Biblical Christianity Peace with God:

WORKS Knowing you have eternal life LDS Temple “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of Opens in Philly God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the FAITH name of the Son of God” (I John 5:13). It would be strange for the apostle John to write the above words if it were not possible for people to know whether or Dedication planned for Sept. 18 Man’s Way not they are truly on their way to heaven. Sadly, many do not. Many have been led to believe that their own personal works will have some WORKS PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day bearing as to their obtaining eternal life; however, the says that our own Saints (LDS) has completed the construction of its newest , righteousness is like filthy rags in God’s sight! (Isaiah 64:6) Do we dare think we located in Philadelphia. believe that their temples are shall stand before an all holy God and place before Him such “good works”? the most sacred places on earth. They are only used for special Romans 3:23 tells us, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” ceremonies, unlike the numerous neighborhood LDS chapels The Bible also tells us in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death; but the which are utilized for Sunday worship and various other pro- FAITH gift of God is eternal life.” grams. There are now over 140 of these unique edifices through- out the earth. According to the LDS Church, the purpose of the MAN-MADE RELIGION WON’T GET YOU FAR! Eternal life is a gift which God Himself paid for on the cross at Calvary. It was temple is to enable one to "receive the ordinances that will never meant to be earned or worked for any more than you are expected to Trust only in Christ for salvation and good works will enable us to return to the presence of God" (Temple Preparation naturally follow like the cart behind a horse. Man-made pay for a gift given you on your birthday or at Christmas. The price was paid in Seminar, Teacher's Manual, p.15). The secret-sacred ceremonies religion always places the cart before the horse, placing full when Jesus declared “it is finished” on that somber day at Golgotha. that are conducted within these walls are considered essential for an emphasis on our own performance (rituals, keeping Man’s salvation is not based on his own merit, but rather on the merit of the personal salvation. commandments, doing charity etc.) instead of trusting Son of God, who led a sinless life and willingly gave His life for us. The Bible tells fully on Jesus Christ to save. (Phil 3:8) us to trust in Him for our salvation. We are to trust in His righteousness, not our TEMPLE RITUALS INCLUDE... own!  Washing & anointing Ephesians 2:8-10 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of  in temple garment yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we  The ceremony/dramatic presentation Mission to Mormons are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath The new 61,466 sq. ft. Mormon Temple is open for public tours from Aug. 10 through Sept. 9. & instruction. before ordained that we should walk in them.” “Good works” do not earn us The building, located at 1739 Vine Street, is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. P.O. Box 93 Nauvoo, IL 62354  Receiving of a new name salvation but instead are an evidence of our faith. Works of service should be  Giving of tokens (handshakes), oaths, and names at the done with the proper understanding that they do not save us from sin. Works Inside this Issue Office: (217)453-2372 of obedience to God and charity should be performed out of a grateful heart as In PA.: (309)221-4050 an expression of our love for the Lord. Is Dark Skin a Sign of a Curse? Page 8

Do you have the faith that should you die right now you would awaken in the Questions to Ask on the Tour Page 11 This is a non-Mormon mission2mormons.org presence of our Heavenly Father? Do you know for sure if you have eternal life? publication It is only when you place your total trust in Christ that you can answer yes to Baptism for the Dead Page 15 both questions. ©2016 Mission to Mormons Understanding Temples there were some people who followers of Christ are to baptize the living as did not believe the dead proxy for the dead. On the contrary, the Bible The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holy sanctuaries are used for the same pur- again in our day has provided these ordinanc- Baptism for would be raised. In presenting teaches there is no chance for conversion after (LDS, Mormon) teaches that God commanded poses as the Biblical temple of Israel. Mormon es for the salvation of all who will believe, and his argument against this false death, for it is “appointed unto men once to die, man to always build temples “for the glory, Apostle Mark E. Peterson wrote, “In Biblical directs that temples be built in which to teaching, Paul referred to a but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). honor, and endowment” of the Saints. times sacred ordinances were administered in perform those sacred rites.” (Why Mormons group of people who apparently prac- (Mormon scripture, Doctrine and Covenants holy edifices for the spiritual salvation of Build Temples, pg. 2) Despite the claim by the Dead ticed baptism for the dead, using them as

