barley to North America.

40
Book of Mormon Contradicts Mormon Doctrines and
Books

• One God vs. Plurality of Gods.
• Book of Mormon ? One God Alma 11.27-39, 442
  Nephi 31.21 Mormon 7.7 3 Nephi 11.27.
• D C ? Plurality of gods - Section 121.32
  132.18-20, 37.

41
Book of Mormon Contradicts Mormon Doctrines and
Books

• God is Spirit vs. God has Physical Body.
• Book of Mormon ? God is spirit Alma 18.26-28
  22.8-11.
• D C ? God has a physical body Section 130.22.

42
Book of Mormon Contradicts Mormon Doctrines and
Books

• Earth Created by One God vs.Earth Created by
  Multiple Gods.
• Book of Mormon ? Earth created by one God 2
  Nephi 2.14 Jacob 4.9
• PoGP ? Earth created by multiple gods Abraham
  chs. 4-5

43
Book of Mormon Contradicts Mormon Doctrines and
Books

• Man Did Not Pre-Exist vs. Man Did Pre-Exist.
• Book of Mormon ? Man did not pre-exist Jacob
  4.9 Alma 18.28, 34-36.
• D C PoGP ? Man did pre-exist Section 93.23,
  29-33 Abraham 3.18, 21-23

44
Book of Mormon Contradicts Mormon Doctrines and
Books

• Heaven and Hell vs. 3 Kingdoms of Heaven.
• Book of Mormon ? Heaven and Hell 2 Nephi
  28.22 1 Nephi 15.35 Mosiah 16.11, 27.31 Alma
  41.4-8, 42.16.
• D C ? Three Kingdoms of Heaven Section 76.43,
  70-112.

45
Book of Mormon Contradicts Mormon Doctrines and
Books

• Murder Can Be Forgiven vs.No Forgiveness for
  Murder.
• Book of Mormon ? Murder can be forgiven 3
  Nephi 30.2.
• D C ? Murder cannot be forgiven Section 42.18.

46
Book of Mormon Contradicts Mormon Doctrines and
Books

• Polygamy Condemned vs.Polygamy Commanded.
• Book of Mormon ? Polygamy condemned Jacob
  1.15, 2.24, 3.5 Mosiah 11.2.
• D C ? Polygamy commanded Section 132.1,
  37-39, 61.

47
Other Oddities Surrounding The Book of Mormon

• The Book of Mormon does not contain information
  regarding 12 essential Mormon doctrines.
• Church organization
• Plurality of Gods
• Plurality of wives doctrine
• Word of Wisdom
• God is an exalted man
• Celestial marriage
• Men may become Gods
• 3 degrees of glory
• Baptism for the dead
• Eternal progression
• Aaronic Priesthood
• Melchizedek Priesthood

48
Other Oddities Surrounding The Book of Mormon

• A Large Percentage of The Book of Mormon is
  copied from the KJV over 15.
• Many lengthy passages are quoted almost verbatim
  e.g., Moroni 10 with 1 Corinthians 12.111 2
  Nephi 14 with Isaiah 4 2 Nephi 12 with Isaiah 2
  Mosiah 14 with Isaiah 533 Nephi 13 with Matthew
  6
• The Book of Mormon carries over some the
  translation errors of the KJV e.g., 3 Nephi
  11.27 with 1 John 5.7 2 Nephi 14.5 with Isaiah
  4.52 Nephi 15.25 with Isaiah 5.25

49
Other Oddities Surrounding The Book of Mormon

• Written in Elizabethan or Jacobean English.
• Which had not been spoken for years prior to the
  translation of the Book of Mormon .
• I.e., thee, thy, thou, ye, -eth endings, etc.

50
Other Oddities Surrounding The Book of Mormon

• There are many parallels and similarities between
  the Book of Mormon and Ethan Smiths View of
  the Hebrews.
• Published in 1823 (Book of Mormon 1830).
• Just a few miles from where Joseph Smith grew up.

51
What Must We Do With This Info?

• Based on the test given to us by God in
  Deuteronomy 18.21-22, Joseph Smith is not a
  prophet of God.
• The book that Joseph Smith said was the most
  correct of any book on the earth has been shown
  to not be very correct.
• There have been over 4,000 major changes since
  its original alleged inspired translation.

