Teaching Corner

Comments on the Mormon Church’s Answers to Fox’s 21 Questions

FOXNews.com recently compiled a list of 21 questions representing some widely held beliefs and misconceptions about Mormonism and posed them to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [the Mormon Church].

The Church objected to answering some of the questions on the grounds that they misrepresent the basic tenets of the Mormon religion.

Below, enumerated, are some comments on the official LDS answers to the 21 questions. These comments are from a former Mormon, who was an Elder, Missionary to Germany, and is a Brigham Young University graduate (honor student with 4.0 grades in LDS religion classes), and who is both a lifelong student of Mormonism and now an evangelical Christian. These comments are not intended to be all that is known relative to the 21 questions listed below. However, they are based on what the author was taught while an active Mormon for 25 years and what he has personally studied. You may wish to refer to the books named below in the comments and those listed at the end of this article. Your comments are welcome.

“Many of these questions are typically found on anti-Mormon blogs or Web sites which aim to misrepresent or distort Mormon doctrines,” the Church said in a statement. “Several of these questions do not represent … any serious attempt to depict the core values and beliefs of its members.”

1. Regardless of whether or not the questions posed “aim to misrepresent,” it is still incumbent on the Mormon Church to now clarify just what its doctrines are. Certainly, after charging others with intended misrepresentation, the LDS Church would not itself want to commit that same transgression, would it? Such would simply be hypocritical, would it not?

2. As those who study Mormonism know, the Church is constantly changing its doctrines and revising its history. So, if questions such as those posed by Fox seem to mislead, I would like to suggest that the Mormon Church has brought this kind of inquiry on itself.

3. And what about hypocrisy? For the Mormon Church’s own lessons that its missionaries use to teach and convert non-Mormons, employ leading and misleading questions that misrepresent and distort Christian doctrines. For, example, these discussions, (Discussion #3, 1986), ask the non-Mormon about a total apostasy in the New Testament Church when no such total apostasy is taught in the Bible.

Here are the questions and how the Church responded:

1. Q: Why do some call the Church a cult?

A: For the most part, this seems to stem from a lack of understanding about the Church and its core doctrines and beliefs. Under those circumstances, it is too easy to label a religion or other organization that is not well known with an inflammatory term like ‘cult.’ Famed scholar of religion Martin Marty has said a cult means a church you don’t personally happen to like. We don’t believe any organization should be subjected to a label that has come to be as pejorative as that one.

1. LDS Church leaders calls its own polygamous offshoots “cults.” Therefore, they have acted in a pejorative and hypocritical manner when they condemn others.

2. Martin Marty is not the only expert on cults. Nor is the above-stated definition of a cult the only one, or the most complete. Even Marty explains further what a cult is.

3. Notice how the LDS answer avoids the question. It diverts the question away from the facts.

4. Furthermore, if one really does understand LDS core doctrines and their historical context, one readily concludes that the LDS religion is a cult of Christianity. It has its own re-interpretations and re-definitions of virtually all accepted, orthodox Christian theological terms. The LDS Church is a cult by definition, irrespective of the sound-bite definition of Martin Marty.

2. Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God?

A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.

1. Notice the element of truth in the LDS answer. Their use of “literally the Son of God” is accurate, in that Brigham Young and other LDS leaders taught that Jesus was born of a sexual union between God the Father and Mary. And the answer even states that God has a body. So, it would be quite natural for a God who has a body to mate with Mary to produce a child, who is “literally the Son of God.”

2. The LDS doctrine of Jesus being a “Savior and Redeemer” is also quite different that Christianity. LDS teaching is that Jesus only saves and redeems part way. The LDS Jesus provides resurrection only. One’s place in one of the three heavens of Mormonism is determined by one’s own works. The Book of Mormons says that we are “saved after all we can do.” Thus, the work must be done by mankind first. Jesus’ acts in “salvation” are secondary in the Mormon “Plan of Salvation.”

