How to Witness to a Mormon

12 January

How To Witness

      We receive countless e-mails and phone calls on a daily basis asking us how to witness to a friend or loved one in Mormonism.  While I’ve numbered the tips below for witnessing it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re in order of importance.

     However, it is important is to remember that everything I’ve listed for tips on how to witness will be a totally new experience to the Mormon.  When I converted to Christianity I was a few months shy of my thirtieth birthday, and quickly learned every single thing I had known up until that time was a lie.

 1- Dr. Walter Martin once said; “Don’t explain Christianity by experiential reasoning but by demonstrative explanation only”.

     This isn’t the time for “goose-bump” moments.  Be direct, making it perfectly clear that Jesus is God by showing them how and why the scripture has been fulfilled, how they can be saved, etc.

 2-Remember they’ve given up their spirit, albeit unknowingly at times, to Ba’al.

 3-Having the last word will kill your witness.  Walk away.

 4-Body language is of utmost importance.  For example; don’t fold your arms around a Mormon, especially while praying.

 5-When they give their testimony, interrupt them.  For example, drop a book to bring them out of their trance.  Pay attention to their eyes as they usually dilate during “bearing of their testimony”.  This is a method of self-hypnosis.  While they obviously don’t realize they’ve done this to themselves, it is quite common.

     Bearing their testimony and praying is done by rote in Mormonism and is much like chanting which compromises their cognitive thinking.

     They’ve been taught testimonies and prayers mustn’t be too lengthy or wordy, but to make sure they always include they know “Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God and the LDS Church is the only true church on the face of the earth”.  They will close their testimony by saying “I bear you my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, amen”.

 6-Ask the Mormon:  “What the most significant thing is to you personally about the organization?”  This causes them to think.

 7-When they use scripture to defend themselves, ask them to qualify it for you.  What is the location of the verse, is it in context, etc., Ninety-nine percent of the time you’ll have to show them where it is in their own Bible.  Know the order of the books in the Bible.  Ask them how they knew they could trust the verses they used from the Bible.  LDS Article of Faith 1:8 says; “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly…

 8-Remember that as a Christian you’re dealing in the spiritual realm, not with the actual person in the cult.  Eph. 6:12; “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 9-When they ask you where you got your authority from; tell them you got it from the same place John the Baptist got his – that would be God.  Scriptural proof of your authority can be found in Acts 1:8 and Matt. 28:18-20.

 10-While praying never allow the Mormon to do the praying.  Remember they’re not worshipping the God of the Bible.  You take the authority and introduce them to the idea of holding hands during prayer.  It is unsettling to the Mormon, but show them with love how it is done.  Remember that body language speaks louder than words at times.

 11-If at all possible use a KJV Bible when witnessing to the Mormon.  While their reasoning for “KJV only” seems ambiguous since they don’t believe it’s been translated correctly, we want to remember what Paul taught in 1 Cor. 9:22; “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

 12-Please do this in love.  Eph. 4:15; “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

Life After Ministries © 2013

Leading Mormons to the Real Jesus Christ  …

1 Cor. 1:18; “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

michelle@lifeafter.org

www.lifeafter.org

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32 Responses to “How to Witness to a Mormon”

  1. Bethenia January 22, 2011 at 7:25 am #

    What is the reason for “don’t fold your arms around a Mormon, especially while praying.” in #4?
    What other types of body language should we avoid when talking to them?

    • Kevin August 30, 2017 at 3:24 pm #

      This is the funniest website I’ve ever seen. It’s also sad that your arguments against Mormons are based purely on speculative fear and you have to look for nuances in how Mormons food arms and all that other stuff. Whenever I read anti Mormon stuff i find it contentious, opinionated, and shalllow. Case in point, Mormons in general are more kind, more trustworthy, have more successful marriages, have a determination to be more Christlike, and are healthier than all other faiths and non-faith people. Now, Ba’al must have really messed up when deceiving Mormons (or rather satans plan to deceive Mormons, you choose) because that plan clearly turned many Mormons out to be great upstanding people. I think mainly born again Christians are just scared of Mormonism because with Mormonism, there is just more accountability to God. People don’t like to be accountable and to that end they use the Lord as an excuse by saying that in Him the law for this or that has been fulfilled. Just look at the concept of being self centered vs Christ centered. And for those that want to fire back with something from the bible, note the bible was written 300 years after Christ died and it was complied by a bunch of guys sitting in a room deciding on what to put in there and what to omit.

      So, witnessing to a Mormon, you guys are funny that you would even have to have a site like this and just the fact that there are all these anti Mormon websites (largely written by narcissists in my honest opinion) just furthers my testimony in the gospel the Jesus Christ intended. How should you witness that? By looking at the teachings and seeing how they apply to the concept of Christ centered vs self centered. Then you shall truly witness.

