Mormonism:
Christian or Cult?
Two days ago, this editor received a handsome little card from two high-school-aged
boys in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Stopping their bicycles, the necktie-clad
boys politely asked, "Sir, may I offer you a free video about having a
more loving family?" Curious, I agreed and was handed a portrait-sized
photo of a smiling clan of four. On the reverse side, the card invited
me to call a toll-free number to receive "a free family video...filled
with ideas to strengthen your family." In response, I thanked them and
invited them to this Web page to review this analysis of their church:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS), or Mormons.
According to Michael J. Davis, Professor of Medical Physiology at
Texas A&M University and a former Mormon, "The LDS church has recently
exerted great effort to portray itself as a Christian denomination,"
a departure from past positioning. Part of the success of this campaign
shows in its wide reputation as a family-oriented, highly moral organization.
However, as Davis and many others who appeal to orthodox/biblical Christianity,
this "Church of Jesus Christ" believes a different gospel about an imposter
Jesus. Is Mormon doctrine, as it claims about itself, a more current
revelation of "the restored gospel" than the Bible? What account can
adherents give for the myriad claims of conflicting statements and teachings
among its sacred documents--especially the "standard works"? Is it a
cult and how does one distinguish between cults and biblical Christianity?
Aren't those who ask such questions, as Mormons say, unkind and out
of line?
Please peruse these resources--including testimonies of those who
rejected the Mormon Church and teachings--in our Special Focus and make
up your own mind.
—Byron Barlowe, Editor/Webmaster, Leadership University
Feature Articles:
Is Mormonism
Christian?
Professor Michael J. Davis
In this series of articles about Mormonism, a Christian professor explains
the faith from his perspective as an ex-Mormon. It compares and contrasts
essential Mormon and Christian doctrines.
Mormonism
World Religions Index
Do all religions point to the same truth? Do all religions lead to God?
Are there many paths to heaven? This site offers a comparison of major
world religions and religious philosophies. This link takes you to the
Mormonism section of a chart containing its major tenets.
Mormon Beliefs about the
Bible and Salvation
Russ Wise
Examines Mormon doctrine about the Bible, Mormon scriptures, and salvation.
Mormon Beliefs about Prophecy,
Heaven, and Celestial Marriage
Russ Wise
Demonstrates some ways in which Mormonism cannot be true because of
false prophecies. Also examines their beliefs about three levels of
heaven, and the concept of being married for eternity, even though scripture
contradicts these doctrines.
Is Mormonism Christian?
Richard John Neuhaus
That is not the only interesting question, but it is probably the most
important. Most non-Mormons have little occasion to think about Mormonism,
and those who do tend toward distinctly negative thoughts. Although
there is this curious thing of recent years that many conservative Christians
warmly welcome Mormons as allies in various cultural tasks.
Personal Stories:
My Testimony
Randy Koonce
The story of a man who came out of a Mormon background to faith in the
biblical Christ.
Saved While on a Mormon Mission
Christopher Nyman
The story of someone coming out of a Mormon background.
Related Articles:
Cults
Rich McGee
What is a cult, and how is it different from a religious group? This article
seeks to answer this and discuss what the cults believe and what it is
that motivates people to enter these groups.
Do All Paths Lead to the Same
Destination?
Keith E. Johnson
Do all religions point to the same truth? Do all religions lead to God?
Are there many paths to heaven? This site offers a comparison of major
world religions and religious philosophies.
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