BOOK OF MORMON

Reason 33

     Doctrine & Covenants 42:12
And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel.

     carm.org
Joseph Smith said "that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book," (History of the Church, vol. 4, p. 461). Allegedly it was translated by the power of God. Nevertheless, it has some 4,000 changes in it. Some are mere spelling corrections, but others are significant changes. Why is this so if the book of Mormon was translated accurately by the hand of God? Why would the Mormon church continue to change the work even after Joseph Smith's death?

I believe God gets everything correct the very first time. Looking back on my Mormon days, I had many doubts about Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. I trusted it was true because I wanted it to be true. All my LDS friends had no doubts, so why should I?

The Bible tells us to test the Scriptures for truth; don't trust feelings.
     Deuteronomy 13:14
then you shall inquire, search out, and ask diligently. And if it is indeed true and certain that such an abomination was committed among you,

     Acts 17:11
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

     1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God;

The LDS missionaries tell those investigating the church to trust feelings to know if the Book of Mormon is true. Now that I am an ex-mormon, I trust the facts to know what is true. The following facts are from godandscience.org, Truth in Love Ministries - Jeff Smith, utlm.org, The Bible, and the Book of Mormon.

Most cities referenced in the Bible have been located.
No Mormon cities have been located.

Archaeologists at the Smithsonian Institution see no archaeological support for the Book of Mormon.
A Mormon scholar at Brigham Young University, Dr. Ray Matheny, said there is a great lack of archaeological evidence for historical accounts in the Book of Mormon. Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons, by Ron Rhodes & Marian Bodine, p. 128.

Many Biblical names have been found in inscriptions.
No Mormon names have been found in inscriptions. 

Archaeologists have successfully used the Bible as a guide in locating ancient ruins, and they still do.
Archaeologists have never successfully used the Book of Mormon as a guide in locating ancient ruins.

The Bible was translated from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. These languages are taught in today's universities.
The Book of Mormon was translated from "reformed Egyptian." Nothing on the western hemisphere has been found that even remotely resembles Egyptian. Officially "reformed Egyptian" does not exist.

The English Bible is supported by thousands of Greek and Hebrew manuscripts along with at least two complete copies of the Bible from 300 A.D. All manuscripts are available to the public at any time.
There are no manuscripts or "reformed Egyptian" writings available. None of the "gold Nephite plates" exist to examine and compare the English translation of the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon does not contain current Mormon Doctrine such as:

• Mormon church organization
• The Aaronic priesthood
• Plurality of Gods
• God is an exalted man
• Men may become gods
• Three degrees of glory, or three kingdoms
• Plurality of wives
• Celestial marriage
• Temple ceremonies, endowments, and oaths
• Baptism for the dead
• Word of wisdom
• Preexistence
• Eternal progression
• Genealogy

Feelings can easily deceive a person. Religion should not be based on feelings. Approaching Mormons in Love, Wilbur Lingle, p. 165.

     ldsvideo.org

#7 ldsvideo.org/2011/03/what-is-book-of-mormon-about

#8 ldsvideo.org/2011/03/book-of-mormon-anachronisms

#9 ldsvideo.org/2011/03/book-of-mormon-sources

#10 ldsvideo.org/2011/03/praying-about-book-of-mormon

carm.org/quick-look-at-book-of-mormon

mormonhandbook.com/home/book-of-mormon

In the future, instead of listening to my heart and feelings about religion, I will listen to facts and reason such as:

No evidence

No maps

Not Revelation from God

My unanswered question was:

How could the Book of Mormon be the fullness of the gospel and the most correct of any book on earth when most of their teachings are not even in the BoM?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the Book of Mormon is not revelation from God nor the most correct book on earth nor the fullness of the gospel, yet overjoyed to find the truth that the only book I will ever need is The Bible!

HEART

Reason 32

"The heart is deceitful above all things." Jeremiah 17:9

When I joined the LDS church, I was in a temporary state of happiness. I wanted the Book of Mormon to be true, so as I was reading it, my heart told me it was true. I thought the church would give me what I thought I was missing in my life. Now I know I was wrong. My heart did deceive me. Since I have removed the veil, Christ is finally within my reach.

I never had a reason to pray to know if George Washington was really the first President of the United States. If that can be proven from 1789, then I know everything after 1789 can be proven. There is absolutely no need to pray about it to know if it is true. I'm looking at evidence and reason, not prayer.
LDS missionaries will continue to instruct investigators to pray to know if the church is true.

