Why Mormonism
What is a Mormon? What do Mormons believe? Are Mormons Christians? With all of the hype about Mormons, sometimes it’s hard to know what “Mormon” means, and what the LDS Church is all about. This site is meant to help people understand Mormonism better and to bring people closer to Jesus Christ.
Start with Basic Beliefs; it gives the truth about who Mormons are and what they really believe.
Try Advanced Topics if you’re already an expert on Mormonism, or if you have more complicated questions. A knowledge of the basics always helps before looking here.
The Mormonism FAQ answers the most common questions about Mormons, and it’s a good place for quick, interesting information.
Learn about Mormonism
Mormons believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as restored on the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith, is the path to happiness in this life and life eternal. We believe that many churches, even non Christian churches, have part of the truth that can bring us back to live with God and Jesus Christ after this mortal life is over.
However, we also believe that the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is only found in the teaching of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church). We know that these teachings can make a difference in your life . . . for the better. We want to share what we know with you and hope you will take advantage of this knowledge.
Mormonism has been defined in different ways but in this website the term Mormonism is used to explain the beliefs and practices of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church).
There are other groups who may call themselves Mormons, but they are not affiliated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have different beliefs. In this site we will not discuss their beliefs directly.
Why Mormonism? is meant to be an opportunity for those who are interested in knowing more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church or Mormon Church). This site is divided in sections that should help you explore Mormonism, starting from the basic principles to more advanced topics with the purpose of giving you a better understanding of what Mormons really believe.
On the Internet we can find many websites that are run by critics of the Mormon Church who insist in telling us and others what Mormons believe or don’t believe. In many cases they don’t give us the proper information. We wonder why they spend so much time trying to explain what Mormons believe instead of more clearly explaining what they believe. It would be a better use of their time.
This site is not directly affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the ideas and opinions expressed here are not endorsed by the Church or its leadership. However, it is run by true members of the same LDS Church and it provides our perspective on Mormonism.
Start exploring Mormonism with . . . basic mormon beliefs
If you prefer to start from another topic, use the menu on your right.
So, why do Mormons don’t drink coffee, sodas, etc? What does that have to do with religion? Why do Mormons send their daughters to BYU to find a husband and then spend the rest of their lives at home raising 10 kids and not making use of their education? Why do Mormons don’t mingle with other people outside of their religion? They are not good enough for them?
You can follow your religion but also respect everyone else’s.
Reply
Antonio Reply:
February 24th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
Hi Grace,
Mormons don’t drink coffee because we believe that a code of health was revealed by God to Joseph Smith as a “word of wisdom” that we believe will help us and anyone who lives by it be healthier. http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/89/5-9. Although the above scripture itself does not mention coffee, subsequent LDS Prophets have interpreted the “hot drinks” in that scripture to include coffee and tea and other addictive and harmful substances. Mormons believe that God gave us bodies as a gift and that to take care of that gift is to respect God and makes us more able to spiritually connect with him.
Mormons value education and learning. We also value families. Sometimes professional pursuits are seen as the only way to make use of an education. My wife, however, has a masters degree and loves to use her education to teach our two daughters and in addition teaches night classes at a local English as a Second Language program. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in no way discourages women from gaining or using education to forward the work of the world. The Church does teach that life is centrally about developing loving family relationships and sometimes the role of education in supporting family life is in the workplace and at other times it is in educating and caring for children.
Some of the reasons Mormons might be perceived to be closed to others may stem from the fact that for a long period of the church’s history members were persecuted for their beliefs and this may have made it uncomfortable for them to reach out and connect with those of other faiths. Despite this fact, the faith itself teaches members to befriend all and I am sure that you would find that many members live by this principle and easily make friends of with people of varied faiths and do not impose their beliefs on them.
I hope these answers are helpful. If you have other questions or would like to know more about Mormons check this site out http://mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/
Take Care,
Antonio
Reply
Jay Reply:
April 11th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Here’s my issue: There is absolutely no archeological or physical evidence to prove the Book of Mormon is true. This is agreed upon fact by experts that look to mock your faith and just plain historians period: no evidence.
Second: 2 Timothy 16: All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. I asked two mormons who came to my door about this: They never heard that scripture. Bible says to ‘question’ your faith and those teaching you. The bible is the word of God period. Mormon is the word of J smith: no evidence sorry. God gave us the bible and never mentioned: “oh yeah, in x amount of years it will be corrupted so follow mormonism”….sorry!
Reply
Ellie Reply:
June 5th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Grace that is really offensive to me as a Mormon. That’s like me saying that a … Muslim is weird because they believe in a guy called Muhammad and as you put it there is no evidence that he existed and as a Mormon i don’t believe that. but if i was to go and make fun of a different religion i could get put in jail but you would get away with it!!!
So Grace I think you are being rude, ignorant and racist just because you dont belive something and that is unfair!!!
