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.

[yellowroses]

“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.” “

I find your terms “leeched” and “kicked to the spiritual gutter” and “apostates” used in a subjective, and incorrect manner. You’ve judged.. Am I correct?

[T Minus Four]

belie = believe (but there’s something faintly Freudian about that)

[Paragon Defender]

Seekers of truth,

If you peruse the Free Republic religion forums you will notice a pattern. There's an anti-Mormon group of people here that spends a great deal of their time attacking the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They post regurgitated propaganda on an almost daily basis.

They have a misguided obsession. You can witness many different tactics employed that you might find quite interesting. The straw man argument is a big favorite and is frequently preceded by cherry-picking quotes or other material. After the "quotation" the attacker will misrepresent what has been said or what was meant and then attack their own interpretation.Later they will have the audacity to claim they were "only" quoting our own material.  

They will of course insist ad nauseum that they are merely using our sources and are therefore innocent of any deceptive practice. LDS persons have no issue whatsoever having our scriptures or leaders quoted as long as it is presented fairly and accurately. This is rarely (if ever) done.

Another favorite is posting scripture or statements which on their own really present no dilemma. They make something out of nothing while never bringing up a single objection that hasn't been addressed a hundred times before.

You might note a couple of other tactics used to try to antagonize is the use of disrespectful or insulting terms or language and/or pictures. That's a Christlike thing to do right? Yeah I don't think so either. It does speak volumes about them though.

Sometimes they cruise the headlines of the day seeking any story that might be twisted into making the Church look bad. Anything will do, just watch the progression of posts following it and see what I mean.

After reading their posts, I invite you to seek the truth about whatever "issue" they seem to be "revealing" or "exposing". I promise that if you do so with honest intent, the "ahah" moments you will have will be many and frequent. You will start to recognize the tactics employed to cleverly twist and attack and will likely chuckle the more you see. In actuality, there's nothing new here. It's all been addressed many times before.

The latest twist in the anti-Mormon propaganda machine is to actually go to the links provided, but then they cherry pick what they want, then quote and straw man attack that. Clever. It almost appears that they are helping you, the seeker of truth out by doing some footwork for you. Not so much. Don't be insulted, look for yourself. It's not the haystack they want you to think.

Here's a few links to get your started from a different viewpoint. I have found that the vast majority of the "issues" brought up can be found and addressed at http://www.fairlds.org/ but here's more:

http://scriptures.lds.org/
http://www.lds.org
http://www.fairlds.org/
http://www.mormonapologetics.org/
http://www.mormonwiki.com/Main_Page
http://www.lightplanet.com/response/index.html
http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDS_Intro.shtml
http://www.answeringantimormons.com/index.htm
http://promormon.blogspot.com/

Now you will likely notice the "you never address our points" posts pop up as usual. All after providing the answers just as you have here.

Sometimes it is claimed that these sites present a needle in a haystack. Far from it. But if you give up before you try you won't know will you?

Will you wear blinders too? Seek truth. Find out for yourself. Want to chat with someone on any topic? A few of these sites provide just that. So do your homework sincere seeker of truth. Listen and read from both "sides". Make up your own mind.

I witness to you of these truths and wish you the best, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

[Colofornian]

Colofornian thinks that the FR is his/her personal anti-Mormon blog.

ALL: Ignore the gossiper who hasn't learn online manners re: pinging people when they post about them.

(Makes me what wonder what some posters say behind others' backs in their normal scheme of daily life)

[Godzilla]

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.

Well THANK YOU. If they are correct in your understanding, then there should be no grounds for complaining about their posting. Or is there a problem with openly posting this information?

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.

I see here time and again expressions of love towards lds and their spiritual welfare. HYPOTHETICALLY, if mormonism is wrong - would it be evil or good to have the erroneous doctrines presented in contrast to Christianity so that one can truly SEEK KNOWLEDGE - Hypothetically. I would go as far as to say that the mormon missionaries knocking on doors are concerned about the spiritual welfare of those they are visiting - while at the same time denegrating their beliefs.

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.

A noble purpose and goal, but we are not left to fend for outselves. The bible gives ample guidance and warning regarding those who claim to be prophets. There are specific standards God has put in place to determine if the person is a true of false prophet - yes?

