Comparing Mormonism

"Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test" 
(Mormon President Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 16, p. 46, 1873)

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This is a personal web site that will compare the official teachings of the Mormon Church to the Bible. The official Catholic Church teachings will be used to interpret the Bible. The Mormon President Brigham Young said "take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test".  I took up the Bible and compared the Mormon religion to Holy Scripture and it failed the test. I discovered that the teachings of the Mormon religion contradict and are not consistent with what the Bible reveals.  This web site has received the Fidelity Green Light Award for its Excellence in Catholic Fidelity from CatholicCulture.org. The bible links on this site will link to the KJV since this is the principal Bible of the Mormon Church. If you have any comments or questions please contact me, Johnny, at  c.view@comcast.net . 

Compare Catholic Teachings Against Mormon Teachings

Catholic: Official Catholic Church Teachings  -- New American Bible -- Catechism Search 
Mormon: Official Mormon Church Teachings -- Mormon Scriptures  --- Mormon Search

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 Saint Thomas Aquinas, an Italian Catholic theologian, demonstrated gentleness in condemning what was false and fairness in pointing out the direction to true knowledge.

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?? I tested Mormon doctrine again the doctrine of the Mormon doctrine.  Mormon doctrine contradicts Biblical doctrine in many places ... many gods .. angels born of heavenly ... god has a fleshly body ... .  I did not hold fast to Mormon doctrine but it is not good, the fruit of Mormonism is not good. It is a false fruit from a false prophets, like a false teacher it looks good on the surface but inside it is bad.

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1Thes.5:21)

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John.16:3)

1. Mormonism: In 1820 the Lord Chose Joseph Smith as a New Prophet (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 17) 
    Catholicism: Revelation is complete but it has not been made completely explicit. (CCC66)

2. Mormonism: God was once a man like us (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 47)
    Catholicism: God is neither man nor woman (CCC370)

3. Mormonism: Jesus was the first spirit born to heavenly parents (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 2)
    Catholicism: The Son, begotten from the Father, existed as the Word. (CCC479)

4. Mormonism: The Holy Ghost is a spirit in the form of a man (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 21)
    Catholicism: The Holy Spirit proceeds from the father and the Son (CCC245)

5. Mormonism: The Godhead are unified in purpose (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 7)
    Catholicism: Not three Gods, but one God in three persons (CCC253)

6. Mormonism: We can become a creator like our Heavenly Father (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 47)
    Catholicism: No creature has the infinite power necessary to create (CCC318)

7. Mormonism: Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 2)
    Catholicism: Every spiritual soul is created immediately by God (CCC366)

8. Mormonism: God has a  tangible body of flesh and bones (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 1)
    Catholicism: In no way is God in man's image. God is pure spirit. (CCC370)

9. Mormonism: Adam's fall was a necessary step in the plan of life (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 6)
    Catholicism: Adam did not have to suffer or die (CCC1730)

10. Mormonism: Great Blessings Resulted from the Transgression (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 6)
      Catholicism: Adam's sin brought death and suffering (CCC1018)

11. Mormonism: To make the atonement fully effective in our lives we must strive (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 12)
      Catholicism: Man's merit is due to God’s grace and secondly to man's collaboration (CCC2025)

12. Mormonism: After the Apostles died there was no true authority (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 16)
      Catholicism: The Apostles took care to appoint successors to pass on authority (CCC860)

13. Mormonism: Joseph Smith restored the Church in the latter days (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 16)
      Catholicism: The promised restoration begins with John the Baptist (CCC720)

14. Mormonism: It is a mockery before God to baptize little children (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 20)
      Catholicism: Infant baptism is an apostolic tradition (CCC1252)

15. Mormonism: The teachings of present churches are "an abomination in his sight" (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 17)
      Catholicism: The early apostolic church affirmed the conversion of the bread into Christ's body  (CCC1375)

16. Mormonism: The Mormon Church is the only true and living church (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 17)
      Catholicism: The Church was made manifest on the day of Pentecost (CCC1076)

17. Mormonism: The Mormon Church has twelve living apostles (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 9)
      Catholicism: The Twelve Apostles are the lasting foundation (CCC857)

18. Mormonism: The priesthood is divided into two parts (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 14)
      Catholicism: The Old Testament priesthood prefigured the one priesthood of Christ (CCC1541)

19. Mormonism: Immersion is necessary (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 20)
      Catholicism: Immersion and pouring are both modes of Baptism (CCC1278)

20. Mormonism: The laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 21)
      Catholicism: Baptism for the gift of the Holy Spirit (CCC1226)

21. Mormonism: Our exaltation depends on marriage (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 38)
      Catholicism: Marriage and being single come from the Lord (CCC1620)

22. Mormonism: Baptism in behalf of the dead (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 16)
      Catholicism: God is not bound by the Sacrament of Baptism (CCC1257)

23. Mormonism: At the Final Judgment we will be sent to one of four places (Mormon teaching manual Chapter 46)
      Catholicism: At death, the blessedness of Heaven or immediate damnation (CCC1022)

24. Mormonism: After Final Judgment their are three kingdoms of glory and outer darkness (Mormon manual Chapter 46)
      Catholicism: All the Just, having the glory of God, will be in the Father's presence (CCC769)


Correcting Mormons with Scripture

As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction (2Pet. 3:16)

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2Tim. 3:16)

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. (2Thes.2:15)

By testing the doctrine of the Mormon Church against the Bible a person will discover that Mormon doctrine contradicts the doctrine that the Bible reveals.  The Bible tells us hard to understand and  that ??

