Hi. I'd definitely include Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses. I'm not sure who I'd pick for the third.
Here's some stuff on Mormonism. Richard Ostling's "Mormon America" is a great resource too. Richard Ostling was an AP religion writer for over thirty years.
http://www.whatismormonism.com/
What is Mormonism?
Everyone knows that Mormons are honest, trustworthy, sober, hard working, family oriented people. They take care of each other and have a strong belief in their religion. This web page doesn't dispute any of that. But what is Mormonism...the religion? Let's see what the official Mormon web page at lds.org says:
"When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, He organized His Church so that all people could receive His gospel and return one day to live with God, our Heavenly Father. After Jesus Christ ascended to heaven, His Apostles continued to receive revelation from Him on how to direct the work of His Church. However, after they were killed, members changed the teachings of the Church that He had established. While many good people and some truth remained, this Apostasy, or general falling away from the truth, brought about the withdrawal of the Church from the earth. The Apostle Peter prophesied that Jesus would restore His Church before His Second Coming (Acts 3:19–21). Jesus Christ began to restore His Church in its fullness to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820. It has grown to become a worldwide Church with over 11 million members. It has the same teachings and basic organization as the Church established by Jesus in New Testament times.
You may have questions about what members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe. Some of the basic beliefs of the Church are: God is our Heavenly Father. He loves us and wants us to return to Him. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is our Savior. He redeems us from death by providing the Resurrection. He saves us from sin as we repent. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can return to live with God if we keep His commandments. The Holy Ghost helps us to recognize truth. The first principles and ordinances of the gospel are faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. The priesthood authority of God exists in His Church today, just as it did in the original Church. The Bible and the Book of Mormon are the word of God. God reveals His will to prophets today, just as He did anciently. Our life has a sacred purpose. Families can be together forever. Through serving others, we can experience joy and draw closer to God."
So we see that as of December 8, 2002 when I copied the above quotation from the Mormon (LDS) church's official web site that it clearly and unambiguously states that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. The next logical step is to confirm that. But first, let's double-check and make sure that it's OK for a Mormon to question or investigate his faith. What better source than Mormon leaders' quotations.
I discovered that most Mormons don't obey their own leaders...
Here's what Mormon leaders have told their members to do:
•George Albert Smith: "If a faith will not bear to be investigated; if its preachers and professors are afraid to have it examined, their foundation must be very weak." Journal of Discourses, Volume 14, Page 216
•John Taylor: "I think a full, free talk is frequently of great use; we want nothing secret nor underhanded, and I for one want no association with things that cannot be talked about and will not bear investigation." Journal of Discourses, Volume 20, Page 264.
•Dr. Hugh Nibley: "The Book of Mormon can and should be tested. It invites criticism." An Approach to The Book of Mormon, 1957, p. 13.
•Brigham Young: "Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test." Journal of Discourses, Volume 16, p. 46, 1873
•Orson Pratt: "Convince us of our errors of Doctrine, if we have any, by reason, by logical arguments, or by the Word of God and we will ever be grateful for the information and you will ever have the pleasing reflections that you have been instruments in the hands of God of redeeming your fellow beings." The Seer, p. 15
•Joseph Fielding Smith: "Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground." Doctrines of Salvation, Page 188.
Not only is it OK for Mormons to investigate their faith, but Mormon leaders actually encourage it, and almost demand it. If you're a Mormon, you need to obey your leaders and investigate your faith. If you don't investigate your faith, then you're simply announcing to the world that you doubt your religious beliefs. Otherwise why wouldn't you investigate your faith and prove that it's real?
Let's dig into the subject...
All Mormons agree that the Book of Mormon is the foundation of their religion and that if the Book of Mormon weren't true, there could be no Mormon religion. That's obvious and logical. There's no arguments with that statement.
So let's take a look at the archeological and historical evidence and facts underlying the Book of Mormon:
The Origin of the Book of Mormon
Book of Mormon Crops:
There are 4 crops mentioned in the Book of Mormon.
•Barley (Moses 7:22, 9:9, Alma 11:7, 15)
•Figs (3 Nephi 14:16)
•Grapes (2 Nephi 15:2, 4, 3 Nephi 14:16)
•Wheat (Moses 9:9, 3 Nephi 18:18)
There is no independent (non-Mormon) archeological evidence that Figs, Grapes, or Wheat existed in the area and time frame of the above references.
Book of Mormon Animals:
There are 16 animals and animal products mentioned in the Book of Mormon.
•***
•Bull
•Calf
•Cattle
•Cow
•Butter
•Elephants
•Milk
•Flocks
•Goat (The Nephites claimed to have found the domestic goat.)
•Herds
•Horse (The horse plays a major role in the Nephite and Lamanite societies.)
•Ox
•Sheep (This was a major animal in the Book of Mormon.)
•Sow
•Swine
There is no independent (non-Mormon) archeological evidence that any of these existed in the area and time frame of The Book of Mormon.
Book of Mormon Metals:
The following metals, metal products, or metal manufacturing are mentioned in the Book of Mormon record.
•Bellows
•Brass
•Breast Plates
•Chains
•Copper
•Iron
•Ore (mining)
•Plows
•Silver
•Swords (metal)
•Steel
Independent (non-Mormon) archeological evidence shows that none of these were manufactured or used in the area and time frame of 2 Nephi 5. The Smithsonian Institution's Dept. Of Anthropology declares the Americas did not have steel or horses before 1492. The Book of Mormon (600 B.C. to 421 A.D.) claims both steel (1 Nephi 4:9) and horses (Alma 18:9). Gordon H. Fraser, anthropologist and ethnologist, agrees with the Smithsonian Institution and adds that copper (Mosiah 8:10) was unknown at that early date as referred to in the Book of Mormon.
King James Translation Errors in the Book of Mormon:
The Book of Mormon contains King James Bible translation errors. For example, in 2 Nephi 14:5 which is the same as Isaiah 4:5, the correct translation of the Hebrew "Chuppah" is "canopy," not "defense." Another example is in 2 Nephi 15:25 (which is the same as Isaiah 5:25). The correct translation of the Hebrew "cuwchah" is "filth," not "torn."
