Is Mormonism considered a Christian religion?

Several years ago I had two Mormon missionaries try to convert me, however, instead of just blindly leaping in, I decided to research it. I have checked varied sources, all of whom are highly credentialled, respected authorities on the subject. You may claim they are falsehoods, but these things are on public record, and have been under public scrutiny many times. The findings given by researchers, historians and archeologists all agree, and have been generally verified as true and correct fact. These are not falsehoods, nor are they made up.

Now I'm not here to argue theology. You have your beliefs and I have mine. The reason I am still a Christian and not a Mormon or Jehovah's Witness is because I have researched not only these two, but Christianity itself as well. Only Christianity has been able to stand up to scrutiny. Further to that, I have witnessed first-hand God's power moving in Christians: miracle healings, deliverance from addictions, deliverance from demons, prophecy and interpretations, and people doing things that in their own strength they would be completely incapable of doing. I have yet to see a single case of God's power moving upon a Mormon congregation in this manner. If you have a testimony, though, feel free to put it up.

My own first-hand proof, as well as the findings of my research, have led me to my beliefs. I challenge you, even if you do not agree with what I've written here, do your research. This is a list of information I discovered whilst researching Mormonism. Should you wish to correct or dispute the information given here, I would ask that you put up a full response, as I have done, outlining what information you are providing, and where the proof comes from.
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To any who are curious about Mormonism, or are feeling uncertain of their faith, I suggest the following resources:

www.carm.org/mormon.htm - the Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry. This is a very thorough website.

www.exmormon.org - an organisation for ex-mormons or those questioning their faith.

www.mrm.org/ - another organisation with research into mormon doctrine.

www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Cults/mormon.htm.

www.aomin.org/Mormonism.html

www.utlm.org/

www.contenderministries.org/mormonism.php

www.bible.ca/mormon.htm

[Edit] In all fairness to the LDS, I will include their websites as research material. However I respond to the comment that anti-mormon sites won't tell you anything, with pro-mormon sites are no better. Admittedly, both sides are biased.

www.lds.org is one of the main sites, as well as

www.mormon.org

The list goes on. There are also numerous audio-visual and literary works regarding Mormonism.
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These are the findings of my own research, which has taken in many different sources. If anybody has a criticism of them, I would respectfully ask that you demonstrate tangible evidence to the contrary.

Mormonism is based on the teachings of a man who was a philanderer, occultist and counterfeiter amongst other things. He was excommunicated from churches for herecy and witchcraft. He was arrested and jailed, and during a public protest tried to escape. In the ensuing fight, he murdered two men before he was shot dead by the law.

His teachings contradict those of the Bible, and yet he claims his doctrine is more authorative than the Bible. Mormonism teaches (among other things) that: God is an evolved man; Adam was God and Eve was one of his many godess wives; we can become gods. It denies the trinity, which is scripturally sound theology in the Bible. Words like 'Godhead' and verses such as John 1:1 and quotes from Jesus in his gospels verify this.

There is no evidence of Jews ever inhabiting the Americas. The American Indians, which Smith claimed to be the lost tribe of Israel, are actually of ancient Asian (specifically eastern / central / northeastern Asia) descent. Proof of this is in a hereditary birthmark known as the Mongoloid spot. This is a blue-grey spot on the tailbone. These Asians have it, the American Indians have it, but Semites (Jews) do not. This is scientific fact.
Further to this, none of the foods, crops or animals recorded in the book of Mormon are recognised to have come to the Americas until nearly 1500AD. This is supported by archeological research into the history of the American Indians.
Archeological evidence has also shown that the American Indians did not use Iron or glass until after Columbus' visit in 1492AD. All metallurgy before that was limited to South America and Mexico, and this was limited to Gold, Silver and Copper, but not Iron.
There is no evidence to support the battle in which supposedly half a million soldiers died. A battle that big would leave lots of bones, weapons and armour. Where is it all?
No person, place, nation or name from the book of Mormon has ever been found. No artifact, gold plate or document of any kind has ever been produced to verify the book of Mormon's authenticity. This is strange considering there are literally thousands of scrolls, potsherds and other documents evidencing the ancient origin of the bible.

