This is a list of specially prepared pages for different people and their points of view of what they should know about The Holy Book of Mormon.
What U Should Know
Top Ten
Top discrepancies between the Holy Book of Mormon and the Mormon Church:
1. Kneel for Communion
1 The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church and they administered it according to the commandments of Christ wherefore we know that the manner to be true and the elder or priest did minister it
2 and they did kneel down with the church (Moroni 4)
2. Meetings Conducted by Spirit
9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit and by the power of the Holy Ghost for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach or exhort or to pray or to supplicate or to sing even so it was done. Amen. (Moroni 6)
3. Priests Preached
21 Every church having their priests and their teachers, and every priest preaching the word according as it was delivered to him by the mouth of Alma. (Mosiah 25)
4. One Priest Over 50 Members
18 And it came to pass that Alma, having authority from God, ordained priests; even one priest to every fifty of their number did he ordain to preach unto them, and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. (Mosiah 18)
5. Priests Financially Supported
28 And thus they should impart of their substance of their own free will and good desires towards God, and to those priests that stood in need, yea, and to every needy, naked soul. (Mosiah 18)
6. Communion for the Baptized
5 Give it unto the people of my church unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.
11 To those who repent and are baptized in my name (3 Nephi 18)
7. Baptism for Sinners
22 On this wise shall ye baptize and there shall be no disputations among you.
23 Verily I say unto you that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words and desireth to be baptized in my name on this wise shall ye baptize. (3 Nephi 11)
11 And their little children need no repentance neither baptism. Behold baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. (Moroni 8:11)
8. Gift of the Holy Ghost for All
17 The Holy Ghost which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him. (1 Nephi 10)
20 Whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 9)
44 While Peter yet spake these words the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished as many as came with Peter because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (Acts 10)
9. False Churches Will Say – ‘I, I am the Lord’s’
3 For it shall come to pass in that day that the churches which are built up and not unto the Lord when the one shall say unto the other: Behold, I, I am the Lord’s; and the others shall say: I, I am the Lord’s; and thus shall every one say that hath built up churches and not unto the Lord (2 Nephi 28)
10. No Hell and No Devil
22 And behold others he flattereth away and telleth them there is no hell and he saith unto them I am no Devil for there is none and thus he whispereth in their ears until he grasps them with his awful chains from whence there is no deliverance (2 Nephi 28)
Hypocrites
One who puts on a mask and feigns himself to be what he is not. Our Lord severely rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy (Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary).
Mormons espouse the Book of Mormon in their writings, at church, and their missionaries proselytize with it. They, however, do not follow the teachings in the Book of Mormon as stated by Book of Mormon witness David Whitmer.
For example, the Holy Book of Mormon forbids the baptizing of children and yet they routinely baptize their children (for sins) at the age of eight. (D&C 68:27) Likewise they ignore the admonition by Jesus to not give communion to the unbaptized, i.e. not investigators or infants.
The most heinous of crimes being perpetuated by Mormons against the Book of Mormon is their doctrine of plural/celestial/eternal marriage, i.e. polygamy. Though not currently practiced, it is still a canonized doctrine (see D&C 132) and is being practiced in their temples.
Jesus warned against adding to the Holy Book of Mormon:
Whoso shall declare more or less than this (Book of Mormon) and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil…and the gates of hell stand open to receive such. (3 Nephi 11:40)
I will bring to light my gospel (Book of Mormon)…yea, the only doctrine which is in me. (D&C 10:62, dated Summer 1829)
Whoso among you shall do more or less than (Book of Mormon)…the gates of hell are ready open to receive them. (3 Nephi 18:13)
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man…and great was his fall! (3 Nephi 14:26-27)
We testify that when used together, the Bible and the Book of Mormon confound false doctrines (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.63).
Until now, Mormons have not been alerted to the fact that they are being hypocritical when it comes to the Book of Mormon. If they choose against the Book of Mormon, the gates of hell stand open to receive them–according to Jesus.
