Mormonism vs. Traditional Christianity -- how to know which is true?
This has always been difficult for me. My parents aren't too religious although my mom's involved somewhat in the LDS Church. My family background is Mormon and Evangelical, and I live out west where both religions have big presences.
I've been involved in both -- the Foursquare Church and the LDS Church. I'm in my mid-twenties and feel I should decide soon -- for the sake of when I got married and have kids.
Here's the thing, when I pray I feel both are true. I've read much of the debate on Mormonism and feel the LDS Church has reasonable answers to all the critics objections. I'm reading the Book of Mormon and have nearly read it cover to cover and have taken Institute classes. I've also read the Bible.
I really love and respect my family members in both religions and I think both churches (LDS and Foursquare) have very wise and knowledgeable leaders who I respect.
It boils down to one thing, really: Was Joseph Smith a true prophet of God? If he was, then the LDS church is the true church of Jesus Christ, the only 100% true church on the whole Earth.
How can you know? Jesus taught us to beware of "false prophets" and that we could know whether or not the prophet was true by judging "their fruits".
Joseph's "fruits" are, in large part, the Book of Mormon that you're reading. If you have received confirmation that it is true, and that it is of God, then logically, the following must also be true:
1) The Book of Mormon is True
2) If the above is true, then Joseph Smith was a true prophet
3) If the above is true, then the church Joseph Smith founded is the true church of Jesus Christ
I would encourage you to focus your search for truth there, and ask God. He will make the truth of the matter known to you, just as He promised in both the Bible and in the Book of Mormon.
EDIT: One further point, ask "no1home2day" the verse for his quote: "I alone am God, and there are no other gods. There were no gods before me, and there were no gods formed after me. I alone am God." (it isn't a real scripture quote...now why would he need to do that?)
Every religion has a higher power and a handbook to go with it. And every religion has it's own interpretation of this book. Pick which one you want, they all basically are the same. Although, radical Islamists changed certain parts of Islam to fit their own needs.
It's far from clear why you have not sorted this out already. The basic difference between Mormonism and Christianity is that true Christians believe that Jesus Christ is God and Mormonism vehemently denies this.
I would pray about it. God will tell you which one is true. For inspiration I would read Joseph Smith's account (it's at the beginning of the Book of Mormon). I myself, am LDS, and have had those times where I wonder if it's really true. If I get discouraged I just pray and then I know for sure I am where I'm supposed to be. A good place to ponder about this would be in the temple, I always get inspiration when I go there. Also take Moroni's challenge at the end of the Book of Mormon. I did, and the spirit was so strong. That's when I knew for sure the church is true. Good luck!
Leaders of religious movements can be both charismatic and wise, but does it make them automatically correct in their fundamental beliefs?
The final authority MUST be the Bible, otherwise, "Satan can appear as an angel of light, and likewise his ministers as ministers of light."
What does the Bible say about God?
First, He is eternal, transcending both time and space.
What does the Mormon theology teach us about God?
And I quote, "What man is, God once was. What God is, man can become."
Second, the Bible says that God alone is God and there is no other "I alone am God, and there are no other gods. There were no gods before me, and there were no gods formed after me. I alone am God."
But again, Mormons teach that men can become gods.
The Bible teaches that while there is only one God, Jehovah (I AM THAT I AM), yet He has revealed Himself as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
What does Mormonism teach? That Jesus was one of God's children and that Satan was his brother, and that God became intimate with Mary to make her pregnant with his "son" Jesus.
You have to decide for yourself what you choose to believe and who you choose to follow, the word of God, or the word of men.
The bible tells us we are to study and learn what is and is not true. We are to work out our own salvation. The answer to your question is that it is up to you through study of scripture to figure out if one or the other or if neither are following the truth.
Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
First, and most importantly, Mormons believe Jesus is the brother of Lucifer.
The Biblical Jesus CREATED Lucifer.
Mormons also believe they will be gods of their own planet in the next life.
God said "I AM. Beside Me there are no other gods!" He is the ONLY God.
The Bible tells us to "test the prophets." If a prophet makes just ONE ERROR in prophecy, he is a FALSE PROPHET. Joseph Smith made no CORRECT prophesies, therefore must be considered a false prophet.
Lucifer was thrown out of heaven for wanting to be as god. Do you really think God won't treat Mormons in the same manner?
Bottom line: Mormonism, according to Theologians, is a cult.