Reply
Dave Reply:
June 28th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Jesus is the rock, NOT Joe Smith. I have spoken with many members of LDS. I like them very much, but oh dear, that book. Persecution comes to us Chrisians love, we get it all the time, it is to be expected, why are you so offended when your previous blogger mentioned Smith? Jesus himself knew persecution more than us all!
There are 66 books in the Holy Scriptures my love and that missleading and unmitigating peace of nonsense penned by Joe Smith is a misleading document from anywhere other than the Holy Spirit of whom you do not believe in anyway.
Put down that beguiling book and place your love and trust in Jesus, read His revelation to John and see what He thinks of added litriture.
May God reveil His truth to you my love. Allow the Bible to read you. Leave that cult and start seeing miracles as we do, as we walk with Jesus each day.
Dave
Reply
I still do not understand what is different between Mormons and Christians. I want to know what they believe exactly. Thanks, KD.
Reply
Two answer the above comments: First, Mormons _are_ Christians. We believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the son of God, and that he died for us (same as every other Christian faith) Christians are called Christians because they believe in Christ and follow his teachings. Since we do those things we are Christians. What makes us different from _other_ Christians is that we believe in an additional gospel text that was a sacred record of another group of people who left Jerusalem before its destruction. This text was compiled by an ancient prophet by the name of Mormon, which is why we are sometimes called “Mormons” instead of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Other than that additional gospel text, we believe in the same things the other Christian faiths believe.
As for the coffee, tea, soda etc. question, we follow what we call the “word of wisdom” which basically teaches us to treat our bodies with respect and not ingest substances that are harmful to us. Coffee and tea have caffeine (among other things) which aren’t good for your body, although herbal teas are acceptable (I drink it every day), and I also drink non-caffeinated sodas on occasion. But with the obesity epidemic in America, experts have proven that soda (caffeinated or not) isn’t good for you. What that has to do with religion is that our bodies came from God and we are supposed to take care of it.
Why do Mormons send their daughters to BYU to find a husband…? Mormons are, for the most part, people who value education and continue to learn throughout their lives. By far the majority of Mormons don’t go to BYU (it simply doesn’t have the space to accommodate everyone). As for why Mormon girls go to BYU to find a husband, you could ask that about any religion or no religion at all. The simple fact is most people find their eventual spouse while at college. As to why they never use their education– you assume that the only purpose of education is to get a job. That is not the case. Education is personal enrichment, and it is better to be educated than ignorant. As for whether a woman “uses” her education, that is up to her and her family. They get to decide how their family works best. (For the record, I have two degrees, only one child, and I “use” my education, both for work and my own personal edification.”
We mingle with people of all sorts. I have many friends all over the country, and only some are Mormons. Other religions can be accused of this same thing– Catholics tend to mingle only with Catholics, Muslims certainly stick to their own kind. Why? Because communities are made up of people you interact with the most and share common values with. If you are active in your religion, those are mostly the people you meet and become friends with. If you go to school or work, then you become friends with that group of people. In my own circumstances, I have a group of Mormon friends, because those are the people I associate with for several hours every week and we have similar values and beliefs. I have another group of friends who all work together because that is another group whom I associate with for more hours every week and we work in the same field. I have yet another group of friends who have children in my son’s class at school and we have some similar interests and hobbies. All of these groups are different, and yet there is plenty of overlap: Some of my Mormon friends also have children my son’s age, but they don’t go to the same school, some of my Mormon friends are also artists (my work), but they don’t work in the same field as my other artist friends. And so on. Not to mention the fact that some people (not just Mormons) are more naturally out-going than others. Those people have a much broader group of friends and acquaintances.
We (collectively) don’t think that we are better than everyone else. Individually, there are some people who do think that, but they are of every race and religion, that is a personal flaw, not a religious one.
We respect other people’s religions and opinions. It would be nice if others could give us the same respect they ask for themselves.
Reply
David Reply:
April 2nd, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I beg to disagree Mormons are NOT Christians. Christians are defined by their embrace of the Holy Trinity. Mormons reject this basic Christian doctrine and are therefore NOT Christians.
Reply
jj Reply:
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 am
David, do you realize where the concept of the trinity that you speak of originated? Do you realize, that it did not originate from the Bible and certainly did not originate from God or Christ. Look up the creeds, starting with the Creed of Nicea. You may learn a little about your own misunderstandings. Christians are not just defined by their embrace of YOUR designated trinity. Maybe you and your pastor define them as such, but God does not. Man does not designate God’s designs or will.
We believe in God the Eternal Father, in His Son Jesus Christ and in The Holy Ghost. We don’t believe that Christ prayed to himself, spoke to himself or suffered for himself. Do you? He did the will of His Father. I cannot understand how it can be any other way. What of Christ’s baptism when the spirit descended and The Voice of God was present, His suffering, wherein he addressed His Father, on the cross when he said: “My God, My God, why hast, thou forsaken me?” Did He forsake Himself?