If you received a witness by the Holy Spirit of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and choose now not to follow its precepts you will be committing blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and your fate will be sealed:
Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. (Matthew 12:31)
Critics
Don’t be caught using one standard for accepting the Bible and another for the Book of Mormon. The authors of the Book of Mormon warned:
17 He that condemneth let him be aware lest he shall be in danger of hell fire.
18 And he that saith: Show unto me [the plates] or ye shall be smitten-let him beware lest he commandeth that which is forbidden of the Lord.
19 For behold the same that judgeth rashly shall be judged rashly
21 And he that shall breathe out wrath and strifes against the work of the Lord and shall say: “We will destroy the work of the Lord”-the same is in danger to be hewn down and cast into the fire; (Mormon 8)
If you had received a witness of the Holy Spirit but are now against the Book of Mormon:
6 If ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness; yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness. (Alma 39)
The following points are for squinters of the ancillary items over the most powerful preachings of Jesus in the Book of Mormon:
- Please postulate who invented the preaching parts that permeate the Holy Book of Mormon.
- There are more references to Jesus in the Book of Mormon than the Bible.
- No critic has yet shown where a single verse of preaching was plagiarized from.
- Shouldn’t it be scrutinized by what it purports to be about instead of some sundry reference to animals, metals, or seeds?
- How a person judges the Book of Mormon is how they will be judged.
- Critics are challenged to copy by hand one of the shortest books in the Book of Mormon – Jacob, before dismissing out of hand the entirety of the record.
Jews
The Book of Mormon has a great deal of respect for the Jews for they are still believing in the Messiah, and are therefore faithful. Wo unto those who have stopped believing!
The Book of Mormon rightly prophesied that God’s ancient covenant people – the Jews, would be forgotten and the promises or covenants relating to them removed from holy writ, which did occur with the Roman Catholic Church.
St. Gregory of Nyssa
“Slayers of the Lord, murderers of the prophets, adversaries of God, haters of God, men who show contempt for the laaw, foes of grace, enemies of their father’s faith, advocates of the devil, brood of vipers, slanderers, scoffers, men whose minds are in darkness, leaven of the Pharisees, assembly of demons, sinners, wicked men, stoners, and haters of righteousness.” (fn. 52, p. 26)
St. John Chrysostom, the Golden-Mouthed
“The violence of the language used by St. John Chrysostom in his homilies against the Jews has never been exceeded by any preacher whose sermons have been recorded.” (Malcolm Hay, Thy Brother’s Blood, The Roots of Christian Anti-Semitism, 1975, p. 27)
“The synagogue,” he said, “is worse than a brothel…it is the den of scoundrels and the repair of wild beasts…the temple of demons devoted to idolatrous cults…the refuge of brigands and debauchees, and the cavern of devils.” (Hay, pp. 27-28)
“All Jews were guilty, they had been punished by God, and the punishment would endure for all time. They were condemned by God, said Chrysostom, to a real hell on earth, condemned to a misery which would endure as long as the world lasted.” (Hay, p. 30)
“Immediately after his arrival at Constantinople in 398, he brought his influence to bear on the Emporer, who had granted certain priviliges to the Jews, so that all the laws in their favor were suspended.” (Hay, p. 31)
“This condemnation of the people of Israel, in the name of God, was not forgotten. It helped to strengthen the tradition of hate handed on through the Dark Ages and welcomed by mediavel Christendom, a tradition which has disfigured the whole history of Western Europe. For many centuries the Jews listened to the echo of those three words of St. John Chrysostom, the Golden-Mouthed: ‘God hates you.'” (Hay, pp. 31-32)
Had the Book of Mormon gone freely and unhindered to the churches by not being tied to the church of Joseph Smith, a Hitler would have never emerged.
