Criticism of the Latter Day Saint movement: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Joseph smith figure north visitors center slc utah.jpg|thumb|200|right|Life-size figure of Joseph Smith]] |
[[Image:Joseph smith figure north visitors center slc utah.jpg|thumb|200|right|Life-size figure of Joseph Smith]] |
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Criticism of Mormonism has come in many forms and from various sources; it may challenge [[Mormonism]] on theological, historical, archeological, cultural, political or physiological grounds, with motivations ranging from academic interest to religious prejudice. The term "[[Anti-Mormonism]]" is sometimes used to describe all criticism of the LDS movement; however, Anti-Mormonism is a subset of the criticism in general used to describe active, aggressive and often violent or demeaning opposition to Mormonism. The two terms should not be confused as synonyms. |
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| ⚫ | A large amount of criticism comes from perceptions of [[orthodoxy|unorthodoxy]]; Mormonism differs radically from mainstream [[Christianity]] in a number of areas, such as the [[Godhead (Christianity)|nature of God]], divine authority to act in God's name, and past and current practices such as the proselyting of other Christians, [[plural marriage]] and [[baptism for the dead]]. Latter Day Saints claim that their doctrines and practices conform to divine will and are legitimized by modern prophets, but many Christians consider Mormonism contrary to Biblical teachings. |
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==Historic criticism== |
==Historic criticism== |
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[[Joseph Smith, Jr.]], the founder of Mormonism, taught widely that all |
Following the [[First Vision]] in 1820, [[Joseph Smith, Jr.]], the founder of Mormonism, taught widely that all Christian teachers of his time were in error and had departed from true Christian faith. Smith later elaborated that within a few centuries of the crucifixion of [[Jesus Christ]], divine authority ceased to exist among Christians, corrupting their faith. Smith referred to this time as [[apostasy]]. All churches descending from early Christianity, including the [[Roman Catholic Church]], [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] and all of [[Protestantism]], were therefore false. Smith claimed that he was selected by God to restore the authority and knowledge which existed in Jesus's time. |
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Conflict between Mormons and their critics or opponents was frequently vehement and violent. |
Due to his claims, which many saw as opposition to traditional Christian doctrine, Smith and his followers were vigorously pursued and harassed by detractors. Conflict between Mormons and their critics or opponents was frequently vehement and violent, requiring the early church to move frequently to protect their safety. In one such instance, on [[October 27]], [[1838]] [[Missouri]] governor [[Lilburn Boggs]] signed an [[executive order]], known as the [[Extermination Order (Mormonism)|Extermination Order]], instructing the general of the state-run militia that, "Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary, for the public peace — their outrages are beyond all description." It was not until over 137 years later, on [[June 25]], [[1976]] that the order was rescinded by Governor [[Kit Bond|Christopher S. Bond]]. |
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After fleeing Missouri, Smith and the Mormons settled in [[Nauvoo, Illinois]], where he became mayor |
After fleeing Missouri, Smith and the Mormons settled in [[Nauvoo, Illinois]], where he became mayor. In Nauvoo, Smith secretly began the practice of [[polygamy]], which was exposed by the first and only edition of the ''[[Nauvoo Expositor]]'', a newspaper critical of the LDS Church. [http://www.solomonspalding.com/docs/exposit1.htm] Smith illegally ordered that the paper be shut down and the press destroyed, which led to [[Death of Joseph Smith, Jr.|his murder]] at the hands of angry protestors. Some have alleged that [[Thomas Ford (politician)|Thomas Ford]], then [[governor of Illinois]], may have been complicit. |
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Following the assassination of Smith, most Latter Day Saints |
Following the assassination of Smith, most Latter Day Saints, led by [[Brigham Young]], fled Nauvoo in [[1846]] due to increasingly violent conflict. They eventually settled in what was then part of Mexico (now [[Utah]]) to organize a separate "country", the [[State of Deseret]]. Conflict with non-Mormons was also a factor in groups of Mormons leaving England to join others of their faith in the United States. These individuals formed the bulk of what is commonly referred to as the "mainstream", "Utah" or "[[Brighamite]]" LDS church. |
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Controversy often arose, and continues to modern times, over the belief of early Mormon leaders describing dark skin as a curse, both for blacks (specifically, persons of African descent) and [[Native Americans]]. Until a declartion by LDS Church leader [[Spencer W. Kimball]] in 1978, blacks were excluded from holding priesthood and participating in some temple ceremonies. [http://scriptures.lds.org/od/2] |