52
What Must We Do With This Info?

• The book that Joseph Smith said was the most
  correct of any book on the earth has been shown
  to not be very correct.
• The Book of Mormon contradicts facts of science
  and history.
• The Book of Mormon contradicts other Mormon
  books and doctrine.

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What Must We Do With This Info?

• In testing the Book of Mormon to determine
  whether or not it is from God, it is more obvious
  than with any book on the earth that it is not
  inspired by God.
• Friends, we MUST reject the Book of Mormon and
  the teachings of Joseph Smith!

54
Exposing Mormonism

• 2000 changes in the Book of Mormon
• Containing the way the book is claimed to have
  been translated
• The amendments which have been made in the book
• What an inspired translation should have been,
  and the reasons given by the church for making
  the many grammatical changes
• Showing that the claims are inconsistent and
  untrue

55
Exposing Mormonism

• When Joseph first gave his translation,
  hieroglyphics were undecipherable. Today they
  are. He was safe in saying anything he wanted to
  and there would be no way of proving him wrong.
  But with the resurfacing of the same papyri he
  used to do his Book of Abraham translation, and
  the fact that he did not in any way do it
  correctly, should be proof enough that Joseph
  Smith lied about his abilities from God. He has
  been shown to be a false prophet.

56
Exposing Mormonism

• Mr. Nelson is an Egyptologist and was asked by
  the LDS church to translate the Book of Abraham
  materials. His translation revealed the true
  nature of the documents, and Mr. Nelson made his
  findings public. The church refused to
  acknowledge his findings, and in December 1975,
  Mr. Nelson officially resigned from the church,
  stating that he did not want membership in an
  organization which refused to reveal the truth.

57
Exposing Mormonism

• This booklet is intended as a supplement to my
  previous publications, "The Joseph Smith Papyri"
  Part 1 and Part 2.

58
Exposing Mormonism

• The fact is that the papyrus which he (Joseph
  Smith) used as the source of the Abraham
  manuscript characters has nothing to do with
  Abraham.
• It is an Egyptian record which gives directions
  for wrapping up the Book of Breathings with the
  mummy.

59
Exposing Mormonism

• Both Mormon and non-Mormon Egyptologists agree
  that the Book of Abraham is not a literal
  translation of these papyri, and that the papyri
  were not written by the hand of Abraham. Rather,
  the papyri are portions of Egyptian funerary
  texts, dating to about the first century BC.4
  The text bears no direct resemblance to the
  translation given by Joseph Smith, although
  Mormon apologists have argued there are several
  parallels.

60
Exposing Mormonism

• An examination of the original 1830 Book of
  Mormon with later editions reveals that many
  changes have been made. Also includes many
  documented evidences that the major doctrines and
  teachings of the Mormon church are contrary to
  the teachings of the Book of Mormon.

61
Exposing Mormonism

62
Exposing Mormonism

• A critical study of Joseph Smith's first vision
  by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

63
Exposing Mormonism

• Mormonism Against Itself
• by Maurice Barnett
• This 2 volume set Includes dozen of photocopies
  from older Mormon publications.
• Shows contradictions and changes in teachings
  from the founder prophet Joseph Smith and
  subsequent prophets and apostles using Mormon
  publications.

64
Exposing Mormonism

• The Pearl of Great Price contains five sections
• Selections from the Book of Moses,
• The Book of Abraham
• Additions to the Books of Genesis and Matthew
  (from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible )
  
• Joseph SmithHistory is a first-person narrative
  of Joseph Smith', life before the founding of the
  church including an account of the First Vision
  and other heavenly visitations.
• The Articles of Faith are a concise listing of
  thirteen fundamental doctrines of Mormonism
  composed by Joseph Smith, Jr.

65
Exposing Mormonism

• A Companion to your study of the Book of Mormon
  has been prepared for the use of students
  registered at Brigham Young University (225
  pages).
• The purpose of the Companion is to provide
  background materials and supplementary
  information on some of the important and more
  difficult passages in the Book of Mormon.