?? look at restoration book and ensign articles and gospel principles for writing style

The Bible tells us that we should "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" and use scripture "for reproof, for correction (Jude 1:3; 2Tim 3:16,17).  As Christians we are to "stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle" so that no man can deceive us (2Thes 2:15).  The disciples of Christ use scripture for doctrine (?) and continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42). Christ disciples are not beguiled with enticing words and traditions of men but walk in the faith received from Jesus (Col 2:4-8). In the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, Philip guided him by using scripture and preaching Jesus (Acts 8:26-40).   Paul's spirit stirred in him and he debated daily in the public square with whoever happened to be there (Acts 17:16,17). Paul debated boldly with persuasive arguments about the kingdom of God (Acts 19:8,9). We are to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). The Church is the pillar and ground of truth (?).  Saint Thomas Aquinas, an Italian Catholic theologian, demonstrated gentleness in condemning what was false and fairness in pointing out the direction to true knowledge.

??Bible says that some things are hard to understand and not all things in the Bible.  Catholics had apostolic tradition and the divine revelation to clarify the deposit of faith.  Catholics have the authority from Christ to interpret scripture.

Tit.1
[9] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
[11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
[12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
[13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
[14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

 

Correcting Mormons using the Bible and Catholic teachings to interpret the Bible

God

01.  Mormonism:  God has a body that looks like ours
      
Catholicism:   In no way is God in man's image

02.  Mormonism: All creeds are an abomination, their are three gods
      
Catholicism:  Christian Creed states, there are not three gods

03.  Mormonism: God was seen as a person by Joseph Smith
      
Catholicism:  God cannot be seen as he is

04.  Mormonism: The Godhead are unified in purpose
       Catholicism:  The Godhead is one

05.  Mormonism: Many Gods during creation
       Catholicism:  God was alone during creation

06.  Mormonism: Angels were born of heavenly parents
       Catholicism:  Angels were created by the Lord

07.  Mormonism: Jehovah is not God the Father
       Catholicism:  Jehovah is Israel's God  

08.  Mormonism: God came to be God
       Catholicism:  God is unchangeable 

09.  Mormonism:  We can become a creator like our Heavenly Father
       Catholicism:   No creature has the infinite power necessary to create

Jesus

02.  Mormonism: The Mormon Jesus and the Father are two different Gods
       Catholicism:  Jesus said he was "I AM", the Son of God and God himself 

03.  Mormonism:  The Mormon Jesus was born of a heavenly mother, he was a spirit person
       Catholicism:   Jesus was only begotten of the Father, he was the Word

04.  Mormonism: The Mormon Jesus and Satan are brothers
       Catholicism:  Jesus created Satan and all the angels

05.  Mormonism: The Mormon Jesus is not equal to the Father
       Catholicism:  Jesus said him and the Father are equal

06.  Mormonism: The Father and the Son are separate 
       Catholicism:  Jesus said him and the Father are one

07.  Mormonism: Jesus came to the earth to progress
       Catholicism:  Jesus came to the earth to be the Lamb of God 

09.  Mormonism:  The Mormon Jesus lived in heaven with brothers and sisters
       Catholicism:   Jesus is the only begotten Son

The Holy Trinity

04.  Mormonism: Mormons believe in three Gods
       Catholicism:  Christians believe in one God and one Lord

01.  Mormonism: Mormon scriptures reveals many Gods created
       Catholicism:  The Bible reveals one God created, he was alone

06.  Mormonism: Joseph Smith saw two personages
       Catholicism: Stephen saw the glory of God and Jesus

03.  Mormonism: Three separate Gods that are unified
       Catholicism:  Three distinct persons that are unified

08.  Mormonism:  Three Gods in the Godhead
       Catholicism:   The Godhead of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one

05.  Mormonism: A council of Gods
       Catholicism:  A council of sons of God

09.  Mormonism: False Christianity believes that God is a being without form
       Catholicism:  The Holy Spirit is God, a spirit has no form

02.  Mormonism:  Christian creeds are an abomination.
       Catholicism:   Christian creeds are consistent with scripture

Scripture

01.  Mormonism:  Mormons accept four books as scripture.
      
Catholicism:  Christians accept one book as scripture, the Bible

07.  Mormonism:  Mormon scripture is the word of God 
       Catholicism:   Mormon scripture is not consistent with the word of God

09.  Mormonism:  Mormon believe in scripture, revelation
       Catholicism:   Catholics believe in scripture, revelation, and apostolic tradition