Section 124:39-40) It claims temples have ancient Israel. These buildings were not syna- Mormons that their temples are a restoration an example. The practice of baptism for the dead is very always been built, even in America by the Indi- gogues, nor any ordinary places of worship. of Old Testament temple worship, there are It is noteworthy that the Apostle Paul did not significant within the Mormon Church and one of ans, since the days of Adam. It maintains these Following the pattern of Biblical days, the Lord many important differences: associate himself or his fellow believers with the the important purposes for LDS temples. Mor- practice of baptism for the dead. Throughout mons point to 1 Corinthians 15:29 as proof that chapter 15, both before and after verse 29, Paul baptism for the dead is biblical and was done in used inclusive first-person pronounces: “we,” the early Christian church. Here the Apostle Paul LDS & BIBLICAL TEMPLES COMPARED “us,” “your,” and “you” (KJV: ye). In verse 29 Paul wrote, “Else what shall they do which are switched to the third person, “they,” clearly LDS: 150 temples & many more planned or under construction. Jewish: One priesthood; Levitical Priests must be at least 30 years old. baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? speaking of “others” of which he was not a part. Jewish: Only one temple at a time built to represent the worship of the LDS: Many High Priests. Why are they then baptized for the dead?” one true God. The Temple must be built on Mt. Moriah in Jerusalem. Paul merely used these people as an example to Jewish: One High Priest at a time. The LDS temple baptismal font is modeled after Solomon’s LDS: Temple work in behalf of the dead. Paul was teaching about the doctrine of illustrate his point. LDS: Priests from any background. brazen sea (depicted above). The brazen sea was used by resurrection. In verse 12 he pointed out that Jewish: Temple work for the living only. First Corinthians 15:29 does not teach that priests to wash their hands after offering sacrifice to the Jewish: Priests only from the tribe of Levi. Lord in the temple court—it was not used for baptisms! LDS: Baptisms for the dead. LDS: After dedication, only the "worthy" allowed inside. Jewish: No baptisms of any kind in the temple. Jewish: Priests made intercession for the unworthy and he first needed LDS: Endowments for the living and the dead. purification for himself. Jewish: No endowments of any kind. LDS: All white garments worn (with Masonic markings stitched into the ). LDS: Marriages for the living and the dead. Do men live on the Moon? Sun? Jewish: High Priest's clothing was white, blue, purple, & red, decorated with Jewish: No marriages of any kind. pomegranates and bells on the hem. LDS: Sealings for the living and the dead. LDS: Purpose of temples: to enable men to attain godhood. Oliver B. Huntington, who was a Latter-day Saint in ’s time, claimed that Jewish: No sealings of any kind. Jewish: Purpose of the temple: A picture of Christ and His redeeming work. Smith gave the following information concerning the inhabitants of the moon: LDS: No animals sacrificed. “The inhabitants of the moon are more size than the inhabitants of the earth, Jewish: Sacrificing of animals on behalf of sinful people. As in Old Testament times, God still demands an atoning sacrifice for the sins being about 6 feet height. “They very much like the quaker style and are quite LDS: Many rooms. (Some have dozens) of mankind. Jesus Christ, the only High Priest, by virtue of His perfect sacrifice general in style, or the of dress. “They live to be very old; coming generally, nearly Jewish: Two rooms: The Holy Place & the Most Holy Place. of Himself on the Cross, paid that price in our place. We must humbly accept the fact that the debt for our sins has already been paid at Calvary and that we a 1,000 years.” This is the description of them as given by Joseph The Seer, and he could LDS: Seating throughout the temple. cannot work for or contribute anything toward our salvation. “see” whatever he asked the father in the name of Jesus to see. (Journal of Oliver B. Hun- Jewish: No seats at all to illustrate the unending work of the priests tington, vol. 2 p. 166 of typed copy at the Utah State Historical Society) until the time Christ finished the work and sat down at the right hand of the Father. , the second Mormon prophet, believed the moon was inhabited too —but LDS: Both men & women permitted inside. While hanging on the Cross Jesus cried out, went even further by teaching that the sun was also inhabited! “So it is with regard to the Jewish: Only male priests allowed inside. “’It is finished!’ And bowing His head, He gave up inhabitants of the sun. Do you think it is inhabited? I rather think it is. Do you think there is LDS: Two priesthoods: Aaronic Priests (age 12 and up) and Melchizedek any life there? No question of it; it was not made in vain. It was made to give light to those Priests (age 18 and up). His spirit.” (John 19:30) who dwell upon it, and to other planets...” (, vol. 13 p. 271) If the Mormon prophets were wrong about these issues, how can you trust that they knew 2 the truth about God, Christ and salvation? 15 Changing Ceremonies “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, Many of the LDS temple rituals which started in the old Nauvoo, Illinois temple have evolved dramatically over the years. Parts of the early temple ceremonies, which were later considered offensive, are not mentioned or discussed today. Therefore, many Temple Mormons may be heaven and the highest unaware of certain ceremonial changes —even though these have been well-documented. The following table reflects some of the significant changes that have been made. heaven cannot contain You, 1840’s LDS Temple: Interim: LDS Temples Today

 Vowed to accept graphic penalties for revealing the  Covenants and obligations of “secrecy” with the  Covenants and obligations, but no mention of how much less this house “secrets” of the rites: “We agree that our throats be same penalties represented by pantomimed “secrecy.” No penalties indicated or implied. cut from ear to ear and our tongues torn out...” actions, but the words changed to merely, “Rather which I have built!” “...our breasts cut open and our hearts and vitals than do so I would suffer my life to be taken.”

torn from our bodies…”

 Oath of Vengeance: agreeing to “avenge the blood  Taking an oath agreeing to pray that God would  Oath of Vengeance omitted. -Solomon (I Kings 8:27)

of the Prophet, whenever an opportunity offered, avenge the death of the Prophet. The Tabernacle (above) was used by the Hebrews during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness.

and to teach their children to do the same.” Later David made plans for a temple, which his son Solomon began to build in Jerusalem in 965 B.C..

 Non-Mormon church clergy represented as  Same ridicule of Christianity, but the minister’s  “Sectarian minister” and unflattering portrayal of “hirelings of Satan” teaching traditional Christian salary raised to $5,000. traditional Christianity removed completely.

doctrine; paid a salary of $4,000.

