Are the Mormons Christians??

In light of recent comments on the political front I felt the need to re-publish two of my early blog's concerning one of the most widely accepted cults world-wide. The first part lays out a definition of a cult. the second deals specifically with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.


INTRODUCTION
In my life I have had the opportunity to deal directly with three of the major cults active in the United States. The fourth dealt with in this presentation represents some of the heritage of my family. In this presentation I hope to expose these groups for what they truly are. The majority of well meaning, but ignorant, Christians accept these groups as equals. Looking at them as just other denominations, other groups of true Christians. Part of the reason for this misunderstanding is the fact that these groups use the Bible, primarily the King James Version, as one of their primary texts.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (The Mormons) were given an opportunity to teach me concerning their beliefs. Two well meaning young men stopped by my home one Saturday afternoon. I introduced myself, and the fact that I was a Pastor serving a local church, and offered to sit down with them and discuss things. Even in light of my identity the two young men agreed and we began meeting every Tuesday for a time of study and prayer. Over the next few weeks I was taught by four different Mormon Elders, their term for their door to door missionaries. From the outset it was agreed that chances were slim that I would be converted to Mormonism, and they were also slim that the young men would be converted away from Mormonism. In the process I learned a great deal about the young missionaries and their devotion, and I learned a great deal about the Mormon Church.

I had a similar opportunity with the Seventh day Adventist Church. I was serving a young Independent Christian Church that met for three and one half years in the Seventh Day Adventist Church building in our community. In the one and a half years I served the church I developed a close friendship with their pastor. At one point I became his test subject or guinea pig. He had been trained to present a thirteen week study in Seventh Day Adventist doctrine, but before he could train his congregation he was required to actually conduct the study with a person not connected with the Seventh Day Adventist church. Here again I learned a great deal about their heritage and doctrine.

My encounters with the Church of Christ Scientists (AKA. Christian Science) hits a little closer to home. My mother dabbled in Christian Science for decades. She would attend their lectures, read their materials, and try to apply their teachings. At one point she balanced the teachings of Kenneth Hagin, a “name it claim it health wealth doctrine” charismatic evangelist, and those of Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science. My mother was faithful to Christian Science almost to the end. She was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer that had spread to her brain and liver. She had not sought medical treatment until the cancer was beyond repair. However after being diagnosed by a physician, and being treated in a hospital, a Christian Science Practitioner, their term for a minister, refused to counsel her further.

The fourth group, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have not impacted my life as personally as the other three. My paternal Grandmother at one time in her life practiced this religion. Some of my relatives on that side still practice it.

DEFINING A CULT
Dr. Charles Braden defines a cult as, “…any religious group which differs significantly in one or more respects as to the belief or practice from those religious groups which are regarded as the normative expressions of religion in our total culture.”[1] John H. Gerstner of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary uses the term “sect” rather than “cult”. He is quoted as saying, “Evangelicals generally use Sect when referring to those denominations which do not hold to fundamental biblical principals – especially the deity of Christ and His atonement”[2]
For a Biblical perspective lets consider Galatians 1:6 to 10. These verses read, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”(NKJV). The basic question before us is simple. Is what the group teaches in conformity to orthodox Christian doctrine as revealed to us in the Scriptures.

In this presentation we are going to do a brief comparison of basic Christian doctrine and the beliefs and doctrines of these three major groups. We will especially concentrate on the following areas:
1. Scripture - how do these groups view the Bible as well as other documents they may hold as inspired.
2. The Trinity - how do they define the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as compared to orthodox Christianity.
3. Salvation - is there a thing called sin, and how is it atoned for.
4. The Sacraments of Baptism and Communion.
We will conclude with a list of principles to keep in mind when reaching out to these groups, as well as any other denomination of religious group. Much of the material used has been gleaned from the official and authorized materials published by each of these respective groups. When necessary the information has been supplemented with conservative, evangelical responses taken from such works as The Kingdom of the Cults by Dr. Walter Martin and Larson’s New Book of Cults by Bob Larson.

