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" (JD 16:46). This web site will compare LDS Church teachings to the Bible using the Catholic Church teachings to interpret the Bible. This web site has received the Fidelity Green Light Award for its Excellence in Catholic Fidelity from CatholicCulture.org.
The Jesus of Mormonism is "another Jesus" (2Cor.11:4). The Jesus of Mormonism is one of "three Gods" (Ensign, March 2008, 68-73). The Mormon Jesus is "a God" (LDS Bible Dictionary - God), who was born of a heavenly mother (LDS GP Chapter 2) and whose brother is Satan (LDS GP Chapter 3) and whose father has a body of flesh and bones (LDS GP Chapter 1).
The Jesus of Mormonism is not the Jesus of the Bible. The Jesus of the Bible is "God" (John 1:1), "in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (Col.2:9). "God was manifest in the flesh" (1Tim.3:16). Jesus is "the only begotten of the Father" (John 1:14), "by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth" (Col 1:16). Jesus is "my Lord and my God", who is "the Christ, the Son of God" (John.20:17-31). "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1Tim.2:5).
Jesus told us "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John.8:31-32). Jesus taught "the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he" (Mark 12:29,32). Joseph Smith was the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, also known as Mormonism. Joseph Smith taught "three Gods" (Joseph Smith Teachings - Ensign, Mar 2008, 68-73). Joseph Smith does not continue in the words of Jesus.
The Mormon President Hinckley said "we do not believe in the traditional Christ of Christianity ... our knowledge comes of the witness of a prophet" (LDS General Conference Apr 2002). The Bible reveals that we can know a false prophet because they "shall bring in damnable heresies" (2Pet.2:1). A heresy is a teaching that conflicts with what Jesus and his apostles taught. Christians continue in the things which they have learned and have been assured of, knowing whom they learned it (2Tim 3:14). Joseph Smith's heretical teaching of "three Gods" conflicts with Jesus and his apostles teaching of "one God" (Mark.12:29,32; 1Cor.8:4-6).
Mormon Scripture conflicts with the Bible, Mormon scripture says "the Gods, organized and formed the heavens ... they (the Gods) said: Let there be light" (Abr 4:1-3). The Bible says "God said, Let there be light" (Gen 1:3) and "I am the LORD ... there is no God beside me ... I form the light ... stretched out the heavens" (Isa 45:5-12) and "the LORD ... stretcheth forth the heavens alone ... by myself" (Isa 44:2,24). "to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things ... and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things" (1Cor 8:6).
The Bible warns us that an angel from heaven can preach "another gospel" than what the apostles preached (Gal.1:6-8). The Bible reveals that a false prophet, like Joseph Smith, can come in sheep's clothing and can show a great sign like the Book of Mormon to deceive many (Matt 24:11,24; Matt 7:15). The Mormon restored gospel brought to Joseph Smith can be found in the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon (Chapter 10). Joseph translated it by "put the seer stone into a hat and put his face in the hat" (Ensign, Sep 1977). The Book of Mormon reveals “it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2Nephi 25:23). The Bible reveals “by grace are ye saved through faith” (Eph.2:8). The Book of Mormon reveals a different gospel, a perverted gospel, when compared to the Bible which is the inspired word of God. We are saved "according to his own purpose and grace" (2Tim 1:9), we are not saved "after all we can do" like the Book of Mormon reveals. We are justified by his grace, not by works of righteousness which we have done (Titus 3:5,7). Mormons believe:
We can learn if the Book of Mormon is true or false by searching the Holy Scriptures and allowing the Spirit of Truth to lead us to all truth, God will give wisdom to those who ask him (Acts.17:11; John.16:13; James.1:5). Jesus did not teach us to use feelings to know if something is truth, Jesus taught that we can know the truth by continuing in his words (John.8:31-32). Jesus did not reveal "we are saved, after all we can do” like the Book of Mormon. The apostle's of Jesus did not believe we are "saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances" like Mormons.
Mormonism teaches that "The Apostle John saw that the gospel would be restored by an angel (see Revelation 14:6-7). In fulfillment of this prophecy the angel Moroni and other heavenly visitors brought the gospel of Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith" (Gospel Principles Chapter 41). Revelation 14:6-7 is not describing the angel Moroni bringing the gospel to Joseph Smith but is describing angels proclaiming imminent judgment, the everlasting gospel is the good news that God's eternal reign is about to begin (Revelation 14:6-7).
