Today we’re examining the claims of the Church. On one of their pages of their website, it shows an image of a Christus statue that stands 11ft 1in, located in the Visitors Center in Temple Square. Below the image is their reasoning for calling themselves Christian.
We’ve listed a few of things, followed by our observations/questions explaining why they’re not a Christian organization –
Are Mormons Christian? “Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints unequivocally affirm themselves to be Christians. They worship God the Eternal Father in the name of Jesus Christ. When asked what the Latter-day Saints believe, Joseph Smith put Christ at the center: “The fundamental principles of our religion is the testimony of the apostles and prophets concerning Jesus Christ, ‘that he died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended up into heaven;’ and all other things are only appendages to these, which pertain to our religion…’
Reason #1
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are the only things Mormons accept. Anything one of Jesus’ apostles said outside that very narrow parameter is considered suspect. Remember, Mormons only ‘accept the Bible as far as it is translated correctly’. Article of Faith #2.
Their ‘appendages’ is where their trouble begins. Here are two of their ‘appendages’ –
If you don’t accept Joe Smith as the reason for salvation, you’re not getting into heaven.
If you don’t pay 10% of your income you can’t receive a temple recommend which serves as the ticket for getting into heaven.
Reason #2
‘Although the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints differs from that of the many creedal Christian churches, it is consistent with early Christianity. One who sincerely loves, worships, and follows Christ should be free to claim his or her understanding of the doctrine according to the dictates of his or her conscience without being branded as non-Christian. …’
Name one early church who taught you had to believe in Joe Smith to get to heaven, practice polygamy, join Mormonism, be married in a temple, and be baptized for dead people.
The Church can’t answer our question above because there was no church that did those things. Sadly, this is another red herring they’ve thrown out there to make themselves sound good.
Furthermore, you can sincerely believe the rocks in your backyard are Jesus and worship them with all your heart. Just because you’re sincere about it, doesn’t make it true. If you believe the Church, you’re sincerely wrong and that’s the real tragedy in this!
Reason #3
The following quote is their explanation of why they put the Christus statue in their visitor’s center:
“Richard L. Evans, then President of the Temple Square Presidency and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, commented, “You know, the world thinks we’re not Christians because they see no evidence of Christ on this square. They hear the words, but see no evidence.””
The quote above came from the LDS sanctioned magazine, LDS Living who wrote an article, ‘5 Things You Never Knew about the Christus Statue’.
Their excuse is downright heartbreaking. Not just for those who did this, but for the average, everyday Mormon in the Church.
They put a piece of Carrere marble up to look Christian? Really?
WHERE’S THE CROSS???
People doubt Mormon claims of being Christian because of the missing cross, not some religious relic that supposedly depicts Jesus.
Oh, how they need prayer from the body of Christ, and the mercy of God!
The reason we’ve focused on this today is because of a verse I came across in my bible study this week.
Matthew 12:30; ”He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.”
It struck me how blunt Jesus’ warning was, and how urgent the need for them to fall at His feet!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
1 Cor 1:18
Anyone with real intellect can see how far reaching you are with all of your posts and anyone that know the scripture or have ever learned about the church can see how down right misleading and possibly, slanderous your claims are. So, here is the truth about what we really believe. If you agree with it or not is another story.
Reason#1 – BTW this is Article of Faith 8 not 2 ( a little research may do you well before writing these posts)
We definetely believe what all the apostles taught, but I suppose you are either very ignorant to the fact or is choosing to ignore that, it is well known that throughout history the Catholic Church has made changes to the Bible and that there are many different versions/translations of the Bible. Even one word has the potential to completely change the meaning of a sentence.
Reason #2
Let me answer your questions.
Obviously the early churches did not claim you had to believe in Joseph Smith as he didn’t exist yet. That’s like saying that Adam had to believe and follow Moses even though Adam didn’t know who Moses was and he was not a contemporary of his. Besides, we don’t believe that we need to believe in Joseph Smith to go to heaven, but we do believe that he was a prophet of God, and therefore, we need to believe in those who are called of God. Just like the prophets of the Old Testament.
In reference to polygamy, didn’t King David, King Salomon, Jacob and others practice polygamy? Although this is not from an lds source, it has some interesting ideas about polygamy in the scriptures. https://www.gotquestions.org/polygamy.html
There really is not such a thing as Mormonism or Mormons even though we may be called as such. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint and we believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Temple marriage. First, we know from the Bible that there were temples and special ordinances where performed which eternal marriages are one of them. In Matthew 19:6 it says in regards to marriage:
”6 …What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” If God thinks that marriage is so important and should not be dissolved by man/woman, then it makes sense that He would have us have eternal marriages.
