Straight Answers to Fox’s 21 Questions about the Mormon Church

Parchment and Pen ^ | Rob Bowman

[Gamecock]

Companion Thread Here

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FOXNews.com today published 21 questions that it says represent “some widely held beliefs and misconceptions about Mormonism” and answers provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since some (not all) of the Church’s answers were less than forthright, I will offer straight answers to the same questions. Fox’s questions appear first in bold type, followed by the Church’s responses in italics, and then followed by my answers.

Q: Why do some call the Church a cult?
A: For the most part, this seems to stem from a lack of understanding about the Church and its core doctrines and beliefs. Under those circumstances it is too easy to label a religion or other organization that is not well-known with an inflammatory term like ‘cult.’ Famed scholar of religion Martin Marty has said a cult means a church you don’t personally happen to like. We don’t believe any organization should be subjected to a label that has come to be as pejorative as that one.
The above answer makes no attempt to understand why some people call the LDS Church a cult. The term is characteristically used by evangelical critics of Mormonism to denote a religious group that professes to be Christian but that deviates from essential Christian doctrine in one or more areas. By “essential Christian doctrine” evangelicals mean those teachings that historically Christians of all of the major denominations have taught: monotheism; God as Creator of all things other than himself; the Trinity; the Incarnation; salvation by grace alone; and the virgin birth, sinless life, sacrificial atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and second coming of Jesus Christ. Since Mormonism departs from historic Christianity on some of these doctrinal issues, we have no choice but to conclude that it is a “cult” as defined above. If you don’t like the word cult, feel free to substitute in your mind an equivalent expression, such as “heretical sect” or “unorthodox church.”

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God?

Q: Does the Church believe in the divinity of Jesus?
Q: Does the Church believe that God is a physical being?
A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.
What this answer—which is accurate as far as it goes—neglects to make explicit is that Mormons understand what it means for Jesus to be “the Son of God” in a way that differs radically from orthodox Christianity. When they say they believe he is “literally” the Son of God, the significance of this qualification will be lost on most people. Mormons believe that God the Father is an immortal Man and that he is the literal father of Jesus Christ “in the flesh,” just as Mary is his literal mother (see below). This is not what orthodox Christianity means when it affirms that Jesus is the Son of God. To us, Christ has existed eternally as the Son of God, personally distinct from the Father yet one and the same God. For us, to affirm that Jesus is the Son of God means to affirm that he is eternally of the same absolute, infinite divine nature as the Father.

It is peculiar that the LDS Church did not directly address the question of the divinity of Jesus. In their view, Jesus is Jehovah, the God of the Old Testament, and yet he is a different God than Elohim, the Father, and will always be subordinate to him. Mormons do not pray to Jesus. In their view, Jesus, and all other human beings, and all angels, existed in the distant past as the spirit offspring of our heavenly parents (God the Father and his wife); Jesus is simply our Elder Brother and the first of God’s children to become a God himself.

Q: If so, does the Church believe that God lives on a planet named Kolob?
Q: Where is the planet Kolob? What significance does the planet have to Mormons?
A: ‘Kolob’ is a term found in ancient records translated by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith did not provide a full description or explanation of Kolob nor did he assign the idea particular significance in relation to the Church’s core doctrines.
What this answer does not explain is that those “ancient records translated by Joseph Smith” are considered scripture in the LDS Church. Kolob is mentioned in the Book of Abraham (3:2-9), where it is somewhat unclear whether Kolob is the name of a distant star, its planet, or both. Kolob is said to be nearest to God’s throne. The passage implies that God rules from a physical location that, while extremely far away, is still within the space-time universe.

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that God and Mary had physical sex to conceive Jesus?
A: The Church does not claim to know how Jesus was conceived but believes the Bible and Book of Mormon references to Jesus being born of the Virgin Mary.
If the LDS Church really believed the Bible’s teaching that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, without any equivocation in terminology, then it would be able to say categorically that it does know that Jesus was not conceived by sexual union between God and Mary. The fact that the Church is unable officially to rule this out is itself problematic. The natural logic of the LDS view surely does at least suggest that God and Mary conceived Jesus through sexual union: God is an immortal male, Mary is a mortal woman, and Jesus is said (repeatedly and emphatically) to be the “literal” offspring of the two. One may resort to the ad hoc suggestion that the conception took place through something akin to in vitro fertilization (and some Mormons do take this route), but up to now the Church has failed to take a stand against the view (quite clearly held by at least some of its prophets in times past) that the conception took place through a sexual union.

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe Jesus appeared in North America after his crucifixion and resurrection?

Q: If so, when did this happen? And under what circumstances?
A: The appearance of Jesus in the Western Hemisphere shortly after his resurrection is described in the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that when Christ told his disciples in the Bible He had other ‘sheep’ who should receive his message he was referring to those people in the Western Hemisphere.
The LDS Church’s answer to these questions is reasonably straightforward and candid. This is their view.