You may beg to disagree, but you should beg God and ask for yourself. James 1:5-6 Study for yourself, learn for yourself. People are quick to criticize Mormon’s because we believe in modern revelation, when you are so quick to adopt a belief that came about because of the ruler Constantine. This came well after the first apostles were killed and the world was largely in a state of apostasy. I would be slower to judge others and pause to look at your own beliefs. Are they Really God’s?
Reply
Jay Reply:
April 11th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Here’s another one: find me examples of some of the mormon “ceremonial practices” in the Bible: not there. Be very carefull before following this faith. I’ll never understand aside from “custom” why Catholics do what they do: practices not in the bible. Mormons do what they do: practices not in the bible. Ridiculous!
Reply
karenrose Reply:
April 22nd, 2009 at 11:35 am
Hello Jay. The temple rituals, if that is what you are referring to, were practiced formerly and recorded in Leviticus and referred to by Paul in Corinthians. Washing and anointing, baptisms for those who have passed on, were performed previous to our time, and have been restored in our day. These are scriptural; they occurred; they continue to occur through the priesthood authority restored to the earth through the Savior and through Peter, James, and John, Elijah, Moses, and others called to do so.
I testify to you in the name of the Savior that this power to perform the ordinances of salvation, including those in temples, is real and of the Savior Himself. He instituted these ways, and He is their author. We strive to follow Him.
You may disagree, but that is our position for which we need no defense nor make any apology.
The temple brings amazing blessings and power not available anywhere else in the world or in any other way.
Thank you for visiting. You may want to study the Old Testament carefully and search a concordance for all references on House of the Lord, sanctuary, Tabernacle, courts, washing, anointing, and see what you learn from that investigation.
God bless you.
Reply
Well said Kat Hardy
I am a convert and am something of an inactive member of the church but am getting more active again
I have had some issues but have always had a core belief
Granted some things could be classed as “wierd” about the ways the LDS members practice our religion. The same could be said for many faiths across the globe.
What is wierd anyway (personally I think being “normal” is boring lol)
Another part of why Mormons hang out with other Mormons is simple
its about personal values at times
Take an example of a Mormopn - doesnt drink or smoke or do drugs.
Personally I wouldnt want to go in a bar with a group of friends who are going out to “get wasted”. It just wouldnt be fun watching people do that
Im not saying no-one has the right to drink or smoke - its personal choice.
Now I wonder how many non members (of ysa age range) could handle going out to a YSA Dance
No drinking - no smoking
and having to be a lot more respectful of their own and other peoples bodies
Again not saying Im any better - but for me and my choices personally Ive had much better nights out after joining the church than before -
I am more likely to remember them
Reply
You didn’t have a section on Mormon history. Many other websites have interesting information on the founding of the LDS church.
Reply
I have one question I would like to ask and receive your opinion on. In the last chapter of Revelations of the New Testament of the Holy Bible, it states that no one shall add to or take away from the Holy Bible, so how do Mormon’s justify their addition of The Book of Mormon?
Reply
admin Reply:
February 9th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Read the text carefully of Revelation 22:18-19 and ponder what John is talking about. At the time, there was no Bible as we know it. The new Christians had the Septuagint (which included the Apocrypha) and scattered writings of some of the apostles, but there had not yet been any known attempt to establish a New Testament canon or to bring the Gospels and epistles into a single volume.
John, who was in exile, is obviously referring to the newly written text before him when he speaks of “this book,” the Book of Revelation. He refers to the unique contents of his book: its prophecies, plagues, the holy city, and urges that no one change what he has written. Even though Revelations has been placed last in our Bible, it was not the last book written, but preceded other writings of John himself by years. In fact, many early Christian canons didn’t include Revelations at all.
Those who think it refers to the entire Bible will be well to consider Deuteronomy 4:2 ” Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”
Considering that the two versus say essentially the same thing (and are cross-referenced to each other in most Bibles) there really is very little to justify.
Reply
I love the question that Michele Burke asked. Just to start with something… the words given to John the beloved where not the first instance in which are said in the bible as we know, to see this, we have to go back all the way to moses writings, we find in Deuteronomy 4:2
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you” King James version
“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you.” NIV
And in many many other versions you will find the same Idea that John wrote “do not add or take away”
If we should take those words the way you referred to them then in first instance why are we using other books as Daniel, Psalms or even any of the letters written by Paul?
3 main points:
1)We have to accept that Good keeps teaching US (all human kind are his children) or in other words, he does reveal his will according to the time in wich we may live.
2) The “book of revelations” was written BEFORE the Gospel of John so literally, or explained as this “Although the traditional timeline of composition may have been taken into account by the shapers of the current New Testament format, it is not, nor was it meant to be, in strictly chronological order.” Wikipedia.
