This review first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 18, number 4 (Spring 1996). For more information about the Christian Research Journal click here. Review of The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power D. Michael Quinn (Signature Books, 1994) This...
Results for "Mormons"
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The Basics Of Mormonism
The saga of Mormonism began in 1820, when a young man named Joseph Smith, Jr., purportedly experienced a spectacular vision. Two celestial personages appeared to him, claiming all existing churches were wrong, all their creeds were an abomination, and all their...
Was the Fall Necessary? Second Nephi 2 in the Book of Mormon
This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 27, number 3 (2004). For more information about the Christian Research Journal, click here. SYNOPSIS Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, emerged on the scene in the early nineteenth...
DNA Science Challenges LDS History
This article first appeared in the News Watch column of the Christian Research Journal, volume 27, number 1 (2004). For further information or to subscribe to the Christian Research Journal, click here. DNA evidence is offering a serious challenge to the Mormon...
What Does Jerusalem Have to Do with Provo?
This Viewpoint article first appeared in the CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL, volume 14, number 4 (Spring 1992). The full text of this article in PDF format can be obtained by clicking here. For further information or to subscribe to the CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL, click...
Mormonism and the Question of Truth
This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 15, number 1 (Summer 1992). For more information about the Christian Research Journal click here. SUMMARY The Mormon concept of, and approach to, the subject of truth is radically different...
Philosophical Problems with the Mormon Concept of God
This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 14, number 4 (Spring 1992). Most Christians who critique the Mormon view of God do so from a strictly biblical perspective. Christian apologists have correctly pointed out that Mormon...
The Mormon Doctrine of Salvation for the Dead: An Examination of Its Claimed Biblical Basis
This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 20, number 2 (November-December 1997). For more information about the Christian Research Journal click here. SUMMARY The Mormon church cites 1 Peter 3:18-20, 4:6, and 1 Corinthians 15:29 as...
How Wide the Divide? A Mormon and an Evangelical in Conversation
“Both Mormons and Evangelicals trust that they will be brought into a right relationship with God by Jesus Christ, who is both the Son of God and God the Son. Both believe in the substitutionary atonement of Christ, justification by faith in Christ, and...
Marching Toward Respectability: Mormon Wagon Train Reenactment Shows the Triumph of Image Over Substance
This article first appeared in the Christian Research REPORT, issue 1 (September / October 1997). For more information about the Christian Research Journal, click here. After 97 days of walking, riding, pushing handcarts and pulling wagons over more than 1,100...
My Family Came Across the Plains with Brigham Young
This article first appeared in the Christian Research Newsletter, volume 1, issue 2. For more information about the Christian Research Journal click here. I would like to thank CRI for all their wonderful work in bringing truth into my everyday walk with...
The Book of Mormon Vs The Bible
“. . .If we compare the historical, prophetical, and doctrinal parts of the Book of Mormon with the great truths of science and nature, we find no contradictions–no absurdities–nothing unreasonable.” Talmage’s Articles of Faith, page 505...
The Masonic Lodge and the Christian Conscience
This feature article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 16, number 3 (Winter 1994). For further information about the Christian Research Journal please click here. Summary The Masonic Lodge in America is a highly influential organization...
PDA’s and Apologetics
This article first appeared in the Effective Evangelism column of the Christian Research Journal, volume 26, number 3 (2003). During the cross-examination period of our debate on purgatory, Father Peter Stravinskas, noted theologian and author of The Catholic...
T.D. Jakes Responds to the Journal
This article first appeared in the From the Editor column of the Christian Research Journal, volume 22, number 3 (2001). Although he has not directly corresponded with the Journal, T. D. Jakes has publicly responded to last issue’s cover article, “The Man, His...
Faith of Our Fathers (Part 1): Were the Early Christians Jehovah’s Witnesses?
This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 18, number 3 (Winter 1996). To see Part Two of this series please click here. SUMMARY The Watchtower Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses) claims to be the sole religious group faithful to the...
To Every Muslim an Answer (Islam Series Part 2)
This article first appeared in Forward volume 8, number 4 (1986). The full PDF can be viewed by clicking here. Islam and Christianity are the two largest and most missionary-minded religions in the world. Their beliefs are very similar in many areas. They are...
The Encyclopedia of Biblical Errancy
This review first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 18, number 3 (1996). Summary Critique of C. Dennis McKinsey The Encyclopedia of Biblical Errancy Prometheus Books, 1995 The Encyclopedia of Biblical Errancy is hardly a piece of scholarship....
Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International
More than two years ago the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International (FGBMFI) was informed by Christian Research Institute that there were Mormons in membership in some of their local chapters, specifically Salt Lake City. The FGBMFI president did not...
Gnostic Christianity Revisited: Seek Your Inner Light
This review first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 26, number 3 (2003). A Review of Elaine Pagels, Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas New York: Vintage Books, 2003 Rubbish from the second century that is still rubbish1 is an apt...
Family Entertainment Network Moves to Dispel Controversy over New Testament Videos
The producers of a popular series of New Testament videos for children are hoping that speculation and controversy over their product’s Mormon connections will soon be put to rest. The set of twelve videos, called “Animated Stories from the...
Evangelizing the Cults and Renewing the Mind
This review first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 21, number 01 (1998). For further information about the Christian Research Journal, click here. When you support the Journal, you join the team and help provide the resources at equip.org that...
The Cult of Compromise Revisited
This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 21, number 02 (1998). For further information about the Christian Research Journal, click here. When you support the Journal, you join the team and help provide the resources at equip.org that...
Conversations with God: An Uncommon Dialogue
This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 20, number 5 (1998). For further information about the Christian Research Journal, click here. When you support the Journal, you join the team and help provide the resources at equip.org that...
