Here in Utah, the majority of people are Mormon (or LDS = Latter Day Saint). It’s really interesting to see and study the differences between Mormonism and Christianity, and I would encourage everyone to read up on them sometime, because it’s extensive. Mormons claim that they are Christian, after all, they “have the name Christ in their church title,” as if that covers it. Sure, sure, they read the Bible, but they have a “catch” to it… they “only believe it as far as it is translated correctly.” So, they give more credence to the Book of Mormon (BoM), The Doctrine and the Covenants (D&C), and the Articals of Faith (AoF). Living among them is unique and trying to talk to them regarding the Gospel is difficult. We (Christians and Mormons) share many of the same terms, but the definitions of them are different, like synonyms, so if those aren’t cleared up before discussions, you just end up talking around eachother.
One thing that prompted me to become active in fellowship after nearly 10 yrs. of not going to church was that last year, someone who I deeply respected (even as a Mormon), denounced Mormonism and came to Christ. This person is high up in our community and had served in many capacities in the LDS church as well. It’s a huge deal, and I am just so deeply in prayer regarding their family and continued walk with Christ. This person is trying to bring their spouse to Christ, as well as their children, who have all been born and raised in the church. One child has already accepted Christ, and the spouse is reflecting on the deceptions of the LDS church and being actively stirred by the Holy Spirit. I stand back in complete AWE of what God is doing in their life. It’s not easy leaving the church, especially in a predominantly Mormon city. This family has suffered because of this boldness for Christ, and their suffering is at the hands of those LDS faithful who once claimed to be their friends. This family is experiencing daily what it means to take up their cross. This family knows what it feels like to be persecuted for believing and declaring the Gospel and it’s truth. They know what it feels like to surrender to God and trust that they are now saved by the grace of God alone. They know the reality of what it means to try to be Christlike in response to harsh judgements from their once so-called friends.
When I heard of this persons testimony for Christ, I suddenly at the drop of a hat, became aware that I had absolutely no valid reason to not be actively worshipping and seeking fellowship. Even though I thought it would be better to wait to go to church until my dh wanted to go with me, when I saw the hurdles my ex-mormon friend had pressed through, I realized that my excuses were pointless. My husband knew I was a believer, my friends knew I was a believer, everyone knew I was a believer, but I just wasn’t actively seeking God other than reading my Bible and praying. After being away from fellowship for that long, I realized how much I needed it!!! And I am so blessed to have been drawn back in by the Spirit. This person has served as a wake-up call to many here, and I also think that their testimony is something that my dh considers on an infrequent basis. It’s just really really cool to know that God DOES work in HUGE ways, and to witness it unfolding right before your eyes is phenominal. : ) Glorious God! Glorious!
Did you know that Mormon’s don’t wear crosses? Their church buildings aren’t adorned with the symbol of the cross anywhere. They think that it’s a grim reminder of Christ’s suffering, and so they like to shift their perspecitve to His resurrection, so atop their church buildings they have a pointed staff if you will, to symbolize His resurrection.
Their religion is unique and has many layers, with hidden layers inbetween.
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May 18, 2004 at 10:39 pm
Reid
Wow how awesome is that… God changing the hearts of a Morman who is a pretty high leader… that is great to see. Many more will follow, Utah needs a lot of help with this. I’ve only taken a glance at Morman religion, but It would be interesting to research it. Good post to think about thank you!
May 19, 2004 at 11:14 am
Monica
Hey Reid! If you ever get time, you should totally read up on Mormonism, just so that you’re prepared when faced with one. There are a couple of sites that I’ve looked at in addition to some helpful books, but the site to keep in your reference list is Truth in Love to Mormons, and CARM, and then the Utah based site called Utah Lighthouse Ministry. It’s really interesting to unravel their beliefs, and when you get to the core, and compare it to the Word of God, it’s not the same.
Living here in Utah has served to really strengthen my Christian beliefs in many ways, because I had to delve in deeper to understand what the differences are, which has helped me to understand my beliefs better. It’s one thing to know it in thought and faith, but I found it’s another to know it in words and Scripture verses when you are faced with someone challenging your beliefs, claiming that you are wrong.
I totally agree that more will follow my ex-mormon friend… even though all these people have been mislead by a man, they are still God’s children, and HE WILL draw them unto the truth of Christ, leading to them seeing that they have been following a false prophet.
What has been really exciting for me, is that this person goes to my church (well, there are only a few Christian churches around here, all the rest are Mormon), and to see their family, I am deeply and keenly aware at the power of God’s call. This person has served in so many positions of the LDS chruch, and they have family members who are high up the church leadership ladder, and it’s just amazing to me, that someone with so much to lose, was still won by Christ. It’s huge… I can’t say it enough, but you’d have to know what the climate is like here to really understand how huge it is. When the word first got out, people’s jaws dropped in complete disbelief, and I know that there are many Mormon’s who are now runnig the thoughts and questions in their head, and battling with their convictions to question their true validity. I continue to pray for this family, because they and their children are facing persecution like you wouldn’t believe, by people who are professing to be “Christians”.