Mormonism says "Ezekiel’s ancient prophecy of the two “sticks”—or books—does more than foresee the Bible and Book of Mormon. It marks the coming of the Book of Mormon as the beginning of the great latter-day gathering." (Ensign, Feb 1987). "Ezekiel 37, Mormons not only neglect the plain sense of the words but also ignore their true interpretation, given by God--in the very same chapter. ... As the text makes clear, this is a prophecy of national reunification, not about the appearance of hidden scriptures." (Catholic Answers).
The Mormon Faith is very different than "the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude.1:3). The Bible reveals "in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1Tim.4:1). Mormons have departed from the faith taught by the apostles of Jesus. As Christians we are to " stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle" (2Thes.2:15). We are to not to believe every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1John 4:1). The following teachings found in the Mormon teacher's manual Gospel Principles depart from the faith taught by the apostles:
1. God the Father "became God" (Chapter 47) and he has "a tangible body of flesh and bones" (Chapter 1).
2. Jesus was born of "heavenly parents" (Chapter 2) and that Satan is Jesus' "brother" (Chapter 3).
3. The gift of the Holy Ghost can only be received by a person who has been baptized "by a person having the proper authority" (Chapter 20).
4. Adam and Eve's fall "was a necessary step in the plan of life and a great blessing to all of us" (Chapter 6).
5. "members of the Church will inherit different kingdoms because they will not be equally faithful and valiant in their obedience to Christ" (Chapter 46).
Mormonism teaches commandments of men (Col.2:22), it teaches: "The Lord commands us not to use wine and strong drinks, meaning drinks containing alcohol ... tobacco ... coffee and tea ..." (Chapter 29). "Jesus, you will recall, was called a winebibber (Matt. 11:19), the charge being not that he drank, but that he drank too much. Jesus Wasn't a Teetotaler ... Wine was used also at weddings, of course, and our Lord apparently approved of the practice; after all, when the wine was depleted at Cana, he made more out of water ... the Bible condemns excessive drinking (1 Cor. 5:11; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:18; 1 Pet. 4:3)" (EWTN).
Mormonism claims that the LDS church "teaches the same principles and performs the same ordinances as were performed in the days of Jesus" (Chapter 17). Mormonism does not teach the same principles as in the days of Jesus. Jesus and his apostles taught "take, eat this is my body” (1Cor 11:24; John 6:54-60). The Bible reveals “The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” (1Cor 10:16,17). Ignatius, a bishop of Antioch who was appointed by the apostle Peter, wrote "they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of our Savior Jesus Christ." (Epistle to Smyrnaeans,7,1).
Mormonism does not perform the same ordinances as the apostles of Jesus performed. Mormonism teaches "Temple ordinances have been performed for the dead since the early days of the Church" (Chapter 40). The footnotes in the New American Bible say for 1Cor 15:29 "Baptized for the dead: this practice is not further explained here, nor is it necessarily mentioned with approval, but Paul cites it as something in their experience that attests in one more way to belief in the resurrection." Neither scripture nor the early early Christian writers reveal the Mormon practice of baptism for the dead, scripture (1Pet 4:6) and the early Christian writers (Hermas; Irenaeus) reveal that "The gospel was preached even to the dead ... the spread of Christ's redemptive work to all men of all times and all places" (634). In Christ shall all be made alive, the resurrection of the dead (1Cor 15:21,22). "God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments" (1257).
The Book of Mormon reveals "Infant baptism is an evil abomination" (Book of Mormon Moroni 8). Mormonism teaches "it is mockery before God to baptize little children" and "Baptism by immersion by a person having the proper authority is the only acceptable way of being baptized" (Chapter 20). The Bible reveals we are to "stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle" (2Thes.2:15). Irenaeus, a second century bishop, taught "He [Jesus] came to save all through himself; all, I say, who through him are reborn in God: infants, and children, and youths, and old men. Therefore he passed through every age, becoming an infant for infants, sanctifying infants; a child for children, sanctifying those who are of that age" (Against Heresies 2:22:4 [A.D. 189]). The Catholic Church teaches "Since the earliest times, Baptism has been administered to children, for it is a grace and a gift of God that does not presuppose any human merit; children are baptized in the faith of the Church" (1282).
