Everyone knows that Mormons are honest, trustworthy, sober, hard working, family oriented people. They take care of each other and have a strong belief in their religion. This web page doesn't dispute any of that. But what is Mormonism...the religion? Let's see what the official Mormon web page at lds.org says:
"When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, He organized His Church so that all people could receive His gospel and return one day to live with God, our Heavenly Father. After Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, His Apostles continued to receive revelation from Him on how to direct the work of His Church. However, after they were killed, members changed the teachings of the Church that He had established. While many good people and some truth remained, this Apostasy, or general falling away from the truth, brought about the withdrawal of the Church from the earth. The Apostle Peter prophesied that Jesus would restore His Church before His Second Coming (Acts 3:19.21). Jesus Christ began to restore His Church in its fullness to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820. It has grown to become a worldwide Church with over 11 million members. It has the same teachings and basic organization as the Church established by Jesus in New Testament times.
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."
So we see that as of December 8, 2002 when we copied the above quotation from the Mormon (LDS) church's official web site that it clearly and unambiguously states that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. The next logical step is to confirm that. But first, let's double-check and make sure that it's OK for a Mormon to question or investigate his faith. What better source than Mormon leaders' quotations.
We discovered that most Mormons don't obey their own leaders...
Here's what Mormon leaders have told their members to do:
Not only is it OK for Mormons to investigate their faith, but Mormon leaders actually demand it. If you're a Mormon, you need to obey your leaders and investigate your faith. If you don't investigate your faith, then you're simply announcing to the world that you doubt your religious beliefs. Otherwise why wouldn't you obey your leaders and investigate your faith and prove that it's true?
Let's dig into the subject...
All Mormons agree that the Book of Mormon is the foundation of their religion and that if the Book of Mormon weren't true, there could be no Mormon religion. That's obvious and logical. There's no arguments with that statement.
"Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 71)
OK
So let's take a look at the archeological and historical evidence and facts underlying the Book of Mormon:
The Origin of the Book of Mormon
Book of Mormon Crops:
There are 3 crops mentioned in the Book of Mormon.
There is no independent (non-Mormon) archeological evidence that Wheat existed in the area and time frame of the above references.
Book of Mormon Animals:
There are 13 animals and animal products mentioned in the Book of Mormon
There is no independent (non-Mormon) archeological evidence that any of these existed in the area and time frame of the Book of Mormon.
Book of Mormon Metals:
The following metals, metal products, or metal manufacturing are mentioned in the Book of Mormon record.
Independent (non-Mormon) archeological evidence shows that none of these were manufactured or used in the area and time frame of 2 Nephi 5. The Smithsonian Institution's Dept. Of Anthropology declares the Americas did not have steel or horses before 1492. The Book of Mormon (600 B.C. to 421 A.D.) claims both steel (1 Nephi 4:9) and horses (Alma 18:9). Gordon H. Fraser, anthropologist and ethnologist, agrees with the Smithsonian Institution and adds that copper (Mosiah 8:10) was unknown at that early date as referred to in the Book of Mormon.
King James Translation Errors in the Book of Mormon:
The Book of Mormon contains King James Bible translation errors. For example, in 2 Nephi 14:5 which is the same as Isaiah 4:5, the correct translation of the Hebrew "Chuppah" is "canopy," not "defense." Another example is in 2 Nephi 15:25 (which is the same as Isaiah 5:25). The correct translation of the Hebrew "cuwchah" is "filth," not "torn."
The gold plates are claimed to have been buried in 421 A.D. by Moroni. The King James Bible came out 1,190 years later. Thus the Book of Mormon couldn't be based on plates buried in 421 A.D. since the Book of Mormon contains translation errors that didn't occur until 1,190 years later. Additionally, the language of the King James Bible didn't exist in 421 A.D.
The broader question is: How could the Book of Mormon contain anything from the King James Bible? Please note that this is not a religious question. It's a comparison of two books and the freely available Hebrew original.
Book of Mormon Verbiage:
The Book of Mormon has events similar to and/or phrases identical to or nearly identical to those found in:
Thus the Book of Mormon isn't an original work. It also can't be the translation of an ancient document. What could it be? It's obviously a fiction novel, heavily plagiarized from books which were freely available at the time.
Other Book of Mormon Problems
The 1830 edition calls Joseph Smith the "author and proprietor." Wasn't Moroni the author? Wasn't Joseph Smith the translator?
Click the above image for a larger image.
The theory that the American Indians are descendants of the Hebrews is genetically incorrect. No one questions this anymore due to the DNA testing available today which wasn't available in the 1800's.
There never was a reformed Egyptian language. And Hebrews didn't write in Egyptian.
Egyptians were pagans during the Old Testament era, so why would the Book of Mormon be based on pagan Egyptian writings?
There were no eye (as in physical eye, not spiritual eye) witnesses to the gold plates, based on later admissions by the witnesses.
The Book of Mormon places Jesus' birth in Jerusalem, not in Bethlehem as in the Bible.
There was no religious revival in 1820. The revival occurred from 1824 to 1825. Thus there was no basis in 1820 for Joseph Smith to be confused about religious revivals which would not occur until several years later.
There have been 3,913 changes made to the Book of Mormon since the original 1830 edition.
Not one piece of independent, non-Mormon archeological evidence supports the Book of Mormon.
There are 9 versions of the First Vision. They significantly contradict each other on major issues. The last official version was published in Times and Seasons 20 years after the First Vision and contains information which was not in any contemporaneous diaries. This information should have been in numerous contemporaneous diaries due to its significance.
Old and new archeological discoveries support the Bible. There is zero independent archeological evidence supporting the Book of Mormon.
The Smithsonian Institution does not use the Book of Mormon for reference. Their statement on this matter is available for the asking.
Strong historical evidence points to the historical story line of the Book of Mormon being taken from a manuscript written by Solomon Spalding called Manuscript Found, which was missing from the printer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sidney Rigdon lived near Pittsburgh and knew the printer, J. Lambdin.
The Book of Mormon contains some 27,000 words from the King James Bible, approximately 25,000 from the Old Testament and approximately 2,000 from the New Testament. If the King James Bible was published 1,190 years after Moroni allegedly buried the gold plates in 421 A.D., how did Moroni incorporate the 1611 A.D. King James Bible (including two Hebrew to English translation errors) into his gold plates? It's impossible. Thus based upon this alone, the Book of Mormon cannot be the translation of an ancient document.
Joseph Smith conveniently predicted himself by adding to the King James Translation of the Bible at the end of Genesis (Genesis 50:26) and extending Genesis out to verse 33 in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible.
The "Three Witnesses" of the "Gold Plates"
All three apostatized (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, pp. 114,115). Apostatize is Mormon-speak for "quit the Mormon church".
Archeological and historical summary:
Archaeology and the Book of Mormon by Hal Hougey, p. 12
Additional Questions:
The above Ask Your Bishop questions were taken from a booklet entitled, Ask Your Bishop by Ira T. Ransom.