3. Read The Miracle of Forgiveness, by LDS prophet Spencer W. Kimball. Although the book’s title would lead one to think that Mormonism’s forgiveness is a miracle from God, the text explains that God’s forgiveness comes as a result of a life long struggle for personal perfection. Mormon forgiveness is contingent upon man’s works, not God’s grace. In fact, the book condemns salvation by grace as a gross error that came from Satan.

4. LDS teaching is in line with the Bible in its agreement that Jesus rose bodily and actually from the grave. However, LDS doctrine does not teach that Jesus died for the sins of mankind. It teaches, rather, that he suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane for the sins of mankind. Thus, the LDS answer is misleading and is not according to official LDS teachings.

3. Q: Does the Church believe in the divinity of Jesus?

A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.

1. This LDS answer is the same as for the previous question. In Mormonism, Jesus is not unique in his divinity. There are many gods. This doctrine of many gods serves to lessen and cheapen Jesus’ status as God the Son. Christianity describes Jesus as a unique God in the Trinity (John 1:1-12, etc.).

4. Q: Does the Church believe that God is a physical being?

A: Mormons believe Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Savior and Redeemer, who died for the sins of humankind and rose from the dead on the third day with an immortal body. God, the Father, also has an immortal body.

1. This answer verifies for the reader that LDS doctrine is indeed that God has a physical body.

5. Q: If so, does the Church believe that God lives on a planet named Kolob?

A: ‘Kolob’ is a term found in ancient records translated by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith did not provide a full description or explanation of Kolob nor did he assign the idea particular significance in relation to the Church’s core doctrines.

1. The LDS teaching is that god lives on a planet near Kolob. Joseph Smith did teach this strange idea, along with many other strange ideas.

6. Q: Where is the planet ‘Kolob’? What significance does the planet have to Mormons?

A: ‘Kolob’ is a term found in ancient records translated by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith did not provide a full description or explanation of Kolob nor did he assign the idea particular significance in relation to the Church’s core doctrines.

1. The idea of god living on a planet actually is significant in relation to core LDS doctrines. Because the LDS god is confined to a body, he must live on some physical location.

2. The LDS doctrine that god was once a man tells us that god lived on a planet before he became god. So the idea of a planet for God is part and parcel of core LDS teachings. Again the LDS answer is misleading.

7. Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that God and Mary had physical sex to conceive Jesus?

A: The Church does not claim to know how Jesus was conceived but believes the Bible and Book of Mormon references to Jesus being born of the Virgin Mary.

1. Brigham Young, then second leader of the Mormons, taught openly and forcefully that god had sex with Mary to produce Jesus. So this LDS answer is false; it is a gross misrepresentation of official, early LDS doctrine.

2. Furthermore, to state that “the [LDS] Church does not claim to know how Jesus was conceived,” is the same as saying that Brigham Young openly taught false doctrine and they he did not know what he was talking about. This casts doubt on Brigham Young as a reliable “prophet.”

3. This denial of Brigham Young’s teaching reminds one of Joseph Smith’s condemnation of his “three witnesses” and his “eight witnesses” to the Book of Mormon as “liars.”

4. In the above, we see the LDS Church denying itself as true!

8. Q: Does the Mormon Church believe Jesus appeared in North America after his crucifixion and resurrection?

A: The appearance of Jesus in the Western Hemisphere shortly after his resurrection is described in the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that when Christ told his disciples in the Bible He had other ’sheep’ who should receive his message he was referring to those people in the Western Hemisphere.

1. Yes the Book of Mormon describes Jesus’ appearance in ancient America. But the people he supposedly visited are described by the Book of Mormon as descendants of Jews who eventually became what we now call American Indians. But, DNA has conclusively proven that American Indians are absolutely not Jewish in any way, but are descendants of Asians from what is now Mongolia. Thus, the Jesus appearance story is fiction. How could he have appeared to ancient Jews in America, since those people could not have been Jews at all?

2. The “other sheep” referred to in the New Testament are simply gentiles, or non-Jews. This was prophesied in the Old Testament. One sees the fulfillment of it in that Paul, and others, took the gospel to the gentiles.