And last but not least…Baptism for the dead. In John 3:5 it says:
5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
Now, God is a fair God right? But now Jesus says that, unless a man be born of water and of the Spirit (baptized), he cannot not enter into the kingdom of God. Does that sound fair to those babies who have died right after birth or who didn’t have time to get baptized? Or those who lived in a place of the world where they never heard of Jesus? Are they doomed? No. Of course not. God has made a way where by ALL could have this saving ordinance done for those who weren’t able to do it for themselves. Besides, in I Corinthians 15:29 they speak about baptism for the dead. And it says:
“29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?”
Reason #3
You have completely distorted what Richard Evans said. The statue of Jesus Christ was put up to show without a doubt, to those who don’t know about our church, that we are indeed Christians, even though all we do in those buildings in speak of Jesus. NOT to try to trick anyone. You’re pretty silly.
The reason we don’t use the cross are as follows:
President Gordon B. Hinckley explained the reason in a talk delivered in general conference. He told about talking to a Protestant minister following a temple open house. The minister had asked why there were no crosses anywhere if we say we believe in Jesus Christ. President Hinckley answered, “‘I do not wish to give offense to any of my Christian brethren who use the cross on the steeples of their cathedrals and at the altars of their chapels, who wear it on their vestments, and imprint it on their books and other literature. But for us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the living Christ.’
“He then asked, ‘If you do not use the cross, what is the symbol of your religion?’
“I replied that the lives of our people must become the only meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship” (“The Symbol of Christ,” New Era, Apr. 1990, p. 4).
President Hinckley further explained, “On Calvary he was the dying Jesus. From the tomb he emerged the living Christ. … Because our Savior lives, we do not use the symbol of his death as the symbol of our faith. But what shall we use? No sign, no work of art, no representation of form is adequate to express the glory and the wonder of the Living Christ. He told us what that symbol should be when he said, ‘If ye love me, keep my commandments’ (John 14:15)” (pp. 6, 7).
Even though we do not believe in using the cross as a symbol in our Church, we do not criticize others for wearing or using the cross in their religions. We should understand that the cross is significant and sacred to them. In fact, the 11th article of faith says, “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”
We focus on the great atonement of our Savior, his sacrifice for us that makes eternal life possible. We think of his life and sacrifice every Sunday during the sacrament. Our testimonies become the precious things that we bear, along with our obedience, to show we are true followers of Christ.
Hope this clarifies all the questions you seemed to not be able to find in the internet, or tried, which are readily available with a little research.
Again, if you believe in what we believe or in the Bible, that’s another story.
Hi there Cindy –
I wanted to thank you for writing in to us here at Life After and first off let you know we’re praying for you.
I’m saddened that you seem to be so angry Cindy, and I pray the Lord Jesus will show you why that is. I’m not surprised by the reaction because that’s exactly how I used to behave as a Mormon. Needless to say, it was exhausting as I’m sure you already know.
Secondly, I want to say you’re right! I mistakenly used the wrong reference in the Articles of Faith, so I thank you for pointing that out. I do not want for there to be erroneous information on the site. I meant to use AoF #8.
I must disagree with your analysis regarding accepting everything the apostles said,
Jesus’ apostles proclaimed that Jesus is God incarnate, and certainly this isn’t something Mormonism ascribes itself to.
BTW, I’ve done a fair amount of research so don’t worry yourself about that.
As per the Catholics…there are many religions who’ve rewritten God’s word, but that isn’t the focus here. The red herring trick doesn’t work here, so keep focused on the subject matter at hand.
Re: Belief in Joseph Smith mandatory for salvation.
Here’s what the Church has said –
The Mortal Messiah, 2:79; “The Lord and his prophets are one, and no one can believe in Christ and reject his prophets.”
Church Stands or Falls with Joseph Smith
From the Doctrines of Salvation, 1:188 it says; “Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground.” – 10th Prophet LDS Church, Joseph Fielding Smith
Confession of Smith Brings Salvation
Journal of Discourses 9:312; “All those who believe in their hearts and confess with their mouths that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet, at the same time trying with their might to live the holy principles Joseph the Prophet has revealed, are in possession of the Holy Spirit of God and are entitled to a fullness.” – Brigham Young, Salt Lake City, July 13, 1862
Joseph Smith is Preeminent and Above All Others
“The Certain Sounds,” Church News, October 9, 1983, p. 24; “No man holds divine authority equal to or above the president of the Church. In his position he is pre-eminent!
“Let us understand fully the clear identity of the president of the Church. He is the mouthpiece of God on earth for us today.”
Salvation Available Because of Joseph – George Q. Cannon
Joseph Smith’s Consent Needed to Get into Heaven
Journal of Discourses 7:289; “…no man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith. From the day that the Priesthood was taken from the earth to the winding-up scene of all things, every man and woman must have the certificate of Joseph Smith, junior, as a passport to their entrance into the mansion where God and Christ are—I with you and you with me. I cannot go there without his consent.” – Brigham Young, Salt Lake City, October 9, 1859.