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe its followers can become “gods and goddesses” after death?
A: We believe that the apostle Peter’s biblical reference to partaking of the divine nature and the apostle Paul’s reference to being ‘joint heirs with Christ’ reflect the intent that children of God should strive to emulate their Heavenly Father in every way. Throughout the eternities, Mormons believe, they will reverence and worship God the Father and Jesus Christ. The goal is not to equal them or to achieve parity with them but to imitate and someday acquire their perfect goodness, love and other divine attributes.
Frankly, this is an incomplete answer. The official LDS position is indeed that its followers can become gods (and goddesses) after their death (though perhaps long after). According to the LDS doctrinal manual Gospel Principles, those who endure to the end will “become exalted, just like our Heavenly Father.” This means that they will be perfect, possessing all knowledge and wisdom, and be a creator. “They will become gods…and will be able to have spirit children also. These spirit children will have the same relationship to them as we do to our Heavenly Father” (302). This doctrine is derived primarily from Joseph Smith’s teachings, and is found at least in its basic form in the LDS scripture Doctrine and Covenants (see especially chapter 132).

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that women can only gain access to heaven with a special pass or codewords?
A: No.
Unfortunately, the question is ambiguous enough that it allows at least one loophole or way of avoiding the issue. Mormonism teaches that there are multiple layers of “heaven,” or multiple heavens (both ways of speaking are used). Women may gain access to the highest, celestial kingdom only by giving her special, secret name that she received when she was “sealed” for eternity in her marriage to her husband in the LDS temple.

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that women must serve men on both Earth and in heaven?
A: Absolutely not. Mormons believe that women and men are complete equals before God and in relation to the blessings available in the Church.
Well…Mormonism is one of the more patriarchal forms of Christianity in the world today, and even some Mormons have expressed concerns in this area. No, Mormonism does not teach that women will be chattel in heaven. Yes, Mormonism does teach that women will be eternally subordinate to their husbands even in the celestial kingdom. Note well that the Mormon “Godhead” consists of Heavenly Father, his firstborn spirit Son, and the Holy Ghost, but not our alleged heavenly mother. This ought to tell you that there is some serious truth to the complaint that women will be viewed as inferiors even in glory.

Q: Is there such a thing as Mormon “underwear”? if so, are all Mormons required to wear it? What does it symbolize?
A: Like members of many religious faiths, Latter-day Saints wear religious clothing. But members of other faiths—typically those involved in permanent pastoral ministries or religious services—usually wear religious garments as outer ceremonial vestments or symbols of recognition. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, garments are worn beneath street clothing as a personal and private reminder of commitments to God. Garments are considered sacred by Church members and are not regarded as a topic for casual conversation.
Fair enough (although more could be said).

Q: Does the Mormon Church believe in the existence of another physical planet or planets, where Mormons will “rule” after their death and ascension?
A: No.
Another loophole: these other planets don’t exist yet because the Mormons have not yet become Gods and organized matter into those new worlds.

Q: What specifically does the Mormon Church say about African-Americans and Native Americans?
A: Mormons believe that all mankind are sons and daughters of God and should be loved and respected as such. The blessings of the gospel are available to all.
Who wrote this question? It totally misses the point, which is that for most of its history the LDS Church, in its expanded canon of scripture, taught that dark-skinned people were those spirit children of God in heaven who had not been as valiant in their support for God’s plan as had those who are born into this world with light skin.

Q: What are or were the “Golden Plates”?
A: The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith from records made on plates of gold, similar to metal plates that have been found in other ancient cultures. It contained a history of peoples in the Western Hemisphere including an appearance by the Savior to them. As such, the Book of Mormon is considered a second testimony of Jesus Christ.
This adequately states the LDS Church’s position. It would be nice if the Church had acknowledged that the plates are no longer around (they claim an angel took them up to heaven), but that might be asking too much.

Q: Are consumption of alcohol and tobacco prohibited or simply discouraged?
Q: Does the Church also ban the consumption of “hot drinks”? And does that apply specifically to caffeinated drinks?
A: It is against the teachings of the Church to use alcohol and tobacco or to drink tea and coffee.
I wonder why the Church ignored the question about caffeinated drinks? A straight answer would be that although the Church has never officially prohibited all use of any caffeinated drink, its leaders have typically interpreted the Church’s teaching to discourage their consumption.

Q: Why do Mormons go from door to door?
A: Christ admonished his disciples to take the gospel to the world. The Church follows that admonition and sends missionaries throughout the world.
This is correct.

Q: What do the Mormons believe about the family?