9. Q: If so, when did this happen? And under what circumstances?

A: The appearance of Jesus in the Western Hemisphere shortly after his resurrection is described in the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe that when Christ told his disciples in the Bible He had other ’sheep’ who should receive his message he was referring to those people in the Western Hemisphere.

1. If you compare the message, or “gospel,” of the Book of Mormon Jesus with that of the Bible, you will see that the LDS Jesus changed his tune. Thus, the two Jesuses are not the same! One of them is a fictional imposter.

10. Q: Does the Mormon Church believe its followers can become “gods and goddesses” after death?

A: We believe that the apostle Peter’s biblical reference to partaking of the divine nature and the apostle Paul’s reference to being ‘joint heirs with Christ’ reflect the intent that children of God should strive to emulate their Heavenly Father in every way. Throughout the eternities, Mormons believe, they will reverence and worship God the Father and Jesus Christ. The goal is not to equal them or to achieve parity with them but to imitate and someday acquire their perfect goodness, love and other divine attributes.

1. Mormon leaders have been much clearer on this question than is the answer given above. Mormonism has plainly taught that its followers can become gods and goddesses.

2. To “partake of the divine nature” and to be “join heirs with Christ” do not mean, in context, anything like what the real LDS doctrine is of men becoming gods.

3. In the answer, we see the ideas of a hierarchy of gods. As the answer alludes to, Mormons who become gods, will reverence the higher gods, Jesus and the Father, who became gods sooner.

11. Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that women can only gain access to heaven with a special pass or codewords?

A: No.

1. Everyone (the author of these comments is a former Mormon who attended many such temple ceremonies) who has gone through the LDS temple ceremony, or has read the printed description of it, knows that this answer is very misleading. Mormon men get a new name (mine was Mosiah) in the temple, which is a password or code word needed to gain heaven.

2. Mormon men can then invite their wife, or wives, into heaven, if they so chose. So it is on the strength of the Mormon man’s password that a Mormon woman may gain heaven. The answer, thus, is misleading. The real Mormon teaching is even worse than was intimated in the question!

12. Q: Does the Mormon Church believe that women must serve men on both Earth and in heaven?

A: Absolutely not. Mormons believe that women and men are complete equals before God and in relation to the blessings available in the Church.

1. Mormon doctrine is that Mormons who gain the highest heaven, but who do not become gods, will serve the Mormons who became gods. So, the answer is false.

13. Q: Is there such a thing as Mormon “underwear”? if so, are all Mormons required to wear it? What does it symbolize?

A: Like members of many religious faiths, Latter-day Saints wear religious clothing. But members of other faiths — typically those involved in permanent pastoral ministries or religious services — usually wear religious garments as outer ceremonial vestments or symbols of recognition. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, garments are worn beneath street clothing as a personal and private reminder of commitments to God.

Garments are considered sacred by Church members and are not regarded as a topic for casual conversation.

1. Mormon “garments” or special underwear are for Mormons who have gone through the secretive Mormon temple ceremony. Thus, the “garments” are under their street clothes and are secretive in nature.

2. The temple ceremony is one of the necessary steps to godhood. It is where Mormon men get their secretive new name, or password, that is needed for passage to the highest heaven.

3. Mormon “garments” have “marks” on them that look like button holes. There is one over each breast area of the underwear, one at the navel, and one at the knee. Each “mark” is related to some part of the secretive temple ceremony.

4. Because Mormons regard their “garments” as very sacred, it would be rude to mock them.

14. Q: Does the Mormon Church believe in the existence of another physical planet or planets, where Mormons will “rule” after their death and ascension?

A: No.

1. For the real answer to this question, one can turn to an official book of LDS doctrine, The Gospel Through the Ages, by Milton R. Hunter, 1945. This book was, as stated in the flyleaf, “Written and published under the direction of the General Priesthood Committee of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” It was published for use by LDS leaders, as stated on page V, by George F. Richards, President of the Council of the Twelve, who “hoped that all Melchizedek Priesthood quorums [the top level of priesthood authority in the LDS Church] will avail themselves promptly of this new approach to the gospel.” Richards states that the book contains “almost every gospel truth.”

