Journal: Faith and Mission
Volume: FM 21:3 (Summer 2004)
Article: Comprehending the Counterfeit: Understanding, Counteracting, and Evangelizing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Author: Aaron K. Newton

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FM 21:3 (Summer 2004) p. 22

Comprehending the Counterfeit:
Understanding, Counteracting, and Evangelizing the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.1

Aaron K. Newton

Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies/History of Ideas Student
Southeastern College at Wake Forest
Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was founded and organized on April 6, 1830, by Joseph Smith.2 Today there are millions of Mormons across the globe, and the LDS church is experiencing rapid growth. Mormon missionaries, presenting what they believe to be the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, are showing up on the doorsteps of houses in every neighborhood. Although the Mormons claim to be Christian, although Mormons use Christian terms when talking about their faith, and although Mormons adhere to high Christian morals, the LDS church challenges three of the most fundamental doctrines of biblical Christianity: the doctrines of God, man, and salvation. The LDS doctrines of God, man, and salvation and the biblical doctrines of God, man, and salvation are mutually exclusive. Southern Baptists and other evangelical congregations must become aware of the distinctions between biblical Christian doctrine and LDS doctrine. Since Mormons use Christian terminology and promote Christian values, many Southern Baptists and evangelicals are not able to spot the distinctions between what the LDS church teaches and what the Bible teaches. Because many pastors and teachers are unaware of LDS doctrines, many evangelical church members are unable to distinguish properly between LDS doctrines and biblical doctrines. Hence, many Bible-believing Christians are susceptible to doctrines antithetical to the Bible.

This essay will attempt to present a succinct and fair overview of the LDS doctrines of God, man, and salvation along with a biblical strategy for practicing evangelism to Mormons. Furthermore, the LDS doctrine of God is the doctrinal backbone of the LDS religious belief system. If Mormon claims about God are not true, then Mormon claims about man and salvation are not true. By understanding the LDS concept of God, one can attempt to deconstruct the entire Mormon worldview. Southern Baptists and evangelical pastors and teachers should be ready to understand and to undermine with genuine love any doctrine that is contrary to what the Bible alone teaches.

FM 21:3 (Summer 2004) p. 23

The LDS Doctrine of God

The LDS church doctrine of God teaches that there is a plurality of gods. The concept of the LDS doctrine of God is contingent upon the first vision of Joseph Smith. In the year 1820, a revival broke out ...

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