Help Us To Come Out Of Mormonism Part 2

For some of my 16 followers or so and others of you found on various Facebook Chat Groups of discussion may yet remember my Ode to D Lawrence Barksdale's clever reminder that if one is to successfully remove someone from Mormonism, that they should have a clear landing point for them to aim for. (Original Blog Engry Link: http://theldslife.blogspot.com/2013/10/help-us-please-to-come-out-of-mormonism.html) Remembering also that there was no clear EXIT STRATEGY provided by the many Ex-Mo's for Jesus, so let me add a few things which were not included in his assessment of their pleas for us to

"COME OUT OF MORMONISM" but to also remind the folks that in leaving the church, these are some of the nasty things we are expected to give up by renouncing the Prophet Thomas S Monson and the other general authorities of the church.

Topic 1) Abandonment of taking the sacrament and a discontinuation of renewing one's covenants by partaking of the emblems which were also given at the "Last Supper" during the Lord's final hours of life. Yeah that one. Here's a refresher on the prayer(s) we hear each and every Sunday as these emblems are blessed for our benefit.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 20: Verses 76-79

76 "And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it—he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying: 77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen. 78 The manner of administering the wine—he shall take the cup also, and say: 79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen."

So in leaving Mormonism, we are asking one to abandon the practice of renewing ones covenants also made on a weekly if not a very 'often' basis and those 3 covenants are as follows:

1) ...that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son,

2) ...and always remember him

3) ...and keep his commandments which he has given them;

and by doing so, one may then be forgoing the promised blessing of... "that they may always have his Spirit to be with them." by no longer doing this. (Oh but that's not something that is truly important, right? Test the spirits...right? Harmless? I mean after all, they're in the wrong covenant which to others, is something that is null and void.

So we discover that by leaving Mormonism, it is perfectly acceptable to stop doing those things mentioned? stop taking the Sacrament? or Both? My questions for XINO's or otherwise the Christian Brethren who desire that I leave Mormonism, what is offensive about...

"willing to take upon them the name of Christ in all that I do? seek to always remember him? or keep his commandments? Well we all know that keeping the commandments aren't what get us into heaven. By grace not works. Okay, now moving on.

Topic 2) Temple Covenants:

Because of the love and respect that I have for the temple covenants, I will be brief and mention them in good taste.

One of the first covenants we make in the Temple is to Obey the Law of the Lord and do so under covenant. The sisters are then obliged to follow the Law of the Lord as contained in the Holy Scriptures and do so by following the lead of her husband so long as his paths are righteous and worthy of the Lamb. Similar to swearing on a 'stack of Bibles' which sometimes happens in various ceremonies held in my country. (Any objections? Offensive? Moving on...)

We covenant to obey the Law of Chastity. (Sexual purity before marriage and complete fidelity during marriage.) Is there any part of this that also needs to go unheeded?

We then covenant to participate in the building of Zion upon the earth. Devote our time, talents and energies to the building up of the kingdom of God upon the earth... and yes, we believe that is what we are doing. Doing the Lord's work.

Sound good thus far?

So by doing or rather 'no longer doing these things' how would this make me whole? After all, this is what I would be doing then if I renounce my faith. I might as well, anyhow. Because this is what it would mean for me to lose my Mormonism and settle for something less.

Perhaps I would be less concerned about helping the Boy Scouts in church and performing church service. Hey, I'd get my Sunday's off and some more XBOX time with my fun loving boys then and as one Ex-mo once said to me, I'd get at 10% pay raise!

Topic 3) - The Conclusion: Become an Island unto myself. Be saved in a vacuum. We don't need no stinking church!

This is the part where I would revert to the first entry about the same subject. What would I then do? Stay home and read in the Bible? Would anyone be qualified to teach the gospel doctrines to me? Are there any great T.V. evangelical pastors I should look out for and then follow?

We never do get a clear answer as to what to do next. I guess we could be given a great pamphlet on how to best cross examine Mormons about Isaiah 43:10 and remind them that this verse speaks for itself and that NO MAN may ever think or hope to become like his father in heaven because after him or before him or during him or around him or behind him or on top of him or below him or whatever him one should not find another one to call our God. We LDS believe this too. We do not worship other men or pray to Joseph Smith, in case you were all wondering. ;-) but really, what's next? Put a little $ in the "Salvation Army Bell Ringer's" coin bucket once a year. What else do you suggest?

Pray a lot but to the right Jesus and not the Jesus of Mormonism. However you want to pray. God doesn't judge.

