Archive for category: Mormonism

In 2007, Dr. White provided a helpful series on Mormonism, entitled, “Mormonism 101.” Until now, there does not seem to have been a handy index of those posts. I’ve provided such an index below, using the headlines that Dr. White provided at the time. I’ve also thrown in a special item that was released on Mormonism during the series, and

   I just had this series of, well, non-videos by the folks over at “FAIR” (one of the least accurately named groups out there) pointed out to me on YouTube. We have made this radio program available for years. In any case, I find it odd that they would post this, given that Peterson, in particular, has declined every debate challenge

   When I went up to Salt Lake this past weekend I had the opportunity of recording an episode of The Ancient Paths television show, sponsored by the Orthodox Presbyterian Church there in Salt Lake (Christ Presbyterian Church). Though it will air tonight, the episode has already been posted. It is about 57 minutes in length, so be aware of that,

I finally get to post something. Well, nothing of real substance (i.e. the particular post that is). You will forgive me as I am currently in seminary, and since I started I’ve had no real breaks (summer included). And so at this point, this is the best I can do. For those interested in Mormonism, you may want to listen

I spoke on the topic of the “eternal law of progression” in Mormonism in Anchorage this morning. Here is the video.

Imagine being in a restaurant enjoying a great meal with your family. Your ears begin to walk over to the table behind you, as you hear the words “cult,” “church history”, “old light,” “new light,” etc. The problem is the details of the conversation are muffled. Since you know enough about the cults of Christianity, your mind is bouncing back

Dr. White was a guest on Issues, Etc. with Todd Wilken, Jan. 14 discussing “Joseph Smith’s First Vision.” Program starts at 28:04. Click here to download and listen. The interview was in reference to Dr. White’s article titled “Joseph Smith’s First Vision Tested” in the current CRI Journal Vol. 30, No. 6, 2007. BTW: Sandra Tanner, Bill McKeever, and John

   I will be teaching a seminary level class on Islam for the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary starting in late January here in the Phoenix area. I have been teaching for GGBTS at various of their campuses since 1995. I have taught Greek, Greek Exegesis, Hebrew, Hebrew Exegesis, Systematic Theology, Christology, Philosophy of Religion, Special Studies in Patristics, and a

   Big news in the world of Mormonism as Signature Books has released The William E. McLellin Papers 1854-1880). This major work contains a collection of writings once considered legendary. McLellin was an early convert to Mormonism who left when he saw the major changes in teaching and theology taking place in Joseph Smith. I have ordered the work, but one

   The LDS Church answered the next two questions submitted to them with the same words: Q: If so, does the Church believe that God lives on a planet named Kolob? Q: Where is the planet Kolob? What significance does the planet have to Mormons? A: ‘Kolob’ is a term found in ancient records translated by Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith did

For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and

Back when I first started studying Mormonism I encountered a lot of believingMormons. Men and women who actually believed Joseph Smith was a prophet–a real prophet, and that the Book of Mormon was really true, and that the LDS Church had something called Latter-day Revelation which was, well, actually revelation. Evidently, those Mormons are now long gone, at least as

   I confess, I do not understand it. How a religion can play the “political correctness” game is completely beyond me. Yes, I know–in today’s culture, everyone is a victim, everyone is a martyr, and now if you dare even ask let alone answer a question about someone’s religious faith, you are being mean-spirited and everyone will demand an apology from

   I am listening to the Today Show with Matt Lauer. He is interviewing Mitt Romney, and Romney has just claimed that the LDS Church has “clarified” a question raised by Huckabee. Evidently Huckabee asked something along the lines of, “Don’t Mormons believe the Devil and Jesus are brothers?” NBC then indicated that LDS leaders had “denied” this assertion.    I have

THUS SAYETH THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS    If we assume that a publication copyrighted by the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be logically called “official,” we find a number of statements concerning the literal paternity of Christ in “official” documents written over the last thirty years. For example, from the Family Home Evenings

MORE AUTHORITIES TESTIFY    One of the strongest sources we can turn to regarding this doctrine is the official pronouncement titled, “The Father and The Son: A Doctrinal Exposition by the First Presidency and the Twelve.” Under the subtitle, “Father as Literal Parent,” we find these words: Scriptures embodying the ordinary signification-literally that of Parent-are too numerous and specific to require

   But of all LDS authorities, Apostle Bruce R. McConkie provides the clearest, most pointed affirmations of this doctrine. In his book, Mormon Doctrine, in defining the phrase, “Only Begotten Son,” he wrote, These name-titles all signify that our Lord is the only Son of the Father in the flesh. Each of the words is to be understood literally. Only means

THE TWENTIETH CENTURY    Two LDS authorities figure prominently in teaching the literal physical parentage of Jesus Christ by the Father in the twentieth century, James Talmage and Bruce R. McConkie. We will look at their statements first, and then provide other confirmatory proclamations by other LDS leaders. Finally, we will look at books published by the LDS Church that also

Nineteenth Century Teachings    Since it is said that this doctrine is primarily found in the nineteenth century, we should take the time to find out if those LDS leaders that modern apologists admit speculated on this topic were, in fact, saying, This is my speculation and opinion only, or whether in fact they taught this doctrine as a divine truth,

   Mormonism continues to show great shame for its own roots and its own history, resulting in the (dishonest) rewriting of its own history. One of the most embarrassing teachings of the LDS Church and its leaders has to do with the teaching that Jesus is the physical offspring of Elohim, the Father, who likewise has a physical body. That is,

Robert Millet seems to be the new man on the block to make Mormonism more palatable. If you have not read it yet, don’t miss Gary L.W. Johnson’s chapter The Reformation, Today’s Evangelicals, and Mormons: What Next? in By Faith Alone: Answering the Challenges to the Doctrine of Justification (Crossway, 2007). In Johnson’s chapter, he corrects Millet’s communication of a

   This is some of the biggest news I’ve seen coming out of Mormonism in quite some time. Here is the Salt Lake Tribune article (ht: TC). Changing a single word in the introduction to the Book of Mormon may not seem like a huge thing to most folks, but it is the word that is changed that says a lot.

Last month James informed us that Sandra Tanner was scheduled to be on the Bible Answer Man. Her appearance was reschedule for this week and Sandra was on BAM Tuesday (10/16) and Wednesday (10/17). Click here to listen in.

   I just received notice that Sandra Tanner, one of the greatest living experts on Mormonism, will be on The Bible Answer Man Broadcast next week, Tuesday and Wednesday, September 18th and 19th. Anyone who has ever spent time talking to Sandra knows she is an encyclopedic resource of information about the history and beliefs of Mormonism, so I would encourage

In the latest edition of Reformation21, Issue 24 (September 2007), an article appears by James titled “Truth and Honesty in Evaluating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Click here to read. The rest of the latest edition is here.