The gold plates are claimed to have been buried in 421 A.D. by Moroni. The King James Bible came out 1,190 years later. Thus the Book of Mormon couldn't be based on plates buried in 421 A.D. since the Book of Mormon contains translation errors that didn't occur until 1,190 years later. Additionally, the language of the King James Bible didn't exist in 421 A.D.
The broader question is: How could the Book of Mormon contain anything from the King James Bible? Please note that this is not a religious question. It's a comparison of two books and the freely available Hebrew original.
Book of Mormon Verbiage:
The Book of Mormon has events similar to and/or phrases identical to or nearly identical to those found in:
•The preface to the King James Bible
•21 chapters of Isaiah
•The Apocrypha (These are the books in the Catholic Bible which are between the Old and New Testament. Machabees is an example.)
•James Adair's History of the American Indians (This contains 23 arguments that American Indians are descendants of Hebrews. It also tells of buried plates (5 copper and 2 brass) kept by an Indian tribe.) (London: E.&C. Dilly, 1775)
•Josephus' War of the Jews
•Ethan Smith's View of the Hebrews (1823, Poultney, Vermont, Smith & Shute, particularly p. 150). Ethan Smith preached in Poultney, Vermont from 1821 to 1826. Poultney, Vermont is near the location of many of the families who founded Mormonism.
•Shakespeare's Macbeth
•Shakespeare's Hamlet
•The October 22, 1823 Wayne Sentinel story by Asa Wilds of a vision with "Great Jehovah" which said, "...every denomination was corrupt."
•Manuscript Found (a manuscript written by Solomon Spalding) (See the first link in the Research Links section below for info on 1,128 pages of documentation.)
Thus the Book of Mormon isn't an original work. It also can't be the translation of an ancient document. What could it be? It's obviously a fiction novel, heavily plagiarized from books which were freely available at the time.
Other Book of Mormon Problems
The 1830 edition calls Joseph Smith the "author and proprietor." Wasn't Moroni the author? Wasn't Joseph Smith the translator?
The theory that the American Indians are descendants of the Hebrews is genetically incorrect. No one questions this anymore due to the DNA testing available today which wasn't available in the 1800's.
There never was a reformed Egyptian language. And Hebrews didn't write in Egyptian.
Egyptians were pagans during the Old Testament era, so why would the Book of Mormon be based on pagan Egyptian writings?
There were no eye (as in physical eye, not spiritual eye) witnesses to the gold plates, based on later admissions by the witnesses.
The Book of Mormon places Jesus' birth in Jerusalem, not in Bethlehem as in the Bible.
There was no religious revival in 1820. The revival occurred from 1824 to 1825. Thus there was no basis in 1820 for Joseph Smith to be confused about religious revivals which would not occur until several years later.
There have been 3,913 changes made to the Book of Mormon since the original 1830 edition.
Not one piece of independent, non-Mormon archeological evidence supports the Book of Mormon.
There are 9 versions of the First Vision. They significantly contradict each other on major issues. The last official version was published in Times and Seasons 20 years after the First Vision and contains information which was not in any contemporaneous diaries. This information should have been in numerous contemporaneous diaries due to its significance.
Old and new archeological discoveries support the Bible. There is zero independent archeological evidence supporting the Book of Mormon.
The Smithsonian Institution does not use the Book of Mormon for reference. Their statement on this matter is available for the asking.
Strong historical evidence points to the historical story line of the Book of Mormon being taken from a manuscript written by Solomon Spalding called Manuscript Found, which was missing from the printer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Sidney Rigdon lived near Pittsburgh and knew the printer, J. Lambdin.
The Book of Mormon contains some 27,000 words from the King James Bible, approximately 25,000 from the Old Testament and approximately 2,000 from the New Testament. If the King James Bible was published 1,190 years after Moroni buried the gold plates in 621, how did Moroni incorporate the 1611 King James Bible (including two Hebrew to English translation errors) into his gold plates?
Joseph Smith predicted himself by adding to the King James Translation of the Bible at the end of Genesis (Genesis 50:26) and extending Genesis out to verse 33 in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible.
The "Three Witnesses" of the "Gold Plates"
1. Martin Harris claimed he visited the moon (The Story of the Mormons, New York, 1902, p. 35), and was called "wicked" (Doctrine & Covenants 3:12,13 and 10:6,7).
2. Oliver Cowdery was a thief (Letter quoted in Senate Document 189, Feb. 15, 1841, pp. 6-9), and an attempted counterfeiter (A History of the Latter-day Saints in Northern Missouri From 1836 to 1839, p. 146).
3. David Whitmer said in the Spring of 1838 the heads of the church and many of the members had gone deep into error and blindness (An Address to all Believers in Christ, by David Whitmer, 1887, pp. 27,28), and was likened unto a "dumb ***" by Joseph Smith (History of the Church, Vol. 3, p. 228).
All three apostatized (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 7, pp. 114,115).
Archeological and historical summary:
1. No Book of Mormon cities have been located.
2. No Book of Mormon names have been found in New World inscriptions.
3. No genuine inscriptions have been found in Hebrew in America.
4. No genuine inscriptions have been found in America in Egyptian or anything similar to Egyptian, which could correspond to Joseph Smith's 'reformed Egyptian.'
5. No ancient copies of Book of Mormon scriptures have been found.
6. No ancient inscriptions of any kind in America which indicate that the ancient inhabitants had Hebrew or Christian beliefs have been found.
7. No mention of Book of Mormon persons, nations, or places have been found.
8. No artifacts of any kind which demonstrates the Book of Mormon is true has been found.
9. Rather than finding supportive evidence, Mormon scholars have been forced to retreat from traditional interpretations of Book of Mormon statements.
Archaeology and the Book of Mormon by Hal Hougey, p. 12
Additional Questions:
•If the Book of Mormon is true, why do Indians fail to turn white when they become Mormons? (2 Nephi 30:6, prior to the 1981 revision).
•If the Book of Mormon is true, then why has the Mormon church changed it? Examples are: 1 Nephi 11:21; 19:20; 20:1 and Alma 29:4. Compare these with the original Book of Mormon. (Gerald and Sandra Tanner have counted 3913 changes in the Book of Mormon, excluding punctuation changes.)