(bible itself means a recompilation of books (Recopilacion de libros en Espanol ), not implying that is complete) even do I love to Read the Bible! and to learn about it truly we can find the word of God in it.
Therefore He was not talking about the bible (there was no Bible as we know it at the time, even more, in those times they would have more thatn what we have today, an example: a third letter to the Corinthians that Paul talks about but we don’t have today :S) He was referring to that whole revelation that Paul received when in Patmos, not to the incomplete bible that we have today
3) Not the least important by being the last… Search For it! (wikipedia is a good place to start, I think is very neutral in any matter, but there are many other sources) and You or anyone else as a Christian Beliver Knows for shure that God Do love us, and therefore he will help us to find if something that anyone claims about this (and any other topic, cm’on He is GOD) is True or not, Do your part to find the truth and pray about it, He will do His part.
If you would like more dates or anything like that just let me know, I would like to go part by part if you or anyone else wants (I’m not an expert, But I like to learn too, right now I’m learning about Polycarp, Ignatius and others that an Orthodox Priest Recommended to read
Father Mathews)
PS: One more thing for now, the book of Mormon was started to be written about 600 BC so… a big chunk of the book of Mormon (an other compilation with missing books) was written before john wrote “revelations”, even do inside those imperfections caused by man I believe that are the word of God.
Reply
karenrose Reply:
February 20th, 2009 at 10:54 am
Michele,
I would like to add just a word. Again, this is not an official site; that can be found at lds.org.
I prayed about this concept personally and specifically as I read the Bible through for the first time in my life. I read in the New Testament that the Lord said to His apostles that He had more to tell them that were not ready to bear yet. That means the Lord had more to say. An earthly father doesn’t stop speaking to their children any more than our Heavenly Father would or does.
The answer I received is that God does continue to speak to us, and in regard to the Book of Revelation, it may help to think of it this way. I’m a writer. I don’t want anyone to add to or take away things I’ve written or change them and make them their own just as the Lord wouldn’t and doesn’t want anyone to tamper of their own accord with the Revelations set forth by John. But there’s no reason in the world why I shouldn’t continue to write more or wouldn’t have more to say, with the same contingency. The Lord doesn’t want anyone hampering with or adding to what He gave us of their own accord, or by their own will, but He certainly is free to author more, to reveal more, to teach us more as we grow up in Him, and I bear witness that He does–personally and through additional prepared scriptures that He saw a need for us to have.
I bear witness that the Book of Mormon is true, and a second witness of Jesus Christ. If you’d really like to know for yourself, read the Book of Mormon and ask God if it is true. God bless you on your spiritual journey. Thanks for visiting our site.
Reply
johnny Reply:
May 18th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
I bear witness that the Book of Mormon is false, the Book of Mormon reveals a different gospel when compared to the inspired word of God. The Book of Mormon reveals “it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2Nephi 25:23). The Bible reveals “by grace are ye saved through faith” (Eph 2:8).
The Mormon’s third Article of Faith states “saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel”.
The Book of Mormon Student Manual says that “One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation”.
Reply
Aaron Reply:
June 9th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Johnny, it is sad to see how confuse you are. You don’t even understand the very words you quote. Read them carefully, word by word, and perhaps you will understand them.
Reply
johnny Reply:
June 9th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Aaron, it is clear you do not understand what the Bible reveals. I would suggest you read the Bible more carefully and perhaps you will understand how the Book of Mormon is a different gospel. Try reading Eph 2:8; 2Tim 1:9; Titus 3:5-8 and it will become clear how the Mormon restored is different than what the Bible reveals.
Reply
Dang Jenna!!! (I have no Idea how to write it :S) while I was inspired writing my answer the admin wrote a shorter one of his own hahahaha, I guess is more to the point that mine
Reply
So pretty much, I really don’t understand. I’m a Christian with a mormon boyfriend. I do feel kind of ackward because I feel like we come from two different worlds. But I guess we both need to learn to accept the other? I don’t know that my habits don;t affect him/vice versa. What can I do to better respect him and vice versa with myself?
Reply
explain this would you?
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! 9As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!” galatians 1: 6-9
Reply
AJ Reply:
April 22nd, 2009 at 2:48 am
Seth, I agree completely with Galatians 1: 6-9, which you ask us to explain. I am not sure whether you are arguing for or against Mormonism by quoting Galatians 1:6-9. If you for the Mormon position, I suppose that you are arguing that mainstream Christianity departed from the original gospel when they allowed Constantine to politically influence doctrine in the 4th Century, and during other moments during the 2000 years since Christ was on the Earth. If you are against the Mormon position, I suppose you are saying that Mormons departed from the original Gospel since we believe differently on some issues than you. In any case, I think we agree that we should keep gospel principles as originally taught by Christ. However, if mainstream Christianity has been influenced by politics over the course of 2000 years to stray away from Christ’s original teaching, even if it is only slight, you cannot blame Mormon’s for believing differently on some issues than supposed “mainstream” Christians. It would be a necessity to differ from you on some issues in order to correct man-made misconceptions of Christ’s original church.