As soon as The Book of Mormon is freed from the Mormon Church, or as soon as the world understands it is separate, then the Jews will receive it, and incorporate it however they see fit. Peace will then come to their land, and their people, so says The Book of Mormon.
Christians
Ask this question:
“If I was a follower of the Book of Mormon, would my walk with Christ change”?
Most Christians are unaware of the fact that not a single “Mormon Doctrine” is contained in the Book of Mormon.
Next, ask this question – “Do I believe in a God of miracles”?
“You can’t believe in the Book of Mormon if you don’t believe in miracles.”
By miracles we mean the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Do you believe in the raising of the dead, prophecy, the speaking in tongues, the interpretation of tongues, dreams, visions, being slain in the Spirit, etc.? If the answer is no, then how could we expect you to believe in the miracle of the Book of Mormon?
Ask this:
“Do I believe God will answer my prayer regarding the Book of Mormon”?
There is a promise in the Book of Mormon guaranteeing that if you read and ask, God will answer. For many people it was this act of asking that first brought them a divine encounter.
Mormons have been using the Book of Mormon these many years to do one thing – gain converts. It is now time for Christians to claim the Book of Mormon as their own, and use the converting power it contains FOR CHRIST, and not for a church or doctrine it does not contain.
Here are Mormon quotes admitting this is the case:
From the religion book review editor at Publishers Weekly, LDS author Jana Reiss wrote in the SkyLight Illuminations Series, The Book of Mormon – Selections Annotated and Explained:
Early Mormons rarely quoted from the book in their speeches and writings; in one nineteenth-century LDS periodical, Elders’ Journal, the Bible was cited forty times more often than the Book of Mormon. Although early Mormons believed that the book was an authentically ancient record and that its miraculous appearance signaled that they were living in the “latter days,” they didn’t strongly emphasize its teachings. When the book was cited, it was usually to support the belief that the LDS Church was the restoration of Israel. It wasn’t until 1961 that a year-long course in the Book of Mormon became required for freshman students at Brigham Young University, and it was the 1980’s before the Book of Mormon was cited regularly in General Conference talks by church leaders. (2005, p. xiii)
LDS Professor Grant Hardy said:
Joseph Smith did not refer to passages from the book in his writings or sermons, nor was it cited very often by early church leaders. (Grant Hardy in Royal Skousen ed., The Book of Mormon, the Earliest Text, Yale University Press, 2009, p. xxii)
LDS Professor Philip R. Kunz:
As a young missionary in the 1950s, before the standardized missionary plan was prepared, we had a discussion on the Book of Mormon, in which we told the people about the book and invited them to put Moroni’s promise to the test. We did not teach from the Book of Mormon, nor did we really refer to it after that. (Phillip R. Kunz, “Moroni’s Promise: The Converting Power of the Book of Mormon,” FARMS Review: vol. 8, no. 2, 1996, p 32)
LDS Professor Terryl L. Givens in his popular book put out by Oxford University Press entitled By the Hand of Mormon said:
It has often been pointed out, however, that those beliefs most commonly associated with Mormonism are nowhere to be found in that text. Those expecting an exposition of peculiarly Mormon doctrine will be disappointed. (2002, p. 186)
And:
…the Book of Mormon a “completely untapped resource” that is regarded more as an icon of Smith’s prophetic call than a theological source. (Kristen Moulton, “LDS don’t get theological respect because they seek and shun mainstream acceptance,” Salt Lake Tribune, Nov 11, 2010)
LDS Professor Richard L. Bushman:
Despite the effort that went into the translation, Joseph Smith did not make the book the foundation of the church. (Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism, 1984, p. 142)
Book of Mormon Scholar J.N. Washburn:
The book under consideration bears no necessary relation to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They could exist quite independently of each other. The book is not the product of the Church, for it was in existence before the Church was. (The Contents, Structure and Authorship of the Book of Mormon, 1954, p. 10)
LDS Professor Kenneth Godfrey:
Mormonism would not have endured had its leaders relied solely on the Book of Mormon. (“David Whitmer and the Shaping of Latter-day Saint History” by Kenneth Godfrey in The Disciple as Witness: Essays on Latter-day Saint History and Doctrine in Honor of Richard Lloyd Anderson, FARMS, 2000)
LDS Professor Daniel Peterson:
“Studies of Latter-day Saint sermons and curriculum from the earliest period of church history well into the 20th century demonstrate surprisingly little use of the Book of Mormon to establish doctrines or as a text from which to preach. Many Saints were converted by reading it, but, thereafter, they tended to overlook its specific content.”