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.

Fine, but the point comes back full circle - you accept the doctrinal portrait of mormonism in the article - then what is the problem with contrasting them to Christianity? Your missionaries are taught to convince an inquirer that all other churches are false and the mormon church the only 'true' church. I fail to find that the reverse being offensive, unless one doesn't want to deal with faith challenging arguements.

[T Minus Four]

They make something out of nothing while never bringing up a single objection that hasn't been addressed a hundred times before.

But never, never, NEVER answered.

[Godzilla]

So it is your thesis that because both mormonism and Christianity have killed over the years, that makes everything ok dokay? Or perhaps you can’t relate that there are differences between mormonism and Christianity and that Christians identify those differences.

[Godzilla]

Seekers of truth,

[Elsie]

I find your terms “leeched” and “kicked to the spiritual gutter” and “apostates” used in a subjective, and incorrect manner. You’ve judged.. Am I correct?

You appear to be OK with JUDGEMENT, as long as MORMONism is doing it.

Is that a fair assessment?

[T Minus Four]

Nobody is slamming your beliefs! Believe whatever you wish. JUST STOP CALLING IT CHRISTIANITY!

[Elsie]

 

 

HI!

 

 My screen name is Paragon Defender; but you can call me PD (if you are SINCERE, that is.)

 

I provide TRUTH to ALL who would care to seek it (if they are REALLY sincere) and I do it OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER and OVER  again.

I am pleased to offer my services for the Betterment of Mankind.

Please feel free to ask me ANYTHING and I'll sincerely post my link list again.

Remember...

I am normal too; and I am a MORMON!

 

Sincerely,

PD

 

 

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Hi yellowroses, long time no see.

“You prove yourself to be completely devoid of sincere desire to be taught. You’ve made up your mind.”

Back at you. Your mind appears to be made up to follow
a cult. I’m not seeing any desire to grapple with the complete
lack of:

... facts
... evidence
... logical argument

Anything at all objective that would support mormonism.

Yet, here you are supporting it. Based on what? Feelings?
I sense no sincere desire to be taught truth...

best,
ampu

[greyfoxx39]

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.

 

So, what is your approach when you consider that there are a MINIMUM of 52,000 mormon missionaries going worldwide every single day, slamming the beliefs of Christians by claiming

that there was a "Great Apostasy" and God removed His Gospel (which these Christians still believe in) from the earth and replaced it by "restoring" a completely different

belief to Joseph Smith?

"As of December 31, 2009, there were 51,736 LDS missionaries serving in 344 of convert baptisms per missionary per year has fallen from a high of 8.03 in 1989 to just 4.67 in 2005.[13] He argues that the number of converts would increase if Mormon missionaries made greater efforts in meeting new people; he points out that the average companionship spends only four or five hours per week attempting to meet new people.[13] From Wikipedia

How terrible it is that a handful of Christians post a handful of threads per week on FreeRepublic to counter the proselytizing efforts of the missionaries and public relations campaign of the mormon church. Don't you just feel SO sorry that the poor, persecuted mormons aren't able to have their message heard?

If you REALLY want to know about mormonism..click here

[greyfoxx39]

[T Minus Four]

The LDS church beliefs are found in the “Book of Mormon,” “The Pearl of Great Price,” and “Doctrine and Covenants.”

Not Christianity. But feel free to consider them your scriptures.

Joseph Smith was the founder of the LDS church

Jesus Christ founded the Christian Church. But you are perfectly free to follow this man.

LDS church believes that gods, angels and humans are all different forms of the same beings

That's very interesting. But it's not a Christain belief.

spirit children produced by the union of the heavenly father and mother

This is so far from Christianity as to be astounding. But it's still a free country and you have a right to beleive it with all your heart.

The humans who have followed the “gospel” of the LDS church will go to the celestial kingdom and themselves become gods and goddesses.

This is much more like Greek or Roman mythology. Ya'll should write a book about it. But certainly nothing like Christianity.

LDS church recognizes many gods

Many religions believe in many gods. None of them happen to be Christian. Christian-hill-to-die-on numero uno: There is ONE GOD. Ever. We get pretty touchy about this. We won't bother you over it, just don't call it Christian.

the LDS church believes that the gods have flesh and bone.