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| ⚫ | In Utah, a group of Mormons, along with [[Paiute]] Indians, committed the [[Mountain Meadows massacre]], in which a wagon train passing through southern Utah was attacked and most members of the train killed. |
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| ⚫ | In Utah, a group of Mormons, along with [[Paiute]] Indians, committed the [[Mountain Meadows massacre]], in which a wagon train passing through southern Utah was attacked and most members of the train killed. It is commonly claimed that the murders were carried out at the command of Young, although documents show that Young sent specific orders to let the train pass unhindered.[http://ldsfaq.byu.edu/emmain.asp?number=135] Critics allege that the LDS Church covered up many of the details of the attack. |
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| ⚫ | In Utah, |
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| ⚫ | In Utah, polygamy, or plural marriage, was openly practiced for the first time by the LDS Church. Plural marriage generated significant criticism throughout the United States, and the practice was ended by the mainstream LDS Church following the Manifesto of 1890. [http://scriptures.lds.org/od/1] Many Mormons refused to discard the practice, and polygamy still exists in a number of splinter Latter Day Saint groups (often referred to as [[Mormon fundamentalism|Fundamentalist Mormons]]). |
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| ⚫ | Mormons have also been criticized for their political stances; one source of conflict |
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Early Mormon leaders described dark skin as a curse, both for black people and [[Native Americans]] (see [[Lamanite]]), and as late as 1978 blacks were excluded from the priesthood. (see also [[Blacks and Mormonism]]) |
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==Doctrinal criticism== |
==Doctrinal criticism== |
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Mainstream Christian theologians who address the topic usually teach that Mormonism is a form of pseudo-Christianity, which has departed from the teachings given in the [[Bible]] and now espouses beliefs fundamentally different. Mormonism is sometimes called a [[cult]]. At other times it is compared with ancient [[gnosticism]] or [[Arianism]]. |
Mainstream Christian theologians who address the topic usually teach that Mormonism is a form of pseudo-Christianity, which has departed from the teachings given in the [[Bible]] and now espouses beliefs fundamentally different. Mormonism is sometimes called a [[cult]]. At other times it is compared with ancient [[gnosticism]] or [[Arianism]]. |
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[[Image:Lorenzo Snow.jpg|thumb|left|Lorenzo Snow]] |
[[Image:Lorenzo Snow.jpg|thumb|left|Lorenzo Snow]] |
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The nature of |
The nature of deity itself is disputed. Mormons believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ are separate beings with tangible bodies of purified flesh and bones. In contrast, orthodox Christianity follows the [[trinitarian]] assertion of the [[Nicene Creed]] that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one substance and that God the Father does not have a tangible body. LDS Church leader [[Lorenzo Snow]] taught that God was once a man and was promoted to Godhood at some point in the past, and that Mormons may be given the same promotion, referred to as [[Exaltation (Mormonism)|exaltation]]. Of particular controversy is Snow's statement that "As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be." [http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/people/lorenzo_snow.html] Joseph Smith taught a similar doctrine in the [[King Follett Discourse]]. |
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Such beliefs have been heavily criticized. One common response by critics is based upon {{bibleverse|Isaiah|43:10|}}, which reads, "Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." Belief in exaltation has been defended by reference to passages such as {{bibleverse|2|Peter|1:4|}}, as well as many statements by early Christians about humans achieving divinity (a doctrine known to the Eastern Orthodox as [[theosis]]. |
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Orthodox defense of the [[Trinity]] against Mormonism focuses on the doctrine of Divine unity, citing passages such as the [[Shema Yisrael]]. [http://www.utlm.org/onlinebooks/mclaims2.htm#POLYTHEISM] |
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Belief in exaltation has been defended by reference to passages such as {{bibleverse|2|Peter|1:4|}}, as well as many statements by early Christians about humans becoming divine (a doctrine known to the Eastern Orthodox as [[theosis]]. [http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/1999_Early_Christian_Doctrine_of_Deification.html] Christian apologists reply that there is only superficial similarity, noting the crucial distinction made between the Divine ''energies'' which creatures may participate in, and the Divine ''essence'', which is uncreated and therefore entirely different from whatever is created. [http://www.mrm.org/articles/mormonism_201/chapter_03/] [http://www.aomin.org/ONEGOD.html] |
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===Salvation=== |
===Salvation=== |