Recent DNA research:
The Book of Mormon is based on the concept that Meso-America was an uninhabited land that was peopled by Jews who floated across the ocean in a boat of sorts that resembled two large dishes fastened together to form a hollow [with holes in both the bottom and the top for air].
Ancient America was populated via Siberia.
https://www.history.com/news/new-study-refutes-theory-of-how-humans-populated-north-america
Native Americans Descended From A Single Ancestral Group, DNA Study Confirms
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090428223836.htm
Ancient Siberian genome reveals genetic origins of Native Americans
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131120133925.htm
Ancient, modern DNA tell story of first humans in the Americas
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131118081251.htm
A relative from the Tianyuan Cave: Humans living 40,000 years ago likely related to many present-day Asians and Native Americans
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130121161802.htm
Native Americans and Northern Europeans more closely related than previously thought
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121130151606.htm
Native American populations descend from three key migrations, scientists say
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120711134710.htm
In "Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA, and the Mormon Church" (Signature Books), research scientist and former Mormon Bishop, Simon G. Southerton of Canberra, Australia, peels back the faith promoting fantasies about these pilgrims in a dish and their loathsome offspring, the Lamanites, dark-skinned American Indians.
No Archaeological Evidence To Support The Book Of Mormon
As the Mormon church was claiming at one point that the Book of Mormon was used by the National Geographic Society in order to locate ancient archaeological sites, Mr. Larson felt the need to write to the National Geographic Society for confirmation. This was their response.
National Geographic Society
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20036
January 11, 1990
Dear Mr. Larson:
Thank you for writing to the National Geographic Society.
The Society has never used the Book of Mormon to locate archaeological sites, and we do not believe that any of the places named in the Book of Mormon can be placed geographically by the evidence of archaeology. So far as we know there is no archaeological evidence to verify the history of early peoples of the Western Hemisphere as presented in the Book of Mormon.
I hope you will find this information useful.
Yours truly,
Pamela Tucci
Research Correspondence
If the National Geographic Society can find no archaeological evidence to support the book of Mormon - there simply isn't any.
Logical Conclusion:
All Mormons agree that the Book of Mormon is the foundation of the Mormon religion.
All Mormons agree that without the Book of Mormon, there is no basis for the Mormon religion.
Based on the historical and archeological facts and evidence, it's clear that the Book of Mormon is a work of fiction, heavily plagiarized from books freely available at the time. In fact, it's simply a rework of a stolen manuscript (Manuscript Found) that was meant to be nothing more than a romantic fiction novel of the American Indians.
The Book of Mormon is not the translation of an ancient document, regardless of any feelings, emotions, "burning in your bosom," or testimony. "Knowing" that it's true doesn't correlate with the historical and archeological facts and evidence. Wanting it to be true doesn't change the facts and evidence.
The Book of Mormon was not from God.
Again...
Mormon Theology
(...which is actually irrelevant and a non-issue if the Book of Mormon is a plagiarized fiction novel. However let's assume, arguendo, for a moment, that the BOM is true, and delve into Mormon theology.)
Which Jesus do Mormons worship?
Let's see what Mormon leaders say about that...
"It is true that many of the Christian churches worship a different Jesus Christ than is worshipped by the Mormons or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." LDS Quorum of the Seventy member Bernard P. Brockbank, The Ensign, May 1977, p. 26
"In bearing testimony of Jesus Christ, President Hinckley spoke of those outside the Church who say Latter-day Saints 'do not believe in the traditional Christ.' 'No, I don't. The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of whom I speak. For the Christ of whom I speak has been revealed in this the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. He together with His Father, appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in the year 1820, and when Joseph left the grove that day, he knew more of the nature of God than all the learned ministers of the gospel of the ages.'" LDS Church News, June 20, 1998, p. 7
"Christ was not begotten of the Holy Ghost...He was not born without the aid of Man, and that Man was God." Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:18
"Now remember from this time forth, and for ever, that Jesus Christ was not begotten by the Holy Ghost. ...If the Son was begotten by the Holy Ghost, it would be very dangerous to baptize and confirm females, and give the Holy Ghost to them, lest he should beget children to be palmed upon the Elders by the people bringing the Elders into great difficulties." Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 1:51
"The grand reason of the burst of public sentiment in anathemas upon Christ and his disciples, causing his crucifixion, was evidently based on polygamy, ...a belief in the doctrine of a plurality of wives caused the persecution of Jesus and his followers. We might almost think they were 'Mormons.'" Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 1:345-346
"The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer, son of the morning. Haughty, ambitious, and covetous of power and glory, this sprit-filled brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind." Milton R. Hunter, Gospel Through the Ages, p. 15
There are major differences between the Jesus of the Bible and the Jesus of the Mormon church. Here's what Mormons believe:
The Jesus of the Bible taught that salvation is a free gift anyone can receive by accepting Him as your personal Savior, not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 4:6 & 11:6; Philippians 3:9). The LDS Jesus taught that your level of exaltation was based on faith plus works determined by men. Thus, the Jesus of the Bible and the LDS Jesus can't be the same Jesus, as they taught mutually exclusive doctrine.
The Freemasonry Connection:
The Temple Endowment ceremony is simply a modified version of the Freemasonry ceremony which existed long before Joseph Smith was born. Joseph and Hyrum Smith were both active Masons. Many parts of the Temple Endowment Ceremony (verbiage, handgrips, arm positions, whispering in ear, fig-leaf apron, secret passwords, chanting, etc.) were plagiarized from Freemasonry ceremonies. Joseph Smith introduced the Mormon Temple ceremony within 2 months of becoming a Mason. There were Masons in the mob that killed Joseph as he had his arms raised in the Masonic distress call, "Oh Lord, my God! Is there no help for the poor widow's son?" when he was shot. They had a problem with him plagiarizing the Masonic ceremony in the Mormon Temple ceremony. Please note that neither the Freemasonry ceremony nor the Mormon Temple Endowment Ceremony are secret, as all details of both are in the public domain.
The story of carved golden plates in an arched stone vault is very similar to an older story from Freemasonry.
The Mormon term "Celestial Kingdom" is disturbingly similar to the older Freemasonry term "Celestial Lodge Above."
The Freemasonry ceremonies are not from Solomon's Temple.
Freemasonry is a religion:
Freemasonry's god is a triune deity called JaoBulOn. It is a form of Baal. It's Lucifer worship. Note in the third quotation below that Freemasonry reverses the roles of God and Satan. And remember that Joseph Smith embraced Freemasonry when he plagiarized it for the Mormon Temple ceremony.
Freemasonry is not Christian. If it's not Christian, but it is a religion (which Masons have confirmed above), then it by definition conflicts with Christianity. Thus one can't simultaneously be a Christian and a Mason.
The LDS Temple Endowment ceremony has been changed many times (basically it's been toned down). (The Christian God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.)
Joseph and Hyrum's Freemasonry Lodge was becoming the largest Freemasonry Lodge in Illinois. The non-LDS Masons in the state felt threatened by the LDS takeover of Masonry. See Evidences and Reconciliations (first edition), by Apostle John A. Widstoe, volume 3, p. 358.
The Mormon garment (underwear) has pagan Freemasonry symbols sewn into it, such as the compass and the square.
