Who are the Latter-day Who are the Latter-day Saints?Saints?

-Investigating MormonismInvestigating Mormonism

Basic Introduction to MormonsBasic Introduction to Mormons

The official name is “The Church of Jesus The official name is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”Christ of Latter-day Saints.”This group believes that it is the only true This group believes that it is the only true church in the world today.church in the world today.Belief in a “restored gospel message.”Belief in a “restored gospel message.”

Church statistics (2007)Church statistics (2007) Total membership - 13,193,999 (+2.47%)Total membership - 13,193,999 (+2.47%) Children increase - 93,698Children increase - 93,698 Converts baptized - 279,218 (+2.3%)Converts baptized - 279,218 (+2.3%) Full-time missionaries - 52,686 (-0.9%)Full-time missionaries - 52,686 (-0.9%) Temples in operation - 124Temples in operation - 124

Source: www.lds.org (General Conference Source: www.lds.org (General Conference Reports).Reports).

LDS scripturesLDS scriptures

Book of Mormon.Book of Mormon.Doctrine and Covenants.Doctrine and Covenants.Pearl of Great Price.Pearl of Great Price.The Holy Bible (King James Version).The Holy Bible (King James Version). The belief is that precious parts of the The belief is that precious parts of the

Bible have been removed.Bible have been removed. Disclaimer: The Bible is the Word of God Disclaimer: The Bible is the Word of God

as far as it has been translated correctly.as far as it has been translated correctly.

Scriptural authorityScriptural authority

The Mormon scriptures serve as the The Mormon scriptures serve as the authority where they and the Bible disagree.authority where they and the Bible disagree.‘‘Community of Christ’ uses JST of Bible.Community of Christ’ uses JST of Bible.Contrary to the Bible, they teach for Contrary to the Bible, they teach for example:example: God told Abraham to lie about Sarah being his God told Abraham to lie about Sarah being his

sister.sister. Adam and Eve disobeyed commandments to Adam and Eve disobeyed commandments to

become mortal (Alma 12:31; Plan of Salvation).become mortal (Alma 12:31; Plan of Salvation). The Fall was a fall upward, not downward.The Fall was a fall upward, not downward.

The Prophet vs. the written The Prophet vs. the written Word?Word?

““We are differently situated from any other We are differently situated from any other people that ever existed upon the earth; people that ever existed upon the earth; consequently those former revelations consequently those former revelations cannot be suited to our conditions …”cannot be suited to our conditions …”

The Prophet vs. the written The Prophet vs. the written Word …Word …

At a meeting in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith said, At a meeting in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith said, “Brother Brigham, I want you to take the stand and tell “Brother Brigham, I want you to take the stand and tell us your views with regard to the [living] oracles and us your views with regard to the [living] oracles and the written word of God.”the written word of God.”

Brigham Young said, “When compared with the living Brigham Young said, “When compared with the living oracles those books [the previous revelations] are oracles those books [the previous revelations] are nothing to me; those books do not convey the word of nothing to me; those books do not convey the word of God direct to us now, as do the words of a Prophet or God direct to us now, as do the words of a Prophet or a man bearing the Holy Priesthood in our day and a man bearing the Holy Priesthood in our day and generation. I would rather have the living oracles than generation. I would rather have the living oracles than all the writings in the books.”all the writings in the books.”

The Prophet vs. the written The Prophet vs. the written Word … Word …

Joseph Smith said to the congregation, Joseph Smith said to the congregation, “Brother Brigham has told you the word of “Brother Brigham has told you the word of the Lord, and he has told you the truth” the Lord, and he has told you the truth” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church - (Teachings of Presidents of the Church - Joseph Smith, 2008, pp. 198-199).Joseph Smith, 2008, pp. 198-199).

Are you not concerned Are you not concerned by this?by this?

Is the Bible relevant to you today?Is the Bible relevant to you today? Does a present day teacher Does a present day teacher

override an Old or New Testament override an Old or New Testament prophet?prophet?

Some key LDS Church eventsSome key LDS Church events

1823 – angel Moroni appears to Joseph Smith.1823 – angel Moroni appears to Joseph Smith.1827 – Joseph obtains the golden plates and begins 1827 – Joseph obtains the golden plates and begins the translation from reformed Egyptian into English.the translation from reformed Egyptian into English.1830 – The Book of Mormon is printed.1830 – The Book of Mormon is printed.April 6, 1830 – the church is organized (D&C 21:3).April 6, 1830 – the church is organized (D&C 21:3).April 26, 1838 – the church is named (D&C 115:4).April 26, 1838 – the church is named (D&C 115:4).

