I have a very great interest in Mormonism and I feel that I could devote myself 100% to it and to serving God. The values of Latter-Day Saints are very good and true. I have been a Christian all of my life. The only thing stopping me from joining the church is the concept that God was once a man who earned his Godhood by following the rules and ordinances of a God on another planet. Is this true? The Bible says God was never a man and that there are no other Gods than him and that there will be no Gods after him. I’m becoming very confused because I feel Mormonism is the true church of God but the Bible contradicts this concept. I really hope someone answers my question to clarify any misconceptions. Thank you.
One Response to “I have a very great interest in Mormonism and I feel…”
Vicente Cruz
2014-06-15 16:51:42
We believe the Bible is the Word of God, His sacred revelation to ancient prophets and apostles.
Hi friend. I'm happy you're interested in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love being a member of this church. It's given me so many opportunities to do things and meet people that I wouldn't have had otherwise. It's enriched my life by bringing me closer to Jesus Christ and giving me opportunities to serve Him by serving others. I hope your interest in "Mormonism" continues to grow!
First let me answer the easy part of your question. The idea that God comes from another planet is not a Mormon idea. It's an idea that anti-mormons have invented to make Mormon beliefs look silly.
The question of whether not God was once a man is a bit more complex. I've discussed this topic extensively on this site. Here are some links that might help you:
Let me give a brief summary, though I encourage you to visit the links to get more details.
1. The idea that God was once a man is not emphasized in modern Mormonism. It's not something that's actively taught. Consequently, there's a lot of speculation. You can find many Mormons, myself included, who reject the idea that God the Father was once a man. Other Mormons are more comfortable with the notion. (Note that all Mormons believe God the Son, Jesus Christ, was once a mortal man, as do most Christians.)
2. Even among those who do believe God the Father was once a man, there's hardly agreement. Many believe that God the Father might have once been a morally perfect (divine) albeit physically mortal man like God the Son, Jesus Christ. It's hard to imagine why other Christians would find this idea particularly controversial given that the notion that God (Jesus Christ) became man is central to Christian theology.
On the other hand, you can find some Mormons who believe that God the Father was once a mortal, imperfect man like we are, and that He grew into His divinity by following the example of His own Creator/Father. Worldwide, I suspect this view is in the minority among practicing Mormons.
Note that all these people can find some support for their view in the Bible. Biblical interpretation is not always straightforward, unfortunately. Regardless, I hope you see now that you can certainly be a faithful member of the church without believing that God was once a fallen man. I'm a good example of a practicing Mormon who questions that very idea.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I'm very happy to help people who are sincerely trying to learn more about my church. Best of luck to you.
First let me answer the easy part of your question. The idea that God comes from another planet is not a Mormon idea. It's an idea that anti-mormons have invented to make Mormon beliefs look silly.
The question of whether not God was once a man is a bit more complex. I've discussed this topic extensively on this site. Here are some links that might help you:
Let me give a brief summary, though I encourage you to visit the links to get more details.
1. The idea that God was once a man is not emphasized in modern Mormonism. It's not something that's actively taught. Consequently, there's a lot of speculation. You can find many Mormons, myself included, who reject the idea that God the Father was once a man. Other Mormons are more comfortable with the notion. (Note that all Mormons believe God the Son, Jesus Christ, was once a mortal man, as do most Christians.)
2. Even among those who do believe God the Father was once a man, there's hardly agreement. Many believe that God the Father might have once been a morally perfect (divine) albeit physically mortal man like God the Son, Jesus Christ. It's hard to imagine why other Christians would find this idea particularly controversial given that the notion that God (Jesus Christ) became man is central to Christian theology.
On the other hand, you can find some Mormons who believe that God the Father was once a mortal, imperfect man like we are, and that He grew into His divinity by following the example of His own Creator/Father. Worldwide, I suspect this view is in the minority among practicing Mormons.
Note that all these people can find some support for their view in the Bible. Biblical interpretation is not always straightforward, unfortunately. Regardless, I hope you see now that you can certainly be a faithful member of the church without believing that God was once a fallen man. I'm a good example of a practicing Mormon who questions that very idea.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I'm very happy to help people who are sincerely trying to learn more about my church. Best of luck to you.