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CHRISTIANITY
v.s.
MORMONISM
67
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Religious Authority All sacred texts equally,
continuing revelations

• Bible (all),
• ecumenical councils and creeds (Catholic and
  Orthodox),
• official papal pronouncements (Catholic),
• continuing revelations (Pentecostal)

68
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Sacred Texts Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine
and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price

• Bible
• (some include Apocrypha)

69
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Trinity Rejected - Father, Son and Holy Spirit
are three distinct beings who are "one in purpose"

• Trinity Affirmed - Father, Son and Holy Spirit
  are of the "same substance" three persons in one
  being

70
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

God Heavenly Father, who has a physical body

• Trinitarian God, who does not have a body

71
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Jesus Christ Son of God, Savior,
originally one of the spirit beings that all
humans used to be (see Jesus Christ). Has a
physical body.

• Son of God,
• Word of God,
• God, second Person of the Trinity

72
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Holy Spirit A spirit being who is a separate
being from God and Jesus.

• God,
• Third Person of the Trinity

73
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Original sin Denied

• Affirmed
• (by most denominations)

74
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Second chance after death? Yes, during a period
of "learning and preparation" after death

• No !

75
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Afterlife All spirits go to the spirit world,
undergo preparation, then rejoin with bodies in
the resurrection. The good spend the
intervening time in spirit paradise, while the
wicked go to spirit prison.

• Souls of wicked sent to Hell, believers go to
  Heaven for eternity.
• In Catholicism, many believers will suffer in
  Purgatory before going to Heaven.

76
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Hell The wicked enter an unpleasant "spirit
prison" prior to judgment after that, only the
most obstinately wicked (like Satan) will be
consigned to "Outer Darkness" for eternity.

• Place of eternal torment and distance from God.

77
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Is There More Than One True God? Mormon Church
teaches that there are many Gods (Book of Abraham
43ff), and that we can become gods and
goddesses in the celestial kingdom (Doctrine and
Covenants 13219-20 Gospel Principles, p. 245
Achieving a Celestial Marriage, p. 130). It
also teaches that those who achieve godhood will
have spirit children who will worship and pray to
them, just as we worship and pray to God the
Father (Gospel Principles, p. 302).

• there is only one True and Living God and apart
  from Him there are no other Gods

78
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Was God Once a Man Like Us? God the Father was
once a man like us who progressed to become a God
and has a body of flesh and bone (Doctrine and
Covenants 13022 "God himself was once as we are
now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in
yonder heavens!" from Teachings of the Prophet
Joseph Smith, pp. 345-347 Gospel Principles, p.
9 Articles of Faith, p. 430 Mormon Doctrine, p.
321). God himself has a father, and a
grandfather, ad infinitum (Teachings of the
Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 373 Mormon Doctrine, p.
577).

• God is Spirit (John 424 1 Timothy 615,16),
• He is not a man (Numbers 2319 Hosea 119
  Romans 122, 23),
• and has always (eternally) existed as God all
  powerful, all knowing, and everywhere present
  (Psalm 902 1397-10 Isaiah 4028 Luke 137).

79
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Are Jesus and Satan Spirit Brothers? Jesus
Christ is our elder brother who progressed to
godhood, having first been procreated as a spirit
child by Heavenly Father and a heavenly mother
He was later conceived physically through
intercourse between Heavenly Father and the
virgin Mary (DC 9321 Journal of Discourses,
150-51 Gospel Principles, p. 11-13 Achieving a
Celestial Marriage, p. 129 Bruce R. McConkie,
Mormon Doctrine, pp. 546-547 742 Ezra Taft
Benson, Come unto Christ, p. 4 Robert L. Millet,
The Mormon Faith Understanding Restored
Christianity, p. 31). Jesus, all angels,
Lucifer, all demons, and all human beings are
originally spirit brothers and sisters (Abraham
322-27 Moses 41-2 Gospel Principles, pp.
17-18 Mormon Doctrine, p. 192).

• Jesus is the unique Son of God he has always
  existed as God, and is co-eternal and co-equal
  with the Father (John 11, 14 1030 149
  Colossians 29).
• While never less than God, at the appointed time
  He laid aside the glory He shared with the Father
  (John 174, 5 Philippians 26-11) and was made
  flesh for our salvation
• His incarnation was accomplished through being
  conceived supernaturally by the Holy Spirit and
  born of a virgin (Matthew 118-23 Luke 134-35).

