Rating:  Summary: Finally...the TRUTH Review: As a true Christian, it was nice to finally have some actually ways to defend my faith to all of the LDS/Mormon people around me. Mormonism is such a trap for so many people, and it has so many ways of seeming convincing. This book is a MUST have tool for any Christian. I highly recommend it!
Rating:  Summary: Great "fast course" on Mormon beliefs Review: Boy, you can really see how the "battle lines" are drawn here. All Mormons rate it a 1. All non-Mormons rate it a 5. That should tell you something.This is a great quick-reference book on Mormonism, yet it still covers the major points. I've read at least 10 Mormon analysis books and am pretty well versed on the subject. This book IS accurate, despite what some might say. But not all Mormons know in detail what their religion teaches, as I've found out first-hand. Despite what some will tell you, Mormons DO believe the Bible to be unreliable. They believe that many "plain and precious things" have been removed by corrupt men and that there are translation errors. The Book of Mormon says this exact thing at least 11 times, by my count. And Joseph Smith (their founder) complained that even the very first word of the Bible was mistranslated (in his King Follett discourse). They do USE the Bible, but to them it's not as trustworthy as the Book of Mormon. But hearing that is distasteful to Christians, so Mormons don't like to mention it to them (or deny it when given the chance). They will agree with the Book of Mormon's statement, however. Who could trust such a book that has been corrupted so? And you really DO need a book to tell you what Mormons believe. They will NOT tell you what they believe because they have different definitions of generally accepted Christian words, so right away we're speaking a different language. Simple words -- like salvation, sin, heaven, eternal life -- have very differnt meanings under Mormonism. Plus, they won't tell you some of their beliefs that sound crazy to Christians until they think you're "ready" for those. Before talking with Mormons (and I encourage you do to so) it is MANDITORY that you do some background reading. Otherwise, you'll be on a completely different page with your discussion. If you aren't up for Ron Rhodes' complete reference tome "Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons," then this is a good, more brief version of that book (I have both). This book strives to teach the 10 most important discussions you should have with Mormons, rather than give you all the depth of his other book. Highly recommended.
Rating:  Summary: It's apparent from the reviews that Mormons HATE this book.. Review: I am a former Mormon that has been lead to the truth about Jesus Christ. Mormons claim they are Christian but Mormonism CLEARLY denies the Jesus Christ of the Bible. Sure they believe that Christ died on the cross for us but according to Mormon teaching, the blood of Christ is not powerful enough to get you into Heaven. According to Mormon teachings, you have to earn your way to Heaven, you have to either participate in Mormon rituals or have them preformed for you after your death.
Mormons use the King James version of the Bible as part of their cannon. However, the Bible takes a back seat to The Book of Mormon, the D&C, and the Pearl of Great Price. In their Articles of Faith, Mormons state:
"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God"
Read this statement CAREFULLY! This statement undermines the authority of the Bible! It is commonly believed and taught in the Mormon church that the Bible is not reliable because it has been purposely changed over the course of history by evil men with the sole intent of deceiving men and leading them to hell!
I hate the Mormon church...but I love Mormons. Paul, speaking of the Jews, defines my view of Mormons and Mormonism. In the first verses of Romans 10 we read:
"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." Romans 10:1-4 KJV
An interesting side note on Mormons wondering why people publish books that seek to teach people the truth about Mormon beliefs (many of which, not even active members of the church truly understand). On the the official Mormon website, you can find a version of the First Vision of Joseph Smith. Regarding God's response to Joseph's question about which church to join, this version explains:
"Joseph was told to join none of the church that existed at that time."
This statement is watered down considerably from the version of the story that is found in Joseph Smith History 1:19 (note that Joseph Smith History is part of The Pearl of Great Price and recognized as scripture by all Mormons.)
"I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: "they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof."
Who does Joseph claim that God is speaking of in this verse? The answer can be found in verse 5 of the same chapter:
"Some time in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, "Lo, here!" and others, "Lo, there!" Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist."
Is it any wonder that Christianity feels the need to defend themselves? The goal of Mr. Rhodes book is not to harm or offend Mormons. It is to warn fellow Christians of the deceptive practices of the Mormon church and hopefully to lead Mormons to truth as I was
Never let a Mormon tell you that Mormonism does not attack Christianity. Never let a Mormon fool you in to thinking that their beliefs are not much different than yours.
I would love to converse with you about questions you may have about how I was lead from the shackles of Mormonism into the truth and light of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. If you are interested in open and honest conversation, feel free to email me at mormontruth@austin.rr.com. If you want to tell me I'm wrong for leaving Mormonism or tell me about how I'm destined for "Outer Darkness", please spare both of us the pain and don't write. :)
In the service of Christ.
