Of the 313 posts so far published in this blog, this subject of Mormonism will be the most difficult to express regarding how the New Testament views a religion, of which one side is upright, has family values, is dedicated and decent in most of its actions, and at the same time, its beliefs are not even close to what Biblical Christianity really consists of.
I personally studied with the Mormons for sometime in the late 1970s. Even with my limited knowledge of Scripture at that time, not for one minute did I believe what they were teaching. I just was inquisitive, although I never gave them a hint how I felt about their beliefs. They thought I was another potential prized candidate for becoming like one of them. When I didn’t need any more evidence of their naive religion, I said good-bye. Much of what I learned is still in my memory to this day.
Actually, in 1830 a majority of their fundamental beliefs, set in place by their founder, Joseph Smith, a deranged 15 year old boy who desperately needed attention, concoted an unbelievable fairy tale that only a simpleton could believe. This makes me feel ashamed of being a member of the human race, let alone a disciple of Jesus Christ. One doesn’t have to wonder why many atheists believe as they do about Christians once they learn the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). And I can understand why atheists wouldn’t want anything spiritually to do with Christians, thus believing all Christianity is a farce. In plain English, Mormons give Christianity a stupid (dirty) name. The reason I say that is, how can anyone believe and take part in such a grandiose con game (to trick or to fool) which Joseph Smith taught as God’s holy truth to all who become Mormons? It most likely was that accurate knowledge of the New Testament was limited at that time. There was a time I believed there was a limit as to what even halfway intelligent humans in their right mind were capable of believing as fact. I guess the Mormons made me out to be a liar.
Here is how Joseph Smith started it all: In 1830, he presented himself as a prophet whom Jesus Christ instructed to restore his true church. An angel named Maroni, the son of a 4th-century prophet named Mormon, provided him with some gold tablets which were buried under a certain tree (no where in the complete Bible does it mention anything about angels having children). The writing on the tablets was written in Egyptian hieroglyphics—no one but Smith has ever seen these plates. He translated the writing by means of transparent stones he used as glasses–it’s too bad that with all our modern technology we can’t decipher what those transparent stones consisted of. Ha-ha. The tablets tell of how Jesus came to America after his resurrection and taught him during his visit, via the gold tablets, along with a supposedly ancient civilization of Israelites sent to America by God.
When he finished translating the gold plates into English, he called those writings “The Book of Mormon.” That book is considered to be the Word of God by all Mormons and equal in authority to the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, and an indispensable supplement to them. Then he tells how he was commanded to revise parts of the Bible, which were corrupted by early translators, as he was directed according to God’s revelation. In 1844, Smith ran for President of the United States of America; at that time, Smith and some of his leaders were murdered by an angry mob. They must have realized this religion was a joke.
One of the most obvious signs that Smith’s religion was a demonically inspired fairytale and not from God was that he said he received this revelation from God: Mormon men could have multiple wives (polygamy). The main reason he most likely made up this rule was because he must have been a horny pervert and needed more than one wife. Also, this new law would be a plus (frosting on the cake), as it were, for all his male followers. Then they wouldn’t think of going to another church which didn’t offer this sensual nicety. hh! Another question: What was in it for the wives who had to share their husband with other women? Leave a comment. After several years, Congress enforced a law forcing them to abandon that practice. I truly wonder which wives the husbands kicked out and which one they kept. Evidently, there are still a few Mormons who are secretly and illegally engaging in polygamy. This question begs asking: If polygamy wasn’t banned, would Mormons still engage in multiple marriages? Scripture commands the following: 1st Timothy 3:2. “Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife . . .” Titus 1:6. “An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife . . .” These verses strongly imply that all disciples were to have only one wife. Remember, the church leaders were/are examples for all the laity. And what was/is God’s reason men were/are to have only one wife? This question does not need answering.