Much of Mormon temple ritual is based on Freemasonry. Why? Christianity has nothing to do with Freemasonry. In fact, Freemasonry teaches a unitheistic worldview (all religions lead to God). This makes Christianity and Freemasonry mutually conflicting, because Jesus says that he is the ONLY way to salvation.
The truth is that Smith was a Freemason, who was excommunicated from them for teaching their secrets to his LDS eldership and claiming it to be 'divine inspiration'. It is believed by some historians that the riot outside the jail was orchestrated by the masons in an attempt to kill Smith for giving away their secrets. I seriously doubt that masonic rituals and beliefs were part of God's divine revelation for the world.

Mormonism teaches polytheism by declaring that God and Jesus are different beings. This violates the first four commandments of the Torah. It also teaches self-deification by declaring that we can become gods. Not only does this too violate the first four commandments, but it is untrue, and not biblically scriptural in any sense. We will be glorified when we are brought into the Kingdom of Heaven, but we will still be human. That's the long and short of it. That is how God created us. Not even God's original chosen people - the Israelites - dared make these claims. They stoned people who did.

Jesus did away with the earthly Aaronic priesthood at his crucifixion. That is why the temple veil was torn in two. God was giving his people direct access to the Holy of Holies through Jesus. The priesthood was no longer needed!

As for Melchizedek, since it is believed that he was a Theophany (Pre-incarnation appearance of Christ), then that is not a priesthood of man. It is a priesthood of God that no man has a right to lay claim to. In fact, the word used in Hebrewss 7:24 to describe Christ's ownership of the priesthood literally means "untransferrable", or "without successors". Look it up in the original Greek and you'll see it's true.

Therefore, all claims of Mormonism to both the priesthood of Melchizedek and Aaron are invalid!
I suggest you read Hebrews, and see what the Apostle Paul has to say about it.

The gold plates Smith claims to have found would have weighed an estimated 230 pounds, and yet he claimed to have run 3 miles with them while fighting off three robbers at the same time. Nobody

Smith made over 60 prophecies, and 58 of those have never come to pass. He made many prophecies of himself - often time dependent, and every one has been proven false.
Furthermore, the book of Mormon is filled with false prophecies. It is claimed that Smith is a descendant of Joseph (the son of Jacob), as well as making other claims about his ancestry. Genealogical searches have proven this to be completely untrue. His ancestry leads back to England. There is more to this issue as well, regarding the 'priesthoods', but I'll leave that for now.

Nearly all of Mormonism's founding companions have admitted that there were no gold tablets. There is also no such language as "Reformed Egyptian", which is what Smith claimed the tablets were written in. Besides, if they were written in the Americas by the Jews there, why weren't they in Jewish? Why do the American Indians speak a dialect that is in no way related to Hebrew, and why is their basic religion completely different from Christianity?

God gives revelation by speaking to us, either directly or indirectly. If he wanted Smith to translate the plates, why did Smith use spectacles with crystals for lenses? The use of crystals smacks of the occult and spiritualism, both of which Smith is historically renowned for. I should mention that God denounces these things as abominations in his sight, and by the law of Moses were sins punishable by death! Yet God supposedly used an occult practice to bring his Word - was God contradicting himself? I don't think so.

Why does the book of Mormon have over 27,000 words taken directly from the KJV of the bible? Smith didn't even bother to change the wording. This is blatant plagiarism.

If the book of Mormon was written in about 400AD, as claimed, why is it written in 17th century King James english?

Why does it have the word 'adieu' (Jacob 7:27)? Adieu is a French word, and the French language did not come about until around 700AD, yet Mormon authorities date this text as old as 544BC? French didn't exist then, and 'adieu' is not in any other language. Explain that.