2. Chapter 16 of this book is titled, “Men May Become Gods.” Near the end of this chapter, on page 112, it is stated, “the goal of human life is that “men may become Gods.” [emphasis in the original]. See also page 11 where it is stated that eternal life means to become a God.

3. Page 7 of this book states that “Heavenly Father” [God] is “a king who rules over a large kingdom.” Page 8 says “God will increase His glory by assisting His children to become as He is…” So, if the goal for Mormons is to become gods, as god is, then those new gods will rule as god does. Again, the LDS answer is false and misleading.

15. Q: What specifically does the Mormon Church say about African-Americans and Native Americans?

A: Mormons believe that all mankind are sons and daughters of God and should be loved and respected as such. The blessings of the gospel are available to all.

1. This short answer by no means explains the LDS teaching on these subjects. Above, I wrote a bit about the Book of Mormon teaching that Native Americans – American Indians – are descendants of Jews who came anciently to America. That is, that DNA conclusively proves this idea as false. No wonder the LDS answer avoids the question. It would open up the proverbial can of worms to answer the question.

2. For the LDS teaching on African-Americans, we can look to a book titled, Mormonism and the Negro, by John J. Stewart and William E. Berrett, Provo, Utah, 1960. Berrett, at the time was Vice President of Brigham Young University, the official LDS university, and also Vice Administrator of the Unified School System of the LDS Church and a member of the Utah Bar Association. With such official LDS Church titles, Berrett must be writing with some authority. The authors explain that negroes were not allowed to hold the Mormon priesthood because of their pre-earth failings (page 34) and that their black skin was a curse (pages 40 and 44). Even though neither Stewart nor Berrett are top LDS Church leaders, they quote the very top LDS leaders, the First Presidency, to make their point (pages 46 – 48).

16. Q: What are or were the “Golden Plates”?

A: The Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith from records made on plates of gold, similar to metal plates that have been found in other ancient cultures. It contained a history of peoples in the Western Hemisphere including an appearance by the Savior to them. As such, the Book of Mormon is considered a second testimony of Jesus Christ.

1. No wonder the answer to this question is short. There are many, many problems with the idea of and the story of the “golden plates” that Joseph Smith claimed to have. I mentioned that Joseph Smith, himself, said that those witness who had claimed to see the golden plates, were liars.

2. Also mentioned above were the problems with who the “other sheep” are. The Bible explains them as gentiles, not Jews who came to America. Plus the DNA evidence that proves the Book of Mormon story to be a fictional account.

3. If one researches how the “golden plates” were said to be translated by Joseph Smith, he will find many problems and contradictions, which show that Book of Mormon did not come from such plates. Even a top LDS leader, B.H. Roberts figured this out. His writings are now available.

17. Q: Are consumption of alcohol and tobacco prohibited or simply discouraged?

A: It is against the teachings of the Church to use alcohol and tobacco or to drink tea and coffee.

1. It is interesting to know that early Mormon leaders used both alcohol and tobacco. At some point, LDS doctrine changed. In fact the history of Mormonism is one of changing doctrines and revisionist history. See the book, The Changing World of Mormonism, by Jerald and Sandra Tanner. It is available on-line.

18. Q: Does the Church also ban the consumption of “hot drinks”? And does that apply specifically to caffeinated drinks?

A: It is against the teachings of the Church to use alcohol and tobacco or to drink tea and coffee.

1. See comments to question 17.

19. Q: Why do Mormons go from door to door?

A: Christ admonished his disciples to take the gospel to the world. The Church follows that admonition and sends missionaries throughout the world.

1. The Mormon “gospel” is one of “laws and ordinances.” The biblical gospel is the good news of what Jesus Christ, Who is God the Son, has done for us. Mormonism redefines virtually all orthodox, biblical Christian terminology. Just because Mormons use Christian terms, does not mean those words have a Christian meaning.

20. Q: What do the Mormons believe about the family?

A: Mormons believe that the family is the foundation for this life and the life to come.