 Sealing of men to men, called the Law of Adoption.  Sealing of men to men abandoned and repudiated

This was to make “perfect the chain of the Priest- by the First Presidency (highest LDS leaders) in ” and, according to Brigham Young, was the 1894.

“means of salvation.”

 Women vowed obedience to their husbands as their  Women vowed to obey the law of their husbands;  Women and men vow to obey the Law of the Lord. gods; men vowed obedience to God. men vowed to obey the Law of the Lord.

 Participants handed wine by the person repre-  Drinking with the Devil eliminated.

senting the Devil and told, “this is my kingdom; here

you may eat, drink and be merry.”

 People of African descent barred from the temple.  People of African descent barred from the temple  People of African descent allowed free access to

until 1978. the temple (if worthy).

 Masonic “Five Points of Fellowship” hugging  Five Points of Fellowship embrace required.  Five Points of Fellowship embrace modified to be The LDS endowment ritual was introduced by The original was used for a embrace required. less intimate. Joseph Smith in the upper room of his Red Brick The first temple in Nauvoo was the short time before Brigham Young led the The new LDS temple in Philadelphia Store in Nauvoo, Illinois during the early 1840’s. Masonic Temple (now referred to as the represents a modern, streamlined ritual  Public Open House admission charged.  Public Open House admission free.  Public Open House admission free. Mormons out west. (above is the rebuilt An endowment ceremony was also practiced by “Cultural Hall”), built under the direction Nauvoo Temple that opened in 2002) The believed to provide salvation for both the

Mormons at their first temple located in Kirtland, of Joseph Smith. Smith joined the Ma- original “endowment” ritual lasted 6 hours. living and dead. Endowment ritual has been  Design of undergarments for Temple Mormons: one  Design of undergarments for Temple Mormons:  Design of undergarments for Temple Mormons: OH (near Cleveland). sons in 1842 while living in Nauvoo. shortened to approx. 2 hours 15 minutes. piece, to wrists and ankles, tied closed. one piece, to elbow, below knee, buttoned closed. two piece, short or sleeveless, above the

knee, -on.  Social activities in the temple: celebrations including  Temple social activities eliminated.  No social activities in the temple. For more information, please visit dancing and overnight stays. mission2mormons.org