Until recently being removed from the Mormon Temple ceremony, Temple patrons swore an oath to:
These three former-Mormon Temple Endowment ceremony oaths were copied directly from Freemasonry ceremonies.
Other Problems
There have been approximately 65,000 changes between the original Book of Commandments and the current version of it, Doctrine and Covenants.
It is well documented that Joseph Smith and Brigham Young taught the Adam/God Doctrine (that God and Adam were one and the same). Current leaders call it the Adam/God Theory, state that it was never a doctrine, and don't teach it anymore.
Man > God and God > Man
If the LDS God progressed from a man to God by works, as stated by many church leaders, then where did the first man come from? Or, conversely, if the LDS God created the first man, where did the first LDS God come from? (This is a classic circle argument.)
The Word of Wisdom from Doctrine and Covenants
The Word of Wisdom in the Doctrine and Covenants forbids "hot drinks." Current Mormon leaders define hot drinks as coffee and tea. Why are hot chocolate and hot Postum OK? Why are iced coffee and iced tea forbidden?
The Word of Wisdom also states that Mormons should eat meat sparingly. Mormons, including those with Temple Recommends, routinely eat meat far in excess of sparingly, including at church events.
Origin of The Book of Abraham:
The papyri from which Joseph Smith translated The Book of Abraham in The Pearl of Great Price has been determined by Egyptologists to be pagan Egyptian funerary text similar to that from the pagan Egyptian Book of Breathings.
Joseph Smith’s translation of the papyri in 1835 had to be false because no one at the time of Joseph Smith could translate Egyptian. The Rosetta Stone, which gave the world the knowledge to translate Egyptian was not translated itself until 1858, 23 years later.
Are Mormons Christian?
Let's see what Mormon leaders say...
Contemporaneous Quotation about Joseph Smith
"We the undersigned [sixty-two (62) residents of Palmyra NY], have been acquainted with the Smith family, for a number of years, while they resided near this place, and we have no hesitation in saying, that we consider them destitute of that moral character, which ought to entitle them to the confidence of any community. They were particularly famous for visionary projects, spent much of their time in diggings for money which they pretended was hid in the earth; and to this day, large excavations may be seen in the earth, not far from their residence, where they used to spend their time in digging for hidden treasures. Joseph Smith, Senior, and his son, Joseph, were in particular, considered entirely destitute of moral character, and addicted to vicious habits." E.D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed, Zanesville, Ohio, 1834, p. 261
There are no contemporaneous quotations supporting the character of Joseph Smith or his father.
Additional Questions:
The above Ask Your Bishop questions were taken from a booklet entitled, Ask Your Bishop by Ira T. Ransom
Classic characteristics of a cult:
Characteristics of Orthodox Christianity:
Galatians 1:6-12; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; Revelations 22:18; Deuteronomy 13:1-10
The Mormon church does not believe any of these 4 characteristics of orthodox Christianity.
Questions to ask about anyone claiming to be a prophet:
Joseph Smith failed on all 7.
Some of Joseph Smith's Failed Prophesies:
On Feb. 14, 1835 Joseph Smith said, "... go forth to prune the vineyard for the last time, or the coming of the lord, which was nigh even fifty-six years should wind up the scene" (History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 182).
"On the 14th of Feb. 1835, Joseph Smith said that God had revealed to him that the coming of Christ would be within 56 years, which added to 1835 shows that before 1891 and the 14th of Feb. the Savior of the world would make his appearance again upon the earth and the winding up scene take place" (Journal of Oliver Boardman Huntington, Vol. 2, pp. 128,129).
Joseph Smith said the moon's inhabitants were of uniform height (about 6 ft. tall), dressed like Quakers and lived nearly 1,000 years (Journal of Oliver B. Huntington, Vol. 3, p. 166 of typed copy at Utah State Historical Society and The Young Woman's Journal, pub. by the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations of Zion, 1892, Vol. 3, pp. 263,264.)
On April 17, 1838, Joseph Smith prophesied that David W. Patten would perform a mission for him the next Spring. (Doctrine & Covenants 114:1). David Patten died before Spring came. (History of the Church, Vol. 3, p. 171, 10-25-38.)
"And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded..." (2 Nephi 3:14). Joseph Smith's enemies were not confounded, but successful when they killed Joseph Smith on June 27, 1844 in Carthage, Illinois.
Is a prophet allowed to make false prophesies? Let's see what the Bible says: Deuteronomy 18:19-22 (New Living Translation):
19I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf. 20But any prophet who claims to give a message from another god or who falsely claims to speak for me must die.' 21You may wonder, 'How will we know whether the prophecy is from the LORD or not?' 22If the prophet predicts something in the LORD's name and it does not happen, the LORD did not give the message. That prophet has spoken on his own and need not be feared.
Joseph Smith claimed he was superior to Jesus Christ:
"I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet" (History of the Church, Vol. 6, pp. 408, 409).
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
More Errors:
Described below is a summary of some of the gross errors of Mormonism as presented in the new book, Latter Days, by Coke Newell, a prominent church spokesman.
1. Tempting God.
From the beginning the Mormons have been taught to tempt God by their namesake Moroni. He tells potential proselytes to "Ask if these things (Mormon teachings) are true and He (God) will manifest the truth unto you by the Holy Spirit." The meaning is clear that God will confirm the veracity of these teachings. This outcome IS experienced by those who without repentance towards God and Christ ask, seeking a sign. They certainly do get a confirmation from the spirit world, but from the powers of darkness and not God as they think.
Now, hear what Jesus says to those who want to know where a doctrine (message) comes from, when He was questioned concerning His teachings "If any man will DO HIS WILL, he shall know of this doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." [John 7:17] So it is by obedience that we come to know Him, hearing His voice and following Him. Then, when we obey and follow Him, we will not follow the voice of a stranger. Moroni is a stranger.
"You shall not tempt the Lord your God...you shall diligently KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS of the Lord your God (Deut. 6:16, 17).
2. No Original Sin
All one needs to do is read the 5th chapter of Romans and I Corinthians 15:21-23. I do not know what others mean by "original sin" but as Mr. Newell explains, in Mormon doctrine there is complete denial of the heredity that Adam passed on to the world. He also points out that Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormons, changed the Bible considerably in his translation. So read a King James or Amplified translation of the above-mentioned scriptures to get their intended meaning.
3. Law is finished
In the Mormon testimony, the law is spoken of as being finished. The law is not finished. Those who are the Lord's have the old man crucified who could not fulfill the law so that the new man created in Christ could. Jesus came not to do away with but to fulfill. The ceremonial law is finished, being a shadow of the work of Christ now come in the flesh. The Mormon doctrine does not distinguish at all; it just scraps the whole thing. How cavalier, how pompous and presumptuous. And the bolder men get in telling lies the more they are believed.
4. Jesus didn't preach to the wicked after the crucifixition.
He did. See 1 Peter 3.
5. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are three different beings.
The scriptures are very clear, there is only one God, Who is the Father of all, came in the flesh (the Son) and sent His Spirit (Holy Ghost) to indwell His people.
