The founder of the church, Joseph Smith claimed that in the spring of 1820 he had a vision in which he saw God and Jesus Christ. He was told not to join any church but to establish the church of Christ in its fullness. In September of 1823, the angel Moroni purportedly appeared to Smith in a vision to tell him that a book containing the history of the ancient inhabitants of America was buried in a hill called Cumorah, about four miles from Palmyra, New York. The next day Smith supposedly found the book. Although not allowed to look at it until 1827, he eventually translated its golden plates. Combined with visions and revelation, its teachings formed the basis for the Book of Mormon. Smith wrote two other books, Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. Mormons are industrious, hard working, morally upright, temperate people, yet most of their doctrines find little harmony with the Bible.

Mormons believe:

1.    The Bible is the Word of God only as far as it is correctly translated. They believe the Book of Mormon is superior to the Bible because the words are “pure” words.

2.  Man pre-existed with God as an immortal soul before being created. One of the reasons for creation was to created bodies for these souls.

3.  God was pleased when Adam and Eve sinned because the earth would now be populated.

4.  There are immortal souls now living in the Spirit world with Jesus preaching the gospel to them.

5.  They must hold baptismal services for the dead in Mormon Temples.

6.  Jesus was married to Mary, Martha, and the other Mary at the wedding feast of Cana (Journal of Discourses, vol. 4, p. 259, by Brigham Young). They accept polygamy or multiple marriages where the law of the land permits it.

7.  Marriage must be sealed for time and eternity in a Mormon Temple.

8.  There are three degrees of heaven—the celestial (for faithful Mormons), the terrestrial (for Mormons not so faithful), and the telestral (for others who will be servants). In essence all humanity will receive eternal life yet some will become servants of others.

Some doctrinal beliefs held in common with Mormons

1.   Mormons are faithful tithe payers.

2.   Mormons are concerned about their health, refraining from alcohol and tobacco.

3.   Mormons accept the concept of the Gift of Prophecy in the church today.

4.   Mormons believe in baptism by immersion.

5.  Mormons accept the idea that the religious bodies today are “fallen Babylon” and Christianity needs a return to New Testament teachings.

The Mormon Question

Major Doctrinal Misunderstandings

Doctrinal Difference About Jesus