Mormonism

Common
Trinity
Soul
Heaven
Hell
Satan/Demons
"Saved"
Baptism
Resurrection
Antichrist

Science
Miracles
Evolution
Creation
Carbon Dating

Inspiration
Partial
Contradictions
& Inaccuracies

Suggested Strategy

The basic question of authority must first be settled with Mormons as with Roman Catholics. While it is claimed by Mormons that the Bible is the word of God, the claim has little practical value since the real stress is placed on the later "revelations". A Mormon course of study for the Melchizedek priesthood gives the following instruction:

"In general, it is well not to use a single passage of scripture in proof of a point, unless it is confirmed by modern revelation. If a single quotation is confirmed by modern revelation, we may be sure of its interpretation . . . " ¹

It is not usually advisable to condemn Mormon books outright on the basis of Rev. 22:18, "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book". Mormons interpret this verse as only applying to the Revelation. Their stock rejoinder is to quote Deut. 4:2, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it . . . " They then ask whether or not the later writings of Joshua, Judges, the Prophets and the New Testament are accepted as inspired revelations.

A more fruitful approach utilizes the small common ground that a Christadelphian shares with a Mormon - the belief that the Bible is the Word of God. The Bible can then be used to test the claims of the Book of Mormon, the Doctrines and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. This approach has the advantage of discussing the basic issues of Gospel doctrines rather than disputing for example, whether or not the Indians of the Americas could have used steel swords.² The Christadelphian argues on his strong familiar territory, not on historical and anthropological details. Arguments about the latter inevitably degenerate into a battle of "authorities" with each citing what the "scholars" say.

Footnotes:

1. James L. Barker, The Divine Church: A course of study for the Melchizedek priesthood. Quorums for the year 1952. (Deseret News Publishers), p. 9 Return
   
2. Many commentators have pointed out what appear to be anachronisms in the Book of Mormon. These have included the steel sword of Laban (592 B.C., I Nephi 4:9, p. 7), and the finding of horses in the New World. (It is generally accepted that horses were introduced by the Spaniards many years later.) It has also been pointed out that the American Indians (unlike the Jews of the Mediterranean) lack facial hair growth, and have distinctly different facial features (thereby indicating that the Jews of Palestine are not of the same racial stock as the American Indian). Return