How was the Book of Mormon How was the Book of Mormon translated?translated?

It is said to be translated by the gift and power of It is said to be translated by the gift and power of God.God.Gold plates on a study table vs. looking into the Gold plates on a study table vs. looking into the bottom of a black hat?bottom of a black hat?… … or a stolen text originally authored by or a stolen text originally authored by Solomon Spaulding?Solomon Spaulding?

How it began -How it began -once upon a time …once upon a time …

The place …The place … Manchester, New York (early 1820).Manchester, New York (early 1820).A spiritual revival …A spiritual revival … Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists.Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists.The boy …The boy … 15 year-old Joseph Smith.15 year-old Joseph Smith.The environment …The environment … Doctrinal confusion.Doctrinal confusion.The mission …The mission … Bring mankind back to God.Bring mankind back to God.

Attempting to bring mankind Attempting to bring mankind back to God …back to God …

Joseph Smith:Joseph Smith: What is to be done?What is to be done? Which of the denominations is right?Which of the denominations is right? Are they all wrong together?Are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, If any one of them be right, which is it,

and how shall I know it?and how shall I know it? ““If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God

… and it shall be given him… and it shall be given him”” (James 1:5).(James 1:5).

The 1820 Vision … seeking The 1820 Vision … seeking GodGod

1820 – early spring day. Sacred Grove, New 1820 – early spring day. Sacred Grove, New York.York. Joseph was said to have a vision of Heavenly Joseph was said to have a vision of Heavenly

Father and Jesus.Father and Jesus. He was told that all the churches were wrong and He was told that all the churches were wrong and

that all professors of religion were corrupt.that all professors of religion were corrupt.1823 – angel Moroni visits Joseph in his 1823 – angel Moroni visits Joseph in his bedroom.bedroom. Informed him of gold plates buried in the hill Informed him of gold plates buried in the hill

Cumorah. History of ancient American inhabitants.Cumorah. History of ancient American inhabitants. Compare Moroni’s words with the prophet Malachi Compare Moroni’s words with the prophet Malachi

(JSH 1:37-38 vs. Malachi 4:5-6).(JSH 1:37-38 vs. Malachi 4:5-6).

Analyzing the 1820 accountAnalyzing the 1820 account

““The teachers of religion … The teachers of religion … understood the same passages of understood the same passages of scriptures so differently as to destroy scriptures so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible” (JSH 1:12).by an appeal to the Bible” (JSH 1:12).

Have you allowed someone or something to Have you allowed someone or something to destroy your confidence in the Bible?destroy your confidence in the Bible?

Analyzing the 1820 account …Analyzing the 1820 account …

““I asked the Personages who stood I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that had never entered into my heart that all were wrong) – and which I should all were wrong) – and which I should join” (JSH 1:18).join” (JSH 1:18).Recall that young Joseph had these thoughts before he went into the woods.

Does only one denomination represent the true church?

Analyzing the 1820 account …Analyzing the 1820 account …

““I was answered that I must join I was answered that I must join none of them … they were all wrong none of them … they were all wrong … all their creeds were an … all their creeds were an abomination in his sight” (JSH 1:19).abomination in his sight” (JSH 1:19).

Was the devil able to prevail against Christ’s church?

What happened to Christ’s Church?What happened to Christ’s Church?

LDS beliefs (2 main thoughts):LDS beliefs (2 main thoughts): True church (and gospel) are True church (and gospel) are

periodically removed from the earth periodically removed from the earth (Gospel Principles, p. 98).(Gospel Principles, p. 98).

True church was destroyed when wrong True church was destroyed when wrong doctrine totally infected her (Gospel doctrine totally infected her (Gospel Principles, p. 105). This period is called Principles, p. 105). This period is called the “Great Apostasy.”the “Great Apostasy.”

The man behind the The man behind the missionmission

Glimpses of Joseph …Glimpses of Joseph …

Glimpses of Joseph …Glimpses of Joseph …

Retrieving the plates from Retrieving the plates from MoroniMoroni

1827 – After receiving the plates, he 1827 – After receiving the plates, he began to translate the reformed Egyptian began to translate the reformed Egyptian hieroglyphics into what is known today as hieroglyphics into what is known today as the Book of Mormon.the Book of Mormon.1829 – The translation is finished. 1829 – The translation is finished. ““These plates have been revealed [and These plates have been revealed [and

translated] by the power of God. The translated] by the power of God. The translation of them which you have seen is translation of them which you have seen is correct …” – History of the Church 1:55.correct …” – History of the Church 1:55.

