Systematic Mormonism: Last Things (The Beginning of the End)

“Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the Scripture laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of the more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously . . .” - Joseph Smith

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17 ESV

And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city which are described in this book.
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. - Revelation 22:6-21 ESV

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Systematic Mormonism: Church Order and Practices (Ecclesiology)

Moving right along, we now look into the church order and some of the major practices within the Church of LDS. We will see what their ordinances actually mean, where they originate, and where they get their authority.

Mormon Church Order & Practice (1)



Mormon Church Order and Practice (2)



Mormon Church Order and Practice (3)

To view the previous chapter, click here.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Systematic Mormonism: The Doctrine of Jesus Christ (Christology)

Here, we will take a look at the person and work of Jesus Christ, according to the writings of Mormonism, in contrast with that of the Holy Bible. While the content of this clip is short, the differences are not hard to point out even if one has an elementary level of biblical knowledge. Everything that we have seen up until now greatly effects this particular doctrine, just as every category that follows after this one will be greatly effected by this teaching as well. Leaves you with the lingering question, "How Christian can Mormonism actually be?"


Jesus Christ According to Mormonism

For previous chapter, click here.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Systematic Mormonism: The Doctrine and Study of Man (Anthropology)

In this section, we will survey the origin of the human species (anthropology) from the doctrines of Mormonism. We will look at some of it claims through historical, scientific, and archaeological evidence (or lack thereof). We will see a short history lesson on the life and character of the man, Joseph Smith, himself.



Mormonism v. Anthropology/Archaeological Evidence (1)







Mormonism v. Anthropology/Archaeological Evidence (2)


A Short History of Joseph Smith


To view the previous chapter, click here.


Soli Deo Gloria,
Shon

Systematic Mormonism: God and His Attributes (Theology Proper)

In this section, we will look into the Mormon Doctrine on God. It doesn't take long to realize that Mormonism is not monotheistic, trinitarian God as in biblical Christianity. It is, in fact, a polytheistic religion.

The Mormon Doctrine on God and His Attributes

To see the previous section click here.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon

Systematic Mormonism: Orgins of Scripture and Revelation (Prolegomena)

“It's a lot more common now for someone to know a Mormon rather than just know of Mormons out in Utah, ... We seem more normal. We're not as exotic.” - Brigham Young

Mormonism (Church of Latter Day Saints - LDS) has gained much attention lately due to certain current events--both positively and negatively. Most recently, it has grabbed much of the media spotlight thanks to the popularity of Republican presidential candidate hopeful, Mitt Romney, the capture of FBI's most wanted, Warren Jeffs, and also the success of the HBO series, Big Love. However, much of Mormonism remains a mystery to the general public. Most know some basic generalities:

-They claim to fall under the umbrella of the Christian faith.
-The founder was a man by the name of Joseph Smith.
-Some may also known of some of their flagship institutions (Brigham Young University, etc.)

But still, very little is known of the particulars of the Mormon Faith. After all, most who are apart of the faith are not very forthcoming when speaking of the origins and heritage of Mormonism and its founder(s).

Recently, the people over at Mormon Research Ministry (http://www.mrm.org/) have released a video series entitled, Search For the Truth: Jesus Christ/Joseph Smith. It serves as a comprehensive look behind the scenes of the LDS church and as a warm-hearted refutation of the doctrines held by Mormonism as it deviates from the truth of the scripture.

I have taken clips from this series and placed them into systematic theological categories to show that these differences are not just mere trivial matters; this is to show that in every way this religion that calls itself "Christian" contradicts and denies the Bible at every given opportunity. So we'll start with the Prolegomena (study of first things) of Mormonism-- The origin of revelation and their "sacred writings" as well as how this effects their interpretation of the Word of God (the Holy Bible).

Introduction

Origin of Mormonism (Joseph Smith's First Vision)



Joseph Smith's Translation/Revelation Method

More on Smith's Prophecies and Revelations

If you have difficulty viewing clip on this page, click here:
http://www.veoh.com/videos/v341671KzgqB33s

Soli Deo Gloria,

Shon