BASIC CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIANITY
Before we look at these cults we need to lay out a foundation of some of the basic beliefs that are held as the truth which cannot be altered or changed. First, the Bible is the inspired word of God. II Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”(NKJV). II Peter 1:21 adds, “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”(NKJV). Some thirty-nine human authors were given the word by the process of revelation. God, through, the Holy Spirit, used the vocabulary, style, and even dialect of these authors to deliver His word. In addition, there are sections of Scripture that were given primarily by dictation with God instructing the authors to “Write these words”. In its original form, in its original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) the Bible is without error in any form

Second, conservative Christianity teaches there is one God, but that He is a trinity of three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As a part of the commission of His Church, God gave the following instruction, “"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). Chafer and Walvoord write, “While the doctrine of the Trinity is a central fact of the Christian faith, it is also beyond human comprehension and has no parallel in human experience. It is best defined as holding that, while God is one, He exists as three persons. These persons are equal have the same attributes, and are equally worthy of adoration, worship, and faith.”[3]

Third, conservative Christianity teaches that man is a sinner in need of salvation. Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”(NKJV). Romans 6:23 adds, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”(NKJV). Ephesians 2:8 and 9 tell us how to collect this gift, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”(NKJV).

Finally, conservative Christianity recognizes two ordinances of the church. The first is baptism, as stated in Acts 2:38, “…Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(NKJV). The second is communion or the Lord’s supper, “For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.”(I Corinthians 11:26 NKJV).

[1] Martin, Walter, The Kingdom of the Cults, (Minneapolis, MN., Bethany House Publishers, 1997) p. 17
[2] Gerstner, John H., The Teachings Of Mormonism, (Grand Rapids, MI., Baker Book House, 1960) p. 5, Dr. Gerstner includes this same definition in each of his series of booklets on the major sects.
[3] Chafer, Lewis Sperry and Walvvord, John F., Major Bible Themes, (Grand Rapids, MI., Zondervan Publishing House, 1974) p. 40

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS
Mormonism is perhaps the most native of all American religious groups, in its early history and development it was chased out of Ohio, Mississippi, and Illinois. The faithful settled in what at the time was Mexican territory, but which later became part of the American west. It all began in Sharon, Vermont, the birthplace of Joseph Smith. There he was born to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith. He was a prophet in his own right, having had visions that were very similar to the later ones alleged by his son. Joseph Smith’s mother would have been seen as a “psychic” today. His maternal grandfather, Solomon Mack displayed a great knack for the occult. One biographer, Fawn Brodie, summed up Joseph Smith JR’s youth with this description, “a likable, ne’er-do-well who was notorious for tall tales and necromantic arts and who spent his leisure leading a band of idlers in digging for buried treasure.”[1] In 1820 Smith had his first vision. In 1823 Smith “met” the angel Moroni who was reportedly a resurrected saint who had died in AD 400. Moroni introduced him to a set of gold plates that contained the text of the Book of Mormon. In 1830 this new revelation was published in Palmyra, Illinois. Later that year the church was founded. In 1844 Smith was martyred by a lawless militia near Nauvoo, Illinois. In 1847 Brigham Young lead the Saints to Utah which was not a part of the United States at the time. Young offered a knowledge of business in place of Smith’s visions.
The most notable characteristic of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (AKA. Mormons) is their door to door evangelistic efforts.. Most have encountered Mormon missionaries or elders, and can spot them very readily. The typical missionaries are males, traveling in pairs, they are 19 to 21 years of age, and they serve for a period of 18 months to two years. Their normal attire is black pants and white shirts. Some things not so readily known is that they are volunteers, it is not compulsory that a Mormon young person serve in this capacity. They are unpaid, and have had to raise their own support for the work. They are given some training before being sent out. A training period of three weeks is given, with nine weeks being allowed if a foreign language must be learned.. They are taught to present a set presentation of their beliefs concerning Jesus Christ and His Atonement for all people.. There are approximately 60,000 missionaries at work at any one time, and this work may include evangelism as well as community service.[2]

PLEASE NOTE - You may want to review my previous article which outlines very briefly the tenets of conservative Christianity.

