Is The Book of Mormon true? Was Joseph Smith a prophet of God? Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The Mormon Church) really the same church the Savior established? The answer to these questions is yes!  This site is dedicated to supporting the LDS Church from an apologetic standpoint.

Here's a thought:  A great many Christians today seem to believe the Calvinistic notion that once they are saved they are will always be saved.  They say it is not possible to fall from grace.  The story of Saul in the Old Testament is contrary to this concept.  In Samuel 10:6-7 Saul is told by Samuel that the Spirit of the Lord would come upon him, and he would prophecy with the prophets and be turned into another man.  This is fulfilled in verses 10 and 11.  In verse 9 we read that God gave Saul "another heart".  Can anyone deny that Saul was born again?  And yet he betrayed the Lord's commandments and the kingship was taken from him.  David was chosen in his stead and Saul was forsaken by God, and eventually turned to a witch for guidance in 2 Samuel 28:3-19.  In 2 Samuel 7:14-15 we read: I will be his father, and he shall be my son.  If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: but my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.  Clearly, our own disobedience to God's commandments can influence whether God's spirit will remain upon us.

What's New?

In the next 2 weeks I will be upgrading the website.  I'm not sure if it will remain at this same URL but I will keep you all posted.

Please feel free to visit our yahoo! forum at:  www.groups.yahoo.com/group/Mormon_Defense.  Here we discuss the issues brought up against Mormonism.  All are welcome to join, be they LDS, Protestant, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthadox, or of any other faith group.  Please just keep in mind we are here for the sake of discussion, and not debate.

I am always interested in any article having to do with defending the LDS Church.  If you have one you'd like posted, please send it to Flournoi@yahoo.com. 

This page contains the files:

  • What do Mormons Believe?
  • Why Defend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
  • 11 Witnesses to The Book of Mormon

What do Mormons Believe?

 

            Perhaps you have heard of the Mormons and wonder what we believe.  Are we Christians?  Of course we are!  We Mormons, or Latter-day Saints, believe that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God.  We believe that Jesus took upon himself flesh and lived a perfect life, which he gave freely so mankind could be free from sin and death.  It is only through the atoning sacrifice of the Savior that anyone can enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  We also believe the Bible to be the word of God.

            Certainly the similarities between Latter-day Saints and other Christians are astonishing, but what sets us apart?  Quite simply it is this: we believe Jesus established a church in New Testament times, which was built on a foundation of prophets and apostles, he himself being the chief cornerstone.  After Christ was crucified his apostles took lead of the church because Jesus had bestowed upon them keys and authority to cast out demons, to heal the sick, and to receive revelation for the saints.

            Problems frequently came up in the infant church, and the apostles would solve them.  For example, several converted Jews began to teach that circumcision was still vital to salvation.  The apostles were needed therefore to teach that circumcision was no longer necessary.  Several letters in the New Testament correct false doctrines and practices that began to creep into the church.  And how did the apostles know so much?  Certainly their knowledge did not come from the Old Testament alone.  In Galatians, Paul reveals the source of his credibility.  But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:11-12).  Paul claimed his knowledge came directly from the source of truth.  Whether or not he ever met Jesus personally is beyond me, but I do know that Jesus continued to lead his church through his apostles after his death.

           

We believe there was an apostasy, or that the church Christ established fell away and was lost.  The apostles spoke of this frequently.  In Thessalonica the saints began to think Christ would come any time, but the apostles assured them the day of Christ would not come until there had been a falling away first (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3).  Even before the deaths of the apostles, apostasy began to sneak into the church.

There are accounts in the New Testament of this falling away in different parts of the world.  To the Corinthians Paul said, For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.  For there must be heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you (1 Corinthians 11:18-19).  To the Galatians he proclaimed, I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7).  To Timothy he wrote, This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes (2 Timothy 1:15).

Paul and Peter both give account of this dwindling of truth.  In The Acts Paul warns about what will occur after his departure.  The Acts 20:29-30 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.  Peter speaks to the saints in 2 Peter 2:1-3 saying, But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgement now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

The problem came by way of persecution.  Each of the apostles was killed, and after this tragedy there was no one to lead the church. Luckily, the writings of the prophets and apostles remained, but like today no one could agree on what they said.  Without revelation, keys, and authority from God to act in his name, the church could not be lead with the Bible alone.  In not much time the church was not as it had been.  Another error was the Nicene Creed, ordered by Emperor Constantine to unite all the religions into one in his empire.  Although the new religion was called Christianity it had been created a certain way to appease everyone.  Along with Christian beliefs there were also Pagan ones.  Over time several other Christian churches began to emerge, each trying to abide by their interpretation of the Bible.  Thus the original church of Christ fell and was no more. 