1. Mormonism also teaches that those Mormons who become gods will have their own eternal families. Those Mormon gods will do what God the Father has done. They will produce literal offspring (as admitted above by current LDS spokesmen in question 2) who will be their own sons and daughters.

2. In this teaching, Mormonism, makes that new, eternal family the ultimate eternal reward, not the keeping together of the families we now have on this earth. Thus, in its highest reward, Mormonism is actually anti-family. It works like this. If a Mormon family has three sons, and each of those sons goes on to godhood, then each of those sons will have his own unique spiritual and physical family of offspring in the next life. Thus, the current Mormon family of father, mother and three sons will be split up in the next life. And this splitting up is necessary and good, according to Mormonism.

21. Q: Can someone who may never marry in life have eternal marriage?

A: God will not withhold blessings from any of his children who may not have the opportunity to marry in this life.

1. In The Miracle of Forgiveness, by LDS prophet Spencer Kimball, we read on pages 11 and 12 that non-Mormons, because they have not had the opportunity in this life to hear the teachings of Mormonism, will be given another chance in the afterlife to have eternal marriage.

2. But conversely, Mormons, because they do have the opportunity in this current life to enter into eternal marriage [done in Mormon temples], will NOT have a second chance. One may wisely ask, Why not just wait until after death to become a Mormon – after all if I am not responsible in this life for what I do not know, and I can simply put it off until later, why not just put if off until later?

3. But, of course, the idea of eternal marriage is actually against the Bible’s clear teaching at Matthew 22:30. Eternal marriage is important in Mormonism because via marriage with his wife, or wives, the being that is known as God the Father produced spirit children. Such spirit children are Jesus, Lucifer (Satan, the Devil), and all beings that are angels and humans. These spirit children are those whom God the Father then gives the opportunity to become gods as he is god. So, we see that the LDS idea of God, Jesus, Satan, the purpose of man, the way of salvation, etc. are all radically different than Christianity. We can conclude, therefore, that Mormonism is in fact a cult of Christianity and not really part of Christianity. It is a departure from the Christian Faith.

Here is a list of helpful books on Mormonism.

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality?, by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

The Changing World of Mormonism, by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church, by Richard Abanes

Speaking the Truth in Love to Mormons, by Mark J. Cares

Is the Mormon My Brother?, by James R. White

Letters to a Mormon Elder, by James R. White

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View, by Michael D. Quinn

Theological Foundations of the Mormon Religion, by Sterling M. McMurrin

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins, by Grant H. Palmer

Inside the Mind of Joseph Smith, by Robert D. Anderson

December 20, 2007

©Bruce F. Levi

Recently two Mormon missionaries invited us to meet with them at the nearby Mormon meeting-house. This seems to be a new strategy to build relationships and to help people feel comfortable about attending the LDS church. Maybe it was to try to impress us - the LDS Church does have very nice buildings. In Mormonism, feelings and appearances are very important - much more than substance and facts.

After the tour, they asked us to read a passage from the Book of Mormon, which purports to be an account of Jesus’ visit to ancient America after His resurrection. By reading this part of the Book of Mormon, one can readily see that Mormonism contradicts itself.

For example, this passage teaches that the Law of Moses was fulfilled in Christ, that it ended, that it had been given to lead people to faith in Christ, and that people are now to look to Jesus. While this agrees with the Bible (Galatians), it contradicts modern Mormonism, which requires Mormons to live parts of the Law of Moses and many other “laws and ordinances” in order to earn eternal life.

This passage also states that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one. But again, while this agrees with the Bible, it contradicts today’s Mormonism, which teaches that they are three separate beings.

This passage also contains statements that are self-contradictory. For example, when Jesus appears, a small voice causes the people to quake. In fact, the text states that it took three tries for God to even make Himself heard. How can such a small voice cause people to quake?

This passage states that America was promised to the people who would be those we now know as the American Indians. However, we all know that settlers from Europe took the land from the Indians and relegated them to reservations.