The Mormons and the Scriptures
When one of these young men come into a home they will be carrying a book which they revere as much as we do the Bible. In a single bound volume they have the King James Version of the Holy Bible.[3] In addition to the Bible are the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. All of these additional works are considered divine and authoritative.
Concerning the Book of Mormon Joseph Smith is quoted as saying, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God… we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”.[4] The Book of Mormon was allegedly given to Joseph Smith by the Angel Moroni who had compiled it in 421 AD It is a sacred record of the peoples of ancient America written on metal plates and supernaturally translated by Smith. The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations. These were received through Joseph Smith Jr. beginning in 1829 when he was fourteen years old. It was subsequently added to by later Presidents and Prophets of the Mormon Church. The Pearl of Great Price is a collection of writings by Joseph Smith. It was first published in 1851, and later accepted by the church in 1880. Included in it are the Book of Moses, Book of Abraham, Book of Matthew, Book of History, and the Articles of Faith.[5]

The Mormons and The Trinity
When answering the question “Who is God?” the Mormons offer a mix of descriptions and definitions. Some of their definitions sound true and legitimate, but others sound extremely far fetched. The Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 offers this description, “God the Father is a glorified and perfected man, a personage of flesh and bone.”. Another definition offered by Joseph Smith says, “God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!…God himself, the Father of us all, dwelt on an earth, the same s Jesus Christ himself did.” (Teachings, p. 345).[6] We to can become a god. Christ became God, “By obedience and devotion to truth he attained that pinnacle of intelligence which ranked his as a God…As such he became, under the Father, the Creator of this earth and of worlds without number.”[7]
The Spirit of the Lord has three distinct meanings in Mormonism. First it is referencing the spirit body of Christ our Lord, the body he inhabited from his birth as the First born of the Father until he was born of Mary in mortality. It also means the Spirit of Jesus Christ, or light of truth, the Spirit which is impersonal and fills immensity of space; the agency by emas of which God governs and controls in all things. Finally the Spirit entity of personage who is a member of the God head.[8] The Prophet Joseph Smith did not accept the Spirit as a part of the Godhead. In Lectures on Faith he writes, There are two personages who constitute the great, matchless, governing, and supreme power over all things, by whom all things were created and made…They are the Father and the Son.”[9]

The Mormons and Salvation
One of the most notable teachings in Mormonism is the fact that anyone may attain a position of Godhood. God hood is defined as, “…to have the character, possess the attributes, and enjoy the perfection which the Father has. It is to do what he does, have the power resident in him, and live as he lives, having eternal increase.”(Doctrine and Covenants 132:17-20, 37)[10] Eternal life is described as, “To inherit the same power, the same glory, and the same exhaltation, until you arrive at the station of a god, and ascend the throne of eternal power, the same as those who have gone before..”(Teaching, p. 345)[11]
The Mormons also teach a salvation for the dead. This is a system where those who would have accepted the gospel in life, had they been permitted to hear it, will have a chance to accept it in the spirit world. This involves a baptism for the dead where a living subject acts as a proxy fulfilling the ordinance of baptism. A Mormon may be baptized numerous times for numerous people. One of the young elders I dealt with had already been baptized over 20 times.

The Mormons and the Ordinances
The Mormons believe in two types of baptism. Water baptism, by immersion, by the power of the Aaronic Priesthood and Baptism of the Spirit by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Baptism serves four purposes in Mormon doctrine. Baptism is for the remission of sin, membership in the church and the kingdom, it is the gate to the celestial kingdom, and finally, the door to personal sanctification. [12] Communion or the Lord’s supper is not considered a sacrament, but simply a rite or ceremony of the church.

MY CONCLUSION
Comparing the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to the basic beliefs of conservative Christianity it becomes apparent they are a cult. They deny the divinity of the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They also add to the Scriptures.

[1] Gerstner, p. 8
[2] This information has been taken from the official web site of the Mormon church.
[3] Some have contended that the Mormons adapted or changed the KJV, but I found no evidence of this.
[4] Articles of Faith, Article 8
[5] This information has been taken from the official website of the Mormon church
[6] McConkie, Bruce R., Mormon Doctrine, (Salt Lake City, UT., Publishers Press, 1966), p. 321
[7] Ibid. p 129
[8] Ibid. P.752
[9] Ibid. p. 319
[10] Ibid. p.321
[11] Ibid. p. 321
[12] Ibid. p. 70