#thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints

[eli-kittim]

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Debunked

Eli Kittim

The Latter Day Saint movement is a Christian Restorationist movement that was founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. Currently, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (aka “LDS Church”) boasts 17 million members.

There is a theme in the Old Testament that is echoed in the New Testament's Book of Revelation 22:18-19. It effectively nullifies all extra-biblical sources of interpretation or additions to scripture, including Talmudic hermeneutics and 3 out of the 4 Standard Works of the LDS Church. Deuteronomy 4:2 reads:

“You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the Lord your God with which I am charging you.”

Yet the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have added additional material, such as the noncanonical Book of Mormon, which is neither authorized nor accepted by mainstream Christian Churches. According to Latter Day Saint tradition, the so-called golden plates are the original source from which Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon (which is now called Another Testament of Jesus Christ). Paul writes in Galatians 1:8:

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!”

As the story goes, Smith allegedly found these plates in the 1820s after an angel named Moroni directed him to a buried stone box. He claimed that the angel instructed him not to show the plates to anyone until they had been properly translated from their original "reformed Egyptian" language.

However, there are several problems with these claims. The notion of “reformed Egyptian” comes from a narrative in the Book of Mormon, in which it is described as the language employed to inscribe the text on golden plates. And yet, historians, linguists, archaeologists, and egyptologists have not found any substantiated examples of such a language in the historical or archaeological record. In other words, the claim that the golden plates were written in a language called "reformed Egyptian” is bogus because such a language is basically unknown to linguists and egyptologists. Besides, there’s no linguistic, historical, or archaeological evidence of the use of Egyptian writing in Pre-Columbian America!

There are many other problems with Joseph Smith’s claims. He mentioned that he received his revelation from an Angel named Moroni. The said angel is mentioned in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, another LDS book, but not in the Bible. According to the Book of Mormon, the said angel added information to the teachings of Jesus. In fact, the Book of Mormon is more about Moroni than Jesus because the word "Mormon" itself is actually derived from the name of the angel Moroni! The fact that this angel substitutes itself for Christ by giving its name to a book——and given that the name Moroni is never once mentioned in the 66 canonical books of Holy Scripture——suggests that it is probably not on God’s payroll. Joseph Smith’s account reminds us of another so-called prophetess and channeler, namely, Esther Hicks, who currently claims to receive revelations from a non-physical spirit named Abraham. Thus, the LDS movement——featuring a spirit-guide who offers a new or alternative teaching THAT IS NOT IN THE BIBLE——has all the hallmarks of a cult!

It is important to note that Joseph Smith and his close associates were practicing folk magic, scrying, second sight, and divination, practices that are strictly forbidden in the Old Testament (Lev 19:26; Deuteronomy 18:10-12)! Both Smith and another seer named Samuel T. Lawrence reportedly used a seer stone to view the golden plates. What is more, eyewitnesses reported that Smith translated the golden plates not by looking directly at them but by looking through a transparent seer stone in the bottom of his hat! So, Smith allegedly translated the Egyptian not based on any scholarly knowledge or expertise but rather on psychic messages that were channeled to him.

There were allegedly 11 men who claimed to have seen the plates, aka the so-called Book of Mormon Witnesses. Then, after the translation process was completed, Smith claimed that he returned the plates to the angel Moroni, thereby conveniently making them magically disappear from sight so that they could not be investigated or re-examined.

However, there are various discrepancies and contradictory accounts. Some of Joseph Smith’s close associates accused him of being a fraud and of having “filthy” adulterous relationships. Moreover, Martin Harris, one of the alleged Three Witnesses to the golden plates, recounted his witness as a visionary experience. John Gilbert, the printer of the first edition of the Book of Mormon, asked Harris if he had seen the plates with his own eyes, to which Harris replied "No, I saw them with a spiritual eye.” In 1837, Joseph Smith excommunicated 28 members. A year later, in 1838, Smith said the following about the Three Witnesses (Cowdery, Harris, and Whitmer): “too mean to mention; and we had liked to have forgotten them." So much for the eyewitness reports!