“Joseph seems somewhat detached from the book after its publication. He betrays little if any ‘pride of authorship.’ Whereas authors typically like to call attention to their creations.”
“It was and is a virtuoso display of revelatory power. Had Joseph Smith been a mere frontier pseudo-prophet, he could simply have produced frequent “revelations” along the lines of the Doctrine and Covenants. He needn’t have created an enormously complex “history” of purportedly lost ancient civilizations – thus exposing himself to huge and unnecessary risks.” (Dan Peterson, “Embracing the power of the Book of Mormon,” Deseret News, January 5, 2012)
NO BOOKS OF MORMON PRINTED FOR 30 YEARS Fact, the Mormons did not print a single copy of the Book of Mormon, in America, between the years 1842 to 1869 (27 years). Finally, after 18 years, an independent publisher printed 4000 copies in New York:
The present edition of the Book of Mormon is an accurate reprint of the third American edition, originally published at Nauvoo, eighteen years ago, under the official sanction of the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ. The apostasy of the great body of the Church, through the influence of false teachers, who privily brought into the Church Damnable Heresies, even denying the Lord, that bought them; together with the fact that they have for a long time suppressed the Book, on account of its pointed condemnation of their practices, has appeared to the Publisher as a sufficient reason for reissuing it; so that the many firm believers of the Book that are scattered through the land, earnestly desiring the spread of truth, may have an opportunity to avail themselves of its precious truths, and put into their own and their neighbors’ possession the real weapon with which to put down Polygamy and its kindred institutions. In this republication, the Publisher has yielded to a general desire for information in regard to the nature and origin of the Book, and has placed in the Introduction a mere synopsis of the evidences of its Divinity, and what it purports to be. (“Advertisement,” Book of Mormon, J. O. Wright & Co., 1858, New York; See also 1, 2, 3)
“This edition of the Book of Mormon was published by Russel Huntley, and known as the Brooks edition, and sometimes as the Huntley edition. Some 4000 copies were printed, as in the imprint shows, by James O. Wright and Company, 377 Broadway, New York (in 1858). The introduction was written by Elder Zadoc Brook (Church of Christ), who labored for a time at Kirtland, Ohio.” (Journal of History, vol. XIV, no. 1, Lamoni, January 1921, p. 19)
The Book of Mormon belongs to the body of Christ. Christians can start using non-denominational copies right now (www.bookmormon.com ), from a public library, or read online.
The best tool that a Christian can use to convert a Mormon to Christ IS the the Book of Mormon.
As we have stated clearly on this site, the Book of Mormon adds nothing new to the Bible, it merely clarifies baptism, and communion; and confirms the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It contains some of the most powerful Preaching on Christ you can find anywhere.
Have you ever wondered why the Mormon Church is one of the fastest growing churches in America?
Answer – the Book of Mormon.
Do you know why 50% – 75% of all those converts leave the Mormon Church?
Because the Spirit they found in the Book of Mormon is not in the Mormon Church.
Do you need some converting power in your church? Then use the Book of Mormon!
Do you want to grow your church?
Then start a small group for ex-Mormons, using the Book of Mormon.
More people believe in the Book of Mormon outside the Mormon Church than within it. Now that’s worth looking into.