14 Should these changes bother the faithful temple-going Mormon? Will these changes continue? What will the next changes be? 3 of God is the Son of the Eternal Father” vs. “the presently understood in the LDS Church; plurality and verses straight out of the Bible which are Lamb of God is the Eternal Father” 11:18, 21, and of Gods; God the Father as an exalted man; three included in the text. There are Mormon View of Other Churches 32 have been similarly changed). One is left to degrees of heavenly glory; the preexistence of over eighteen chapters from Isaiah reproduced in ponder why a book produced “by the gift and human souls; man’s eternal progression to God- the Book of Mormon, some verbatim, some with Are Christian creeds an abomination? power of God” would required such corrections hood; a Heavenly Mother; and an evil person’s minor changes, and some with extensive changes and alterations. assignment to hell as temporary. not supported by ancient biblical documents. One of the more blatant alterations made to Old Joseph Smith’s “First Vision” account set Mor- Following Smith’s lead, many subsequent LDS OBJECTIVE EVIDENCE BIBLE COMPANION? Testament text recorded in the Book of Mormon monism on an immediate path of hostility toward leaders have continued the attacks: is found in a prophecy which Isaiah originally those of other faiths. In regard to Christian The stories related in the Book of Mormon talk The LDS Church looks at the Book of Mormon and “The Devil could not invent a better engine to gave predicting the destruction of Jerusalem. It churches Joseph Smith said God revealed to him about civilizations including millions of people the Bible as companion volumes, both important, spread his work than the Christianity of the nine- has been rewritten in the Book of Mormon as an some amazing things -- “they were all wrong ...all who lived in large cities and built magnificent both scripture. However, the Book of Mormon is teenth century” (, 1858 Journal of Dis- alleged prophecy portraying the coming forth of their creeds were an abomination in his structures. Their industry was quite advanced in not kind to the Bible, making a point of proclaim- courses 6:167). that very book (Isaiah 29 vs. 2 Nephi 27). sight...those professors [those who profess the the areas of agriculture and metallurgy. Yet, even ing the Bible to be both corrupted and incom- creeds] were all “corrupt” (The Pearl of Great “But to return to the Christian’s idol...Their god is with concerted effort by LDS archaeologists, no plete. The Book of Mormon states, “they have CHANGED Price, Joseph Smith —History 1:19). overlaid with gilt and tinsel...Yet this loathsome, artifacts have been found and officially accepted taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many —even by the LDS Church—as being traceable to parts which are plain and most precious, and also We have prayerfully examined the Book of Mor- Smith went on to ridicule the Triune God of the these cultures. many covenants of the Lord have they taken mon and discovered it is not what The Church of Christian Churches, “Many men say there is one “The Christian world, so away” (I Nephi 13:26). Later the book says any- Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims. We invite Additionally, many things mentioned in the Book God; the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost are only one who thinks the Bible is sufficient is a fool you to examine the evidence and reach your own called, are heathens as to of Mormon are out of place for the time and area one God. I say that is a strange God anyhow-there (2 Nephi 29:6). conclusion. People all through the ages have in which they purportedly occurred. Some ex- in one, and one in three! It is a curious organiza- their knowledge of the that everyone will be damned” (Orson Pratt, 1880 regarded numerous and varied texts as scripture. amples of these anachronisms include refer- Even though the LDS Church claims the Book of tion… All are to be crammed into one God, ac- Journal of Discourses 23:164) Men have copied and even changed the Word of cording to sectarianism. It would make the big- salvation of God” ences to iron and steel tools (2 Nephi 5:5), Mormon is entirely consistent with the Bible “The Christian world, so called, are heathens as to God to achieve their own ends, but only the true gest God in all the world. He would be a wonder- linen and silk clothing (Alma 1:29), and domesti- (Church News, 1/1/00. pg. 16), this is not the —Brigham Young their knowledge of the salvation of Word of God, the Holy Bible, can succeed in fully big God– he would be a giant or a mon- cated animals such as cows, pigs and horses case. For example, the Bible teaches about the God” (Brigham Young, 1860 Journal of Discourses changing men. ster” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Teachings, pgs. 370- (I Nephi 18:25; 2 Nephi 17:21; 3 Nephi 7:8). grace of God, which is given as a gift; the Book of filthy, debauched, degraded monster is held up 8:171). 74). According to the Smithsonian Institution, none of Mormon teaches this grace is, in a sense, earned The Bible says all people are sinful—enemies of for our veneration and worship by its corrupt “In large part the worship of apostate Christen- these things existed in the New World during the through obedience (Ephesians 2:8-9 vs. 2 Nephi God—and must be changed in order to be Christian devotees…” (John Taylor, 1882 Journal dom is performed in ignorance, as much so as Book of Mormon times (approximately 600 B.C. 25:23, Moroni 10:32). The Bible speaks of the acceptable to Him (Romans 3:23, John 3:3). But Father of Discourses 23:36). was the worship of the Athenians who bowed to A.D. 400). events surrounding the death and resurrection of we cannot change ourselves. This is a work of “I do not but [traveled] hundreds of thousands of before the Unknown God…” (Mormon Doctrine, Christ, describing His plea from the cross for the God, a gift given to us by His grace, through faith miles, and mingled with all classes and creeds and Bruce R. McConkie, Second Edition pgs. 374-375). CONTENT Father to forgive those who crucified Him. Tombs (Ephesians 2:4-10). This precious, life-giving faith Is conditions of men, religious and irreligious...But I were opened and the dead raised. The Book of is brought to us through the Word of God The official LDS Church magazine stated in 1984 The Book of Mormon claims it contains “the full- Is Not Is Not never found anywhere, wherever I went, any per- Mormon speaks of the same occasion, but in this (Romans 10:17) which says: that “Satan sits in place of God in Christianity ness of the everlasting Gospel,” Joseph Smith said God son holding the doctrines of Christ as taught by account, taking place in the New World, Christ after the time of the Apostles” (Ensign, Dec. 1984, it was the “keystone” of his religion and people “If you confess with your Is Is Him…” (John Taylor, 1884 Journal of Discourses brings judgment on the people, destroying entire pg. 9). Mormon authorities have never issued an “would get nearer to God by abiding by its pre- 25:263). cities, bringing about the deaths of “our mothers mouth the Lord Jesus and believe Holy apology for these attacks against the faith of cepts, than by any other book.” (Book of Mor- Son Is Not Spirit and fair daughters and our children…” (Luke “...when we come and tell you that if you do not traditional Christians. mon, Introduction) Yet much of what Mormon- 23:34; Matthew 27:50-54 compare to 3 Nephi 8:6 in your heart that God has raised Early Christians used the above diagram to explain repent of your sins—you Catholics, Protestants, ism promotes about God and insists is necessary -9; 15). Him from the dead, you will the Trinity and all other denominations—and receive the to achieve one’s full spiritual potential cannot be message that God has commissioned his servants found in the Book of Mormon. For instance, The Book of Mormon has a distinct biblical sound be saved”

[The Latter-day Saints] to declare in your hearing important in the LDS faith but missing from the to it, stemming from the fact that it is written in an Elizabethan King James style. Also contributing (Romans 10:9) Book of Mormon are: temple endowment cere- monies; Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthood as to the biblical flavor are the multiple chapters 4 13 a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin...How long is characteristics of the black race...The Book of Mormon explains why that race to endure the dreadful curse that us upon them? That curse the Lamanites (editor’s note: ie. Native Americans) received dark skins will remain upon them, and they never can hold the Priesthood or and a degenerate status...If we had a full and true history of all races Is Dark Skin share in it until the other descendants of Adam have received the and nations, we would know the origins of all their distinctive charac- promises and enjoyed the blessings of the Priesthood and the keys teristics. In the absence of such detailed information, however, we thereof. Until the last ones of the residue of Adam’s children are know only the general principle that all these changes from the physi- brought up to that favourable position, the children of Cain cannot cal and spiritual perfections of our common parents have been receive the first ordinances of the Priesthood” (Journal of Discourses, brought about by the departure from gospel truths...The race and a Sign of vol. 7 pp. 290-291). nation in which men are born in this world is a direct result of their pre -existent life (editor’s note: Mormons teach that all people lived with The Current LDS Prophet their Heavenly Father in heaven prior to being born on earth —and some were unfaithful to God during their past life) (Mormon Doctrine, Thomas Monson a Curse? Bruce R. McConkie, p. 616 1979 edition). “In about 1956 we recognized that our neighborhood was deterio- rating. We observed this one Halloween by the nature of the people Statements Concerning Race who came in the guise of ‘Trick or Treat.’ The minority elements were Within LDS Scriptures moving into the area where we lived, and many of the old-time fami- The Book of Mormon:

