FAITH CATHEDRAL DELIVERANCE CENTRE

WELCOMES YOU TO BIBLE STUDY ON ?

PART ONE

WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHT? The October 2008 issue of “First Things” contains a very useful article entitled ‘Is Mormonism Christian?

The two-part article consists of an essay by a Mormon (Bruce D. Porter) who explains why he believes Mormonism is a form of Christianity and a counter essay by an evangelical scholar (Gerald R. McDermott) who explains why Mormonism is radically different from Christianity.

OBJECTIVE FOR THIS STUDY By the end of this study members should be conversant with words and terms associated with Mormonism.

WHAT IS MORMONISM? Mormonism is the doctrines and practices of the Mormon Church which are chiefly based on the Book of Mormon.

WHO ARE MORMONS? Mormons are a religious and cultural group related to Mormonism, the principal branch of the Latter-day Saint movement of Restorationist Christianity, which began with the visions of Joseph Smith in upstate New York during the 1820s.

The word ‘Mormons’ most often refers to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because of their belief in the Book of Mormon.

THE TRUE NAME EXPLAINED  To most of the world, Mormons are called Mormons.  Most people don’t know or realize that the Mormon religion has a name other than ‘Mormon’.

The actual and preferred name of the religion is “ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints”.

The Church of Jesus Christ Mormons believe that a religion, if embrace followers of Christ, should be named after Christ.

In one of the Mormon volumes of scripture, there is a passage that states: ‘Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.

… but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name” (3 Nephi 27:7-9)3 Nephi 27:7-9

Of Latter-Day Saints don’t take any of their roots from other Christian churches Mormons believe that their church is a restored church, and that they don’t take any of their roots from other Christian churches.

Mormons claim their religion is a true restoration of the church created by Jesus Christ. During Christ’s day, the followers of Christ were often referred to as ‘Saints’. (Paul’s Epistles)

Nicknames Mormons - It was actually a name given to them by the people around them when the Mormon church was first being established. Joseph Smith, the first Mormon prophet, brought forth what Mormon’s believe to be an additional volume of scripture called The Book of Mormon. It is from the title of this book that Mormons got their nickname.

Saints ‘LDS’ to refer to their religion, (many of them prefer this nickname instead of “Mormons”). Church leaders encourage members to use the church’s full name to emphasize its focus on Jesus Christ.

ORIGIN OF THE NAME ‘MORMONS’ Mormons get their name from the Book of Mormon that gets its name from the prophet Mormon in the Book of Mormon, who gets his name from his dad.

They both get their name from a significant landmark in the Book of Mormon called land of Mormon, which was named that by a king.

The chain of connection Mormon (Landmark) Mormon (Father) Mormon (Son/ Prophet) Mormon (Book) Mormon (Religion)

GROUPS WITHIN There are several smaller groups that differ from ‘mainstream’ Mormonism.

Fundamentalist Mormons Members of this group broke with the LDS Church over the issue of polygamy.

Liberal Mormons They look to the scriptures for spiritual guidance, but do not necessarily believe the teachings to be literally or uniquely true.

Revelation is a process through which God gradually brings fallible human beings to greater understanding. They place doing good and loving fellow human beings above the importance of believing correctly.

Cultural Mormons Individuals who do not believe some (or many) of the doctrines of LDS Church, but who self- identify as Mormon. They may or may not be actively involved with the church, and in some cases may not even be officially members of the church.

ASSESSMENT

Complete by supplying the missing word. 1. ___________________ is the doctrines and practices of the Mormon Church 2. The abbreviation for Latter Day Saints is _________ 3. The chain of connection uses the word____________ five times

Answer the following questions: 4. In the chain of connection, which ‘Mormom’ comes last? 5. What is the actual/preferred name of the Mormons? 6. Which group of Mormoms believe in plural marriage?