Finally, and this is something to think about: Smith's writing on the book of Mormon revolved around Jews who had fled to the Americas. It is interesting to note that his sunday school teacher, Rev. Solomon Spaulding, wrote short fantasy stories about Jesus visiting the Americas after his resurrection. Copies of these stories are stored in museums around America, and have been compared to the book of Mormon, with striking resemblances being found.

In closing: Is the book of Mormon the inspired Word of God? Mormons say yes, but just remember that you can be sincere - sincerely wrong. The other alternative is that this book is a work of fiction, a con by a renowned con artist. If this is true, then Mormons who are relying on the Mormon Christ to bring them salvation are in for a terrible shock. Just remember this:

"I am the way, the truth and the life. Nobody comes to the Father except through me." These are the words of Jesus, direct from his mouth. If you have been led to worship a false Jesus, then you have no salvation.

Have I offended you? Am I attacking you? Many would think so, but consider this. I have not attacked you, nor your faith. What I have spoken against is that which you are taught, and led to believe in. Jesus himself warned that many would come in his name, but teaching a false Christ. Your salvation is at stake here. Are you worshipping the true Jesus? Only He leads the way to eternal life - there is no salvation in a false Jesus. Such a false Jesus comes straight from Satan himself, for he is the deceiver of the nations.

I urge you, therefore, not to take this message as an attack, but as a challenge. Go and research Mormonism. Go and research Christianity. Find out for yourself. If you can find hard fact to prove that the book of Mormon is indeed "the inspired word of God" and "the most correct of any book on earth", then feel free to post your proof here.

There is ample proof to declare that Christianity is true, so you should have no problems proving Mormonism if it is indeed the truth of God.

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Added:

I would like to address this issue of "believing in Christ" that keeps coming up in arguments.

There is only one true Jesus. He is the spirit of Almighty God poured into a (now glorified) human body. He does not have a human nature; neither is he a separate entity from God the Father. They are three, but they are one. This is the theology of the trinity. John 1:1 states irrevocably states this.

Now since God himself says that there is no other god, if Jesus is not part of that God, then he can only be a glorified human. If he is, then he will still have the sinful nature of normal man, for it is a curse of our ancestry. That means he could not have lived a sinless life (look at children - they naturally sin with no knowledge: selfishness, tantrums and irrational anger are all sins. It is in our basic fleshly nature.

If Christ was a glorified human, or just a human, then he could not have made the sacrifice that he did, nor could he make the claims he did. Only God could have done that.

My point is this: Jesus warned with his own mouth that people would come in his name saying "Here is Christ", but they would be lying!

Mormon doctrine teaches a God and a Jesus who are different to the God and Jesus of the Bible. If you believe in the Jesus of the Book of Mormon, and not the one of the bible, then you cannot call yourself a Christian, because Christians believe the Jesus of the Bible, and NOTHING else. The Apostles warned against this deception time and time again, and even today we struggle with it in our world.

I urge all who seek salvation to look carefully at the Jesus they serve. The Bible is the greatest authorative text regarding God and Jesus - there is nothing above it. If what you believe does not agree 100 percent with the teachings of the Bible, then there is a very sad chance you are worshipping a false Jesus, taught by a false religion. I am not speaking against you personally, just challenging you to make sure you are worhipping the right Jesus, because there is no salvation in any false Jesus. That is why He said: "I am the way, the truth and the life. NOBODY comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME." (Emphasis mine)

Please consider carefully what I have said. I do not think ill of any of you, nor do I wish to make light of your beliefs. I genuinely grieve at the thought that you could be being led astray from salvation. If this can help anybody to find the true Jesus, then I praise God.

