I'm a former Latter-day Saint. I used to be a Mormon. I was baptized at 8, I was given the Aaronic Priesthood at 12, the Melchizedek Priesthood at 18. I did stuff at the temple, did home teaching things, and considered myself to be pretty devout. I didn't leave the LDS church until I was 22 years old. With that being said I did not go on a mission, nor did I get married in the temple. But, to this day, I still read Mormon articles and whatnot because, as a now Christian, I want to be equipped to answer my LDS family and friends on any religious differences.
So when I see an article that is titled "10 REASONS YOU SHOULD BE A MORMON" my eyes tingle and twinge a bit. And naturally, I can't control myself, I click and I read. (see the article here) I'm interested to see why people would want to become a Mormon. In fact, that's a question I ask to many Mormons that I evangelize to. What's the draw? Why do you want to be LDS? Why do you put your faith in the Book of Mormon, the latter-day prophets, the .... etc. It's an intriguing and provoking thought. Well, Steffany Ruby Faldmo, writer for www.ldsliving.com, was willing to give us her thoughts and I was more than happy to analyze it and, as Joseph Smith puts it, "take away the veil so that you may see." Because if you just read this article, it seems very Christian, very Gospel-ly, and very interesting. So, I'll try and tell you what they're really saying, or what they really believe, that way you have all the information and can make an informed decision. Hopefully.
Oddly enough, some of the reasons why this person says you should be Mormon are the same reasons why I said in an earlier blog (7 Reasons I am Not A Mormon) why you shouldn't become one. Oh, sweet irony. Anyways, after reading this article, and pondering on their reasons I decided that I had to write a response.
So, here you go...
"A lot of people believe we don't worship Jesus Christ, but we do. We believe in the same Jesus Christ that other Christian faiths believe in."
I don't know where Steffany is getting her info, but the Biblical Jesus and the Mormon Jesus are not the same. Period. Let me explain with just a few differences.
In fact, Gordon B. Hinckley even admitted this: "As a church, we have critics—many of them. They say we do not believe in the traditional Christ of Christianity. There is some substance to what they say. Our faith, our knowledge, is not based on ancient tradition…Our faith, our knowledge comes of the witness of a prophet in this dispensation." (President Gordon B. Hinckley, April 2002 General Conference). So you see, Jesus Christ is the center of the Mormon church, but it's just not the Biblical Jesus.
STEFF'S REASON #2 - God still speaks to the world through a prophet.
"There is a living prophet today... [and] he only way you can know there's a prophet is through listening to what he has to say and praying to know for yourself."
Secondly, the Bible teaches us that prophets were to be mediators between God and us. But when Jesus died, the veil on the Holy of Hollies was torn (Mark 15:38), meaning we no longer have separation from God. In fact, we can now talk directly to God and hear him speak in our lives through Jesus (1 Tim 2:5).
Also, Luke 16:16.
STEFF'S REASON #3 - The Book of Mormon is MORE evidence of Christ
The Book of Mormon is not recognized by anyone (other than those with ties to the LDS church) as being anywhere close to being historically accurate. To date, nothing has been found that will substantiate the Book of Mormon as being a credible reference to anything that happened in the Americas. Period. As such, it cannot be used as evidence.
I also would like to point out the inherent Mormon hierarchy of scripture. Steffany says that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon can be read side by side, but then does a back handed cut to the Bible by saying the Book of Mormon "is easy to understand because it hasn't been translated a million different ways and times...", thus implying the Bible is difficult to understand and has had some translation issues. Yeah, how many manuscripts can you compare your Book of Mormon to? How many scholarly men and women have analyzed and studied the ancient writings of the Book of Mormon to decipher just exactly what each writer was intending to portray?
SMH...moving on...