•How did Joseph Smith carry home the golden plates of the Book of Mormon, and how did the witnesses lift them so easily? (They weighed about 230 lbs. Gold, with a density of 19.3 weighs 1204.7 lbs. per cubic foot. The plates were 7" x 8" by about 6". See Articles of Faith, by Talmage, page 262, 34th ed.)
•How did Nephi with a few men on a new continent build a temple like Solomon's while Solomon needed 163,300 workmen and seven years to build his temple? (1 Kings 5:13-18 and 2 Nephi 5:15-17).
The above Ask Your Bishop questions were taken from a booklet entitled, Ask Your Bishop by Ira T. Ransom
Recent DNA research:
The Book of Mormon is based on the concept that Meso-America was an uninhabited land that was peopled by Jews who floated across the ocean in an a boat of sorts that resembled two large dishes fastened together to form a hollow [with holes in both the bottom and the top for air].
In "Losing a Lost Tribe: Native Americans, DNA, and the Mormon Church" (Signature Books), research scientist and former Mormon Bishop, Simon G. Southerton of Canberra, Australia, peels back the “faith promoting” fantasies about these pilgrims in a dish and their loathsome offspring, the Lamanites, dark-skinned American Indians.
Along with other research studies, (see: DNA Evidence and the Book of Mormon) the author puts a final nail in the coffin of the Book of Mormon myth. The book is reviewed in Christianity Today magazine. Losing a Lost Tribe is available from Amazon.com and other book retailers.
Logical Conclusion:
All Mormons agree that the Book of Mormon is the foundation of the Mormon religion.
All Mormons agree that without the Book of Mormon, there is no basis for the Mormon religion.
Based on the historical and archeological facts and evidence, it's clear that the Book of Mormon is a work of fiction, heavily plagiarized from books freely available at the time. In fact, it's simply a rework of a stolen manuscript (Manuscript Found) that was meant to be nothing more than a romantic fiction novel of the American Indians.
The Book of Mormon is not the translation of an ancient document, regardless of any feelings, emotions, "burning in your bosom," or testimony. "Knowing" that it's true doesn't correlate with the historical and archeological facts and evidence. Wanting it to be true doesn't change the facts and evidence.
The Book of Mormon was not from God.
Again...
•"Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground." Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Page 188.
Mormon Theology
(...which is actually irrelevant and a non-issue if the Book of Mormon is a plagiarized fiction novel. However let's assume, arguendo, for a moment, that the BOM is true, and delve into Mormon theology.)
Which Jesus do Mormons worship?
Let's see what Mormon leaders say about that...
"It is true that many of the Christian churches worship a different Jesus Christ than is worshipped by the Mormons or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." LDS Quorum of the Seventy member Bernard P. Brockbank, The Ensign, May 1977, p. 26
"In bearing testimony of Jesus Christ, President Hinckley spoke of those outside the Church who say Latter-day Saints 'do not believe in the traditional Christ.' 'No, I don't. The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of whom I speak. For the Christ of whom I speak has been revealed in this the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. He together with His Father, appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in the year 1820, and when Joseph left the grove that day, he knew more of the nature of God than all the learned ministers of the gospel of the ages.'" LDS Church News, June 20, 1998, p. 7
"Christ was not begotten of the Holy Ghost...He was not born without the aid of Man, and that Man was God." Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:18
"Now remember from this time forth, and for ever, that Jesus Christ was not begotten by the Holy Ghost. ...If the Son was begotten by the Holy Ghost, it would be very dangerous to baptize and confirm females, and give the Holy Ghost to them, lest he should beget children to be palmed upon the Elders by the people bringing the Elders into great difficulties." Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 1:51
"The grand reason of the burst of public sentiment in anathemas upon Christ and his disciples, causing his crucifixion, was evidently based on polygamy, ...a belief in the doctrine of a plurality of wives caused the persecution of Jesus and his followers. We might almost think they were 'Mormons.'" Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 1:345-346
"The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer, son of the morning. Haughty, ambitious, and covetous of power and glory, this sprit-filled brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind." Milton R. Hunter, Gospel Through the Ages, p. 15
There are three major differences between the Jesus of the Bible and the Jesus of the Mormon church. Here's what Mormon's believe:
1. Instead of the eternal Jesus co-equal with the Father, the Mormon Jesus was once a man who achieved godhood by his own virtuousness during a preincarnate existence. His spirit was then impregnated into the virgin Mary by the "Eternal Father" who came from the planet Kolob for the physical union with her.
2. Mormonism teaches that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers who competed for the opportunity to become the savior of planet earth. Jesus' plan won approval and Lucifer rebelled and became the tempter and deceiver of planet Earth.
3. Mormonism teaches that Jesus is only one of many saviors who are each responsible for the salvation of the population of other planets like Earth. Mormon men are working with the promise that they, too, will eventually become gods and be given a planet of their own to populate. This will be accomplished by their intercourse with many wives who will bear millions of spirit children to inhabit the bodies of the people on their planet.
The Jesus of the Bible taught that salvation is a free gift anyone can receive by accepting Him as your personal Savior, not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 4:6 & 11:6; Philippians 3:9). The LDS Jesus taught that your level of exaltation was based on faith plus works determined by men. Thus, the Jesus of the Bible and the LDS Jesus can't be the same Jesus, as they taught mutually exclusive doctrine.
The Freemasonry Connection:
The Temple Endowment ceremony is simply a modified version of the Freemasonry ceremony which existed long before Joseph Smith was born. Joseph and Hyrum Smith were both active Masons. Many parts of the Temple Endowment Ceremony (verbiage, handgrips, arm positions, whispering in ear, fig-leaf apron, secret passwords, chanting, etc.) were plagiarized from Freemasonry ceremonies. Joseph Smith introduced the Mormon Temple ceremony within 2 months of becoming a Mason. There were Masons in the mob that killed Joseph as he had his arms raised in the Masonic distress call, "Oh Lord, my God! Is there no help for the poor widow's son?" when he was shot. They had a problem with him plagiarizing the Masonic ceremony in the Mormon Temple ceremony. Please note that neither the Freemasonry ceremony nor the Mormon Temple Endowment Ceremony are secret, as all details of both are in the public domain.