As can be seen on this site, the Book of Mormon contains no unusual Mormon doctrine – not one.
Mormons
- Why is the Seventh Day Adventist Church larger than the Mormon Church despite being 33 years younger?1
- Why do the Adventists have more humanitarian efforts than the Mormons?
- Why do the Adventists publicize their financial and church attendance numbers but Mormons do not?
Mormons have no clue how they’re doing with what they’ve been given (i.e. The Holy Book of Mormon) until compared to another church. Mormonism is far behind the Adventists and failing comparably. Why?
President Benson said:
And now grave consequences hang on our response to the Book of Mormon. “Those who receive it,” said the Lord, “in faith, and work righteousness, shall receive a crown of eternal life; But those who harden their hearts in unbelief, and reject it, it shall turn to their own condemnation-For the Lord God has spoken it.” (D&C 20:14-16)
Is the Book of Mormon true? Yes.
Whom is it for? Us.
What is its purpose? To bring men to Christ.
How does it do this? By testifying of Christ and revealing His enemies.
How are we to use it? We are to get a testimony of it, we are to teach from it, we are to hold it up as a standard and “hiss it forth.”
Have we been doing this? Not as we should, nor as we must.
Do eternal consequences rest upon our response to this book? Yes, either to our blessing or our condemnation.
Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life. There is a difference between a convert who is built on the rock of Christ through the Book of Mormon and stays hold of that iron rod, and one who is not. (Ezra Taft Benson, A Witness and a Warning: A Modern-Day Prophet Testifies of the Book of Mormon, Deseret Book Co., 1988, p. 7)
And this:
I have noted within the Church a difference in discernment, insight, conviction, and spirit between those who know and love the Book of Mormon and those who do not. That book is a great sifter. (“Jesus Christ-Gifts and Expectations,” Christmas Devotional, Salt Lake City, Utah, 7 December 1986; Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, pp. 60-61)
Mormons are condemned for having neglected the Holy Book of Mormon:
D&C 84 – 1832
54 And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received-55 Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.56 And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.57 And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written- (D&C 84:54-57, 1832)
Benson – 1984 (152 Years Later)
Among the hallmarks of Ezra Taft Benson ‘s tenure as president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was his stirring summons to reemphasize the Book of Mormon.
“My beloved brethren and sisters,” he said during the October 1984 general conference, “for some years now I have been deeply concerned that we are not using the Book of Mormon as God intends. As I participated in the Mexico City Temple dedication, I received the distinct impression that God is not pleased with our neglect of the Book of Mormon. In the 84th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord decreed that the whole church was under condemnation, even all the children of Zion, because of the way they treated the Book of Mormon. ‘And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent,’ said the Lord, ‘and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon’ (Doctrine and Covenants 84:57).” (Dan Peterson, “Embracing the power of the Book of Mormon,” Deseret News, January 5, 2012)
Benson – 1986 (154 Years Later)
“Unless we read the Book of Mormon and give heed to its teachings, the Lord has stated in section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants that the whole Church is under condemnation: ‘And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.’ (D&C 84:56, 1832)”
“Why? The Lord answers: “That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion.” (D&C 84:58, 1832) We have felt that scourge and judgment!”
“We must first cleanse the inner vessel by awaking and arising, being morally clean, using the Book of Mormon in a manner so that God will lift the condemnation, and finally conquering pride by humbling ourselves.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May, 1986, p. 4)
Oaks – 1994 (162 Years Later)
“As in that important first address, President Benson has often referred to the condemnation that section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants describes as being imposed on the Saints for neglect of the Book of Mormon. This revelation was given to the Church in September 1832, just two and one-half years after the Church was organized.”
“Along with other General Authorities, I have a clear recollection of the General Authority temple meeting on 5 March 1987. For a year, President Benson had been stressing the reading of the Book of Mormon. Repeatedly he had quoted these verses from the Doctrine and Covenants, including the Lord’s statement that the Saints’ conduct had “brought the whole church under condemnation” (D&C 84:55).