In another part of this passage, Jesus states that he did not tell the Jews of Palestine about the American people. Yet, just a few sentences later, Jesus admits that he did tell them!

A lying Jesus is a big problem, isn’t it? For, if Jesus is lying, or at the least cannot make his mind up about what he told people in Jerusalem, then we cannot trust him at all for anything. If Jesus is this confused, it would be foolish to trust any of this other words in the Book of Mormon. It would be even more foolish to trust him for salvation.

Thus, we can see that the Book of Mormon does not strengthen faith in Jesus Christ. Rather, it undermines faith by describing him as vacillating or even lying.

In the Bible, we see no vacillation on the part of Jesus Christ. The wise person will stick with this (the Bible) reliable account of Jesus.

What is a cult? What is a cult-like and spiritually abusive organization? How do cults differ from cult-like groups? How are they similar? In our previous prayer letter, we promised to cover the topic of spiritually abusive groups. We begin to cover this topic below. First, a quick review of cults.

Doctrinal Deviation

Conservative, Bible-believing Christians designate certain religious organizations as cults. Another term for cults is cult of Christianity, since they are counterfeits of true Christianity.

Commonly recognized cults are Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the Unification Church. Why do we name such groups cults? There are various definitions and uses of the word cult. However, from an evangelical Christian point of view, cults are groups that deviate from orthodox Christianity, first and foremost, in at least one major area of doctrine, such as the nature of our Trinitarian God/Jesus Christ/The Holy Spirit, Salvation by Grace through Faith alone, and the Bible alone as the source of doctrine.

For example, with the edicts of its prophets and other books that claim to be scripture, Mormonism adds to and takes away from the only source of sound doctrine - the Bible. With its teaching that Jesus Christ was not always God, Mormonism also denies the Bible. Mormonism’ s salvation comes by a combination of God’s grace plus human effort toward perfection. In fact, Mormonism and other cults, define virtually all theological terms and topics differently than Christianity. Cults usually differ from orthodoxy in several areas of doctrine.

Authoritarian Leadership

In addition to deviant doctrines, and because of reliance on them, each of the hundreds of cults in the world today was started by a charismatic leader who claimed to have new revelations, direct authority from God, or special interpretations or insights

All this is true of Mormonism. Like Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, cult leaders may appear gracious, educated, and loving. However, under this façade, they are controllers, deceivers and manipulators, who hold themselves up as the authority, rather than point their flock to the authority of the word of God. Cult leaders, like Joseph Smith, use these claims of authority and new knowledge to gain a following and to exert control over the lives of their membership.

This kind of control is authoritarianism: “of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority; or a concentration of power in a leader or elite not…responsible to the people” (Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, 1972). This causes cult members to revere their leader in ways that are to be reserved only for God. Most Mormons see Joseph Smith as a virtually perfect man. To speak or write anything that calls his actions or teachings into question, may result in excommunication.

Some newer cults are still lead by their founder, such as Sun Yung Moon and his Unification Church. Others are lead by a domineering leader along with a hierarchy of men, as seen in Mormonism’s so-called prophet and his apostles, seventy, bishops, elders, etc. Such leadership structures are like “good ole’ boy” clubs where membership is by invitation only. The members have no voice in choosing the leaders. Nepotism and cronyism are the norm, as seen in Mormonism where the majority of the top leaders come from a handful of interrelated families. However, Jesus plainly taught that authoritarianism is not to be the leadership method of His Church ( Matthew 20:25-28; Luke 22:25-27). He strongly condemned the actions of the authoritarian Pharisees and Scribes (Matthew 23:2-33; Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:45-47).

Although many cults exhibit flagrant licentiousness, such as Mormonism’s past practice of polygamy, cult leaders always exert authoritarian control over cult followers with a false “gospel” of legalism that includes one or more of the various kinds of legalism.

1. Earning salvation by works,
2. Working to retain salvation,
3. Earning spiritual gifts and God’s special blessing by self-effort, and
4. Earning the leader’s and/or the group’s approval by conforming to certain spoken or unspoken behavioral rules.