In the same year (1838), Harris publicly confessed that "he never saw the plates with his natural eyes, only in vision or imagination." In fact, Harris openly denied that any of the Witnesses to the Book of Mormon had ever seen or handled the golden plates. As a result, Harris's announcement convinced several key members to leave the church. Over 30 years later, Harris’ account never changed. He gave another interview in which he admitted "I never saw the golden plates, only in a visionary or entranced state."

The Pearl of Great Price is part of the canonical books of the LDS Church. It was originally written as a pamphlet published in England in 1851, and was later revised and canonized by the LDS Church. The current version of the Pearl of Great Price contains several sections. One section is called the Book of Moses, which includes Smith's own revisions (i.e. the “Joseph Smith Translation” of the Bible, aka JST) regarding the first 6 chapters of the Book of Genesis, which include two extraneous chapters of "extracts from the prophecy of Enoch.” So, Joseph Smith is essentially rewriting the Bible according to his own private interpretations.

Another section in the Pearl of Great Price is the Book of Abraham. Joseph Smith produced it in 1835, and claimed that it was based on Egyptian papyri that were purchased from a traveling mummy exhibition. According to Joseph Smith himself, the book was "a translation of some ancient records... purporting to be the writings of Abraham, while he was in Egypt, called the Book of Abraham, written by his own hand, upon papyrus". What a story! It has all the earmarks of occultism! This book also maintains that God did not create the universe ex nihilo (out of nothing) but rather through a reorganization of eternal, pre-existing elements. Not to mention that Joseph Smith retranslated portions of Matthew’s gospel, a work which contains significant changes and additions to the original biblical text.

In summary, Joseph Smith added another book to the Bible which was based on a discovery of certain golden plates that no one ever saw. This was a book translated from a supposed reformed Egyptian language that doesn’t exist in the historical or archaeological record, let alone in ancient America. And later, it magically disappeared so that it could not be examined. The witnesses themselves did not actually see the plates with their own eyes. And some of the them even called Smith a fraud. Joseph Smith and his companions were all involved in divination and magic, which often attracts demonic spirits. As a matter of fact, the Spirit who introduced Smith to these extra bible additions is a suspicious familiar spirit who is never once mentioned in the Bible. Taken together, the evidence strongly suggests that the LDS Church is a heretical cult that has very little to do with Christianity!

[jerichoyork]

We are in the time of change. We will see many things happen. Truths will be revealed, those who are lost will begin to be found, the fallen will continue to be seen and many more will feel the need to find God. #lds #christ #love #theson #unconditional #father #god #latterdaysaints #son #celestialkingdom #terrestrialkingdom #telestialkingdom #jesuscrist #morman #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #eternalfather #thefather #ward #planofsalvation #planofsalvationisreal #christus

[mahdimonsterm]

Gospel Stream app Sabbath Lesson - Latter-Day Saints

#gospelstream #sabbathlesson #latterdaysaints #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #mahditamashii #mahdikhalwachi

[lizzemea]

🌈( ◕ᗜ◕)Happy Pride! Today's art is inspired by a Reddit comment I wrote once, the text of which I will put here: "I saw a rainbow flag somewhere and was immodestly hit with a ray of rainbow light, ripping the sleeves of my t-shirt off and the kneecaps of my shorts off, leaving me near naked with only wearing a torn tank top and knee revealing shorts. Looking up I saw a non-binary angelic personage offering me a wine glass of coffee bathed in the rainbow technicolor glow. "Eat! Drink and be merry! for tomorrow, we die! and it shall be well with us!"I offered them a handshake and attempted to shake it, only to feel no flesh in their hand as we "shook". None the less, I ignored the scriptures in D&C 129 and took a sip of the curious strong drink...to which I soon drank it all. The "angel" then took me to a lake of pure burning hot black coffee and baptized me in it (the prayer was littered in "dangs, goshes and hot belgian waffles!") before lifting my burned body to a high mountain where the cold air and rainbow dark arts involving mosquito sacrifices healed my burns and turned my hair blood red. From the mountain I could see all of America, which is the world and was told I would bring to pass a great work across the world... When I traveled home I couldn't find rest, only for Ronald Mcdonald in angelic glory to appear at the hour of midnight telling me to go to a hill every month for 4 years and then to dig up the sacred golden arches containing the recipes for big macs. 4 years later I did so and was revealed revelation to restore McDonalds to the earth. I followed it faithfully. Now I live miserable every day for the great temptation I fell for, and for the great sin I committed. But it's too late now, I'll never be forgiven for allowing my knees and shoulders to be revealed"