Comments

Good answer - I like confrontational...you forgot to mention that there is no semetic DNA in Native Americans period.
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by Helix42 on May 16th, 2005
Serious distortions, exaggerations, and outright lies, both in this answer, and at most of the links provided.
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by Anonymous on January 12th, 2006
Well researched info. A great help for me as I help my daughter get a balanced look at Mormonism. Great job!
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by Broadarrow on June 23rd, 2005
Since the purpose of the answer is not to debate the trinity, it is a sub-topic only which I disagree with, 100%+
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by Anonymous on January 12th, 2006
AAA+++ research and a thoughtful, well-written answer.
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by Jodie44 on August 11th, 2005
Incorrect in several areas. Rather than try these websites, try lds.org or mormon.org and see what you think.
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by Phoenix358 on September 29th, 2005
ANTI-MORMON SITES...WILL NOT HELP YOU FINDOUT THE TRUTH ABOUT US!!!
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by Anonymous on November 24th, 2005
Bravo!! Jesus DID warn about people coming falsely in His Name - we must be ever vigilant.
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by Grandma Roses - my avatar is my real dog on November 2nd, 2005
Amen and A + a thousand times. Finally someone says it all. Thank you/Merci
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by Alatea on November 25th, 2005
It is your interpretation only, I am not a christian according to you. I can live with that.God Knows.
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by Rodric Johnson on November 26th, 2005
Anti sites won't say anything positive. By their fruits ye shall know them.
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by Anonymous on November 28th, 2005
Excellent, well researched answer!
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by HungryGuy on January 12th, 2006
Answer repeats arguments that are weak and poorly researched.
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by TheMiddleMan on January 10th, 2006
Wow - interesting!
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by Leezee on January 10th, 2006
Good Answer! How can we get answers at lds.org if this website doesn't tell the whole Truth?
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by John Pacella on February 15th, 2006
good shabba
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by Sergio on February 22nd, 2006
Amen! I agree with HungryGuy, Grandma Roses, Alatea, and Jodie. One of the best posts on mormonism I've seen!
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by Joshua Zambrano on March 14th, 2006
an amazing, well written answer! keep it up!
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by davoomac on April 17th, 2006
My husband is an ex Mormon and agrees that this is what they teach and that it is demonic and they are decieved
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by free4life79 on May 6th, 2006
Funny thing is that this article falsely accuses us of plagiarism, among other things. Yet most of the material herein (including the plagiarism accusation itself) is plagiarized. Lying hypocrite!
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by Anonymous on September 23rd, 2006
One of the most accurate postings I've seen on here! I agree that the LDS do not measure up to scrutiny!...but I'm just going to school to be a pastor...so what would I know about biblical history? :)
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by woodsprite78 on September 28th, 2006
(v Grandma Roses) How do you know it wasn*t talking about Catholics or Protestants or even Muslims?
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by Rottweiler on October 18th, 2006
(v Bob) Yeah, that is kinda funny, isn*t it?
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by Rottweiler on October 18th, 2006
I have talked with the mormons, my husband is an ex mormon, and I have read it all in their own books by their own Prophets. "Mormonism is blinding people and sending them to hell!" But they will not stop and realize that. They have this idea that someone put in their head that anyone who says they are wrong is anti mormon and that is the thing keeping them from being saved. The devil is very good at what he does and it is evident here. I guess you can say I am anti mormon because I am for Christ. Call me what you want but I'd rather be anti mormon that anti-Christ!
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by kara2000 on November 16th, 2006
(^ Kara) Come again? Haven't you ever noticed that Mormons are usually a lot more friendly, more sober, more loyal, and more faithful than the people in your church? How is that "blinding people and sending them to hell"? If our church encourages its members to do good, how is that a bad thing?
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by Rottweiler on November 16th, 2006
(^ Jodie) It may be well-written, but it doesn't mean it's not an ATAC.
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by Rottweiler on November 16th, 2006