STEFF'S REASON #4 - We have no paid clergy
NO ONE is paid? Really. Cause I just read an article that says that General Authorities get at least $50,000 a year, the prophet and 70 get a salary, benefits, etc. But, isn't that being paid? Because it sounds a lot to me like they're being paid. $50,000 - $200,000 is not just living expenses. If the LDS clergy had their living expenses taken care of, then the church would not need to give them a paycheck. At all. The Church would have housing that is already paid for that these people can live in, free of charge. They would drive cars owned by the church, gas cards to fill them up. Maybe they'd get a few bucks for food and clothes every month or so, but that's it. That cost of living is maybe $1k-$2k a year...and that's being generous. Instead they are being paid more than most people in the world. So, I call this one a lie. Full on, bold face lie. They are being paid. Period, end of story.
What's funny is that I don't care that they are being paid. I don't care if the prophet makes $1 mil a year. I really don't. In fact, I agree with and support them being paid! My pastor is paid, so is my worship leader, the secretaries, etc. We should pay our clergy according to the Bible (1 Tim 5:17-18, Cor 11:8-9, Phil. 4:15-18, Cor. 12:13). So, that begs the question, why is the Mormon church making a big deal out of this? To make themselves look altruistic? To make them seem like they are better than all the other churches because all of their staff is volunteer...even though they aren't? It's just ridiculous.
Secondly, why would you want people leading you and your families if they have no formal training? Would you go to a non-accredited college? Would you send your kids to learn and study from a teacher who never graduated? Would you learn how to drive from someone who has never been behind the wheel of a car? OF COURSE NOT!!! That would be idiotic! It's like the blind leading the blind. Yet the Mormon church is proud that everyone is a non-experienced person.
STEFF'S REASON #5 - We have the biggest missionary program EVER!
Look, I applaud the Mormon missionary program. I do. These young men and women are bold for their religion and the volume of LDS missionaries should make the Christian church's feel like they need to step it up.
However...They know very little. I have had countless conversations with countless missionaries about the Bible, Jesus, the Gospel, and they are just not well equipped to answer tough questions. It's like they are given a script but cannot really deviate from it. They don't know how to argue, evangelize, or defend their own beliefs. And this is not something I've heard from someone, or whatever. I know this because I have seen it time and time again! For instance, I've talked to the missionaries about their belief of families being together forever, temple sealings, and them being able to become a God one day (all of which they confirmed to be a firm belief in). I then started prodding about these beliefs and asking them about the afterlife. What does it look like? How can you be sealed and together with your family for all time and eternity when your children have the opportunity to go off and become a god of their own planet as well? In your new planet, do you need another Jesus to pay for the sins of your inhabitants? Would your son be that new Jesus, or would you and your wife have to make another one? These questions may seem silly or outrageous to you and me, but to a Mormon these are logical extensions of a foundational belief. Yet, they are silent on it and claim that these answers, "Have not been revealed." Then when I tell them that the Bible says that God is the only God, and that no one has a chance to become one (Isaiah 43:10) they just say I don't understand the true gospel and leave.
And I don't think I'm being unreasonable in thinking like this. People that believe in the reincarnation law has some sort of explanation for what happens, why it happens, and what not. Even if their explanations are weak or misguided, they still can somewhat hold a conversation about it. Mormons don't. They believe this extremely radical idea (families sealed for all time and eternity through a temple marriage, God was once a man, the Adam-God theory, they can become a God) yet cannot explain logical extensions of that belief. In my experience, most don't even attempt to try. Instead, they claim a lack of understanding because God hasn't told them yet. Sounds like a cop-out to me, but hey what do I know.
Most importantly, they are preaching the wrong gospel of Jesus Christ. Sheer numbers do not make up for the fact that they are preaching a false doctrine and leading people away from the throne of God. (This would take a long time to fully explain in this blog. Instead, you can read my book "Where is Jesus?" or some of my other blog posts, or listen to Dr. Walter Martin, or read "Beyond Mormonism" by James R. Spencer).
STEFF'S REASON #6 - We know death does NOT separate families.
"...would God put us here in families just to break them apart at death? Of course not! That's why when we are married it's not til death, but for all time and eternity."
