Latter Day Saints

Birth of the Religion

Joseph Smith founded the Mormon church in 1830, but things were in the works before that year. In 1820 Smith at the age of 14 received his first vision from God. Was told not to join any of the Christian denominations (he was disgruntled by all the bickering).

At the age of 17 (1823) he received his second vision from the angel Moroni, who was telling him he had been chosen to translate the Book of Mormon. During this vision the location of the gold plates were told to him but he was not allowed to get them until 1827. The tablets were supposedly wrote in Reformed Egyptian (does not exist). He was given special glasses to read it.

Joseph Smith and his followers were usually not well received by communities. Ran out of town a lot (which is why they ended up settling in Utah).

In February 1844 he was arrested for treason. While in prison in June of that year a anti-Mormon mob attacked the jail killing Smith (age 38) and his brother.

At the time of his death 25,000 people were Mormons.

Joseph Smith had 40 wives ranging in ages from 14 to 78.

Mormon are known historically for having many wives, even though the church banned it in 1890

After Smith’s death Brigham Young took over leadership of the church. he would lead them to Utah and found Salt Lake City.

The Mormons continued not to get along well with others. In 1857 a Mormon militia attacked a wagon train in Arkansas killing 120 people. People don’t know why and the church has attempted t cover it up.

A small group broke off to follow Joseph Smith III to form the Community of Christ.

Mormons today refer to themselves as Christians even though Christians do not refer to them as Christians.

What is the Meaning of Life?

Happiness is the object and design of our existence. -Joseph Smith

Also to help us realize our full self.

Books of Authority

The King James Version of the Bible- they teach it is imperfect because the church has distorted it over the years. Joseph Smiths writings bring clarity to what the Bible should say.

The Book of Mormon- is the account of Christ appearing to the Native Americans after his resurrection. Supposedly covers events in North America from 2500 B.C. to 400 A.D.

Doctrine and Covenants- 138 revelations that reveal various Mormon doctrines

The Pearl of Great Price- Contains Book of Moses, Book of Abraham, extracts from Joseph Smith’s Bible translation, History of Joseph Smith,a nd Articles of Faith

the Living Prophet- title given to the president f the Mormons. his word is equal with scripture.

Beliefs on God

They believe he is our literal spirit father. He has a wife, possibly many with one possibly being Mary.

They do not believe in the Trinity. the godhead is different beings.

Beliefs on Jesus

They believe Jesus is the literal firstborn of God and our literal brother.

They do not believe in the virgin birth. They teach God literally slept with Mary (who may now be one of God’s heavenly wives)

Teach the crucifixion but not original sin.

They teach Jesus came to America after his resurrection to minister to the lost tribes of Israel (the Indians).

Salvation

We were all told the plan of salvation before being sent to earth. And we all shouted with joy at the plan (Job 38:7). Jesus volunteered to be the Savior. Satan proposed an alternate plan to make sure all were saved and not some. God did not like his plan so he condemned him. The 1/3 of fallen angels were spirit children who supported Satan’s plan.

Where Did the Universe and Human’s Come From

God did not create us out of nothing. he created us out of preexisting materials (Abraham 3:24 read from handout). Dinosaur bones come from former created worlds.

Man is supposedly eternal, existed in the beginning. How though are spirit babies eternal?

What Happens to Us After We Die?

Mormons teach three levels to heaven:

Telestial Kingdom- Wicked go here; Holy Spirit is here

Terrestial Kingdom- Christians, Mediocre Mormons, “good people” go here; Jesus is present here and God partially; you become an angel and serve those in the celestial kingdom

Celestial Kingdom- Dedicated Mormons go here; become a god; three levels in this kingdom. to reach the top must be married in the temple. Got to know secret handshakes and passwords to get in

It is possible to move up from the telestial to the terrestial if you repent during a certain period

Hell is a temporary spiritual prison for the most part. You can repent in Hell. When the great judgment comes you will go to one of the two lower kingdoms.

Very few get condemend to hell for eternity. The devil and his demons and ex-mormons (this teaching makes it tough for people to leave).

Other Beliefs

They have special temple underwear that they wear all the time.

Adam and Eve lived in Missouri. Garden of Eden was also there.

Teach Native Americans were/are Jews.

They are not allowed to drink hot drinks.

Teach dark skin will turn white in heaven. and all will get blonde hair. Dark skin is cursed because you rebelled with the devil

Jesus’ second coming will be in Independence, Missouri.

The book or Mormon was written on gold plates supposedly

Post-death baptisms.

believe John is roaming the earth until Jesus second coming

Evidence Against Mormons

Already we have seen some doctrine has inconsistencies.

Read Handbook of Today’s Religions pg. 73-74 facts against Mormonism.

How to be a Good Witness to Mormons

First thing is don’t call them Mormons. Call them Latter Day Saints. Mormon can be seen as derogatory.

When you study Mormonism you see that it is a very culture centered gospel. Bringing Jesus to the Indians. Making everyone white. Relgion is about being happy, etc. so in discipleship teach on cultural context of scripture. May want to focus on some scriptures that teach selflessness over selfishness.

Share the gospel in prayer if they talk with you.

Be patient, if they try to leave a conversation be sensitive of when to keep pushing and when to ease up a little.

Be studied up on your doctrine of hell.

Study up on literary criticism. they doubt the accuracy of the Bible in today's form.

Clearly define, salvation, sin, justification, heaven, and hell.

Salvation by grace not works