Accept Jesus into my heart to be saved and follow no more after the foolish ambitions of following a modern prophet for we know that any and all prophets should be false. Even the mentioning of False prophets should be enough to deter those silly Mormons from wanting to believe in a modern prophet but they just don't listen.

Saved by grace and not by works! Whew! It's not after all that we can do. We don't have to work anymore in order to earn God's grace. It's a free gift that requires no participation on our part. (Well, minus accepting Jesus into our hearts. That is the work we must do!)

Topic 4)- The Spoilers: For those who choose to remain in the bliss of ignorance, do not look up ANY of these passages of scripture. It may just confuse you or perhaps even the common reader but it will most likely contradict a few of the spiritual lifestyles suggested by the XINO's of today's Christian world and the fates of what Mormons would meet by abiding by the precepts of men...mingled with Scripture.

Romans 6:1-7 - Don't read this one if you think that grace without effort on your part is sufficient.

Revelation Ch 11 - Not to trust any prophets at all ever again for all are false except for these 2?

1 Timothy 2:7 - Trust a T.V. evangelist? a Bible study? That's all you'll get if you don't seek for the anointed.

No where does it say we need fellowship anyway right? (Major SPOILER ALERT! STOP NOW!!!) I echo the words of John when I say this. Come back to church, all they who are currently away from our fellowship.

1 John 1:3 "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." - well I warned you. We invite and await you with open arms!

But if you choose not to leave Mormonism, here's a word of encouragement for you tonight or whenever you end up reading this blog...

Keep Calm and Morm ON!

2 Nephi 33:12 = "And I pray the Father in the name of Christ that many of us, if not all, may be saved in his kingdom at that great and last day." - "...men ought always to pray, and not to faint;" Luke 18:1, and this I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen!

The Truth About Galatians 1:6-9 Re-examined - A Christians Perspective

Pre-message conclusion. The doctrine of circumcision was a hot topic and the cause of heated debates between Paul and Peter. Most Christians like to use this passage of Galatians 1:6-9 to disqualify the claims made by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding any and all Angels from being trust worthy or for preaching a different gospel, then to hence, "from such turn away." But with close examination of Galatians, we discover the true reasons why Paul said what he did. Enjoy the article. (This was written by a Christian and is unaware, potentially, that his works have been quoted. I draw conclusions to my own assessment of this scripture passage based on his research. But use this and perhaps do you own research as well! Enjoy!

"Perverting the Gospel" by Larry Ray Hafley

For years, denominational preachers and brethren such as LeRoy Garrett and the Carl Ketcherside have argued that we may have differing views of "doctrinal matters," but that we must agree on the essential elements of "the gospel." In other words, one group may play a piano in worship and another may not; one might practice sprinkling while another church insists on immersion. Such "doctrinal issues" are irrelevant. However, they say, we must agree upon the "essentials" of the gospel (the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ). Let us examine this subject in light of Acts 15 and Galatians 1 and 2. Paul spoke of those who would "pervert the gospel of Christ" (Gal. 1:6-9). When they do so, he said, they are preaching "another gospel." Further, when the gospel is perverted, when "another gospel" is substituted, the result is that souls are "removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ" (Cf. Gal. 1:6; 1 Cor. 1:9; and Gal. 3:1; 5:7).

According to the distinction under review, by "perverting" the gospel and preaching "another," Paul must have had reference to a perversion of the facts of the gospel, i.e., the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. If it be true that the gospel consists of those primary facts alone, while everything else is "doctrine," then the apostle must have been referring to a corruption of those basic gospel features. But was he? No, and here is why:

(1) The specific corruption of the gospel is outlined in Acts 15 when "certain men...said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved" (v. 1; Cf. Gal. 2; 5:1- 4). When they did this, the apostles said, "certain (men)...have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment" (Acts 15:24). In the Galatian letter, Paul agreed that the effect of their "doctrine" was indeed subversive of their souls. "Ye are," he charged, "fallen from grace" (Cf. Gal. 1:6; 5:4).

Thus, one could teach "doctrinal" error (circumcision, law keeping) and still be guilty of perverting the "gospel." But how is that possible if the gospel only consists of three basic facts while all else is doctrine? Those who make that distinction between gospel and doctrine need to tell us!