Another ritual that is totally unbiblical is what they call the baptism of the dead. What they have been doing for who knows how long is getting names of dead people who did not believe in Jesus Christ or belonged to a rival church of their choosing, and then a living Mormon is baptized in water for that person. Thus that dead person will then be eligible for heaven. This belief is just one of many unscriptural practices beleive is from God. They have a special building in Salt Lake City that records all who have thus far been baptized, which also is used for performing the baptism of the dead. They have performed this ritual for millions of dead people. Many Jewish victims were also baptized until one Holocaust survivor insisted that the names of all those dead Jews be un-baptized (taken out of their “baptism of the dead” roster).
Besides being instructed by God—as he claims—to do this baptizing, Smith used one verse in the New Testament, which he took completely out of context, to further bolster that belief. Here is the verse: 1st Corinthians 15:29. “Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?” [Now listen to what Paul is referring to concerning the above]. Verses 30-32. “And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves ever hour? I die every day–I mean that, brothers–just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus [Paul uses a hyperbole meaning unbelievers] for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the [spiritually] dead are not raised . . .”
The baptism Paul is talking about in 1st Corinthians 15:29 is the baptism which Joseph Smith took completely out of context. This paragraph will, without a doubt, display Smith’s error. As is obvious, the baptism and potential death Paul is referring to is the suffering and death many early disciples of Christ went through, or will be going through, as Paul went through and is still going through at that time, and all for the sake of those who are dead spiritually so that they hopefully will believe in Christ and have eternal life. Here are several verses to corroborate that form of baptism: Luke 12:50. (Jesus speaking): “But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed.” (His Crucifixion). Mark 10:38. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with? Jesus said to them, ‘You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with . . .’” [meaning the disciples suffering and eventually dying at the hands of the Jews, etc.]. Just one more: Luke 9:59-60. “He [Jesus] said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But the man replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the [spiritually] dead bury their own dead . . .’”
In Scripture, there are several other different types of baptism; they all use the same word: “baptism.” John’s baptism was a water baptism for repentance of sins. Now if that baptism, before Christ came on the scene, was sufficient to give life, I can’t give anyone an unequivocal answer; the New Testament doesn’t tell. Then the baptism that Jesus’ disciples performed, before and after Jesus death, gave life, or at least seemed to give life. At those baptisms, did a person receive the Holy Spirit? Again, I can’t say. Here is the reason why: This is what it says in Acts 19:3-6: “So Paul asked, ‘Then what baptism did you receive?’ ‘John’s baptism,’ they replied. Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.” Now here is the question: Did they receive an unmentioned water baptism at that same time??? The next verse says this: “When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” Therefore, as displayed in Scripture, I believe baptism is a disputable subject. Another reason I say that is if a person in prison accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior but had no way of properly being baptized in water, is he/she saved at that time? If anyone has a good answer to the above unanswered questions according to Scripture, leave your answer in the comment section.
Now concerning celestial marriages . . . The Mormons were taught that their earthly marriages will continue in eternity. To refute that belief, listen to what the Scripture says: Matthew 22: 27-30. “Finally, the woman died. Now then, at the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven [she was married to seven brothers, all of whom died], since all of them were married to her? . . . At the resurrection people will not marry nor be given in marriage; THEY WILL BE LIKE THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN.” [emphasis added]. There is no mention of any holy angels anywhere in Scripture of God’s angels being married—Check Genesis Chapter 6, the first 6 verses. Some believe these “sons of God” and the Nephilim were evil angels who married beautiful daughters of men. Here is another truth: In heaven, we will all, male and female, be the bride of Jesus Christ, figuratively speaking. That settles that phony-baloney teaching.
An atrocity that is seldom mentioned is the massacre that was ordered for a violation of some type of Mormon decree. A hundred and some—I forgot the exact number—were ordered to kill—each killing one person—of the hundred and some violators. That event, most likely, was the most serious infraction of all Smith’s god-inspired garbage. Luke 6:27. “But I tell you who hear me: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Those types of “love your enemy” verses, and there are many, were ignored by Joseph Smith and guess who else? George W. Bush.