Seventeen Little Known Facts About the Mormon Religion:
The following facts represent teachings that are either openly taught in the Mormon Church today, or that have been taught by the highest authorities of the Mormon Church. All quotes given are from official LDS publications or the Bible.
FACT #1. The Mormon Church teaches ALL other Churches are WRONG; ALL their creeds are an ABOMINATION in the sight of God; and ALL their teachers are CORRUPT. One of the Mormon Books of Scripture, The Pearl of Great Price, says this about non-LDS churches: "...they were ALL WRONG; and the Personage who addressed me said that ALL their creeds were an ABOMINATION in his sight; that those professors were ALL CORRUPT; …" (Joseph Smith, 2:19)
FACT #2. Mormonism teaches there is no salvation outside the Mormon Church and no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith. Apostle Bruce R. McConkie makes this statement: "If it had not been for Joseph Smith and the restoration, there would be no salvation. There is no salvation outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." (Mormon Doctrine, p.670) The Bible, on the other hand, teaches salvation is in Jesus alone; "Neither is there salvation in any other [Jesus]: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
FACT #3. Mormons are taught to doubt the reliability of the Bible and their leaders have consistently attacked its accuracy. Joseph Smith claimed: "... it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of men, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.10) The Bible answers this attack: "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8)
FACT #4. A basic tenant in Mormonism today is that Jesus Christ is the brother of Satan. Milton R. Hunter explains it like this: "The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer, … this spirit-brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind." (The Gospel Through The Ages, p.15) Nowhere in the Bible does it indicate that Lucifer attempted to become the Savior: In fact, Jesus created Satan, so they can't be brothers. Colossians 1:16 indicates that Jesus created "all things," whether "in heaven," or "in earth, visible or invisible."
FACT #5. Mormonism continues to teach that God the Father is a glorified, resurrected Man, and men and women may become Gods and Goddesses. Apostle Bruce R. McConkie makes this claim: "God himself, the Father of us all, is a glorified, exalted, immortal, resurrected Man!" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 643) Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism taught: "...you have to learn how to be Gods ourselves...the same as all Gods have done before you,..." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 346) The Lord Himself answers this teachings by pronouncing: "...I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
FACT #6. Mormons consider Polygamy a righteous principle which will be practiced in heaven. Although there is nothing in the Bible that will support this thinking, current Mormon Scripture has this to say: "...if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no adultery … And if he have TEN VIRGINS given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery …" (Doctrine and Covenants 132:61,62)
An example: Heber C. Kimball (June 14, 1801 June 22, 1868)...a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement. He served as one of the original twelve apostles in the early Latter Day Saint church, and as first counselor to Brigham Young in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 until his death in 1868.
His first wife, Vilate Murray Kimball, accepted plural marriage and welcomed the additional wives as sister wives. Heber and Vilate agreed and gave their 14-year-old daughter Helen Marr as a plural wife of Joseph Smith.
Kimball's wives and children:
Kimball eventually married a total of forty-three women, although it is claimed by some that not all of these marriages resulted in sexual relations. Kimball
had sixty-five children by seventeen of his wives.
FACT #7. Mormons today believe God the Father is married and past leaders have taught both God the Father and Jesus Christ are polygamists. Apostle Orson Pratt makes these unbelievable statements: "… the great Messiah who was the founder of the Christian religion, was a Polygamist … the Messiah chose to take upon himself his seed; and by marrying many honorable wives himself, show to all future generations that he approbated the plurality of Wives under the Christian dispensation … God the Father had a plurality of wives … the Son followed the example of his Father … both God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ inherit their wives in eternity as well as in time; …" (The Seer, p. 172) Nowhere in the Bible does it indicate that God the Father and Jesus Christ are married or polygamists.
FACT #8. The majority of the activity in the Mormon Temples is work done in behalf of the DEAD. Joseph Smith offers this explanation: "The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our DEAD." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 356). Although many Mormons are attempting to save their dead relatives, the Bible indicates: "None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him." (Psalms 49:7)
FACT #9. To the Mormon, the ultimate test that Mormonism is true is an "inner feeling." Mormons often refer to this feeling as a "burning in the bosom." They believe their scripture (Doctrine and Covenants 9:8) gives the best test for determining truth. This test reads: "… study it out in your mind; then you must ask me [the Lord] if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall FEEL that it is right." The Bible, on the other hand, tell us: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
FACT #10. Mormon leaders demand total obedience regardless whether they are right or wrong. The ward teacher's message for June, 1945, stated: "When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan--it is God's plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy. God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God." (Improvement Era, June 1945, p. 354) Herber C. Kimball, First Councilor to Brigham Young, clarifies further: "But if you are told by your leader to do a thing, do it. None of your business whether it is right or wrong." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p.32) The Bible warns us in I John 4:1: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
FACT #11. Mormon leaders have consistently attacked the Biblical doctrine of Salvation by God's Grace through Faith alone. In Apostle James Talmage's book, The Articles of Faith, twice he refers to justification by Faith alone as a "pernicious doctrine," and further declares: "The Sectarian Dogma of Justification by Faith Alone has exercised an influence for evil." (pp. 107,480) The Bible responds: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
FACT #12. Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie has warned his people against a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. McConkie made these shocking statements at a speech given at BYU. "… gaining a special, personal relationship with Christ that is both improper and perilous … Now, I know that some may be offended and the counsel that they should not strive for a special and personal relationship with Christ … But you been warned, and you have heard the true doctrine taught." (Church News, week ending March 20, 1982, p.5) In opposition to this, Jesus gives us a personal invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
FACT #13. Joseph Smith founder of the Mormon Church, boasted of doing a greater "work" than the Lord Jesus. Joseph Smith made this incredible boast: "I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet." (History of the Church, Volume 6, Chapter 19, Page 408) No true Prophet of God ever spoke such words as these.
FACT #14. In 1835 Joseph Smith prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord. At a meeting called by Joseph Smith he instructed the Latter day Saints that it was "the will of God" to go forth and "prune the vineyard for the last time, or the coming of the Lord, which was nigh even fifty six years should wind up the scene." (History of the Church, vol. 2, p. 182) Eight years later he reinforced this by stating: "I prophesy in the name of the Lord God, and let it be written; the Son of Man will not come in the clouds of heaven till I am eighty five years old." (History of the Church, vol.5, p. 336)
FACT #15. Mormons are taught to "shake hands" with a messenger to determine if he is from God or if he is the devil. The following information is found in Mormon scripture: "When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you. If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand … If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him." (Doctrine and Covenants 129:4,5,8) Rather that trusting in "feelings" the Bible commands us to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
FACT #16. Brigham Young claimed that these who leave the Mormon Church would turn "wrinkled" and "black." The following curse was pronounced by Brigham Young: "… but let them apostatize, and they will become gray-haired, wrinkled, and black, just like the Devil." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 5, p. 332) There have been tens of thousands of people leave the Mormon Church -- Where are the "black and wrinkled" ones?
