Lifting The Veil

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, ...

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...

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...

If you think Mormonism’s challenges were only in the 19th century, think again. The church has faced a number of historical and modern controversies that reveal ongoing concerns about doctrine, leadership, and social policies. From a Christian perspective, these controversies further underscore why critics label it a cult. One major issue was the race and priesthood ban. Until 1978, Black men were not allowed to hold the priesthood or participate fully in temple ordinances. Although the church officially lifted this ban, its legacy continues to raise questions about racial equality and divine revelation in Mormon theology. Another area of concern is the treatment of LGBTQ+ members. The church has historically opposed same-sex relationships and, in some cases, encouraged conversion therapy. These policies have caused emotional harm to many members and contradict biblical principles of love, justice, and compassion (Micah 6:8, NLT). Financial transparency has also been controversial. The...

When you look at the Mormon Church today, one of the things that stands out is its highly centralized authority. From a Christian perspective, this structure raises concerns because it puts immense power in the hands of a few leaders rather than emphasizing God’s guidance through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. At the top of the hierarchy are the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. These leaders make decisions that affect doctrine, daily life, finances, and discipline for millions of members worldwide. Local congregations have little autonomy, and members are expected to follow instructions without question. This structure reinforces loyalty and obedience to human authority over personal discernment in light of biblical teaching. The church also exercises strict discipline through excommunication and shunning. Members who question doctrine, leadership, or policies can be formally disciplined, and in some cases, ostracized from their community. This type of social con...

If you thought the origins of Mormonism were surprising, wait until you hear about the secret doctrines and temple rituals that keep members deeply invested in the faith. From a Christian perspective, these practices raise serious concerns because they replace or obscure the centrality of Jesus Christ and Scripture. Joseph Smith introduced temple ceremonies in the 1840s, long after the church was founded. Members enter these temples for rituals such as washings, anointings, and endowments, which are designed to prepare them for exaltation. One of the striking features is the secrecy—members are instructed not to reveal details of these ceremonies to outsiders, even family. This level of secrecy is unusual for a Christian faith, where transparency and shared teaching of Scripture are central. Another critical element is the Mormon doctrine of eternal marriage and exaltation. Members are taught that only through temple sealing can families be united for eternity, and that faithful adhere...

So, let’s talk about the beginnings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—what most people call the Mormon Church. If you’ve ever wondered why some Christians and scholars refer to it as a cult, it really helps to start at the very beginning. The story kicks off in the 1820s with a young man named Joseph Smith in upstate New York. According to his own accounts, he had a series of visions. First, he claimed that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. Then an angel named Moroni supposedly visited him and told him about golden plates buried in a hill, which contained the history of an ancient American civilization. Smith said he translated these plates into what we now know as the Book of Mormon. The early 19th century in America was marked by the Second Great Awakening, a period of religious fervor, revivalism, and new sects. Joseph Smith’s claims fit into a broader trend of charismatic leaders emerging with new religious movements. This era also included intense d...

Tithes, Investments, and Ethical Questions: How Religious Wealth Aligns—or Conflicts—with Biblical Stewardship The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormon Church, claims over 17 million members worldwide. Alongside spiritual instruction, the church manages an enormous financial empire—collecting billions in tithes, holding extensive real estate, and maintaining a portfolio of businesses and investments. While some of this wealth supports humanitarian and missionary work, the majority is retained, raising the question: how much of this wealth is truly advancing God’s mission? Estimates suggest that the LDS Church collects $7–8 billion annually from member tithing. These funds are claimed to support local congregations, temples, missionary efforts, and church operations. In addition, Ensign Peak Advisors, the church’s investment arm, reportedly manages a portfolio exceeding $100 billion, including stocks, bonds, and other securities. Critics...

The LDS Church claims it is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:30) and teaches that “all men must come unto this church or be damned” (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 136). That’s not a casual statement—it’s a bold, dangerous claim. By saying this, the Church places itself above Christ, above the Bible, and above every faithful Christian who has followed God for centuries. But the Bible is clear: God alone has ultimate authority. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Salvation is through Christ alone—not any human institution. Paul tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16–17 that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The Bible alone is sufficient for faith, doctrine, and living a righteous life (Grudem, 1994; E...