Here is the most sacrilegious event of all: Since Smith claims to have seen God the Father and Jesus in physical form, when receiving his revelations, Mormons to this day still believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ have physical bodies. Check 1st John 4:12. “No one has ever seen God . . .” Also, John 4:24. “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.”
They have another screwy concept, which few outside their church are aware of: “Church organization is based on two priestly orders: the Melchizedek or high priesthood, which is concerned with spiritual and doctrinal matters, and includes apostles, patriarchs, high priests, seventies, and elders, in addition to the presidency; and the Aaronic, or lower priesthood, dealing with temporal and external affairs, and including bishops, priests, teachers, and deacons.” Now, this is what the Bible said about Melchizedek: Hebrews 5:5. “But God said to him, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’ And he says in another place, ‘You [Jesus] are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’” The author of Hebrews is quoting Psalms 110:4, referring to Genesis 14:18, to Melchizedek as priest of God most high. This same theme is presented also in Hebrews Chapter 7.
The point the book of Hebrews is making is that Christ is our High Priest forever, thus doing away with the Levitical priesthood, the descendants of Aaron. Also in 1st Peter 2:9: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God . . .” What the New Testament is saying is that Christ would be a priest forever, and that the Levitical priesthood (Aaron’s descendants) has been abolished by the coming and death of Christ. Simple as A.B.C. How and why the Mormons incorporated those two names (Melchizedek and Aaron), and all the other gobbledygook as names of their hierarchy, I don’t have the slightest idea, other than to confuse the laity, or as a means of pressing a heavy hand on all the naiveté.
Along with the aforementioned, they have many more beliefs which do not coincide with our New Testament, all which would make any Bible-believing disciple come to the conclusion that all Mormons, who would rather be called members of “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,” are under the powerful delusion of the most abominable “christian” hoax in the last 200 years.
In the remainder of this post, I will be speaking as a Christian reporter, just telling it as a non-Christian. The only reason I am writing on this subject at this time is because Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts and a leader in the Mormon Church, is running for President on the Republican ticket. I watched him being interviewed by Mike Wallace on “60 Minutes.” This guy is intelligent and extremely razor-sharp. He seems to have a readymade answer for every possible question. I would rank Romney with Condoleezza Rice and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran. They are the slickest debaters I am aware of. You just can’t out-talk them; they always will win. I would give my right arm to see the three of them discuss a controversial topic. Don’t hold your breath; it will never happen.
Of all the ten candidates running for the Republican nomination at this time, in their last debate, he was the most polished and urbane of all the other nine. He has a perfect five-star record in all he has touched. He was/is a dazzling business man and is now worth over half a billion dollars. If he became President, I wonder how much he would have when leaving office. He has a picture-perfect family. Never divorced. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I would say he must be an angel in human form, sent down from heaven. He even looks presidential and could be the “poster child” for all Christians. He was able to raise $ 21 million for his early primary, more than all the other nine Republican candidates.
Here is the scary part: With his many smarts and all the accomplishments and accolades he receives, if his job as President came into conflict with his hard-core, idiotic religion, he could do more damage to this country than Bush, if that were possible. How could a man be an intellectual and still believe in Joseph Smith’s fairytale religion? I am baffled. This man is a leader of the most demonic and dangerous religion in America. He is dangerous because he has a perfect cover-up, the markings (epitome) of all that Christians should be, but is in reality the devil in disguise as an angel of light. I always knew Satan the devil was brilliant, actually more brilliant than any human; we who know the Lord aren’t often fooled, but I never imagined that deceiver could concoct something this sophisticated, to get a person like Romney and the remainder of his kind, to do his work in an upright and decent way.