But Christains don't. Knock yourself out and find yourself in good company with other primative religions, but not Christainity.

Jesus is the brother of Satan

Christians of course know that Jesus IS God. You don't have to believe it. We're sorry you don't. It's sad. Either do Muslims and we don't get into these threads with them because THEY DON"T TRY TO PASS THEMSELVES OFF AS CHRISTIAN.

Do you get it? Go be a Mormon. Be a wonderful Mormon. Good luck with that. ya'll make great neighbors and coworkers. Just call yourselves Mormons please. Leave Christianity out of it.

[Tennessee Nana]

Mormon (Latter Day Saints) Beliefs Differ From Orthodox Christianity
______________________________________

Is this a remedial class for Mormonism for Dummies 101 ???

[Godzilla]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2635836/posts?page=89#89

[Tennessee Nana]

I could have never guessed that Mormon Beliefs differ from Orthodox Christians. Is that simalar to Lutheran beliefs are different from Catholic beliefs?
________________________________________________

No ...

its similar to Moslem beliefs are different from Christian beliefs ....

[Colofornian]

I find your terms “leeched” and “kicked to the spiritual gutter” and “apostates” used in a subjective, and incorrect manner.

If you "borrow" a song & tune -- but then proceed to call those who composed & wrote them...
...Not worthy of being in God's presence forever,
...Part of the anti-Christ movement,
...Part of a church that "ceased to exist"
...And that 100% of Christian professing believers were "corrupt" (see the word "all" in Joseph Smith History vv. 18-19 in the Pearl of Great Price)
...What would you in your grand "objectivity" call it?

And given the quotes on this post alone, how is that "incorrect?"

Lds 10th "prophet" Joseph Fielding Smith: Those who were honorable men who will be permitted to go to the terrestrial kingdom will be blessed with ministrations from the celestial kingdom. They will be privileged with visitations from Jesus Christ BUT will be denied the presence of the Father. (Answers to Gospel Questions 1:81)

Brigham Young: ...every spirit that does not confess that God has sent Joseph Smith, and revealed the everlasting Gospel to and through him, is of Antichrist, no matter whether it is found in a pulpit or on a throne." (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 435)

10th Lds "prophet" Joseph Fielding Smith: "The power of the priesthood was lost and the true Church of Jesus Christ ceased to exist on the earth." (Answers to Gospel Questions, 1:97)

Joseph Fielding Smith: For hundreds of years, followingl the universal apostasy, the inhabitants of the earth walked in spiritual darkness. They became divided and sub-divided. Satan had obtained such power over their thinking that the fundamental principles of the gospel ceased to exist among them." (Answers to Gospel Questions, 5:xi)

12th Lds "Prophet" Spencer W. Kimball: "This is not a continuous church, nor is it one that has been reformed or redeemed. It has been resotred after it was lost...There was a long period of centuries when the gospel was not available to people on this earth, because it had been changed." (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 423)

13th Lds "prophet" Ezra Taft Benson: "...the Church...ceased to exist." (Condference Reports, Ocgtober, 1949, p. 26)

Benson: "...the church that Christ established during His earthly ministry ceased to exist." (Ensign, November 1988, p. 86)

9th Lds "prophet" David O. McKay: Three hundred years passed, and Christianity became the dominant religion of the most powerful nation in the world...Pride and worldliness supplanted humility and faith. The church became corrupt." (Conference Reports, October 1966, General Priesthood Meeting, p. 86)

You’ve judged. [yellowroses]

I've discerned.

And given the horrendous name-calling and labels Mormons have called us through the years...whores of Babylon, prostitute daughters of the mother-whore, what's there not to discern. Here, I'll pull a "milder" quote (meaning I won't quote Orson Pratt or Lds "prophet" John Taylor or some of the other worse quotes):

George Q. Cannon, Counselor to four different Mormon "prophets" as a member of the First Presidency: "After the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, there wre only two churches upon the earth. They were known respectively as the Church of the Lamb of God and Babylon. The various organizations which are called churches throughout Christendom, though differing in their creeds and organizations, have one common origin. They all belong to Babylon. (Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, 2:56)