First off - and again, I don't know where she gets her information - but God does not separate families at death. When I die, I will see my wife and children again (as long as they have put their trust in Jesus). The only difference is that my wife will not have the title of "wife". My kids will no longer belong to me and be called my children. Instead, we will all be apart of a collective group of people - a body of believers if you will - that will rejoice in the redeeming and saving grace of our Lord Jesus and bask in the Glory of God forever and ever. But this is not a separation. It's only a title change. We are no longer known as husband, or wife, or son, or daughter, but are rather called children of God, the Redeemed, the blessed, His bridegrooms. We are not separated from God or eachother at all. Only our earthly designations are changed.
Secondly, the Bible says that no one is going to be married after death. Meaning marriage no longer has meaning after we die. (Rom 7:2, 1 Cor. 7:39, Luke 20:27-40, Matt 22:29-30). So that belief that marriage is eternal is completely un-Biblical. I talk about this in my book and expound upon the differences of a Biblical marriage and a Mormon marriage and who the focus actually is on in each scenario. Just know that marriage is a tool that helps you get closer to and focus on God more. As such, once you are in the presence of God there is no longer a need to be married.
STEFF'S REASON #7 - We have temples!
Hows about a history lesson? God did not actually command His people to build temples, as in multiple ones. Here is how it happened...briefly. In the old testament Moses was given quite a bit of things directly from God and they were placed in the Ark of the Covenant. Later on, instructions followed on how to build a tabernacle for God to house the Ark. It was a roaming 'temple' where sacrifices and burnt offerings were given to God for several things. When King David came along, he saw all that he had been given and blessed with and said "Look, I am living in a palace made of cedar wood, but the Ark of God is in a tent!" (2 Sam. 7:2). David then pursued the task of building a temple, which was halted when God told him that his son Solomon would build Him a temple. Emphasis on 'a' temple...meaning just one. One temple. Uno templo. After David died, King Solomon build "a" temple to the Lord. That temple lasted until Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 BCE. The second temple, or Herod's temple (a replacement of the first) was built 516 BCE and lasted until after Jesus' life. It was then destroyed in 70 A.D., fulfilling Jesus' prophecy (Matt. 24:1-8). It is important to note that there is nothing that would lead anyone to believe that weddings, or marriage ceremonies, or the like were ever performed in either of these temples.
So, Steffany has been misled by the LDS church. God commanded His people to build a temple, not temples. Temples were never used for marriages. Instead, they were used in worship, a place to perform sacrifices, or burnt offerings. Now, I don't know if you can feel God's presence or anything when you walk around there or not because I haven't been to one in over a decade. I just know the facts. Maybe they feel a peace because they are just truly beautiful buildings.
STEFF'S REASON #8 - We have authority from God
"No one can just stand up and decide they have authority from God to start a church. ...Many churches were formed [after Christ] and people had this idea that they could start a church however they wanted. ...that authority that was given by God to baptize, preach the gospel, and hold all the keys to run His church on earth was brought back and restored through a prophet..."
Uh...what?!? First of all, Joseph Smith was such a person. He reported a story that he was visited by an Angel of Light and God told him that every single church, pastor, and doctrine on earth was false and that he had to start a church. So, obviously people can just start any ol' church.
Secondly, the churches that were formed after Jesus' death were started by the apostles ministries throughout the middle east. Read the book of Acts. Thousands upon thousands were converted to Christianity and they held church in their homes, where they worshiped Jesus. Later, the apostles wrote down what God impressed upon them to write, some of their letters to these churches were gathered, and the New Testament was formed. This coupled with the Old Testament formed the Bible, which is where people get their 'authority' from. God has spoken in His word how He wants His church to be governed. Every Christian church that follows the Bible has God at the helm. He is the only authority and in His name are baptisms, preaching, etc. are being done.
