Is or isn't a CULT?

Allow me to say this outright, Mormonism is a CULT. Every person standing on the podium professing themselves to be Christians for the Republican Nomination believe in their hearts, it is a CULT. Rick Perry during his CPAC speech to time took time from his schedule to take a swipe at Mitt Romney. Due to their lack of understanding they don’t know specifically why yet but they believe it to be so. That may be strong language referring to their understanding of Scripture. But...  From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks(Matthew 12:34). I listen to their doctrine and what proceeds from their mouth. What they say is contradictory to what the plain Scriptures teach, especially Bachmann.

I first stumbled upon the teachings of Mormonism in the early 90s. The fellowship I was attending spoke about its teachings. In the  book the Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult the first sentence reads “Mormonism is one of the most effective counterfeits of biblical Christianity ever devised."

Joseph Smith the founder of Mormonism claims he had a vision of God and his son and they revealed to him that all Churches creeds were an abomination. Smith is the prophet chosen of God to bring a better more true word. The oral history of Smith’s account sounds very occultic in nature and doctrine. I understand there is going to be a fundamental difference between Christianity, Judaism, and Messianic teachings compared to Mormonism.

In Bob Larson’s New Book of Cults it says “Then one day in 1820, while praying in the woods, Joseph Smith received his fabled vision of God and Jesus. In 1823 another personage, an angel named Moroni, appeared at his bedside. The visitor claimed to be the son of Mormon, the departed leader of an American race known as Nephite. Moroni told him about a bood of golden plates that contained “the fullness of the everlasting gospel.” Four years later, in the hill named Cumorah (near Palmyra, New York), Smith unearthed the plates. Buried with them was a pair of large, supernatural spectacles known as the “Urim and Thummim “ they were to be used in translating the hieroglyphics on the plates, a language called “reformed Egyptian.” (Archaeologists and Egyptologists deny there is any historical evidence to validate the existence of such a form of communication.) Joseph immediately began his work of translating the plates. He claimed that later during this time John the Baptist (sent by Peter, James, and John) appeared to him and administered a divine ordination. When the  translation work was completed (with the help of Oliver Cowdery, an itinerant schoolteacher, and Emma Hale, his first and only legal wife) he returned the plates to Moroni. The Book of Mormon was published in 1830. A subtitle, “Another Testament of Jesus Christ,” was recently added to make the Book of Mormon appear to be more closely linked with orthodox Christianity. On April 6 of that same year, Cowdery, Smith, and his brothers, Hyrum and Samuel, officially formed the church of Jesus Christ, now known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

It is stated in many accounts Joseph Smith had difficulty in learning. He also had practiced in the occult with his divining rods as well and peek or seer stones. Many believe a young Joseph  had special powers.

The subject and teaching of Mormonism is vast and can easily be disputed. You can find countless volumes at Christian bookstores the subject has been spoken about ad nauseum. I’m simply showing a detail pertaining to their beliefs. In no way is this comprehensive. Before I continue allow me to share a rule of study I live by. Aside from knowing the oral history of a particular religion, it’s important you understand what you believe. When you have carefully studied the true teachings of Scripture, you can always spot a counterfeit and erroneous teachings.

It’s important I mention my ethnicity. You will understand why in a moment. One of the early teachings of theMormon Church was blacks were cursed or spawned from Satan. This doctrine is called the Curse of Cain. For comprehensive work on this subject gohere but this is a brief description from the site.  The Curse of Cain Doctrine-an official doctrine of the LDS Church, taught by numerous Mormon prophets and apostles since 1848 until at least 1978. They taught that "Negroes" were "cursed" and "inferior" and "children of Cain" and that Cain was a white man until turned into the first "Negro" by the LORD after he had killed Abel. Then he married his sister who became the second "Negro" and all Negroes are the descendants of Cain and the "Mark of Cain" was a black skin, flat nose, and kinky hair. The Curse of Cain was not supposed to end until after the Millennium (1000 year reign of Christ on earth); when Negro women would have white Caucasian children; a "sign" that the LORD had lifted the Curse of Cain off of the Negroes. At no time did church leaders ever say that the Curse of Cain Doctrine was their "personal opinion" or "speculation". They always presented it as "Revelation" and called it "a doctrine of the church" in several official statements by the First Presidency. As of today the doctrine as well as knowledge of it has been white-washed and denied.