Some political analysts compare Romney with John F. Kennedy. Kennedy was a Catholic, and many wondered if his faith would interfere with his ability to function in an unbiased manner (separation of church and state). There is a gigantic difference between Kennedy’s attachment to Roman Catholicism’s dictations and Romney’s devotion to Mormon edicts. The Catholic religion doesn’t make it a practice of ex-communicating disobedient members, but that is not true of Salt Lake City, the devil's headquarters. If Romney was to disobey the Mormon president, consisting of two counselors and the twelve apostles, he would cease being a Mormon. No ifs, ands, or buts. Just remember this: All Mormons with their blind faith are spiritual wackos. One just doesn’t know what to expect from people who give their single-minded allegiance to one continual, 200-year old, mythical, story-book fairytale.
Here is something else I forgot to mention: Not only is the Mormon Church the richest church in America, but the vast majority of its members are also extremely wealthy. Anyone who is familiar with this blog knows how I continually and Biblically expose the harm wealth does to anyone who claims to be a Christian. In America and possibly the world, wealth in the hands of those who believe they are Christian, is by all means the most formidable enemy of God and His Christ. The reason I say that is because wealth—and the desire for it—is the most powerful and loved impersonator of God. Even though God is truly Almighty and it doesn’t seem that way at this time, in this world the almighty dollar is supreme; what the ($$) says always happens.
Therefore, with Romney’s intellect and our country’s money at his disposal, what harm can’t he do to this country? Let us not forget, George Bush caused our country harm by his stupidity. Just imagine how much harm an intelligent person can do—even smarter than Cheney—whose real goal as President would be to propagate the Mormon religion? After all, he can be President for no more than eight years, but will be a Mormon the rest of his life. In other words, it only stands to reason that he desires his legacy not so much to display what good he achieved for the U.S., but what he accomplished for Joseph Smith and company. If he was to deny that accusation, he is a poor example of what Mormons are inculcated to believe.
The one aspect which is of primary importance to all Mormons, including Romney, is to actively propagate their version of Christianity worldwide. This is how they do it: A vast majority of their 10% tithe goes to support their outreach: Young Mormon men, even some “TEENAGE ELDERS”–that sounds like an oxymoron--—are sent throughout the world for two years, going door-to-door, and when they find those who are interested, they teach them the basics of Mormonism and put another notch on their Book of Mormon.
They have other great things going for them that are noteworthy; they have a wonderful welfare program, not only for needy Mormons, but also to help gentiles—as we are called who are not one of them—mostly helping wherever disasters occur. The other virtue is what they call “Words of Wisdom.” They vow not to smoke or drink any alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea or other stimulating drinks. This is a great example for all who call themselves Christians.
There is at least one negative with all the tithe they collect and good works they do. The more they collect, the more they can expand and the more they will be able to multiply Joseph Smith’s religion. It is impossible to get a satanically inspired system of worship, which was originally based on deceit and lies, and somehow convert it into the holy works of God. Worthy of repeating: Mormons believe the Book of Mormon, which Smith concocted, to be the word of God, and is equal in its authority as our Christian Bible, Smith’s revision, so far as it is translated correctly. Sure! No matter how much the Mormon religion is polished and made to look like the wonderful works of God, it is a slippery, well-dressed downhill slide into the dregs of eternity. To put it more plainly, one can get a well-mannered pig, give her a bath, and put lipstick on her to make her look dignified; nevertheless, after all is said and done, she will still be a pig.
Therefore, while Romney is campaigning for the Republican ticket, keep in mind where his allegiance stands, though I truly believe he and all other Mormons honestly believe they are doing God’s work. The heart break is, it would be next to impossible to convince them otherwise. What can we do to show them the right way? I have no idea. Words and this post will do nothing. I believe they are a hopeless cause in an incorrigible situation. That is a horrible thing for any reporter to say. I hope, for their sake, that I am wrong. Repeating, I believe they want to do the things that please Christ, but somehow got entangled with a force with superhuman intelligence and much more powerful than themselves: Satan, masquerading as an angel of light. Check 2nd Corinthians 11:14. Regardless, just don’t let them drag you down to become like one of them, and don’t forget, thumbs down concerning Romney.