I Nephi 11:13 (Mary, mother of Jesus) “...she was exceedingly fair and white” “The minority elements were I Nephi 12:23 (Regarding “Lamanites” Native Americans) “...became dark, moving into the area where we and a loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations.” lived…” —Thomas Monson I Nephi 13:15 (regarding Gentiles) “...they were white, and exceedingly fair Many do not realize that until 1978 the Church of Jesus years after the Civil Rights Act—before the Church of Jesus and beautiful, like unto my people (Nephites) before they were slain.” Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) did not permit racial Christ of Latter-day Saints lifted the ban following what 2 Nephi 5:21 “...a sore cursing...as they were white, and exceedingly fair and intermarriage or allow black men to serve within their leaders said was a revelation from God to make the priest- lies had long since moved away. Seeking counsel, I visited Mark E. delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people the Lord God priesthood. Author and journalist William Lobdell explains: hood available to “every faithful, worthy man.” The new Peterson, who for many years had been the General Manager of the did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them.” doctrine came without an apology or repudiation of the . O. Preston Robinson, my former professor of marketing 2 Nephi 30:6 (Regarding “Lamanites” Native Americans) “...scales of darkness “In the not-too-distant past, the Mormon faithful were rou- at the University of Utah, had succeeded Brother Peterson as the church’s past doctrine…” (William Lobdell, “New Mormon shall begin to fall...they shall be a white and delightsome people.” (Changed tinely taught that blacks were an inferior race, the color of General Manager at the News. As I mentioned to Mark my dilemma, to “pure and delightsome” in 1981 edition) Aim: Reach Out to Blacks,” Los Angeles Times, Sept. 21, wondering if it would be unfair for me to move, he said simply, ‘Your their skin linked to curses from God recounted in Hebrew Jacob 3:5 (“Lamanites” Native Americans cursed) “...whom ye hate because 2003). and Mormon scriptures. Besides being barred from the obligation to that area is concluded. Why don’t you build a house in of their filthiness and the cursing which hath come upon their skins…” my ward?’” (Thomas Monson, On the Lord’s Errand: Memoirs of priesthood, black males couldn’t serve on missions or be According to Brigham Young Jacob 3:8-9 “...their skins will be whiter than yours...revile no more against Thomas S. Monson, 1985 p. 184). married in the temple—though they could become church them because of the darkness of their skins…” (Second LDS Prophet) members and be baptized. The Mormons’ historic position Alma 3:6 “... skins of the Lamanites were dark, according to the mark which “You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, What Has Mormon Doctrine Taught? was set upon their fathers, which was a curse upon them because of their on race wasn’t much different from that of many other U.S. uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly “Racial degeneration, resulting in differences in appearance and transgression and their rebellion…” denominations; it just last longer. It took until 1978—14 deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is general- spiritual aptitude, has arisen since the fall. We know the circumstances (Continued on next page) ly bestowed upon mankind...Cain slew his brother...and the Lord put 8 under which the posterity of Cain (later of Ham) were born with the 9 Alma 3:8 (Cursed) “...that their seed might be distinguished from the seed of among them.” their brethren...that they might not mix…” Abraham 1:21 “...king of Egypt was a descendant from the loins of Alma 3:9 “...whosoever did mingle his seed with that of the Lamanites did Ham, and was a partaker of the blood of the Canaanites by birth.” Certainly two transla- bring the same curse upon his seed.” tors of any written Abraham 1:27 “...Pharaoh being of that lineage by which he could Alma 3:14 (Lamanites cursed) “...set a mark on them that they and their seed Is the Bible piece will differ in the not have the right of Priesthood...” many be separated from thee and thy seed…” choice of words, verb

Alma 3:19 (Amlicites cursed) “...brought upon themselves the curse… tense, and style. But if two good Spanish trans- Alma 23:18 “…(Lamanites) did open a correspondence with them What Does the Bible Teach? Translated lators independently (Nephites) and the curse of God did no more follow them.” Some Mormons will argue that in the Bible there were certain racial translate this morning’s 3 Nephi 2:14-16 “...Lamanites who had united with the Nephites were restrictions related to the preaching of the Gospel. For example, the paper, you would have numbered among the Nephites, And their curse was taken from them, disciples of Jesus were initially instructed by Christ to only preach to to say that the basic and their skin became white like unto the Nephites...became exceed- fellow Jews. It is true that Jesus focused His earthly ministry on the Correctly? message would be the ingly fair…” Jewish people out of respect for the covenant God made with same despite their nu- Abraham, but this did not mean that others had a special curse upon 3 Nephi 19:25, 30 (Disciples of Christ) “...they were as white as the merous differences. them. God always had a plan that was global in scope. Just prior to His countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and behold the white- The eighth LDS Article of Faith says the Bible can be trusted only “as Truly there is no such death, Jesus commanded His followers to “Go ye therefore, and teach ness thereof did exceed all the whiteness...nothing upon earth so far as it is translated correctly.” Translation means to take words from thing as a perfect translation. LDS Church leaders must certainly be all nations, baptizing them…” (Matthew 28:19). There were no white as the whiteness thereof...they were white, even as Jesus.” one language and put them into the words of another. We agree that aware of this since their translators have often had to revise not only restrictions given related to this great international missionary work! a correct translation of the Bible—which was written in Hebrew and their English edition of The Book of Mormon but several foreign edi-

