I have several questions. I have read and heard things. I simply want yes or no answers as to whether some things are true (obviously some description would be nice though). First, Is it true that Mormons believe that someone has to be baptized into the Mormon church to go to heaven? And if they are not there will be LDS missionaries that teach us and baptize us in death, or is that a misinterpretation of baptizing your ancestors?
Second, is Ellohim (not sure I spelled it right) just another name for God?
And is it true that Mormons believe that God was from some other place/planet/realm or whatever, and had spirit children, of those Lucifer and Jesus were two, making them brothers? And that he sent his spirit children to Earth?
How central to the religion is Joseph Smith, worshipped, or is he more considered as the founder of the church the way Martin Luther would be considered the founder of Lutheranism?
This next thing I have looked into myself, bit still want to ask. Some people say that Mormons do not believe in the divinity of Jesus, but from what I gather Mormons do believe in his divinity… Do Mormons believe Jesus is the son of God and died for our sins and that only though faith in Him do we receive salvation?
People have found tons of evidence as to the historical accuracy of the Bible, does the Book of Mormon have historical evidence behind it? And how important is the Book of Mormon?
In the Bible it says “nothing beyond what is written.” Mormons add a book. Thx.
One Response to “I have several questions. I have read and heard things….”
Luciano Delgado
2013-03-04 02:16:00
Hi friend. I'm happy you posted your questions. Let me answer them in order:
1. We do not believe that a Mormon baptism is strictly required to get into heaven. We do believe that baptism is an important ordinance (sacred ceremony) that Jesus taught was essential. Additionally, we believe that that baptism must be performed by someone who has the apostolic authority (the "priesthood") that Christ gave His apostles. We're obviously Mormons for a reason; we believe our church has this priesthood authority. However, those who have died without receiving this essential ordinance (e.g., our ancestors) can accept it after death if they so choose. There are ceremonies in our church that are meant to symbolically make this opportunity available to those who have died, as alluded to in 1 Corinthians 15:29.
2. Elohim is a Hebrew word used in the Old Testament to describe God. Mormons occasionally use the same word, though terms like "God" and "Heavenly Father" are far more common.
3. Pretty much every modern religion believes that God comes from another "realm" (whatever that means). The details are not so important. Details re. the oft repeated Jesus-and-Satan-are-brothers claim can be found here. Details re. our existence prior to this mortal life can be found here.
The story of Joseph Smith
4. Joseph Smith is not worshiped in our church, nor is he considered to be divine. He was a prophet like Moses or Abraham, not a god. We believe God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He communicated with prophets anciently, so why wouldn't He communicate with them in our days? Joseph Smith was merely one of these modern-day prophets.
For members of the church, Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, our Savior and Redeemer through whom salvation is made possible. (Reflections of Christ)
5. Mormons absolutely do believe in the divinity of Christ. We believe he is the Son of God who died for our sins and sorrows, and we believe salvation comes only through Him. You might find this official proclamation to be instructive.
6. It's a great mistake to base one's faith on archaeological "evidence." The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of the stories described in the Bible have not been historically verified, and yet we Mormons join with the rest of the Christian world in recognizing this book as divinely inspired scripture. There is some evidence that supports the historicity of the Book of Mormon, but, like the Bible, the evidence is inconclusive. Like the Bible, the real value of the Book of Mormon comes from the messages it teaches, not its historical accuracy.
7. Mormons consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture, like the Bible. It's not a replacement for the Bible. We use both books of scripture, since they support one another.
8. In fact the Bible does not say "nothing beyond what is written." Perhaps you'll find this link helpful.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I'm happy to help. Thanks again for posting.
1. We do not believe that a Mormon baptism is strictly required to get into heaven. We do believe that baptism is an important ordinance (sacred ceremony) that Jesus taught was essential. Additionally, we believe that that baptism must be performed by someone who has the apostolic authority (the "priesthood") that Christ gave His apostles. We're obviously Mormons for a reason; we believe our church has this priesthood authority. However, those who have died without receiving this essential ordinance (e.g., our ancestors) can accept it after death if they so choose. There are ceremonies in our church that are meant to symbolically make this opportunity available to those who have died, as alluded to in 1 Corinthians 15:29.
2. Elohim is a Hebrew word used in the Old Testament to describe God. Mormons occasionally use the same word, though terms like "God" and "Heavenly Father" are far more common.
3. Pretty much every modern religion believes that God comes from another "realm" (whatever that means). The details are not so important. Details re. the oft repeated Jesus-and-Satan-are-brothers claim can be found here. Details re. our existence prior to this mortal life can be found here.
6. It's a great mistake to base one's faith on archaeological "evidence." The truth of the matter is that the vast majority of the stories described in the Bible have not been historically verified, and yet we Mormons join with the rest of the Christian world in recognizing this book as divinely inspired scripture. There is some evidence that supports the historicity of the Book of Mormon, but, like the Bible, the evidence is inconclusive. Like the Bible, the real value of the Book of Mormon comes from the messages it teaches, not its historical accuracy.
7. Mormons consider the Book of Mormon to be scripture, like the Bible. It's not a replacement for the Bible. We use both books of scripture, since they support one another.
8. In fact the Bible does not say "nothing beyond what is written." Perhaps you'll find this link helpful.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I'm happy to help. Thanks again for posting.