A: Mormons believe that the family is the foundation for this life and the life to come.
What this does not adequately explain is that Mormons get married not just for this life, but also for the life to come—meaning that marriage is for eternity. The reason marriage is for eternity is that Mormons hope to become exalted to godhood and to have spirit children of their own, just as their heavenly parents did.

Q: Can someone who may never marry in life have eternal marriage?
A: God will not withhold blessings from any of his children who may not have the opportunity to marry in this life.
I’m afraid this looks like a slippery answer. If it is true that marriage in this life is necessary to attain marriage for eternity, then God would not have to “withhold” marriage for eternity from those who died without ever getting married; they would simply miss out. Furthermore, Mormonism has no trouble teaching that there are “blessings” awaiting even those who do not make it to the celestial kingdom.

Mormons certainly have the right to define their own beliefs. However, they also have the responsibility to answer such questions more candidly than the Church’s representative did on this occasion.

[unspun]

You will wear yourself out trying to figure out what a candidate says, what they truly believe, and what they will do if they win the office. It is hard to read people by watching their performances on radio and television. As to the belief systems that reside between their ears, just drop it. Don’t waste time on non-issues.

Do you really think that?

Do you not know that what a person believes in provides his whole framework for understanding the world (or not)? It also motivates him and guides him.

Where there is false belief -- or a void of the truth, even empty also of fallacy, there is a "devil's workshop" in the making.

There is one set of truths, but many, many ways of being wrong -- and being wrong when U.S. President can be very, very harmful.

[Gamecock]

Denying history?

[nesnah]

Here’s a more indepth explanation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPnu0bx3oWg

[Old Mountain man]

So nice that you could tell us what we believe. Nice opinion piece.

[EverOnward]

"so they believe Jesus discovered America??"

Wrong. Jesus did NOT discover America, as He would be well aware of its existence since He created it along with the rest of this beautiful world.

[broncobilly]

I see. You can darned well question someones religion and its appropiateness for a candidate. However we are not darned well pleased to question your questions and their appropiateness for voting for a candidate.

If it is good for the goose, it is good for the gander.

[Revelation 911]

what - no ping ?

[perez24]

If you’re not a Mormon, why do you care?

[perez24]

Hey...this is a Mormon-bashing thread.

Catholic-bashing is coming up later.

[broncobilly]

I think it would have been better to let Catholics speak for themselves on that. When I see all the crap non-Mormons put out thinking they know what Mormons believe, I think we should be extra cautious about making such statements which are not invited.

[i_dont_chat]

You said:

When a poster claimed “Mormons have no such beliefs”, it is the typical tactic (shared by the Church PR in the official answers) of giving a misleading answer because of some technicality in the question. In other words, if the question were worded just slightly differently they would not be able to evade a giving a proper answer so easily.

Yes, I agree. I didn't word my question properly. The Mormons don't pray their deceased family members into Heaven. Instead, they believe that they can baptize them, by proxy, in secret and costly Temple ceremonies.

[broncobilly]

A good book on the subject is Mormonism Unmasked, by R. Philip Roberts.

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Any book with words like “unmasked,” “exposed,” “cults,” etc in the title, you can be pretty sure it is a lot of garbage.

[Zakeet]

Joseph Smith translated the alleged Golden Plates not with the Urim and thummin, but with....get this.....yes, Southpark was quite accurate.......putting a rock in his hat, pulling the hat over his face, so as to exclude all light, and speaking words that were then written down by his scribes.

You mean, like this?

Actually, according to Smith's mother, Lucy Mack Smith:

That of which I spoke, which Joseph termed a key, was indeed, nothing more nor less than the Urim and Thummim, and it was by this that the angel showed him many things which he saw in vision; by which he could ascertain, at any time, the approach of danger, either to himself or the Record, and on account of which he always kept the Urim and Thummim about his person. (Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith the Prophet and his Progenitors for Many Generations, page 106)

And Mother Smith said she got a good look at Urim and Thummim:

I knew not what he meant, but took the article of which he spoke into my hands, and, upon examination, found that it consisted of two smooth three-cornered diamonds set in glass, and the glasses were set in silver bows, which were connected with each other in much the same way as old fashioned spectacles. He took them again and left me, but said nothing respecting the Record. (Biographical Sketches, page 101)

Of course, still others believe Joseph plagiarized the Book of Mormon from OTHER SOURCES.

So, what did Joseph use? A peep stone, peep spectacles, or plagiary? I urge you to examine the evidence and make up your own mind.

[nesnah]

Or, that you and yours do not agree with it. Or, that the contents are quite eye-opening. Or, that it would be highly controversial to true believers, perhaps even shaking their trust and faith in what they have been told. Or........

[conservativegramma]

you can be pretty sure it is a lot of garbage.