Thank you for the comprehensive answer. I distinctly recall that the Mormons who were in my kitchen several years ago, explained that Jesus was not God, just a major prophet as was Joseph Smith. I protested that the Bible said I must accept Jesus as God made man so that he could live a sinless life, suffer and die for my sins, rise from the grave triumphant over death and return to Heaven. They presented the Book of Mormon as additional information in harmony with the Bible. They came back every Wednesday evening for 5 or 6 weeks but were unable to find their teachings in the Bible. I was apparently a missionary training site because the faces changed with each visit. Yet I must agree that many sects, who use just the Bible, have taken liberties with the word of God and tailored it to their own purposes. Those purposes may be recognized by the fruits of their labors; power, wealth, fame, collecting good works or the bringing the saving word God to all people. I take comfort in God's promise to work good in all things.
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by vinc3nt on March 3rd, 2007
Vinc3nt: either those weren't Mormons to whom you spoke, you misunderstood what they were telling you, or they didn't know their religion. Jesus is a member of the Godhead and, therefore divine. He was not just a prophet. Such a belief has never been part of LDS doctrine.
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by Glenn Blaylock on March 3rd, 2007
I wondered too. Is it possible that there are multiple Mormon sects as there are Protestants and the one down my street believes this?
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by vinc3nt on March 3rd, 2007
I note that my brother's last comment is somewhat ambiguous. In saying, “Such a belief has never been part of LDS doctrine.”, he refers to the claim that “Jesus was not God, just a major prophet”. As for other “Mormon” sects; there are some other distant offshoots. As far as I know, none of them have an active missionary program like ours, so it is unlikely that you'd encounter a missionary from one of these other sects, and mistake him one for one ours. Also, as far as I know, none of them have any belief that Jesus was just a prophet. Joseph Smith was very clear in his writings about the divine nature of Jesus as the son of God and a member of the Godhead; and I don't think that any sect that traces its history back to Joseph Smith could easily take the view that Jesus was anything less than that.
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by Anonymous on March 3rd, 2007
I would like to add this..Here is what the Mormons believe...Doctrine & Covenant 84:21-22 (given September 1832) says no: "...without the ordinances thereof [i.e. of the priesthood], and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; 22 For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live." BUT.... In the MORMON WEBSITE ITSELF it says this....
http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=750de5c45d19f010VgnVCM100000176f620aRCRD&vgnextchannel=3e0511154963d010VgnVCM1000004e94610aRCRD
Joseph records that God and Jesus Christ appeared to him. "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head," he wrote, "above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me." Within that light, he saw two personages one of whom spoke Joseph's name, pointed to the other, and said, "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!"
You will also see in these passages that Joseph Smith before this time was not a priest.
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by JadeEzekiel84 on March 4th, 2007
So let me ask you something else, Why would Mormons if they believe in the Bible have to add to the Bible? Isn't the Bible complete? Doesn't it say in the Bible that any questions you have I have provided for you? Here is another one... BoM 2 Ne 28:15 says teachers of false doctrine will go to hell: "...all those who preach false doctrines,.., wo, wo, wo, be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell!"
BUT....
Apostle McConkie says that Brigham Young will go to the Celestial Kingdom, even though he taught false doctrine (see previous item): "He completed his work and has gone on to eternal exaltation..." (cited letter). When confronted with false teachings of earlier prophets, Mormons usually respond by saying that even prophets make mistakes, no one is perfect.
So doesn't this contradict the teachings. Or did God change His mind again, but if God did, wouldn't that make Him a liar?
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by JadeEzekiel84 on March 4th, 2007
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by TenLostTribes on February 10th, 2010
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by TenLostTribes on February 10th, 2010
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by TenLostTribes on February 10th, 2010
There's no such thing as "balanced view of the LDS Church"--either you acknowledge that it could be true or you believe that it could never be true.
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by TenLostTribes on May 5th, 2010
Correction, you're biased against us--we're just telling the truth as it is.
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by TenLostTribes on May 5th, 2010
excellent answer, thanks
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by Joseph Smith was a fraud and Eisegete on November 6th, 2010

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Is Mormonism considered a Christian religion?

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