What is Mormonism? A Look Through an Evangelical Lens
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Imagine two 19-year-olds in white shirts, ties, and Mormon name badges standing on your doorstep, hoping to discuss their faith with you. You tell them you're an Evangelical Christian, or maybe you tell them you're a Baptist, or Presbyterian, or something along those lines. It's doubtful they agree that your faith and theirs are the same. And so begins the dance. Your attempt to convert them to biblical Christianity and their attempt to convert you to Mormonism (aka the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) follows. There are differences—profound differences with severe consequences.
This post attempts to look at the basics of the LDS faith, history, and belief using primary sources. For this objective, a primary source is a source produced and provided by the LDS Church or an LDS person. More specifically, these sources are recent videos created by the LDS Church to explain aspects of Mormonism. An LDS person made one of the videos, but most Mormons would likely agree and find it beneficial to summarize the Book of Mormon. Writings from the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Convents, and Pearl of Great Price (LDS Scriptures) are also used. The Bible and historical Christian Creeds will be provided for contrast and discussion. In addition, this post is best viewed on a desktop or in desktop mode.
For the sake of this post, "LDS" or "Mormon" refers specifically to the prominent religious organization founded by Joseph Smith and presently headquartered in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. There are many other groups making claims to these terms. This post has no desire to examine or refute those claims but seeks to keep the scope of this examination limited to the most apparent LDS group.
To get the most out of this post, watch the videos, read the supplementary material and Scripture references, and consider the questions and statements provided along with most of the videos. This study will take some time and may require that you take it in parts over a season. Please bear in mind that this post examines Mormonism from an Evangelical Christian perspective. Subsequently, Mormonism will be examined through the lens of biblical Christianity, which views the Bible as God's inspired, inerrant, infallible Word.
Who was Joseph Smith?
1. Read Joseph Smith’s account of this event, printed in Chapter 1 of the History of the Church, Vol 1, contained in the Pearl of Great Price and considered equal with Scripture. Specifically, note verses 12-19:
“12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
”13 At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to ‘ask of God,’ concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
”14 So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.
”15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.
”16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
”17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
”18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
”19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for 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; that: ‘they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.’”
2. Notice Joseph’s response to coming face to face with God (the Father and the Son as two separate entities with bodies). As soon as his body and tongue were loosed from what he seems to suggest later in Chapter 1 was the devil or a demon, he went right to his question about which of three churches he should join. What is the response of every person in the Bible when coming face to face with God?
3. Notice that verse 19 says all the different sects of Christianity were wrong, and all of their “creeds were an abomination in his sight.” The Baptists, Methodists, and the Presbyterians held to creeds like the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Westminster Confession, the Heidelberg Confession, 1689 London Baptist Confession, among others. These creeds haven’t changed, nor have the churches that still hold to them today. What does this say about LDS belief if all of these creeds (and the churches that believe that these creeds best articulate what the Bible says) are an abomination? What does it suggest that Mormonism rejects these creeds?
4. Read Galatians 1:6-9. Consider how one should respond to a gospel that is different than the one of the Bible?
Was the Church Lost and Need Restored?
1. The LDS Church claims the witness of Christ and his Bride were removed entirely from the earth after the death of the first apostles. How does this claim line up with Scriptures such as Matthew 5:18, Matthew 28:20, Matthew 24:35, Matthew 24:10-13, Luke 19:39-40, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3?
2. This video suggests that the gospel and salvation were lost between the apostles' time and Joseph Smith's. If correct, nothing we have written in this period could lead to salvation, and salvation only comes by way of something Joseph Smith had, namely, his truth, the structure of the LDS church, and the priesthood authority. Does the Joseph Smith gospel line up with what the apostles of the Bible wrote, or is the Mormon gospel different than the biblical gospel?
4. Some of the hymns in the LDS Hymnal were written by Saint Francis of Assisi, Philip Brooks, William Cowper, Issac Watts, Charles Wesley, and Martin Luther. These men all lived in what would have been the time when the Church was lost (the apostasy). Do these gospel songs suggest the witness of Christ was lost?
5. The video states that the foundation of truth is transmitted through apostles and prophets and they are God’s only official spokesmen. Mormons believe that after the last apostle died, there were no spokespeople. Who does 2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2 say the messengers of God's truth are?
Where Did the Book of Mormon Come From?
1. While there is a great many questions that should be asked about the Book of Mormon, the gold plates, the process of revelation (rather than translation), the weight of the plates, specifically how many people claimed they saw the gold plates until the end of their lives, the lack of other evidence, how these ended up in North America if the account is in South America, and so-on, these question may greatly distract us from our survey. These various questions may serve for additional study about Mormonism. Simply consider what you have seen.
2. The narrator in this video states that “the gold plates are tangible evidence linking the translated book of Mormon to the ancients prophets who wrote it.” How credible are these plates as “tangible evidence” when there are no plates to examine, but only the claims of founding members of the LDS church?
