Is there any proof for the LDS Church?

Question

Is there any proof for the lds church in history? For example, did early Christianity believe in sealings in temples, the priesthood, baptisms for the dead, God the father and Jesus as separate beings, etc? If so, where can I find this information, either in the Bible or through other ancient documents dating back to that time?

Answer 1

You will find all today's pseudo-Christian groups claiming to have their basis in first century Christianity and the Bible. The LDS make those claims and can produce a list of Bible proof-texts that appear (on the surface) to indicate that they have some Christian doctrines.



The way to go about ascertaining whether any group is Christian or merely pseudo-Christian is to try the test mentioned in the Bible in Jude verse 3. Christians of the first century were told to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. In agreement, the apostle Paul told first century Christians not to be swayed by a different gospel, even if an angel delivered it to them (Galatians 1:7).



Any group that has new doctrines, different to the ones believed by the first century Church, is a pseudo-Christian group, no matter now many other doctrines it has that are soundly Christian.



The LDS and the Jehovah's Witnesses both arose in the 19th century, and both claim that the Church Jesus established became so corrupt, God had to discard it and raise them up instead, in these 'latter days'. They were given 'new light', new teachings, and their new writings had to be absorbed in order to understand what the Bible was 'really' saying. Of course, neither group thinks the other group is God's chosen group today!



Just ponder that and waken up to the need not to look at matters the way they wish to present them to you.

Answer 2

Yes, there is proof that the LDS church exists. Just look at the staggering amounts in their offshore bank accounts. Oh, wait. They don't allow even members to know about those, let alone look into them. (Romney learned of such things from somewhere....)



Each and every one of those things you mention are not in the bible--outside its actual context. The LDS bends and twists those verses to suit what Joseph Smith interpreted them as. And he was no bible scholar so why mormons listen to him is beyond me.



For instance, my favorite hoot is the LDS baptism for the dead performance. Paul, who alone mentions this, was warning believers to NOT be emotionally caught up with such a pagan-styled false hopefulness as assuming their mourned deceased relatives could somehow accept Jesus Christ after death. It's sad that people exist in hell, not accepting Jesus as their Savior and Lord, but its a fact believers must face. Not all our loved ones will make it to heaven. Paul was warning others there is no biblical sense in making something up just to comfort yourself with a lie.



"Paul's point was simple. The resurrection is a reality. It is going to happen when Jesus returns. Even the pagans believe in the resurrection; otherwise, why would they baptize for the dead?"

----https://carm.org/baptism-for-the-dead-in-1-corinthians-15-29

Answer 3

There are some LDS apologist websites that you can find, like fairmormon, I think. They will explain away some of the criticisms made against the LDS church.



Personally, I do not believe that any of the grievances leveled against Mormonism or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are capable of withstanding honest investigation. My own experience with them has given me that confidence.



However, seeking to base a belief in the LDS religion on empirical evidences is a dangerous route. You have to be willing to judge God's truth by the standard that God has established -- not by the standards invented by man. Science and history are great and useful, but ultimately inadequate. God instructs that His truths are to be uncovered by faith and prayer, and He grants revelation to an honest, open, and humble heart. 99% of anti-LDS critics do not have such a heart, nor do they seek truth through the channels that the Lord has set.

Answer 4

Yes, the New Testament clearly states that Peter had the sealing powers that what he sealed on earth would be sealed in heaven and what he loosed on earth would be loosed in heaven. Paul comments on baptism for the dead as if it was a common occurrence. The Bible is full of references to Jesus and the Father being two separate and distinct beings. The one I like best is when Jesus tells Mary to go to the brethren and tell them that He, Jesus, would ascend to His Father and their Father, to His God and their God. This shows that God is the Father of us all and God of us all and that He is separate and above Jesus. Jesus taught that the apostles were chosen by Him and ordained by Him to do His work. We all must be called by God and ordained by those who have that authority. All within the doctrines of the Church are scripturally founded.

Answer 5

There's plenty of proof.........that it's a bunch of superstitious nonsense dreamed up by a scam artist purely for personal gain.

Answer 6

There's as much proof for Mormons as there is for the magical carpenter and his twelve buddies.

Answer 7

I don't know but I'm sure there is one?