Let’s talk about the golden plates Joseph Smith said he carried—the ones that supposedly contained the Book of Mormon. According to descriptions, these plates were roughly 7 by 8 inches and about 6 inches thick, made of gold. Given gold’s density, they would weigh over 1,200 pounds. Yet Joseph and his witnesses claimed to carry and even lift these plates with ease. That just doesn’t add up. This kind of inconsistency is a big red flag. The Bible’s miraculous events always align with God’s nature and power—not with physical impossibilities or contradictions. Unlike Mormonism, biblical miracles have clear context and purpose, and God’s Word never contradicts natural laws in a way that defies common sense without explanation. The Bible warns us to test claims carefully: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). When a foundational story of a religion clashes with facts and reason, it’s worth questioning its authenticity. Th...

In Mormonism, there’s this teaching that at the time Adam was created, only God the Father had a physical body—implying that Jesus and the Holy Spirit didn’t have bodies yet. But the Bible says something interesting in Genesis 1:26: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” Why “our” and not “my”? That’s not just a grammatical quirk; it reveals a deep truth about God’s nature. The Bible consistently shows God as a Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—all fully God, existing together eternally (Matthew 28:19, John 1:1–3, John 10:30). They work in perfect unity. That plural pronoun “us” in Genesis is a hint at the plurality within the Godhead, a divine council or the triune nature of God. Mormonism’s view separates the Father from the Son and Holy Spirit in ways that don’t line up with this biblical revelation. It teaches that Jesus and the Spirit came to have bodies later, which contradicts the eternal, unchanging nature of God described in Scripture (Hebrews 13:8, John 17:5)....

Let’s be real: if the Book of Mormon is truly inspired and God-breathed, why has it undergone thousands of changes since the first edition in 1830? Gerald and Sandra Tanner have documented over 3,900 edits—not counting punctuation changes. Verses like 1 Nephi 11:21, 19:20, 20:1, and Alma 29:4 have seen notable revisions. That’s a lot of shifting, especially for a book claiming divine perfection. The Bible, by contrast, is God’s Word preserved through the centuries with remarkable consistency. Yes, small copyist differences exist, but the core message has remained intact. Scripture itself assures us that God’s Word is perfect and endures forever (Psalm 12:6–7, Isaiah 40:8). The Holy Spirit inspired the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16) and continues to preserve its truth in all languages. The fact that Mormonism’s key scripture needs so many corrections exposes its human origins. The Bible warns seriously against adding or subtracting from God’s Word: “If anyone adds to these things, God will add ...

Here’s a big inconsistency that often gets overlooked. Mormon Article of Faith #8 says, “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.” Notice the phrase “as far as it is translated correctly” only applies to the Bible, not the Book of Mormon. That’s puzzling—because when you look closely, the Book of Mormon has way more issues with changes, additions, and translation inconsistencies than any Bible translation. Early editions of the Book of Mormon show dozens of edits and corrections, while the Bible’s text has been preserved and refined over centuries through thousands of manuscripts and translations guided by careful scholarship and the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible warns against adding or taking away from God’s Word: “If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book” (Revelation 22:18). That applies equally to any scripture claiming divine origin. Morm...

Within Mormonism, a striking double standard is evident: while the movement criticizes Christianity for having tens of thousands of denominations, it overlooks the fact that Mormonism itself has splintered into numerous factions, each claiming exclusive authority from Joseph Smith. From the mainstream LDS Church to the Community of Christ, Fundamentalist LDS groups, and other smaller sects, the pattern is clear—authority is claimed, fractured, and disputed. This raises a simple question: if Mormonism’s critique of Christianity’s diversity is valid, shouldn’t it apply equally to the movement itself? For a faith that claims to restore the “true church of Jesus Christ,” how can internal divisions be reconciled with the idea of divine guidance and unity? The inconsistency is glaring. While Mormon leaders emphasize obedience to the chain of authority, they ignore the historical fact that these very claims have led to dozens of competing organizations, each asserting their version of Smith’s...

