Editorial: Evangelicalism, Mormonism, and the Gospel Stephen J. Wellum

Stephen J. Wellum is Associate There is probably no American religious of Paul that even if an angel from heaven Professor of Christian Theology at The group that has had a more interesting, preaches a gospel other than the one pro- Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. complex, and confusing history than claimed by the apostles, let him be eter- Dr. Wellum received his Ph.D. degree the Mormons. Since its founding in the nally condemned (Gal 1:8-9). That is why in theology from Trinity Evangelical mid-nineteenth century by Joseph Smith, evangelicals historically view Mormons Divinity School and has also taught Mormonism—officially known as the as those who need to hear and respond to theology at the Associated Canadian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the true gospel found in Scripture alone, Theological Schools and Northwest (LDS)—has been in constant conflict with and as standing outside a saving relation- Baptist Theological College and Semi- historic, biblical Christianity. In fact, ship with our Lord Jesus Christ. nary in Canada. He has contributed to historically Mormons have viewed them- Today, though, there is a growing, even several publications and a collection selves as the only true and living church raging debate among some within the of essays on theology and worldview on earth, the restoration of a true Chris- evangelical world over the status of Mor- issues. tianity from the apostate churches rep- mons vis-à-vis the gospel. Most evangeli- resented by both Protestants and Roman cals view Mormonism as a false religion, Catholics. Today, however, in order to but due to recent writings of some within appeal to the larger public, many Mormon the Mormon body, some evangelicals are leaders often portray their faith as merely beginning to wonder whether there is a another form of Christianity that, unlike shift occurring within the LDS church other subsets within the larger Christian that is making it more compatible with world, preaches the entirety of Christ’s historic Christianity, something akin to gospel. That is why Mormons are often what occurred in the World Wide Church indignant when they are excluded from of God a number of years ago. In fact, the confines of traditional orthodoxy and some evangelicals even want to tone down viewed by orthodox Christians as a cult or the language that speaks of Mormons as a contrary religion that proclaims another a false religion so that more friendly rela- Christ and a false gospel. tions may be established between us. But regardless of Mormon claims, it No doubt, we must always be careful is difficult, nigh impossible, to maintain of our language and guard our attitudes that Mormonism is just another version regarding those with whom we disagree. or subset of historic Christianity. Why? Furthermore, we must ensure that our Because at point after point, if we compare assessment of Mormonism is true and and contrast Christian orthodoxy with accurate. But we must also be careful that Mormon theology, we have to conclude we do not reduce or marginalize the dif- that Mormonism represents an entirely ferences between historic Christianity and different theology, an alien worldview— Mormonism, especially given our plural- another gospel, which is no gospel at all. In istic and postmodern cultural milieu that this regard, we need to heed the warning seeks to tolerate all viewpoints. After all, 2 it is highly questionable whether much seriously critiqued, Beckwith calls us to has changed regarding the official teach- robust argumentation that exposes the ing of the LDS church. And if that is so, points of disagreement between us and then there is much at stake in this debate argues for our position in the marketplace and discussion—namely, life and death, of ideas. Paul Copan and Carl Mosser con- heaven and hell. Our understanding, clude our articles by giving us two specific assessment, and ultimate interaction with apologetic critiques of Mormon claims. Mormons and LDS theology are no small Copan evaluates the Mormon rejection of matter. the biblical teaching of creation ex nihilo It is for this reason that this issue is with a biblical defense of the doctrine. wrestling with the subject of Mormonism. Mosser responds to a popular Mormon In both the articles and the SBJT Forum, apologetic claim that argues that a Mor- we are attempting to update the reader as mon finite conception of God who does to what is going on in recent Evangelical- not create ex nihilo is a better answer to the Mormon discussion, present a critique of so-called problem of evil. Mosser rejects a number of points of Mormon theology, such a claim and argues for the superior- and to encourage all of us to take seriously ity of the orthodox, biblical presentation the challenge of taking the gospel, in love, of God. humility, and conviction, to our Mormon Obviously much more needs to be friends and neighbors—precisely because said in terms of a full-blown apologetic they believe in a god who is not the triune response, but these articles move us in God of Scripture. that direction as we seek to take cap- Chad Brand begins our discussion by tive every thought to make it obedient introducing the reader to some of the cur- to Christ (2 Cor 10:5). Finally, the SBJT rent debate over recent perceived changes Forum finishes our discussion by focusing in Mormon thought. He addresses some not only on issues of current debate but important questions, such as—What are also on some practical advice on how to Mormon theologians such as Stephen witness to our Mormon friends and neigh- Robinson and Robert Millet saying today bors for, at the end of the day, this is where as compared to the previous teaching of all of this discussion must lead. It is never the LDS church? Has there been a change enough merely to dialogue endlessly with in viewpoint? How have evangelicals Mormons. We must be convinced that responded? How should we respond? Christianity and Mormonism are not just Francis Beckwith continues by providing different versions of the same religion, a helpful discussion regarding the ground but different gospels, hence the need to rules of debate between evangelicals and take the unsearchable riches of Christ to Mormons. He reminds us, in response those who do not know the Jesus of the to Mormon philosopher and apologist, Bible, who alone is Lord and Savior. May David Paulsen, that genuine dialogue this edition of SBJT lead us to the goal of between evangelicals and Mormons must seeing many Mormons come to salvation allow for serious critique and analysis. in him who is life eternal. Instead of seeking refuge under the ban- ner of theological pluralism that refuses to allow competing religious claims to be 3