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Mormonism Trying to Look More Christian
Since Joseph Smith founded Mormonism, many changes have been made to make it look more Christian. As recent as 1978, Mormon leaders eliminated the ban on black men in their priesthood. The practice of polygamy was one of the things that got them in so much trouble with their neighbors soon after their founding. Joseph Smith had a couple dozen wives. Mormon leaders officially renounced polygamy in 1890 but splinter groups still practice it. Mormonism is constantly changing. Each new prophet has the authority to nullify previous teachings including the Bible. In 1996, Mormon leaders reworked the official logo to put more emphasis on Jesus Christ in their name. Presidential candidate Mitt Romney attempted to look more “Christian” by stating: “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind.” However, he added a qualification: “My church’s beliefs about Christ may not all be the same as those of other faiths.” And those beliefs about Jesus are so foundational that they have not changed much since founder Joseph Smith wrote them. Romney is right. His “church’s beliefs about Christ” are radically different from “other faiths,” especially those who believe the Bible. The Mormon Jesus is one of a bunch of gods who began as men and attained godhood in a “celestial kingdom.” One Mormon doctrine is summarized as follows: “As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become.” This briefly describes a complex theology involving multiple gods inhabiting remote planets with spirit wives having spirit babies to inhabit the physical bodies of children born to Mormons on earth. A Mormon aspires to become one of these gods with his own planet, spirit wife and making spirit babies. For Romney to say that Jesus is the “Savior of mankind” he is making a huge stretch to look “Christian.” Mormon salvation is essentially by works. Their 3rd article of faith states that salvation is “by obedience of the laws and ordinances of the Gospel,” not by faith in Jesus Christ. Long before it became a political issue, Chick Publications began work on a new Crusaders Comic on Mormonism. It is called The Enchanter and focuses on the history of Joseph Smith before and after he founded Mormonism. One of the most striking statements was made by Joseph Fielding Smith, the 10th LDS prophet: “Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground. If Joseph Smith was a deceiver, who willfully attempted to mislead the people, then he should be exposed; his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false, for the doctrines of an impostor cannot be made to harmonize in all particulars with divine truth. If his claims and declarations were built upon fraud and deceit, there would appear many errors and contradictions, which would be easy to detect.” (Doctrines of Salvation (1954), Vol. 1, p. 188). The Enchanter exposes the “fraud and deceit” behind Joseph Smith’s “claims and declarations.” It traces Smith from birth into a family deeply involved in witchcraft and magic to his death at the hands of a mob fed up with his arrogance. It will shake the faith of any Mormon who reads it. It will also expose the “errors and contradictions” of Mormonism to anyone who might be considering joining them. It is instructive for the soul winner who attempts to witness to a Mormon.
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