80
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Is God a Trinity? Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
are three separate Gods (Teachings of the Prophet
Joseph Smith, p. 370 Mormon Doctrine, pp.
576-577), the Son and Holy Ghost are the
literal offspring of Heavenly Father and a
celestial wife (Joseph Fielding McConkie,
Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 2, p. 649).

• Father, Son, and Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost are
  not separate Gods or separate beings, but are
  distinct Persons within the one Triune Godhead.
• Throughout the New Testament the Son and the Holy
  Spirit, as well as the Father are separately
  identified as and act as God (Son Mark 25-12
  John 2028 Philippians 210,11 Holy Spirit
  Acts 53,4 2 Corinthians 317,18 1314) yet at
  the same time the Bible teaches that these three
  are only one God.

81
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Was The Sin Of Adam and Eve a Great Evil Or a
Great Blessing? Adams sin was "a necessary
step in the plan of life and a great blessing to
all of us" (Gospel Principles, p. 33 Book of
Mormon 2 Nephi 225 Doctrines of Salvation,
vol. 1, pp. 114-115).

• the disobedience of our first parents Adam and
  Eve was a great evil.
• Through their fall sin entered the world,
  bringing all human beings under condemnation and
  death.
• Thus we are born with a sinful nature, and will
  be judged for the sins we commit as individuals.
  (Ezekiel 181-20 Romans 512-21).

82
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Can We Make Ourselves Worthy Before God?
eternal life in the presence of God (which it
terms "exaltation in the celestial kingdom") must
be earned through obedience to all the commands
of the Mormon Church, including exclusive Mormon
temple rituals. Works are a requirement for
salvation (entrance into the "celestial kingdom")
Gospel Principles, p. 303-304 Pearl of Great
Price Third Article of Faith Mormon Doctrine,
pp. 339, 671 Book of Mormon 2 Nephi
2523).

• apart from the saving work of Jesus Christ on the
  cross we are spiritually "dead in trespasses and
  sins" (Ephesians 21,5) and are powerless to save
  ourselves.
• By grace alone, apart from self-righteous works,
  God forgives our sins and makes us worthy to live
  in His presence (Ephesians 28-9 Titus 35-6).
• Our part is only to cling to Christ in heartfelt
  faith. Romans 61-4).

83
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Does Christ's Atoning Death Benefit Those Who
Reject Him? the purpose of the atonement was to
bring resurrection and immortality to all people,
regardless of whether they receive Christ by
faith. Christs atonement is only a partial
basis for worthiness and eternal life, which also
requires obedience to all the commands of the
Mormon church, including exclusive Mormon temple
rituals (Gospel Principles, pp. 74-75 Mormon
Doctrine, p. 669).

• the purpose of the atoning work of Christ on the
  cross was to provide the complete solution for
  humankinds sin problem.
• However, those who reject Gods grace in this
  life will have no part in this salvation but are
  under the judgment of God for eternity (John
  336 Hebrews 927 1 John 511-12).

84
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Is The Bible The Unique and Final Word of God?
the Bible has been corrupted, is missing many
"plain and precious parts" and does not contain
the fullness of the Gospel (Book of Mormon 1
Nephi 1326-29 Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3,
pp. 190-191).

• the Bible is the unique, final and infallible
  Word of God (2 Timothy 316 Hebrews 11,2 2
  Peter 121)
• and that it will stand forever (1 Peter 123-25).
  
• Gods providential preservation of the text of
  the Bible was marvelously illustrated in the
  discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

85
LDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• LDS belief says

• Christian Response

Did The Early Church Fall Into Total Apostasy?
there was a great and total apostasy of the
Church as established by Jesus Christ this state
of apostasy "still prevails except among those
who have come to a knowledge of the restored
gospel" of the Mormon Church (Gospel Principles,
pp. 105-106 Mormon Doctrine, p. 44).