    • Bhab April 29, 2018 at 7:09 pm #

      I’m a Mormon, and I enjoy having people of other faiths witness to me of their faith. Any personal love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is praiseworthy.
      I could comment on certain misunderstood or erroneous parts in your guide, but they aren’t as important as my telling you we do believe in Jesus, that there is only one Christ, and that He is the only way we can continue being saved and return to our Heavenly Father. The same belief as any other Christian.
      Cheers!

  2. lifeafterministry January 23, 2011 at 9:41 pm #

    Hi! The reason for folding of the arms is twofold.

    One – is that it’s a way to control how the members behave. Everything they do and say while in a church setting and extending into the homes during private prayer is controlled. You will act, think, say and do as they say – otherwise it’s deemed as not being “reverent” before God.
    Two – what do you think of when someone is folding their arms while you’re speaking to them? Folding of arms is a way to close oneself off from their surroundings. While the average member typically doesn’t see the subtle nuance in this behavior, God does. Why would you go to God with closed arms?
    You’re in a conversation and opening yourself up to Him so why are you behaving this way?

    Thanks for asking the questions!

    Whenever I witness to a Mormon if I’m sitting down I make sure my arms are in a relaxed position. It shows I am at ease around others not like me and at ease while speaking about God.

    • Beth April 4, 2018 at 7:52 am #

      Wow KEVIN
      What s lot of time and effort you have spent on your opinion or shall I say “rebuttal “.
      It really simple genius .. if you don’t agree with the content of the post or the intention of the website then move on and keep your douchebag
      Opinions to yourself …i
      Pretty sure I reply for the majority here in advising you that “nobody cares what you think “..
      Bye Felicia z

    • BONNIE CHAIN June 4, 2019 at 9:57 pm #

      What is the real reason people seem to need to “fix” a person’s religious beliefs? I always try to show my faith and belief in my actions and my words. God instructs us to love one another, not prepare for “battle” when it comes to preaching your beliefs. God gave us free will and with that we should always try to do what Jesus would do in any situation. May God bless us, all of us, today, tomorrow and for eternity. Amen

  3. Dave Bishop June 14, 2011 at 2:02 pm #

    Sharing Jesus Christ so a LDS member can benefit and possibly find a real salvation.

    • lifeafterministry June 16, 2011 at 5:12 pm #

      We’ll be praying for you in your witnessing to the Mormon people! If you have any insight for our readers please share it with us!
      Michelle

  4. Brian August 14, 2011 at 6:20 pm #

    funniest things I’ve ever heard!

  5. CamdenC August 16, 2011 at 3:50 am #

    What’s so funny?

  6. Brian August 23, 2011 at 1:23 am #

    My roommate and I think it’s funny, kept me laughing for a while. I think this is one of the funniest I’ve read in a long time. I just like how the writer has the LDS faith “all figured out” but it almost appears to me that this person is too busy witnessing to Mormons that he never took the time to actually know someone that was ACTIVLY practicing the LDS faith. Let’s just set that straight, former members don’t count either. Now I will say that most of the organizers where once practicing members that somehow read a verse or something and was converted but they were probably just offended and never knew the the church to begin with. They can’t even refer to it as “The church of Jesus Christ of Latter days saints.” If they even knew it was called that because apparently the way they refer to it they never took the time to learn the real name of the said religion.

    It’s really funny how the individual refers to the members of the LDS church as “the mormon.” So what you’re saying is I’m some dumb animal, I mean… what a jerk.

  7. CamdenC August 23, 2011 at 2:09 am #

    You must mean the final name they decided on… “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”. Check your history, they had other names before that one…

    The writer of the post was a practicing member of the LDS church for close to 2 decades… and SHE was actively practicing the “current” LDS faith during that time. I myself was a member (born into it) for 26 years… I was there when Kimball changed the Priesthood requirements to include the “blacks”. Been to the temple a few times, baptisms for the dead, marriage/sealing ceremonies, went to seminary every morning before school, passed the sacrament, blessed the sacrament, gave talks, bore my testimony on “Fast” Sunday numerous times. My Grandpa was the contractor that built the church in our Ward (helped him work on it) Dad was choir director, Uncle was Elder’s Quromn Prez, etc…

    How would you like to be referred as? The “most perfect book ever written (over 3,000 changes since it was first penned) is called the “Book of Mormon”. That is how the world refers to members of the LDS religion. Even members refer to themselves as “Mormons” or “LDS”

    Why don’t former members count?

    Michelle would never call you “some dumb animal”. She has a heart for all of the “Mormon” people. Her prayer is that you would come to a real relationship with Jesus (of the Bible) and cast off all of the burdens of the law. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. There is freedom in Jesus Christ “If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed”.

    Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself.

    What would you like to talk about?