While Mormons are definitely sincere and loving people, they are sincerely wrong.
And for those of you who give me a thumbs down, I will be content in knowing that at least you read the truth.
I am partial to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because I have friends who belong to that church and are among the best people I know.
They're not polytheistic, my friends explained that to me. They believe in only ONE God and that is God the Father. His son, Jesus Christ is part of the Godhead but not God and the Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead but not God. Kind of like the Bishop with his 2 counselors sort of deal.
I like that they teach that families can be together forever, I like that they have a temple in which they worship and have sacred ceremonies in them...what they do, I don't know...except for what I've read on LDS.org.
When you're in the LDS church, you'll get called to serve in callings, you'll get the priesthood, and you will be baptized and confirmed. I don't know about the other church you mentioned.
The LDS church professes to have a prophet, if that's true, that church is truly lead by a wise man who has a direct connection with God.
It's nice that you feel a want to choose, I'm not there yet.
It would be unwise to choose based on subjective feelings about people. The issue is: which religion is telling the truth? One is false and the other true. Which one you choose makes a difference where you spend eternity.
http://www.livingwaters.com/good/
First, I want to state out front that I am answering from a bias. I attend a non-denominational Christian church.
Read the Bible. It is true, and the original written record of Judaism and Christianity.
Then read carefully the Book of Mormon, and the Pearls of Great Price, and see if there is anything that contradicts the Bible. I mean outright contradictions that somehow have to be explained away. (Mormons say that God is speaking through prophets today, and while in theory that might be true,God, speaking through a true prophet, would not contradict what his earlier and already pr oven prophets spoke and wrote).
Find out what the Mormon church teaches about such a situation-- which book would take precedence over the other? If it is not the Bible, then the LDS church is a cult, because it is putting the words of a man over the words of Christ, which in essence, is putting the man over Christ.
Some helpful resources for you would be to read "The God Makers" by Ed Decker. The Mormon church tried to have this banned. Another reliable and scholarly work about the Mormons is Dr. Walter Martin's "The Kingdom of the Cults." He was an expert in cults originating in America. His chapters on the LDS church are long, informative, and documented with sources.
I don't know much about the Foursquare church other than that is was founded by Aimee Semple McPherson, and it was quite controversial. You can read about its origins on line, and I think it would be wise to read about the doctrine of this denomination and see if it stands up to scriptural scrutiny before committing to it.
Best wishes. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and The Life."
The primary differences between Mormonism and Christianity is their teachings. I know a lot of Mormons personally and many of them portray themselves to be 'Christians' but their doctrines and teachings say differently.
First, they're always changing the rules. They believe in living prophets who speak for God. If you do research into Mormon history you'll find that their rules have changed. First polygamy was accepted, then they stopped it in the 1890's. Then they finally stopped racial discrimination in 1979 when they allowed black men to serve as elders. However even today older Mormons will tell you that those who are black are that color because of a curse.
Second, there is absolutely NO verifiable evidence that the "Native Americans" that are documented in the book of Mormon ever existed. There are no traces of the civilizations that are in the book. There is no archaeological evidence at all. In contrast, the bible has been verified over and over for historical accuracy, and the remnant of the Jewish people documented in the bible still exist today in Israel.
Third, the teachings of Mormons regarding who God is, who Jesus is, and who man is, is completely different than that the bible in itself says. Mormons believe that there are countless numbers of gods, and they claim that 'good Mormons' can have the chance to literally become god and rule their own planets. Biblical Christianity is completely opposite. The bible says that man is a lowly created being of a single God. Man can never become God, however if a man humbles himself before God, repents, and trusts in Jesus as his only hope, then he will become a new creation. This is what Jesus meant by being born again. Mormons believe that man must work his way to heaven, so they encourage their members to constantly work to help each other. This is attractive to the outside world, but it does not forgive sins. Biblical Christianity says that man is forgiven by Grace alone through Faith alone, not of works so that no man may boast.
Jesus provided complete forgiveness of your sins by dieing on the cross. Official Mormon teaching differs, but I tell you, read Galatians 1 very carefully. Paul says that if anyone preaches any other gospel than the one he preached, even if angels give it to them, let that man be accursed. He repeats it for emphasis, then in chapters 2 and 3, Paul describes salvation and how it happens.