• the true Church was divinely established by Jesus
  and could never and will never disappear from the
  earth (Matthew 1618 John 1516 1711).
• Christians acknowledge that there have been times
  of corruption and apostasy within the Church, but
  believe there has always been a remnant that held
  fast to the biblical essentials.

86
Exposing Community of Christ (RLDS)

• The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of
  Latter-day Saints (RLDS) now called by the name
  Community of Christ (2002).
• In the last several decades, the COC has
  distanced itself from LDS.
• COC as minimized its historical connections to
  Joseph Smith, Jr.,
• de-emphasized its theological and ecclesiastical
  distinctives.
• The COC's official Web site states, "There is no
  official church creed that must be accepted by
  all members.
• There is a generally accepted beliefs of the
  church

87
RLDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• RLDS belief says

• Christian Response

GOD The one eternal, living God is triune one
God in three persons. The God who meets us in the
testimony of Israel is the same God who meets us
in Jesus Christ, and who indwells creation as the
Holy Spirit. God is the Eternal Creator, the
source of love, life, and truth. God actively
loves and cares for each person. All things that
exist owe their being to God who alone is worthy
of our worship.

• One Eternal and Infinite God exists eternally in
  three distinct persons-Father, Son, and Holy
  Spirit

88
RLDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• RLDS belief says

• Christian Response

Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is "God with us," the
Son of God, and the living expression of God in
the flesh. Jesus Christ lived, was crucified,
died, and rose again. The nature, love, and
purpose of God are most clearly seen in Jesus
Christ, our Savior
The statement that Jesus is "the living
expression of God in the flesh," does not express
adequately the full force of the incarnation of
the eternal God in Christ. Jesus Christ is the
eternal, pre-existent Second Person of the
Trinity. He came to earth in bodily form to
reveal God's nature and character to mankind.
89
RLDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• RLDS belief says

• Christian Response

Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the continuing
presence of God in the world. The Spirit works in
our minds and hearts through intelligence,
comfort, guidance, love, and power to sustain,
inspire, and remake us
Fails to affirm clearly the personal nature of
the Holy Spirit. The personality of the Holy
Spirit is evidenced numerous times in the New
Testament. His deity is demonstrated by His
divine attributes. He convicts the lost of sin,
indwells believers at conversion, and empowers
them to live the Christian life
90
RLDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• RLDS belief says

• Christian Response

Fails to mention the sacrificial nature of
Christ's atonement. Does not adequately explain
the need for lost people to respond to God's
grace through faith in Christ as one's personal
Lord and Savior. Salvation is received totally
and assured only by repentance and receiving
Christ as one's personal Lord and Savior-not
through baptism or church membership
Salvation God loves us even though we are sinful.
Through the ministry of Christ and the presence
of the Holy Spirit, we are able to turn to God
and receive the gifts of salvation and eternal
life. Those who accept the gospel are called to
respond to Christ through baptism and committed
discipleship. As individuals exercise faith in
Christ and follow his example and teachings, they
become new people.
91
RLDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• RLDS belief says

• Christian Response

The statement fails to account for the COC
traditional view that it is the "restored Church
of Christ" on the earth. There is no organization
or denomination that can claim designation as the
"true" or "restored" church. The universal church
consists of all the redeemed in Jesus Christ in
all of the ages It also fails to mention its
claim to possess the restored Melchisedec and
Aaronic priesthoods. It also fails to mention
that Joseph Smith, Jr.'s, claims cannot be
substantiated scripturally or historically.
The Church Christian discipleship is most fully
possible when it is pursued in a community of
committed believers. The church, as part of the
body of Christ, is the means through which the
ministry of Christ continues in the world today.
It is a community of people seeking to bring
God's love to all through compassionate ministry,
worship, the sacraments, and witness .
92
RLDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• RLDS belief says

• Christian Response

The statement reflects the traditional COC view
that its prophets, presidents, and apostles are
divinely inspired leaders who are capable of
receiving direct revelation from God. The Bible
warns of false prophets and prophesies which can
distort clearly revealed biblical truth .
Revelation The process through which God reveals
divine will and love is called revelation. God
continues to reveal today as in the past. God is
revealed to us through scripture, the faith
community, prayer, nature, and in human history
93
RLDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• RLDS belief says