Unscramble the following letters to form three words: 7. OOOOOMMBKFRN

THE FOUNDER Joseph Smith 1805 fifth Joseph Smith was born into a poor family in 1805 in Sharon, Vermont, USA, the fifth of eleven children. Because the family was so poor, Joseph received very little education - learning only basic maths and literacy. But he did spend much time in Bible study.

The Search for Truth When the family later moved to New York. There was an intense fervour over religion (time of revival) as ministers went seeking coverts to their flocks. At fourteen years, Joseph already had a desire to find the truth since he was not sure which version of Christianity he should follow.

When the time came for him to be baptized he still felt confused and later wrote “So great was the confusion and strife among the different denomination that it was impossible for a young person as I was … to come any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong…” (Joseph Smith-History 1:8,10)

Joseph turned to the Bible for guidance and read “If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of god that giveth to all man liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him” (James 1:5) This verse deeply impressed him so he prayed about what he should do believing that God will hear and answer him. He learnt that none on earth had the whole truth.

The Vision Joseph went out into the country and prayed for guidance, and he had a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Joseph wrote: I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me…when the light rested upon me I saw two Personages …

…whose brightness and glory defy all description standing over me in the air. One of them spake onto me calling me by name and said pointing to the other, "This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!“ (Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17) Christ told Joseph that he should not join any existing church, but should be God's agent to restore the true Church of Christ.

This vision is regarded by mormons as the most important event in human history after the birth, ministry and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

THE GOLDEN BOOK Three years later, Smith was visited by the angel Moroni and told that he should unearth and translate a holy book written on plates of gold, which contained the religious writings of the prophets of ancient America. Smith wanted to take the plates immediately but was advised by Moroni not to do so.

Four years later Smith removed the plates, and spent three months translating the words engraved on them.

He published what he said was a translation of these plates in March 1830 as the Book of Mormon.

RESTORATION OF THE CHURCH  In response to a humble prayer, God call Joseph Smith to restore the Church of Jesus Christ.  Before Joseph could fulfil the task of restoring the Church it was necessary for him to get the authority to do it. This authority could come only from God.

In 1829 Joseph was visited by John the Baptist who laid hands on the heads of Smith, and his colleague, Oliver Cowdery, and gave them the authority of the Aaronic Priesthood. Aaronic Priesthood Soon afterwards, the Apostles James, Peter, and John appeared to Joseph and Oliver and gave them the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood.

With this priestly authority, Smith founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New York State, on 6 April, 1830.

Joseph set about building the restored church, continuing to receive direct guidance from God on how to do it. During the rest of his short life he translated further scriptures, and wrote down further revelations from God, which form a major part of Church doctrine today. scriptures

He founded: the missionary programme of the Church Relief Society (Service organization for women ) Council of Fifty representing a future theo democratic Kingdom of God

He introduced: Temple ceremonies (meant to seal family together for eternity) The doctrines of eternal progression or exaltation Plural marriage

In 1836 the first Mormon Temple was dedicated at Kirtland in Ohio. During Joseph's life the Church grew from six to 26,000 members

Social Aspect He was instrumental in building several towns. He was also a candidate for US President.

Martyr of the Restored Church Joseph Smith wore out his life in God’s service, suffered persecution from mainstream Christian church members. He was jailed over thirty times for his faith (although never found guilty), as well as tarred and feathered.

Martyr of the Restored Church At age 38 ( June 27, 1844 ), Joseph and his brother (Hyrum) while in jail were attacked by an armed mob and both were shot and killed.

ASSESSMENT

Write True or False to indicate the status of each statement: 1. Joseph Smith is the founder of Mormonism 2. Joseph Smith was a very educated man 3. James 1:5 was the verse that helped to direct Smith’s spiritual search 4. Christ told Smith that he would be used by God to restore the true church of Christ

Answer the following questions: 1. What was the end product of the information written on the ‘plates of gold’? 2. What happened after the priestly authority was given?

CHRISTIAN LINK

Is Mormonism Christian? What did you get from the study that helped you to come to that conclusion?

PART TWO Next Week