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Another frequent topic of criticism, especially among [[Evangelicalism|evangelicals]], is the basis of salvation, which Mormons hold to be both grace and works [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/NewEra/2005.htm/new%20era%20march%202005.htm/tough%20topics%20%20are%20you%20saved%20by%20grace%20or%20works.htm?f=templates$fn=document-frame.htm$3.0$q=grace$x=Simple$nc=3440#LPHit1]. |
Another frequent topic of criticism, especially among [[Evangelicalism|evangelicals]], is the basis of salvation, which Mormons hold to be both grace and works [http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/NewEra/2005.htm/new%20era%20march%202005.htm/tough%20topics%20%20are%20you%20saved%20by%20grace%20or%20works.htm?f=templates$fn=document-frame.htm$3.0$q=grace$x=Simple$nc=3440#LPHit1]. |
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==Critics of Mormonism== |
==Critics of Mormonism== |
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There are several organizations which oppose the Mormon church. Their activities vary. In most cases the primary activity is informational – they seek to provide what they regard as a true picture of the Mormon church. Some are independent while others are connected with parent churches, and not all are Christian. Examples of such organizations are |
There are several organizations which oppose the Mormon church. Their activities vary. In most cases the primary activity is informational – they seek to provide what they regard as a true picture of the Mormon church. Some are independent while others are connected with parent churches, and not all are Christian. Examples of such organizations are Utah Lighthouse Ministry (founded by [[Jerald and Sandra Tanner]]), Mormon Research Ministries, Mormons in Transition, Utah Partnerships for Christ, and The Exmormon Foundation. |
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Some anti-Mormons have become well-known for their activities. A few of them are: |
Some anti-Mormons have become well-known for their activities. A few of them are: |
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In the case of the Salt Lake Tribune, however, this reputation stems from the paper being founded as an openly anti-Mormon publication in the 1800's. Over the years since, this position has moderated significantly, to the point of near-neutrality. The other major newspaper in Utah is the [[Deseret Morning News]], founded by the Church. The two papers routinely cooperate in a number of areas, including sharing advertising and distribution channels. |
In the case of the Salt Lake Tribune, however, this reputation stems from the paper being founded as an openly anti-Mormon publication in the 1800's. Over the years since, this position has moderated significantly, to the point of near-neutrality. The other major newspaper in Utah is the [[Deseret Morning News]], founded by the Church. The two papers routinely cooperate in a number of areas, including sharing advertising and distribution channels. |
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==See also== |
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*[[Blacks and Mormonism]] |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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Revision as of 08:19, 7 May 2006
 | The neutrality of this article is disputed. |
Criticism of Mormonism is a broad term to describe criticism of the Latter Day Saint movement, especially of the largest and most prominent sect, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hereafter referred to as the LDS Church).
Criticism of Mormonism has come in many forms and from various sources; it may challenge Mormonism on theological, historical, archeological, cultural, political or physiological grounds, with motivations ranging from academic interest to religious prejudice. The term "Anti-Mormonism" is sometimes used to describe all criticism of the LDS movement; however, Anti-Mormonism is a subset of the criticism in general used to describe active, aggressive and often violent or demeaning opposition to Mormonism. The two terms should not be confused as synonyms.
A large amount of criticism comes from perceptions of unorthodoxy; Mormonism differs radically from mainstream Christianity in a number of areas, such as the nature of God, divine authority to act in God's name, and past and current practices such as the proselyting of other Christians, plural marriage and baptism for the dead. Latter Day Saints claim that their doctrines and practices conform to divine will and are legitimized by modern prophets, but many Christians consider Mormonism contrary to Biblical teachings.
Historic criticism
Following the First Vision in 1820, Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of Mormonism, taught widely that all Christian teachers of his time were in error and had departed from true Christian faith. Smith later elaborated that within a few centuries of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, divine authority ceased to exist among Christians, corrupting their faith. Smith referred to this time as apostasy. All churches descending from early Christianity, including the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodoxy and all of Protestantism, were therefore false. Smith claimed that he was selected by God to restore the authority and knowledge which existed in Jesus's time.