In that temple meeting, President Benson reread those statements and declared, “This condemnation has not been lifted, nor will it be until we repent.” He also repeated his declaration of a year earlier that “in our day the Lord has inspired His servant to reemphasize the Book of Mormon to get the Church out from under condemnation.“
“Expressly and by implication, President Benson has affirmed that this subject is the most important of all. I believe that it was the neglect-the “treating lightly”-of this subject that brought the early Church under condemnation. I believe it is the neglect of this subject that has continued the condemnation in our own day.”
“May we follow the commandment to give diligent heed to these words of eternal life; may we follow our prophet’s challenge to remove the condemnation that comes from treating this new covenant lightly; may we be true to our sacred responsibilities…” (Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, March 1994, p. 60)
Millet – 1994 (162 Years Later)
“In a broader sense, I believe the condemnation that rests upon the Latter-day Saints is a loss of spiritual power, a loss of blessings, a loss of perspective about eternal possibilities. Perhaps we have not enjoyed the revelations, the divine direction, the sweet promptings of the Spirit, that might have been ours. We have not been the recipients of the fruit of the Spirit–‘love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance’ (Galatians 5:22-23)–as we could have been. Surely we have not enjoyed the understanding, the light and truth, the lens of pure intelligence, that is so readily accessible. In too many cases our minds and hearts have not been shaped and prepared by the Book of Mormon, by its lessons and logic, testimony and transforming power, and thus too often the judgment and discernment so essential to perceiving the false doctrines of the world, and even the irrelevant, have not been as strong as they might have been. Because we have not immersed and washed ourselves in those living waters that flow from the Book of Mormon, we have not enjoyed faith like the ancients, that faith which strengthens resolve and provides courage and peace in a time of unrest. So much of the stress and fear and apprehension and exhaustion that now exist in society is so very unnecessary; ours could be the right to that lifting and liberating Spirit that produces hope and peace and rest. Though the light of the fulness of the everlasting gospel has begun to break forth into a world of darkness (see D&C 45:28), yet too often we walk in darkness at noonday, or at least we traverse the path of life in twilight when we might bask in the bright light of the Son.” (Robert L. Millet, The Power of the Word: Saving Doctrines from the Book of Mormon, 1994, p. 303)
Christianson – 2007 (175 Years Later)
[When will Mormons know their condemnation is over? When additional records come forth.]
“Evidently the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon contains a history of ‘all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof’ – even the answer to the nagging question about where the dinosaurs came from! Again, all the questions can be answered if we can lift the condemnation and receive all the teachings the Lord desires us to have.” (Jack R. Christianson, and K. Douglas Bassett, Life Lessons From the Book of Mormon, 2007, p. 31)
Do you know why 50% – 75% of the church members leave the Mormon Church? Or why church records in Brazil put membership at 743,182 while the 2000 Census put it at only 199,645?
Right now the LDS Church puts its membership at 12.5 million, but the true number is around 4 million. (Salt Lake Tribune) It could be said based on these numbers that the Mormon Church is the fastest shrinking church on earth. People join it because of The Book of Mormon, but leave it because of something else.
“Latter-day Saints lose 70 to 80 percent of their converts, while Adventists retain 70 to 80 percent of theirs.” (Ibid)
The world is indebted to Mormons for bringing the Nephite record to the public’s view, in sponsoring scholarly research, and for defending it over these many years.
Mormons should know there are big differences between what the Mormon Church practices, and what The Book of Mormon teaches. The following are some key differences that exist between the doctrine prescribed in The Book of Mormon and what the Mormon Church is practicing.
After reading these things, we would invite Mormons to consider the other doctrines listed on this site and realize the simplicity that The Book describes. We feel the public should know there are differences between what the Mormon Church practices and what The Book of Mormon teaches, that the two are different, therefore they should be held separate.