  8. Brian August 26, 2011 at 6:40 pm #

    The name changed? Man my faith is now shaken… No I knew that of course. I like to read site’s like this for fun. Since everyone is telling their bio that qualifies them to be so educated, I’ll give you mine. I’m originally from the south my mothers side of the family is full of southern Baptist ministers. My parents left the faith because of mistrust, ministers assuming control, and confusion of the beloved trinity. After my parents were married they found themselves on a faith search and found themselves members of the church of Jesus Christ of latter days saints. So I grew up as a member of the LDS faith. As I grew up I was a member of a local boys choir and was exposed to many different Christian faith. In my teen years I started to search for faith in my own way and found myself coming back to the LDS faith. I served my mission not at 19(so I guess I’m a sinner) but I served my mission in my mid twenties. I’m now a drummer in a praise band and you can find me in LDS friendly church’s once in a while with all my non LDS friends but I remain faith in my LDS faith.

    Now the reason why non members don’t count is because they left on the account that they didn’t like the culture not the faith itself. This web site is a classic is example I’ve read the Michelle’s testimony and it sounds to me like she doesn’t remember being LDS very well or she’s making it all up together. I seriously mean no ill will by that I’m just telling you how it appears to me. THE LDS FAITH THAT SHE IS DESCRIBING IS NOT THE FAITH I FALLOW. It’s almost like a fictional version of it. I’ve read many stories like hers before. Honestly if that’s her point of view of the LDS faith I would leave too. In fact there’s many people in my faith like me in and out of Utah that are frustrated by people living the culture of Mormonism verses the actual faith of Mormonism. In fact, growing up in the south we used to call them “Utards” because they were so concerned about the culture and not what the religion actually believed. In fact I see that in all faiths. We have the “Sunday Christians” in the south that only live the culture of the religion and/or only practice it on Sunday. Therefore, the fallowing of the teachings of Jesus is true not the culture of any one faith.

    Reading Article’s like this makes it hard for me to believe your point of view. Its lines like. “Pay attention to their eyes as they usually dilate during bearing of their testimony. This is a method of self-hypnosis.” How is that more believable than a person in modern times seeing god or the possibility of open revelation.

    Another example… “[What’s] the most significant thing … to you personally about the organization?” The reason why a person would stop and think is because you’re making them think “why is that important?” The LDS faith has the same point of view of any religion… “it’s the people that make the church not the building” also if you want me continue to answer I would say that I like how religion teaches about Christ and his mission to save souls, any other piece is just a branch from that. But then again you probably think I was told to say that by rote or something.

    Also you might want to check some of the sources on this site. I think you might be miss quoting some stuff in church history (I decided to double check some things in history of the church).

    Another problem with this site is the fact that your pointing out LDS doctrine that isn’t LDS doctrine. I can’t believe you guys because you can’t even point out what I believe. THE LDS FAITH YOU POINT OUT ON THIS SITE IS NOT THE LDS FAITH I BELIEVE IN. So, based of this site I can’t have a conversation about the LDS faith because you guys don’t really assume to know it.

    You do a good job on making us look like, unjust, unloving, resist jerks. But I can easily point out flows in any faith just like you can in mine. Like why are so many ministers about money and power? Why did Martin Luther think that polygamy was a good thing. If Mormons are so bad for that why did Luther permit it? I guess Luther was a nut but then there goes any Christian that fallows him. Why did the Catholics stop practicing polygamy any? Why was so many ministers in the past even more racist than members of the LDS faith, namely the KKK? If the character of the Christian faith is so erroneous why aren’t people pointing those things out and making web site’s about them…well there are sites about some of these’s things. But what do I know I’m just some uneducated faith Mormon that’s never looked at the other side right?

    If you have the time check this out…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coef8G5ax6E&feature=relmfu
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkKblIMfmjI
    http://lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/the-only-true-god-and-jesus-christ-whom-he-hath-sent?lang=eng
    http://lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/my-words-never-cease?lang=eng

    • lifeafterministry August 26, 2011 at 6:55 pm #

      Brian –

      You made some comments that you did not substantiate. Where did I lie?
      I didn’t leave the Church because I got my feelings hurt.
      Christians aren’t Christians because of the people who call themselves Christians. They’re Christians because they believe Jesus is God incarnate and He is their God – only Jesus brings salvation, not membership in a church that has called Jesus a liar (see Joseph Smith’s Testimony 1:19 and Matthew 16:18).
      I left the Church based upon doctrinal differences that could not and still don’t line up with historical, biblical Judeo-Christianity.
      If you think I lied that’s too bad. I’m sad for you that you believe I would lie about something so serious as eternity with God.
      We’ll be praying for you Brian.
      Michelle

  9. CamdenC August 27, 2011 at 2:22 am #

    Brian

    I agree with Michelle… You see, I didn’t leave because of the culture. I was born into the culture and religion of Mormonism. It was the only thing that I ever knew! I loved singing “Book of Mormon Stories” when I was a kid. My grandma had the “animated Book of Mormon” books, which I loved reading. I loved performing in “Road Shows”, my mom made a lot of the costumes for the performers. I looked forward to “Mutual” so I could hang out with my LDS friends. I loved going to the nearby Stake Center for Dances when I was teenager. I looked forward to participating in the boy scout troop in our ward. Everybody I knew growing up and my family was Mormon. I didn’t know anything else… Hitler said, “Give me a child until they are 4 years old and I will make them a Nazi for life”.