[denebola42-blog]

Our LDS neighbors taking care of us. They gave us this turkey. And this morning more food. I see why Utah is known as the most charitable state in the nation. #charity #utah #mormonism #lds #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #volunteering #thanksgiving so I'm thankful for not just my family but religion because I've gotten food from other churches. (at North Ogden, Utah) https://www.instagram.com/p/CWoNtC6vSYE/?utm_medium=tumblr

[christianandnerdy]

So this question keeps coming up, and over the years we get interesting answers from prominent religious leaders and christian influencers. It seems like mormons (latter day Saints) are attempting to blend into mainstream Christianity, however the founder of the Mormon Church claimed that God told him that the churches of his time were an abomination before the Lord, which would include both the Catholic and Protestant churches, however today the Mormon church tends to shy away from that account. The short answer to that question is no, and whenever a “christian” says that they are then that “christian” is either wrong ignorant about Christianity or indifferent about Christianity, first of all Christians are monotheistic (belief in one God) mormons are polytheistic (belief in many gods.) “the chosen” is a hit series and the director of that show: Dallas Jenkins has called members of the Mormon church brothers and sisters who are passionate about Jesus Christ and that his series doesn’t contradict the Bible nor the Book of Mormon, which is a hard thing to do because Mormonism teaches that when Jesus was on earth he practice polygamy with two women, are we going to see that on the show? For a christian, calling a Mormon christian or saved is hateful and dishonest, I’m a very mild mannered man, I hate telling people to their face that they are wrong but I hate it even more when I lie to their face, and let me be clear, I get no pleasure telling people that they are in a false religion, not in person or on social media, I do this because I don’t want anyone to be deceived. The Mormon propaganda department are behind this “come unto Christ” organization, and what’s the purpose of this organization? Well in the surface it about studying about Jesus from the holy scriptures, in reality, they are trying to convert you and they are depending upon your ignorance on Mormon teachings to do that. #comeontochrist #mormons #dallasjenkins #latterdaysaints #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #aremormonschristian #thechosentvseries https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFp_8cJkjs/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thefightisntoverme]

So I know I'll probably get hate or lose the few followers that I have but it is my duty and privilege to post this here.

First of all I am a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have faith and a testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel.

Second, during the evening session of our semi-annual General Conference the President of the church and true prophet of God has asked that we all (both members of our faith and those not) join together in a fast this Friday April 10th for healing in the world and protection for those essential workers. A fast is a time of purposeful sacrifice within a 24hour period. Most skip a meal or two, but if health does not permit that for you, we ask that you find some other meaningful sacrifice to make that day. This is a call for all who are able. We will not be upset if you choose not to join us in this fast. But we will be grateful if you do.

And finally, I feel it is important for me to share this. Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the quorum of the twelve apostles is a man called of God to minister among his children and help guide in the Gathering of Israel, so that we may be prepared for The Second Coming of the Savior and return to live with our Heavenly Father one day. Any message that he shares is a direct message from God. He testifies of the truthfulness of the Gospel, and Gods love for ALL his children.