Finally, who can do more damage to this country: Bush, who says he is a Christian but doesn’t live like a Christian, or Romney, who doesn’t believe like a Christian but many of his ways resemble that of Christians? Only time will tell.
P. S.:
This post would be an excellent message to share with a friend or two of voting age. Spread the Word. jc
4 comments:
AL
You must know you are very fortunate to be able to be able to comment about your feeling about the Mormons. Soon your liberty of doing this will be gone. The liberal base is working on a new hate crimes bill that will make this post a crime. We will not be able to criticize others beliefs on religion , sexual choice, and other things. We are at war with a religious theocracy that even with out the hate crime law it is very risky to talk about them as you have talked about the Mormons. It is very dangerous to speak negatively about them right here in the US, imagine how hard it is to talk about them in a country like Iraq, at war, tons of guns ,no justice. They and their whole family is at risk of death just for having a different view. No wonder why it is taking so long to bring a kind of freedom for these people. Do you think we would have the courage to bad mouth the leader of our country if you knew your family might be raped and murdered because of your view.
You have the right to keep your narrow point of view about president Bush and what he sees as a major threat against the way we live now. He may see things that we don’t see. I think with your judging him as a Christian is clouding your view of the big picture. You will soon see these days end, if we don’t wake up as a nation.
I read yesterday that 25% of young Muslims Americans, that is one in four younger U.S. Muslims’ "say suicide bombings to defend their religion are acceptable at least in some circumstances." This is right here in the U S A. Do you think not fighting this evil force wherever we see it, will bring that percentage down. Don’t think so.
No one wants our sons and daughters to die but sometimes this has to happen , that’s the cost of living in a free society. If Hitler would have won the war do you think you would be a bloger now criticizing the government. I am not trying to change your opinion on our president, he is an imperfect man just like me and you. At least in his political view. In his spiritual character I will let Jesus be the judge.
He professes to be a follower of Christ. It seems to me you are taking on Gods seat and telling people your ruling. I sure hope you are not mistaken. I hope my comments did not make you boil or anyone else who reads this post, this is not my intention. I just thought I would put my 2 cents in while I still can. After reading this post a few scriptures came to my mind so I looked them up (I don’t claim to know it all) and read them again.
Mt 7:2, John 8:15-16 Act10:42 Rom 2:1 1Cor 4:5 James 4:11
Finally You say why would an atheist come to the Lord, because the of the way the so called Christians act. My opinion is, they chose not to come to God through Jesus Christ because they will not humble themselves. 1 Co 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
With brotherly love Jay
Dear Jay, Thanks for expressing your views. I know where you are coming from. And I can understand why you believe that way. Concerning the liberty we have in the U.S.: If we didn’t have that liberty, the only ones to speak up concerning the atrocities of other religions, would be people like my self, regardless the price. You see, the true Christian life is risky from start to finish. We are not afraid to die or suffer for the truth. In fact for me, it would a passage to the world beyond (with My blessed Savior) which can't come soon enough. I could make this a long response, but I will make it only cursory.
As for judging others, first we must take the plank out of our own eye--a continual job--and then we can see clearly to take the plank out of the eyes of others.
Next, tolerance of others religions: we must not do them any physical harm, but to publically expose whatever erroneous beliefs they have. Again, we must be tolerant of others belief, but at the same time not sanction or condone them with our silence.
As for Bush, there aren’t words in the English language to describe the evil person he is. We don’t have to wait for Christ’s judgment on Bush, he is already self condemned, by his ungodly actions, along with a large portions of people who support him, who claim to be Christians.
As for Bush taking it on himself to meddle in other countries affaires, at the cost of the lives of our boys and girls, along with the hundreds of billions of our dollars. Where does it say in our Christian Instruction Book that we should take that kind of action? What type of Bible are you and him reading?
As for some Muslims in America: I am surprised there aren’t more then 25%. They are being truthful, since they can see this country much more clearly then those on the outside.