The Shack
Click Here to listen. Over the last few months I've been hearing more and more about a book titled The Shack by William Young, who goes by his middle name, Paul. Some, like my mother, are profoundly disturbed by the content of this book. Others are saying that it is...
The Book of Mormon’s Credibility
Click Here to listen In the early 1800s, 1823 to be exact, the angel Moroni allegedly visited Mormon prophet Joseph Smith and divulged the location of some golden plates which contained the "fullness of the everlasting gospel." The plates abridged by Moroni and his...
The Prophet Jonah: Jonah’s “False Prophecy”
THE PROPHET JONAH- Introduction You wouldn’t normally expect Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and skeptics to agree on much of anything. Yet all three share a similar opinion regarding, of all things, the Book of Jonah. Can you guess what it is? The CRI Perspective in a...
Bible Manuscripts: The Reliability of Bible Manuscripts
THE BIBLE MANUSCRIPTS- Introduction Non-Christians, (skeptics like New Agers or Mormons) claim that in the process of copying Scripture the text of the Bible was corrupted. Is this really true? THE BIBLE MANUSCRIPTS- An Example Suppose you wrote an essay and asked...
The Occult: What is the difference between the words “Cult” and “Occult”?
CULT AND OCCULT- Introduction The words “cult” and “occult” are popular terms that should not be confused with one another. So, what is the difference between them? CULT AND OCCULT- Cult The term “cult” is typically used by the secular media to describe religious or...
Is the Roman Catholic Church a Cult?
IS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH A CULT?- Introduction Roman Catholicism — some say it’s a cult, while others believe that it is a bona fide Christian denomination. So, which side is correct? IS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH A CULT?- A Mixed Bag While Protestants continue to disagree...
The Reorganized Latter Day Saints
THE REORGANIZED LATTER-DAY SAINTS- Introduction Mormons refer to themselves as Latter-day Saints. But what exactly is the difference between them and the Reorganized Latter-day Saints? THE REORGANIZED LATTER-DAY SAINTS- Different from Mormons? Both the Utah Latter-day...
Quetzalcoatl: Did Jesus Appear in America?
QUETZALCOATL AND JESUS- Introduction Mormons believe that Jesus appeared in America shortly after His resurrection. Is this really true? QUETZALCOATL AND JESUS- "Other Sheep" Mormons claim that the “other sheep” mentioned in John 10:16 refers to displaced Israelites...
Mormon Temple: Mormon Temple Rituals
MORMON TEMPLE RITUALS- Introduction Temples play a central role in Mormonism. What exactly happens inside these somewhat mysterious structures? What are these Mormon Temple Rituals? MORMON TEMPLE RITUALS- Necessary for Godhood Only after meeting certain requirements...
Mormonism: Mormonism and the Claim to Restoration
MORMONS AND RESTORATION- Introduction Mormons claim that there was a falling away from the faith after the death of the Apostles. Does this mean that the church needed to be restored through Mormonism? MORMONS AND RESTORATION- The Church Corrupted? Joseph Smith, the...
What is the difference between the Mormon Jesus and the Jesus of the Bible?
THE MORMON JESUS- Introduction Mormons openly profess to believe in Jesus Christ. But is their Jesus different from the Jesus of the Bible? THE MORMON JESUS- The Real Jesus? It’s not uncommon for Mormons to argue that they should be regarded as Christians because...
What if I Am Asked to Pray about the Book of Mormon?
Mormons typically challenge non-Mormons to pray about the Book of Mormon and ask God if it’s true. What’s the best way to respond when put in this situation? Mormons commonly give their personal testimonies when they’re asked how they can be so...
What Is a Religious Cult?
WHAT IS A CULT?- Introduction With such an overwhelming number of religious groups around these days, it is necessary to understand the difference between a legitimate religious group and a cult. What exactly is a cult? WHAT IS A CULT- Definitions There are two ways...
Baptism for the Dead: Discerning Historical Precedent from Mere Prose
This article first appeared in Practical Hermeneutics column of the the Christian Research Journal, volume 29, number 6 (2006). For further information about the Christian Research Journal please click here. There have been instances in which the Christian...
Are There Limits To Religious Free Exercise
This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 28, number 05 (2005). The full text of this article in PDF format can be obtained by clicking here. For further information about the Christian Research Journal, click here. Religious freedom...
Using Analogies to Reach the Lost and Refute the Cults
This article first appeared in the Effective Evangelism column of the Christian Research Journal , volume 28, number 5 (2005). For further information about the Christian Research Journal please click here. Throughout history, preachers and teachers of God’s...
2 John 10: Should We Let Cultists into Our Houses?
This article first appeared in the Practical Hermeneutics column of the Christian Research Journal, volume 27, number 4 (2004). “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting” (2 John...
Context! Context! Context!
This article first appeared in the Practical Hermeneutics column of the Christian Research Journal , volume 26, number 2 (2003). “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him”...
How to get a Mormon’s Attention Long Enough to Point Him to Christ
This article first appeared in the Effective Evangelism column of the Christian Research Journal, volume 22, number 04 (2000). For further information or to subscribe to the Christian Research Journal click here. What are we after when we talk with members of the...
Faith of Our Fathers: Were the Early Christians Jehovah’s Witnesses? Parts 1 and 2
Listen to this article (51:23 min) Part one of this article appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 18, number 3 (Winter 1996). Part two of this article appeared in Christian Research Journal, volume 18,...
The World and National Councils of Churches
According to the constitution of the World council of Churches (WCC), their first function is "to call the churches to the goal of visible unity in one faith and in one eucharistic fellowship..." The National Council of Churches (NCC) has a similar goal. Both are...