    I was a “Mormon for life”… and I was darn proud of it too.

    You know what I mean, we were the only true church in the entire world! Even those pathetic Southern Baptists and Catholics were just lost and apostate. The “sons of perdition” and the “whore of Babylon” at the very least. They would be lucky to make it to the second level in Heaven. I was on the fast track to the Celestial Kingdom, baby!

    I gave out B of M’s to my non-LDS schoolmates and invited them to church. I was living it…

    So what changed? Well, I was never allowed to read anything of a “religious nature” that was not official LDS literature. I was never allowed to attend any other church, not for worship service or even for weddings or funerals. (The only people our family associated with were LDS, so that was a “no brainer”) I wasn’t even allowed to see what a S.Baptist service was like. I remember my dad finding a copy of a Hal Lindsey book in my 14 year old brother’s room. My dad berated him and then tore up the book and threw it in the fireplace, and I “applauded” that. Of course I was only 10 and didn’t know what censorship was.

    So what happened? I was asked some of the hard questions; What about polygamy? What about Jesus and Lucifer being brothers? What about becoming a God? What about God was once a man on another planet? What about Polytheism? What about the treatment of blacks? What about the contradictions?

    I was then invited to a non-denominational Christian church. That did, and still does to this day, do 3 very important things…
    1.) They teach from the Bible
    2.) They teach from the Bible
    3.) They teach from the Bible

    The pastor wasn’t even giving the sermon that day. One of the Elders was filling in. He read a verse that I had never heard before (26 years a Mormon)
    Ephesians 2: 8 and 9 – For we are saved by grace and not works, so no man can boast. It is a free gift from God. (Paraphrased) Brian, it was like the Holy Spirit reached into my chest and gave my heart “a little squeeze” as to soften the hardness that I had on it. I had to investigate this whole “Biblical Christianity” thing right then and there. I got some videos and literature from the Christian church and started reading and watching.

    Of course, I was a “good Mormon” and I didn’t believe what these “gainsayers” were saying. I was always taught growing up that the “christians” use lies and twist things to make the Church look bad. They are Satan’s workmen trying to destroy the only true church. Well when I started reading the quotes and the comparisons to historic and factual Christianity, I had to have a point of reference to see if Walter Martin and Ed Decker were lying or telling the truth.

    My grandmother was born and raised on 12th and Temple in SLC. She had every Mormon book you can imagine in her “library” (a large built-in bookcase) You name it, she had it. I found out that what Martin was saying was actually found in the LDS books (J of D, History, Mormon Doctrine, etc) It was like a light came on and a weight lifted off my shoulders. I gave my heart to Jesus and have never looked back…

    It threatened and distanced all of the relationships I had in my life. My family pretty much disowned me. I had the Bishop and missionaries wanting to come by and “talk me down”. I was told that I was making the biggest mistake of my life. I was looked at as an apostate and a failure by my friends and family… That is all OK with me… I have Jesus today and He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is my Rock and my Salvation!

  10. Brian August 29, 2011 at 3:30 am #

    Sorry that you never got to see another church while growing up. I was in a Methodist based boys choir when I was 10 and I got to see many other religions and that’s while I was an active LDS kid. I knew Ephesians 2: 8-9 when I was that age. I read the bible when I was that age. I was encouraged by my mission president to read and study the new testament in depth while on my mission. So, I’m confused why your experience was that way? I live in Utah now… still many members aren’t afraid of other faiths. We’re studying the New Testament in the church now. Why didn’t you have that and I did?

  11. Brian August 29, 2011 at 4:20 am #

    sorry left out something… My mother always said if I left the church she would still love me. and my brother isn’t a active member but we still hang out all the time when I’m in my home town. we always respected other faiths growing up. and I too believe that Jesus is my Rock and My salvation. I love the line “I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth in me though he were dead shall live.”

  12. CamdenC August 30, 2011 at 1:30 am #

    I was told that the other churches are apostate and the devil is their leader. I was told that if I heard other doctrine or read other books that were not Mormon, I could be swayed away from the “only true church on earth”. I guess it was just the area I was brought up in… Southern California. I look back now and truly see how “cult-like” it was. I guess not all the LDS churches are on the same page… but they say they are. Or I should say, they are supposed to be.

    May I ask you your age? Reason is because perhaps the LDS have “gone lax” on a few things so they can fit in better with “main-stream” Christianity. Problem is, the way Jesus taught was anything but main-stream.

