This article gives a very brief overview of Mormonism. We will use the abbreviation "LDS" for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The LDS's exclusive scriptures are the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price. Although they also use the King James Version of the Bible as scripture, they maintain that the it has been incorrectly translated, and that large portions consisting of covenants and teachings on salvation, have been removed. See the articles, Corruption of the Bible is an LDS Smokescreen and Joseph Smith's Inspired Translation of the Bible .)

The foundational doctrine on which Mormon teachings rest, is eternal progression. They claim that all living beings, including God, have the same origins, having progressed from their original state of "intelligent matter." (See the article Mormonism's Law of Eternal Progression .) Consequently, in order to fit in with eternal progression, their other doctrines, including those on deity, the atonement, the gospel, mankind, salvation and the afterlife, all deviate from what the Bible teaches.

Their God's name is Elohim. And they are taught that he is their biological father from a previous existence that they call their first estate. So when they use the biblical term, "Heavenly Father," they mean this literally.

In line with their doctrine of eternal progression, the God they worship was once a mortal man, who earned his right to godhood through obedience to the same laws and ordinances that apply to Mormons today. He is a married man, has a body of flesh and bone, and is only able to be in one place at a time — see the article The Case Against the God of Mormonism .)

Only members of the LDS church qualify for salvation, and only those Mormons who attain the highest degree of the LDS's Celestial Kingdom will enjoy eternal life. Doctrine and Covenants 76 verse 54 describes them as the church of the Firstborn; verse 57 describes them as those who have the Melchizedek priesthood, and verse 58 describes them as gods. (See the articles Mormon Salvation and its Deceptiveness ; The Three Degrees of Glory and Mormonism's Deceptive Teaching on Eternal Life .)

They are an evolving religion. Their doctrines have changed on an ongoing basis ever since their church was first brought into being, so books written on Mormonism (both by themselves and by their detractors) become outdated from time to time. It is difficult, if not impossible, to tie the LDS leadership down to naming a specific doctrinal book written by themselves, which they support as a church, as being their true teachings. (They will say that their scriptures contain their true teachings, but the reality is that they are contradictory. See the article, Contradictions in Mormon Scriptures .)

When the editor was still a member of the LDS church many years ago, we were regularly exhorted form the pulpit never, ever to call ourselves Christians, as the Christian church's teachings were an abomination in the sight of God. However, they have done a complete turnabout, and for some time now have been engaged in a multi million dollar publicity campaign, presenting themselves as being Christians, in an all out attempt to become accepted as part of the Christian fraternity. They are even giving away Bibles for free.

In line with this, in recent years they have made radical amendments to the LDS lesson books that they make available over the Internet, noticeably fudging over some of their major doctrines. And they are now claiming to be a Christian denomination. However, the reader should bear in mind that Mormonism is a religion of deception. (See the article Mormonism's Claim to be a Christian Denomination .) Their missionaries are instructed to put all their efforts into persuading those they visit to become baptized into membership of the LDS church, but in so doing to avoid discussing their exclusive doctrines. These are only revealed after they have become members, and then in a carefully graduated process. Their excuse for this is that non-Mormons are not ready for "meat" and must be given "milk."

Like all cults, the LDS church is very easy to join, but not so easy to leave. Ex-Mormons are generally shunned, and frequently lose the intimacy they once shared with their nearest and dearest who have stayed behind.

If you click on the "Home" button at the end of this page, you will find a comprehensive index of articles explaining Mormon beliefs in an easy to understand manner, and contrasting them with what the Bible teaches. They are referenced from both biblical and LDS sources.


Copyright 2010 by Mormonism and Biblical Truth. All rights reserved.

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