[joecowtoy]

Merry Christmas! Christ is the reason for the season. 🎄🎁🎅🏻☺️ Our tradition is to act out the story of Luke 2. #merrychristmas #christmas2020 #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #lighttheworld2020 #lighttheworld #familyfirst https://www.instagram.com/p/CJNNqqIhY6E/?igshid=1jd68ran77l68

[deirdre27]

I know this from experience. Posted with @DittoRepost #dittorepost • @generalconferencedaily #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #generalconference #generalconferencedaily #comeuntochrist #comefollowme #strivetobe #hearhim https://www.instagram.com/p/CGU1oqGpqqL/?igshid=1fq380oqy3kki

[jadephotographs]

Day 14: LA temple, then San Francisco #adventuresintinylife #travel #temples #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #sanfrancisco #vacation (at San Francisco, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CD8B0EFnOy0/?igshid=tuv17docjw21

[noelanik-art]

Can you sustain them when they hurt you?

Yesterday was a wonderful day, filled with words that I needed to hear, statements that needed to be said, and beautiful revelations that will change the lives of people I love for the better.

Yesterday was also incredibly hard. There were some veiled statements throughout the morning and afternoon sessions, and then in the women’s session President Oaks came right out with it. At the time, I didn’t know that he had also spoken about the transgender community this week. I just prayed fervently that some of what he said would be what I have felt needed to be said by a church leader for the longest time.

And I am going to be perfectly honest with you: some of what he said was hard, it cut too close to home, it made my heart ache and my eyes well up with tears. I couldn’t take notes during the women’s session, instead all I could do was focus on my knitting and watch him, praying that what he said would be kind, loving, uplifting, hopeful.

And you know what? Some of what he said was what I wanted him to say, what I needed desperately to hear. Some of what he said will hopefully change the way that members of the church view people on the LGBTQ+ spectrum for the better, so that they can feel more welcome, and more loved within the church.

“God’s doctrine shows that we are ALL His children and that He has created us to have joy.” — President Dallin H. Oaks

I am as heterosexual and cis gender as they come, but I have dear friends who fit into many of the different categories in the LGBTQ+ spectrum. The dearest to me is a relative who has especially struggled this past year with some statements by church leaders, both on the general authority scale, and the more immediate, ward-level scale. To some of you, the statements made by President Oaks, and some made recently by President Nelson, have been incredibly painful, have taken away some of the hopes and prayers that you were sure would be answered. Some, maybe most, of their words have felt like an attack. There are no apologies, no olive branches, just words that cut through your very being to the heart of who you are and rip you to shreds.

So I have a question for all of you out there who struggle with President Oaks, or President Nelson, or any General Authority who has spoken on, or hinted at this subject in a way that has been hurtful for you: Can you still sustain them as prophets, seers, and revelators, even though they have hurt you? Do you believe that at least some of their words come from a place of love, or are they saying these things simply because they don’t, or will not understand how such a thing can exist?

For me, I know, despite everything, that these men love you.

They may not understand you. In the case of President Oaks, at least, I am sure that he does not understand you. But I do believe, with all my heart, that he loves you. I wish that his words were kinder, and more understanding. I wish that he could see you as I do — beautiful children of God, who are striving just as much as I (once again, very straight, cis gender) am to discover their DIVINE IDENTITY. You all have one, no matter your sexual orientation, or what gender you are.

I, at least, am still able to raise my arm to the square and sustain each and every one of these men. Occasionally I feel trepidation when one is about to speak, and a talk is given that makes my heart hurt, and my desire to be sitting next to my dear relative grows stronger and stronger with each and every passing minute. But I have known and understood for a long time the concept that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is made up of imperfect people, and LED by imperfect people.

I don’t want our leaders to be perfect. Now, I will forever hope and pray that they are able to receive a more perfect understanding of those around them, especially when it comes to things like this.

But these men are Prophets, Seers, and Revelators. At least some of what they say comes from God.

If what one of them says hurts you, find the beautiful truths in their talks. Find every statement President Oaks said about loving and respecting members of the LGBTQ+ community. Rejoice in the fact that the church has at last publicly (in GENERAL CONFERENCE) spoken to and about you. It may not be the words you hoped to hear, but at least some of them are meant to hopefully improve your lives on the ward and stake level. And once you have found what is good, and makes your heart swell with joy, pray about it. Pray for THEM, that their hearts may be opened to greater love and understanding.

I hope that there are messages you hear this week that will lift your hearts from the darkness and pain that you have felt. The Savior loves you perfectly. Your existence is not an abomination, you are not a sin. You were made the way that you are by a loving Heavenly Father for a reason, and He wants you to return to Him. Do good, share good, minister to others and allow them to minister to you.

And whether your path brings you closer to the church, or farther away, you can always walk at least partially the path that the Savior walked. You can keep your testimony of sacred truths close to your heart, and pray for guidance throughout your life. The Lord will not leave you comfortless.

Know that Heavenly Father loves you. Jesus Christ loves you. Our Prophet LOVES you. And although I don’t know you, I deeply love you, and pray for your wellbeing. The Lord will give you peace and enduring joy as you seek Him and make Him the center of your lives.

And when it comes time again to sustain the leaders of the church, I hope that you feel the Holy Ghost testifying to you the truths that each of these leaders have taught, and that you are honestly able to raise your right hand in love and fellowship.

[oursdayswillcome]

En esos momentos terribles, es importante que recordemos nuestra naturaleza divina. Somos mucho más fuertes de lo que imaginamos y se nos permite sentir lo que sentimos en esos momentos.

Con demasiada frecuencia, deseamos que nos vean como alguien que está haciendo las cosas “muy bien”.

Sin embargo, una de las cosas más importantes que debemos recordar es que todos estamos recorriendo el camino de la fe. Todos experimentamos esos momentos en los que sentimos que nuestro Padre Celestial no está escuchando nuestras oraciones.

Todos somos imperfectos y tenemos momentos en los que nuestra fe parece debilitarse.

Ese conocimiento es uno de los primeros pasos que damos para encontrar nuestra fe en tiempos de gran dificultad... Sentimos que debido a que nuestra fe es débil, eso debe significar que estamos haciendo algo mal o que estamos en el camino equivocado.

Nuestro amoroso Padre Celestial nos envió al mundo no para que fracasemos, sino para que tengamos éxito. Él no nos trajo aquí para sufrir sino para prosperar. Él creó esta vida con todas sus dificultades para que podamos progresar, aprender y servir.

Con frecuencia, cuando pensamos que Él está en silencio, Él simplemente nos está dando mayores oportunidades para caminar por fe y buscar Su voz de maneras diferentes a las que imaginamos que lo escucharíamos.

[mahdimonsterm]

The Book of Mormon - Another Testament of Jesus Christ

#thebookofmormon #bookofmormon #mormon #latterdaysaints #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #mahditamashii #mahdikhalwachi

[maxinesoakai-blog]

I had to finish this book before I stepped out of the house for the rest of the night. This man is amazing!  In a noisy, competing world with voices everywhere telling him to lower his standards and put God last, he wouldn't!  I hope 2020 brings me the same courage and faith it brought @russellmnelson because it's so easy to forget God but so hard to truly remember Him. Happy New Year! #trustingod #faith #God #GodsPlan #family #hope #prophet #MaxineSoakaiMusic #musicbymaxine #trustingod #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #ChurchOfJesusChrist #happynewyear2020 https://www.instagram.com/p/B6wtkr4JlJY/?igshid=1j1bupawll06a

[denebola42-blog]

Watch "Overcoming Prejudice: A Discussion with the Rev. Amos C. Brown" on YouTube https://youtu.be/7mquYILbpB0 So that's what divides us. The Baptist preacher is wise. It's the us vs them attitude. I've been herded into that attitude and even though I'm not bigoted, I strived to be spiritual, I have become combative and therefore divisive. I don't mean to be but I'm poked and prodded and bullied and provoked into reacting. It's my job and blessing to forgive but I wish I'd never reached this point. #spiritualjourney #salvation #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #latterdaysaints #lds (at North Ogden, Utah) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTgbmQcM8Sh/?utm_medium=tumblr