    I remember going into a 7-11 after I got saved and saw a couple of missionaries. One was getting a Mountain Dew and the other one a Dr. Pepper. I said, aloud mind you, “You guys can’t drink that, it has caffeine in it”. They went on to explain that the church had changed that and the reason for the coffee/tea ban in the word of wisdom was because the hot liquid could hurt your insides… So… can I get an iced coffee or a Frapachino from Starbucks? I was raised that caffeine was the reason for the word of wisdom ban on coffee/tea (Joe Smith didn’t have Red Bull or Mt. Dew back then). I still know to this day all the soft drinks that have caffeine in them, because they are all the ones I couldn’t drink as a kid/teenager. In fact, the joke around the ward was that we called Root Beer “Mormon Coke”. That’s all we could drink (not Barq’s, it has caffeine) A&W, 7 UP, Orange Crush (not Sunkist, has caffeine)

    I know that the LDS have become much more “seeker-friendly” in recent years… I guess we followed the church doctrine to the letter, or the way it was birthed by Joseph Smith and grew up in Utah under Brigham Young.

    You mentioned you are in a praise band, that you play drums… That is cool. The only musical instruments I ever saw in 26 years of going to the LDS church was an organ, piano, and sometimes a harp. Do you guys have contemporary versions of “Praise to the Man” and “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel” now? Lol. I was taught that the devil has control over “rock music” (guitar/drums/bass) and that it has no place in church.

    Don’t get me wrong… my family told me, “we still love you” What is that all about!?!?! Why would they even have to say that? Of course, they are my family… they should love me.

  13. An Ex-Mormon August 31, 2011 at 7:00 am #

    The ever changing church of the mormons did softened up quite a bit. They’ve even softened up on the gay issues too. Their stuffs used to be a lot more hardcore. I really still don’t get what people need in the LDS faith… It’s ALL in the Bible…

  14. Brian September 23, 2011 at 11:43 pm #

    Sorry it’s been a while since my last reply life has had me busy. Well, if I was to sum up all your comments together in a sentence I would say that you should probably pay attention to what’s going on.

    Second paragraph you said that the church is getting “lax” which is not the case. The LDS church in Utah is still considered “up-tight,” as I heard on the radio, by some. And compared to my non-LDS friends we’re still extremely concervitave. You said that Christ wasn’t main-stream but last I checked according to this web site we’re pretty not main-stream. Unless in understood it wrong and now your contradicting yourselves. And so the LDS church being a false religion on the grounds is now out the window.

    In the 3rd paragraph, concerning the word of wisdom, you talked about your 7/11 experience. There is a massive error, that the church has been trying to correct, that missionaries for some reason have to give a medical speculation. When I was in the MTC we were asked to state that it was a revelation and the medical ideas and speculation are nothing more that, because we were missionaries and NOT doctors. At the same time you should know that church has never made an official clam to the medical side effects. Since your supposed to be the expert on my religion your also supposed to know that caffine was never part of the word of wisdom and the church never made a police to avoid such things. The way I see it is if the revelation came out and later in time “smoking was good(1950s),” in fact doctors sometimes recommended it, what do you think people thought then? Isn’t it weird that later that tricky Joseph Smith nailed it when that found out that smoking causes lung cancer. So you guys seem to be history buffs. Did the church change its policy after the warning came out? The way I see it is maybe there is something we don’t know similar to what people thought they knew in the past about smoking.

    Yeah I’m in a praise band. And no the devil is not in rock music. Satan has his hand in all kinds of entertainment. But sounds like you’re referring to the old 1970s taboo about rock music being from the devil. Yeah that was going on in the south to with Baptist churches. I’m pretty sure everyone thought that. I’m in a praise group that isn’t affiliated with any faith group. Everyone in the group goes to a different church. No we mostly do general praise music. You should how ever know that we praise God privately and reverently on Sunday so our style isn’t to have any rock music on Sunday, sorry.

  15. CamdenC October 1, 2011 at 11:55 pm #

    Oooo-k. I thought I was pretty clear in everything that I typed in my last reply… but to make sure you understand what I am saying, I will reply to your statements;

    Paragraph 1 – “you should proabably pay attention to what’s going on”… I paid attention to the Mormon religion for the 1st 26 years of my life. I then spent the next 2-3 years familiarizing myself with the real teachings and doctorines that were from the foundation of the church back in the 1820’s. The strange things that I wasn’t taught growing up…

    Paragraph 2 – “the church in Utah is still considered up-tight”…

    The church in Utah is following true Mormonism closer than the people that think they are “up-tight”.

    Paragraph 2 – “You said that Christ wasn’t main-stream but last I checked according to this web site we’re pretty not main-stream. Unless in understood it wrong and now your contradicting yourselves. And so the LDS church being a false religion on the grounds is now out the window”…

    No, I was not contradicting myself. What I said was, “perhaps the LDS have “gone lax” on a few things so they can fit in better with “main-stream” Christianity”. Mormons are looked at as a psuedo-Christian cult by Christians. I was merely stating that the LDS are trying to be more “seeker friendly” (in order to win converts from the “apostate sects of Christendom).
    It is true that the LDS are not considered “main-stream” in the aspect that Bible believing Christians know that what the Bible teaches and what Mormonism teaches, is not compatible. The rest of the world (non-Christians, Liberal Christians, etc) have a tendency to consider your church as main-stream. Some would even consider Mormonism just an extreme or fundamentalist sect of Christianity. But the Christians who know what Mormonism teaches and believe that Truth is not subjective, consider the LDS Church a psuedo-Christian cult / False religion.
    We don’t identify ourselves as “main-stream” Christians… that is a label the media puts on Christians. When Jesus came, He called out the “main-stream” religious leaders of that time as a “brood of vipers, white-washed tombs, hypocrites”. He was anything but “main-stream”, He came to divide and go against the current!
    Once something goes “main-stream” it tends to bend to the whims of society and the idiosyncrasies of fallen/sinful men and women.