(2) When the apostles refuted the binding of circumcision, they did so "that the truth of the gospel might continue with you" (Gal. 2:5). Observe, that to deny the doctrinal error of circumcision was to establish "the truth of the gospel." How, though, could that be possible, if the gospel is simply Christ crucified, buried and risen? If the doctrinal error of circumcision had been tolerated, the gospel would not have continued. That being so, those who distinguish between "gospel" and "doctrine" are guilty of making a false dichotomy.

(3) Peter's separation from the Gentiles caused him to walk "not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel" (Gal. 2:14). However, if association with the Gentiles involves "doctrinal" matters only, and not issues of the "gospel," how could his behavior be said to be contrary "to the truth of the gospel"? Peter certainly did not deny the "core" gospel facts, yet he walked not "according to the truth of the gospel."

Conclusion: The "doctrinal" error of circumcision resulted in a perversion of the "gospel" and negated the saving power of the "cross" (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:1; 5:1-4, 7, 11; 6:12-14). Therefore, it is not true that we may be in error in doctrine and remain true in the gospel. Refer to: http://www.bassfishing.org/thebiblespeaks/Articles/Authority/Obey/perverting.htm

If one would consider a faulty interpretation of Gal 1:6-9, then it erroneously could also apply to the Angel Gabriel, why by definition came to Joseph and Mary (not leaders in the Jewish Faith) and spoke of a Messiah who should come, but would later prove to bring to the world a "different gospel!"

Jews Vs Christians Vs Mormons (Redux)

This is derived from an article found at: http://www.14lds.com/cult.htm

Dear God-fearing friend,

I am writing this letter because of a great threat to the cherished words which the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has given us through His holy prophets.

You've probably had Christians come around to your door, wanting to engage you in "discussions" about their faith. And maybe, as a good Jew, you've let them in the door. They seem to be nice, well-dressed, well-mannered. They may speak about Israel's God, and they may carry the Bible under their arms, but don't be deceived-they are not Jewish. Christianity is an insidious cult that seeks to tear real adherents of Judaism away from Moses and the Bible.

Take, for example, their principal message, about the Messiah. They bring you their "New Testament, Another Witness of the Prophets" and try to convince you that their founder, Jesus, was the Messiah. But believe me, this is not the Messiah of the Bible. No, my friend, the Christians teach a very a different messiah than what the holy prophets wrote about. While the biblical Messiah is a king who will liberate us from our enemies, the Christian messiah is said to have died to liberate us from our sins, despite the fact that the Bible teaches that every man is responsible for his own sins (Leviticus 20:19-20). If a man commits murder, for example, he is to be executed for his sin, and there is no provision for someone else dying in his stead (Genesis 9:6). The law of God clearly states that "every man shall be put to death for his own sin" (Deuteronomy 24:16). For those not guilty of capital crimes, the Bible is clear about the procedure that must be followed in order to be cleansed from sin. One must confess his sins, make restitution for wrongs, and offer the proper sacrifice (Leviticus 4:2-4; Numbers 5:6-7).

The Christians believe that, because their leader died, it is no longer necessary to offer sacrifices at the temple. But the Bible says otherwise, commanding, "thou shalt offer every day a bullock for a sin offering for atonement . . . two lambs of the first year day by day continually" (Exodus 29:36, 38). These sacrifices are to be made "throughout your generations" (Exodus 30:10).

Ironically, the founder of the Christian Church was conceived out of wedlock, which, under the Law of Moses, disqualifies him from participating in religious functions (Deuteronomy 23:2). The Christians' own scriptures acknowledge that Jesus was a winebibber (Matthew 11:19). The Bible warns us, saying, "a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink" (Micah 2:11). The false prophet Jesus, who also claimed divine prerogatives, was tried and found guilty of high crimes (blasphemy and treason) and executed by crucifixion. And yet some people are gullible enough to believe that he was sent by God!

And what of those who perpetuated this false messiah? The Christians claim that some of the disciples of Jesus, including a sometime fisherman and money-digger (Matthew 17:27) named Simon (who goes under the alias of Peter), along with a traitorous Roman money collector named Matthew and ten others who go by the title of apostles, are prophets who speak with God. But their messages contradict the word of God as given through ancient prophets such as Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah and their behavior violates all the laws of God.

Peter was once arrested and put into prison until he could answer charges brought against him. But the night before he was to be arraigned before King Herod, he escaped from the guards and ran away (Acts 12:6-9). Tradition has it that after fleeing to Rome and practicing his treasonous religion there, he was again imprisoned, this time by the Roman authorities, who found him guilty of crimes against the state and was executed by crucifixion.