Reply
I find it difficult to treat LDS as anything other than a cult. First of all, the false prophets Joseph Smith and Brigham Young are by far the biggest stumbling block. Throw in the Mountain Meadow Massacre–which LDS to this very day refuses to acknowledge as Mormon-led–seals the deal. I’d never send my kids to any university named after such a delusional tyrant. Brigham Young not only knew of the act–he approved of it. You folks are going to have a tough time on Judgement Day. Geesh, do the Osmonds actually know the full history of this so called “church”? If so, I think a lot less of them than I did years ago. Blood atonement? Thanks, I’ll worship elsewhere.
Reply
mike Reply:
March 15th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
galatians 1:8,9
Reply
Rameumptom Reply:
April 14th, 2009 at 11:01 am
At one point, most Christian faiths were viewed as cults. Jesus and his apostles were considered a dangerous cult by the Jewish leaders of his day. So, I’m guessing the LDS are in good company.
As for the MMM event, the church HAS recognized it as a tragic period in LDS history. The church opened its doors to three of the best LDS historians, who have published a well-written and respected book on MMM just this past year.
http://www.amazon.com/Massacre-Mountain-Meadows-Ronald-Walker/dp/0195160347/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1239724406&sr=8-1
Sad, tragic and wrong as it was, the event must be considered in light of the times. An apostle had just been murdered. In 1857, an American army was coming across the Plains with the presumed intent to kill Mormons. And tensions were occurring between emigrants and Mormons. This is one time when the perfect storm occurred, causing a fast pace of events that got out of control, leaving over 100 people dead.
Now, many other Christian religions have their bad moments in history, as well. The Catholics had the Inquisition. Baptists and other Christians were involved in raping and killing Mormons in Missouri and Illinois. John Calvin burned at least one person at the stake for not being of the right faith. Puritans and others hanged witches. Southern Baptists broke away from the American Baptists, because they wanted to continue promoting slavery. Shall I go on?
Moses and Joshua both laid waste to cities, killing men, women and children. The prophet Elisha sent a bear to kill children, who were taunting him.
Clearly, history is filled with tragic events that even prophets have been involved with. That does not mean they are not true prophets of God, but that not all things they do are necessarily approved of God.
Second, Brigham Young was not directly involved in the MMM tragedy. His rancorous speeches against the coming army did not help. But his view was to allow the emigrants to pass safely through. Those involved were the local leaders of the Church and legal system, including a stake president. In this instance, we do not blame Jesus for the wrong actions of some of his followers. Just because Christians annihilated American Indians, driving them from place to place and slaughtering them, does not mean Christianity is a bad thing.
We do not state that Brigham Young, nor any other person on earth is perfect. That only belongs to Jesus. We do claim, though, that he was called of God to be a prophet of God. And while some considered Brigham Young a tyrant, when given the circumstances he was in: trying to get his people to survive in the desert, having been driven place to place for years, having threats and lies made to Congress about the Mormons continually, having an army sent to destroy the Mormons, etc., one can understand why he needed to manage with a strong hand.
The major historians today, reject the concept that Brigham Young was directly involved in any way. Did his tough talk influence others to make bad choices? Yes. But he didn’t cause the MMM to occur.
My point is, if you are going to reject Mormonism for a bad incident that happened 150 years ago, you should be ready to reject other religions for the same purpose.
Reply
One question that I would ask all Mormons is this: “If I accept you as a Christian, will you accept me as a Mormon?” Would you accept me as a Mormon if I reject Joseph Smith and all the LDS prophets as being prophets of God. If I do not believe in the Book of Mormon or the LDS Scriptures, baptisms for the dead, the temple endowments, the LDS gospel, would you accept me as a Mormon? The answer is obviously, you would not. In like manner, when Mormonism denies the Bible and every Christian doctrine do you think that Biblical Christians should accept Mormons as Christians? Again the answer is very obvious, no we will not. You cannot legitimately claim to be Christians when you refuse to accept what the Bible teaches and what a true Christian believes.
Reply
Janette Reply:
March 16th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I don’t see the term Christian as a denominational thing. By definition a Christian is someone who believes in and worships Jesus Christ. We LDS know that Jesus Christ is the only name and the only way through which we may be saved. He is our Lord and our Redeemer. He is at the head of His church. He knows each of us and loves us beyond imagining.
Any denomination or belief system that inspires a person to come closer to the Savior and to do good works is a good thing. Doctrinal differences should never stand in the way of each of us trying to follow the counsel of the Savior to love each other.