•Heber C. Kimball wrote to Parley P. Pratt: "We have organized a Lodge here of Masons ... near 200 have been made Masons. Brother Joseph and Sidney [Rigdon] were the first that were received into the Lodge. All of the twelve have become members except Orson P. [Pratt] ... Brother Joseph says Masonry was taken from the Priesthood, but has become degenerated .... We have the true Masonry." From an underground typewritten copy of Dr. Durham's talk carefully compared with a tape recording thereof and certified to be accurate by Mervin B. Hogan, Secretary of the Masonic Research Lodge of Utah in Salt Lake City, No Help For the Widow's Son, by Reed C. Durham, p. 25.
The story of carved golden plates in an arched stone vault is very similar to an older story from Freemasonry.
The Mormon term "Celestial Kingdom" is disturbingly similar to the older Freemasonry term "Celestial Lodge Above."
The Freemasonry ceremonies are not from Solomon's Temple.
Freemasonry is a religion:
•"Every Masonic Lodge is a temple of religion, and its teachings are instructions in ... the universal, eternal, immutable religion...." Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by Albert Pike, Washington D.C., 1958, pp. 213, 219.
•"[Masonry is] ... the custodian and depository (since Enoch) of the great philosophical and religious truths, unknown to the world at large...." Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by Albert Pike, Washington D.C., 1958, p. 210.
•"Without this religious element it would scarcely be worthy of cultivation by the wise and good...." An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, by Albert G. Mackey, 1921, pp. 618-619.
Freemasonry's god is a triune deity called JaoBulOn. It is a form of Baal. It's Lucifer worship. Note in the third quotation below that Freemasonry reverses the roles of God and Satan. And remember that Joseph Smith embraced Freemasonry when he plagiarized it for the Mormon Temple ceremony.
•"Masonry, like all the religions, all the Mysteries, Hermeticism and Alchemy, conceals its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect, and uses false explanations and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be misled; to conceal the Truth, which it calls light, from them.... Truth is not for those that are unworthy...." Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by Albert Pike, Washington D.C., 1958, p 104-105.
•"The Blue Degrees are but the outer court...of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the [lower] Initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them, but it is intended that he shall imagine he understands them." Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by Albert Pike, Washington D.C., 1958, p. 819.
•God is known as "the nameless one of a hundred names." Henry Wilson Coil, "A Comprehensive View of Freemasonry," Richmond: Macoy Publishing, 1973, p. 192.
•"God is equally present with the pious Hindu in the temple, the Jew in the synagogue, the Mohammedan in the mosque, and the Christian in the church." Albert Mackey, "Mackey's Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry," Richmond: Macoy Publishing, 1966, 1:409-410.
Freemasonry is not Christian. If it's not Christian, but it is a religion (which Masons have confirmed above), then it by definition conflicts with Christianity. Thus one can't simultaneously be a Christian and a Mason.
•"Freemasonry is not Christianity ... it admits men of every creed within its hospitable bosom...."An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, by Albert G. Mackey, 1921, pp. 618-619.
•"[Masonry] ... sees in Moses ... in Confucius and Zoroaster, in Jesus of Nazareth, and in [Mohammed] great teachers of morality and eminent reformers...." Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, by Albert Pike, Washington D.C., 1958, pp. 277, 525.
The LDS Temple Endowment ceremony has been changed many times (basically it's been toned down). (The Christian God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.)
Joseph and Hyrum's Freemasonry Lodge was becoming the largest Freemasonry Lodge in Illinois. The non-LDS Masons in the state felt threatened by the LDS takeover of Masonry. See Evidences and Reconciliations (first edition), by Apostle John A. Widstoe, volume 3, p. 358.
The Mormon garment (underwear) has pagan Freemasonry symbols sewn into it, such as the Until recently being removed from the Mormon Temple ceremony, Temple patrons swore an oath to:
compass and the square.
1. bind themselves to the penalty of having their throats cut from ear to ear
2. bind themselves to the penalty of having their hearts plucked out of their chests
3. bind themselves to the penalty of having their bodies disemboweled.
These three former-Mormon Temple Endowment ceremony oaths were copied directly from Freemasonry ceremonies.
Other Problems
There have been approximately 65,000 changes between the original Book of Commandments and the current version of it, Doctrine and Covenants.
It is well documented that Joseph Smith and Brigham Young taught the Adam/God Doctrine (that God and Adam were one and the same). Current leaders call it the Adam/God Theory, state that it was never a doctrine, and don't teach it anymore.
Man > God and God > Man
If the LDS God progressed from a man to God by works, as stated by many church leaders, then where did the first man come from? Or, conversely, if the LDS God created the first man, where did the first LDS God come from? (This is a classic circle argument.)
The Word of Wisdom from Doctrine and Covenants
The Word of Wisdom in the Doctrine and Covenants forbids "hot drinks." Current Mormon leaders define hot drinks as coffee and tea. Why are hot chocolate and hot Postum OK? Why are iced coffee and iced tea forbidden?
The Word of Wisdom also states that Mormons should eat meat sparingly. Mormons, including those with Temple Recommends, routinely eat meat far in excess of sparingly, including at church events.
Origin of The Book of Abraham:
The papyri from which Joseph Smith translated The Book of Abraham in The Pearl of Great Price has been determined by Egyptologists to be pagan Egyptian funerary text similar to that from the pagan Egyptian Book of Breathings.
Are Mormons Christian?
Let's see what Mormon leaders say...
•Brigham Young said that the "Christian God is the Mormon's Devil..." (Journal of Discourses, Volume 5, page 331).
•John Taylor said that Christianity was "hatched in hell" (Journal of Discourses, Volume 6, page 176) and "a perfect pack of nonsense...the Devil could not invent a better engine to spread his work..." (Journal of Discourses, Volume 6, page 167).
•Bruce R. McConkie said, "What is the church of the devil in our day, and where is the seat of her power?.... It is all of the systems, both Christian and non-Christian, that perverted the pure and perfect gospel.... It is communism; it is Islam; it is Buddhism; it is modern Christianity in all its parts. It is Germany under Hitler, Russia under Stalin, and Italy under Mussolini." (The Millennial Messiah, pp. 54-55.)