     Galatians 1:8
"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed."

     2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light."

In Joseph Smith's first vision, he saw an angel of light.
I will include a Book of Mormon scripture in which the devil is referred to as an angel of light.
     2 Nehpi 9:9
And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness.

Today I believe in loving with all my heart, just as God loves me. As a member, my heart was full of insincere love. I did not follow the most important Commandment, and it took me resigning from the LDS church to realize this about myself. Unfortunately, this is a part of the Mormon me I will never forget. I gave nothing unconditionally. Everything I did was for the church. I did nothing for myself or for God. I certainly did not love as God loves.

     Matthew 7:21-23
I Never Knew You
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

     Luke 17:10
So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"

     John 14:15
Jesus Promises Another Helper
"If you love Me, keep My commandments.

     Romans 13:8
Love Your Neighbor
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

     1 John 1:6
If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

     1 John 2:4-6
He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

     1 John 4:20-21
Obedience by Faith
If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

     Romans 10:9-10
"that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

     1 Timothy 1:16
"However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life."

What do these verses mean? Do as you believe; love God and love each other! Those that love have fulfilled the law. These are the good works we need to do and that's all we need to do. Being rewarded by our works means are we loving others as He loves; even our enemies? As a member, I certainly did not obey this commandment.

I absolutely know how important the Commandments are, but the most important Commandment is Matthew 22:37-40. I believe this is what should be taught in church. For the seven years I was a member, these Commandments were not emphasized at all. My children need to be taught these things and that's exactly what we all need to hear over and over!

My unanswered question was:

Why did I follow a feeling from reading the Book of Mormon when I should have followed evidence, facts, and reason?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that my heart is deceitful no matter how much I pray about something, yet overjoyed to find the truth that I can trust in God completely with the answer He has given me about the LDS church! I am so grateful I can finally offer genuine, unconditional love to all; especially my enemies!

WORD OF WISDOM

Reason 31

The LDS church teaches the following about the word of wisdom. One must obey the word of wisdom in order to not only enter the temple but also to obtain the highest degree of glory, the Celestial kingdom.
     D&C 89
lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89

Although the word of wisdom contains more rules than these, I will be referring to the use of coffee, wine, and meat only.

According to Spencer W. Kimball, "For observing the Word of Wisdom the reward is life, not only prolonged mortal life but life eternal."

I LOVE COFFEE! I love wine! I love meat!

     Matthew 15:11
Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.

Wine = the juice of grapes, fermented to produce a strong beverage that was very popular among the Jews. (Genesis 40:11)

     1 Timothy 3:8
Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money.

     1 Timothy 5:23
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

According to Christian belief, wine was the drink of the Last Supper.
     artbible.info/art/last-supper

Also according to Christian belief, Jesus turns water into wine at the wedding.
     http://bible.org/seriespage/first-sign-jesus-turns-water-wine-john-21-11

     1 Timothy 4:1-5
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Is wine good for you?
     today.msnbc.msn.com/id/ns/today-today_health/t/wine-good-you

According to the way of eating, "Eat Right For You Type," meat is one of the best foods for me.

The Bible instructs us to not eat raw meat or blood.
     Leviticus 19:26
'You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor shall you practice divination or soothsaying.
     Deuteronomy 12:16
Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it on the earth like water.

The Book of Mormon instructs us to eat raw meat.
     1 Nephi 17:2
And so great were the blessings of the Lord upon us, that while we did live upon raw meat in the wilderness, our women did give plenty of suck for their children, and were strong, yea, even like unto the men; and they began their journeyings without murmurings.

Moderation = Christians are taught to be moderate in all things. (1 Corinthians 9:25)
     Mormons are taught to be abstinent in all these things.

     Mark 7:18-23
So He said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, and is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?" And He said, "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man."

     Colossians 2:16
So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,
     Colossians 2:14
having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

My unanswered questions were:

Why are Mormons not allowed to enter the LDS temple for drinking coffee or tea, but are allowed to drink all the caffeine they want?
Why would God shun anyone from heaven for drinking coffee or wine or eating meat?

I was initially devastated when I received these answers that turning away people from heaven is not a characteristic of God, yet overjoyed to find the truth that I will not be loved any less for consuming any of these products!