Reply
Vort Reply:
March 16th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Said the dog (a worthy animal)
To the grizzly: “Hark with care!
If I take you for a mammal
Will you take me for a bear?
“For I lack long claws, and I never
Eat of roots or berries. When
Winter comes around, I’m ever
Up, not sleeping in my den!
“So, you see,” the dog yapped steadily,
“You cannot claim to be
A mammal! Claims like that are readily
Shown false, by dogs like me.”
The bear just rolled her eyes, and sighed,
And turned back on her way.
She had food to find on trails she plied
With cubs to nurse today.
And so we “Mormons” shake our heads
And try to keep upon our course
While some so-called “Christians”, so misled,
Attack without remorse.
Cast not your pearls into the wallow;
Swine will take no heed.
Truest Christians are the folks who follow
Christ in word and deed.
Reply
Kat Hardy Reply:
April 12th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
You assume that all Christians are all the same denomination. A Catholic will not accept a Protestant as a Catholic, but will as a Christian. Same thing with Jehovah’s Witnesses, Episcopalians, Methodist, etc.
If you reject the Book of Mormon, then no, you are not a Mormon, you may still refer to yourself as a Christian (even if you don’t act like one).
All it takes to be a Christian is a belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior and an adherence to his teachings. Period.
Mormons do not reject the Bible, we use it, read it, refer to it all the time. We also happen to have another book of scripture written by another ancient people that also testifies of Jesus Christ and his ministry and atonement. (Which has cross-references to biblical passages. Why would we have that if we rejected the bible?)
Just like medical research that gets stronger as more studies and doctors back it, so we believe the Book of Mormon strengthens the gospel and belief in Christ.
Reply
In Respose to both Seth and Steve I would simply like to say as a Convert to the Church that I think your statements are incredibly mean spirited. Those directly responsible for the Mountain Meadows Massacre will be held responsible for their actions. But I know that Joseph Smith is a True Prophet of God for the Powers of Heaven have manifested that truth to me time and time again! Have you ever bothered to simply ask the Lord for an answer regarding the Truth of the Church? I recieve manifestations of the spirit everyday and so do every other member of this Church! We are the ones who can say that we know without a shadow of a doubt that the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is True! Why do we get to say this? Because we asked in Faith and did not assume our understanding of the world or of spiritual things to be greater than the knowledge and revelations of God! I may not know all the reasons why … but all I know is that as real and honest and true as I am able to touch my own face, is as real and as honest and true as I have been so blessed to feel the Holy Ghost! I make no mistake of my spiritual gift or my witness that this is the Lords church set up on the Earth preperatory to the Second Coming. This is indeed the Little Stone that Daniel saw in his dream that would eventually grow to fill the entire earth. I bear you this my Testimony that the Book of Mormon is what the Lord will use to judge this generation of people! I know that we have a true and reeal Quorum of 12 Apostles as well as a True living Prophet of God on the Earth again. Like I said earlier … I may not have all the answers or the reasons why But the one thing that I do Know is That Joseph Smith is a True Prophet of God who was commanded to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these Latter Days. I Know that God has spoken and he is gathering in his childeren from all across the world. I know that Jesus is the Christ and that he is at the Head of this Church for he is the one who has Built it! I leave this message of truth and compassion in the name of Jesus Christ Amen!
Reply
i dont think i serve the same God that mormons do and here is why.mormons believe their god started out as a human and became a god.my God is a Spirit john 4:24 and since God dosnt change (malachi 3:6) that means he has always been a spirit.Jesus told his deciples that a spirit dosnt have flesh and bones.
Reply
JT Reply:
April 13th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Yes you’re right about what John 4:24 says he is a spirit but this isn’t literal. It actually means ‘God promised his spirit. And they who worhsip him, must worship in spirit and in truth.’ Would you agree with me if I took every single thing in the book of Revelations as literal? The same applies to Malachi 3:6 about God never changing. It says in the same verse, “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” He was talking about his eternal nature, and his personality.
Reply
mike Reply:
April 21st, 2009 at 9:20 pm
i personaly believe God is a spirit and here is why,the son is the image of the invisible God collosians 1:15.and since the lord i serve stands alone and beside him there is no savoir (isiah 43:11)the invisible God is the savoir..the invisible God manifested him self in flesh 1 timmothy 3:16 ,God purchased us with his own blood not a seperate person in the Godhead acts (20:28)
Jesu is the father,he is the son and he is the holy ghost..that is why we baptize in the name of jesus just as the apostles did in the book of acts because jesu is the name of the father son and holy ghost.thomas called Jesus God because he knew who he is (john20:28)
Reply
We do exactly that–baptize people in the name of the Savior, by His authority, in the way He prescribes. You are right. We are consistent with scripture!