    Paragraph 3 – “Since your supposed to be the expert on my religion your also supposed to know that caffine was never part of the word of wisdom and the church never made a police to avoid such things”

    I never said nor do I ever claim to be an expert on your religion. I am just a concerned citizen wanting to lead lost people to the True Jesus.
    So tell me this… why can’t Mormons have Coffee or Tea? Can somebody please explain to me why?!?!
    Every Mormon I have ever known (at least in Southern Cali, Utah, Arizona) has been forbidden to consume drinks containing caffeine. (Coke, Pepsi, Mtn. Dew, Dr. Pepper, Sunkist, etc.)
    Smoking has always been frowned upon by Christians… Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and we should treat them with respect and take care of them… Still a smoker will not be denied Heaven because they smoked while on Earth… What it does (besides kill you sooner than normal) is ruin one’s witness of Jesus. (and Doctors back in the day were probably paid good money by tobacco companies to advertise and say smoking was good for “calming nerves” and such).

    Paragraph 4
    We “shout to the Lord” and praise Him openly on Sunday at church…

  16. Dana November 12, 2011 at 9:47 pm #

    I have to say that I’ve sat on the fence post of the Mormon religion for my entire life and have struggled with taking the next step of going to the temple. Thank you all for helping me to know the difference between right and wrong. The clarity of some of the posts that I have commented on, and after reading these “tips” have certainly made me more certain that I cannot deny the teachings of Joseph Smith.

    Thank you for your help.

  17. CamdenC November 15, 2011 at 5:48 am #

    Dana – Did you read the whole conversation stream above between Brian and myself?

    You can follow the teachings of Joseph Smith if you want, that is your “free agency” to do so.

    Just ask yourself two important questions…

    “Who is Jesus”?
    and
    “How are we saved”?

  18. C.B March 12, 2012 at 4:05 pm #

    C.B…..

    so CamdenC, never have i felt the spirit like i did when i first had the missionaries enter my home, i was claimed to be baptized through the catholic religion then i turned 18 and searched for my own church i started going to a Christian church out in California, The Calvary Baptis, St Anthony i was totally discouraged. seems like all these other churches have members that decide they want to make there own rules because it doesnt fir there life style. The LDS is the more diligent of all churches, the LDS members live there life trying to be godly (not perfect just trying to act as our heavenly father would expect us to) we are not up-tight… We just know right from wrong, i have experience life growing up chasing the wrong teachings, and my family has suffered greatly because of it. The way i feel for the Church Of Ladder Day saints is so strong it burns deep down to the core of my soul piercing my heart…. My husband and i look forward to be sealed in the Temple soon. And you my friend we shall keep you in our prayers. Have a blessed day 🙂

  19. CamdenC March 12, 2012 at 8:03 pm #

    C.B… My experience with baptism in the Roman Catholic church is either the baptizing of infants or the sprinkling of “holy water”. Paul the Apostle gives an excellent description of Baptism and what it represents in Romans Chapter 6. Please read all of Romans Chapter 6…

    I was baptized in the LDS church when I turned 8 years old, because that is what you are supposed to do. When one turns 8 years old, it is pretty much automatic that you get baptized. They ask you if you believe that Jesus died for your sins… but they also ask you if you believe that the LDS church is true and if Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and if you beleive in the Book of Mormon… What does that have to do with anything??? The Bible says if you believe in Jesus, you will be saved. It doesn’t say that I have to believe in Moses, Daniel, Peter, or Paul… Jesus and Him alone.

    I am sorry that you had a bad experience in California… I am from California and attended a wonderful Christian church, once I left the LDS religion. Nobody was making up their own rules. They simply taught the Word of God from the Bible, they helped each other meet needs (they provided food for my family during a tough time), and they went out into the world to proclaim Jesus and make disciples of all the nations…

    We as Christians are always trying to live lives that are pleasing unto God… but we can’t do it!!! It is only through Christ that we can even get close to obeying, what Jesus said was, the 2 greatest commandments… LUKE 10:27 –

    And he answering said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself”.

    It is only through His strength and Him dwelling within our hearts, that we can hope to live as salt and light unto the world. We can only please God through the Spirit… Do you remember Paul’s condemnation of the Galatians in Chapter 3? Galatians 3:3 says, “Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?” and further on in Galatians…
    Chapter 5, verse 1 – “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage”.