What goes into the mouth is not what corrupts man. What comes out of the mouth is where our focus should be. Coffee, tea, soda, and caffeine of any kind are all equal and addictive. One is not any safer or better than the other. Therefore, they should all be treated equally.

CHURCH

Reason 30

The "church" to Christians means the entire body of believers, not a particular denomination, church, group, building, or religion.

From the Illustrated Bible Dictionary, by George W. Knight:
     Definition of Church: a local body of believers assembled for Christian worship (Acts 15:4; 1 Corinthians 1:22) as well as all the redeemed of the ages who belong to Christ (Galatians 1:13; Ephesians 5:27). The word church is a translation of a Greek term that means "an assembly."
     Christ is the head of His body, the Church, and His will is to be preeminent (Colossians 1:18) by virtue of His redeeming work and lordship (Colossians 1:14; 3:15-17). The Church's mission is to win the lost (Luke 4:18) and minister to others in the world.

From Mormon.org... on "What is the Church?"
     According to Christianity:
The Church is a body of various believers and groups of believers.
The one true Church is the invisible, spiritual, and universal Body of Christ in heaven and on earth made up of all those true believers from various local denominations or visible churches. The body is an organism, not an external organization. Unity in this body does not demand complete uniformity in its various manifestations. God loves diversity. Yet the Church's unity is in Christ, who is the vine. People in various denominations who are committed to the Vine are the branches; no one particular manifestation of the Church is the vine (Matthew 16:18; 15:5; Acts 15:35-41; 20:28; 1 Corinthians 11:19; 12:13ff; and Ephesians 4:1-13).

     Matthew 18:17
And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

     Acts 2:47
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

     Acts 5:11
So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.

     Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

     1 Corinthians 14:4
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

     2 Corinthians 11:28
besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.

     Ephesians 3:21
to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

     Ephesians 5:25
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

     Colossians 1:18
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

From Mormoninfo.org...on "What is the Church?"
     According to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"
The LDS Church is the only true church.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church (Doctrine and Covenants [D&C] 1:30); all other churches (Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists are specifically mentioned in Joseph Smith, History 1:9, Pearl of Great Price) are "wrong," "all their creeds were an abomination," and "those professors were all corrupt" (Joseph Smith, History 1:19). Those of creedal or traditional Christianity have adopted "pagan beliefs" and are part of "false Christianity" (Gospel Principles, 100 [1979 edition]). One either belongs to "the church of the Lamb of God" or to "the church of the devil" (1 Nephi 14:10). Joseph Smith taught that everybody but faithful Mormons will be damned (History of the Church 3:28). "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is absolutely indispensable to our salvation. No supposed personal relationship with Jesus, no commitment to the gospel, no high level of Christian conduct in society can compensate for what is to be found in the Church" (Robert Millet, Alive in Christ: The Miracle of Spiritual Rebirth [Salt Lake City: Deseret, 1997], 140).


     Mormons emphasize that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church upon the face of the earth. They claim it is the only organization authorized to preach the gospel and administer the ordinances of salvation - which is a long process. It claims it is the only church which has the power to save and exalt men in the hereafter. They say, "Membership in this divine institution is a pearl of great price." (Approaching Mormons in Love, p. 72, Wilbur Lingle)

     ldsvideo.org #28
ldsvideo.org/2011/07/is-mormonism-true-church

My unanswered question was:

If Christianity teaches "the church" means the entire body of believers, then how can the LDS church be the one and only true church on the face of the earth?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the LDS church cannot possibly be the one true church, yet overjoyed to find the truth that anyone who believes Christ died for their sins is the church! I am so grateful to be a part of a body of believers rather than a denomination.

GENEALOGIES

Reason 29

Mormons do genealogical research to find their ancestors for the purpose of baptizing for the dead. The Bible says this is useless. (Let the Scriptures Speak, p. 65, Suzanne Bishop)

     Titus 3:9
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

     1 Timothy 1:4
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.

Early genealogies were to prove that Jesus is the Messiah. The records of all genealogies were kept in the temple. After God recorded the lineage of Jesus (Luke 3 and Matthew 1), the temple was destroyed by Titus in 70 AD. Not only can you not trace your genealogy prior to this time, but God is letting us know by this that it is now complete. There is no further genealogical work to be done! (Let the Scriptures Speak, p. 65, Suzanne Bishop)

My unanswered question was:

Since the Bible obviously instructs us to avoid genealogies, why do LDS justify the time and energy spent, which is a fair amount, on genealogical research?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that doing temple work for our dead ancestors is not something God intended us to do, yet overjoyed to find the truth that the Bible tells us our genealogy work is complete and to not waste our time on genealogies. We need to learn to have faith. Genealogies cause disputes and are unprofitable and useless! I did not, and still do not, gain faith by disputing unprofitable or useless topics. I have faith that my ancestors are already enjoying heaven with God. There is no need for me to baptize them by proxy. They are in such a better place where they are now. God is completely sovereign and can do SO much more than I can. I do not believe HE needs my earthly help with this.