In dealing with scripture all we have to do is simple deduction. (Gen 9:20-27) This part of scripture has been much debated and will continue to be debated. Their isn’t clear conclusive evidence why Canaan was cursed and not Ham. It stands to reason Ham must have saw a lewd act being performed on Noah from Canaan. Notice when Noah awakes he curses Canaan. To keep this brief Ham was either the middle or second son, not his youngest. The subject has been used to enslave blacks as if it’s their right to be enslaved. Notice in the movie the Book of Eli, the Bible was the book everyone wanted. It’s still being used today to enslave people by keeping them ignorant. This is a very lengthy subject that needs proper handling. My only point is to show, who was cursed.

Central to the faith the Bible is our ultimate authority that was sent for us to live by, our foundation and our faith lies within it. Mormons believe the book of Mormon and Pearl of great Price were divinely given. So much in fact in the bible i.e. KJV differs they should follow what the book of Mormon teaches.

The religion and belief system is very strange at best. These are yet brief disagreements of their teachings.

As I mentioned earlier know and understand what you believe. Understand this. Mormons and Jehovah’s Witness, these two groups are well rehearsed in what they believe in, unlike the Christian faith. Visit 10 different Church’s and receive 10 different messages from the same Bible. Everyone isn’t going to believe the same, but on basic doctrinal issue that should be germane. Look at my site mannadailylife.blogspot.com under statement of faith. It is an overview of doctrine that all believers should understand. We must be equipped and able to defend the faith properly. These other group practice this religiously, they equip their people by having them attend school to become indoctrinated in the religion and culture. From their they send them out into the wild. Notice when you are approached they are courteous but they stick to the script. I jokingly say they can make a spiritual pretzel out of the average Christian.

At the heart of the debate the belief systems of the candidates could prove to be problematic. Remember we cannot distance ourselves from what we believe. The question of servitude is very important. The second Bush showed this when questioned about attacking Iraq. He replied with “God told me too”. This is the very reason religion and politics can become bed fellows. It’s important that we understand the clear distinction between separation of Church and State. My book is coming soon, God the Bible and Politics, properly framing the argument. Romney, Santorum, Bachman, and Perry are ill fitted to run the country. When you are so willfully ignorant of scripture(Bachman, Perry) you start to have itching ears.

Lastly do not think for one moment Christians do not think Mormonism is a cult or that the Charismatic leanings of Perry and Bachman share are the true teachings of Christianity. We can’t disavow who we are and what we stand for. We are the Eklessia(called out ones). Below is a brief primer of what the Mormon doctrine teaches and a counter to What the Bible teaches. This religion is built on shaky ground from the beginning, historically and doctrinally.

Yahshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ)
We believe that Yahshua is the Messiah whose birth was predicted by the prophets of the Old Testament. He was the Word made Flesh and we behold his glory as the only begotten of the Father(Jn 1:14). He pre-existed with the Father before the foundations of the earth (Mic 5:2; Jn 16:28-30; Jn 17:5; Php 2:5-8), was a descendant of the tribe of Judha(Gen 49:10; Lk 3:23-24), was born of a virgin in Bethelem(Is 7:14; Mic 5:2; Mt 1:18; Mt 2:1), and betrayed 30 pieces of silver(Zech 11:12; Mt 26:15) in addition to many other fulfilled prophecies. He provided remission for our sins through His sinless life paired with His death upon the Tree of Crucifixion(Isa 53:  2Cor 5:21; Heb 9). The third full day after His death, he rose again demonstrating the promise of our future resurrection(Mt 12:40; Rom 5:6-12, 1Cor 15:1-8; 1Jn 5:9-13).

The Mormon doctrine teaches, Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer, that Michael the archangel cohabitated eve to have a child (Jesus). This is impossible for scripture teaches angels are neutered.

Salvation
We believe the scriptures clearly teach that salvation is freely given to every member of the human race who accepts it. Anyone who accepts Yahshua and the faith is welcome in the family of Yahweh regardless of race. Through His blood, we are made one united body of Yahshua the Messiah(Jn 1: 12; Eph 1:7, 4:32; 1Pet 1:2-4).

Mormons teach Christ’s death and atonement only removes guilt for past sins. Man earns his own salvation through Christ. They practice a type of duality salvation, general and individual. General is Christ’s resurrection from the dead, all creatures have immortality. Individual means adhering to articles 3 and 4 of their Articles of Faith. Meaning they must do good works, repentance, baptism by immersion, laying on of hands, and obedience to Mormon teachings.

Mormonism is a strange and very secretive religion almost as strange as scientology. I leave you with a quote from the founder.

You don't know me – you never will. You never knew my heart. No man knows my history. I cannot tell it; I shall never undertake it. I don't blame anyone for not believing my history. If I had not experienced what I have, I could not have believed it myself.

– Joseph Smith, April 7, 1844.