It’s exciting times here, this person isn’t the only one… I’ve heard of others in significant places (Dean’s of Mormon schools) who have also denounced LDS docterine, so the fault lines under the church are active. Just a matter of time, *and prayer!*
May 20, 2004 at 12:29 am
nomad
What a great post to run across in my surfings. I was just recently given the Book of Mormon along with an evangelistic letter from the parent of one of my piano students. I was impressed with the boldness and conviction of this mother. She said that she respected my Christian faith, but wanted me to know that there was “more”. I’d never heard that take on it before and realized that I really needed to know more about it so I could witness and have intelligent conversations with Mormons.
May 20, 2004 at 11:24 am
Monica
Hi Nomad! Wow, how about that timing! The LDS church and docterine is really interesting, and I’m amazed at the differences that I continually discover between their gospel and God’s Gospel. And when you really look at the differences between the Christian vs. Mormon in all issues, from the plan of salvation to the Trinity and everything inbetween, you discover that they teach and believe false docterine. When I unraveled all the details, I was astounded at the magnitude of the deception of the LDS church, and I’m always puzzled at how people don’t see that.
I hope that you’ll find useful information at those sites I listed so that when you are faced with being put on the defensive, you will be prepared. Also, never be afraid to say, “I don’t know the answer to that, but I’ll find out & get back to you.” Because that is something that I’ve had to do a lot. ; )
Good luck and blessings to you witnessing with God’s love to those you will face in the future. : D
May 23, 2004 at 5:07 pm
HarryTick
Monica,
What will happen when they find that their new christianity really isn’t a lot different from their old one?
I lived the struggle once already myself, former/ex-Mormon and all that. There are times that you look at all the Christians around you and think, “These people are nuts! The LDS church did this WAY better!!” And in a way, they DO do it a lot better than the Christian denominations. But in the end, we’re not looking for a better system of worship or a better system of belief, we’re looking for someone to worship and believe in, to fellowship with.
May 23, 2004 at 8:31 pm
Monica
HarryTick!!! Wow, I’m so honored you stopped in!! Praying for you in Iraq… how much longer are you scheduled to stay there? Do you need anything sent to you, or anyone else? Let me know if you do!
So, you are totally right, the LDS church does have have the system down on ways to help in times of need. They are very thorough in taking care of physical needs. It doesn’t make up for the differences in the Gospel or the plan of salvation though does it?
What made you leave the church and how long have you been Christian? Thanks for visiting my blog, again, I’m honored! Wave to the Iraqis when you fly over for me ; )
May 24, 2004 at 8:02 am
HarryTick
Monica,
Ummm, wow! I never quite had that kind of a reaction to my commenting on a blog before. I followed my referrers log to your site, and I remember you posting in response to one of my other entries. I have to say that I’ve enjoyed your blog entries. I really like that Josefina one…kind of made me want to have a Josefina to grow up with too.
Don’t need much, we have quite a bit of people providing things for us. I think most everyone in the troop has family and friends supporting them. The American people have been supportive of the troops, even if they aren’t supportive of why our troops are over there. So, we thank you and I thank you for your offer!
How long have I been a Christian? Ummm, well, that all depends on who you talk to anymore.
I’ve been a believer all my life, but specifically left the LDS church a couple months shy of my 17th birthday. Which reminds me…I need to consolidate all of my explanations of what happened and maybe put them on the blog somewhere. All I’m saying is that I’ve traded religion for religion for religion throughout my life…that’s not where its at. Jesus is.
May 24, 2004 at 8:32 am
Boo
Come on Harry, you’ve had some very unique reactions to your blog comments before.
May 27, 2004 at 3:20 am
jez
you think when jesus comes back he’s gonna want to see another cross?
when you guys stop wearing crosses, then perhaps he might show up again.
February 3, 2005 at 5:32 pm
Natalia
To Whom It May Concern:
Acts 5: 38-39
“And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
I love your passion for Christinanity, and for all that is right. I believe in Christ strongly, and passionately, I believed he came down to earth to show us what to do. I believe he is the heavenly prince, and savior, and gave repentance to all, and the change for the forgiveness of sins. I make him my role model and the center of my life.
This scripture caught me by every single feeling in my heart. I study the scriptures daily in my life, and this is how I interpert it: If a religion is not true and was started by men, and had no help from God, then it will fall away, and become nothing. If it was of God, and it came from him, then no one can overthrow it, not even the devil, and it will hold itself steadfastly in each of its aspects. I know that if you go against his church, you will be fighting him, as it states in its last phrase.
What I’m trying to say is that, if the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is faulting and begun by men, then if it should fall away, and become “nought” then it truly was false. For one day we shall all come to know if we adhere to Moses’ commandments and the commandments from Jesus from Sermon on the Mount that we shall come to know of his true church, if we study the scriptures, pray, and find the heart of all christianity.
I must say I am a very meek and happy Christian, and to see your opinion made me sad for many weeks. But I have faith, and I know that all will be right at the end for all those who do his will and glorify him in heaven.
