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Topic: Criticism of Mormonism

	Talk:Mormonism - Theopedia
		Mormons are generally atheological and have little concern for their own doctrine or theology (or history).
		Since "Mormonism" is a subset of Christianity, informed Latter-day Saints do understand that their critics are using language incorrectly or mischievously when they make incoherent claims equivalent to "Mormonism is not Christian." Mormons actually believe themselves to be Christian precisely because of their theology and for no other reason.
		Whether Mormon doctrine represents a correct or biblically sound understanding of the Gospel of Jesus is a legitimate subject of inquiry and debate; but the question of whether Mormonism is "Christian," as that word is normally used, simply does not exist except in the most highly polemicized discourse.
	www.theopedia.com /Talk:Mormonism (1841 words)

	Mormonism
		Mormonism is distinct from the Latter Day Saint movement in that it applies to a subset of the branches of that movement.
		The term Mormonism is also often used to refer specifically to the theology and subculture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is the largest of many church organizations that claim to be part of Mormonism.
		Mormonism also attracts criticism with its bold claims, such as that the authority to act in God's name was lost in apostasy, then restored to Joseph Smith.
	articles.gourt.com /en/Mormonism (2768 words)

	The Watchman Expositor: Mormons Gearing Up for Baptists
		Two separate addresses given in February by Mormon apostles Boyd K. Packer and M. Russell Ballard, and another by Mormon apostle Dallin Oaks given at the April General Conference, were clearly intended to fortify the Mormon faithful against arguments from outsiders that Mormonism is not a Christian religion.
		Of course this point cannot be grasped without equating Mormon apostles with the true apostles, and casting the critics in the role of the wicked Sanhedrin, which, even after Gamaliel's advice, flogged the apostles and forbade them to speak in the name of Jesus.
		If all who challenge Mormonism are perceived as "persecutors," if all offers of biblical correction to Mormon falsehoods are felt to be personal attacks, Mormon leaders can rest assured that few of their people will give any evidence against Mormonism the hearing, or the weight in a hearing, which it deserves.
	www.watchman.org /lds/mormonsgearingup.htm (4254 words)

	A DIFFERENT JESUS? WORSE: A DIFFERENT GOD, GOSPEL, AND FAITH (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-23)
		Mormonism is a religion that promotes a plurality of Gods, asserting that God Himself is an exalted man and that we humans are of the same species as God.
		Mormon author Robert Millet, however, does not even begin to raise the issue of God having once been a man in a clear context until page 143, and even there, he touches on it only briefly in a way that does not at all do justice to the historical writings of LDS leaders.
		The entire goal of Mormonism, that being the exaltation of man to his “full potential,” that is, godhood, is tied to the belief that the god of this planet, Elohim, was once a man and advanced to the position of godship.
	www.equip.org /free/JAM503.htm (2087 words)

	Introduction to the Book of Mormon
		Much of the Book of Mormon deals with descendants of a man named Lehi, a 6th century B.C. prophet who lived in the Jerusalem area but was warned by the Lord to flee the area with his family and several other people.
		And the Book of Mormon is an important part of that process, intended to show the scattered remnants of Israel who they are, to teach them of the covenants that God has made with His people, and to convince them (and all that will hear) that Jesus is the Christ, the Promised Messiah.
		The Book of Mormon is offered as the most tangible and easiest test of the mission of Joseph Smith: he was either a forger and a con-man of the worst degree, or a prophet of God.
	www.jefflindsay.com /BOMIntro.shtml (6496 words)

	Dave's Mormon Inquiry: Higher Criticism and Mormonism
		The methods, then, of higher criticism we recognize as proper; but we must disagree as to the correctness of many of the conclusions arrived at by that method.
		On the other hand, the essays also show that LDS scholars are quite familiar with the substance and method of higher critics, although they understandably dispute the assumptions that some scholars bring to their work and the conclusions that many higher critics draw from their research.
		Clark said that "the evidence within most higher criticism arguments is fairly weak." There's a lot to this area of study, and while I agree that there are assertions that are controversial, there are also arguments that are accepted by most biblical scholars.
	mormoninquiry.typepad.com /mormon_inquiry/2006/07/higher_criticis.html (2325 words)

	Anti-Mormon - MormonWiki
		While exoticizing and vilifying Mormons continued in the early twentieth century, especially in the new medium of film in which dozens of anti-Mormon movies were made, scholars and others less qualified began to apply psychoanalytic techniques to explain the origins of Mormonism.
		Mormons have historically avoided outright confrontation with critics, but have instead focused on sharing their message and allowing their audience to choose between the two sides.
		Mormons believe that the best approach is to present the teachings and truths of Mormonism in a positive manner and allow others to decide for themselves.
	www.mormonwiki.com /mormonism/Anti-Mormon (2221 words)

	Criticism of Mormonism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
		Criticism of Mormonism is the criticism of the Latter Day Saint movement, especially of the largest and most prominent sect, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hereafter referred to as the LDS Church).
		Mormonism is sometimes referred to as a cult, due to doctrinal [1] and procedural [2] issues.
		Mormons believe that God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three different beings united in purpose, love, and perfection; they also believe that the Father has a physical body (see Godhead (Latter Day Saints)).
	en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Criticism_of_Mormonism (2349 words)

