Posted by admin in Beliefs | 0 Comments
What Do Mormons Believe?
This article answers these questions without fluff:
1 – Why did Mormonism begin?
2 – What do Mormons Believe?
3 – What is different about Mormons from other Christians?
4- Why are Mormons NOT considered Christians by other Christians?
To understand the answers to these questions, we must understand the foundation of Christianity.
3 Groups of Christian Churches
There are 3 “schools of thought” in Christianity. All “Christian” denominations fit into one of these 3. They might not like to admit it, but there is no valid argument against it.
1) Catholic Christianity (including Orthodox Christianity)
The Catholic Church teaches that it has an “unbroken line of authority” from the Apostle Peter all the way to the current Pope Benedict XVI. This school of thought teaches that the Church that Jesus organized is still on the earth, untainted and unblemished from apostolic times. It teaches that God leads His Church through the Pope (or head apostle, like Peter was). “Authority” is a fundamental tenant of Catholicism, teaching that the authority of the Pope and Priests can be tied directly back to the original Apostles.
2) Protestant Christianity
By far, the majority of Christian denominations today. Protestant Christian Churches ALL have their foundation in the teaching that the Catholic Church was NOT the continued, unblemished Church of Jesus Christ. They teach that the Church was lost through errant doctrines and false teachings through the ages, and that the Church had to be “reformed” to the true teachings of Jesus taught in the Bible. Protestant Christianity recognized ONE authority for doctrine & teachings, and that is the Bible. This movement began the “Reformation” of the Church to correct doctrines in line with scripture, and resulted in thousands of different denominations. Many Protestant Churches teach drastically different things. Most of them, though, teach that if you truly believe in the Jesus of the Bible, you may be saved no matter what denomination of Christianity you attend (with some limits).
3) Restoration Christianity
The third school of thought in Christianity agrees with the second, that the Catholic Church is NOT the biblical Church continued through the ages. It does not teach, however, that the Church was “reformed” by man into a “correct” Church, suddenly in line with the original Church of Christ. Restoration Christianity teaches that since the true Church that Jesus organized was “lost”, through the death of the leadership of the ancient Church (the Apostles), it had to be “restored” anew from on high with the original authority and teachings that were at the foundation of the ancient Church. Restoration Churches teach that there was an “apostasy” or falling away from the original Church after the death of the apostles (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3), and the Church was lost in false teachings and lost authority. They teach that the original authority was restored and the Church was brought back completely as it was in the beginning. They also teach that this period, called the “dark ages”, where the true Church was not found on the earth, was prophesied in the Bible along with the “restoration” of it in the latter days.
1 – Why did Mormonism begin?
Mormons teach that their Church was “restored” as part of “the restitution of all things” spoken of by Peter (Acts 3:21). They believe that the world plunged into “spiritual darkness” after the fall of the original Apostles, and the authority to administer in spiritual things was lost (Amos 8:11-12). Because of this, the world would wait until God “restored” all things through a “latter-day Prophet” named Joseph Smith. The timing was ripe in that the United States was prepared for this purpose: to be the place where religious freedom allowed a restored Church to flourish unencumbered (although enduring much persecution). Interesting how in the 1 nation on the earth that guaranteed religious freedom by its constitution, the Mormon Church was reviled, cast out, and even had an “extermination order” passed against it making it legal to kill Mormons (Missouri Executive Order 44, 1838). Mormons believe that the constitution was “inspired by God” for this very purpose; to be the place for the Church of Jesus Christ to be restored to the earth.
2 – What do Mormons Believe?
The beliefs of The Mormon Church are summed up in 13 statements penned by its founder, Joseph Smith, as a response to frequent queries on the teachings and doctrines of the Church. These statements are now known as the Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
They are:
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. 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 this the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisaical glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
3 – What is different about Mormons from other Christians?