FACT #17. Joseph Smith taught the moon was inhabited by people who dressed like Quakers and lived to be about 1000 years old. In the Mormon publication, The Young Woman's Journal, pp. 263 & 264, O.B. Huntington gives this interesting information: "As far back as 1837, I know that he [Joseph Smith] said the moon was inhabited by men and women the same as this earth, and that they lived to a greater age than we do -- that they live generally to near the age of 1000 years. He [Smith] described the men as averaging near six feet in height, and dressing quite uniformly in something near the Quaker style." Now that man has walked on the Moon, there can be no doubt that there aren't any 6 foot tall Quakers roaming its surface.
Matt 24:23-25, New Living Translation: "Then if anyone tells you, `Look, here is the Messiah,' or `There he is,' don't pay any attention. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great miraculous signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. See, I have warned you."
Mormons believe that God had sex with Mary:
Mormons believe that God had sex with Mary. Most Mormons have no idea about this obscure teaching. They change the definition of the word virgin. Mormons feel that they can still use the phrase "virgin birth" because God was an immortal being who had sex with Mary. (He was not a mere mortal man.) This is exactly what Bruce R. McConkie, (a leading LDS theologian who died in 1985) said: "For our present purposes, suffice it to say that our Lord was born of a virgin, which is fitting and proper, and also natural, since the Father of the Child was an immortal Being" (The Promised Messiah, p. 466). In other words, if Joseph had sex with Mary she would not have been a virgin, but since God had sex with Mary, she remains a virgin.
Polygamy...
Polygamy has not gone away. Not only are there tens of thousands of Mormons living in this so-called "true and everlasting covenant of marriage" today, but the justification for it is still holy scripture to all Mormons.
THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS, SECTION 132
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, recorded July 12, 1843, relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternity of the marriage covenant, as also plurality of wives.
4 For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory.
61 And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood.if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else.
62 And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore is he justified.
63 But if one or either of the ten virgins, after she is espoused, shall be with another man, she has committed adultery, and shall be destroyed; for they are given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men; for herein is the work of my Father continued, that he may be glorified.
64 And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, if any man have a wife, who holds the keys of this power, and he teaches unto her the law of my priesthood, as pertaining to these things, then shall she believe and administer unto him, or she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord your God; for I will destroy her; for I will magnify my name upon all those who receive and abide in my law.
No matter How much the LDS church tries to Christianize their gospel...
There are teachings of Mormonism which separate it forever from Christianity and the Holy Bible.
Specifically, Mormonism teachings include:
The Prophet Brigham Young's racist statements about blacks:
"You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind. The first man that committed the odious crime of killing one of his brethren will be cursed the longest of any one of the children of Adam. Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin. Trace mankind down to after the flood, and then another curse is pronounced upon the same race -- that they should be the "servant of servants;" and they will be, until that curse is removed." - Brigham Young, President and second 'Prophet' of the Mormon Church, 1844-1877 - Quotation from Journal of Discourses
"Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God is death on the spot. This will always be so." - Brigham Young, President and second 'Prophet' of the Mormon Church, 1863, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10, p. 110.
Observations by Erich Wolz
The Book of Mormon describes a vast pre-Columbian culture that supposedly existed for centuries in North and South America. It goes into amazingly specific detail describing the civilizations erected by the "Nephites" and "Lamanites," who were Jews that fled Palestine in three installments, built massive cities in the New World, farmed the land, produced works of art, and fought large-scale wars which culminated in the utter destruction of the Nephites in A.D. 421.
Latter-Day Saints revere the Book of Mormon as the divinely-inspired record of those people and of Christ's appearance to them shortly after his crucifixion in Jerusalem. But, where is the historical and archaeological evidence to support the Book of Mormon? For example, after the cataclysmic last battle fought between the Nephites and Lamanites, there was no one left to clean up the mess. Hundreds of thousands of men and beasts allegedly perished in that battle, and the ground was strewn with weapons and armor. Keep in mind that A.D. 421 is just yesterday in archaeological terms. It should be easy to locate and retrieve copious evidence of such a battle, and there hasn't been enough time for the weapons and armor to turn to dust. The Bible tells of similar battles that have been documented by archaeology, battles which took place long before A.D. 421.
Or this: According to a standard Mormon theological work, Doctrines of Salvation, one finds this definition: "By fullness of the gospel is meant all the ordinances and principles that pertain to the exaltation of the celestial kingdom" (vol. 1, p. 160).
That's an official Mormon statement on the subject.
But there's a problem.
If the Book of Mormon contains all the ordinances and principles that pertain to the gospel, why doesn't the doctrine that God is nothing more than an "exalted man with a body of flesh and bones" appear anywhere in it? Or the doctrine of Jesus Christ being the "spirit brother" of Lucifer? Or the doctrines that men can become gods and that God the Father has a god above him, who has a god above him, ad infinitum?
Mormon disparagement of other churches:
Note: These are in-context quotations of the First Vision from various sources. We used ellipses to shorten the quotations, not to change their meaning. Check out the full quotations if you like, but you'll find there's no modification to the meaning.
Orson Pratt account, first published account of first vision. Published in a pamphlet in 1840 titled "An interesting account of several remarkable visions". … "He was also informed upon the subjects, which had for some time previously agitated his mind, viz.--that all the religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines; and consequently, that none of them was acknowledged of God, as his church and kingdom. And he was expressly commanded, to go not after them; and he received a promise that the true doctrine--the fullness of the gospel, should, at some future time, be made known to him; after which, the vision withdrew, leaving his mind in a state of calmness and peace, indescribable." …
Orson Hyde account, originally published in a German pamphlet https://www.mormonentum.de/literatur/hyde1842/ruf.html in 1842, in Frankfurt (on his return from Jerusalem). Translated in 1960. … "He was told not to join any of the religious sects or any party, as they were all wrong in their doctrines and none of them was recognized by God as His Church and kingdom. He received a promise that the true doctrine--the fulness of the gospel--should, at some future time, be made known to him; after which, the vision withdrew, leaving his mind in a state of calmness and peace indescribable." …
1843 account in non-Mormon newspaper - The New York Spectator - September 23. … "O Lord, what Church shall I join? He replied, "don't join any of them, they are all corrupt." …
1844 account of German immigrant, Alexander Neibaur [May 24, 1844] … "Mr. Smith then asked, must I join the Methodist Church. No, they are not my People, have gone astray. There is none that doeth good, not one" …
George A. Smith - Journal of Discourses Volume 12, p.334, 1863 "When the holy angel appeared, Joseph inquired which of all these denominations was right and which he should join, and was told they were all wrong."
Joseph Smith, Jr. refers to himself as a second Mohammed:
The Prophet inculcates the notion, and it is believed by every true Mormon, that Smith’s prophecies are superior to the laws of the land. I have heard the Prophet say that he would yet tread down his enemies, and walk over their dead bodies; and if he was not let alone, he would be a second Mohammed to this generation, and that he would make it one gore of blood from the Rocky mountains to the Atlantic ocean; that like Mohammed, whose motto in treating for peace was, ‘the Alcoran or the Sword.’ So should it be eventually with us, ‘Joseph Smith or the Sword.’ These last statements were made during the last summer. The number of armed men at Adam-ondi-Ahman was between three and four hundred” (History of the Church 3:167).
