CHRISTIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE

 

Are there some practical strategies for dealing with Mormonism? Whatís the best way to witness to Mormons?

First of all, Mormons are taught that the Bible has been corrupted through the years and is no longer reliable. In response to such claims, show that the Bible has been copied and translated accurately, and that modern scholarship has vindicated the reliability of Scripture. With the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1946, for example, texts were found that were about 1,000 years older than any previously-known Old Testament manuscripts like the Masoretic Text. And when compared with the later texts, these writings proved to be virtually the same.

After establishing the Bible's trustworthiness, show Mormons that they should instead focus their doubts on the Mormon scriptures. Try to concentrate on a single topic such as the nature of God and demonstrate the inconsistencies among Mormon doctrines and scriptures. For instance, while Mormons teach that there is more than one god, the Book of Mormon is clear in proclaiming that there is only one God. Being equipped with specific questions with appropriate answers will enhance a Christian's ability not only to remain faithful to the gospel but also to share it with Mormons.

When witnessing to Mormons ask questions about their beliefs. Many Mormons are unfamiliar with some of the more controversial beliefs that have been taught. Therefore, if you accuse them of believing something they haven't heard, you will only alienate them. You will want to reach rather than repel.

Do you believe that God the Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's? (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22).

Do you believe that your "Heavenly Father" was once a man and lived on another earth, then, after death continued to progress to Godhood? (Joseph Smith, "King Follet Funeral Sermon," History of the Church, Vol. 6). The Bible teaches that God the Father has always been God (Ps. 90:2). Jesus Himself taught that "God is spirit" (John 4:24).

In early Mormonism, it was taught that God the Father was spirit, but the Son had a personage of tabernacle (body) (Lectures of Faith, 53). The Book of Mormon makes the same claim (Alma 18:26-29). Ask, "Why do you think the Lectures of Faith was removed from Doctrine and Covenants after 1921?

Does your church teach that Jesus was the spirit brother of Lucifer? The Bible tells us that Jesus has always existed as God (John 1:1; 8:58; cf. Exod. 3:14), and that He was Lucifer's creator, not his brother (Ezek. 28:13-15; Col, 1:16).

Do you believe that your "Heavenly Father" came down and had sexual relations with Mary to produce the Son of God in the flesh (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 1:50-51; Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation 1:18; Bruce McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 545-46)? The Bible says that Jesus was begotten by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:18-20; Luke 1:34-35).

Do you believe that the church was lost after the apostles died? The Bible teaches that the church could never be lost (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 3:21; Heb. 12:28).

The Mormon Jesus, the spirit brother of Lucifer, was not powerful enough to hold the church together after his ascension. A counterfeit Jesus cannot save, and that is one of the reasons why Mormonism is not Christian.

For more information on witnessing to Mormons, CRI recommends Speaking the Truth in Love to Mormons by Mark Cares (B287, $12), and Mormons: How to Witness to Them by John Farcas and David Reed (B491, $13).