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.
I've been reading some of your answers and I have a couple of questions?
You state that your not the same as the mormons from Utah, and that you worship the lord and believe in the book of mormans, but don't believe in man. Is it true that the majority of LDS today are worshiping a man? If so what man?
The reason for my question and my concern is that my roomate is talking to these mormans and I wanna give him wise counsil.
Do you believe that you have to be like christ to go to heaven? Thats what the mormans who are talking to my roomate believe. I believe that would be a false teaching. Because the bible teaches clearly that its through faith we are saved. I am curious on your opinion and any advice you may have for me, because these mormons are comming to my house in a couple of days to talk to me and my roomate. I am scrambling to learn as much as I can about mormans and christianity because honestly I'm hoping to share with them the freedom I have in knowing that through faith I am saved.
Answer Hi Steven
I will be happy to answer your questions. Please note that I am ex-LDS (Mormon) and belong to the original Church of Christ that believes in the Book of Mormon. I will respond to your questions below in **, Mike
You sent: I've been reading some of your answers and I have a couple of questions? You state that your not the same as the mormons from Utah, and that you worship the lord and believe in the book of mormans, but don't believe in man. Is it true that the majority of LDS today are worshiping a man? If so what man?
**Mike replies: You are correct, the church I belong to is not the Utah "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" church (also commonly called Mormons). I belong to the original Church of Christ that the Mormons split off from in the 1830s. We believe in both the Bible and Book of Mormon but not the Doctrine and Covenants that the Utah church believes in. In many respects the Utah faction does not follow either the Bible or Book of Mormon but rather follows the teachings of men whom they consider as "Prophets" or what they term as a "1st President". It is because they more closely follow this man rather than the scriptures or the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ that I say they follow man. Both Bible and Book of Mormon state that "Cursed is the man who trusts in man". Of course they will deny doing this, but in reality they completely do.
The reason for my question and my concern is that my roomate is talking to these mormans and I wanna give him wise counsil.
**Mike: That sounds like a good idea. Often they will present the investigator with a rosy glossed over view of their church and not reveal their contradictions until the person has already joined them and been indoctrinated.
Do you believe that you have to be like christ to go to heaven? Thats what the mormans who are talking to my roomate believe.
**Mike: Yes, so far as this is taken in the right context. Jesus taught His commandments and gave good examples to follow. The scriptures state we should follow Him and be like Him, full of love, patience, meekness, charity, keep God's commandments etc. If we do this it will be well for us at the judgment day. Unfortunately, many teachings of the Utah faction were not once ever taught or practiced by Jesus. The Book of Mormon, and Bible, even teach AGAINST many of their doctrines. What doctrines? These are some of them:
1. The past practice of polygamy, The Book of Mormon terms it a whoredom and abomination before God, no exceptions, no excuses. The Bible and Book of Mormon states we should have one wife only.
2. Celestial Marriage: The LDS believe a man and woman sealed in their temple, married for life and eternity, will receive the highest degree of glory and be as Gods populating thier own planets. The Bible states that the righteous will not be married in the next life, and that we will be as angels. The Book of Mormon states their is only one unchangeable God ever.
3. Baptism for the Dead: The Utah people believe that a person can be baptized in the name of a dead person, thereby allowing salvation for the dead person. However the Book of Mormon states that only in this life can we repent, and that we must repent and be baptized now, in this life. It also teaches that those who die in real ignorace such as infants or isolated peoples who never knew the truth are saved without baptism and that it is a solemn mockery before God to assume otherwise.
4. A changing God: The LDS have changed their doctrines, and scriptures many times to suit their desires. Both Bible and Book of Mormon strongly teach an unchanging God who has always existed in His perfect state. The Utah people believe God was once a man like us and through Celestial Marriage changed into His condition now.
5. 1st President as head of church: Both Bible and Book of Mormon teach that Jesus is the head of His church, and that He chose 12 Apostles as the overseers of the church... not a 1st President or a singular "prophet".
There are many other lesser doctrines that the Mormon Utah church believes in that the Book of Mormon does not agree with.
I believe that would be a false teaching. Because the bible teaches clearly that its through faith we are saved.
**Mike: Actually the Bible teaches that we should have faith in God, which it describes as being One God comprised of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. That can be difficult to explain. A person can have faith in anything, an idol, a false god, themselves, a man... and it would do them no good. They must have faith in God through Jesus Christ in sufficient degree to change their lives and keep His commandmnents.
I am curious on your opinion and any advice you may have for me, because these mormons are comming to my house in a couple of days to talk to me and my roomate. I am scrambling to learn as much as I can about mormans and christianity because honestly I'm hoping to share with them the freedom I have in knowing that through faith I am saved.
**Mike: These is a LOT to learn about Mormonism. It would be very difficult to cover all you need to know in a short letter. They often provide convincing arguments to support their beliefs and the unlearned are easily swayed. When the learned confront them about their beliefs they will oppose you, change the subject, and ultimately give up and say "we have the true and living prophet and trust him, that is good enough for us" and then quit visiting you any more as if you have an evil spirit. I and others I know have gone through this many times.
The history of Mormonism has it's good things and it's bad things. Joseph Smith started out as a sincere and humble seeker for truth and God blessed him greatly for that, and used him to translate the Book of Mormon (that was written in a modified Egyptian langauge) and restore the Church of Christ (as it was originally named in 1830). Unfortunately being young and a novice, the young man was lifted up in pride, and the people looked upon him as a Moses which enflamed the pride. This led to Joseph Smith quickly disobeying God in many respects and allowing the doctrines of men to corrupt the early church. This led to God's disfavor with Smith and the church and they were greatly persecuted and driven from their homes leading Smith's untimely death. After his death the church split into many factions, some 100 exist today. The Utah Mormon church is by far the largest. Unfortunately they cannonized many of Smith's mistakes (treating him like an infallible Pope) and they still follow those errors to this day, often completely disregarding their own scriptures. Because of the Utah Mormon's bad examples and false doctrines millions disbelieve in the Book of Mormon which teaches none of those false doctrines.
The Church of Christ is much smaller then them, around 5000 members, and strictly adheres to the teachings of the Bible and Book of Mormon. In reality the ancient prophet named Mormon, who compiled the Book of Mormon, his religion bears no resemblance to the Utah church, and is much closer to many conservative Bible only churches. The Book of Mormon teaches the same identical religion as the Bible and was intended as a witness that the Bible is true, and was never intended to teach "another gospel" or a strange Gospel that the Utah church teaches. You see, the very reason why I left the Utah faction is BECAUSE I believe in the Book of Mormon. It is not uncommon for apostates to not follow their own books. You will have little success convincing an indoctrinated Mormon about these things, but you might be able to spare your roommate from making a life changing mistake!
If you like, I can provide a list of detailed scripture quotes to back up every point I have made. I always like to say... don't trust what I say, trust the teachings and examples of Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith. You will need to study for yourself with patience and diligence to come to a full understanding of what the true teachings of Christ are.
God Bless,
Mike
