Mormon (Latter Day Saints) Beliefs Differ From Orthodox Christianity

Blanco County News (TX) ^ | Nov. 24, 2010 | Rev. Dr. Bobby W. Leggett

[Colofornian]

Mormons have written several articles in the Blanco News and many people have asked me to explain what Mormons believe. Understanding what our religious neighbors believe is enlightening and helps us to be better neighbors to them.

Mormons number eleven million plus and are one of the few religious groups that are increasing in America. Some of the apparent differences in what Orthodox Christianity and LDS believe have to do with God, Jesus, and our scriptures. The only authority for Orthodox Christians is the Bible, Old and New Testaments. The LDS church beliefs are found in the “Book of Mormon,” “The Pearl of Great Price,” and “Doctrine and Covenants.”

Joseph Smith was the founder of the LDS church. When Smith was 17, in 1823, the angel Moroni appeared to him and told him the location of two golden plates, on which was written the history of two ancient Native American Christian tribes. Joseph went to the site and found golden plates written by Ether, Mormon, Lehi and Nephi (ancient Native American authors), and a brass plate consisting of Hebrew scripture quotations and genealogies written by Laban.

LDS church believes that gods, angels and humans are all different forms of the same beings. These beings began their journey as spirit children created through celestial procreation. Not only do they teach about a heavenly father, but also a heavenly mother. The spirit children produced by the union of the heavenly father and mother are said to be angels. At some point the obedient children are given physical bodies and come to earth as human beings. Based on their obedient behavior on earth these human beings will inherit one of the three levels of exaltation. The humans who have followed the “gospel” of the LDS church will go to the celestial kingdom and themselves become gods and goddesses.

Therefore, one of the great differences between LDS church and Orthodox Christianity is the number of gods recognized. Christianity understands God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. LDS church recognizes many gods. Jesus said to a teacher of the Law in Mark 12:29, “The most important one is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one.’” The documents of the LDS church claim the heavens and earth were created by a council of gods. Another difference is found in the understanding of God being Spirit, as Christians believe, or as the LDS church believes that the gods have flesh and bone.

Who is Jesus the Christ? Christians believe Jesus is the one and only Son of God taking on flesh and bone to become a Savior to those who believe and live in Him. LDS teaches in their “Gospel Principles” that Jesus is merely the first of billions of created spirit children and is literally our “elder brother.” In the LDs “Doctrine and Covenants” every person who was ever born on earth was our spirit brother or sister in heaven. They also teach Jesus is the brother of Satan.

These very basic differences lead to a host of other differences in what is believed about God and the resulting doctrines. The major differences include the nature of God, the nature of Jesus Christ, the nature of humankind and the nature of physical creation.

Next week we will examine other religions to understand better what our neighbors believe in contra-distinction to Orthodox Christianity.

[Elsie]

I could have never guessed that Mormon Beliefs differ from Orthodox Christians.

I predict you will be cozied up to!

[T Minus Four]

Do you wear the garment both night and day as instructed in the endowment and in accordance with the covenant you made in the temple?

Click for something interesting I found about the rules for wearing "the garment"

This is from the official LDS site from the new version of their handbook.

[Godzilla]

Same with Mormonism. What are you going to teach us, really? You have Nephite Ruins at your disposal? Is Smith's true Biography a hoax? Is there really more than one god and some here to now un-found, hidden biblical text that refutes what God so clearly says about being the one and only, none before or after him??

Indeed, what specific notations of the article are false. Document that they are false via official mormon doctrine/teaching sources. Expect that to happen - nah because it happens very little (to nonexistant) around here by the professors of mormonism.

[yellowroses]

“You would have no clue as to my fruits :)” Back at cha buddy!

[T Minus Four]

I wonder why there are still black people being born if the curse was lifted. Seriously.

[MHGinTN]

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

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Eternal Progression Chart

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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

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[Vaquero]

May you and your Free Zone buddies get a warpped thetan for a long, LONG time!

?????I thought it was Bill Clinton, whose thetan was warped???

[Godzilla]

“You would have no clue as to my fruits :)” Back at cha buddy!

I never commented on your 'fruits' buddy! But then this is your second response to me and nothing substantial in regards to the doctrinal distinctives presented in the article. Does this mean you are in agreement with what has been presented? Or is this just another instance of a gentile knowing more about mormonism than a mormon would like them to?

[Elsie]

Rather, as one’s level of spiritual awareness increases through participation in Scientology auditing and training, one attains his own certainty of every dynamic.