These are only the tip of the iceberg of differences between Mormons and Christianity, so it's up to you. Will you trust the bible alone, which has stood the test of 2000 years of skepticism, hatred, burning, and wars? Or will you trust an 18 year old boy who literally invented his own religion given to him by spirits calling themselves Jesus. Don't forget that even Satan appears as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)
If you haven't figured it out, I am a Christian, but I personally take offense to Mormons deceiving others by pretending to be evangelical. I've spoken to many missionaries and they come to your home and say all the "right" things. I've even read through their missionary training manual. They counterfeit themselves as Christians by saying the same "words" that evangelicals say, but they simply define the words differently. For instance, they say Jesus died for the sins of the world, but they define Jesus as a different 'god' than God the Father, and a different 'god' than the Holy Spirit. The bible speaks of a single God who is "One".
The best analogy I can think of for Mormons would be that they take an old broke down car and replace the body with a Porsche's body, and then pedal it for the real thing. In the end, it will get you no where.
I of course love my faith. I have learned so much. As far and having an LDS family for yourself, I can't imagine a better way to raise kids. Just the youth programs alone are awesome! I never did get to do them because I converted when I was 20. But now, experiencing a little of it with my kids, I am so happy and excited for them.
I KNOW that this church was restored by Heavenly Father. I guess you need to get to that point so you can be 100% one way or the other. But at least make the decision to be unified in your married. Otherwise the kids grow up split in 2 and usually end up with nothing.
One word of advice though...stop reading the anti stuff. Trust me, it didn't come from Father. Keep reading the scriptures and keep praying, your answer will come. GOOD LUCK!
Feeling that both are correct - that's most likely true! We believe most, if not all Christian sects/churches, teach some important parts of the gospel...we just believe the LDS has it all covered. That's just the thing - if you are feeling they are BOTH true, they both are. Truth is truth. The LDS church teaches and contains the whole gospel, that is the reason you are feeling that both religions are correct. That is the Holy Ghost whispering to your heart and mind that what you are learning is correct...continue your prayers, continue to read the Book of Mormon, the Bible, the Doctrine & Covenants... if you truly are seeking answers the Lord will provide them. Also, sometimes we already have the answers he has given us, we just need to recognize them!
As you can tell from my name, I'm a little biased. I find it interesting that in your question you mention that you've read the critiques of the LDS church but people couldn't help but put more in their answers.
I think it comes down to which you feel will church will suit you best in your journey to return to live with God. My personal feeling is that all other churches are good, great, and grand (I'm not specifically familiar with Foursquare church, though) but only the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the foulness of the gospel. If you come to this same conclusion, then the choice is pretty easy.
First off, the LDS Church is a Christian church. Be careful with all the anti-Mormon statements above. They don't know what they are talking about!!!!
We are NOT a cult & don't keep changing things. There aren't inconsistencies between the Book of Mormon and the Bible. (I doubt they read the BofM if they can honestly say this.)
Read and study with an open heart. Don't look at negative articles or books. That will only confuse you. You have to ask God which is true. You need to do what YOU feel is right.
It can be difficult if part of you family is a different religion. It was hard when I got married, in the Temple, since my in-laws were not there. However, we KNEW we were getting married the right way.
I KNOW the LDS Church is true. I asked and my prayers were answered.
The N.T. says in John, that they might know thee the one true God and his beloved Son Jesus Christ.
One thing that I like about the Mormons is their family values can't be found anywhere else. I don't like the idea that when I die my family will be taken away from me, because I didn't love them enough to get sealed to them. A Stake President put it like this to me, when you get married by man when you sign your marriage certificate, you also sign your divorce papers. I love my family to much, when I marry I want to be a family even after this life.
The other thing is that at tracked me to the LDS faith is the belief in Modern Prophets, and Apostles. My family was Jewish about 200 years ago, and they wanted to see a Prophet of God come forth. Where in all of Christianity is there a Prophet of God, Called by God, not man. The LDS church was the first one to bring back the ancient foundation spoken by Paul. The true church is founded upon Apostles and Prophets with Christ being the Chief corner stone.
when faced with a very important decision one should fast and pray and get at least one blessing. I have an ex spouse who said, get baptized and give it five years, if it doesn't suit you after that amount of time, leave. Get a testimony of Joseph Smith Jr. and the Book of Mormon, test it. and by the way, all churches have some good in them. so learn to "hear" the Holy Ghost
Mormonism vs. Traditional Christianity -- how to know which is true?