Koine Greek 2,000-4,000 years ago—is necessary for proper under- tions as well. Also, consider the following Bible passages: standing. Perhaps LDS leaders would say that the transmission, or the copying “...shall become a dark, Acts 10:28 “...But God has shown me (The Apostle Peter) that I should Anytime the words from one language are put into another—whether and handing down of the biblical manuscripts, is why they believe the a filthy, and a loathsome not call any man common or unclean.” it is Spanish into English or French into Arabic—there is always the risk Bible has errors. Yet Biblical scholars have carefully sorted through the Acts 8:26-39 Philip baptized the Ethiopian and place no restrictions of losing something in the translation. It is doubtful that our many tens of thousands of biblical manuscripts to determine the earliest people...” (Mormon 5:15) on him. modern-day translations were produced by unprincipled people who and most reliable texts. In addition, not having the original manu- wanted to keep God’s truths hidden. In actuality, quite the opposite is scripts of the Bible should not be a problem to the Mormon who real- Acts 10:34-35 “God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he true. The motivation behind a new translation is, in most cases, to give izes that there are no original manuscripts for The Book of Mormon. that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” a clearer understanding of what God wants to reveal to His people. Mormon 5:15 (Lamanites) “...shall become a dark, a filthy, and a In conclusion, consider the comments of BYU professor Richard L. An- Galatians 3:28 “...there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond Granted, some translations do a better job than others. loathsome people, beyond the description of that which ever hath derson on the accuracy of the New Testament at the 14th Annual nor free, there is neither male or female: for ye are all one in been amongst us...” Although some Mormons believe that the King James Version of the Symposium of the Archaeology of the Scriptures: “For a book to un- Christ Jesus.” Bible was a translation of another Bible translation, thus producing dergo progressive uncovering of its manuscript history and come out Mormon 5:17 “They were once a delightsome people…” If was a restored Christianity (as it claims) we would errors, this is absolutely not true because the KJV translators utilized with so little debatable in its text is a great tribute to its essential au-

expect it to reflect the teachings of the Bible and to be the moral lead- the best manuscripts available to them in the 17th century. They did thenticity. First, no new manuscript discovery has produced serious The Pearl of Great Price: er in the area of race relations—not among the last of the religious not depend on other translations. In fact, while translators will differ, differences in the essential story. This survey has disclosed the leading Moses 7:8 “...a blackness came upon all the children of Canaan…” institutions to open their doors to those of African descent.  the goal of Bible translators is to utilize the most accurate manuscripts texual controversies, and together they would be well within one and then attempt to put the words of the Bible into an understanda- percent of the text. Stated differently, all manuscripts agree on the Moses 7:12 “...Enoch continued to call upon all the people, save it ble language for the audience it addresses. essential correctness of 99 percent of all the verses in the New Testa- were (except) the people of Canaan, to repent...” “Your word is a lamp to my feet ment.” Truly the Bible is a very special book. —Eric Johnson Moses 7:22 “...for the seed of Cain were black and had not place And a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) 10 7 DICTIONARY The Book of Mormon A look at how Latter-day Saints & traditional LDS “Milk Before Christians define terms differently... Keystone of Mormonism Atonement Meat” Principle: LDS: Believe Christ’s death brought release from the grave and brought universal On average, fifteen thousand copies of The Book LDS Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley said, “I don’t un- resurrection, also known as salvation by grace. Concealing doctrines? of Mormon are printed each day. They are given derstand why those of other faiths cannot accept Bible: Salvation is not universal but based on belief of each individual (John 3:16; away at LDS visitor centers and historic sites, the Book of Mormon. One would think they would Romans 1:16; Hebrews 9:28; Ephesians 2:8-9). Some find it quite offensive that we, as non-Mormons, would freely offered in television commercials, given as be looking for additional witnesses to the great Godhead stand in front of Mormon temples and pass out information gifts by Latter-day Saints to friends and relatives, and solemn truths of the Bible” (The Ensign, 6/00, LDS: Father God is a resurrected man with a physical body. Christ is a separate res- challenging the beliefs and practices of The Church of Jesus and distributed by LDS missionaries as they go pg.18). urrected god with a physical body. The Holy Ghost is a separate god with a spiritual body. Three totally separate and distinct Gods. Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). The reason that we do so door-to-door around the world. So important is Clearly, a book revered by millions of people Bible: God is not a man (Numbers 23:19). There is only one God (Isaiah 43:10-11; is not to purposefully offend, but to help the public have a The Book of Mormon to The Church of Jesus Christ across the globe as a companion to the Bible 44:6; 45:21-22) The Father is Spirit and invisible (John 4:24; I Timothy 1:17). more accurate understanding of the Mormon temple and the of Latter-day Saints that its founding prophet deserves examination. Jesus Christ LDS religion. The primary purpose of an LDS temple open Joseph Smith said, “Take away the Book of Mor- witnesses, stating they had seen the gold plates. LDS: A created being, he is the first spirit child of Elohim and one of his wives, and is house is to recruit new members, but will the average person mon and the revelations, and where is our reli- Some even claimed to have been told by God Him- HISTORY the spirit-brother of Lucifer. really know what they are getting themselves into? Mormon gion? We have none” (Teachings of the Prophet self that the work Smith produced was true. Inter- Though no objective evidence has ever been Bible: He is the eternal God manifested in the flesh and the One that created all Church members will tell you that you should get your infor- Joseph Smith, pg. 71). esting, four of these eleven witnesses were related things (John 1:1-3; 14). produced by non-LDS scholars to substantiate the mation directly from them or LDS church representatives — to Smith, five were brothers from the Whitmer Virgin Birth Smith also said, “I told the Brethren that the Book story, the Book of Mormon text is said to have instead of from those outside their religion. That certainly family, and two were married to Whitmer sisters. of Mormon was the most correct of any book on come from a set of gold plates Joseph Smith LDS: Believe God, as a resurrected physical man, is the literal father of Jesus. He makes some sense, but this is why I have stood in front of was conceived in the same manner in which men are conceived on earth (Mormon earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man received at the hands of an angel in 1827. The Great American humorist Mark Twain found this Doctrine, Bruce R. McConkie, second edition, p. 742). dozens of LDS temples handing out information since 1989. would get nearer to God by abiding by its pre- engraved text, “Reformed Egyptian.” was translat- situation amusing and quipped, “I could not feel Bible: Mary was with child of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 1:18). The reason is the “milk before meat” principle. Unlike the typi- cepts, than by any other book.” (History of the ed by Smith into English “by the gift and power of more satisfied and at rest if the entire Whitmer Scripture cal church where you can easily discover the basic doctrines of Church 4:461). God” (Book of Mormon, Introduction) family had testified” (Roughing It, 105). the group prior to membership or baptism, Mormon leaders LDS: Has additional revelation from God in The Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Mormons accept the Book of Mormon as scrip- The official story supplied by the Church is that By 1838, of the eleven witnesses, only Smith’s Price, Doctrine and Covenants and from a living prophet. The Bible is considered make great effort to conceal all of their controversial teachings untrustworthy. ture, believing it to be “Another Testament of Smith, though poorly educated, viewed the gold father and two brothers remained in the LDS from the public (meat), teaching their missionaries to only Jesus Christ.” Yet it is no secret that historical plates and was ale to miraculously translate them. Church; two were dead and six others had fallen Bible: The Bible is infallible and without error and is the sole authority for all provide the prospective convert with simple, incomplete, matters of Christian belief and practice (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:3). Christianity rejects the book and its claims. Former However, friendly eyewitness accounts indicate out of favor with the Prophet and left the faith. watered down LDS beliefs. “Meat” doctrines are the deeper Gospel Smith actually used a “seer stone” - a stone with Some of these later returned. teachings that only worthy members are to know about. This LDS: Mormon Church system and doctrines. magical powers. English words purportedly is justified by leaders who say some doctrines are “too sacred” In 1841 Smith proclaimed the Book of Mormon to appeared when Smith placed this stone in a Bible: Message of Christ’s death and resurrection as atonement for our sins to be discussed publicly. To us it is a dishonest means of gain- be “the most correct of any book on earth,” yet (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Colossians 1:22-23). and blocked out the light with his face (David ing converts. Would you like proof of this LDS “milk before today’s edition contains about four thousand The Fall Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, 12; meat” principle? You can view a video on YouTube which changes from the first edition text. The nature and LDS: Teach it brought mortality and physical death, not fallen nature. Believe Martin Harris, quoted in B. H. Roberts, Compre- contains a talk by BYU Professor, Robert L. Millet. In this video number of these revisions go well beyond what Adam was given two conflicting commandments and was suppose to fall (Gospel hensive History of the Church 1:129) Principles, p. 29). he is seen instructing soon-to-be LDS missionaries on how to were required to correct transmission and printer answer uncomfortable questions. (Video was still available for Whatever the process, the resultant manuscript errors. Not even considering spelling and punctua- Bible: God tempts no one (James 1:13-14). Man is basically sinful (Romans 8:5-8; 1 Corinthians 2:14). viewing at the time of this printing 8/22/16). —Steve Dealy was printed as the Book of Mormon in Palmyra, tion corrections, these four thousand-plus changes Born Again New York in 1830, the title page Joseph Smith’s are historical (e.g., Mosiah 21:28: “king Mosiah” In August 2015, the LDS Church released images of LDS: Baptism into the LDS Church. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMJvqBq_Qa8 one of Smith's seer stones in a volume of the Joseph name and identifying him as author (Smith’s desig- vs. “king Benjamin”), grammatical (e.g., Alma 9:32: Smith Papers Project. nation as “author” was removed from subsequent- “they were angry” vs. “they was angry”), and Bible: We are spiritually dead until our spiritual rebirth (1 Peter 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17). ly editions). Eleven men stepped forward to act as doctrinal in nature (e.g., I Nephi 13:40: “the Lamb 12 5 Amazing Quotes Secret Rituals on YouTube A few years ago a member of the LDS Church in Utah became Utah Temple). The rest of the LDS temples utilize a film during disillusioned with his faith and began to enter Mormon temples the ceremony that portrays the creation of the world and Adam of Joseph Smith to secretly film the secret rituals. Now the public can view the and Eve in the Garden of Eden etc. temple rites that were shrouded in mystery for generations. See Mormon Temple Endowment Ceremony (With Movie) Founding prophet of the Mormon Church Some of the videos, which are now available to view on Newnamenoah www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VrsFEiTpsQ YouTube, feature live actors (The Salt Lake Temple and Manti,