All these forms of legalism are practiced in Mormonism’s focus on becoming literally perfect in thought, word, and deed. One can readily observe Mormons’ legalistic adherence to extra-biblical rules that dictate dietary habits, clothing, hairstyles, proselytizing, marriage, and other personal practices. Indeed, Mormonism is known by these practices that are to be done by all Mormons. This is known as uniformity.

Human effort to please God is in opposition to the Bible’s clear teachings on grace (Acts 15; Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:15-3:10 ; Titus 3:5-7). Such control is damaging to the souls of cult members. Therefore, this kind of leadership is spiritually abusive. It is real. It hurts. It damages.

Cult-Like & Spiritually Abusive

Now that we have described some ways to recognize cults, what are cult-like or spiritually abusive churches and groups? How do they differ from, and how are they similar to, cults? For the authority to write this article, this author spent eight years studying the written material of the several Christian writers who have written on cult-like and spiritually abusive churches, and directly observing such groups. He also draws on his personal experience of being raised in the cult of Mormonism, followed by 12 years in two cult-like, spiritually abusive Baptist churches.

First, cult-like or spiritually abusive groups are not outright cults, because they affirm the major doctrines of Christianity. Cult-like groups have an evangelical, or even a fundamental, statement of faith. Technically, they are doctrinally mainstream or conservative and therefore fall within the boundaries of orthodox Christianity. Many spiritually abusive churches or groups are especially zealous in their preaching, outreach, prayer, singing, etc. Ironically, this is often a sign that a group is abusive. However, cult-like groups elevate minor doctrines to the level of the major doctrines – they major on the minor and minor on the majors. In this, they misuse doctrines and abuse their members.

Cult-like and spiritually abusive churches are not limited to any one theological system or denomination. However, they do tend to be found more among loosely- affiliated fellowships and non-affiliated independent churches where there is little or no ecclesiastical oversight to keep them in line. It is possible for individual congregations to be cult-like, while the majority of congregations in their denomination remain orthodox. Such groups have appeared throughout the history of Christianity. Non-church, or parachurch, organizations can also be cult-like and abusive.

If one looks only superficially at these groups or churches, one may see only what they have in common with orthodox churches, and it will be impossible to identify them as cult-like and abusive. No wonder the Bible tells Christians to “Prove [test] all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). With awareness and application, one can determine whether any group in question is cult-like or abusive.

Therefore, the terms cult-like and spiritually abusive are applied to churches, organizations, and movements that affirm the major doctrines of Christianity, but which, at the same time, have certain characteristics of outright cults. In other words, such groups are like cults in some ways - they are cult-like. They are also termed abusive ( “to put to a wrong or improper use; deceive; to use so as to injure or damage; maltreat; corrupt practice; deception” Webster’s) in their improper and deceptive authority and teachings, which spiritually hurt and damage people.

Signs of Cult-Like Groups

There are several signs that indicate a church or group is cult-like or spiritually abusive. Having just one characteristic does not make a group cult-like, rather a plurality of them. In 1998, this author left a church after observing several serious doctrinal and behavioral inconsistencies on the part of the pastor and his board of trustees. On a personal hunch, I ordered a two-cassette tape set and book, Recovering From Churches That Abuse, by Ronald Enroth. As I listened to the first tape, I was shocked at the descriptions of actual abusive churches. When I listened to the second tape that provided a list of six characteristics of abusive churches, I realized that the church I had left exhibited every one of those characteristics! This realization was life changing as I learned the cause of the church’s dysfunction and began to further study the phenomenon of spiritual abuse in both cults and in cult-like churches and groups.

Take-Charge Leaders

The number one way in which cult-like groups are similar to cults is with authoritarian leadership. Like the cult of Mormonism, cult-like groups have an authoritarianism central leader - usually the pastor. Such pastors are take-charge leaders and tend to be loners who shun fellowship with others. Similar to cult leaders, they twist scripture to establish uniformity (”having always the same form, manner, or degree; not varying” - Webster’s). It is when just about everyone looks and sounds alike. This author frequently observes uniformity in a particular cult-like church when its members constantly say things like, “The preacher (or Brother so-and-so) said ________ ,” as they parrot his same opinionated views on a variety of political topics, books, movies, and secondary doctrines. Christians are to have unity, which is harmony and accord existing in a diverse body (church) of Christians (Romans 12:4-8).