Contemporaneous Quotation about Joseph Smith
"We the undersigned [sixty-two (62) residents of Palmyra NY], have been acquainted with the Smith family, for a number of years, while they resided near this place, and we have no hesitation in saying, that we consider them destitute of that moral character, which ought to entitle them to the confidence of any community. They were particularly famous for visionary projects, spent much of their time in diggings for money which they pretended was hid in the earth; and to this day, large excavations may be seen in the earth, not far from their residence, where they used to spend their time in digging for hidden treasures. Joseph Smith, Senior, and his son, Joseph, were in particular, considered entirely destitute of moral character, and addicted to vicious habits." E.D. Howe, Mormonism Unvailed, Zanesville, Ohio, 1834, p. 261
There are no contemporaneous quotations supporting the character of Joseph Smith or his father.
Additional Questions:
•If the Book of Mormon is true, why do Indians fail to turn white when they become Mormons? (2 Nephi 30:6, prior to the 1981 revision).
•If the Book of Mormon is true, then why has the Mormon church changed it? Examples are: 1 Nephi 11:21; 19:20; 20:1 and Alma 29:4. Compare these with the original Book of Mormon. (Gerald and Sandra Tanner have counted 3913 changes in the Book of Mormon, excluding punctuation changes.)
•How did Joseph Smith carry home the golden plates of the Book of Mormon, and how did the witnesses lift them so easily? (They weighed about 230 lbs. Gold, with a density of 19.3 weighs 1204.7 lbs. per cubic foot. The plates were 7" x 8" by about 6". See Articles of Faith, by Talmage, page 262, 34th ed.)
•If Moroni devoutly practiced the Mormon Gospel, why is he an angel now rather than a God? (Doc. & Cov. 132:17,37)
•Why do Mormons emphasize part of the Word of Wisdom and ignore the part forbidding the eating of meat except in winter, cold or famine? (Doc. & Cov. 89:12,13).
•Why did the Nauvoo House not stand forever and ever? (Doc. & Cov. 124:56-60).
•If Jesus was conceived as a result of a physical union between God and Mary, how was Jesus born of a virgin? (Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1, page 50).
•How did Nephi with a few men on a new continent build a temple like Solomon's while Solomon needed 163,300 workmen and seven years to build his temple? (1 Kings 5:13-18 and 2 Nephi 5:15-17).
•Why was Joseph Smith still preaching against polygamy in October 1843 after he got his revelation in July 1843 commanding the practice of polygamy? (Doc. & Cov. 132; and History of the Church Vol. 6, page 46, or Teachings of the Prophet, page 324).
•God rejected the fig leaf aprons which Adam and Eve made (Gen. 3:21). Why do Mormons memorialize the fall by using fig leaf aprons in the secret temple ceremonies?
The above Ask Your Bishop questions were taken from a booklet entitled, Ask Your Bishop by Ira T. Ransom
Classic characteristics of a cult:
1.Cultists believe that all Christian churches are wrong and that their cult has the real truth about God.
2.Cultists attack the deity of Jesus Christ and either lower him to the level of man or raise man to the level of Christ.
3.Cultists deny that man can be saved by faith in Christ alone. They teach that man can make himself right with God by good works and by obeying the teachings of the cult.
4.Cultists believe the statements of their leaders who claim to have new interpretations of scripture, or valuable indispensable additions to it.
5.Many cults claim to believe the Bible, but they distort its teachings to suit their own particular beliefs about man, God, the Holy Spirit, Heaven, Hell, salvation, and other vital doctrine.
The Mormon church fulfills all 5 of these characteristics of a cult.
Characteristics of Orthodox Christianity:
1.Acceptance of the Bible as the inspired, infallible, authoritative Word of God.
2.God became flesh in the physical man Jesus.
3.Christ atoned for man's sin through his death on the cross.
4.Christ arose in bodily form from the grave, conquering death and proving he is God.
Galatians 1:6-12; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21; Revelations 22:18; Deuteronomy 13:1-10
The Mormon church does not believe any of these 4 characteristics of orthodox Christianity.
Questions to ask about anyone claiming to be a prophet:
1.Have all of his prophecies come true?
2.Was even one of his prophecies revised to fit what already happened?
3.Does even one of his teachings utilize a small section of the Bible to the neglect of the whole?
4.Does even one of his teachings contradict the God of the Bible?
5.Does even one of his teachings contradict the Jesus of the Bible?
6.Is he or is Christ the focus of his followers? Whose name is heard more often?
7.Do any of his teachings speak negatively about other Christians?
Joseph Smith failed on all 7.
Some of Joseph Smith's Failed Prophesies:
On Feb. 14, 1835 Joseph Smith said, "... go forth to prune the vineyard for the last time, or the coming of the lord, which was nigh even fifty-six years should wind up the scene" (History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 182).
"On the 14th of Feb. 1835, Joseph Smith said that God had revealed to him that the coming of Christ would be within 56 years, which added to 1835 shows that before 1891 and the 14th of Feb. the Savior of the world would make his appearance again upon the earth and the winding up scene take place" (Journal of Oliver Boardman Huntington, Vol. 2, pp. 128,129).
Joseph Smith said the moon's inhabitants were of uniform height (about 6 ft. tall), dressed like Quakers and lived nearly 1,000 years (Journal of Oliver B. Huntington, Vol. 3, p. 166 of typed copy at Utah State Historical Society and The Young Woman's Journal, pub. by the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Associations of Zion, 1892, Vol. 3, pp. 263,264.)
On April 17, 1838, Joseph Smith prophesied that David W. Patten would perform a mission for him the next Spring. (Doctrine & Covenants 114:1). David Patten died before Spring came. (History of the Church, Vol. 3, p. 171, 10-25-38.)
"And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded..." (2 Nephi 3:14). Joseph Smith's enemies were not confounded, but successful when they killed Joseph Smith on June 27, 1844 in Carthage, Illinois.
Is a prophet allowed to make false prophesies? Let's see what the Bible says: Deuteronomy 18:19-22 (New Living Translation):
19 I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf. 20 But any prophet who claims to give a message from another god or who falsely claims to speak for me must die.' 21 You may wonder, 'How will we know whether the prophecy is from the LORD or not?' 22 If the prophet predicts something in the LORD's name and it does not happen, the LORD did not give the message. That prophet has spoken on his own and need not be feared.
Joseph Smith claimed he was superior to Jesus Christ:
"I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet" (History of the Church, Vol. 6, pp. 408, 409).
