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Speaking Truth Without Losing Love: How Christians Should Respond to Mormonism

As Christians, we care deeply about truth. That’s why the rise of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) and its theology often draws concern from those of us grounded in Scripture. But let’s be very clear: calling all Mormons “Satanists” or “children of the devil” is not how Jesus taught us to speak. That kind of judgment isn’t righteous boldness—it’s self-righteousness disguised as zeal¹. The Bible commands us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)², not with hatred, contempt, or slander. Yes, Jesus called out hypocrisy and sin—but always with the purpose of redemption, not condemnation. He ate with sinners, spoke gently with outcasts, and saved the very people others wanted to stone³. His harshest rebukes were reserved for the proud religious elite, not those honestly searching for truth in the wrong places. Christians today can and should reject LDS theology where it departs from Scripture⁴. But there is a crucial difference between discernment and division. S...
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The Baptisms of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery: Authority, Doctrine, and Controversy

In the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the baptisms of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery stand as pivotal events, both for their personal spiritual journeys and for establishing the Church’s foundational doctrines. According to Mormon teaching, baptism is an essential ordinance for the remission of sins and entry into God’s kingdom. Crucially, the Church emphasizes that baptism must be performed by someone holding the proper priesthood authority, specifically the Aaronic Priesthood, which includes the authority to baptize.⁴ In May 1829, John the Baptist is said to have appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, formally granting them the authority to perform baptisms.⁴ Following this, Smith and Cowdery baptized each other in the Susquehanna River near Harmony, Pennsylvania. Their baptisms were performed by immersion and in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, in accordance with Mormon doctr...
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New Order Mormons and the Weakening Grip of Mormonism

Over the past few decades, a notable trend has emerged within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: the rise of what some call “New Order Mormons.” These are individuals who identify as LDS but do not strictly adhere to traditional doctrines or practices. They may reinterpret or question key teachings, take a more flexible approach to social issues, or selectively participate in church life. In some cases, they attend church only sporadically, embrace modern social and political ideals, or challenge longstanding interpretations of scripture. This shift reveals a broader reality: Mormonism is weakening its hold on people. When a religious system must accommodate cultural liberals, reinterpret doctrines, and tolerate half-hearted observance just to keep members nominally affiliated, it signals that its traditional authority and influence are under pressure. Members increasingly feel empowered to pick and choose which doctrines to accept, how to practice their faith, and how cl...
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Are Latter-day Saints Really “Christians by Every Biblical Measure”?

I recently read a statement from a Latter-day Saint claiming that by “every biblical measure,” members of their faith are Christians. On the surface, it sounds reasonable: they worship Jesus, follow His teachings, repent, get baptized, and strive to live morally. But when you take a closer look at what the Bible actually says, the claim doesn’t fully hold up. Belief in Jesus It’s great that you believe in Jesus—that’s the starting point for all Christians. Mormons believe in Jesus—the Son of God, born of Mary, who suffered, died, and rose again. That’s essential. But here’s the catch: biblical Christianity teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, one with the Father. Mormon theology, by contrast, presents Jesus and the Father as separate beings and even teaches that humans can eventually become gods¹. That’s a major departure from Scripture. So while they believe in Jesus, their understanding of His nature doesn’t match what the Bible teaches. Following Jesus Trying to live like ...
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Mormonism: A Cult Disguised as Faith

Let’s be honest—when most people hear “Mormon Church” or “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” they think of wholesome families, missionaries, or Utah. But dig a little deeper, and you see a faith with origins, practices, and structures that are deeply troubling from a biblical standpoint. It all begins with Joseph Smith in the 1820s, a young man from upstate New York who claimed he had visions of God and Jesus, and later, visits from an angel named Moroni. This angel allegedly revealed golden plates containing the history of ancient American civilizations, which Smith translated into the Book of Mormon. No one else ever saw the plates, and the translation involved a seer stone in a hat—hardly what you’d call straightforward or verifiable. The early church also practiced secret polygamy, with Joseph Smith marrying dozens of women, some as young as 14, and founded the Kirtland Safety Society, a bank that failed and financially harmed members. The secrecy, extraordinary claims, ...
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Why Scholars and Critics Call It a Cult

By now, you’ve probably noticed a pattern in Mormonism: secret rituals, authoritarian leadership, social control, and doctrines that deviate from biblical teaching. These are exactly the reasons scholars and critics classify it as a cult rather than a traditional Christian denomination. A key factor is authoritarian control. The top leaders—the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—hold nearly absolute power over doctrine, finances, and member behavior. Members are expected to obey without question, and dissent is often discouraged. This mirrors the classic characteristics of high-demand religious groups described by sociologists and religious scholars. Another reason is exclusive claims to truth. Mormons believe that salvation and exaltation depend on temple rituals, secret ordinances, and adherence to church authority. This places the church, rather than Christ alone, at the center of salvation—a major departure from biblical teaching that salvation is by grace throu...
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Psychological and Social Impact on Members

One of the less obvious, but deeply significant, aspects of Mormonism is how it affects the psychological and social life of its members. From a Christian perspective, the church’s emphasis on obedience, secrecy, and hierarchical authority can create spiritual, emotional, and social pressure that moves people away from a direct relationship with Christ. Mormon teachings emphasize strict adherence to rules, rituals, and temple ordinances. Members are expected to tithe, attend meetings, participate in temple ceremonies, and follow church guidance on nearly every aspect of life. While these practices can foster community, they can also create anxiety, guilt, and fear of social rejection if someone questions or fails to comply. Socially, members can become isolated from non-Mormon friends and family, especially if they leave the church or express doubts. Excommunication and shunning are real risks, which can lead to emotional trauma and feelings of abandonment. Critics describe this as a f...
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