Mormonism is very different than the early Christian church, refer to the following articles from Catholic Answers to see how:
- The Real Presence - Apostolic Tradition - Original Sin
- Infant Baptism - Immersion Only? - Apostolic Succession
- Authority of the Pope - Peter's Successors - Private Revelation
- Creation Out of Nothing - Intercession of the Saints - Reward and Merit
- The Hell There Is! - Resurrection of the Body - The Roots of Purgatory
The Mormon personal study guide and teacher's manual Gospel Principles teaches "the goal of every Latter-day Saint" is an "eternal marriage" in a Mormon temple (Chapter 38). Before Mormons can go to the temple they must be worthy, they are asked questions like: Do you have a firm testimony of the restored gospel? Do you sustain the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator? Are you a full-tithe payer? Do you keep the Word of Wisdom?" (Chapter 38). Jesus tells us that being unmarried is not for all but only for those to whom that is granted by God (Matt 19:11). The apostle Paul viewed marriage and being unmarried as a particular spiritual gift from God (1Cor 7:7). Our Creator did not need a heavenly wife when he created the first man, God formed the spirit within him (Zech.12:1; Gen.2:7). God can create a spirit with a command (Pss.148:5; Neh.9:6; Pss.33:6-9; Col 1:16-17). Mormons do not continue with the teachings of Jesus and his apostles, the Mormon study guide Gospel Principles teaches the following about marriage:
1. "each of us has been commanded to marry and have children" (Chapter 36)
2. "our exaltation depends on marriage" (Chapter 38).
3. "Exaltation is eternal life, the kind of life God lives ... He is a creator. We can become like our Heavenly Father." (Chapter 47)
4. "The first spirit born to our heavenly parents was Jesus Christ" (Chapter 2)
5. "Those who inherit the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, who become gods, must also have been married for eternity in the temple." (Chapter 46)
6. "When people are married outside the temple, the marriage ends when one of the partners dies" (Chapter 36).
Mormonism has the following beliefs (Ensign, Mar 1988, 7),
- reject the traditional doctrine of the Trinity
- believe that human beings can eventually become like God
- practice baptism for the dead
- deny the doctrine of original sin
- reject the doctrine of salvation by grace alone
A convert from Mormonism to the Catholic Church writes "I was born and raised in a Latter-Day Saints family ... As I read and studied ... Mormon teachings were often in direct conflict with the Bible ... it is my testimony that the Catholic Church is Christ's Church on earth. ... It is the Church Christ himself established, and its fundamental doctrines and creeds have not changed in two thousand years. They have remained constant, in harmony with the earliest Fathers of the Church ...." (Catholic Answers).
Another convert from Mormonism to the Catholic Church writes "The more I researched, the more flaws I found with the Mormon doctrines I had been taught. ... The overwhelming historical evidence available supports the Catholic teaching on Apostolic succession. ... Another truth I discovered is that there is only one God. I could no longer accept the Mormon view of a plurality of gods ..." (ETWN).
For more personal accounts from former members of the LDS Church go to IRR.org. Below are some of those accounts:
David "The Bible clearly states in many passages that there is only one God. The standard explanation is that “well, that means that there is only one God 'for us/of our world'”. That explanation satisfies those who believe in Mormonism. Unfortunately, to make it true one has to make the Bible mean something other than what it actually says."
Allen "What happens when your feelings say one thing and the Word of God says another? Which is more reliable and which do you believe? Don't you think the Bible is a much more reliable standard than my 'feelings' or 'testimony' or your 'feelings' or 'testimony'?”"
Tracy "Christ taught that the “truth shall make you free,” and I never experienced that until I left Mormonism. Suddenly the world was brighter, life was fuller and more meaningful; there was a lift in my step and a smile on my face."
Melissa ""Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1) For those of you who are members of the LDS faith; as I once was, please......please listen. Listen to what God is trying to tell you. Let Him in. Think for yourselves. Put your religion to the test."
Sandie "The world is also full of many Christians who are blindly unaware that Mormonism is not just another Christian denomination. The teachings of the Mormon Church are not in agreement with the Bible."
Chris "I found the LDS Church to be false and full of deceit and lies. If you're reading this, do your own investigation of the LDS Church. Look at it with an open mind. Research it. Study the contradictions and you too will find what I found out — that me and you were sold a bill of goods that cannot be delivered. Satan’s greatest weapon is deceit. I was deceived"
Sharon "I am now truly saved by His Grace. I am happier than I can ever remember being! All that was taken from me through depression and self-deprecation has been returned to me by the Lord. It feels good not to live with guilt and fear constantly. I finally feel right with God and I know He is always there for me."
Jennifer "My decision to leave was based in my discovery of God's Grace; something that Mormonism had never offered me."