Key Things Every Mormon Should Know:
1. Baptism
a. A person is baptized for the remission of sins after repenting. Eight year old children need no repentance. Eight year old children who are routinely being baptized in the Mormon Church for the remission of sins are doing so contrary to the teachings of The Book of Mormon. [See: Doctrine>Baptism>Children Don’t Need]
b. A person is baptized into the body of Christ, not a particular denomination. Many people were baptized during the time Joseph was dictating The Book of Mormon – before he started a church. Those baptisms were performed for the remission of sins, not for membership in a denomination.
c. Baptism and Denominational membership are two separate things. Most Protestant churches today understand this and hold the two separate. One Protestant church will respect the baptism of another.
d. Points of age, methodology, and authority are stated clearly in The Book of Mormon, and both Mormons and Christians could learn from them. [See: Doctrine>Baptism]
2. Communion
The Book of Mormon is very clear who is to receive the sacrament of the bread and wine – only those who have been baptized for the remission of their sins. Current Mormon and many Protestant churches are allowing the unbaptized, the unworthy, and even little children to partake. Such practices are making a mockery of the atoning power of Christ and the love of God. [See: Doctrine>Communion]
3. Church
In the Summer of 1828, two full years before Joseph started a church, and prior to him dictating The Book of Mormon, the Lord defined for Joseph who his Church was:
Behold, this is my doctrine-whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church. (D&C 10:67 – dated Summer 1828)
You will notice there is no mention of a denomination. In fact, in the same revelation Jesus said his Church was already present:
52 And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it to destroy that which they have received, but to build it up.
53 And for this cause have I said: If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them.
54 Now I do not say this to destroy my church, but I say this to build up my church;
55 Therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.
56 But it is they who do not fear me, neither keep my commandments but build up churches unto themselves to get gain, yea, and all those that do wickedly and build up the kingdom of the devil-yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that it is they that I will disturb, and cause to tremble and shake to the center. (D&C 10)
The Lord was clear that The Book of Mormon was sent forth to build up his Church, and this was two years before Joseph started his own. Even after Joseph started his own there was room for others to have their “own”:
Yea, I will open the hearts of the people, and they will receive you. And I will establish A CHURCH by your hand (Thomas B. Marsh); (D&C 31:7)
“Church” is nothing more than the community of believers as many protestant churches have correctly defined it.
In the Old Testament, the Lord’s people were known as “The House of Israel.” Today they may rightly be called “The House of Believers” a “Spiritual House” (1Peter 2:5), or simply – “The Church.”
A New World Religion
Mormons wonder why Christians continue to deny them the status of “Christian” so we thought we would hold up a mirror to help them out.
1. The concept of a “New World Religion” confirms what Christians have been saying all along – that Mormons think they are better than everyone else. This is even the subtitle for Terryl Givens book By the Hand of Mormon: The American Scripture that Launched a New World Religion (Oxford University Press, 2005).
Before Givens used the term, Stark used it in the early 1980’s and this is what he said:
In his essay entitled “The Rise of a New World Faith” (1984), Rodney Stark, a sociologist specializing in religion at the University of Washington, describes Church growth as a “miracle,” a “rare event” which his fellow sociologists have not fully recognized. Establishment and growth of the Church has constituted, Stark says, “the rise of a new world religion” which “will soon achieve a worldwide following comparable to that of Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and the other dominant faiths. . Indeed, today they [Latter-day Saints] stand on the threshold of becoming the first major faith to appear on earth since the Prophet Mohammed rode out of the desert.” (Rodney Stark, “The Rise of a New World Faith,” Review of Religious Research, Sept. 1984, pp. 18-19 as cited in the Mormon Church magazine Ensign, July 1987, p. 33; See also Martin Napersteck, “‘Rise’ revisits fastest-growing religion claim,” The Salt Lake Tribune – Book Review, Jan. 7, 2006 and the updated version in Rodney Stark, The Rise of Mormonism, Columbia University Press, 2005)
In fact, the subject matter received a full scholarly panel at An International Academic Conference at the Library of Congress entitled The Worlds of Joseph Smith, May 6-7, 2005. The panel of experts were:
Session 5: Joseph Smith and the Making of a Global Religion (1:30-4:00 p.m.)