Due to his claims, which many saw as opposition to traditional Christian doctrine, Smith and his followers were vigorously pursued and harassed by detractors. Conflict between Mormons and their critics or opponents was frequently vehement and violent, requiring the early church to move frequently to protect their safety. In one such instance, on October 27, 1838 Missouri governor Lilburn Boggs signed an executive order, known as the Extermination Order, instructing the general of the state-run militia that, "Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary, for the public peace — their outrages are beyond all description." It was not until over 137 years later, on June 25, 1976 that the order was rescinded by Governor Christopher S. Bond.
After fleeing Missouri, Smith and the Mormons settled in Nauvoo, Illinois, where he became mayor. In Nauvoo, Smith secretly began the practice of polygamy, which was exposed by the first and only edition of the Nauvoo Expositor, a newspaper critical of the LDS Church. [1] Smith illegally ordered that the paper be shut down and the press destroyed, which led to his murder at the hands of angry protestors. Some have alleged that Thomas Ford, then governor of Illinois, may have been complicit.
Following the assassination of Smith, most Latter Day Saints, led by Brigham Young, fled Nauvoo in 1846 due to increasingly violent conflict. They eventually settled in what was then part of Mexico (now Utah) to organize a separate "country", the State of Deseret. Conflict with non-Mormons was also a factor in groups of Mormons leaving England to join others of their faith in the United States. These individuals formed the bulk of what is commonly referred to as the "mainstream", "Utah" or "Brighamite" LDS church.
Controversy often arose, and continues to modern times, over the belief of early Mormon leaders describing dark skin as a curse, both for blacks (specifically, persons of African descent) and Native Americans. Until a declartion by LDS Church leader Spencer W. Kimball in 1978, blacks were excluded from holding priesthood and participating in some temple ceremonies. [2]
In Utah, a group of Mormons, along with Paiute Indians, committed the Mountain Meadows massacre, in which a wagon train passing through southern Utah was attacked and most members of the train killed. It is commonly claimed that the murders were carried out at the command of Young, although documents show that Young sent specific orders to let the train pass unhindered.[3] Critics allege that the LDS Church covered up many of the details of the attack.
In Utah, polygamy, or plural marriage, was openly practiced for the first time by the LDS Church. Plural marriage generated significant criticism throughout the United States, and the practice was ended by the mainstream LDS Church following the Manifesto of 1890. [4] Many Mormons refused to discard the practice, and polygamy still exists in a number of splinter Latter Day Saint groups (often referred to as Fundamentalist Mormons).
Mormons have also been criticized for their political stances; one source of conflict was the issue of slavery (Joseph Smith was an abolitionist). Today, Utah is politically firmly Republican, and this ,combined with the religious focus of most Mormons, has given rise to modern criticisms.
Doctrinal criticism
Mainstream Christian theologians who address the topic usually teach that Mormonism is a form of pseudo-Christianity, which has departed from the teachings given in the Bible and now espouses beliefs fundamentally different. Mormonism is sometimes called a cult. At other times it is compared with ancient gnosticism or Arianism.
The nature of divinity
The nature of deity itself is disputed. Mormons believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ are separate beings with tangible bodies of purified flesh and bones. In contrast, orthodox Christianity follows the trinitarian assertion of the Nicene Creed that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one substance and that God the Father does not have a tangible body. LDS Church leader Lorenzo Snow taught that God was once a man and was promoted to Godhood at some point in the past, and that Mormons may be given the same promotion, referred to as exaltation. Of particular controversy is Snow's statement that "As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be." [5] Joseph Smith taught a similar doctrine in the King Follett Discourse.
Such beliefs have been heavily criticized. One common response by critics is based upon Isaiah 43:10, which reads, "Before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." Belief in exaltation has been defended by reference to passages such as 2 Peter 1:4, as well as many statements by early Christians about humans achieving divinity (a doctrine known to the Eastern Orthodox as theosis.
Salvation
Another frequent topic of criticism, especially among evangelicals, is the basis of salvation, which Mormons hold to be both grace and works [6].