           

In 1820 a boy named Joseph Smith became confused over which church was right.  He visited several, but noted that each claimed to be the one true church, and yet different doctrines were taught.  As he studied the Bible he came to a verse in James 1:5 which reads, If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 

            Joseph Smith wrote in his journal that never had a scripture come more powerfully to the heart of man than that one had to his at that time.  With that thought in mind he ventured into a grove of trees and began to offer up the desires of his heart to God.  Something marvelous happened to him that day, and he would later write of his experience with these words: I saw a pillar of light, exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.  When the light rested upon me I saw two personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air.  One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other- This is my Beloved Son, hear him!

            That day when Joseph Smith went out to pray he was in truth visited by God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ.  The Lord instructed him there, and when Joseph asked which Christian sect he should join he was answered that he must join none of them.  Why?  Because not one of them was the same church Jesus had established.  None of them had prophets, apostles, revelation, Gods authority, or keys for leading the church.  Joseph was later called of God as prophet with the mission of restoring the Church of Christ as it had once existed.  This church would come to be called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  It is led today by a living prophet and twelve apostles, who continue to receive revelation from God.  The Priesthood has been returned to the church as well.  It is just as it was, for it was a complete restoration.

           

But how can one know if Joseph was really a prophet?  This is certainly an important question for anyone who is or isnt LDS.  If Joseph Smith was not a prophet, then the church he established is not true.  Jesus told his followers long ago how they would discern a true prophet from a false one.  Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.

            A prophet is to be judged by his fruits, or by what he brings forth.  There were several fruits brought forth by Joseph Smith; one such is a book called The Book of Mormon.  One night while praying in his room, Joseph was visited by an angel named Moroni, who told him there was an ancient record hidden in the hill Cumorah.  When Joseph went there he discovered a box buried underground, which contained gold plates with unusual writing on them.  After a certain time he was allowed to take the plates and translate them by the gift and power of God into what we now know as The Book of Mormon.

            The Book of Mormon begins in ancient Jerusalem, around the time of Jeremiah.  It was first written by a man named Nephi, whose family was commanded by God to flee from Jerusalem before Babylon overran it.  They traveled for several years in the wilderness, and eventually came to the Americas by boat.  Their descendants continued to write in the record for several centuries.  Like the Bible, it contained several books written by different prophets, but on another side of the world.  They recorded a miraculous event after the death of the savior in Jerusalem.  After he ascended into heaven he descended down and visited his people in America, allowing them to feel his hands and his feet, and teaching them what things he had done for them.  Jesus had once taught his disciples in the old world, And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd (John 10:16).

            Eventually, the people of the Americas began to grow wicked.  Wars erupted among them, and Christ was forgotten.  The truth was lost, and Moroni, the last Nephite prophet, buried the sacred record of the prophets.  It would remain hidden until Joseph Smith was led to it.

            The test to know whether Joseph Smith was a prophet is The Book of Mormon itself, for he brought it forth.  If The Book of Mormon is true, then surely Joseph Smith was the prophet of the Most High God.  As the Bible says, we must test the spirits of all things.  We must read The Book of Mormon, ponder it, and most importantly, pray to know if it is true.  God will give an answer to anyone who sincerely asks of Him.  The prophet Moroni, before burying the plates, wrote a promise to future generations to which the book would come. This promise is made in Moroni 10:3-5.

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

 

                I would like to share my testimony as well.  I have come to know by the great mercy of God that Jesus lives.  I know that his church is on the earth today, and that it is led, and will always be led by a prophet.  I know The Book of Mormon is the word of God.  The fact that revelation is still given today shows me that Heavenly Father loves us just as much today as he loved his people anciently.

 

            Lastly, if you desire to know what Latter-day Saints believe, I have included the Articles of Faith.  These were written by Joseph Smith and form the basis of our beliefs.

 

The Articles of Faith
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

1.        We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2.        We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.

3.        We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4.        We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5.        We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6.        We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7.        We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8.        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.

9.        We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10.     We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11.     We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

12.     We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13.     We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of PaulWe believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Joseph Smith

 

 

Why Defend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

 

            It is a well-known fact that forces are at work, seeking to undermine the Church.  This has been the case since the restoration.  Joseph Smith wrote in his history, Owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil-disposed and designing persons, in relation to the rise and progress of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, all of which have been designed by the authors thereof to militate against its character as a Church and its progress in the world- I have been induced to write this history, to disabuse the public mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts, as they have transpired, in relation both to myself and the Church, so far as I have such facts in my possession (Joseph Smith-History 1:1).

            Joseph Smith gives the very reasons for the defense of the Church.  It is to disabuse the public mind and to put inquires of the truth in possession of the facts!  For many Latter-day Saints, the witness of the Spirit overpowers any proof or argument the world could offer.  LDS apologetics are not intended to convince anyone that Joseph Smith was a prophet or that The Book of Mormon is true.  That is solely the job of the Holy Ghost; for John the Baptist said A man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven (John 3:27). The purpose of this defense is, however, to show as much as we are able that the accusations made against the Church are false.  This defense is for those who are honestly seeking the truth, but have been told lies and misconceptions about the Mormons.

