Mormonism: Exploring the Beliefs of Mormons and Christians

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Introduction

How does Mormonism, more formally known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, compare to Biblical Christianity? Is it different? If so, what about it is different? Are Mormons considered Christians? This paper is going to explore these questions about Mormonism. In 2007 there were over 13 million Mormons worldwide, there are approximately 6 million Mormons in the United States. Mormonism is “the fastest and most successful cult in the history of the United States…an average (increasing) rate of 300,000 converts a year” (Ridenour 130).

Analysis/Summary of Topic

First of all, we must explore the origin of Mormonism. In 1820, a 14 year old boy named, Joseph Smith, Jr., had a vision of what he thought was the Father and the Son. The boy asked them what Christian denomination he should be, and they said none of them because they were all “wrong and corrupt” (Ridenour 131-132). Three years later at age 17, Smith saw the angel Moroni appear at his bed side, who told him about two golden tablets that were buried underground that contained sacred writing on them. Four years later the tablets were dug up and translated. There was much controversy about the reliability of the translation of the tablets, however Smith still published the writings as the Book of Mormon by 1830. Once the Mormon Church was establish it grew rapidly. Despite its positive growth the Mormon Church did not always receive acceptance or tolerance. Between the early 1830’s and early 1840’s, Smith continued to receive “inspired scripture” from more revelations. These “inspired scriptures” include, the Book of Commandments, which was published in 1833, and the Doctrine and Covenants, which was published in 1835.

Tension continued to arise...

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...e same”.

Conclusion

“Why is Mormonism a non-Christian religion? It is not Christian because it denies that there is only one God, denies the true Gospel, adds works to salvation, denies that Jesus is the uncreated creator, distorts the biblical teaching of the atonement, and undermines the authority and reliability of the Bible”(Slick). This quote basically sums up my conclusion on the topic. And I will end with quote from the bible, “7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’* will enter into the kingdom of heaven – only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 7:22 On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do* many powerful deeds?’ 7:23 Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’* (Matthew 7:21-23)

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