SECRETS

Reason 28

The Bible says nothing is secret and it is shameful to speak of things done in secret.

     Luke 8:17
For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.
     John 18:20
Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing.
     Acts 17:24
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
     Ephesians 5:11-12
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.

A few rituals which LDS consider sacred are

• Baptisms for the dead
• Celestial Marriage
• Endowments
• Exaltations
• Ordinances
• Sealings

I consider these rituals to be secret rituals because only faithful LDS members are allowed to know about them. Non members are not even allowed in the temple once it is dedicated. During the temple ceremony, members are told to not reveal the signs and tokens that have been given to them inside the temple. A covenant is made between "God, angels, and witnesses" that what we learn in the temple will never be revealed.

This part of the temple ceremony was always unsettling to me: Satan is asked what his apron is. His answer is: it is a sign of his power and priesthood. He then commands Adam and Eve to put on aprons. Adam and Eve do as Satan commands them, as do all members in the temple. I did not like how we let Satan tell us what to do in the temple. I did not like wearing something that represented Satan's power and priesthood. I did not like sustaining Satan's power and priesthood. This entire section of the temple ceremony disturbs me to this day. Many will be offended by this post, and all I can say is, I'm sorry! This is my story, and I know of no other way to heal.

My unanswered question was:

If Jesus does nothing in secret, and LDS are trying to be perfect like Jesus, then why do they do things in secret?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the entire temple ceremony is secret and not of God, yet overjoyed to find the truth that I will never have to attend a temple again! I will receive blessings and my prayers will be answered without the use of a temple. I never have to wear the clothing or perform the rituals again!

TEMPLE

Reason 27

Christians believe our bodies are the temple. Mormons agree, but also believe the temple is a building to perform sacred ordinances.


     Acts 17:24
God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 


     1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

     1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

     2 Corinthians 6:16
And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people."

     Ephesians 2:19-22
Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. 

     Ephesians 3:17
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

The Old Testament Temple was actually used for animal sacrifice, not marriage, baptism, or other ceremonies. Christ fulfilled the OT use of the temple. We are now the spiritual temple of God.

     And article about Temples
mormonhandbook.com/home/temples

     A video about Temples
ldsvideo.org/2011/04/mormon-temple

Mormons claim they are the one true church as they have "the temple." They overlook the fact that God tore the veil of the temple when Christ died (signifying the entrance into the holy of Holies). Now a person can come to the throne room of God through faith in Christ who is represented as the veil. The old temple ritual is over! The Mormons are trying to sew the curtain back up. (Let the Scriptures Speak, p. 40, Suzanne Bishop)

     Mormon Doctrine, p. 779
Temples are holy sanctuaries wherein sacred ordinances, rites, and ceremonies are performed which pertain to salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God. 

The temple is a necessity because they [LDS] believe that certain ordinances are only effective when performed in the temple. (Approaching Mormons in Love, pp. 45-48, Wilbur Lingle)

A few of these ordinances are

1. Celestial Marriage
2. Endowments
3. Sealings
4. Other Ordinances - where the living perform the ordinances for their dead relatives or others to help them achieve exaltation.

I attended the temple many times while I was lds. Every time was just as unsettling as the time before. I always felt extremely uncomfortable inside the temple. The clothes, signs, tokens, ordinances, prayers, etc. were very troubling to me. Friends who were also members continued telling me, "Just keep going back. It will begin to make sense if you attend often enough with a sincere heart." Well, it never began to make sense to me. It only brought up more questions that no one would answer.

My unanswered question was:

Since the Bible tells us in Acts 17:24 that God does not dwell in temples made with hands, why does the lds church build temple after temple to perform sacred ceremonies?

I was initially devastated when I received this answer that the true God really does not dwell in lds temples, yet overjoyed to find the truth that He now dwells in my heart! I certainly do not need to attend a temple to have God with me.