Mormon Research Links
Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon? The Spalding Enigma This book critically examines key historical documents and records of 19th-century Mormon history and concludes that The Book of Mormon is an "adaption of an obscure historical novel" written by Revolutionary War veteran Solomon Spalding during the War of 1812. In twelve chapters, the authors lay out the evidence for the assertion that Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery, and Joseph Smith Jr. adapted and embellished the Spalding manuscript to create The Book of Mormon. Although based on public records and solid research, the book reads like "investigative history," demonstrating that Mormon claims to the "supernatural" revelation and transcription of The Book of Mormon are fraudulent. ISBN = 0758605277 It's 560 pages and sells for $17.99. The publisher is Concordia Publishing House. The editors are Arthur Vanick, Wayne Cowdery, and Howard Davis. We consider this to be the single most important book on the origin of the Book of Mormon, which is the foundation of the Mormon religion. If the Book of Mormon is a fiction novel, then the Mormon religion is based upon fiction. You can buy the book everywhere. Here's a rebuttal to an attack on this book: SPALDING_ENIGMA_ROPER_REBUTTAL.pdf
The Modern Spalding-Rigdon Theory by Craig Criddle and Dale R. Broadhurst
https://solomonspalding.com/ModernS-R.htm
Sidney Rigdon: Creating the Book of Mormon http://sidneyrigdon.com/criddle/rigdon1.htm
No man knows my history - The Life of Joseph Smith
by Fawn Brodie
1971
https://www.amazon.com/No-Man-Knows-My-History/dp/0679730540/
Probably the single best book we've ever read that gets inside the mind of the polygamist Joseph Smith, Jr.
Michael Coe, non-Mormon archeologist: http://www.mormonthink.com/glossary/michael-coe.htm
Three Meetings with an LDS General Authority, 2012/2013 - Grant H. Palmer:
https://www.whatismormonism.com/Three_Meetings.pdf
Isaiah in the Book of Mormon…and Joseph Smith in Isaiah by David P. Wright:
https://www.xmission.com/~research/central/isabmapp.html
Lost Book of Abraham: Investigating a Remarkable Mormon Claim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcyzkd_m6KE
The Salt Lake Tribune Newspaper Article on LDS Church Growth, June 26, 2005
For Any Latter-day Saint: One Investigator's Unanswered Questions by Sharon Banister, Paperback, 397 pages, Publisher: Sharon Banister
(January 1, 1988), ISBN: 0940999307
https://www.amazon.com/For-Any-Latter-Day-Saint-Investigators/dp/0940999307
Witnessing To Mormons With Love by Angie Dean, a 146 page PDF, 4.38 Mb
At Life After Ministries, ex-Mormons are helping other Mormons recover from Mormonism by seeking to challenge the doctrines that steal their eternity in Heaven. We work to assert the Christian doctrines of Jesus Christ, in accordance with the Bible and to expose the false doctrines of Mormonism. www.lifeafter.org/
Facts from Mormons: www.whatismormonism.com/factsfrommormons.html
The Prophet Joseph Smith's Failed and Forged Prophecies. Discover that only 5 out of 65 prophecies were fulfilled:
https://www.exmormon.org/prophet.htm
The Mormon Conspiracy: https://www.amazon.com/The-Mormon-Conspiracy-Charles-Wood/dp/158275036X
"The Mormon Conspiracy is a very comprehensive volume dealing with issues that most others, who have written about the Mormon Church, have left
untouched, namely the political ambitions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and how they have become successful in this goal
unnoticed by the majority of Americans. He has captured the "spirit of Mormonism" and understood the internal structure amazingly well without ever
having been a Mormon. Dr. Wood's research and conclusions show originality and give helpful conclusions which open the reader's mind to see the true
nature and plan of the Mormon Church for America--and the world.
Newsweek Magazine article: www.whatismormonism.com/newsweek_article.html
Wife No. 19, or The Story of a Live in Bondage, Being a Complete Expose of Mormonism, and Revealing the Sorrows, Sacrifices and Sufferings of Women in Polygamy, by Ann Eliza Young, Brigham Young's Apostate Wife, a 353 page book: https://www.whatismormonism.com/wife19.pdf
What the Mormon Missionaries Won't Tell You: https://www.spiritwatch.org/whamowon.htm
Mormon Scholar May Face Excommunication: www.whatismormonism.com/ThomasMurphyArticle.html
Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry: https://www.carm.org/mormon.htm
Recovery from Mormonism: https://www.exmormon.org/
Why I left Mormonism: https://www.exmormon.org/whyileft.htm
Who Wrote The Book of Mormon: https://www.exmormon.org/bofmorig.htm
Walter Martin's Religious InfoNet: http://www.waltermartin.org/
Mormonism Examined: https://www.bible.ca/mormon.htm
Evangelical Outreach: https://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/mormonm.htm
Institute For Religious Research: https://www.irr.org/
Let Us Reason Mormon Articles: http://www.letusreason.org/LDSdir.htm
Mormon Research Ministry: https://www.mrm.org/
Word for the Weary: https://www.answeringlds.org/
Utah Lighthouse Ministry: http://www.utlm.org/
Mormonism: Christian or Cult? https://www.ericbarger.com/articles/morminism_christ_or_cult.htm
With One Accord: https://www.withoneaccord.org/LDSMormons_c_4.html
Watchman Fellowship, Inc.: https://www.watchman.org/store/mormonism11244/
MacGregor Ministries: https://mmoutreachinc.com/mormons/mormon_index.html
Illegal Immigration and Border issues moot to Mormons in Utah: https://www.whatismormonism.com/BorderIssuesMootToMormonsInUtah.html
Bible Truth Mormonism Page: https://bible-truth.org/MormonismPage.html
A controversial new novel, A Mormon Massacre. This modern-day novel is based upon the actual massacre of 150 innocent Americans allegedly by Mormon zealots in the Utah Territory in September of 1857. This reigned as the largest mass slaughter of Americans by Americans until the Oklahoma City bombing, excluding the Civil War. In present-day Nashville, Tennessee, Jeremiah Cameron grows up with a prejudice against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the murders in 1857. Many Camerons died at the hands of Mormon assassins at Mountain Meadows. Jeremiah’s hatred multiplies when his father, Luke, informs him that his mother suffered abuse at the hands of her Mormon husband after being forced into marriage at twelve years old. Due to his father’s association with the Mormon Victim’s Action Committee, Jeremiah gets an opportunity to go undercover in hopes of exposing Mormons as abusers. With his father’s encouragement and the knowledge of his mother’s horrific experience, Jeremiah accepts M-VAC’s offer to train and insert him into an LDS community. Jeremiah’s objective broadens when he sees more than he expected. Now he wants to expose the entire Church as a violent and dangerous fraud. Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 - Email the author Joseph Rinaldo for instructions on how to get the rest of the book or the Kindle or Nook versions.
