The Mormons (Part III)

In the first two parts of this series we discussed Mormonism’s positive points including its belief in a strong family unit, impressive missionary activities, and an exemplary moral code. We discussed its founder, Joseph Smith, and the history of the Mormon faith. Today we will look at what clearly sets Mormonism apart from other traditional Christian denominations; its theology. Here we cannot escape controversy. Facts are facts and history is history.There is far too much material to detail in this short presentation, but I will highlight just a few of the areas that most Christians would consider the most problematic. I am not trying to stir up trouble or offend unnecessarily but any way you cut it Mormon theology is very controversial. It is cloaked in mystery and has always been, since its founding, the subject of debate among Christians.

Cult experts such as Walter Martin and Hank Hanagraaf (Kingdom of the Cults.) and other well-known authors and researchers label Mormonism as a cult, a Christian counterfeit. They are not considered a true Christian denomination.

First, Mormons deny original sin. They don’t believe that we suffer a fallen nature because of Adam’s sin. Original sin is a major foundation of orthodox Christian theology.

Although Mormons still young in the faith may not know if it or may not be willing to admit it, Brigham Young at one time taught what is known as the Adam-God theory. This theory states in Brigham Young’s words, that Adam is “our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do”.

Wikipedia states the doctrine this way “…Adam was once a mortal man who became resurrected and exalted. From another planet, Adam brought Eve, one of his wives, with him to the earth, where they became mortal by eating the fruit of the Garden of Eden. After bearing mortal children and establishing the human race, they returned to their heavenly thrones where Adam serves as the god of this world. Later, as Young is generally understood to have taught, Adam returned to the earth to become the literal father of Jesus.”

There is still controversy among leaders in the Mormon church about this theory, its meaning, and authenticity. There are, in fact, different versions of the theory. In any case it differs dramatically from orthodox teachings. Today the theory is not currently taught in the Church and has been denounced by Church leadership various times.

The Church also practices secret ceremonies, with roots in Masonry. It has secret handshakes, rituals for the dead, blood oaths, and other unorthodox practices. Both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young were Masons and apparently borrowed heavily from its ceremonies.

The Jesus of Mormonism is not the second person of the Trinity. Mormons do not believe in the Trinity. Hence, many deadly errors flow from this denial of THE foundational doctrine of the Christian faith. According to Mormon beliefs Jesus is not God, he is a pre-existent spirit, and spirit brother of the devil. Mormons hold that God (The Father) is the creator of all spirits including Jesus and Lucifer.

Mormons believe that the blood of Christ alone cannot cleanse some sins. In certain cases a person’s own blood must be shed to secure redemption. This is a clear denial of the blood atonement of Jesus Christ that is the only basis for mankind’s atonement.

I could go on a long time but think I have raised enough red flags for you to pursue if you are interested in knowing more. Again, I encourage you to do research on the Mormon faith. Don’t take my word alone for it. There is more documentation out there than you would ever need if you take the time to research it.

In closing, let me restate what I said at the beginning of this series. My purpose in writing about the Mormons is because Mitt Romney is running for President of the United States. He is a very high profile Mormon. What you believe about Mormonism is your choice, but I believe we all need to know what Mormons are all about. I hope I have helped.