The Mormon Church
The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was organized by Joseph Smith on April 6, 1830, Fayette, New York. Joseph claimed to have had visions and revelations as early as 14 years of age. He claimed to have had received special instruction of God not to join any denomination, for God would soon restore the ancient gospel.
Three years later, Joseph claimed to have received a vision. An angel by the name of Moroni appeared to him and told him of a secret hiding place where he would find plates of gold on which the gospel was inscribed. He was told by Moroni to visit this place annually. Finally, on September 22, 1827, at the age of 21, Joseph was allowed to receive the golden plates. He translated and printed the plates in 1829.
That same year, he and a close friend, Oliver Cowdery, claimed that John the Baptist appeared to them and conferred upon them the Aaronic priesthood and commanded them to baptize (immerse) each other in water. Later, Peter, James and John conferred the Melchizadek priesthood upon them and made them apostles too!Headquarters were established in Kirtland, Ohio in 1831. Joseph Smith and his followers were met with great opposition. They were expelled from several states and eventually Joseph Smith was shot to death in Carthage, Illinois by an angry mob on June 27, 1844. He was shot in the jailhouse where he had been charged with treason.
After Smith's death, the Mormons split into several divisions. Brigham Young (an ex-Methodist) was elected as president of the church in 1847, moving the headquarters from Omaha, Nebraska to present day Utah. Presently, two main bodies exist. The "Reorganized" branch is based out of Independence, Missouri. They reject polygamy and the name Mormon. The Salt Lake City, Utah division which erected the magnificent Temple, claim three books to be inspired: The Pearl of Great Price, Doctrines and Covenants, and the Book of Mormon.
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Words of Men |
Words of God |
Members believe God gave revelations of truth to Joseph Smith.
"...We also believe the book of Mormon to be the word of God". (Joseph Smith, Article 8 of Articles of Faith) |
The Faith was once delivered (Jude3).
God's Word is complete (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).
A curse is reserved for any man or angel who perverts the Word (Galatians 1:8,9).
We must not add to nor take away from God's Word (2 John 9-11).
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"I will now give you a description of the manner in which the Book of Mormon was translated. Joseph Smith would put the seer stones into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness, the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and under it the interpretation in English. Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery who was his principle scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear. Thus the book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, and not by the power of any man." (David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers In Christ, p. 17)
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"But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies..." (1 Timothy 4:1,2)
"For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables." (2 Tmiothy 4:3,4)
"...All liars, their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8)
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Grammatical and language blunders are found within the book of Mormon. Like other creeds written by men every edition assumed a different form. In 1842, the title page announced, "Carefully revised by the translator" and such corrections have continued. There has been over 3000 changes since the first book of Mormon was publsihed.
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God is not the author of confusion. His truth will never change.
"God is not a God of confusion, but of peace". (1 Corinthians 14:33)
"Sanctify them the truth; thy word is truth." (John 17:17) |
Source: Traditions of Men Versus the Word of God by Alvin Jennings
Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ
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