Reply
You asked: One question that I would ask all Mormons is this: “If I accept you as a Christian, will you accept me as a Mormon?”
This is comparing apples to oranges. There are many flavors of Christian: Baptist, Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist, etc. There are also flavors of Mormonism: LDS, RLDS(CoC), etc.
Baptist, being a subset of Christianity, does not mean that all Christians are Baptist. But all Baptists are Christian. Same with Mormons.
The key is definition of what constitutes a Christian. According to the Bible, to be a Christian means to believe in Jesus Christ, in his death, resurrection and atonement, and be his follower. Others insist on adding other criteria, such as the Trinitarian creeds, which came later and are not necessarily Biblical.
Many early Christians saw the Trinity in many different ways, and would today be considered heretics - even though they were among the leaders of the early Christian Church in their day (Origen, Eusebius, etc). Also, we need to remember that there were Christians long before the Bible was put together. So that even becomes an issue.
Mormon beliefs on the Godhead, if placed in an ancient Christian context, would have been accepted as Christian by the early Christians.
Reply
First of all, Joseph Smith claimed to have translated the golds plates from reformed egyptian. So far historically there is no evidence for this language, or writing. Second the claims of steel, and elephants? These things were not even present in ancient Meso-America. Third how come mormons wont allow an excavation of hill Cumorah?
Reply
karenrose Reply:
March 18th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Brian, your statements, though incorrect, are not the point here. There is evidence of both. There was a clear evolution of Egyptian script in the Old World, and these modified scripts were in use in Lehi’s day. People of Lehi’s time and place did use both Hebrew and Egyptian, just as Nephi claimed (See 1 Nephi 1:2).
Given that Moroni says the Nephites then modified the scripts further, “reformed Egyptian” is an elegant description of both the Old World phenomenon, and what Moroni says happened among the Nephites.
I would encourage you, rather than to take allegations purported by your pastor or reading of anti-material, that you actually read the Book of Mormon for yourself, and ask God if it is true. You can spend a lifetime rebutting it and it will serve no good end. We can agree to disagree or you can simply test it out authentically by reading it. I have read it and I testify to you, in the name of the Savior, and on record, that is a true book, filled with patterns of God’s dealings with his children that enlighten us today, and that carry the gospel into our lives and hearts, supporting the Biblical foundations given us and adding another witness to Christ and His healing ministry. Best to you.
Reply
Hi I have grown up Catholic and I am currently dating a Mormon boy and there are so many questions I have … My first one is why do you have to wear certain undergarments for the rest of your life once you get married in the temple just to get in to the highest level of heaven?
Reply
Aaron Reply:
June 9th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Just to get into the highest level of heaven?? what else do you want?!!
Reply
I don’t doubt Mormon’s are Christians but I do have some doubts about the book of Mormon.
1. Is there any archaeological evidence that the Israelites Nephites were on this continent?
2. If the Christian faith was present when European’s discovered America why wasn’t there any record of it. If the Nephites were really here how did their religion just die until Joseph Smith rediscover it. The word of God can’t just dissapear for a thousand years.
3. What happened to the brass plates? I am guessing they were written in Hebrew or some unknown language that no one can verify.
Reply
Rameumptom Reply:
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Thanks for your questions.
1. The Nephites were just one small group that came to the Americas. It is very likely they were absorbed into other groups that were already here, so DNA may not be traceable.
However, while there is no one “proof”, there is lots of evidence. You can see several of the evidences at my website: http://www.geocities.com/rameumptom select LDS Evidence link.
2. Some early Christian fathers who wrote about their sojourn with American Indians claimed that one of the ancient Christians must have taught them. These include the Catholic priest Sahagun. When various Central and South American concepts coincided with Christian tenets, some believed that St Thomas, or another had arrived and taught the natives.
Sadly, the vast majority of Mesoamerican books were destroyed by the Spaniards, until only a handful of books remain today. However, several Book of Mormon motifs can be found in these books: such as the Tree of Life, the son of God coming back to life from a tree (cross?), etc. You can probably find the Popul Vuh at a local library, or on amazon.com if interested.
The Brass Plates were buried/hidden by Mormon, along with all the records of his people in a hill believed by most LDS scholars to be somewhere in Central America. Only the abridgement Mormon and Moroni wrote on their plates made it to the hill Cumorah in New York state.
Today, we find other ancients hid records from their enemies. This includes the now famous Dead Sea Scrolls, which also includes a copper scroll.
Reply
Actually, woolly mammoths and mastodons _were_ in meso-America about 15,000 years ago*. How that time corelates to Biblical time, I don’t know. But the fact that scientists have found remains of mammoths and mastodons on the American continent would lend credence to an animal described by the ancient people who lived here that Joseph Smith would later translate as something people of the time would recognize: an elephant.