Thirdly, Joseph's new Book has not been substantiated as fact, his gospel is a departure from the Bible's, and his church (the Mormons) do not follow the same road that Christian churches do. The only thing the Mormons do have is the Bible, and they in a round about way discredit that. They say it is not as powerful as the Book of Mormon because it has either been changed too much or it's outdated. Joseph Smith even said that the Book of Mormon is better than any other book because it is only through reading it can a person come closer to God (Intro of the Book of Mormon).
STEFF'S REASON #9 - We aren't perfect, but we have the same goals.
"Nobody is perfect, and everyone in our religion (or any other for that matter) struggles with something. We may not follow our faith perfectly, and we make mistakes, but most of us...try to follow the example of our Savior and be united as families for all eternity."
While this is a very honest and heartfelt statement, it is not a reason to follow a religion. "Come follow us because...well, we fail a lot but we mean well!" How is this a reason? Maybe I'm being nit-picky or something. But I was hoping for something more than just the commonality of being born into sin as being a reason. Yes, we should follow Jesus. Yes, we should strive to be better. Yes, we should recognize our own sinful nature. But how does that help anyone? What about the person struggling with addiction? What about the person struggling with a broken home? Does this answer really speak to them.
I guess this bothers me because I see it as a bigger problem. Why not talk about how Jesus died for your sins and saved you from your imperfection? Why not say, "we're not perfect, but Jesus teaches us that through Him our sins are washed away". So far only one of her reasons have addressed anything that truly plagues us as humans: our sin. Apart from number 1's brief mention of Jesus dying for our sins, her numbered points could really apply to joining a health club or a group on Facebook. Really, no reason to why we need to follow Jesus is given, just that we need to do it.
Again, maybe I'm being overly critical. She's just trying to make a fun post about become a Mormon and doesn't really understand what she's asking people or the crucial call for Kingdom Work. She probably doesn't see things like I do, which isn't necessarily a bad thing because I tend to over analyze a lot! She probably doesn't see that maybe a person out there is searching for answers and needs more than a cookie cutter answer to life.
Yeah, maybe I am being overly critical...sorry about that everyone.
STEFF'S REASON #10 - We can have happiness forever!
"I am in no way going to say that being a Mormon means you'll have no trials. False. But, many of us can handle our hard times and struggles much easier with the knowledge we do have. Happiness is so much more abundant when we follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and try to be better everyday. People often ask me how I can be so happy all the time, and it's because I know where I came from, why I'm here, and where I'm going."
Ah, see, here it is. I just spoke too soon! She does end with some meat and potatoes, so to speak, and its something that I agree with...if she were talking about the real Jesus and not Joseph's.
Following Jesus is the key to finding joy in this life. Joy, not happiness, but true joy. The kind of joy that Job had when he was tested. The kind of Joy that Paul had in prison and while being beaten half to death. The kind of joy that Peter had in prison, and in death. The kind of joy that the kids who were murdered for believing in Him had when they stood up for His name. Whether trials, or hardships, or addictions, or peril, we know that God is with us and has saved us for all time and eternity through the blood of Jesus on the cross. But that joy only comes when we put our faith, our trust, our hope in the one true Jesus. Sad to say, but the Mormon Jesus is not the one who can provide that kind of peace, joy, love, and security. Only the God of the Bible can do that. And they themselves have admitted to believing in a different Christ (even if Steffany hasn't acknowledged it).
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Anyways, that's my two cents. Steffany, if you ever read this, I would love to have a conversation about this with you. But for the rest of you guys, thanks for reading. Let me know what you think in a comment, or email, or whatever. Writing this gave me an idea for my own blog. I'll try to write one with a few reasons why you should put your faith, hope, and trust in Jesus. But that will take some time. But be on the lookout for it.
As always, I hope this helps you in some way get closer to God and realize your need for a relationship with the true and living God of the Bible. If you are struggling with something, need answers, or have a couple questions please email me personally at whereisjesusbook@gmail.com. I would love to pray with you and talk to you about a relationship with Jesus. Take care, and God bless!