The most outspoken of the followers of Christ was a Roman Jew who preferred to be known more by his Gentile name, Paul, than by his God given Israelite name, Saul. It is this man, more than all the others, who is responsible for writing the "new" testament which Christians deem more holy than the law God gave to Israel through Moses. What kind of a person was he? I will tell you. He was expelled from the cities of Antioch (Acts 13:50), Iconium (Acts 14:5,6), and Lystra (14:19) where his preaching had stirred up riots. In the city of Thyatira Paul and one of his companions were brought before the magistrate and accused of being trouble-makers. When the evidence was presented, Paul was found guilty and sentenced to a beating and ordered to do time in prison. (Acts 16:20-25) The last eight years of his life he spent in a Roman prison and was eventually executed according to Roman law because of his crimes. These are the kinds of people Christians look up to and whose words they claim came from God.

But their words cannot be from God for one simple reason: Malachi's record marks the end of the scriptures which God intended to give mankind. Since prophecy ceased some four centuries before the time Jesus was even born, this is absolute proof that Jesus was a false prophet! Along with the ending of scripture, so did the visitation of angles. Yet Christians claim that angels appeared to Mary, the mother of Jesus and to her cousin Zacharias, to Peter and to Paul. The Bible tells us to beware of false prophets (Isaiah 9:15; Jeremiah 28:15), and the Lord warned us through Moses not to add or detract from his word (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32). The Bible, from Genesis to Malachi, is inerrant and all-sufficient, and it is blasphemous to suggest that God should give us additional scriptures, a "new" testament that contradicts in every particular what he has already given us. And yet, that is exactly what the followers of the man Jesus have done. They dare to give us more of God's word, which, in reality, contradicts the words of God's true prophets.

One such contradiction is found in a supposed "revelation" of Simon Peter's where he claims that God told him not to make a distinction between clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:9-16), despite the fact that the Bible clearly commands that we make such a distinction (Leviticus 10:10; 11:2-31, 41-47; 20:25; Deuteronomy 14:3-20). The "revelation" which he had itself contains a clue to its false nature. It says (verse 10) that Peter was suffering hunger when "he fell into a trance" (Acts 10:10) His supposed "vision" (Acts 10:17)-or should we call it what it really is, an hallucination-was from the feeling in his stomach, not from God. I had a dream very much like Peter's one night, but instead of attributing it to a heavenly revelation, I chalked it up to a morsel of undigested food.

This same Peter states that all Christians belong to a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5,9). The Bible makes it clear that the priesthood is restricted to the tribe of Levi, and that God curses anyone else who tries to officiate in priesthood functions (2 Chronicles 26:18-19). When Aaron and his sons were anointed, God said, "for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations" (Exodus 40:15). God made a "covenant of an everlasting priesthood" with Aaron's grandson Pinehas (Numbers 25:13). It is people like the Christians whom the Bible condemns because they have "cast out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other lands so that whosoever cometh to consecrate himself with a young bullock and seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no gods" (2 Chronicles 13:9).

As for the supposed Christian "miracles," it is clear that they do not follow the biblical pattern. Their founder is said to have healed people by telling them their sins were forgiven (Matthew 9:2), while some people were supposedly healed by touching his garment (Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 6:55-56). This practice of magical rites is confirmed in another Christian scripture, Acts 19:12, which says people can be healed by being touched with handkerchiefs or aprons touched by someone who has healing powers. Even more fantastic is the story in Acts 5:15, where we read that people were healed when the shadow of Peter fell on them!

The Christians also deny the efficacy of circumcision, wanting to replace it with baptism. But in the Bible, God clearly states that circumcision is "a token of the covenant betwixt me and you," and is to be "an everlasting covenant." If a man is not circumcised, God says, "that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant" (Genesis 17:10-14). But Christians do not believe God's word. Instead, they invent a "new testament" to justify breaking sacred, everlasting, holy commandments.

In his "sermon on the mount," the founder of the Christian Church openly spoke out against Bible teachings that had been revealed from heaven. Even while professing that he had not "come to destroy the law, or the prophets" (Matthew 5:17), he changed the sixth commandment from "thou shalt not kill" to "whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment" (Matthew 5:21-22). He also reworded the seventh commandment, rejecting the words "thou shalt not commit adultery" and substituting, "whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28). And though the Bible specifically says that we should perform oaths in the name of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:13; 10:20), Jesus abrogated the commandment and taught "swear not at all" (Matthew 5:34). He also denounced the biblical law of divorce (Matthew 5:31-32). In the same sermon, he showed his utter depravity and demented state by telling his disciples to pluck out their right eyes and to cut off their right hands (Matthew 5:29- 30). It is hard to believe that anyone could accept someone like this as the Messiah.