Mormon TemplesMormon Temples

Salt Lake City, UtahSalt Lake City, Utah

Manila, PhilippinesManila, Philippines

Hong Kong, ChinaHong Kong, China

Seoul, KoreaSeoul, Korea

Taipei, TaiwanTaipei, Taiwan

Toronto (‘Brampton’), OntarioToronto (‘Brampton’), Ontario

What’s common to the What’s common to the Temples?Temples?

Did you see it?

The angel Moroni …The angel Moroni …

What happens in the Temple?What happens in the Temple?

The Temple Endowment.The Temple Endowment.Celestial Marriage for the living.Celestial Marriage for the living.Proxy sealings for the dead.Proxy sealings for the dead.Baptisms for the dead.Baptisms for the dead.Secret handshakes and code words Secret handshakes and code words (similar to Freemasonry).(similar to Freemasonry).

Baptismal Font Baptismal Font

Who can enter a Temple?Who can enter a Temple?

Only someone with a valid temple recommend (or Only someone with a valid temple recommend (or pass).pass).You must pass an interview:You must pass an interview: Do you have a firm testimony of the restored Do you have a firm testimony of the restored

gospel?gospel? Are you a full-tithe payer?Are you a full-tithe payer? Do you keep the Word of Wisdom \ Law of Chastity?Do you keep the Word of Wisdom \ Law of Chastity? Do you strive to keep the covenants you have Do you strive to keep the covenants you have

made, to attend your sacrament and priesthood made, to attend your sacrament and priesthood meetings, and to keep your life in harmony with the meetings, and to keep your life in harmony with the laws and commandments of the gospel?laws and commandments of the gospel?

Mormon DoctrinesMormon Doctrines- are they compatible with the - are they compatible with the

Bible?Bible?

A pre-earth lifeA pre-earth life ““All men and women are... literally the sons All men and women are... literally the sons

and daughters of Deity.... Man, as a spirit, and daughters of Deity.... Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal [physical] body” (Joseph F. in a temporal [physical] body” (Joseph F. Smith, The Origin of Man, Improvement Era, Smith, The Origin of Man, Improvement Era, Nov. 1909, pp. 78, 80).Nov. 1909, pp. 78, 80).

Abraham 3:18 (Pearl of Great Price) says man is an eternal, Abraham 3:18 (Pearl of Great Price) says man is an eternal, uncreated spirit (intelligence/soul).uncreated spirit (intelligence/soul).

2008 Presidential candidate Mitt 2008 Presidential candidate Mitt RomneyRomney

““I believe Jesus Christ I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is the Son of God and the Saviour of the the Saviour of the world.” world.”

Sound familiar?Sound familiar?

Let’s hear the rest of the Let’s hear the rest of the story…story…

Jesus and Lucifer are spirit Jesus and Lucifer are spirit brothersbrothers

Jesus Christ is the spirit-brother of Lucifer Jesus Christ is the spirit-brother of Lucifer and the first born son of Heavenly Mother and the first born son of Heavenly Mother and Fatherand Father.. ““The first spirit born to our heavenly parents was The first spirit born to our heavenly parents was

Jesus Christ, so he is literally our elder brother” Jesus Christ, so he is literally our elder brother” (Gospel Principles, p. 11).(Gospel Principles, p. 11).

““We needed a Savior to pay for our sins. Two of our We needed a Savior to pay for our sins. Two of our brothers offered to help” (pp. 17-18).brothers offered to help” (pp. 17-18).

A plurality of GodsA plurality of Gods

There is more than one GodThere is more than one God..Father + Son + Holy Ghost + Heavenly Mother = 4 Father + Son + Holy Ghost + Heavenly Mother = 4

Gods (and that is just planet Earth).Gods (and that is just planet Earth). Bible teaches one God only (Isaiah 44:6-8, Bible teaches one God only (Isaiah 44:6-8,

45:5-6,18,21-22). 45:5-6,18,21-22). Book of Mormon also teaches one God (Alma Book of Mormon also teaches one God (Alma

11:26-29). 11:26-29). ““Is there more than one God?”Is there more than one God?”““No.”No.”