Proverbs 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
More Errors:
Described below is a summary of some of the gross errors of Mormonism as presented in the new book, Latter Days, by Coke Newell, a prominent church spokesman.
1. Tempting God.
From the beginning the Mormons have been taught to tempt God by their namesake Moroni. He tells potential proselytes to "Ask if these things (Mormon teachings) are true and He (God) will manifest the truth unto you by the Holy Spirit." The meaning is clear that God will confirm the veracity of these teachings. This outcome IS experienced by those who without repentance towards God and Christ ask, seeking a sign. They certainly do get a confirmation from the spirit world, but from the powers of darkness and not God as they think.
Now, hear what Jesus says to those who want to know where a doctrine (message) comes from, when He was questioned concerning His teachings "If any man will DO HIS WILL, he shall know of this doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." So it is by obedience that we come to know Him, hearing His voice and following Him. Then, when we obey and follow Him, we will not follow the voice of a stranger. Moroni is a stranger.
"You shall not tempt the Lord your God...you shall diligently KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS of the Lord your God (Deut. 616, 17).
2. No Original Sin
All one needs to do is read the 5th chapter of Romans and I Corinthians 1521-23. I do not know what others mean by "original sin" but as Mr. Newell explains, in Mormon doctrine there is complete denial of the heredity that Adam passed on to the world. He also points out that Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormons, changed the Bible considerably in his translation. So read a King James or Amplified translation of the above-mentioned scriptures to get their intended meaning.
3. Law is finished
In the Mormon testimony the law is spoken of as being finished. The law is not finished. Those who are the Lord's have the old man crucified who could not fulfill the law so that the new man created in Christ could. Jesus came not to do away with but to fulfill. The ceremonial law is finished, being a shadow of the work of Christ now come in the flesh. The Mormon doctrine does not distinguish at all; it just scraps the whole thing. How cavalier, how pompous and presumptuous. And the bolder men get in telling lies the more they are believed.
4. Jesus didn't preach to the wicked after the crucifixition.
He did. See 1 Peter 3.
5. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are three different beings.
The scriptures are very clear, there is only one God, Who is the Father of all, came in the flesh (the Son) and sent His Spirit (Holy Ghost) to indwell His people.
Seventeen Little Known Facts About the Mormon Religion:
The following facts represent teachings that are either openly taught in the Mormon Church today, or that have been taught by the highest authorities of the Mormon Church. All quotes given are from official LDS publications or the Bible.
FACT #1. The Mormon Church teaches ALL other Churches are WRONG; ALL their creeds are an ABOMINATION in the sight of God; and ALL their teachers are CORRUPT. One of the Mormon Books of Scripture, The Pearl of Great Price, says this about non-LDS churches: "...they were ALL WRONG; and the Personage who addressed me said that ALL their creeds were an ABOMINATION in his sight; that those professors were ALL CORRUPT;. . ." (Joseph Smith, 2:19)
FACT #2. Mormonism teaches there is no salvation outside the Mormon Church and no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith. Apostle Bruce R. McConkie makes this statement: "If it had not been for Joseph Smith and the restoration, there would be no salvation. There is no salvation outside The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." (Mormon Doctrine, p.670) The Bible, on the other hand, teaches salvation is in Jesus alone; "Neither is there salvation in any other [Jesus]: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
FACT #3. Mormons are taught to doubt the reliability of the Bible and their leaders have consistently attacked its accuracy. Joseph Smith claimed: "... it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of men, had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.10) The Bible answers this attack: "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8)
FACT #4. A basic tenant in Mormonism today is that Jesus Christ is the brother of Satan. Milton R. Hunter explains it like this: "The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer,. . .this spirit-brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind." (The Gospel Through The Ages, p.15) Nowhere in the Bible does it indicate that Lucifer attempted to become the Savior: In fact, Jesus created Satan, so they can't be brothers. Colossians 1:16 indicates that Jesus created "all things," whether "in heaven," or "in earth, visible or invisible."
FACT #5. Mormonism continues to teach that God the Father is a glorified, resurrected Man, and men and women may become Gods and Goddesses. Apostle Bruce R. McConkie makes this claim: "God himself, the Father of us all, is a glorified, exalted, immortal, resurrected Man!" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 643) Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism taught: "...you have to learn how to be Gods ourselves...the same as all Gods have done before you,..." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 346) The Lord Himself answers this teachings by pronouncing: "...I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)
FACT #6. Mormons consider Polygamy a righteous principle which will be practiced in heaven. Although there is nothing in the Bible that will support this thinking, current Mormon Scripture has this to say: "...if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no adultery. . . . And if he have TEN VIRGINS given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery. . . ." (Doctrine and Covenants 132:61,62)
FACT #7. Mormons today believe God the Father is married and past leaders have taught both God the Father and Jesus Christ are polygamists. Apostle Orson Pratt makes these unbelievable statements: "...the great Messiah who was the founder of the Christian religion, was a Polygamist. . . .the Messiah chose to take upon himself his seed; and by marrying many honorable wives himself, show to all future generations that he approbated the plurality of Wives under the Christian dispensation. . . .God the Father had a plurality of wives....the Son followed the example of his Father....both God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ inherit their wives in eternity as well as in time;..." (The Seer, p. 172) Nowhere in the Bible does it indicate that God the Father and Jesus Christ are married or polygamists.