Hey!

They stole THIS from the MORMONs; too!

They just changed the words.

WAIT!

That's what MORMONism did with CHRISTIAN words: changed their definititions!

[bigheadfred]

[MHGinTN]

Ouch! That could leave a mark!!

[Godzilla]

You must not be familiar with the Mountain Meadow Massacre, where on Sept. 11th, 1857, Mormons dressed as Indians murdered in cold blood over 140 unarmed men, women and children in Mountain Meadow, Utah. This was America’s first 9/11 and the extent of the massacre was not exceeded until the OKC Murra bombing.

[Godzilla]

forgot an associated link

http://1857massacre.com/

[yellowroses]

“are you trying to say the beliefs are correctly presented and you are embarrassed by their open publication”

It is my understanding that the posts presented are correct. It is the free ability of people to read them and interpret them however they decide.

When two people see the same happening, and then both are interviewed separately, often their description, of the same event, will differ.

I believe (and perhaps I really am wrong in my conclusions) that when people place the words of one whom I believe is/was a prophet on an internet blog, they have one of two desires. To seek knowledge, or to make their judgments known. I suppose what upsets me is my perception that people are “urinating on my crufix” so to speak. I seldom get the felling, that their posts are truly concerned with my spiritual welfare.

It is my belief, that God sent/sends prophets to speak for HIM at that particular time. One should approach spiritual things, by a spirit of meekness, humility, and a true desire to know truth. Should one decide to accept what another human being says, as prophecy, only they can decide what the spirit tells them.

I will say this, it is a true challange for me to keep a kind, patient and gentle approach when I feel my beliefs are slammed. I am a sinner, and very imperfect, so please forgive me if I am unable to communicate appropriately. My sincere desire is that others be uplifted and strengthened through civil conversation. Please refrain from throwing rocks, and I’ll sincerely try to do the same.

[Seruzawa]

Hokay. A couple hundred bodies over the last Century vs millions over the last thousand years. Not even close. Maybe those in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

[svcw]

No substantial replies from lds only whining and complaining from lds place marker.

[Colofornian]

Why does the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing all of the beautiful Christmas Carols if they don’t believe in Jesus?

Throughout their history, the Mormons have committed spiritual theft of all things Christians. Hymns are no exception.

If you look in the Lds hymnal, 190 songs are written by Christian, non-Mormon author/composers. That's 53%!

So even the majority of hymns the Mormons leeched onto were Christian in origin.

Of course, Mormons still kicked all those author/composers to the spiritual gutter -- labeling them along w/all Christian professing believers "apostates."

Interesting.

Joseph Smith has a "vision."
* Calls ALL Christian sect professing believers "corrupt."
* Then later labels them all "apostate."
* In fact, Mormon leaders label all the Christians and Christian leaders "apostate" going back to the first and second centuries!
* Yet they somehow don't mind placing "apostate" written hymns -- almost 200 of them -- in their hymnal!

BTW, the other non-historical reasons why the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings Christian-based songs are:
(1) Public relations reasons -- to sound Christian;
(2) For the most part, they can't come up with songs that compete even though they claim to be "the only true and living church on the face of the earth" (D&C 1:30)

[T Minus Four]

You think that's bad, look at some of the "extra" verses Joseph Smith added to the Book of Genesis :

26A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins.

27Thus saith the Lord God of my fathers unto me, A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins, and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren.

28And he shall bring them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers; and he shall do whatsoever work I shall command him.

29And I will make him great in mine eyes, for he shall do my work; and he shall be great like unto him whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel, out of the land of Egypt; for a seer will I raise up to deliver my people out of the land of Egypt; and he shall be called Moses. And by this name he shall know that he is of thy house; for he shall be nursed by the king’s daughter, and shall be called her son.

30And again, a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins, and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins; and not to the bringing forth of my word only, saith the Lord, but to the convincing them of my word, which shall have already gone forth among them in the last days;

31Wherefore the fruit of thy loins shall write, and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together unto the confounding of false doctrines, and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to a knowledge of their fathers in the latter days; and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord.

Methinks somebody was a teensy bit obsessed with LOINAGE!

[T Minus Four]

LDS are free to worship and belie as they see fit. Nobody is trying to stop them. Nobody gives a rat’s aptootie. actually, the only violence I’ve heard about lately is Mormon on Mormon.

But Christians are not going to sit quietly while their very name is hijacked. Why can’t they just be Mormons?