God’s bodyGod’s body

God the Father has a body of flesh and God the Father has a body of flesh and bonesbones.. ““The Father has a body of flesh and bones as The Father has a body of flesh and bones as

tangible as man's” (Doctrine and Covenants tangible as man's” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22).130:22).

God is spirit.God is spirit. John 4:24; Luke 24:39; Jeremiah 23:24.John 4:24; Luke 24:39; Jeremiah 23:24.

The evolution of GodThe evolution of God

God the Father was once a man who God the Father was once a man who became a God.became a God. ““It will be a great work to learn our salvation and It will be a great work to learn our salvation and

exaltation even beyond the grave. This is the way our exaltation even beyond the grave. This is the way our Heavenly Father became God” (Gospel Principles, p. Heavenly Father became God” (Gospel Principles, p. 305).305).

““We have imagined that God was God from all We have imagined that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea” (Teachings of the eternity. I will refute that idea” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 1938, p.358). The 2008 edition Prophet Joseph Smith, 1938, p.358). The 2008 edition omits this.omits this.

The Bible teaches that God is eternal.The Bible teaches that God is eternal. ““Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to

everlasting” (Ps. 41:13; 90:2).everlasting” (Ps. 41:13; 90:2).

Be all you can be … a GodBe all you can be … a God

We can become Gods, rule over our own We can become Gods, rule over our own created planets, and be worshipped.created planets, and be worshipped. ““Each one of you has it within the realm of his Each one of you has it within the realm of his

possibility to develop a kingdom over which you will possibility to develop a kingdom over which you will preside as its king and god” (Religion 430-431 - preside as its king and god” (Religion 430-431 - Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual, p. 29).Doctrines of the Gospel Student Manual, p. 29).

““Mortality is the testing or proving ground for Mortality is the testing or proving ground for exaltation to find out who among the children of God exaltation to find out who among the children of God are worthy to become Gods” (Doctrines of Salvation, are worthy to become Gods” (Doctrines of Salvation, Joseph Fielding Smith, Volume 1, p. 69).Joseph Fielding Smith, Volume 1, p. 69).

The Bible teaches:The Bible teaches: ““Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be

after me” (Isaiah 43:10). after me” (Isaiah 43:10).

The TrinityThe Trinity

The Trinity is not 1 God, but 3 Gods.The Trinity is not 1 God, but 3 Gods. "They [Father, Son, and Holy Ghost] constitute "They [Father, Son, and Holy Ghost] constitute

three distinct personages and three Gods" three distinct personages and three Gods" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 1938, (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 1938, p. 370).p. 370).

The Bible teaches:The Bible teaches: ““The Lord our God is one Lord” (Mark 12:29).The Lord our God is one Lord” (Mark 12:29).

The Book of Mormon teaches:The Book of Mormon teaches: ““Christ the Son, God the Father, and the Holy Ghost is Christ the Son, God the Father, and the Holy Ghost is

one Eternal God” (Alma 11:44).one Eternal God” (Alma 11:44).

The PriesthoodThe Priesthood

Men hold the priesthood, women do notMen hold the priesthood, women do not.. Both Melchizedek and Aaronic.Both Melchizedek and Aaronic. (Gospel Principles, Chapter 13).(Gospel Principles, Chapter 13).

The Bible teaches:The Bible teaches: Men and women belong to the royal Men and women belong to the royal

priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9).priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9).

SalvationSalvation

Six definitions according to Ensign, May Six definitions according to Ensign, May 1998 article. We’ll focus on these three:1998 article. We’ll focus on these three: (a) resurrection.(a) resurrection. (b) eternal life.(b) eternal life. (c) escape from hell to inherit some (c) escape from hell to inherit some

kingdom of glory.kingdom of glory.

Eternal LifeEternal Life

Eternal life is living life as a God.Eternal life is living life as a God. ““Exaltation is eternal life, the kind of life God Exaltation is eternal life, the kind of life God

lives. He lives in great glory. He is perfect. He lives. He lives in great glory. He is perfect. He is a creator. We can become like our Heavenly is a creator. We can become like our Heavenly Father. This is exaltation” (Gospel Principles, p. Father. This is exaltation” (Gospel Principles, p. 302).302).

How is a Mormon saved?How is a Mormon saved?

““For we labor diligently to write, to For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can doafter all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23).” (2 Nephi 25:23). In this sense, “saved” means to become a In this sense, “saved” means to become a

God … you must earn it.God … you must earn it.