3. The video says that Mormon introduced the Book of Mormon by writing, “Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God. . .” In “The Restoration” video, it’s said that God and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. The “Godhead” video denies the Trinity and demonstrates that Jesus is a created being, thus not eternal. Furthermore, if the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are not one God, how can Mormons affirm the Bible’s teaching that there is only one God? How can Mormons have “no other God’s before me” (the first of the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20:3) if they deny the Trinity but identify both the Father and Jesus as God, even if Jesus (or even the Father) are created beings?
How was the Book of Mormon ‘Translated’?
1. Knowing how this book came about, does the claim of seer stones and a hat lend greater credibility to translation, that is, transitioning the words and meaning from one language to another? What typically goes into translation work? Can this be called translation or should it be referred to something else?
2. In addition to translating the gold plates, Joseph Smith also claims to have re-translated parts of the Bible. It’s highly unlikely he had any Greek manuscripts when he retranslated John 1, but instead consulted the stones. Consider the theological significance of his changes to John 1:1. It reads, “In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God.”
3. Find the complete Joseph Smith Translation (JST) and examine many other changes to the Bible. Follow this link to the document on the LDC Church website.
An 8-Minute Summary of the Book of Mormon
This video was produced by a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but the video is not owned by or an official video of the LDS Church. It is well done and helpful; however, it is not actually a primary source. The best primary source would be to read the entire Book of Mormon.
1. See if you can find any mention of Mulek in the Bible? Why was this son of a King not mentioned with the other sons in the biblical record?
2. Why do you suppose there is no discovered archeological sites of these large civilizations or battles?
What is the Book of Abraham?
1. The introduction to the book of Abraham reads, “A Translation of some ancient Records that have fallen into our hands from the catacombs of Egypt. The writings of Abraham while he was in Egypt, called the Book of Abraham, written by his own hand, upon papyrus.” How can we reconcile this introduction with what scholars have later determined these scroll fragments actually say?
2. Take some time to read the book of Abraham. Note the repeated use of Gods (plural) and the council of the gods in the creation account recorded in chapters 4 and 5. Also, examine the facsimiles and their explanation.
The 13 Articles of Faith.
1. The 13 Articles of Faith are the fundamental foundation of the LDS religion and belief. Take a few moments to read the Articles of Faith.
2. Article 2 states, “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.” How does this article line up with Scripture, specifically passages like Romans 5:12-21, Ephesians 2:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:20-49?
3. Article 3 explains the way of salvation in the Mormon faith. It reads, “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be save, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” How does this square with what the Bible states is the way to salvation?
4. Article 8 states, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe in the book of Mormon to be the word of God.” The translation qualifier is reasonable and used by evangelicals as well; however, there are a great many new translations (or revelations) from Joseph Smith that produce a translation from no manuscripts at all. How can we evaluate Joseph Smith’s translations if they came from unverifiable revelation through stones that are no longer on the earth? Is this translation more or less trustworthy?
5. Article 10 states, “We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.” How does a new Jerusalem built on the American continent line up with the biblical narrative?
Who is God and What is the Godhead?
1. Mormons reject the doctrine of the Trinity? Throughout history, those who reject the Trinity are determined to be outside of Christianity. Should the LDS be consider part of Christianity or outside Christian belief?
2. The video mentions that the Heavenly Father wants his children to have all that he has. While not expressly stated, does this include the incommunicable attributes reserved only for God? Many Mormons believe that exhalation includes becoming like God, even in becoming a gods themselves. Compare this idea with the temptation claims in Genesis 3.
3. Is the “Plan of Happiness” found in the Bible? What is this plan?
4. The first video explains Scripture like Deuteronomy 6:4, Mark 12:32, Galatians 3:20, Zechariah 14:9, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, and John 10:30-38 as being something different than the long-standing view of the Trinity. What do you think about this Mormon interpretation of these verses and the idea of the Trinity?
5. How does Joseph Smith’s claims about seeing two distinct people in bodily form line up with John 1:18, John 6:46 and John 4:24?
6. This first video states that Jesus Christ was a created being, and therefore, not eternal. He has a beginning. There was a time when there was no Jesus. How does this align with biblical teaching and orthodox Christianity? What was the Godhead before Christ was created, if this video is correct?
7. Who are the “heavenly parents” mentioned, that is, those who birthed Jesus in heaven?
8. The second video states that God’s goal is to help us find happiness in this life and the next. Is this God’s chief goal for mankind? If not, what is?
Where did We Come From?
1. Jeremiah 1:5 is translated differently in many translations. Read this verse in a few translations and ask if the interpretation of a pre-existence of people apart from their bodies lines up with the rest of the Bible. Are there any other verses in the Bible to support such an interpretation?