It’s hard to ignore the strong similarities between the Book of Mormon and View of the Hebrews—a book published in 1823, seven years before Joseph Smith’s Book of Mormon, and not far from where his family lived. These parallels in content and structure suggest that the Book of Mormon might have drawn from contemporary ideas rather than divine revelation. This highlights a key problem with Mormonism: its origins don’t line up with the biblical pattern of divine inspiration and prophetic authenticity. The Bible, inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), is consistent, prophetic, and stands the test of time. It wasn’t written under suspicious circumstances or borrowed from local folklore. The Bible warns us to test teachings carefully: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). When we do, we find that Mormonism’s historical context and sources raise serious doubts about its divine origin. Biblical truth is grounded in God’s eternal...

Here’s the deal. Mormonism claims that only the original English translation of the Book of Mormon is inspired by God. So what happens when that book is translated into French, Spanish, or any other language? How can anyone be sure those translations are accurate or inspired? They can’t, and that’s a big problem. The Bible, on the other hand, doesn’t rely on one single translation or secret inspiration tied to a single language or person. The original manuscripts were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Over centuries, God preserved His message through careful copying and widespread use. The Holy Spirit guides the Church in understanding God’s Word across languages and cultures (John 14:26). More importantly, the Bible is consistent, internally coherent, and backed by a long history of manuscripts and translations verified by countless scholars and believers (2 Timothy 3:16). Its authority doesn’t depend on the language but on the Spirit who inspired it. Mormonism’s reliance on only...

Let’s keep it simple and straight from the heart. If you're a Mormon and you truly care about what God says, then I ask you this with all sincerity: would you read the Bible cover to cover—with no filters, no outside commentary—and just ask God to show you whether it’s complete? Just you, God's Word, and prayer. Mormonism teaches that the Bible is incomplete, that parts are missing or corrupted, and that the Book of Mormon is needed to restore “truth.” But here’s the problem: the Bible doesn’t agree with that. In fact, it directly contradicts it. Scripture says “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Not some Scripture. All. It also says God’s Word is pure and needs no addition: “Every word of God proves true... Do not add to His words” (Proverbs 30:5–6). Jude 1:3 tells believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” That means it was already complete—no ext...

Here’s the straight talk: if the Nephi Plates were real and truly from God, why were they taken back to heaven? Shouldn’t something so important stay here on earth—especially if, as Mormonism claims, those plates are the foundation of restored truth? Now compare that to how God handled His Word in the Bible. When He gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, they were written by His own finger (Exodus 31:18). And He didn’t take them back. He told Israel to keep them, store them in the Ark (Deuteronomy 10:1–5), and pass them down from generation to generation. God doesn’t give truth and then hide it. He makes it known. That’s the problem with the Mormon story—it’s not biblical. The Bible says truth must be confirmed by witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15), and when Jesus rose from the grave, He showed Himself to over 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:6). God doesn’t rely on secret visions or hidden artifacts to prove who He is. He reveals Himself clearly and publicly. Mormonism claims Joseph Smith transla...

I have often encountered members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who speak passionately about a “Great Apostasy” — the belief that the true Church of Christ completely fell away from the earth after the time of the apostles, leaving a void that necessitated a restoration through Joseph Smith. This teaching, I have learned directly from my Mormon friends, is central to their faith. Yet it is a misunderstanding that twists the clear testimony of Scripture and misrepresents the enduring faithfulness of God’s covenant people. Let me be clear from the outset: I am not claiming there was a full apostasy in the sense of a complete, universal falling away from the true Church. According to Scripture, apostasy means a willful rebellion against God, a renunciation of the faith once delivered to the saints. The Bible warns us about this kind of apostasy: “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until there is a great rebellion against God” (2 Thessal...

In a world filled with ghost stories, fantasy novels, and near-spiritual experiences, our culture is increasingly drawn to the idea that the dead linger among us, offering guidance or comfort. Popular media—from Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings to The Spiderwick Chronicles and Goosebumps—normalizes communication with spirits, ghostly visitations, and magical knowledge of the unseen world. But while these stories are fiction, a deeper concern arises when such spiritual ideas form the foundation of a real-world religion. This is precisely what we find in the origins of Mormonism. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) was founded by Joseph Smith, a man deeply involved in folk magic, divination, and the use of seer stones. Smith practiced “glass-looking”—placing a stone in a hat and peering into it to find buried treasure. Historical documents show that he was charged in court for fraudulent activities related to this practice (Vogel 2004, Quinn 1998). He used the sam...