Rating:  Summary: Give prayer a chance Review: I am not a mormon.I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.(which is what a lot of people call mormons.) I agree with the two that said that you have to ask questions from a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to really know. When I have questions about the Catholic Church I ask a friend that goes to that church. And the same with any other church. I don't go bashing what others believe. Every one has the right to believe what they want. If you think that the Lutheran church is the best church on earth and believe in it's teachings then go to the Lutheran church. And I believe that about my church. About us not believing in the bible that is not true. I read out of the bible and book of mormon every day for at least 10 minutes each.The youth in our church have a program called seminary. Every day usually before school starts they go to church.They study the scriptures and learn about them. This year they studied the Old testiment. Every year they work on understanding a different part of scriptures. The Old Testiment, the New Testiment, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants. They memorize 25 different scripture passages each year and most could tell you them in the blink of an eye and also understand what it means. Not only what it says. They read the scriptures both book of mormon and bible every day. I have to say I'm very proud of them. How many could students could you pick out of an average high school that would sacrifice their time to understand the scriptures? The most important to me is prayer! Pray every day! That the Lord may guide you in what you do. Pray to know which church to go to. If you decide it's not with my church that's ok. Do what the Lord tells you to do. Pray for safy and guidence. Don't forget to pray and tell the Lord what you're thankful for. We would be like ungrateful children not to thank him. Most importantly pray for understanding. That you'll understand what the members of my church mean or what any church means. You don't have to change your religion. Just listen.
Rating:  Summary: This isnt the way to learn Review: I'm a member of the church, a convert too at that and I'm only 18. If you want to know what Mormons believe, ask a believer. Not some sourer person who has some sort of vendetta against the Church. I've researched the Church a lot, and yeah I don't know everything, no one does, why should we have all the answers now? True, us members don't know everything about the Church but there are a lot of scriptures to read and memorize! Even if you don't believe, this is America, and this country was founded on religious freedom. Please do not discriminate against me or any one else that believes something that you don't, whether it is Mormons, Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, Satin worshipers, or gays. Don't read anti-Mormon propaganda to know more about Mormons, I don't read anti-Catholic propaganda to know more about Catholics.
Rating:  Summary: The Author Needs to Check His Sources Review: Just as the author says that the Mormon religion has falacies, so does the author. As a writer it is important that you find accurate information about the topic. This author did not. He is an anti-mormon that wishes to lead people away from learning true information. I admit that all questions in the gospel are not answered. What religion does answer all the questions of the human mind? None. If you truly want to learn more about the church, find a book that is written by a Mormon apostle or prophet.
Rating:  Summary: The Author Needs to Check His Sources Review: Just as the author says that the Mormon religion has falacies, so does the author. As a writer it is important that you find accurate information about the topic. This author did not. He is an anti-mormon that wishes to lead people away from learning true information. I admit that all questions in the gospel are not answered. What religion does answer all the questions of the human mind? None. If you truly want to learn more about the church, find a book that is written by a Mormon apostle or prophet.
Rating:  Summary: Religion and Politics Review: Religion is best left up to God and those who choose to follow the teachings of a choosen religion. All the commentary or criticism on any religion is not necessary. This book is neither conclusive or "christian" It was a rather angry tirade of someone who wished to rid himself of a perceived pest. If the end result of a religion is good people (if followed principals and precepts correctly)then what is the harm in allowing those to believe what they will and agree to disagree on the process with the same conclusion.
Rating:  Summary: Is a MUST own for Christians Review: This summer I entered into a discussion with 3 Mormon missionaries over a period of 5 weeks (I was using this book as a guide). The outcome was the missionaries couldn't (most of the time didn't even try to) answers the questions I brought up. There are so many flip-flops of the mormon church and just out and out un-biblical beliefs, which I brought up that they would just stare at me. I even got them to admit they don't know which came first, God or man (since they believe man can become a god and God was once a man). If you are a true Christian, you'll know the answer - apart from God nothing was created or existed. This is just the tip of the iceberg on false mormon doctrine. The other book I'd read is 'OUT OF MORMONISM' by Robertson. It will give you all the behind the closed door information on the day-to-day Mormon Life. From their special underwear to the temple itself.
Rating:  Summary: WhY? Review: Why spend your time, resources, and breath fighting against something you haven't given a chance? Can you truly say you don't like chocolate without ever trying it? My advice to the erroneous mormon bashers: get a life and do something CONSTRUCTIVE with it.
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