Mormon Doctrine of Scripture Compared to Christianity
In this conversation, Bryan, Bo, and Katie discuss LDS Article of Faith 8, which states that Mormons believe in the Bible as far as it is translated correctly, as well as the Book of Mormon. They explore the implications of this belief, including the doubt it introduces into Bible study and the emphasis on the Book of Mormon in LDS teachings. They also discuss the Gospel Topics Essays, which address controversial topics in Mormon history, and the impact of leaving the Mormon Church on individuals and families. The conversation highlights the importance of a biblical worldview and the nourishment found in preaching from the Bible. Article of Faith number nine in Mormonism states that continuing revelation is critical to their belief system, with modern-day prophets revealing God's Word today. However, this belief contradicts the Christian view that the Bible is the only complete and final authority in faith and life. Mormons hold the words of a modern prophet above God's revealed word in the Bible, which can be dangerous as it allows modern culture to influence doctrine. The foundation of faith in Christianity is God's Word, which provides a direct relationship with God and serves as the complete and final authority in life.
Takeaways
- Mormons believe in the Bible as far as it is translated correctly, but they also believe in the Book of Mormon.
- The emphasis on the Book of Mormon in LDS teachings can overshadow the importance of the Bible.
- The Gospel Topics Essays address controversial topics in Mormon history and have caused many Mormons to question their faith.
- Leaving the Mormon Church can be a difficult and emotional process, as it challenges deeply held beliefs and can lead to social ostracism.
- A church that preaches from the Bible as the inspired, authoritative, and infallible Word of God can provide a nourishing spiritual experience. Mormons believe in continuing revelation through modern-day prophets, while Christians believe that the Bible is the only complete and final authority in faith and life.
- Mormons prioritize the words of a modern prophet over God's revealed word in the Bible, which can lead to changes in doctrine influenced by culture.
- The foundation of faith in Christianity is God's word, which provides a direct relationship with God and serves as the complete and final authority in life.
- Believing in Jesus and accepting the Bible as the ultimate authority can lead to a transformed life and salvation.
Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here.
LDS:“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.”
- AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).
LDS:“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.”
- AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).
Hebrews 1:1-3 (NLT) 1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. 3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.
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