02.  Mormonism:  Pray about Book of Mormon
       Catholicism:   Test the Book of Mormon

03.  Mormonism:  Believe the Prophet Joseph Smith
       Catholicism:   Test the Prophet Joseph Smith

04.  Mormonism:  Bible not translated correctly
       Catholicism:   Catholic Church has the authority to interpret scripture 

06.  Mormonism:  Book of Mormon is the restored gospel
       Catholicism:   The Catholic Church has the full and living gospel

Apostasy

01.  Mormonism:  Apostasy from the Church of Christ
       Catholicism:  Apostasy from the Church of Rome

03.  Mormonism: Error crept into Christian doctrine 
       Catholicism:  Church doctrine is guaranteed from error

09.  Mormonism: Church teachings are false
       Catholicism: Church is the pillar of truth

04.  Mormonism:  Bishops do not have the power and authority to lead the Church
       Catholicism:   Bishops replaced apostles, apostolic succession, all power and authority, ordination

02.  Mormonism:  The Mormon Church is the only true and living church 
      
Catholicism:   Apostolicity is the test for the true church

07.  Mormonism: Church teaches false teachings
       Catholicism:  Church teaches teachings of the apostolic church

Restoration

08.  Mormonism: Mormon Church restored revelation
      
Catholicism:  God continues to converse with Catholic Church

09.  Mormonism:  Mormon Church restored prophets
       Catholicism:  Prophets are those who proclaim

07.  Mormonism:  Mormon Church restored apostles
       Catholicism:  Apostles are those sent forth

06.  Mormonism:  Mormon Church restored authority
       Catholicism:   Apostolic authority not restored, the physical laying on hands are needed for ordination

03.  Mormonism:  The Mormon priesthood restored the priesthood   
       Catholicism:   The Mormon Church restored the old priesthood 

05.  Mormonism: The Mormon Church Baptizes the dead
       Catholicism:  The Early Christian Church Prayed for the dead

01.  Mormonism: The everlasting gospel came at Joseph Smith's coming
       Catholicism:  The everlasting gospel comes at the Jesus' second coming

02.  Mormonism: The Mormon Church restored early church teachings
       Catholicism:  The Mormon Church did not restore the apostolic teachings of the sacrament

Man

08.  Mormonism: God created man using eternal intelligence  
       Catholicism:  God created from nothing

01.  Mormonism: Adam was born of heavenly parents 
       Catholicism:  Adam was made by the Father

09.  Mormonism: Adam was Michael the archangel
      
Catholicism:  Adam was made immediately by God

03.  Mormonism: Adam's fall was necessary 
       Catholicism:  Adam's fall was not necessary

04.  Mormonism: Adam transgressed
       Catholicism:  Adam's transgressed and sinned

02.  Mormonism: Adam's transgression brought blessings 
       Catholicism:  Adam's sin brought condemnation

05.  Mormonism: Infants are spiritually alive
       Catholicism: Infants are spiritually dead

07.  Mormonism: Men can become a creator like our Heavenly Father 
       Catholicism:  Men can not become a creator like our Heavenly Father 

Sacraments

08.  Mormonism: Infant baptism is not necessary
       Catholicism:  Jesus taught baptism is necessary

01.  Mormonism: Book of Mormon says it is a mockery before God to baptize little children 
      
Catholicism:  Infant baptism is an apostolic tradition

02.  Mormonism: Immersion is necessary 
       Catholicism: Immersion and pouring are both modes of Baptism 

03.  Mormonism: The laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost 
       Catholicism: Baptism for the gift of the Holy Spirit

05.  Mormonism: It is up to each of us to do our part and become worthy of exaltation. 
       Catholicism: Man's merit is due to God’s grace and secondly to man's collaboration 

06.  Mormonism: Our exaltation depends on marriage
       Catholicism:  Marriage and being single come from the Lord, Jesus exalted

07.  Mormonism: Joseph Smith had many wives.
       Catholicism: The Old Testament reveals wives. The New Testament reveals one wife.

09.  Mormonism: Sacrament is symbolic 
       Catholicism: Early apostolic Christians taught the real presence

Eternity

01.  Mormonism:  Four places after final judgment 
      
Catholicism:   Two places after final judgment

02.  Mormonism:  Different salvations
       Catholicism:   One salvation 

03.  Mormonism:  Only Mormons will be in the Father's presence
       Catholicism:   All the Just will be in the Father's presence 

04.  Mormonism:  Hell is for the sons of perdition and the fallen angels
       Catholicism:   Hell is for those who reject God

05.  Mormonism:  Man's eternity can change after their death
       Catholicism:   Man's eternity is decided at the moment of his death

06.  Mormonism:  Infants not baptized automatically go to heaven
       Catholicism:   Infants not baptized do not automatically go to heaven

07.  Mormonism: Men can hear the Mormon Gospel after their death
       Catholicism:  Men who do not hear the Gospel on earth may achieve eternal salvation

08.  Mormonism:  There is marriage after death
       Catholicism:   There is no marriage after death


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