• Christian Response

The statement fails to mention the traditional
COC view that the standard Hebrew and Greek texts
of the Bible were corrupted by the apostate
church following the New Testament era. Thus, the
COC view is that the standard editions of the
Bible are unreliable and incomplete. The COC
publishes the Joseph Smith Translation-also known
as the JST or Inspired Version-of the Bible,
which it claims was translated by Smith
miraculously. He supposedly corrected the Bible's
corruptions by adding, altering, or removing
hundreds of verses and passages-including one
entire book, the Song of Solomon. The Old and
New Testaments, nonetheless, are the unique,
revealed, and inspired Word of God. Their extant
texts are reliable, complete, and were never
corrupted. The Bible is the sole authority for
faith and practice for Christians. All alleged
extra-biblical scriptures-such as the Book of
Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenantsmust be
rejected as false, misleading, and historically
untenable (see 2 Tim. 315-17 2 Pet. 119-21
Rev. 2218-19). For more information, see "Book
of Mormon."
Scripture The scriptures provide divine guidance
and inspired insight for life when responsibly
interpreted and faithfully applied. With other
Christians, we affirm the Bible as scripture for
the church. In our tradition, the Book of
Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants are
additional scriptural witnesses of God's love and
Christ's ministry
94
RLDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• RLDS belief says

• Christian Response

The Old and New Testaments, nonetheless, are the
unique, revealed, and inspired Word of God.
Their extant texts are reliable, complete, and
were never corrupted. The Bible is the sole
authority for faith and practice for Christians.
All alleged extra-biblical scriptures-such as
the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and
Covenantsmust be rejected as false, misleading,
and historically untenable
Scripture continued ?
95
RLDS Mormonism v.s. Christianity

• RLDS belief says

• Christian Response

There is no biblical basis for the eight
sacraments of the COC. Jesus instituted two
ordinances-baptism and the Lord's
Supper. Baptism by immersion in water is an act
of obedience that symbolizes the believer's
identification and faith in the crucified,
buried, and risen Lord. The Lord's Supper is a
rememberance of the death and resurrection of
Christ.
Sacraments The sacraments express the continuing
presence of Christ through the church. They help
us establish and continually renew our
relationship with God. Through them we establish
or reaffirm our covenant with God in response to
God's grace. The sacraments of the church are
baptism, confirmation of membership, the Lord's
Supper (Communion), marriage, blessing of
children, administration to the sick, ordination
to the priesthood, and the evangelist's blessing
96
Reformed Mormons ?

• Reform Mormonism is the newest denomination of
  Mormonism, and has its roots in the teachings of
  Joseph Smith - the First Mormon.
• Currently the only Mormons whose theological
  basis is founded upon the unique teachings found
  in Joseph Smith's final sermon in Nauvoo which
  reshaped the theological foundations of
  Mormonism.
• At the time of his death, Joseph Smith was
  actively engaged in what he called "a
  reformation" of Mormonism, and his teachings had
  become more progressive and universalistic.
  Following Joseph's example and continuing his
  unfinished reformation, Reform Mormons are
  non-creedal and embrace progressivism and
  universalism.Unlike most organizations based on
  Joseph's teachings, Reform Mormonism is a
  home-based spiritual path. Reform Mormons focus
  on the processes of self-actualization and
  Eternal Progression, seeking to become more like
  our Heavenly Father and Mother. Reform Mormonism
  has its own version of traditional Mormon
  ordinances such as Endowments, Washings,
  Anointings and Sealings. Reform Mormons are not
  fundamentalists or literalists in their approach
  to religion, but view all scripture and
  ordinances as artistic and symbolic endeavors,
  meant to inspire and assist individuals in their
  Eternal Progression.Reform Mormons support the
  civil rights of all people and do not
  discriminate on the basis of gender, race,
  ethnicity, creed, or sexual orientation. They
  separate religion from politics.
• Reform Mormons consider Joseph Smith to have been
  a prophet. We also consider Mohammed, Moses,
  Jesus, and Martin Luther King to have been
  prophets. Reform Mormons don't believe in blind
  obedience. We do look for inspiration in life
  from many sources, not just from particular
  religious leaders.