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, ...

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 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...