Celestial GloryCelestial Glory

Paradise of the Gods (Doctrine and Paradise of the Gods (Doctrine and Covenants 76:51-70.Covenants 76:51-70. Celestial Kingdom has 3 subdivisions. The Celestial Kingdom has 3 subdivisions. The

highest is for the married Gods (D&C 131:1-3).highest is for the married Gods (D&C 131:1-3). Not much said about 2 lesser subdivisions Not much said about 2 lesser subdivisions

except that the inhabitants could be in eternal except that the inhabitants could be in eternal service to the Gods as ministering servants service to the Gods as ministering servants (D&C 132:16).(D&C 132:16).

Equal in power, might, and in dominion as Equal in power, might, and in dominion as Heavenly Father (D&C 76:95).Heavenly Father (D&C 76:95).

Terrestrial GloryTerrestrial Glory

Those who died without lawThose who died without law.. Honorable men of the earth who were Honorable men of the earth who were

blinded by the craftiness of men (D&C blinded by the craftiness of men (D&C 76:72-80).76:72-80).

Telestial GloryTelestial Glory

Liars, sorcerers, and adulterersLiars, sorcerers, and adulterers Jesus has prepared mansions for them (D&C Jesus has prepared mansions for them (D&C

76:111).76:111).

The Bible has them in the lake of fire.The Bible has them in the lake of fire.

Joy or eternal misery?Joy or eternal misery? Joseph Smith’s parable of the wheat and the Joseph Smith’s parable of the wheat and the

tarestares: : “Therefore, I must gather together “Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory … while the tares shall be bound in glory … while the tares shall be bound in bundles … that they may be burned with bundles … that they may be burned with unquenchable fire” (D&C 101:65-66; see unquenchable fire” (D&C 101:65-66; see also Book of Mormon – 2 Nephi 2:27-29).also Book of Mormon – 2 Nephi 2:27-29).

Original SinOriginal Sin

Humans that are born on earth are gods-Humans that are born on earth are gods-in-embryo.in-embryo. "We are gods in embryo, and thus have an "We are gods in embryo, and thus have an

unlimited potential for progress and unlimited potential for progress and attainment" (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, attainment" (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, pp. 21, 584).pp. 21, 584).

OmnipresenceOmnipresence

God is not omnipresent.God is not omnipresent. ““The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. He is The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. He is

a spirit that has the form and likeness of a man. He a spirit that has the form and likeness of a man. He can be in only one place at a time” (Gospel can be in only one place at a time” (Gospel Principles, p. 37). The Mormon Heavenly Father also Principles, p. 37). The Mormon Heavenly Father also has this limitation with his body of flesh and bones.has this limitation with his body of flesh and bones.

The New JerusalemThe New Jerusalem

Latter-day Saints will build the New Latter-day Saints will build the New Jerusalem prior to Christ’s Second Jerusalem prior to Christ’s Second Coming.Coming. Jackson County, Missouri in the United States is the Jackson County, Missouri in the United States is the

place for the city and temple (D&C 57:1-4).place for the city and temple (D&C 57:1-4). A place of peace and refuge for the saints before A place of peace and refuge for the saints before

calamity and destruction befall the earth (D&C calamity and destruction befall the earth (D&C 45:42, 66-69; 124:10).45:42, 66-69; 124:10).

The Bible teaches: New Jerusalem comes The Bible teaches: New Jerusalem comes from heaven.from heaven.

What should we do?What should we do?

Pray. Remember that this is a spiritual war.Pray. Remember that this is a spiritual war.

Become knowledgeable.Become knowledgeable.

Seek out the lost.Seek out the lost.

Examine the fruits of the spirit. ‘False doctrine’ Examine the fruits of the spirit. ‘False doctrine’ is the easiest ‘false’ fruit to spot.is the easiest ‘false’ fruit to spot.

Trust in Jesus as the “Eternal God,” not in a Trust in Jesus as the “Eternal God,” not in a procreated spirit child.procreated spirit child.

Don’t believe every ‘angel’ you meet.Don’t believe every ‘angel’ you meet.

ReferencesReferences www.ldslearning.orgwww.ldslearning.org

((free PDF books and scriptural commentariesfree PDF books and scriptural commentaries).). www.lds.orgwww.lds.org scriptures.lds.orgscriptures.lds.org www.mormon.orgwww.mormon.org www.ldsces.orgwww.ldsces.org

((Mormon Church’s educational systemMormon Church’s educational system).). www.ldscatalog.comwww.ldscatalog.com

((to order LDS training manualsto order LDS training manuals).).