Below are the key, fundamental differences that separate Mormons from other mainstream Christian Churches:
1) The Godhead – Mainstream Christian Churches subscribe to the creeds created by the Catholic Church about the “Trinity”, meaning “1 God in 3, and 3 Gods in 1″, or “the Mystery of the Trinity” (Nicene or Athanasian Creeds). Mormons maintain that this doctrine is un-scriptural, and was not formalized until the 4th century A.D. by the Catholic Church, which was a fallen Church by that time. The Catholic Church agrees, in the Catholic Encyclopedia, that the doctrine of the Trinity was NOT formalized as a formal doctrine until the 4th century. Mormons believe that there is 1 “Godhead” consisting of the Father, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Ghost, who are one in just about every attribute except “substance”. They believe they are separate and distinct beings.
There is only one place in the entire bible which refers to what is known as the “Trinity” (1 John 5:7) which says, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.” This phrase is referred to as the “Comma Johanneum”, and has been proven to be NOT part of the original writings of the bible. It was written in the margins by a translator and subsequently became part of the text in our versions today. So as far as scriptural foundation there is no reference in Holy Scripture for this doctrine.
2) The “Plan of Salvation” – Mormons believe that there is a “Plan of Salvation” of the Father, which explains that we are really children of Heavenly Father. It also explains the purpose and reason why the worlds were created, why we are here on the earth, our true relationship with the Father and Jesus, and what our potential is after we die. They teach that this plan was introduced to Heavenly Father’s children in the “Pre-Mortal Existence”, when we lived with Him as spirits (Jer. 1:5, Job 38:4-7, Eccl. 12:7). Part of the plan was for us to come to earth in a “veiled” state, not remembering our pre-earth life, so that we can learn to choose good from evil and learn faith in Him to prove ourselves by accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They teach that there was a war in heaven (Rev. 12:7), where Satan and his followers that rebelled from Heavenly Father’s Plan fought against those that didn’t and were cast out. I might add, most Christian Churches teach about the war in heaven, angels in heaven, “sons of God” in heaven, since they are plainly in the bible, although they do not teach that we were there or a part of it. Most teach that our beginning was our birth in mortality, although there is no scriptural reference for that doctrine.
3) Priesthood Authority - Mormons teach that the true Priesthood that was held by the original Apostles was restored with the Church (John 15:16), and that this Priesthood is required to perform any saving ordinances (Acts 8:18-20). The mainstream Christian Churches adopted a “Priesthood of all Believers” approach to rectify the fact that there was no Priesthood line of authority since the Protestant Reformation broke with the Catholic Church authority. Catholics also teach that the Priesthood is required, but that it was had in an unbroken succession since Peter. So Mormons and mainstream Christians both hold the belief that the Catholic Church fell away from the original Church of Jesus Christ. They just believe it was brought back in different manners (“Reformed” vs. “Restored”).
4) Apostles, Prophets and Revelation – Mormons teach that with the “restoration” of the Priesthood and the true Church, they have Apostles and Prophets on the earth today that are led by revelation, just like in New Testament times. This means that revelation has continued since the restoration of the Church, resulting in additional doctrine and revelations since the end of the New Testament.
Most or all Protestant Churches teach that there is no other authority or doctrine than the bible, and that there would never be any more. Many cite the end of Revelations, which reads “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18-19), and teach that this means there would never be any more scripture. No minister can teach this without being either dishonest or mis-informed, however, since it is common knowledge that John is speaking about the book of Revelations specifically (Rev. 1:11), and that the book of Revelations was NOT the last book written from the original Apostles. It was placed at the end of the cannon by the Catholic Church when the cannon was finalized hundreds of years later.
5) Temple Work – Faithful Mormons are heavily involved in Temple Work for their deceased relatives and others. Mormons believe that everyone that ever lived on the earth will have the chance to receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even those that grew up in places that never heard of His name. They will be taught the gospel in the “Spirit world” after they die, and will there have the opportunity to accept or reject it. IF they accept the Gospel, they still cannot be “saved” without the ordinances of Baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, which are earthly ordinances. Because of this, Mormons will be baptized by proxy for every person that ever lived on the earth so that they also have this opportunity to be “saved”. No wonder they are so busy attending their temple.