I wish you all the best,
Natalia
San Diego, Ca
P.S. I would suggest that you see their religion in their own eyes, since members usually know their religion best, at lds.org
I would also recite to you one of their verses, and encourage you to read this and their Book of Mormon before you make any judgement.
Moroni 10:3-7
“Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
And when ye shall recieve these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, hacing faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.
And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he woreth by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever…..”
Before you form a firm opinion about other religious groups, please take this scripture as well as the one above into your lives as you decide which church is right. Such as this one from James:
James 1:5
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Search, Ponder, and Pray. Have a sincere heart, and ask God, our Eternal Father, which church is true. Ask him if the Mormons actually have the right church, or if they absolutely do not. Leave it alone, let it do its good works, and if it fails, it was clear it was made by men. If it thrives, even if some members fall which do happen, then it is of God.
Remember Satan is not easily tricked. He will take down the strongest members first, then those who looked up to them will fall. It’s a sad event, but I’m sure it has happened more than once, and more places than just Utah. Those who question themselves did not ask God. For if they did, they wouldn’t be questioning themselves, expecially if God directly told them if it was true. Same for your church, and many others.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
February 4, 2005 at 11:36 am
monica
Natalia, I appriciate your visit to my blog and your time to leave a comment. I know God has made you in such a way to have a heart that wants others to know love, and I do, in Christ.
I am very familiar with James 1:5 you quoted, and know that in context it is written to those who are already Christians. The truth is in my hands daily in the heart of the Bible, and that is the only place necessary for me to look.
February 4, 2005 at 2:57 pm
Natalia
In context it is to all that are servants of God, like you and me, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. I am a part of one of those tribes that are not lost. I am also a servant and missionary of God and Jesus Christ. The Bible is important to me also, but I wasn’t emphasizing the fact that I want others to know, but to not judge other churches that might just be the true church.
I love you for who you are, but don’t hurt your view on Mormons just because of what you’ve experienced, but rather try to use what the Bible says. In Acts 5, as you see above, it talks about when Peter was a prophet, shortly after Christ’s resurection. It talked about the high council, the same that was planning Christ’s death, and how it was trying to destroy Peter and the other disciple’s attempts to preach the gospel to all those who would hear.
If only everyone could use it in their lives, and not judge people as well as churches.
I wrote this not only to you, but also for myself and others. It is to help me not to judge others, or churches, without following its advice. You think Mormonism will fall away to be something they already are, Christians. But wait until they actually do fall away, when you actually know that they’re of men instead of being members of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father’s church.
Use James 1:5, and keep in mind Acts 5 for future disliking against any churches.
I just hate to see any church bashed down. The LDS church has done so many great things, don’t hate them for their good works. Don’t hate anyone for their religion, but rather for doing what is right.
I am so happy that you apply the Bible in your life, I’m only encouraging it much, much more. Keep studying!
Love,
Natalia
February 8, 2005 at 11:44 am
monica
Natalia, I want to comment to your replies, but I’m looking for some time to do so… I hope to start a new post (as this one says), yet I’m without the time yet.
February 8, 2005 at 6:14 pm
monica
here is the link to the new blog entry with some little thoughts that have been scrolling my mind.
February 24, 2005 at 4:47 pm
Patricia
I’m probably much older than anyone reading this blog but feel moved to comment anyway.
I am an ex-mormon who left my church at age 34. It was difficult, not because I thought the church might be right and I could be doing the wrong thng. I have never doubted that the church is wrong in almost all its teachings.
It was difficult to leave because the church offers such a strong support network for family and friends sharing membership. I say “sharing membership” because you simply would not believe how many members do not share the belief in the teachings of the church. I believe fully half of them stay for lack of courage to face painful and inevitable rejection, and I don’t blame them.
The Mormon church is mysogynistic, racist, controlling, punitive, and….well there’s not time or space for all that I know of them, much less what I haven’t yet learned.
I do know this: I have been on both sides of this religion. It is destructive. It teaches people to follow men, not God. It teaches people to follow men who want to become God, but of course never will.
I am in my late 50’s now and I can honestly say the best thing I’ve ever done was to leave the church. It has given me a healthy scepticism regarding all churches, and a much closer and direct relationship with God. Who needs middlemen anyway? They only inflate the cost of goods we need to survive and thrive, in this case church leaders love being the middlemen.
I still love the people in the church, but the church itself is just a sham, a cult of control, a cult of white male-dominated control.
If you know someone trying to work their way out of the church, please support them with love and not confrontation because they’ll be losing everything that makes them safe and comfortable from inside their “church womb” to courageously face the real world and make their own way to God.
February 27, 2005 at 9:07 am
monica
Hi Patricia! Wow, thanks so much for your comment! You add a lot to this, as I have never been Mormon and don’t know what it’s like for those who are faced with the difficult decision of leaving the church. My heart is for all people to see the simplicity of Christ and His Gospel, and I will support anyone in that quest… and I love what you said here : “It has given me a healthy scepticism regarding all churches, and a much closer and direct relationship with God. Who needs middlemen anyway?
I hope your voice and experiences reach others, I think your perspective is something many can take insight away from and use it to understand things more clearly!