FACT #8. The majority of the activity in the Mormon Temples is work done in behalf of the DEAD. Joseph Smith offers this explanation: "The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our DEAD." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 356). Although many Mormons are attempting to save their dead relatives, the Bible indicates: "None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him." (Psalms 49:7)
FACT #9. To the Mormon, the ultimate test that Mormonism is true is an "inner feeling." Mormons often refer to this feeling as a "burning in the bosom." They believe their scripture (Doctrine and Covenants 9:8) gives the best test for determining truth. This test reads: ". . .study it out in your mind; then you must ask me [the Lord] if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall FEEL that it is right." The Bible, on the other hand, tell us: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
FACT #10. Mormon leaders demand total obedience regardless whether they are right or wrong. The ward teacher's message for June, 1945, stated: "When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan--it is God's plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy. God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God." (Improvement Era, June 1945, p. 354) Herber C. Kimball, First Councilor to Brigham Young, clarifies further: "But if you are told by your leader to do a thing, do it. None of your business whether it is right or wrong." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p.32) The Bible warns us in I John 4:1: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
FACT #11. Mormon leaders have consistently attacked the Biblical doctrine of Salvation by God's Grace through Faith alone. In Apostle James Talmage's book, The Articles of Faith, twice he refers to justification by Faith alone as a "pernicious doctrine," and further declares: "The Sectarian Dogma of Justification by Faith Alone has exercised an influence for evil." (pp. 107,480) The Bible responds: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
FACT #12. Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie has warned his people against a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. McConkie made these shocking statements at a speech given at BYU. "...gaining a special, personal relationship with Christ that is both improper and perilous. . . . Now, I know that some may be offended and the counsel that they should not strive for a special and personal relationship with Christ. . . .But you been warned, and you have heard the true doctrine taught." (Church News, week ending March 20, 1982, p.5) In opposition to this, Jesus gives us a personal invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
FACT #13. Joseph Smith founder of the Mormon Church, boasted of doing a greater "work" than the Lord Jesus. Joseph Smith made this incredible boast: "I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet." (History of the Church, Volume 6, Chapter 19, Page 408) No true Prophet of God ever spoke such words as these.
FACT #14. In 1835 Joseph Smith prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord. At a meeting called by Joseph Smith he instructed the Latter day Saints that it was "the will of God" to go forth and "prune the vineyard for the last time, or the coming of the Lord, which was nigh even fifty six years should wind up the scene." (History of the Church, vol. 2, p. 182) Eight years later he reinforced this by stating: "I prophesy in the name of the Lord God, and let it be written; the Son of Man will not come in the clouds of heaven till I am eighty five years old." (History of the Church, vol.5, p. 336)
FACT #15. Mormons are taught to "shake hands" with a messenger to determine if he is from God or if he is the devil. The following information is found in Mormon scripture: "When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you. If he be an angle he will do so, and you will feel his hand. . . .If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him." (Doctrine and Covenants 129:4,5,8) Rather that trusting in "feelings" the Bible commands us to "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
FACT #16. Brigham Young claimed that these who leave the Mormon Church would turn "wrinkled" and "black." The following curse was pronounced by Brigham Young: ". . .but let them apostatize, and they will become gray-haired, wrinkled, and black, just like the Devil." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 5, p. 332) There have been tens of thousands of people leave the Mormon Church -- Where are the "black and wrinkled" ones?
FACT #17. Joseph Smith taught the moon was inhabited by people who dressed like Quakers and lived to be about 1000 years old. In the Mormon publication, The Young Woman's Journal, pp. 263 & 264, O.B. Huntington gives this interesting information: "As far back as 1837, I know that he [Joseph Smith] said the moon was inhabited by men and women the same as this earth, and that they lived to a greater age than we do -- that they live generally to near the age of 1000 years. He [Smith] described the men as averaging near six feet in height, and dressing quite uniformly in something near the Quaker style." Now that man has walked on the Moon, there can be no doubt that there aren't any 6 foot tall Quakers roaming its surface.
Matt 24:23-25, New Living Translation: "Then if anyone tells you, `Look, here is the Messiah,' or `There he is,' don't pay any attention. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great miraculous signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. See, I have warned you."
Mormons believe that God had sex with Mary:
Mormons believe that God had sex with Mary. Most Mormons have no idea about this obscure teaching. They change the definition of the word virgin. Mormons feel that they can still use the phrase "virgin birth" because God was an immortal being who had sex with Mary. (He was not a mere mortal man.) This is exactly what Bruce R. McConkie, (a leading LDS theologian who died in 1985) said: "For our present purposes, suffice it to say that our Lord was born of a virgin, which is fitting and proper, and also natural, since the Father of the Child was an immortal Being" (The Promised Messiah, p. 466). In other words, if Joseph had sex with Mary she would not have been a virgin, but since God had sex with Mary, she remains a virgin.
Polygamy...
Polygamy has not gone away. Not only are there tens of thousands of Mormons living in this so-called "everlasting covenant" today, but the justification for it is still holy scripture to all Mormons.
THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS, SECTION 132
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, recorded July 12, 1843, relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternity of the marriage covenant, as also plurality of wives.
4 For behold, I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory.
61 And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood—if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and to no one else.
62 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.
63 But if one or either of the ten virgins, after she is espoused, shall be with another man, she has committed adultery, and shall be destroyed; for they are given unto him to multiply and replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the souls of men; for herein is the work of my Father continued, that he may be glorified.
64 And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, if any man have a wife, who holds the keys of this power, and he teaches unto her the law of my priesthood, as pertaining to these things, then shall she believe and administer unto him, or she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord your God; for I will destroy her; for I will magnify my name upon all those who receive and abide in my law.
No matter How much the LDS church tries to Christianize their gospel...
There are teachings of Mormonism which separate it forever from Christianity and the Holy Bible.
Specifically, Mormonism teachings include:
•That God the Father has a body of flesh and bones and was once a sinful man on another planet.
•That God lives with many goddess wives on a planet near the great star Kolob.
•That Polygamy is part of God’s holy ordinances.
•That Jesus Christ is the brother of Lucifer, the Devil. Jesus had to work out his own salvation.
•That the doctrines of their inspired leaders are superior to the Bible.
•That "there are more gods than there are particles on a million earths"
•That men can become gods themselves by joining the Mormon church and will be able to create and populate their own earths.
•That the shed blood of Christ is not sufficient to save us from our sins, that it only gives us resurrection so we may be judged for our works; that men cannot be saved by grace through faith, but only by our works of righteousness.
•That the Mormon Church is the only true church on earth, to the exclusion of all others. It has the only true authority.
•That there are two churches only, The church of the Lamb [Mormonism] and the church of the Devil [the rest of us].
•That man cannot gain eternal life and enter the presence of the Lord outside of Mormonism.