Paul speaks of “Baptisms for the dead” in 1 Cor. 15:29, but there is no other biblical scripture to either support or discount the practice. Because of this many mainstream Christians ask the question “what happens to those that never accepted Jesus, but also never really had the chance to hear about Him”. Left to the bible text alone, they are damned to Hell for eternity, although many Christian ministers give an allowance for Jesus to make some sort of “exception” for them (because He’s just), or that He will be more lenient in judgment. Mormons have a formal doctrine around this, and it is the reason Mormons dominate the world of genealogy and finding their deceased ancestors.
6) Lay Ministry - Although most Mormons serve in their church, some spending 20+ hours a week or more in church service, they are not paid for their time. Church service is normally an “after hours and weekends” job. Every member contributes his or her time and talents to help serve in and run the local Church congregations. Even speaking in Church, saying prayers, and teaching classes are voluntary services performed by members, under the direction of their Priesthood Leaders (also non-paid). They believe that a “paid ministry” is entirely un-scriptural and was never taught by Jesus or His followers (“teacher worthy of his hire” not referring to being paid money and making a living by it). They believe that everyone grows spiritually by being involved in and serving in Church services, and by their growth statistics, they seem to be right about that.
4 – Why are Mormons NOT considered Christians by other Christians?
Mormons say they are Christians, citing that pretty much everything in their Church is centered around Jesus Christ, including their meetings, prayers, lessons, ordinances, etc. They believe they are true disciples of Jesus and have a great love and admiration for his life, example and sacrifice. Other mainstream Christians do not call them Christians. Why? Well, because Mormons don’t have the same definition of Jesus Christ as they do, so they do not consider them to be Christians. All of this pretty much comes down to 3 things:
1) Mormons believe in the Godhead (3 separate beings), NOT the Trinity (1-in-3, 3-in-1) as most mainstream Christian Churches teach.
2) Mormons believe in continuing revelation through Prophets, resulting in additional scripture and doctrine that other mainstream Christian Churches do not have. This includes the Book of Mormon, which claims to be the scriptural record of the people that lived on the American continent around 600 B.C. to 400 A.D.
3) With the belief that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the “Restored Gospel” of Jesus Christ, the resulting doctrine is that theirs is the true Church of Jesus Christ. Of course this cannot be accepted by other Christian Churches. Otherwise they would be subscribing to the doctrine that they do not have the complete truth themselves.
Summary
A Mormon once told me a great analogy about the difference between the Mormon Church and other Christian Churches. It goes like this:
If you picture the Church that Jesus created as a large mirror, with the Apostles holding the mirror up as its “Foundation” (“built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets” Eph. 2:20). When you cut the apostles down brutally, as they were executed and killed off, the mirror falls and shatters into millions of pieces. Following the shattering was a period of chaos of trying to make sense of what the mirror was. Then, finally, after more than 200 years of confusion (325 A.D.), the people start to pull in the pieces of the mirror to put it back together. Of course, there are missing pieces, so they “fill in the blanks” where they see the need. Over 1,000 years later, some very smart and inspired people notice that there are gaping holes in the mirror, and start to try to piece in the holes themselves (the Protestant Reformation). The end result is that you have thousands of organizations focused on the pieces of the mirror they have, but no one seems to have the entire mirror. This is evidenced by Churches being built around themes like “Baptists”, “Methodists”, “Lutheran”, “Adventists”, all being born from some specific ideas, doctrines or teachings of a specific person.
Then the Mormons come along, teaching that the entire mirror was “restored anew” and complete. Like it was when the apostles were at the foundation of it. In fact they even claimed new apostles in the new Church indicating they were led by revelation like the original ones. Indeed, they produced new doctrine (and clarification of old doctrine) like no other since the original. So what the Mormons teach, in a nutshell, is that the mirror was “restored”, not “reformed”.
Interestingly enough, when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) was “restored”, there was no other Church on earth that bore the name of Jesus Christ. They all bore the name of their founder or their “focus” (i.e. Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist, Wesleyan, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc.).
To find out more from the Mormons themselves, click this link to chat live with a representative: