Mormons (LDS) Know More About Bible Than Other Christians

The Salt Lake Tribune ^ | 09/28/2010 | Peggy Fletcher Stack

[zippythepinhead]

Atheists and agnostics know more about major world religions than many people of faith, while Mormons can answer more Bible questions than their Catholic and mainline Protestant counterparts.

Those are among the somewhat startling conclusions about religious literacy in America the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion and Public Life drew after surveying 3,412 Americans.

Some of the multiple-choice questions were relatively simple: Where was Jesus born and who led the exodus from Egypt? What religion was Mother Teresa, what day does the Jewish Sabbath begin and what is the name of Islam’s holy book?

Others were more obscure: What is Indonesia’s dominant religion? Which Christians teach that salvation comes through faith alone?

About half the Protestants (53 percent) couldn’t correctly identify Martin Luther as the person whose writings and actions inspired the Protestant Reformation. Fewer than half of Americans (47 percent) knew the Dalai Lama is Buddhist and only 38 percent correctly associated Vishnu and Shiva with Hinduism.

John Morehead, director of the Western Institute for Intercultural Studies in Salt Lake City, had already noted religious illiteracy in the general population as well as in the evangelical community. But he did not expect Mormons to top them in their biblical fluency.

“Mormons tend to emphasize Mormon scriptures like the Book of Mormon rather than the Bible in their devotional life,” Morehead said in an e-mail.

Even some LDS scholars were surprised to find Mormons at the top.

[CommerceComet]

I understand there were quite a few of them.

All typesetting errors I'm sure. It's easy to see how transposing a letter or two could change "Bethlehem" to "Jerusalem." ;-)

[restornu]

The Book of Mormon is also the word of God

Just as the New Testamen is a witness to the Old Testamnet so is the Book of Mormon another Testament!

Those who only use the OT could say the same about the NT as you try to assume about the Book of Mormon!

The anti Mormons are no different than the Rep Alan Grayson who is trying to labels Webster ‘Taliban Dan’ in his new attack ad

Anti Mormons are possessed by the same horrible spirit!

[CommerceComet]

what CHRISTIAN denominations baptisms do THEY accept?

The answer to both my original question and your question is ZERO. Unlike some the followers, all the leaders understand that they are not the same thing.

[zippythepinhead]

Indonesia’s holy book? They have one? The “book” is the Koran and the country is overwhelmingly Muslim? Any other questions berlin?

[zippythepinhead]

Agreed. That article does come from the Salt Lake Tribune.

[colorcountry]

I except Christ as my Savior

I can totally agree that I think you except Christ as your Savior - but I think you meant accept.

[zippythepinhead]

So soothsayer how are Mormons not Christians since you are an expert on my faith and the faith of Glenn Beck.

[zippythepinhead]

And apparently the “fruits” are coming out on this thread.

[zippythepinhead]

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the area of Jerusalem. So anymore trap questions or are you just happy to see me?

[Soothesayer9]

Everyone here knows they arent. They do not follow the Bible.

[svcw]

Which Jesus? The created jesus or the Eternal Jesus.

[RobRoy]

That is stinkin’ hilarious. The first thing I noticed when I started going to rural Kentucky is the plethora of different Baptist (pronounced Babdis) churches. It really is comical.

[Abram]

What you may not know is that Mormons believe Jesus is Jehovah or God of the Old Testament. That God is a vengeful God who destroy’s cities and populations because they are sinners. The Jesus of the New Testament is Jehovah who is born of the flesh. I am curious how the Mormons explain this...

I guess Jesus of the New Testament made a whip of cords and drove the money changers out of “His Father’s house” is an evidence of the old Jehovah coming out.

I am curiuos

[greyfoxx39]

I think the reason people get into the mode you are speaking of is that they are using people’s posts to respond for lurkers, even if it is only subconscious.

There is nothing "subconscious" about it. With the hundred-eighty years of mormonism's attempt to cover the earth with its heresies, it is necessary that Christians do their best to combat the spread of disinformation about Christ.

We are a handful of dedicated Christians who provide sourced facts from mormon church literature and websites to any who may be in danger of being influenced into losing their very souls.

The outward trappings of mormonism and its adherents are so often held up as wonderful examples of "good people" that the fact that every mormon member is ordered to act as a missionary for the religion is unseen by the general public. This may never be far from the thoughts of those very nice, friendly mormons on the block.

While we sorrow for and pray for those who are trapped and unlikely to leave the sect, we are heartened by evidence that even some of them have seen the light through our efforts. Since that is true, we can believe that there are many more who may have been dipping their toes in the waters who having seen our posts have turned back towards true Christianity and away from the false face presented by Joseph Smith and his followers.

The clamoring and vitriol here against us serves one purpose only....it keeps these threads going on and on so that many more have opportunity to see them.

God DOES work in mysterious ways, doesn't he?

[RobRoy]

>>I am interested in your personal take on this. I view myself as Mormon and Christian. I except Christ as my Savior. So what is the big deal?<<

You may be one of the “Christian” mormons I refer to. Regarding the teaching I am referring to, it is posted all over the place on this thread by others. I’m intentionally trying not to spam.

You don’t wear the holy underwear, do you?

[MHGinTN]

Since you demand answers, here's a little chart to help you and any lurkers of the thread figure it out, zippy:

Terminology Differences between the Bible and Smithian Mormonism:

TERMINOLOGY DIFFERENCES

By Sandra Tanner

Introduction

    Whenever an evangelical Christian and a Latter-day Saint engage in a doctrinal discussion they encounter the problem of terminology. LDS leaders use the standard  vocabulary of Christianity but with radically different definitions. A Christian should never take for granted that his/her LDS friend understands common Christian terms in the biblical way.

    Because the Bible has many warnings about false prophets (Matthew 24:11, 24; 2 Corinthians 11:4, 13; 1 John 4:1) and people teaching strange doctrines (2 Peter 2:12; Galatians 1:6-8; Hebrews 13:9), it is essential that we understand what the Bible says on various doctrines.

    The references below will demonstrate that the LDS Church is indeed teaching a different god and a counterfeit gospel, thus offering a false hope.

    The following list of Christian terms will be defined by LDS sources and then by biblical quotes. While this is not a complete list of terminology differences, it will cover the most basic ones. For a more detailed look at terminology differences, see The Counterfeit Gospel of Mormonism.

 

Terms:

1. GODHEAD
2. JESUS CHRIST
3. PREMORTAL LIFE
4. THE FALL
5. VIRGIN BIRTH
6. SIN
7. FORGIVENESS
8. SALVATION BY GRACE
9. REDEEMED
10. GOSPEL
11. BORN AGAIN
12. TRUE CHURCH
13. AUTHORITY - PRIESTHOOD
14. BAPTISM
15. SONS OF GOD
16. ETERNAL LIFE
17. IMMORTALITY
18. HELL
19. HEAVEN
20. KINGDOM OF GOD

---

Eternal Progression Chart

---

GODHEAD

LDS: Father & Son are resurrected men with physical bodies. Holy Ghost is a separate man with a spiritual body. Three totally separate Gods. God is married. Other Gods for other worlds. (D&C 130:22; Teachings, pp. 345-346, pp. 370-373; Doctrines of Salvation,v.1, p. 10-12)

BIBLE: God is not a man. (Num. 23:19) He has always been God. (Psa. 90:2; Mal. 3:6; Hab. 1:12; Rom. 1:22-25) Only one God. (Isa. 43:10-11; 44:6; 45:21-22) Father is Spirit and invisible. (John 4:24; 1 Tim. 1:17)

(GODHEAD: click here for complete quotes and references.)

JESUS CHRIST

LDS: Literally our elder brother, born to Heavenly Parents in the premortal life. Jesus, Lucifer and humans are all the same species and are brothers and sisters. (Gospel Principles pp. 11, 17, 18)

BIBLE: Fully God, not a subordinate deity. Eternal. (Isa. 9:6; John 8:58; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 13:8; John 1:1-4, 14; Col. 1:16-17)

(JESUS CHRIST: click here for complete quotes and references.)

PREMORTAL LIFE

LDS: Teach that everyone existed in heaven before born on earth. We have existed eternally. (D&C 93:29; PGP:Bk of Abr 3:21-22; Teachings, pp. 352-354)

BIBLE: Only Christ existed before mortality, not man. (John 8:58; Col. 1:17) Our existence started on earth. (Zec. 12:1; 1 Cor. 15:46)

(PREMORTAL LIFE: click here for complete quotes and references.)

THE FALL

LDS: Fall was a blessing. It brought mortality, ability to have children and physical death. Adam was given conflicting commandments and was supposed to fall. (Doctrines of Salvation Vol. 1, pp. 111-116; Gospel Principles, pp. 31-33; 2 Nephi 2:25; Mormon Doctrine, pp. 268-269)

BIBLE: God intended obedience. Gen. 1:28. God tempts no one. (James 1:13-14). Man is sinful. (Rom. 5:12; 8:5-8; 1 Cor. 2:14)

(THE FALL: click here for complete quotes and references.)

VIRGIN BIRTH

LDS: Believe God, as a resurrected physical man, is literal Father of Jesus—same manner in which men are conceived on earth. Believe Matt. 1:18 is in error. (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 546-547, 742)

BIBLE: Mary was "with child of the Holy Ghost." (Matt. 1:18; Luke 1:30-35)

(VIRGIN BIRTH: click here for complete quotes and references.)

SIN

LDS: Specific acts, not man's basic nature. Must know act is wrong to be a sin. (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 550, 735-736)

BIBLE: We are in spiritual rebellion until conversion. (Eph. 2:3; Rom. 5:6) We do not just commit sins; we are basically sinful. (Matt. 1:21; Jer. 17:9; Luke 5:32)

(SIN: click here for complete quotes and references.)

FORGIVENESS

LDS: Granted at end of process of repentance and reformed behavior (Mormon Doctrine, p. 292-298; Gospel Principles, pp. 75-77, p. 123; Doctrine of Salvation, Vol. 1, p. 133-134)

BIBLE: Complete forgiveness granted the moment we turn to Christ. (Mark 2:5; Col. 2:13-14; Eph. 1:6-7)

(FORGIVENESS: click here for complete quotes and references.)

SALVATION BY GRACE

LDS: Believe Christ's death brought release from grave and universal resurrection. Salvation by grace is universal resurrection. Beyond this, man must earn his place in heaven. Saved by grace after all we can do. (Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 25:23; Mormon Doctrine pp. 669-671)

BIBLE: Salvation is not limited to universal resurrection but gift of God to those who believe. (Rom. 1:16; Heb. 9:28; Eph. 2:8-9)

(SALVATION BY GRACE: click here for complete quotes and references.)

REDEEMED

LDS: From mortal death only. Not same as Eternal Life. (Doctrine of Salvation, Vol. 2, pp. 10-15)

BIBLE: Redeemed from more than mortal death; redeemed from spiritual death & given Eternal Life. (Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:1; Gal. 4:4-5)

(REDEEMED: click here for complete quotes and references.)

GOSPEL

LDS: Doctrines and commandments of the LDS Church. True gospel restored by Joseph Smith. (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 331; 334; Doctrine of Salvation, Vol. 1, pp. 156-159)

BIBLE: Good news of Christ’s death and resurrection as atonement for our sins. (1 Cor. 15:1-4; Gal. 1:6-8)

(GOSPEL: click here for complete quotes and references.)

BORN AGAIN

LDS: Baptism into the LDS Church. (Mormon Doctrine, p. 101)

BIBLE: We are spiritually dead until our spiritual birth. (1 Pet. 1:23; 2 Cor. 5:17; John 3:7, 14, 15)

(BORN AGAIN: click here for complete quotes and references.)

TRUE CHURCH

LDS: Only the Mormon Church. The true church was taken from the earth until Joseph Smith restored it. (D&C 1:30; 115:3, 4; Mormon Doctrine, pp. 133, 136)

BIBLE: Not an organization; as born-again Christians we are part of God's Church. (1 Cor. 12:12-14; Matt. 16:18; 18:19-20)

(TRUE CHURCH: click here for complete quotes and references.)

AUTHORITY - PRIESTHOOD

LDS: Believe only LDS have authority to baptize, ordain, etc. Have two-part system of priesthood—Melchizedek and Aaronic. (Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 3, p. 80-81; D&C 107:1-21)

BIBLE: Christ brought end to Aaronic priesthood and is the only High Priest after the manner of Melchizedek. (Heb. 5:9-10; 7:11-17; 7:24-27; 2 Tim. 2:2)

(AUTHORITY - PRIESTHOOD: click here for complete quotes and references.)

BAPTISM

LDS: Must be performed by LDS priesthood. (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 69-72)

BIBLE: Emphasis is on Believer—not priesthood authority. (Matt. 28:19; Acts 2:37-41; 16:30-34)

(BAPTISM: click here for complete quotes and references.)

SONS OF GOD

LDS: We were all born in heaven, prior to earth, as literal spirit children of God and his wife. (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 589-590)

BIBLE: Spiritually adopted at conversion. (John 1:12; Gal. 3:26)

(SONS OF GOD: click here for complete quotes and references.)

ETERNAL LIFE

LDS: Exaltation in Celestial Kingdom; godhood and ability to bear children in heaven. Must have a temple recommend and be sealed in Mormon temple. (D&C 131:1-4; 132:19-25, 30, 55)

BIBLE: Not limited to certain ones in the top part of heaven. No mention of parenthood or temple marriage but is given to all true believers. (1 John 5:12-13; Luke 20:35-36)

(ETERNAL LIFE: click here for complete quotes and references.)

IMMORTALITY

LDS: Universal gift. The ability to go to heaven and live forever but not same as Eternal Life. Lower level of heaven and unable to bear children. (D&C 14:7; Mormon Doctrine, pp. 237, 376-377, 670)

BIBLE: Makes no distinction between immortality and eternal life. No second class citizens in heaven. (2 Tim. 1:10; John 3:15-16)

(IMMORTALITY: click here for complete quotes and references.)

HELL

LDS: Hell as an institution is eternal—inmates come and go as in jail, but do not spend eternity there. Temporary. After debt is paid they will go to the Telestial Kingdom. (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 349-351)

BIBLE: No mention of people getting out of Hell. (Rev. 21:8; Matt. 13:24-43, 47-50; Luke 16:26)

(HELL: click here for complete quotes and references.)

HEAVEN

LDS: Divided into three kingdoms—Celestial, Terrestrial and Telestial. A place for almost everyone. (D&C 88:16-20; Misuse of 1 Cor. 15:40-41)

BIBLE: Only mentions two conditions—everlasting punishment or eternal life. (Matt. 25:31-46; 2 Thess. 1:7-10)

(HEAVEN: click here for complete quotes and references.)

KINGDOM OF GOD

LDS: Means Celestial Kingdom. Only those in the Celestial Kingdom are in God's presence. Those in the Terrestrial or Telestial Kingdoms are not in the presence of the Father. (D&C 76:50-88; 131:1-4; 132:16-17)

BIBLE: All redeemed will be in God's presence. (Rev. 21:1-3) All believers are part of Kingdom. (Matt. 13:41-43)

(KINGDOM OF GOD: click here for complete quotes and references.)

 

LDS References:

• Book of Mormon
• Doctrine and Covenants
• Pearl of Great Price
• Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie, 1979
• Doctrines of Salvation by Joseph Fielding Smith
• Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith by Joseph Fielding Smith
• Gospel Principles, published by LDS Church, 1995

 

 

Go to Terminology References

Go to Online Resources

---

[SZonian]

I’m aware. I’m an ex-mormon in the process of converting to Christianity.

This is a major contradiction for me and I believe it to be one for many mormons as well since I’ve yet to have any respond to the inquiry.

A further question(s) could be asked; The BoM christ unleashed his fury on the BoM lands, but not the ME lands where there were plenty of opportunities to do so as well. Why not unleash that fury in the ME as well? Why did the ME (Biblical) folks get the “don’t be afraid”, “peace be upon you” Christ, while the BoM folks got smoked by the BoM christ?

[CommerceComet]

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the area of Jerusalem.

Yet, Jerusalem is NOT the birthplace of Jesus as claimed by the Book of Mormon. Jerusalem is NOT Bethlehem NOR is Bethlehem Jerusalem. They are two separate entities which was clearly recognized by the chief priests and scribes who knew of Micah's prophecy (Matthew 2:1-6) and the taxing authorities who sent Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, the City of David (Luke 2:4-7). No one who understands the importance of the Messianic prophesies would ever substitute Jerusalem for Bethlehem. The prophesy is specific to the location of the birth of the Messiah and it is Bethlehem, not Jerusalem.

Mormons who pass this off as a triviality are missing the serious dilemma here. If Jesus was born in Jerusalem as stated in the Book of Mormon, then you don't have a savior because the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. If Jesus was not born in Jerusalem, the Book of Mormon is in error and cannot be inspired.

[Abram]

I am not disagreeing with you. Wow!

[Abram]

Great questions...yes, me too. Ex-Mormon who has accepted Christ as my Savior.