Mormons have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Joseph Smith, they are entangled after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2Pet.2:15-20). As Christians we can follow Jesus' example, when Jesus saw people that were like sheep without a shepherd he was moved with compassion toward them and he began to teach them many things (Mark.6:34). We can teach Mormons the truth of "one God", the truth shall make them free (John.8:31-32). We can teach Mormons that the Father and the Son "are one" in works (John 10:30,38), the Father dwelt in the Son and did the works (John 14:10,11,23; John 17:21). The Catholic Church teaches:
794 Christ provides for our growth: to make us grow toward him, our head, he provides in his Body, the Church, the gifts and assistance by which we help one another along the way of salvation.
We can persuade Mormons to continue in the grace of God (Acts.13:43).We are under grace, we do not continue in sin but walk in newness of life, we yield ourselves unto God, we are instruments of righteousness unto God, we yield ourselves servants to obey, we obey from the heart, we yield as servants to God to righteousness unto holiness, we have fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom.6:1-23). Those who hear the word of God but do not understand fall away, those who understand the word of God bring forth fruit to perfection (Luke.8:11-15).
Moved by grace, man turns toward God and away from sin, thus accepting forgiveness and righteousness from on high (Rom.5:1-18). We can choose to believe or not believe the gospel (Mark.16:15,16; Luke.8:12,13). If we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved (Rom.10:9). We are not saved by faith only, we are saved by grace through faith, it is the gift of God, not of works, not of ourselves (James 2:24; Eph.2:8,9). Living faith involves charity, it is not faith only, we are doers of the word not hearers only (James 2:14-26; James 1:22). Faith alone is dead, if it has not works, without charity we are nothing even if we have faith (James 2:17; 1Cor 13:2). The apostle Paul said, by the grace of God I am what I am, I labored yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1Cor.15:10). It is God which works in us as we work out your own salvation (Phil 2:12,13).
We are careful to maintain good works because these things are good and profitable unto men (Titus 3:8). When we love God we keep his commandments, his commandments are to believe and love one another (1John 5:2; 1John 3:23). Jesus said if you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me (Matt 19:21). All will be resurrected (Acts 24:15), those who have done good come forth in the resurrection of life, those who have done evil come forth in the resurrection of damnation (John.5.29). Those who love their enemies and do good will have a great reward (Luke.6:35,36). Those who overcome believe that Jesus is the Son of God and are born of God, they are in the book of life and will sit on a throne (Rev 3:5-21; 1John 5:1-5). He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and shall be God's son. The fearful, and unbelieving, and murderers, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Rev.21:7,8). The righteous go away into eternal life, they shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matt.25:46; Matt.13:43).
The Bible reveals that Christians are disciples (Acts 11:26) and that disciples continue in the words of Christ (John 8:31). Christ and his apostles taught one God (Mark.12:29,32; 1Cor.8:4-6). Mormon's continue with the words of Joseph Smith instead of the words of Christ.
The Catholic Church has ruled that a Mormon baptism is not valid. The Catholic Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has stated that "The words Father, Son and Holy Spirit, have for the Mormons a meaning totally different from the Christian meaning. The differences are so great that one cannot even consider that this doctrine is a heresy which emerged out of a false understanding of the Christian doctrine. The teaching of the Mormons has a completely different matrix. ... Mormons hold that there is no real Trinity, no original sin ..." (EWTN). The Catholic Church teaches:
1271 Baptism constitutes the foundation of communion among all Christians, including those who are not yet in full communion with the Catholic Church: "For men who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in some, though imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church. Justified by faith in Baptism, [they] are incorporated into Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with good reason are accepted as brothers by the children of the Catholic Church." "Baptism therefore constitutes the sacramental bond of unity existing among all who through it are reborn."
The Catholic Eternal Word Television Network has said that "Mormons are not Christians ... Those who deny the doctrine of the Holy Trinity deny that Christ is God. Now if one denies that Christ is God, he is denying an essential aspect of Christianity" (ETWN). They also said "Although Mormons certainly consider themselves to be Christians, the Church does not consider them to be Christians, either sacramentally or theologically. The Church has ruled that Mormon baptism is not valid, which means that Mormons are not Christians by baptism. Since Mormons believe in a plurality of gods and do not believe in Christ's divinity (as it is understood by orthodox Christians), they are not theological Christians either." (ETWN).
As you evangelize Mormons reason from the Bible because scripture "is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction" (Acts 17:3; 2Tim 3:16). A convert from Mormonism to Catholicism, said "Most people don't know the Bible very well, which makes it really easy for (Mormon) missionaries to be successful ... Learn the Bible well" (From Mormon to Catholic). The Italian Catholic theologian Saint Thomas Aquinas believed that truth is known through reason (natural revelation) and faith (supernatural revelation), he demonstrated gentleness in condemning what was false and fairness in pointing out the direction to true knowledge.