As for me boiling, the main thing that makes me boil is people who claim to be Christians and then live like the devil (atheist). That is the reason for this blog. Actually your comments make me feel bad to see you believe as you do, and still, I end with a big, sorrowful laugh.
The liberties we have been given, has made this country one of the most, if not the most immoral country on earth. Do you have a TV? I know you have access to the Internet. Do you listen to the news? The type of entertainment Americans desire, is a reflection of what we are made of. Christ gave us the freedom, desire and strength to live as is required by His commands, and by exposing the deeds and beliefs of evil men dressed in sheep’s garb.
Concerning atheist not coming to God. If they only could see God in the lives of the majority of people who call themselves Christians, those unbelievers would come flocking to be like them and Christ.
Though we don’t agree, I think you know why and where I am coming from. I could make this response book length, but that won’t change how you believe, nor the beliefs of people like you.
As you know by now, I say it like I see it, and how I see it corresponds with God’s Word. I pray God will open your eyes. God bless. Althinker
Let's all just keep it real and let the Holy Spirit lead and guide us in our comments.But we as true christians must stay true to the word of God and expose the false teachings like Jesus did. He never condemed them he exposed them and thats why He was hated and rejected by the jews.All because of religion.Jesus was the truth and is the truth and those who know the truth will be free.I'm in agreement that Mormons are not right neither muslims,masons,any many of false teachings in this world.But lets all do what Christ tells us to do and walk in the spirit of obedience and share the gospel by using wisdom and not push souls away but try to lead them to the knowledge of the truth.Even in expressing our veiws there a right way and wrong way in how we bring the message across because a angry person is harder to be won to the Lord.A soft word fitly spoken turns away wrath.Lets not be opinionated but find some mutural ground to win these of different beliefs to the gospel truth of Jesus Christ salvations plan.For love covers a multitude of sin,we dont condone sin but if we have the love of God living and abiding in our heart then we can look at things with the eyes of Christ and handle matters and issues differently and in the right spirit and not our flesh.This was a interesting blog to read.God bless,thoughts from SC.
Dear S. C. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I do agree with you in using words that are not too offensive when visiting with people of different views on what Christianity is and is not. But when all is said and done, we must let the holy Scripture speak to them, and then let them decide. I can tell you are a person with much love, because of how you used your words wisely.
When it comes to Mormons, it will be next to impossible to persuade a devout Mormon that his or her beliefs are in error according to the New Testament; I have attempted several time to convince them of their error, and found out it was a waste of precious time. Given that, we must not leave the conversation letting them believe we condone their way of belief.
About 24 years ago, an older daughter of my was married to a Mormon. I asked her to give a brief account of her thoughts as a Mormon.
Being married into a Mormon family at age 18 was an eye opener to say the least. In my experience, Mormonism was unlike any other Christianity based religion as the sole purpose or so it seemed was to ‘take care of their own’. My husband was unemployed throughout a large portion of our marriage and because we gave a portion of our income to the church (10%) it entitled us to other benefits such as food made from Deseret Industries- a Mormon affiliated company. It was a salvation for us at the time as we had a young child to provide for. The goal, or so it seemed, was to get me to convert to Mormonism so that my husband and I could be sealed together for time and all eternity. In order to do this we needed to prove for two years that we were “devote Mormons” by going to church, giving our money and attending other meetings. After that period of time, my husband and I and our son were “sealed” together and took vows to lead our lives in a manner at which God wanted us to- this was done at the Salt Lake Temple. After that, we had to wear garments with markings on then to remind us of our vows. The thing that I can remember that struck me as most confusing is why if the bible preached to help everyone- why Mormon only helped those within their organization? One of the things that made sense to me (at the time) was if with all the years of biblical time Jesus had prophets- why wouldn’t he have one now to guide and direct us? Mormons believe that they do.
My husband’s Mormon family was a decent family from all outward appearances and all were “devote Mormons” and yet like most other religions-hypocrites.
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