2. In Job 38:4, God asks Job were e was when God created the earth. The answer to the rhetorical line of questioning is that Job wasn’t there. Therefore, if humans were created in a pre-existent form it would be after the earth was created. Why would God sent these people into a state of wrath, condemnation, and separation from God?
3. While the Bible teaches that all humanity is God’s creation, what does the Bible say about who God’s children are? Are all people created as God’s children? Consider John 1:12, Galatians 3:26, and Romans 9:8.
4. What do you think it means that these videos suggest that humans will exist in a “state like God” forever? Why does each person need to receive a physical body to become more like Heavenly Father?
What is the Mormon Plan of Salvation?
1. Can you find the “Plan of Happiness” in the Bible?
2. If left to our own choices apart from God’s intervention, will we choose God in our sinful state? (Consider Romans 8:7-9, John 6:65, and Romans 3:23.)
3. The second Article of the LDS faith states, “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.” How does this article of faith square with the video’s use of 1 Corinthians 15:22?
4. The LDS plan of salvation was presented to the people in the pre-existence. The video states that death is a required and necessary part of God’s original plan for the world. What is the reason for death in the Bible? (Consider Genesis 3.)
5. The video states, “If we have repented of our sins, then we will be forgiven for our past mistakes.” There is no mention of belief. Does this suggest a works-based video of salvation?
6. Does John 14:2 speak of three levels or degrees of heaven when read in this Passage in context?
7. What do you suppose it means when the video says, “Those people who merit life in the Celestial Kingdom will live with and be like God forever in a state of glory and happiness?”
8. Read 1 Peter 4:1-6. Consider that this Passage refers to those who live and have life in Christ, who were once dead in their trespass but now reborn and alive in salvation. In contrast, the dead are those described in verse 3. The gospel was preached to the dead so they might live. (Consider Ephesians 2:1-2 and Romans 8:9-11.) Does this Passage mean that we will have a second chance for salvation after we have physically died?
9. Notice that the video suggests that making good decisions and doing the right things result in a closer relationship with God, forgiveness through Jesus Christ because of his atonement, and eternal life.
10. Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-49. In context, is Paul discussion three levels of heaven or is he explaining that there are things of greater magnificence than other things?
11. What does the third video mean that exaltation “is an opportunity for one’s further progression, to be like God and Jesus and is a reward to the highest level of faithfulness to the commandments of God?”
What About Baptism for the Dead?
1. Where does the Bible discuss the proper authority to preform baptisms?
2. If baptism for the dead is critical for the exhalation of those who were not baptized, why is this not discussed more in the Bible? Why did the early Church not do this?
3. What would happen if a proxy (or stand in) and the baptizer were not in proper authority (living under false pretenses or something of this nature) but conducted a baptism for a dead loved one? They recorded it and fully believed the person was proxy baptized with proper authority. Is it possible that the the dead person would be in a lower level of heaven, unable to do more because the baptism was not conducted correctly, and there would be no further recourse?
4. In 1 Corinthians 15:12-24, Paul is making an argument against Christians who do not believe there will be a resurrection. Part of his argument uses an example of people who are conducting baptisms for the dead. He says what’s the point if there’s no resurrection. He does not make an argument that there should be baptisms for the dead. This is the only place there is any mention of such behavior in the Bible or in Church history. What do you make of a major religious practice coming from such a minor discussion in Scripture.
Modern-Day Prophets?
1. Consider Hebrews 1:1. Does the Bible suggest that prophets are still necessary today?
2. Consider 1 Timothy 2:5-6. Does the Bible suggest that we still need a prophet to serve as mediator between us and God?
3. Does this video suggest that Mormons don not believe that the Spirit is given to all Christians. Consider Acts 2:17.
4. Jesus is our perfect Prophet, Priest, and King. This suggests that Christians have a Prophet and Head of the Church— Jesus! Does the Bible tell us we need any other prophet today, other than Jesus?
Why Don’t Mormons Drink Coffee?
1. What do you think about prophetic messages were given to Joseph Smith based on current events, to include concerns from Emma, his wife?
2. Doctrine and Covenant 89 is known as the word of wisdom. D&C 89:9 reads, “And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.” Mormons interpret this to mean many different things involving coffee. Does this suggest that cold coffee is okay? Decaffeinated tea? What if it’s hot? What about hot chocolate?
3. Consider what the Bible says about food laws and practices. (See Mark 7:19 and Acts 10:17.)
How is the Mormon Church Organized?
1. Do you believe Jesus, at the head of his Church, would allow it to fall into disarray so quickly after his ascension to heaven?
2. The LDS Church claims the witness of Christ and his Bride were completely removed from the earth after the death of the first apostles. How does this claim line up with Scriptures such as Matthew 5:18, Matthew 28:20, Matthew 24:35, Matthew 24:10-13, Luke 19:39-40, and 2 Thessalonians 2:3?
3. Can you find any Scripture that identifies Adam as the first prophet?