Christianity and Mormonism share some commonalities, as both consider themselves to be part of the broader Christian tradition. However, there are significant theological differences between the two that have led to the identification of Mormonism as a distinct religious movement.
Christians primarily rely on the Bible as their sacred scripture, which includes the Old Testament and the New Testament. Mormons use the Bible, but they also consider the Book of Mormon to be a crucial scripture. The Book of Mormon is believed by Mormons to be a record of ancient inhabitants of the Americas, translated by Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism.
The Book of Mormon contains passages that contradict the Bible, particularly regarding the location of Jesus Christ’s birth. The significance of this contradiction is crucial, as the birthplace of the Messiah was foretold by the prophet Micah, and any alteration raises questions about the significance of Jesus Christ and the assurance of our salvation. However, this prophecy is confirmed in the Book of Matthew.
Most mainstream Christian denominations adhere to the doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches that God exists as three persons in one essence (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Mormons have a unique understanding of the nature of God. They believe in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost as separate and distinct beings. Mormons also believe in the potential for humans to become gods themselves through a process called exaltation. According to Mormon doctrine, Jesus is considered a separate and distinct being from God the Father.
Micah 5:2 – “As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, seemingly insignificant among the clans of Judah – from you a king will emerge who will rule over Israel on my behalf.”
Alma 7:10 – “And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem, which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.”
Matthew 2:6 – “And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are in no way least among the rulers of Judah, for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”
This contradiction raises concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the Book of Mormon in comparison to the Bible. It is essential to carefully examine such discrepancies when considering the teachings and beliefs associated with these scriptures.
The Book of Mormon reveals a contradiction between its teachings and Mormon doctrine, particularly regarding polytheism and polygamy. The inconsistency raises concerns about the coherence of their scriptures and practices. Two significant examples are discussed below:
The Book of Mormon asserts the belief in one God, a concept affirmed by the Bible as the true word of God. However, other Mormon doctrines, such as those found in the Journal of Discourses, suggest the existence of many gods.
Mosiah 15:4 – “And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth.”
2 Nephi 31:21 – “And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.”
Journal of Discourses, Vol 6. (page 5) – “The head God called together the Gods and sat in grand council to bring forth the world…”, “I should not have introduced this testimony, were it not to back up the word Rosh – the head, the father of the Gods. I should not have brought it up, only to show that I am right…”, “In the beginning, the head of the Gods called a council of the Gods; and they came together and concocted a plan to create the world and people it.”
This inconsistency in the belief in one God versus the acknowledgment of multiple gods within Mormon doctrines poses a challenge to the integrity and coherence of their teachings. It’s important to carefully evaluate such contradictions when examining the teachings and beliefs associated with the Book of Mormon and Mormon doctrine.
The Book of Mormon introduces a contradiction between its teachings and Mormon doctrine regarding the practice of polygamy. This inconsistency raises concerns about the reliability and coherence of their scriptures and doctrines. Two notable examples are discussed below:
The Book of Mormon advises its followers not to marry multiple women, aligning with the biblical perspective on monogamy. However, other Mormon doctrines, as evidenced in the Journal of Discourses, advocate for the possibility of followers having multiple wives. While polygamy is mentioned in the Bible, it is often portrayed as problematic and sinful.
Jacob 1:15 – “And now it came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts, and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as like unto David of old desiring many wives and concubines, and also Solomon, his son.”
Mosiah 11:12 – “For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God, but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness.”
Journal of Discourses, Vol 3 (page 264) – “It would please me to see good men and women have families; I would like to have righteous men take more wives and raise up holy children. Some say, ‘I would do so, but brother Joseph and brother Brigham have never told me to do it.’ This law was never given of the Lord for any but his faithful children; it is not for the ungodly at all; no man has a right to a wife, or wives unless he honors his Priesthood and magnifies his calling before God.”, “Now if any of you will deny the plurality of wives, and continue to do so, I promise that you will be damned; and I will go still further and say, take this revelation, or any other revelation that the Lord has given, and deny it in your feelings, and I promise that you will be damned.”
This inconsistency in the teachings on polygamy within Mormon scriptures and doctrines raises questions about the coherence and credibility of their religious beliefs. It is crucial to carefully examine such contradictions when evaluating the teachings and beliefs associated with the Mormon religion, or any religion for that matter. In doing so, you will see that the Book of Mormon cannot and should be trusted, and furthermore is not consistent with Christianity.