	The BITE Model and Mormon Control
		Mormons often discuss the ongoing “war in heaven” that resulted in the “fall” of Satan and one third of the hosts of heaven, and which continues to this day.
		However, it is notable that one of the questions to determine a Mormon’s worthiness to participate in Temple activities pertains to whether or not you sympathize or associate with apostate or anti-Mormon groups or individuals.
		The Mormon version of hell is separation from Heavenly Father, and is the result of failure to attain the highest level of heaven, or the Celestial Kingdom.
	www.rationalrevelation.com /library/bite.html (9977 words)

	The Quick and the dead: Mormonism: not so simple?
		If this is "criticism" of Mormonism, it is so only because it assumes orthodox Christianity as the measure of truth...which is fine for the Christian, but is irrelevant at best to the secular world of politics.
		Sharpton's critique was that, since Mormons accepted a clearly racist doctrine during the lifetime of Mitt Romney, Romney must have been either a racist or a heretic.
		"Criticism of Mormonism is not bigotry; criticism of people on the basis of their stated religious belief system is bigotry."
	blog.case.edu /jeffrey.quick/2007/05/10/mormonism_not_so_simple (776 words)

	GetReligion: November 29, 2006
		The idea is that faithful Mormons can make a leap, in the next life, to the status of gods of their own worlds, spheres, universes or some form of creation.
		Mormon leaders would do better to be obviously open and honest, even about controversial ideas, than to look as if they’re trying to sweep them under the carpet.
		But if fairness in criticism is what they seek, and the rage of the offended massess doesn’t sway their resolve, then they should approach the case as I’ve posited.
	www.getreligion.org /?p=1969 (6470 words)

	understanding mormonism :: Home
		The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) was organized in 1830 by the Prophet Joseph Smith.
		The point is that the Mormon Church has the mission of teaching those important truths that had been lost after the death of Jesus and the apostles.
		For this reason, more than 60,000 Mormon missionaries are currently serving in many countries of the world.
	www.understandingmormonism.org (480 words)

	Book of Mormon at lds-mormon.com
		Mormons claim that an ancient record (the Book of Mormon) was written beginning in about 600 BC, and the author in 600 BC copied Isaiah in Isaiah's original words.
		He realized that the organization he had founded to establish the authenticity of the Book of Mormon was now actually disproving the Book of Mormon by its failure to turn up anything concerning a Christian culture existing in Mesoamerica prior to the time of Columbus.
		Most Mormons have managed to live comfortably with the claims of a magical translation of the Book of Mormon by regarding it as revelation or inspiration, or something like that; and seer stones, which in Quinn's account were not uncommon among early church members, have been kept at a bare minimum by the official histories.
	www.lds-mormon.com /book_of_mormon.shtml (1672 words)

	About Mormons
		This statue of the Prophet Joseph Smith, founding President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormon church), and his brother Hyrum stands in front of Carthage Jail, the place of their martyrdom.
		Mormonism - overview of the mormon church and mormonism.
		Mormon Singles Corner is an affiliated site that shares ideas for many kinds of Single Adult activities.
	www.lightplanet.com /mormons (290 words)

	Mormonism Criticism
		In the following excerpt, Eliason examines the role of the “pioneer myth” in Mormon history, recounting the events leading to the emergence of the religion and detailing the vast exodus across the American West made by early members of the church.
		In the following essay, Harline uses private writings included in the diaries and autobiographies of Mormon women to show how these polygamous wives were torn between their faith in the mandates of God and their emotional struggles with the realities of day-to-day life.
		In the following excerpt, Lyon discusses the life and work of John Lyon, the unofficial poet laureate of the Mormon religion in Great Britain and the author of The Harp of Zion, the first book of poetry published by a member of the LDS church.
	www.bookrags.com /criticisms/Mormonism (281 words)

	Adding Revelations, Salt Lake City Messenger, December 1979, Mormon History, Mormonism, Mormons, LDS, Jerald and Sandra ... (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-23)
		Another revelation which Mormon leaders have suppressed is one given by Joseph Smith in 1831 on the practice of polygamy.
		In Mormon theology the Lamanites and Nephites are the Indians.
		Mormon apologists cannot explain why some revelations are canonized and others suppressed, but it is obvious to anyone who seriously studies the matter that Mormon authorities have often given false revelations.
	www.xmission.com /~country/reason/add_rev.htm (4212 words)

	A comparison of two different versions of Jerald and Sandra Tanner's Distorted View of Mormonism: A Response to ... (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-23)
		It is fair to say also that some Mormon defenders have also done equal disservice to the LDS Church by adopting the same method in reverse: presenting carefully chosen evidence that shows only the positive side of Mormonism, while ignoring or denying the existence of contrary evidence.
		The Tanners claim that Mormon temple ordinances are the Item Y that Joseph Smith copied from the Item X of Masonry: "We feel that there is only one logical explanation for the many parallels between the temple ceremony and Masonry, and that is that Joseph Smith borrowed from the Masons" (page 490).
		Mormons of various ranks have been responsible for misconceptions about the irrevocable and immutable character of the words of revelation, but the documents of sacred history do not support such attitudes.
	www.xmission.com /~country/reason/ldshist2.htm (15647 words)