I could list dozens of other examples, but I think you get the point. If you’d like more info on that see our database here
.
Re: Temples.
There is no need for temples today if you’re a Christian. When Jesus paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross, the veil in the temple was ‘rent in twain’, giving all mankind direct access to God.
Once that happened you’ll find that you need to accept Jesus Christ into your heart by confessing He is God, and you’re in need of a Savior to redeem you because you’re a sinner. At that time, His Holy Spirit comes and takes up residence inside of you.
You become the temple. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19.
Also, very important is what the author of Hebrews said in chapters 9 & 10. There is no longer any need to keep offering blood sacrifices now that Jesus paid for everyone’s sins. It says the priests stand daily, offering the blood of animals, but it never did take away their sin, it only covered it.
Jesus, the Lamb of God, took away our sin so we are seen as righteous in the eyes of God! This is the only way we’ll be acceptable to God the Father. It’s through the spilt blood of His Son, not the works of our flesh.
Yes, marriage is important Cindy, but have you not read what else Jesus said about marriage?
In Luke 16:19-31 He told the Pharisees there are no marriages in heaven. None. We are like angels. BTW, no one in the OT was getting married in the temple. The only people allowed inside the temple was the priest who sacrificed animals, and sprinkled blood on the mercy seat as required by God.
The inner courts were open to men only who attended so they could listen to teachers who read from the scrolls. Women were relegated to the outer courts where they could listen from afar.
The passage in 1 Cor 15:29 is referring to when Paul exhorted new believers in Corinth on the resurrection. He simply asked them why they were baptizing dead people when they didn’t believe in the resurrection. Read the entire chapter in context. When we do that, there is no confusion, or misapplication of the Bible.
As per polygamy.
If polygamy was truly ordered by God why isn’t the Church practicing it today?
Did you read all there is in the Torah about the practice of polygamy? Did you apply it to the standards of the way we’re to live on this side of the cross? What about Paul’s admonition to deacons? They’re to have only one wife…
Titus 1:6. Eph. 5:31-32, 1 Cor. 7:2, Hebrews 13:3-4, 1 Tim 3:11…
In conclusion Cindy, regarding the death of children…
I had a baby that died and I know full well where she’s at today and that’s with the Lord.
The Bible says that God has revealed Himself to EVERYONE – Romans 1:19-20. He puts it in our hearts to know Him as it also says in Jeremiah 24:7, and Ecc. 3:11.
And very, very important is what it says in Jeremiah 31 –
Jeremiah 31:31-33; “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
Oh Cindy, we want for you to know how much the Lord loves you! Please, do read over and pray about the verses I’ve listed here for you, and know that we’re praying for you!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
1 Cor 1:18
I am not angry Michelle, in the contrary. I am concerned for you. I sometimes find articles in the internet that are filled with errors, misinterpretions and many, down right lies and I am compelled to right those wrongs, but I most definitely do not make it my life’s mission to try to persecute any one person or religion. That would be a sad existence and I respect everyone’s God-given right to believe what they may. I’m sure we could keep going on and on, but my point is to simply present the truth, as you miss quote or misrepresent the facts. If someone believes it or not that is their choice to make. If I were you, I would try to let go of whatever is making you so resentful and live your life and be happy.
2 Timothy 2:24
24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
I hope you can find happiness and find a way to teach without having to try to put other religions/beliefs down to do it. I don’t think that’s how Jesus taught.
Sincerely.
Thank you, Cindy! I do not think you sound angry, but respectful and clarifying. I love being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and am always saddened by articles such as this one where the author twists our beliefs and judges what they do not truly understand. We know the truth! It’s such a precious gift, to know the truth, isn’t it? Thank you for standing up for what is right. Hugs to you!
I must say there is a lot of bitter wrangling over what is or is not Christian and each denomination seems determined to prove its point. Generally the more evangelical the group the more forceful and certain they are of their ground. Christianity was born in a distant age very unlike our own world and it has adapted enormously over the centuries to fit into the modern world. It is so much part of the western democracies that we now have such concepts as ‘ he was a very kindly Christian man ‘ or his life was full of Christian acts.’ And this can apply to virtually anyone regardless of whether they attend church or not. Today it is almost impossible to define just what a Christian is although lots of people are prepared to spend hours telling us just what is necessary to be a Christian. Many recourse to the Bible and claim to know exactly what it says about being a Christian. My answer is if it is so clear why all the disagreement? To which I nearly always get the answer in a series of suitable hand picked quotes to prove their point. Today we have women Bishops , same sex marriage, big bang Christianity amongst many others. What is important about people is not what they claim to believe but how they live and that defines their moral character.
Mormons are NOT Christians because they don’t believe in the Trinity. Neither are Quakers, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and more. That’s the defining point.