    I am sorry that your family has been affected by wrong teachings in the past. That is why it is so important to research and study what you are being taught. Do you remember in Acts 17 where Luke mentions the men from Berea?
    Acts 17:10-11 – 10″And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
    11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so”. They didn’t take the preacher’s word for it. They checked what Paul and Silas were saying by searching the scriptures.

    You also mentioned that you have a feeling for the LDS church that is “so strong it burns deep down to the core of my soul piercing my heart…. “. See, I don’t tell people that I have this deep conviction for “Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa” or “The Southern Baptist Church”… my conviction is for Christ and Him crucified. I have never had to pledge my allegience to any church organization or human being. I don’t follow Chuck Smith, Greg Laurie, Billy Graham, David Jeremiah or Bill Elliff. I get fed by their sermons and books, but I don’t hold them higher than any other person in the body of Christ. Our family has lived all around this country and the first thing we do is find a church to go to after we move and get settled in. I have never had to “join” any of the churches we have attended.

    No church, church leader, organization, creed, ordinance, temple visit, recited prayer, church attendance, etc. will ever make God love you more than He already does. He loved you enough to die for you…

    Our family will be praying for you as well… Thank you for posting on the site. One last scripture from Galatians that I had never heard before I started researching what my LDS religion really believed… Galatian 1: 6-10

    6 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel; 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ”.

    • Jennifer January 10, 2015 at 2:24 pm #

      I could not have said it better…Christians pledge an allegiance to Jesus Christ not a church or BoM there is only one truth that Jesus is the only way to salvation. If Mormons could step out of their box for a minute to ask themselves what better way would Satan have to deceive than works in the name of Jesus …It is in the Bible warning of false prophets in his name….since it is untrustworthy to Mormons I guess that doesn’t mean much to them….One question of reason about good ol Joseph Smith and his questionable story….he supposedly translated his works with a seer stone that is explained “common practice” at the time by the lds leaders….hmmm being common practice of witchcraft at the time is acceptable… Wow! I didn’t think it would be possible to have God come to speak his word through witchcraft…maybe we should break out Ouija boards I hear it’s common now…even Satan can come in the form of light …maybe he did have a vision but not from God….I apologize for being sarcastic but its hard not to feel annoyed especially when they are so offended by the gospel and questioning. I have no ill will towards Mormons, I think they are very good people striving hard for there salvation. I feel sad that they think they are following Jesus…it should be called the church of Joseph Smith it is deceiving and the works of man not God I pray they find the way out

  20. aneedtobelieve June 16, 2012 at 5:05 pm #

    As I read this post and assess the comments it is inevitable that the debate over what was and what is now will never end. This is a method of warfare by Satan demonstrated back in the garden of Eden. More cunning and subtle is he indeed. As christians we contend for the faith ONCE delivered to the saints, and I imagine LDS or mormons are admonished to do the same. However, the common ground levels with the KJV or word of God as God calls it. Their is a power in his word. To all LDS, every ex-mormon can testify that it was not social conditions or culture as you say, or even pressure by the chuch itself, but it was the irrefutable Spirit accomplishing ITS will in the complete Word of God. Once the bible scriptures were spoken into the softened heart of their and any soul, it began a change. Again, this applies to anyone who hears and believes. Yes, man has condemend man over and over from each of his comfort zones whether religious or not. But Christ put an end to all condemnation by a just God. He has advocated for us. We work now to please him not to be accepted by him. Jude says that only He is able to make us stand in the glory of his presence not us. If you’re looking for the ultimate high. Try Jesus! I can tell you its not a pleasant journey because of this old fleshly body but each daily walk can transcend to a growth or high that drugs, fantasizing, hynosis, witchcraft, magic, or any alike could ever compare to. I love all people and hate sin even in myself. Jude said that too– “to hate even the garments defiled by the flesh.” you see their is so much power in Gods word thats why it is referred to as the “sword of the spirit”. I war with lifeafterministry so that we can contiue to snatch souls out of the fire to come, while having mercy and showing love with fear of God who will judge the living and dead. Remember this anyone disagreeing with christian service or work towards God will. We may fall at times or even many times, but God is long suffering with us and you as well. The God we serve is YHWH the creator of this world, who has always been, is right now, and will always be forever. The bible says every need SHALL (future tense) bow and say Jesus is God. The same person. The Holy Spirit is powerful. Its words change people not like worldy influences but self examining conviction from a realm that is victorious over bondage. If you feel bound and are tired because your God or Idol is draining your energy and taking the life out of you, its because your God or Idol is dead, for it cannot return what you put in to it. Our Lord and Master Jesus the Christ, prophesied and fulfilled, is alive, resurrected and ascended to the right hand of the Father in Heaven. Same person different roles. Again I say he is ALIVE. He gives us life when we give him our all. Too sad many of my christian brothers and sisters stll have to learn this because sometimes we walk like dead men who should be walking and sharing this life to others. JUST LIKE JESUS DID ESPECIALLY AFTER HE WAS RESURRECTED.We should give life so dont fault us when we fall because you fall too. Nevertheless, Christ blood atonement reaches further than the annual blood shed by the goat on the altar and the scapegoat that removed sin for only 1 yr. Thank God his blood is eternal. We couldnt do it on our own before so God had to do it himself on the cross. Satan and his spiritual forces of evil CANNOT destroy nor claim victory over the word of God. Repent, Believe it and be sure of your salvation TODAY my friends. Love you all.

