Cult Fiction?

True or False?

The country with the highest proportion of LDS is the U.S.A.

False

True or False?

Polygamy, having multiple wives, is currently an integral part of the LDS.

False

True or False?

The Mormon religion outlawed polygamy so that Utah may be granted statehood.

True

True or False?

The Mormons ironically own Pepsi, even though most good Mormons abstain from caffeinated drinks.

False

True or False?

Mormons at one time believed that Indians were cursed with dark skin because they had disobeyed God.

True

True or False?

Mormons will have themselves baptized on behalf of a dead relative so that this relative may “go to heaven.”

True

True or False?

All Mormons go to their temple to worship at least two times a week.

False

True or False?

Mormons believe that couples married in their temple will oversee and populate their own world in the hereafter.

True

True or False?

Mormon’s believe that God is spirit, He rules over all, and He is eternal.

False

True or False?

Brigham Young played a major role in creating the manifesto that outlawed polygamy in the LDS.

False

Cult Fiction?

Know Your Cults!

Know Your Cults!Mormons (a.ka. The

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

History• Founded on April 6, 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr.• This is the date he established the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-Day Saints (LDS) with 6 original members and a few hundred followers.

• Smith is killed in jail in Carthage, IL.• Brigham Young becomes president and leads followers to

establish Salt Lake City, Utah in 1847.• By the year 2000, Mormons are 11 million strong world-wide,

with 5.2 million in the US.• LDS has over 58,000 missionaries in 161 countries.• LDS has more than 25,000 local congregations and 106

temples.

Why a cult?• God is an exalted man.• Humans are gods in embryo.• Salvation: we all will achieve eternal

life, but only the best Mormons will achieve godhood and live in the celestial kingdom.

• Scripture: Only a proper translation of the King James Version. Oh and then there’s this OTHER testament and two very important little known books!

Oops!• That shady Joseph Smith.• Family-friendly? (Celestial marriage and stuff)• What’s up with those temples?• You can save that dead, mean great uncle.• Plates, Reformed Egyptian, Nephites vs.

Lamanites, and more great fiction!• Deal or no deal: celestial, terrestrial and telestial.• Polytheism all the way.• Adam & Eve all over again!

Our Response• Be aware of the unique doctrine of Mormons.

• Be aware that Mormons see call themselves Christian and use a lot of our same lingo.

• Warn the Mormon about trusting in feelings (burning in the bosom).

• Emphasize salvation as a gift to be received not a meri to be earned.

The Final Word

• Genesis 3:2-5

• Revelation 22:18-19

• Romans 12:2