Hierarchy

Similar to Mormonism’s abusive hierarchy, authoritarianism in cult-like groups may exhibit itself in the form of a controlling and inclusive board of elders, deacons, or trustees. This club of cronies tightly controls admission to their board and rules the church with little regard for the opinions and feelings of the members at large. They make virtually all the decisions and implement them without first learning the membership’s thoughts and presenting various options for discussion and a vote. Since board members hide behind the anonymity of the board as a whole, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly which board member(s) is the source of the authoritarianism. They control in a subtle and measured manner. Whereas leaders of extreme cults act with malice, leaders of cult-like churches seldom have intent to hurt. They act out of narcissism, ignorance, or tunnel vision on what they are doing for God. Nevertheless, it is still an abuse of power. Minor and sporadic abuse, or mere rudeness, thoughtlessness, or arrogance is not authoritarianism.

God’s Man

Like members of cults, to counter the charge that their leader/pastor abuses authority, members of cult-like churches often say something like, “It is wrong to speak evil of God’s man.” In this, they err. First, they are overlooking the fact that a leader who is truly “God’ s man” will comply with Matthew 20:25-28 and Luke 22:25-27 and be a servant-leader who ministers (serves), edifies (builds up), and speaks the truth in love to the church, not one who “rules over” it ( Ephesians 4:11-15). Secondly, they are overlooking God’s command that Christians are to hold their leaders accountable (Matthew 18:15-18; 25:26; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26) and that they are to test all things ( 1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Why Should We Care?

Why should Christians want to be able to identify cult-like and spiritually abusive groups and churches? Christians are to hold to all the doctrines of the faith (Matthew 28:20). This includes the proper kind of leadership (Matthew 20:25-28) and a proper understanding of grace (Galatians 3:1-15), both of which cult-like groups twist and abuse for their own purposes. Christians are to avoid entanglement in a yoke of bondage, or legalism (Acts 15; Galatians 5:1-4). Christians are to follow the example (Philippians 3:17) of Paul, who addressed hypocritical leadership and false doctrine in a direct manner (Acts 15; Galatians 2:11). Christians need to be knowledgeable in order to hold their leaders accountable, as Paul tells the whole Church to do in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 and 6:1-11. Similarly, Jesus told his followers to go directly to an offending brother (Matthew 18:15-18). Would not every Christian, out of love, want to warn other believers about the dangers of entanglement in a yoke of bondage, from which Christ set us free?

(To be continued…)

This is a review of how to witness with Matthew 5:48, the most quoted Bible verse in Mormonism.

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 5:48 (KJV)

Matthew 5:48 quickly gets to the Law, which shows people they are sinners (Rom. 3:20) and leads them to Jesus (Gal. 3:24). This concept is very important for all evangelism! Only people who realize they are sinners can be saved (1 Tim. 1:15). The world is full of people who erroneously think they can earn perfection by “good works” (Titus 3:5).

Simply ask the Mormon if he has yet fulfilled Matthew 5:48. You may need to prompt him by quoting it. Kindly point out that be is in the present tense like when the boss tells you to be on time for work. He means to be on time every day. Joseph Smith translated this verse with the present tense be (see footnote in LDS Bibles). As much as possible, avoid discussions about other topics.

Gently use the 10 Commandments to show him that he is not now living even the most basic of God’s commandments and is a hopeless sinner. Start with do not lie or obey your parents. Ask him if he has ever violated those commands. Move on to each of the other commandments. Point out with Matt. 5:22, 28 that Jesus said our attitudes must also be blameless. Use James 2:10 to show that the Law is a whole system that must be kept perfectly, if one wishes to earn perfection by “good works.”

Use Hebrews 10:10-14 to show that Jesus has already perfected you by his death for sins. Tell him he can know this same joy.