“… 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. …”
The spirit of the world is Satan. God is above all and through all; He is a Spirit and not in human form.
We Christians know that there is nothing WHATSOEVER comparable to Christianity. Mormonism has nothing comparable with Christianity. Same words are used but they have completely different meanings.
That said, our Triune God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our God is 3 persons as one God. (You can try to understand it similar to: A man is one being, he is 3 persons as a Father, Husband, and a worker at his job. SAME being but 3 persons.) They are all God who is a Spirit. Jesus is God, the Holy Spirit is God, The Father is God. The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son. He prays for us, comforts us, Explains the Word to us as we read the Bible, and shows us our sin. When your heart is sincerely trying to understand the Bible and what God wants you to know, then the Holy Spirit will teach and lead you.
Jesus has 2 natures; human and divine. When he taught people on earth, he was human; when he died on the cross in our place, he was human, giving up using His divine nature. When He did miracles on earth, he was using His divine nature.
There is nothing man says or does that supersedes what God does. We are filthy rags, worthless and only worthy of death. Smith, et al. are all trying to tell you otherwise. it’s the spirit of the world, Satan, that is constantly trying to pull people away from God, lower Jesus to human terms, fill the egos of man by making them think they are equal to God and salvation, etc.
Only the Holy Spirit, through reading and hearing the Word (Bible) can convict you of your sins by showing you that you’ve failed to keep the Ten Commandments (Law). When you’re repentant and ask God His forgiveness, with a truly contrite heart, the Holy Spirit knows this. He then shows you the Gospel (Good News) that you are forgiven by Jesus’ blood on the cross. Your sins won’t be held against you.
When you are baptized in the Christian church, you are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection. You then receive the faith to believe and then do good works to show thanks for Jesus dying for you. (You don’t need faith before baptism as that implies you doing something. We do nothing towards our faith, forgiveness, belief.)
The hymn says,” Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to the cross I cling.”
It’s God’s great love for us that He died in our place. It’s with His mercy, that He lets us come to Him. This is the simple explanation of Christianity.
You see, the Mormon religion is lead by the WRONG spirit. It does not bring a person to the RIGHT Jesus but only their false version. We here are not trying to bash Mormons but only show the Mormons the REAL Jesus and how to ‘meet’ Him.
We are praying for you to have this real joy as we have. The freedom of the Christian Conscience by having the “blackboard list” of your sins daily erased each time you come to Jesus and ask His forgiveness.
Pick up your Bible, without Mormon helps, and read it with a sincere heart. Ask Jesus to KNOW the truth.
Thank you, Michelle. I’ll take a friend any day of the week. This was a very loving and considerate break-down. Never doubt yourself.
What is wrong with the “Christus?” I know that some people are repulsed by images of the cross with a corpus. Why shouldn’t mormons have artwork that reflects their belief?
Here is what I see:
1) An ignorant person perpetrating ignorant slander.
2) A person knowledgeable on the subject offers correction.
3) Then, ignorant person(s) attempt to gaslight the person that is knowledgeable on the subject that the ignorant person presented in a (purposefully?) ignorant manner.
Gaslighting, as seen by this quote from first responding comment above:
“I’m saddened that you seem to be so angry Cindy, and I pray the Lord Jesus will show you why that is. I’m not surprised by the reaction because that’s exactly how I used to behave as a Mormon. Needless to say, it was exhausting as I’m sure you already know.”
Classic gaslighting. Which makes me believe this ignorant person may not be ignorant at all, and instead may be trying to mislead and manipulate others on purpose.
Yes, sad is the correct word….for the people who believe this slander.
I believe in the holy trinity and that Jesus,Adonai and the Holy Spirit are one.The Mormons believe that Jesus is not God and that the Holy Spirit is not God. As far as i can see,Mormons believe in Joseph Smith who was not holy at all. So who knows if he can be trusted. That in itself is enough for me to not want to be a Mormon.Maybe Mormons prefer not to see Joseph Smith for who he was or was not.
I believe in the holy trinity and that Jesus,Adonai and the Holy Spirit are one.The Mormons believe that Jesus is not God and that the Holy Spirit is not God. As far as i can see,Mormons believe in Joseph Smith who was not holy at all. So who knows if he can be trusted. That in itself is enough for me to not want to be a Mormon.Maybe Mormons prefer not to see Joseph Smith for who he was or was not.
The key issue in Christianity is whether Jesus was who He said He was or not. After reading all of the arguments above it seems to me that the key for LDS is whether Joseph Smith is who he said he was. Also though if LDS believe that Jesus is not who He said He was but yet do believe something else about Him how does that work? I’m confused a little as to how LDS would reconcile believing in Jesus yet not believing He is who He said He is. Any thoughts welcome.
I read a quote somewhere that I feel puts our faith in perspective. When asked what it means to be a Christian, “we are made in HIS image, act accordingly”