Many Protestant churches reject anything like this thinking. For example, in an article not specifically directed against Mormonism, John F. MacArthur said:
- There are many who make justification dependent on a mixture of faith and works... This was the error of the Galatian legalists (cf. Galatians 2:16 Galatians 5:4). Paul called it "a different gospel" (Galatians 1:6, Galatians 1:9). The same error is found in virtually every false cult. [7]
The Catholic and Orthodox Churches maintain that both faith and good works are necessary components of salvation; as opposed to the Protestant philosophy, these churches maintain that the latter being an automatic consequence of the first is a violation of free will.
Authority
Joseph Smith claimed that the priesthood, which he defined as authority to act in God's name, had been removed because of apostasy, which Mormons believe to have been prophecied in the Bible (see Great Apostasy). Most Christians believe a complete apostasy is impossible. Catholic apologist Patrick Madrid wrote:
- Since Christ is the mind and head of his Church (Eph. 4:15-16), animating the body, the members enjoy an organic spiritual union with him (John 15:1-8). It's inconceivable that he would permit his body to disintegrate under the attacks of Satan. [8]
Catholics often see the Mormon priesthood as a counterfeit of their own Apostolic Succession. Protestants, on the other hand, often believe in the priesthood of all believers.
Mainstream Christians believe that the Canon of Scripture is closed, making the Bible the only sacred text for Christians. Many Protestants also also consider it the only infallible authority, a doctrine called Sola scriptura. Latter-day Saints believe that The Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price and the Doctrine and Covenants are also the word of God.
Scientific and archaeological criticism
As is the case with most other religions, some of the doctrines and scriptural events associated exclusively with Mormonism cannot be proven by current scientific research. Some of these include:
- The historicity of some of the events in the Book of Mormon
- Direct evidence of inhabitable "worlds without number"
- Semitic origins for meso-American people
- Evidence of the use of Reformed Egyptian writing in ancient America
- Archaeological evidence for the existence of some creatures and materials depicted in the Book of Mormon (where archaeological evidence for others has been confirmed; see Archaeology and the Book of Mormon)
Critics of Mormonism
There are several organizations which oppose the Mormon church. Their activities vary. In most cases the primary activity is informational – they seek to provide what they regard as a true picture of the Mormon church. Some are independent while others are connected with parent churches, and not all are Christian. Examples of such organizations are Utah Lighthouse Ministry (founded by Jerald and Sandra Tanner), Mormon Research Ministries, Mormons in Transition, Utah Partnerships for Christ, and The Exmormon Foundation.
Some anti-Mormons have become well-known for their activities. A few of them are:
A large portion of Utah residents are often described as Anti-Mormon due to political opposition of many popular conservative political agendas. This is vastly different from the Anti-Mormon beliefs of some fundamentalist and evangelical Christians who oppose Mormon Theology. Many Utah media outlets such as The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake City Weekly, and the University of Utah's Daily Utah Chronicle are often described as "Anti-Mormon" even though many of the contributors are Mormon themselves. Many of these charges surfaced when Mark Hofmann sold forged documents to the LDS Church and when Salt Lake City sold one block of Main Street to the church, with what many felt was too little public input.
In the case of the Salt Lake Tribune, however, this reputation stems from the paper being founded as an openly anti-Mormon publication in the 1800's. Over the years since, this position has moderated significantly, to the point of near-neutrality. The other major newspaper in Utah is the Deseret Morning News, founded by the Church. The two papers routinely cooperate in a number of areas, including sharing advertising and distribution channels.
See also
External links
Pro-LDS or LDS Apologetic Websites
- LDS.org - The official website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Brief historiography of anti-Mormonism - Maintained by Jeff Lindsay
- The Foundation for Apologetic Information & Research (FAIR) - A non-profit organization providing well-documented answers to criticisms of LDS doctrine, belief and practice
- Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies - An organization devoted to the scholary study of Mormonism
Critical or Anti-Mormon Websites
- Exmormon.org - For those who have left the LDS Church, or for those considering leaving.
- Exmormonfoundation.org - A non-sectarian charity to assist those transitioning out of the LDS church. Organizes annual conferences each October in Salt Lake City.
- Postmormon.org - An alternative to ex-Mormon, focused on moving beyond, not opposing, Mormonism.
- Utah Lighthouse Ministry - Maintained by Jerald and Sandra Tanner
- Concerned Christians - Evangelical ministry of former Mormons to expose what they believe to be the truth about Mormonism
- The Mormon Church and Freemasonry - California Freemason online