Funny the garbage is direct source citations and quotations from the founders of Mormonism, from sacred scripture like the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, from LDS Prophets, Presidents, and so on..........Got to say WOW here. If their teachings are now 'garbage' why are you LDS?

[nesnah]

Read Book 1:

http://www.globusz.com/ebooks/Mormons/00000010.htm

Fascinating theory. One that I can see being highly likely.

[Domandred]

Taking just a few notes here and there as I type. If I don't mention something it doesn't mean I agree or disagree, just that I don't take absolute issue with what is said.

In the interest of berevity I'm only quoting snippets. Don't hang me for spelling or grammar either.

Required Disclaimer: These are my personal thoughts and beliefs and should not be considered the beliefs of other LDS members nor LDS doctrine.

If you don’t like the word cult, feel free to substitute in your mind an equivalent expression...“unorthodox church.”

Actually I think I would take "unorthodox church” without getting upset about it at all. Heretical I have a problem with only because heretics used to be burned at the stake. I really don't think though that even the most anti-mormon detractors would support burning us at the stake (I would hope not at least).

The fact that the Church is unable officially to rule this out is itself problematic.

I agree. It is my personal belief in the "immaculate conception" as believed by Christians and Catholics alike and that God and Mary did NOT have any kind of "sexual union". Things stated by earlier prophets to the contrary I belief were mortal attempts at trying to understand how a Virgin could become pregnant and concieve the Son of God.

believe its followers can become “gods and goddesses” after death...Frankly, this is an incomplete answer.

I'm not sure what to make of that answer either. A visit over to the bloggernacle (LDS members discussing their faith) there is an article about this that wonders the same thing you have.

Even our interpretation of the KJV Bible includes mentions of "gods and goddesses".

these other planets don’t exist yet because the Mormons have not yet become Gods and organized matter into those new worlds.

I'm not sure I agree with this "doctrine". I fully believe that we (Earth) is not the only planet in God's creations, nor are we the only inhabitants of this infinite universe.

However I don't think that we will become Gods to rule over the planets. At best I believe we will be helpers and workers to organize and steward over these worlds. God himself is still the creator, ruler and Lord over them.

I'm not sure what to make of this answer either because a simple "No" does contridict what I have been taught growing up in the church.

What specifically does the Mormon Church say about African-Americans and Native Americans

I'm with you...who wrote that question. Also the answer doesn't really even fit with the question.

I wonder why the Church ignored the question about caffeinated drinks? A straight answer would be that although the Church has never officially prohibited all use of any caffeinated drink, its leaders have typically interpreted the Church’s teaching to discourage their consumption.

True. Caffeinated sodas (Coke, Pepsi, Moutain Dew, etc) have been left up to the individual members to decide on. Some members say no, other say they are fine. I'm in the fine category. Don't know why that section was ignored. They could have said the same thing as you or I said.

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As some in the other thread mentioned these answers seem really canned and copy-pasted from a pre-approved sheet. Some of the answers didn't match the questions, some didn't match the beliefs (neither by LDS Member standards nor anti-LDS standards). I'm not sure who even answered these questions but sure seems like they just sent it off to the MTC call center and had some missionary trainee answer them instead of a more well versed spokesman.

That being said there isn't any need for the church to answer these questions to Fox News anyways. They only exist to shine light on Romney's LDS faith and attempt to discredit his candidacy based on religion instead of discrediting his GOP candidacy based on his near liberal views, possible issue flip-flopping, and disregard for the 2nd Amendment.

Fox needs to change it's name to Rudy News Network anyways.

[broncobilly]

I think your posts on Mormonism are dispicable. But setting that aside, let me give you some hints on your last mocking post.

Suppose someone prays and wants to receive inspiration or knowledge from God. Would they go down to Times Square to say the prayer and feel the promptings of the Spirit? They would probably want to be in private. They may not even want the light around them distracting them. They might want to close their eyes to cut out the world also. They may even be the kind of a person that likes a talisman to help them concentrate, say a cross or a rosary or hold the Bible. What ever works is of no concern. The only thing that is important is whether or not you are able to open your mind up to God and sense his will.

Now mock that if you wish. And if you mock it, try not to remember that you have done so when you pray and expect inspiration from a God who is loving and understanding to his children

[broncobilly]

Or, that the contents are quite eye-opening. Or, that it would be highly controversial to true believers, perhaps even shaking their trust and faith in what they have been told. Or........

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I have read my share, and I know crap when I see it.

[nesnah]

I can understand your defense. It’s admirable in the face of all of the contrary information available as a result of the internet.

But, when it is very clear that this alleged translation is performed in exactly the same manner that Joseph Smith used to scheme well-meaning people out of their money on his treasure-hunting exploits, it begs stating.

Sometimes, the truth hurts. The crucible can be a very hot and uncomfortable place.