FALSEHOODS OF MORMONISM: https://www.whatismormonism.com/FALSEHOODS_OF_MORMONISM.pdf
Book: Under The Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith, by Jon Krakauer. ISBN 0-385-50951-0
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Banner-Heaven-Story-Violent/dp/1400032806/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374414319&sr=8-1&keywords=Under+The+Banner+of+Heaven
Youtube: Mormon Secrets: What the Missionaries Don't Tell
Mormon Leaders now want to hide their Mormon roots and Mormon name
Donall and Conall Meet the Mormon Missionaries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTwpOfr3NDQ
Donall and Conall Convince the Mormon Missionaries They're Going to Hell in 40.305 Seconds:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoRx5eB7h0A
Letter to Bob the Mormon: https://www.whatismormonism.com/LetterToBob.pdf
Refutation of Brigham Young University’s Posting That Teaches Man Will Become a “god”:
https://www.whatismormonism.com/RefutationOfBrighamYoung.pdf
Since the Mormon Temple Ceremony came from Freemasonry, Here are some Research Links
How can you lead a man away from the Masonic lodge? http://www.ephesians5-11.org
Documents which expose Freemasonry: http://www.ephesians5-11.org/document.htm
Ex-Masons for Jesus: http://www.emfj.org/
Masonry: https://www.gospeloutreach.net/masonry.html
With One Accord: https://www.withoneaccord.org/Masonry_c_5.html
An Evangelical View of Freemasonry and the Loyal Orders: https://www.evangelicaltruth.com/freemasonry.html
Letter to a Church Educational System Director: Letter-to-a-CES-Director.pdf
Reader Comments:
These are verbatim quotations. Each author's name, city, state, country, and email address has been removed for privacy reasons.
"Wow! Thanks for being so detailed about the deceptions of the so-called Mormon "religion". Now I understand why it's considered a cult. Two missionaries have been trying to recruit me and I've been curious and have gone to two sessions. I knew a little bit about this group, but your information about Mormons solidified my fears about these deceivers. Their technique is interesting and makes it seem like they're TRUE Christians and are always asking if they can say a prayer. My immediate thought when they gave me the Book of Mormon to read was the same regarding the fact that quotes from the King James version was in this supposedly ancient text. Ding! Ding! WRONG!
I'm printing out your information as reference. It's great! Thanks! Keep up the good work!"
"To The Expositors and researchers of this site.
I want to congradulate you on a job well done and presented. Whilst I am not a Mormon but am a practising Christian , your site is a useful tool to those who want to be informed about what Mormonism teaches.
We thank God for you and pray a Blessing on this ministry that more individuals will see the error of their ways and to turn to what is truth and the real Gospel for today . 1 Corinthians 15 1-4.
In God's Service"
"Thank you for this site. It is very well researched, intelligent, and objective. I will pass it on to many conservatives that I know who are blinded by Mitt Romney. It would be scary to have a Mormon in the White House, since their church demands absolute obedience to their President "Prophet" and "Seer" That means that a truly devout Mormon would have to be obedient to the LDS church first and to his country second. I don't want the Church of LDS controlling my country! Another good source for info about Mormon origins and the so-called Fundamentalist Mormon sects is Jon Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven." It is also a well-rearched account of this pseudo-religion's rise to power."
"I am a former Church Education System teacher and administrator. I worked in the system for 27 years and left in August of 2002 because it became impossible to reconcile the claims of the church with the available evidence. It also became clear that the church was not interested in allowing the real truth to be taught in the CES classes. They have published an official version of the history in their lesson manuals. It is sanitized and sets readers up to believe that the Mormon leaders were always the heros and the non-members were always the villains. The leaders are not portrayed as fallible, flawed, humans. They appear to be noble men (always white men) who overcame every temptation and never displayed the foibles of human flaws that the rest of us do. I learned that they were not only flawed like the rest of humankind, but in some cases, were not fit to lead any religious organization if living ethically and honestly were a basic requirement. They condoned lying for the Lord to cover their sins. I enjoyed reading the information on your site. Having been an adjunct professor of sociology and religion classes at the University of Idaho, I would commend a good text on Religion in Society (6th edition by Ronald L. Johnstone) to you so you may list some of the characteristics of a cult or new religious movement from a sociological perspective. That may give a little more credibility to your section on cult-like characteristics the LDS church displays, rather than the arbitrary conservative Christian-driven characteristics listed. The sociological ones come from an accepted theory called "Church-Sect Continuum" that has some limited usefulness. Thank you again for sharing good information in a readable and concise format."
"Thank you for all your time and hard work in preparing this paper, and site. I am studying World Religions and Cults and have found this one of the best....."
"Read much of your web site 'whatismormonism' -- thought it was fabulous. It reflects a ton of left brain research presented in a very logical, readable way. Hopefully it will garner a lot of hits from seekers."
"I have just read, for the first time, the information at your website. I am a lifelong mormon, with pioneer ancestors on almost all of my genealogy lines. I served a two-year LDS mission, married in the temple, and am currently a "member in good standing". I am a cousin to Joseph Smith (Joseph's grandfather Asael Smith is also my grandfather.....great, great, great, great grandfather). I find your website enlightening. I find it direct & straightforward. I find it sincere, honest, factual and extremely useful. Thank you for your deeply sincere efforts at exposing facts and truth. After the Mark Hofmann murders, I was stunned at inconsistencies I found in the church's doctrine, public relations statements, actions, handling of documents, etc. Hofmann was a major catalyst for me to begin to research and review my beliefs and the things which I had been so carefully (and repetitiously!) taught from birth. Now, after 20 years of research, study, etc, I have determined that for me.... mormonism and Christianity are almost completely incompatible, and I hope to someday be baptized into a Christian church which honors and worships the True and Living God. I now find it ironic and almost amazing that the LDS church continues to claim (almost frantically) that it has "all the truth"......when I have found so many instances of error, failed prophecies, UNtruths, changes (example: temple ceremony changes; top leaders once stating clearly from the pulpit---many times----that plural marriage is "an absolute requirement for pleasing God and that it would never be taken from the earth" and that it was "the most important and correct doctrine ever revealed to man, essential to practice in mortality & that the US govt could fight against it but that the doctrine of plural marriage would stand and the govt would fall" ...........all this, and then later doing a complete about-face and now "proudly" excommunicating members who practice it......My view now: polygamy was always a doctrine originating from man and not God.....it was a disaster in the mormon church and in the American west.....it brought an almost unbelievable number of broken hearts, divorces (almost all the early "general authorities" had one or more divorces of plural wives) heartaches, headaches, poverty, dissension, deception (and the deception about polygamy continues on today), etc....the way polygamy came into mormonism was deceptive, while being practiced there was gross deception, and the way it was taken away was deceptive....and the view of it today is hidden from new potential converts and continues to be deceptive in many, many ways). At any rate, thank you---so very deeply----for your obvious commitment to true, biblical, love-based, Christ-based Christian teachings. Your courage and your efforts are wonderful. I applaud and respect you. Thank you for giving such a clear voice to what so many of us have found. May God bless you for your efforts."