*America’s Fascinating Indian Heritage c. 1978
Reply
Although Mormons certainly consider themselves to be Christians, the Catholic Church does not consider them to be Christians, either sacramentally or theologically. The Church has ruled that Mormon baptism is not valid, which means that Mormons are not Christians by baptism. Since Mormons believe in a plurality of gods and do not believe in Christ’s divinity (as it is understood by orthodox Christians), they are not theological Christians either.
Reply
Rameumptom Reply:
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
This only pertains if it is the Catholic Church that determines what makes a Christian. Pope Benedict has also claimed that no Protestant or evangelical church is a church, though they are Christian, because they branch off of Catholicism.
If being a break-away from the Catholic Church is the definition of being a Christian, then you are correct. However, the Bible does not make that connection. The Bible insists that a Christian is one that believes in the resurrection and Godhood of Jesus Christ. Any other stipulations are placed upon groups AFTER the Bible.
We are a Restoration Church. We are not a break off of the Catholics. We believe that God sent his ancient apostles, Peter, James and John to reestablish his authority and Church upon the earth through modern prophets.
But we are still Christian enough to accept Catholics and Protestants into the Christian tent.
We do believe in Christ’s divinity. Once again, this is an issue of post Bible creeds that some insist on imposing upon LDS.
As it is, our belief in the Godhead is very similar to Origen and Eusebius of Caesarea, both early Christian Fathers that are still quoted a lot.
The issue of such differences should not divide us. Rather we should seek for our similarities to unite us. Didn’t Jesus pray that his disciples would be one, even as he and the Father are one?
Johnny, I’ve seen your pro-Catholic statements on many LDS lists, and many LDS scholars have explained all this to you before. Clearly you do not wish for a uniting brotherly discussion, but to divide and bring contention. Hopefully you will seek otherwise in the Christ-like spirit we all should seek to have.
Reply
johnny Reply:
May 18th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
How can Mormon’s be Christians?
Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church teach “three Gods”.
The Bible reveals that Christians are disciples (Acts 11:26) and that disciples continue in the words of Christ (John 8:31). Christ and his apostles taught one God (Mark 12:29,32; 1Cor 8:4-6).
Mormon do not continue with the words of Christ, Mormon are not Christians.
Reply
Matthew 7:15 “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
There is only ONE true Word of God. How can you say your church is the only true church? I read that on this site, go look for it and you will find it. You want respect for your religion, but Jesus was not about this. He loved all of us, not because of the church you belong to or your religion. I do not remember anywhere in the Word God or Christ Almighty making the claim that your church is the only true church. That is so misleading for people that are confused about religion to begin with. I was one of those people at one point. Until I just read the Bible, and based my beliefs on that and joined a Bible based church. I was baptized there for all to see. Not just some that are “worthy”. We join people in marriage there as well, all are welcome. Not just some. If it is a blessing declared by Christ then all are welcome to bare witness to what God has made good. I appreciate you giving responses to some of the unkind things that may have been spoken against your religion. However, I feel strongly in my convictions on what is true. Many could argue back in forth on what you all think is true, and what others think is true. At the end of the day, I know what Jesus has written on my heart. It has nothing to do with what may be true or written in the book of Mormon. Believe what you want, we can agree to disagree. God Bless you and keep you.
Reply
karenrose Reply:
April 26th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Yes, we do believe, Jenn, that the Lord looks on the heart and that all who are living by the light they have will be rewarded and be able to receive the fulness of God’s blessings ultimately, as they continue to follow the path that leads to that fulness as it is opened to them. The problem with ‘any Bible-based Church’ doing the job is that not only do the views and doctrines vary with those Churches but there remains a huge issue of authority. Christ gives his authority by laying on hands to those He selects. That priesthood is not held, although the roles are assumed, in other denominations, but the truth remains that the Savior restored the power and authority to act in His name in our day through an appearance of Peter, James, and John who conferred it. Whatever is done outside of that authority will ultimately not have the seal or value of a real ordinance performed by his priesthood. I invite you to study and pray about this principle, and ask the Lord where His authority is. I testify that it is within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I do know that the Lord has spoken through the Book of Mormon and the Bible, and that He continues to speak to us. Take care and thank you for dialoging.
Reply
i have a question i have been aproched by a mormon member and i have been given the book of mormon testament of jesus christ, i was born into a prodistant family and when i was a baby became part of the church of scotland i do not attend my church as i now live in england, please can you help me understand the diffrence as i do not want to offend this person when they come back to here my views. thankyou..
Reply
I don’t think that the stuff about mormons being the Gods of other planets is true, I mean none of it is in the Bible. The whole religion seems pretty crazy, really half their belifs are not in the bible. Babtizum, and comuntion seems to be the only tration in the bible. It makes me sad because i have mormon friends and i fear they will be going to hell. Comming fromt he church of christ standpoint mormons need a real slap in the face.
God bless, Ashtyn
Reply