HIS HUMILITY world put together.” (HOC 6:308) together and concocted a plan to create the

“If the want a beardless boy to whip all the world and people it,” (Journal of Discourses, “I have more to boast of than ever any man vol. 6, p. 5). had. I am the only man that has ever been world, I will get on of a mountain and able to keep a whole church together since crow like a rooster; I shall always beat UNFULFILLED PREDICTIONS Questions to Ask on Your Tour them.” (HOC 6:408) the days of Adam. A large majority of the “I prophesy in the name of the Lord God of whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, GOD IS AN EXALTED MAN? Israel, unless the United States redress the LDS Temple tours are usually “silent tours,” meaning visitors are asked to be reverently quiet during their time in the Peter nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no “God himself was once as we are now, and is wrongs committed upon the Saints in the temple. After the tour, people are invited to ask questions. Here are a few ideas to help you get started: man ever did such a work as I. The followers an exalted Man, and sits enthroned in yon- state of Missouri and punish the crimes of Jesus ran away from him; but the Latter- der heavens...I say, if you were to see him to committed by her officers that in a few years day Saints never ran away from me yet.” 1. Do Mormons really believe they can work to become worthy, go to the temple, and become gods? -day, you would see him like a man in the government will be utterly over-thrown May 26, 1844 (History of the Church 6:408- 2. Why do Latter-day Saints perform marriages “for time and eternity” in their temples when Jesus clearly taught there is no marriage in heaven, but we form—like yourselves, in all the person, and wasted, and there will not be so much 409) shall be as the angels? (See Matthew 22:30 and Mark 12:25) image, and very form as a man...it is neces- as a potsherd left…” (History of Church,

5:394) 3. Why has the Book of Abraham not been removed from the Pearl of Great Price (LDS scripture) since it has been proven to be fraudulent? “I combat the errors of ages; I meet the sary that we should understand the charac- violence of mobs; I cope with illegal pro- ter and being of God, and how he came to Joseph Smith claimed to be a prophet of 4. Why do you suppose Joseph Smith said an angel named Nephi appeared to him in 1823 but later, while reporting on the same event, said the angel’s name was Moroni? ceedings from executive authority; I cut the be so; for I am going to tell you how God God. We are told in the Bible that we may Gordian knot of powers, I solve the mathe- came to be God. We have imagined and sup- know a prophet by his prophecies. In 1832 5. Why have more than 4,000 grammatical and punctuation errors, and later doctrinal changes, been made in The Book of Mormon if it is from God and is matical problems of universities, with posed that God was God from all eternity, I (Doctrine and Covenants 84) Smith prophe- the “most correct book on earth”? truth—diamond truth; and God is my ‘right will refute that idea, and will take away and sied a temple would be built at Independ- 6. If Lucifer (whom the LDS Church teaches is the spirit brother of Jesus) cannot tempt a child to sin before the age of 8 years, what are LDS children hand man.’” (HOC 6:78) do away the veil, so that you may see...and ence, Missouri within that generation. To suppose to repent of in order to be baptized?

that he was once a man like us; yea, that this day no temple stands there. A few 7. How can the teachings of LDS prophets, which do not agree, be reconciled? For example, Brigham Young taught that Adam was God and that Blacks were God made Aaron to be the mouth piece for God himself the Father of us all, dwelt on an months later (Doctrine and Covenants 87) never to partake of the priesthood— but these doctrines were refuted or changed by later LDS prophets. the children of Israel, and He will make me earth the same as Jesus Christ himself Smith prophesied that all nations would be god to you in His stead, and the Elders to did.” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p. 5). enter into the Civil War. This, too, did not 8. How is one supposed to know which LDS scripture to believe when they disagree? For example, The Book of Mormon and the Bible both teach there is only one God, but the Doctrine and Covenants states there are many gods. be mouth for me; and if you don’t like it, you happen. According to the Bible, false proph- THERE ARE MANY GODS? must lump it.” (HOC 6:319-320) esies identify false prophets. (Deuteronomy 9. If the Bible was corrupted in the early centuries as the LDS Church teaches, why did Joseph Smith not correct the errors and replace the books it claims are

“In the beginning, the head of the Gods 18:20-22) missing, instead of removing the Song of Solomon in his translation? “I am learned, and know more than all the called a council of the Gods; and they came 10. Why do Latter-day Saints continue to rely on the uncertainty of laws and ordinances and works for their eternal destiny when the Bible says there is certainty for those who trust in Jesus? These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have 6 eternal life. (I John 5:13) 11