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"This is an amazing example of a spiritual gift in action. I struggle many times with my Christian bothers & sisters who make judgements about ministries and preachers. While what they say (may) be doctrinally correct the approach is inflamitory and unkind. This is an excellent example or template for discernment communications. All the references were easy to examine....I could go on and on, no need the other comments say it all. God bless you, you blessed me!"
"thanks for the great site, with great readability, great citation, and great links... this has been the most helpfull site i have found on the matter so far."
"We read some of your web site materials and appreciated much of the information there. You did a good job of assembling many damning facts against the false claims of Mormonism."
"I appreciate the information, and have passed your site on to others."
"What a great website and resource. I have just recently left the Mormon church after having spent my entire life in it and serving a mission. It was through a lot of hard work and study that I was finally able to break free. The struggle is not over yet, and it is comforting to have such well-documented and concise resources all in one place. Your articles are well-written, to the point, and free of the meanness that is sometimes found out there. I especially like that recent newspaper articles and links are posted in an easy to find format. Please continue to make these available. It is reassuring to persons like myself and my wife that others are also finding their way out. Perhaps one day Mormonism will fade away into history. Thank You again and God Bless"
"I must compliment you on a great resource for anyone investigating Mormonism. I too am an Ex-Mormon of about 30+ years. I am witnessing to a Mormon family which is disturbed by some of the things they have discovered about their beloved church. I'm passing your web-site to them as I believe it will help open their eyes. Keep up the great work."
"Thank you so much for your time and effort in putting together all this material. I have found it truely enlightening...very factual! Regards, Rev. ____."
"Thank you for an informative, objective site. I had been wondering about the Mormon faith's origins and believe your site to be an accurate and fair analysis."
"I wish to thank you for your excellent work and documentation of the facts concerning Mormonism. I am a youth pastor doing a series for my youth group on Wednesday nights on world religions and the differing occults in comparison with the Bible. Your information, coupled with the excellent book, "The Kingdom of the Cults" by Walter Martin, has provided me with an in-depth look into the history, claims, and theology of the LDS."
"Thanks for the informative webpage. I was visited recently by a pair of Mormon elders who encouraged me to read the Book of Mormon. I kept finding things in the Nephi writings that seemed could not be written at the time (far-too specific references to future events, using the same language as the King James translation). Your site is giving me some good information on the subject."
"Hi Fellow Christian, Ex-Mormon: THANKS for an AWESOME work. I just printed off your entire 27 (?) pages: Have been researching the BOM and Holy Bible myself, having been a "Mormon" for 23 years. I became a Christian and left the church 2 years ago, while my son was serving a Mormon mission.... the hardest thing I've ever done in my life..... but PRAISE GOD: He Lives! and I am still alive today and life goes on. My relationship with my son has begun to heal in the past year, after a long time wondering if I would lose my one and only beloved and precious child, as I had no choice but to follow My LORD. Along with the Mormon connection with Masonry, I also have "Mason" friends and SO much appreciate you tying it all together."
"I have really enjoyed reading the information on your website. I am a Christian, having never been a part of the mormon church, but two of my best friends have recently left on their mormon mission. After reading letters from one of my friends, I have found it very disturbing how much he has changed in only a month. It seems as though he has been brainwashed. The letters are quite impersonal and it seems like he is simply preaching mormonism to me. I am determined to share the true gospel of Christ and a sound theology with my friends, and I was wondering if you had any insight as to the methodology of my witness. Any specific ideas on how I can share the gospel to mormons?"
"I am a member of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, doing research on the Mormon Church (LSD). I came across your website, which has a great many interesting facts and figures, but for some reason, it will not print on my computer in order to get a hard copy. It is too lengthy to copy by hand, obviously. How can I obtain a hard copy of your material, which seems to be very factual and unbiased."
"I just stumbled on your website while searching the web for archeological frauds. What a pleasant surprise! Much of what you document has been used to challenge Mormons to question their "faith" but they are deceived in the most beguiling way. The religion is wrapped in the "family" and that makes it very difficult to defeat. Most of the Mormons I know are very good people and goodness is somehow comparable to Godliness. There is a certain arrogance about the people who practice Mormonism while true Christianity depends not on ones goodness but only on the grace of God through Jesus Christ which saves us from our sins. I can do nothing to earn it. That is very humbling. Thanks for the great work"
"Amazing! Thank you very much! I have a friend who claims she is a Christian Mormon, and I decided to find out the facts about Mormonism, this website has been very helpful. Hopefully, I will now be able to expose the real doctrines of Mormonism to her and help her to find out that she actually needs to get rid of the Mormonism!"
"Thanks for your website. I have been witnessing to a mormon friend of mine and this site has been a big help. I have never been mormon myself, but it was very interesting as I was reading your site of all the flaws of the mormon church. I knew there was many and "the true church" was like any other cult, promoting man. I am Baptist and have trusted the Lord Jesus as my savior when I was young. It is really nice to search google for "the truth about Joseph Smith" and pull up many sites that are designed by people who are born again Christians. Thank you and God bless!"
"Your expose on Mormonism is most excellent and factual. As a member for almost 21 years, I have come to the conclusion that it is bogus. If you haven't run across in your research the on-line published paper Isaiah in the Book of Mormon...and Joseph Smith in Isaiah by David P. Wright, I would recommend it. A very scholarly work making a very strong case that JS source for the Isaiah passages in Nephi were from his KJV bible. Also, there is the little known work, For Any Latter-day Saint: One Investigator's Unanswered Questions by Sharon Banister. It was a 6 year project with over 600 questions to challenge the claims of the LDS church from a Christian perspective. You might wish to check these out and add them to your list or references. Thanks again for your site. It must have taken many hours to put together." [Note: those two resources have been added to the links above.]
"I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for this website. Please keep up the good work. The Word of God is powerful and the Holy Spirit will lead us into all truth. May the Lord Jesus bless you all."
"Great Job.. found it today. good work!"
"I have been researching other religions to find out where they originated from and how their beliefs differ, and why the differ, from Christianity. Your information was very complete and helpful to me. I will be using this information in my small group. Thanks again"
"I just got done reading the information given on this website. It has been very helpful towards my understand about the faults/contradictions within the Mormon church. I've been a Christian for about 3 years now and have an uncle who just joined a Mormon church. He has been trying to convert me to be a Mormon, but I refused due to my knowledge of the bible and faith in Jesus Christ. I want to thank the creator of this site for the helpful information given. Thank You."
"I've been recently trying to witness to some mormon friends of mine and this is definitely the most thorough site ive found in my research. while i am well educated in Christian doctrine and theology i hardly knew anything about mormonism. thank you for your hard work!"
This web site is for historical and archeological Latter Day Saint (LDS) Mormon and related Freemasonry research based on documented historical facts and evidence. We reserve the right to verify all documentation before publishing it on this site. No emotions, feelings, "burning in the bosom", Mormon-bashing, testimonies, or Mormon-promoting are allowed on this site. This site publishes only documented facts and evidence. We are all born again Christians that believe in New Covenant love and grace. An explanation of grace is located here: http://www.gracewalk.org/beliefs/. If you would like to receive salvation, here's a good explanation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmiH89xWZ0Q
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