The Prophet Brigham Young's racist statements about blacks:
"You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind. The first man that committed the odious crime of killing one of his brethren will be cursed the longest of any one of the children of Adam. Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin. Trace mankind down to after the flood, and then another curse is pronounced upon the same race -- that they should be the "servant of servants;" and they will be, until that curse is removed." - Brigham Young, President and second 'Prophet' of the Mormon Church, 1844-1877 - Quotation from Journal of Discourses
"Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God is death on the spot. This will always be so." - Brigham Young, President and second 'Prophet' of the Mormon Church, 1863, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 10, p. 110.
Mormon disparagement of other churches:
Note: These are in-context quotations of the First Vision from various sources. I used ellipses to shorten the quotations, not to change their meaning. Check out the full quotations if you like, but you'll find there's no modification to the meaning.
Orson Pratt account, first published account of first vision. Published in a pamphlet in 1840 titled "An interesting account of several remarkable visions". ... "He was also informed upon the subjects, which had for some time previously agitated his mind, viz.--that all the religious denominations were believing in incorrect doctrines; and consequently, that none of them was acknowledged of God, as his church and kingdom. And he was expressly commanded, to go not after them; and he received a promise that the true doctrine--the fullness of the gospel, should, at some future time, be made known to him; after which, the vision withdrew, leaving his mind in a state of calmness and peace, indescribable." ...
Orson Hyde account, originally published in a German pamphlet http://www.mormonentum.de/literatur/hyde1842/ruf.html in 1842, in Frankfurt (on his return from Jerusalem). Translated in 1960. ... "He was told not to join any of the religious sects or any party, as they were all wrong in their doctrines and none of them was recognized by God as His Church and kingdom. He received a promise that the true doctrine--the fulness of the gospel--should, at some future time, be made known to him; after which, the vision withdrew, leaving his mind in a state of calmness and peace indescribable." ...
1843 account in non-Mormon newspaper - The New York Spectator - September 23. ... "O Lord, what Church shall I join? He replied, "don't join any of them, they are all corrupt." ...
1844 account of German immigrant, Alexander Neibaur [May 24, 1844] ... "Mr. Smith then asked, must I join the Methodist Church. No, they are not my People, have gone astray There is none that Doeth good, not one" ...
George A. Smith - Journal of Discourses Volume 12, p.334, 1863 "When the holy angel appeared, Joseph inquired which of all these denominations was right and which he should join, and was told they were all wrong."
Mormon Research Links
Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon? The Spalding Enigma This book critically examines key historical documents and records of 19th-century Mormon history and concludes that The Book of Mormon is an "adaption of an obscure historical novel" written by Revolutionary War veteran Solomon Spalding during the War of 1812. In twelve chapters, the authors lay out the evidence for the assertion that Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery, and Joseph Smith Jr. adapted and embellished the Spalding manuscript to create The Book of Mormon. Although based on public records and solid research, the book reads like "investigative history," demonstrating that Mormon claims to the "supernatural" revelation and transcription of The Book of Mormon are fraudulent. ISBN = 0758605277 It's 560 pages and sells for $16.99. The publisher is Concordia Publishing House. The editors are Arthur Vanick, Wayne Cowdery, and Howard Davis. I have read the previous version of this book and consider this to be the single most important book on the origin of the Book of Mormon, which is the foundation of the Mormon religion. If the Book of Mormon is a fiction novel, then the Mormon religion is based upon fiction. Buy it at any book store, or direct from the publisher.
The Truth About Mormonism
by Gabriel Carlin
Have you had Mormon missionaries come to your door? Were you wondering if you should let them in? What would you say to them if you did? Witnessing to Mormons can be intimidating. In this concise book, Pastor Gabe Carlin examines the history, crucial beliefs, and philosophy of the LDS Church, as well as showing by completely documented and undeniable evidence why Mormonism is a false religion. After reading his very practical advice on how to witness to Mormons you’ll be better equipped to answer the challenges of the LDS Church. His countless experiences in dialoging with Mormons will prepare you for the spiritual battle like never before. I recommend this fine work on the history and theology of the LDS “Church”. In a day of theological compromise and devilish ecumenicism when prominent “evangelical” theologians apologize to the Mormons and pretend that they worship the same God, it is refreshing to read a book that tells it like it is. The LDS “Church” is no church at all, but a pagan religion that was spawned by immorality and greed and sustained by ignoble motives. It preaches a heretical gospel and is hopelessly anti-Christian! It is an abomination to God and man as well as a device of Satan to deceive the naive and uneducated. Let the reader feel confident that he is getting the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth – about Mormonism. — Dr. Robert A. Morey, President of California Biblical University and Seminary
This book presents the facts about the Mormon religion in a clear, concise and cogent manner. Gabe cuts straight to the core issues concerning the serious doctrinal deviations of the LDS Church. A must read for every serious Christian who seeks to reach Mormons with the true Christ of the Bible. — Pastor Troy Underwood, Professor of Cult Apologetics at Master’s Divinity School
Gabriel Carlin offers a concise look into the history and primary doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His many years of pastoral ministry in Utah enable him to give much more than a textbook examination of this fast growing movement. — Bill McKeever, Founder and Director of Mormonism Research Ministry, Salt Lake City, Utah www.greatchristianbooks.com
The Salt Lake Tribune Newspaper Article on LDS Church Growth, June 26, 2005
The Rick Ross Mormon site: http://www.rickross.com/groups/mormon.html
The complete LDS Mormon Temple Ceremony also known as The Endowment: http://www.lds-temple.org
Reasons to Believe site by Dr. Hugh Ross, Ph.D.: http://www.reasons.org Once there, search on "mormon" in the search slot in the banner.
Witnessing To Mormons With Love by Angie Dean, a 146 page PDF, 4.38 Mb
At Life After Ministries, ex-Mormons are helping other Mormons recover from Mormonism by seeking to challenge the doctrines that steal their eternity in Heaven. We work to assert the Christian doctrines of Jesus Christ, in accordance with the Bible and to expose the false doctrines of Mormonism.
www.lifeafter.org/
Facts from Mormons: www.whatismormonism.com/factsfrommormons.html
The Prophet Joseph Smith's Failed and Forged Prophecies. Discover that only 5 out of 65 prophecies were fulfilled: http://www.exmormon.org/prophet.htm
The Mormon Conspiracy by the LDS Church: http://mormonconspiracy.com/
"The Mormon Conspiracy is a very comprehensive volume dealing with issues that most others, who have written