AboutMichael Kelley Expertise For a different viewpoint on Mormonism for your questions, try me. I am a staunch believer in the Book of Mormon and belong to another church (the Church of Christ)that is set up identically to the Biblical church. If there are things about traditional Mormonism that trouble you or you have questions about, just ask and you might find the answers from the Book of Mormon to be quite surprising. I have been studying the scriptures diligently for 16 years under the school of hard knocks... I may not have all of the answers but will sure go find them if I don`t. I`m strongest on Biblical and Book of Mormon doctrines, and am also somewhat familiar with Mormon history and archaeology.
Question I would like to find any biblical information on the warnings against secret ceremonies such as Morman Temple practices and genealogy.
Thank you.
Answer Hi William,
I will be happy to answer your questions. Please note that I am ex-LDS and belong to the original Church of Christ that believes in the Book of Mormon.
Both Bible and Book of Mormon teach against secret works and the Bible teaches against geneologies in the New Testament era. Before the birth of Christ both Bible and Book of Mormon tracked geneologies in order to track the blood line of Christ through Mary and track the bloodline of the Jewish peoples in order that the prophecies concerning Christ and the Jews can be shown to be fulfilled. After the death and resurrection of Christ it was no longer required to track such things and the gospel was intended to go to all of the world rather than just the "chosen people" or the Jews. The following is a list of passages that should help you.
Mark 4:21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
John 18:20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
2 Nephi 26:22 And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever.
Mormon 8:27 And it shall come in a day when the blood of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret combinations and the works of darkness.28 Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches.
1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
The Mormon temple practices are not once taught in the Book of Mormon. Practices such a Celestial Marriage and Baptism for the Dead are utterly absent from the Book of Mormon and concepts associated with these practices such as plural Gods, man becoming a God, a Changing God are absolutely taught AGAINST in the Book of Mormon. Other past practices of the Utah faction such as polygamy are bitterly taught against in the Book of Mormon which terms the practice as a whoredom and abomination before God, whose practicers shall be thrust down to hell, no exceptions, no excuses. The Book of Mormon also bitterly attacks secret societies and secret works (termed secret combinations). The LDS acquired many of their temple rites from practices of the Masons, a large secret society. The Masons derived their works from the time of Solomon who brought in many strange religions with his strange wives which led to the utter destruction of Israel.
The very reason why I left the Utah LDS faction is BECAUSE I believe in the Book of Mormon, and Bible, both books of which the LDS only marginally follow and in many ways have practices which both books condemn. The church I found has none of these practices and follows the true teachings of the Bible and Book of Mormon and is very similar to a conservative Bible only church.
I will be happy to answer other questions for you or provide additional scripture quotes if you like. I like to always say don't trust what I say, trust the teachings and examples of Christ. If you do want to ask other questions please be patient, I am going to be out of the country for 2-3 weeks.
