Recovery to Mormonism
Mormon Doctrine
A lot of the wild, wild Mormon doctrine isn’t actually Mormon doctrine. And a lot of what is Mormon doctrine isn’t really all that odd. Here, we’ll talk about how certain things people think Mormons believe aren’t actually what they believe. We’ll also talk about some things that are Mormon doctrine that people find troublesome, but is not at all shocking or unchristian, especially seen in context.
“Confessions of a Mormon Boy” and the Mormon Church on homosexuality
“People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations of one kind or another at various times. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times….If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church.” (Read more)
Does the Bible refute the idea of Mormon marriage being eternal?
Eternal marriage allows us to enjoy the blessings of marriage not only in the mortal world, but beyond the grave, into the next life as well. Various passages of The Bible can be interpreted to suggest that eternal marriage is valid, and Mormons believe that if people carefully study both scripture and Mormon doctrine and pray sincerely, the Holy Ghost will confirm the truthfulness of eternal marriage to anyone wanting to know. (Read more)
Some Mormons have believed this. Mormons are people of their time, after all, and the world has been very racist in the past – still is. However, that blacks or anyone else are inferior is not doctrine and never has been. People may have theorized or held opinions otherwise, but it is not Mormon doctrine. We do not know why blacks did not hold the priesthood until 1978. We do, however, know that the Lord never said they couldn’t, in Mormon belief or otherwise. And, in many ways, Mormons have always been remarkably progressive. (Read more)
Do prophets make mistakes? Yes. Mormons believe that, like every other person who has ever lived on earth (save Jesus Christ), prophets have flaws, are tempted, sin, and make errors in judgment. This belief is not unique to Mormonism—or shouldn’t be. Any Christian who reads the Bible will find examples of the Lord chastening prophets for their sins and errors—but keeping them in their role as prophets. (Read more)
Some detractors of the Mormon Church claim that we put too much importance on Joseph Smith. The question above seems to disprove the Mormon belief that the name of “Jesus Christ” is the only one that can save mankind, especially since temple ceremonies are, in Mormon belief, essential for salvation. However, believing in Joseph Smith—that is, that he was a true prophet of God—is simply believing that God restored his Church and that Jesus Christ reveals his gospel to his followers through prophets.
(Read more)
Does the Mormon Church pretend it’s a democracy?
But all the votes are unanimous and there’s only one person to vote for, right? Everyone has a Church job and most of them probably aren’t qualified for what they’re ask to do. No, the Mormon Church isn’t democratic. That’s a sustaining vote (the Church members will support that person in their job (or calling)). And callings are voluntary. They’re also not about “qualifications.” (Read more)
The Mormon Church asks you to change your life? Isn’t that judgmental?
If you wish to convert to Mormonism and you smoke, you will need to stop smoking. You may not drink alcohol or coffee, or use illicit drugs, even if you already do. Is this difficult? Of course! You also won’t be able to have sex outside marriage, have homosexual relationships, or view pornography. If you’re already involved in these things, is it hard to stop? Yes, it is. So why does the Mormon Church require members not to engage in any of these things? It’s not because they want to keep people out. (Read more)
Do Mormons believe they can become gods?
Ex-Mormons, anti-Mormons, and many people who are neither find the concept of deification (man can become like God) offensive, preposterous, and blasphemous. What they may not know is that, not only is this doctrine not unique to Mormonism, it’s found frequently in early Christian thought. (Read more)
Women can’t hold the priesthood. Isn’t this a sign of oppression?
The oppression of Mormon women, and the tyrannical authority in which Mormon men have, seems to be the number one fallacy among those not associated with the Mormon Church and among those who choose to believe them. There has never been a more erroneous falsehood spread then this! (Read more)
How can the Mormon Church be true if some Mormons are so mean?
Mormons believe that the gospel of the Mormon Church is completely true and perfect, but very few Mormons actually think themselves perfect for believing it. Whether by a simple slip of the tongue or by ill-intended meanness, Mormons, like everyone else, can sometimes be very unkind. Everyone occasionally loses a temper, has a bad day, or just feels angry and takes it out on someone who does not deserve it. (Read more)