	The Christian Countercult Movement: Modern Personalities
		That is, any accusation or criticism of Mormonism that appears to be useful to pull people out of the LDS church is seized upon by Decker (and not just by him, please note, but by many in the evangelical counter-LDS community) and used regardless of the accuracy of the charge.
		Finally, in 1975, as a result of circumstances surrounding the failure of his first marriage, his subsequent remarriage, and the traumatic birth of his son (Jason Decker was "born without normal outer ears and ear canals" [Decker 1984:7]), Decker left the LDS Church and began the journey towards evangelical Christianity and a professional countercult career.
		We find particularly offensive the emphasis in the film that Mormonism is some sort of subversive plot—a danger to the community, a threat to the institution of marriage, and is destructive to the mental health of teenagers.
	religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu /cultsect/counter/decker.htm (3243 words)

	Archaeology and the Book of Mormon - FARMS Review
		Since the Tanners are well known for their unwillingness to present the Latter-day Saint case in anything but the most unfavorable light, my advice to potential readers—both Mormon and non-Mormon—is to ignore the Tanners and read the original sources which they anthologize.
		Fundamentalist critics of Mormonism tread on dangerous ground when they attempt to use an official pronouncement of a secular institution to disprove the historicity of the Book of Mormon.
		Archaeology and the Book of Mormon is dealt with on pages 97-125, and "Updated Materials" on 125A to 125G; a comparison of the two volumes will show that nearly all of the material is substantially the same.
	www.farmsresearch.com /display.php?id=126&table=review (7217 words)

	Richard Packham's Home Page
		The Mormon Church vs The New Testament Church Mormons claim that the Mormon church is a restoration of the church established by Jesus and his apostles, and cite their similarities as proof.
		Mormon Temples and Temple Rituals: An overview of the secret Mormon temple rituals, including all the secret passwords, handclasps and oaths needed for entrance into the presence of God.
		Mormons believe that in heaven they will become gods and create their own worlds; this is (perhaps) the welcoming message they will receive when they get there (gently satiric).
	home.teleport.com /~packham/index.htm (3448 words)

	Exclusion of Family Insensitive (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-23)
		The following was published in the Deseret News regarding marriage in a Mormon temple, and non-Mormon and less active family members being unable to attend.
		This version was cut and revised by the News editor for content, removing criticism of Mormonism for cultural and religious insensitivity.
		Mormons marry there, then have their marriage sealed in the temple.
	www.deevans.net /pubs/insensitive.html (153 words)

	The Bat Creek Inscription (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-23)
		Next, the two bracelets found with the Bat Creek stone were originally classified as copper and later found to be leaded yellow brass.
		Either way, this suggests the use of copper by the Nephites or other Hebrews that found their way to the Americas,often a point of early criticism of Mormonism.
		Once again, archaeology doesn't prove anything, but shows that the Book of Mormon is plausible.
	www.geocities.com /rameumptom/bom/BatCreek.html (339 words)

	Mormonism 201: Chapter 11
		On page 151 they say exaltation in Mormonism, "means keeping all the commandments as instructed by the LDS Church for a person's entire life." Although this is true, we will discover soon enough that "keeping the commandments" in LDS and biblical thought, does not carry with it the same meaning that our critics have presumed.
		Mormons believe this as well, but we do not believe that "once justified, always justified." If this were true, then logically there would be no reason for anyone previously saved to later repent.
		It is a common tendency for our critics to cite a few Pauline passages and then declare, "That's the biblical message." This method should ring a bell for us since this is exactly their method in misrepresenting LDS doctrine.
	www.fairlds.org /Mormonism_201/m20111.html (18820 words)

	Identifying Satan
		But in Mormonism there are many claims and assertions made by the church and its prophets and its missionaries which CAN be verified.
		Also, the history of Mormonism as presented by the church in its official publications is a product of careful editing, amending, doctoring, deletions and forgeries - all done so that the unpleasant parts of church history will not be known generally.
		This error is compounded in Mormon theology, with Lucifer appearing as a character in the endowment ceremony in the Mormon temple.
	home.teleport.com /~packham/satan.htm (2373 words)

	Mormonism Debate--Beliefnet.com
		This board is not designed as a community for any particular group; it is an open debate welcoming both followers and critics of Mormonism.
		Beliefnet encourages Mormons to visit the Mormon Forum to seek community with each other.
		I think if you're a christian who loves to post against mormonism then you really need to stop, evaluate your beliefs, and realize that most likely what you accuse joseph of doing to mormons has and IS being done to you.
	www.beliefnet.com /boards/message_list.asp?boardID=5605&discussionID=514722 (737 words)

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