  21. Alicia July 30, 2012 at 5:32 pm #

    I’m LDS, but I’m glad I’m not part of the LDS church you’re describing (the one according to ex-mormon’s.) Why doesn’t everybody pray about their decisions? You’ll get an answer. I just came back to the church after seven years and I’ve never been happier. I urge you, the ex-mormon’s and anti-mormon’s, to pray about what’s right. I know I have, and I’ve gotten my answer from God. Now it’s your turn!

  22. thegardensofboxwoodmanor July 31, 2012 at 2:47 am #

    The god of the Mormons and the God of the Bible are different. Read the sidebar on “Mormon Jesus”. The LDS is trying to be like Christians when they are a completely different religion.

  23. CamdenC August 1, 2012 at 7:07 pm #

    Alicia – Thanks for posting on the blog… “Pray about what’s right”…

    You can never find such a statement in the Bible. Jesus says in John 5:39,to search the scriptures, and that the scriptures testify about Him, not through prayer,
    Paul in Acts 17:2,3 uses reason to explain and prove Christ from the Scriptures.
    In 2 Cor 11:4-6, Christians in Berea did not take Apostle’s words for granted but examined the Scripture to see if whether what he preached was truth. It’s not biblical to pray to whether something is true or not. Any religion can claim that. You cannot know Christ apart from the Word of God.
    FAITH COMES BY HEARING, AND HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. Romans 10:17

    The ability to believe is not determined by how i feel when i pray but by the knowledge of truth found in the word of Christ. Truth is objective, unbiased. Feelings are subjective. Knowledge of truth is critical.
    When something is at stake I want to put may faith in something concrete, objective and unbiased rather than how I feel about it.

    2 Cor 11:4-6
    “For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.”
    Acts 17:2,3
    And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”
    Acts 17:10-12
    The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

    Us “ex-Mormons” are not “anti-Mormon”… Most of our family and friends are still in the LDS church. We “risked our station in the Celestial Kingdom” and searched for Truth, discovering that the doctrines of man found in the LDS church were “weighed and found wanting”. Most LDS members look at this blog site and say that it is “anti-Mormon” and we are just “gainsayers” looking to make money by “attacking” the Mormons. How can it be “anti-Mormon” if we are using Mormon doctrine, sermons by Prophets/Apostles, and Joseph Smith/Brigham Young discourses to compare to Biblical Christianity?

    Is there something that you love to do and you spend time doing it and you go out of your way to participate in it and you spend money out of your own pocket to do it? I know I do (and it’s not golf, Lol)… it is following the great commision of our Lord and Savior Jesus when He told us to “go into all the world and preach His Name and make disciples of people” (paraphrased) I love to proclaim Jesus, His finished work on the cross, and His glorious Resurection. I try to follow the law not out of a sense of duty or fear, but because I Love Him!, because He first loved me and died for me. There is nothing that I could ever do to “gain” more love or even a higher station in the afterlife.

    We are saved by Grace! It is a Gift! Not by works! So that no man can boast! All the Glory, Honor, and Praise goes to Jesus… Not myself (I am a worm apart from Him). Not any man (full of sin, just like me). Not any church (all those that call on His name, deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him are in the Body of Christ, which is “the church”)

    Galatians 5: 1-14

  24. Doug October 11, 2014 at 9:16 am #

    Any advice specifically on ministering to family? My whole family, with the exception of one uncle, me, and my sister, are Mormons, and on my dad’s side it goes back to the original form of the church founded my Joseph Smith. In fact, one of my dad’s ancestors has a monument in Utah from the Mormon trip to Salt Lake. My uncle is an atheist, and while he is very interested in the physical proof of the incorrectness of the Mormon church, he won’t be able to help minister. My sister calls herself a Christian, but she is going down a dark path right now (though not as dark as the one I went down before coming to Christ) so I doubt my family would look at anything she says as reliable. So it is up to me to show them Jesus. How do I do that? Especially with me being scared that they will disown me if I challenge their faith?

  25. Sierra Winters May 30, 2016 at 8:54 am #

    It’s very interesting to read all this. Brian “finds it funny” in his own words. Let me assure you, Brian, you absolutely won’t find it funny when you stand before God. The ONE TRUE GOD – Jesus Christ, whom we will all stand before and be judged. And the ONLY thing that will be able to save us is the blood Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, shed for our sins. Brian is very sarcastic. That’s sad. Just remember this, Brian…….eternity is a VERY long time to be incorrect!

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