Presenter: Douglas J. Davies, “World Religion: Dynamics and Constraints” (40 minutes)
Response: Gerald R. McDermott (20 minutes)
Response: Jan Shipps (20 minutes)
Response: Roger R. Keller (20 minutes)
Discussion and Q&A (40 minutes)
(http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,510-1-3067-1,00.html)
Mormons don’t think twice about how offensive these statements may be to Christians, rather, they embrace them. They can’t have it both ways however. They cannot claim it is unfair not to be embraced by Christians as Christian while at the same time claiming to be a “New” World Religion. That is an affront to all Christian denominations.
All Are Wrong
It is VERY harmful to interpret an early statement given by God ONLY to Joseph as being for everyone. God said the answers Joseph sought would not be found in other churches, but they would be in a forth coming book of scripture – The Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon defines The Church as those who believe in Jesus Christ (Mosiah 26:21-22); which was later confirmed by Jesus Christ in the Summer of 1828 (See D&C 10:67).
The Church is what you are, not where you go.
This is something the Mormon Church does not understand, nor did the denominations at Joseph’s time fully understand. Evangelical Christians today do understand this, so when they hear or read of Mormons saying that God said all others are wrong, they discard it, for they know that God would never say that.
This is why they choose to discard everything else the Mormon Church has to say – including The Book of Mormon – which should not be the case.
There is a statement by Joseph Smith which confirms that God does, and we all should, respect ANYONE who is sent by Him. This is the statement the Mormon Church should be using and not the other.
Read it here:
PBS – The Mormons
The recently aired program on PBS called The Mormons has a quote regarding how Evangelical Christians feel regarding the Mormon Church’s continuing use of the phrase “All others are wrong.”
The segment is by Richard Mouw – President of Fuller Theological Seminary:
Richard Mouw – Evangelical Theologian said:
My instinct is to attribute a sincerity to Joseph Smith, but at the same time, as an Evangelical Christian, I do not believe that the members of the Godhead really appeared to him and told him that he should start on a mission, that among other things, denouncing the kinds of things that I believe as a Presbyterian. I can’t believe that.
View for yourself here:
Prophet
The definition of a Prophet is very clear and Mormon leaders should stop using the term.
According to the Bible, a prophet is a person who is called directly by God, through a vision or dream:
6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. (Numbers 12:6.)
The prophet is then commanded to share that experience faithfully:
28 The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. (Jeremiah 23:28)
Since the time of Joseph, not a single LDS “prophet” has shared how they were called directly by God; therefore they have no right to the title.
Apostle
The same holds true for the call of Apostle. The original call was to testify of the resurrection of Christ:
21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. (Acts 1:21-22)
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:1-4.)
Unless an LDS apostle was called by God to bear witness of the risen Lord by a personal visitation from Jesus Christ, they should not be using the title.
The title of apostle is not even used in The Book of Mormon.
Exaltation
“Exaltation” is a term Joseph used to justify his adultery:
And if he have ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore is he justified. (D&C 132:62)
D&C 132 IS the keystone of The Mormon Church – not The Book of Mormon.
What Mormons need to know is that “Exaltation” for a Mormon is the same as Salvation for Christians – to live with Jesus. Here is proof that exaltation means to be with Jesus:
…shall receive your EXALTATION; that where I (Jesus) am ye shall be also. (D&C 132:23)
Mormon temple ceremonies, and the multitude of requirements to get there are NOT required to get to Jesus.
The Book of Mormon contains the words of Jesus and he said none of that was required to get to him.