 

            Growing up, I didnt believe there were arguments against the Church and it came as a rude awakening when I discovered not everyone was enthusiastic about its progress.  I began to wonder why anyone would try to disprove the Church, or why it offended them so.  I have spoken to many Christians in my days, and have discovered some of the reasons firsthand.

            Some have felt that we Latter-day Saints come off as being proud or uncharitable.  Surprisingly enough I have come across Mormons who do come across this way, so I know this is not entirely made up.  My personal opinion is this: if someone believes they have the truth, and others are deprived of it, they are in danger of being overcome by pride.  This is not only a concern for us as Latter-day Saints, but for all Christians upon the face of the earth.  Even Mormons who possess great knowledge are not ready to enter heaven if they are proud. 

Alma 5:28 Behold, are ye stripped of pride? I say unto you, if ye are not ye are not prepared to meet God. Behold ye must prepare quickly; for the kingdom of heaven is soon at hand, and such an one hath not eternal life.

          

    Another concern is the idea of a restoration.  Many Protestants feel this doctrine is an attack on Christianity.  If there had to be a restoration it is thought that all other Christians must be wrong. Here is the most common reason I have heard for defaming the LDS Church (this example is taken from an actual site about Mormonism).

    A Christians response to the claims of the Mormon Church, is not a mean spirited attack on their faith, it is a response to Joseph Smiths attack on Christianity.

How could anyone say such things?  When did Joseph Smith ever attack the Christian Church?  Please allow me to show you where this idea comes from.

Joseph Smith History 1:19 I was answered (by the Savior) that I must join none of them (the Christian sects), for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.

I would like to refute the statement made by so many Christians today.  Joseph Smith did not say those things about the Christian Church.  God did.  However, this is not to say that Christians dont have truth.  We agree with Protestants on the divinity of Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of the Holy Bible.  There are things they can learn from us, but there are also things we can learn from them.  We are not smarter than Protestants, the difference is we have the priesthood and can perform ordinances required to help us return to our Heavenly Father.

 

            I would like to relate my own reasons for interest in LDS apologetics.  When I was a full-time missionary for the Church I regrettably did not know much of the doctrine.  One day, my companion and I ran across an Evangelical scholar who sat us down for three hours to show us why the Mormon Church was false.  By the time I left I felt sick to my stomach; he had utterly convinced me of the error of my ways.  I couldnt believe I had been so foolish, and that my parents and so many of my friends had fallen for the trick that was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

            But something else happened that day.  A desire came into my heart which I had never before felt.  It was the desire to really know for myself if the Church was true, especially by what the Bible said.  I began to study with an intensity I had never known, and miraculously I began to find answers to every question in my mind.  I believe someone was showing me the truth.  I also received powerful spiritual witnesses after I had studied.  Ironically I owe that Evangelical a great deal of gratitude for helping my testimony grow stronger than it ever might have, although he might not be pleased to hear it.

            However, I cannot forget that feeling of depression I had leaving that first meeting.  It is my hope that a remedy can be provided for that very thing.  I also know that this gospel means more to me than anything else in my life.  I have several friends of other denominations and my desire is for them to know what I know and have what I have.  This gospel is not a gospel of keeping everything to ourselves and being lifted up in pride, it is a gospel of sharing.  I found it fitting to create a site for those who are "kept from the truth because they know not where to find it (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12)."  My prayer is for the truth to go forward by all necessary means!

 

 

11 Witnesses to The Book of Mormon

  During several discussions I've been involved with, I have been asked to offer proof validating The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Specifically I've been asked to provide the gold plates which Joseph Smith claimed to translate The Book of Mormon from.  The plates where taken up by the angel Moroni and are nowhere to be found upon the earth.  In a world where proof determines the truth of everything this is seen as a major flaw in our religion.  But what if I told you there were eleven witnesses who saw the gold plates for themselves?  I have placed their testimonies below.

     2 Corinithians 13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

TESTIMONY OF THREE WITNESSES

     Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
 
Oliver Cowdery
David Whitmer
Martin Harris
 
 
THE TESTIMONY OF EIGHT WITNESSES
     Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie not, God bearing witness of it.
 
Christian Whitmer
Jacob Whitmer
Peter Whitmer, Jun
John Whitmer
Hiram Page
Joseph Smith, Sen
Hyrum Smith
Samuel H. Smith
 
    These men did not bare this witness in an attempt to become rich or famous, nor were they promised positions of power in the Church.  In fact some of them eventually left the Church, because of various personal conflicts, but not one of them ever denied the testimony given of The Book of Mormon.  In a court of law proof is always important to provide, but a handful of witnesses all saying the same thing are never ignored.  These eleven witness attesting to the actual existence of The Book of Mormon plates must not be looked past either, neither can the millions of Latter-day Saints who say they know it to be true today.  The Book of Mormon is indeed a powerful book to have affected so many lives.
     Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

 

Disclaimer: This site is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in any way.  The arguements made here are according to the authors' views, and do not necessarily reflect the stance of the Church.