Replies

The author also cites 3 Nephi as the “restored gospel” -- as if the Holy Spirit was negligent for about 1700 years in letting the gospel go by the wayside. What a terrible Lds accusation toward the Holy Ghost! He has ensured that God would be glorified throughout ALL ages -- as the apostle Paul prophesied:

4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets… 20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:4-5, 20-21)

One key difference of the Mormon “restored gospel” is presenting a violent Mormon jesus: When the Mormon jesus dies, he unleashes punishment and levels 16 cities, killing 70,000-->90,000 people (see 3 Nephi 8 and 3 Nephi 9). Nothing of the kind is stated in the Bible.

BTW, it almost seems Joseph Smith was destined to become a usurper of Jesus Christ.

Birthday of Jesus Christ celebrated (even if not actual birthday): Dec. 25
Smith's birthday: Dec. 23
Result? (Guess who steals Christ's thunder in Mormon churches @ Christmas time?)

Who bragged he was the only person that knew how to keep a church together -- even superceding Jesus Christ's ability to do so? (That's right, Joseph Smith again)

And then we have Easter:
On April 3, 1836, as Easter is celebrated in the United States, guess who wanted to garner extra attention that very Sunday?
Yup, that's right. Joseph Smith yet again. On that Sunday, Smith claimed that Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared in succession to him in their temple. (D&C 110)

(Can Mormons sing, "Glory be to Joseph Smith?")