The Catholic Church teaches "all the faithful share in understanding and handing on revealed truth" (91) and that "it is from God's love for all men that the Church in every age receives both the obligation and the vigor of her missionary dynamism, for the love of Christ urges us on" (851). The Catholic Church has said that "Inter-religious dialogue, which is part of the Church's evangelizing mission, requires an attitude of understanding and a relationship of mutual knowledge and reciprocal enrichment, in obedience to the truth and with respect for freedom" (Second Vatican Council).
If you have any questions on Mormonism or Catholicism please feel free to contact me, Johnny, at c.view@comcast.net . It is my testimony that Joseph Smith is a false prophet who brought the heresy of "three gods". It is my testimony that the Book of Mormon contains a different gospel than the Bible. The Book of Mormon contains false doctrines, doctrines like "saved, after all we can do” (2Nephi 25:23), "Adam fell that men might be" (2 Nephi 2:25), and "infant baptism is an evil abomination" (Moroni 8).
"Who are the "other sheep" Jesus mentions in John 10:16? In a TV ad the Mormons say that verse refers to Jews who allegedly migrated to South America around 600 B.C. ... Most Catholic biblical scholars, following the teaching of the early Church Fathers, agree that the "other sheep" are the Gentiles, to whom the gospel was sent after the Jews rejected Christ (Rom 11:11-12)." (Catholic Answers)
Joseph Smith claimed that the Savior told him that the teachings of present churches were "an abomination in his sight" (Gospel Principles Chapter 17). Joseph Smith said "I cannot believe in any of the creeds of the different denominations, because they all have some things in them I cannot subscribe to" (Joseph Smith Discourse, LDS Ensign Jun 1973, 40). Joseph Smith said "I will prove that the world is wrong, by showing what God is ... God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man ... if you were to see him today, you would see him like a man in form ... God came to be God." (Joseph Smith's King Follett Sermon, LDS Ensign, Apr 1971, 13-14). The Book of Mormon Student Manual says "The church of the devil is ... every church except the true church" (Book of Mormon Student Manual, 1 Nephi 14:10). Mormons believe they are members of the Only True Church (Ensign, Feb 1995, 62–63). The Mormon teacher's manual Gospel Principles teaches "... false Christianity ... believed that God was a being without form or substance" (Chapter 16).
From the beginning the church has expressed her faith using a creed. A creed is a summary of the faith contained in the Old and the New Testaments. Like the early apostolic church, the church uses a council to clarify her faith, the early Jerusalem council involved "much debate" (Acts.15:7). The Trinity has been from the beginning of the Church's faith principally by means of Baptism. The doctrine of the Trinity is "one God in three persons" (CCC253). The Trinity is a mystery of faith, a mystery is revealed by God (CCC).
The Bible does not reveal "three Gods" like Mormonism, the Bible reveals "one God". "We do not confess three Gods, but one God in three persons" (CCC253). "The three divine persons act together as one" (CCC648). "He was truly "I AM", the Son of God and God himself" (CCC653). "Three persons in which subsists the one Godhead" (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith). The Father and the Son "are one" in works (John 10:30,38), the Father dwelt in the Son and did the works (John 14:10,11,23; John 17:21).
- Mark.12 ([32] the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he)
- 1Cor 8 ([4] there is none other God but one)
- Psalm.90 ([2] from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God)
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- 1Tim.2 ([5] there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus)
- 1Tim.3 ([16] God was manifest in the flesh.)
- John 1 ([1] the Word was God. [14] And the Word was made flesh [34] this is the Son of God.)
- Phil 2 ([6] being in the form of God [7] took upon him the form of a servant)
- John.13 ([16] The servant is not greater than his lord)
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- 1Cor.8 ([6] to us there is but one God, the Father and one Lord Jesus Christ)
- John.20 ([17] Jesus said I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God)
- Eph.1 ([3] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ:)
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- John.10 ([30] I and my Father are one. [38] believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him)
- John.14 ([10] the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works [23] If a man love me, he will keep my words: we will come unto him, and make our abode with him)
- John 17 ([21] That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us)
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- 2Cor.5 ([19] God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself)
- Col.2 ([9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily)
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- John.20 ([28] Thomas said unto Jesus, My Lord and my God [31] Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God)
- Heb.1 ([3] Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person)
"The Word became flesh to make us "partakers of the divine nature": [2 Pt 1:4] "For this is why the Word became man, and the Son of God became the Son of man: so that man, by entering into communion with the Word and thus receiving divine sonship, might become a son of God." "For the Son of God became man so that we might become God." "The only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods" (CCC460)