Still, Christians revere their leader as a martyr, one who "gave his life" willingly. Yet the facts tell a different story: When the chief priests came to lawfully arrest this Jesus, his principal disciple lashed out with a sword, inflicting serious head wounds upon the high priest's servant (John 18:3- 10)! Jesus, the "martyr," was involved in a sword fight shortly before his death! By both Jewish law (blasphemy) and Roman law (treason and sedition), Jesus was condemned to death as a common criminal. This is the kind of man whom his followers admire and ask us to put our faith and trust in.

Then we are told that this condemned criminal rose from the grave as an immortal being three days later! But how do we know this? Where is the proof that such a thing actually happened? Christians can only point to their "new" testament. But who wrote this testament? Why, it was the followers of Jesus, and, more especially, his closest friends and associates. So the only real proof we have is what they tell us. As I have already shown, these disciples were not men of moral virtue and trustworthiness. The proof of this is that Peter admittedly lied three times in one night! (Mark 14:66-72). Judas betrayed his own master. And these were supposedly the most devoted admirers of Jesus. Yet, Christians ask us to believe that the words which such men wrote are just as holy and inspired as the true prophets of God!

Finally, Israel's God pronounced a curse upon anyone who put their trust in another man. Moreover, the Bible clearly states that the heart of such a person had departed from the Lord (Jeremiah 17:5). In direct opposition to God's holy word, Jesus told his disciples to come follow him (Luke 18:22). Not even our great lawgiver, Moses,
ever told us to follow him. He always commanded our fathers to put their trust in God. But the followers of Jesus go so far as to take upon themselves his name rather than the name of God. That is why they call themselves "Christians." We honor Moses but we don't take upon ourselves his name. We revere the prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Elijah, Samuel and all the others, but we don't claim our allegiance to them. We worship God, not some man who claims to speak for God. But Christians have no such belief. They put their trust in the man Jesus.

Now, you might want to try helping your Christian neighbor find his way to the God of the Bible. But bear in mind that it will be difficult to talk to him because Christians have their own unique definition of biblical terms. So when they use the term "Messiah," they're not thinking of the biblical Messiah, but of the criminal Jesus. When they speak of "sacrifice," they don't mean the sacred rites of the temple of God, but refer to the execution of the criminal Jesus. A true Jew understands salvation to be God's intervention in the affairs of men to save his people, Israel, from their enemies. But Christians use the term "salvation" to mean resurrection and going to heaven to live with God. And this comes only if you believe in their other messiah!

We love the Christian people and need to do everything in our power to bring them back to the God of the Bible. You should, of course, pray for your Christian friends. But you can do more. The ministry we have organized here at Yeshivah Ahuvat ha-Shem needs your help in order to continue its work in exposing the insidious Christian conspiracy against the Jewish people. Please send your love offerings to us at Yavneh-Yam. Thank you and God bless you for your faithfulness to his ways and your generosity in helping us protect his word.

Sincerely,
Rabbi Yohanan bar Alcalai
(adapted from "Solving the Christian Puzzle" by John Tvedtnes)






Before anyone accuses a Mormon of belonging to a Cult, one should take Christianity from the "point of view" as it might be seen from a Jewish perspective. Perhaps you wouldn't be "SO SURE" that what you are saying isn't the same nonsense that you could be hearing from a Jew regarding our savior, Jesus Christ.

Moreover, instead of deal harshly with the Mormons and give them a hard time, making judgments without cause, consider what Christ said in the "Sermon on the Mount."
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12

POSTSCRIPT: It might be argued that the above characterization of Christian beliefs is inaccurate or misleading. However, every allegation, as seen from the Jewish viewpoint, has been stated factually. What a Christian would really object to is how those facts have been presented in an unflattering and biased way, while ignoring other important information which might convince an objective reader to view Christians differently. Yet, that is exactly how Latter-day Saints feel about the way most Christian writers and preachers often characterize Mormons to their followers.

P.S.S. Christianity. A standard would be set up and it would reclaim Israel!

Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. Isaiah 49:22 Renewed article from before entitled, "Christianity was a cult LONG before Mormonism" - using new tags and helps. #MormonCult THE STANDARD

Many Christian churches today teach that Mormonism is a cult religion. The reason for this is that we do not believe in Christ's teachings as they do. According to them, the Bible teaches that Jesus was the last prophet and that there are to be no more after Him. Therefore, any religion which claims to have prophets must be a false church. Indeed, the Bible clearly foretells that in the last days there will be false prophets (Matthew 24:24). The same is true of apostles. According to what most Christian churches teach, there were only twelve, specially chosen men called to be apostles. When these men died, not only were there to be no more apostles, but there was no more need for such men. According to most Christian churches, the Bible is absolutely complete. When the last apostle died, everything that God intended to tell us had entirely and finally been written down. Therefore, any church which claims to have new scriptures, is in direct conflict with the words of the Bible itself when it declares that we should neither add to nor subtract from the words of God

(Revelation 22:18,19)

According to most Christian churches, the Bible is the inerrant word of God. To them that means that down through the centuries the Bible has been perfectly copied and accurately translated. Every word, jot and tittle which were penned by the ancient writers has been faithfully preserved to our present day. Therefore, any religion that claims the Bible is not absolutely inerrant is considered to be a cult. Furthermore, any religion which changes the traditionally accepted wording of the Bible is likewise a cult. (This would include the Jehovah Witnesses with their "New World Translation," the Christian Scientists with their "Science and Health with keys to the Scriptures," and the Mormons with their Biblical quotes as found in the "Book of Mormon" and the Joseph Smith translation.)

According to most Christian churches, the correctness of their beliefs is time tested. That is, it has endured through centuries of debate. Therefore, any church which teaches something different than the time-tested, orthodox doctrines of mainstream Christianity is heretical by definition. Perhaps the most common doctrine taught among today's Protestant churches states that salvation comes solely through God's grace without the need for us to perform any saving works, ordinances, or good deeds. Therefore, any religion which teaches something different than what is generally accepted by most Christian faiths is a cult.

According to most Christian churches, visions, revelations, and angelic appearances ceased with the death of the apostles. The stated reason for this lack of heavenly manifestations is that God's word - the Bible - is now complete. As such, there is no longer any need for God to reveal Himself to man in such supernatural ways because man can know everything he needs to about salvation through reading the Bible. Therefore, any religion which claims to have visions, revelations or angelic appearances is considered to violate the teachings of the Bible which declares "though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8).

According to most Christians, they believe we should put our trust in God and in His word rather than in the "arm of flesh," meaning a mortal man. The Bible foretells that in the last days there shall be false Christs, false apostles and false prophets. Therefore, anyone who claims to speak for God and encourages others to follow them, is not only an imposter but are to be considered a cult leader. Because Joseph Smith claimed to be a prophet of God and developed a devoted following of disciples, many Christians consider him to be a cult leader. Furthermore, the church which he organized is based on a continuing succession of prophets and apostles which the church membership is expected to faithfully listen to and follow, thereby perpetuating this definition of a cult.

According to many in the Christian community, Mormonism is also a cult based on the sullied character of its founder, Joseph Smith. He has been described as a money-digger who was only interested in bilking people out of their money. He has been labeled a person with a wild, vivid imagination, whose greatest hoax was the story of receiving gold plates from an angel of God. The many times that Joseph Smith was arrested and held in prison has been proof to some that he must have committed crimes against society which warranted his incarceration. The practice of polygamy has convinced some that Mormons not only are willing to violate the laws of the land but reject the moral laws of God as well.

The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is founded on the coming forth of the Book of Mormon from gold plates delivered to Joseph Smith by an angel. According to many Christians, there is nothing to prove that such an event actually happened. Despite the testimonies of three special witnesses, and, later, eight more witnesses, many Christians remain highly skeptical because all of these testimonies come from close friends and associates of Joseph Smith rather than from credible, independent sources.

Because of these, and other reasons, many Christian leaders feel it is their duty to warn others of the false and unChristlike doctrines which Mormons teach. Therefore, they hold meetings, circulate pamphlets, write books and preach sermons which point out in great detail how each Mormon belief violates God's word. And they do this in an effort to protect unsuspecting and gullible people from being deceived by the innocent appearance of clean-cut missionaries, who proclaim their message with sincerity and seeming piousness.

If all of this is true, then the same standard of judgment should apply to everyone, including those of traditional Christianity. In that case, let's consider how a Jewish Rabbi would view those who profess a belief in Jesus Christ: