Chehalem Valley Baptist Church

Seminars on Mormonism

My own personal testimony. This presentation looks at the cultural divids between Mormonism and Christianity. It examines causes behind my own family leaving Christianity for Mormonism. Both the Stokes and Bradford had different reasons for leaving their historic faith. It also looks at my own activity which included my ordination by Gordon B. Hinckley. Important features are differences in missionary methods and the reasons why I left the Mormon Church. Time is spent showing the difference between Biblical salvation and the Mormon Plan of Salvation.

Mormon Comparison Charts. This presentation graphically compares in simple language what recent leaders say Mormons believe as compared with Biblical Christianity.

The Fall of the Book of Mormon. Examines LDS claims like:
1. Does the Book of Mormon really go hand in hand with the Bible?
2. Why are there so many changes in the Most Correct Book?
3. Did "He" Christ Walk the Americas? What does DNA evidence show about the claims about the people of the Book of Mormon?
Note: Understanding the Book of Mormon is most important because this is the main item stressed by Mormons in the media. When the Missionaries arrive they automatically place a Book of Mormon and begin requesting their contact to read.

Mormon Theology 101: This examines graphically and in depth the historic development of the beliefs and teachings of the Mormon Church. It demonstrates evidence for the changing world of Mormon doctrines as well as contrasting them with Christianity.

The Fall of Joseph Smith's First Vision. This graphically takes a careful look at the language of all ten versions of Joseph Smith's First Vision. It traces evidence for its changing content emphasizing the current canonized version. It takes a look at the way Joseph Smith presented God as a person. This material is very important because Mormon offer this in the media and in their first missionary discussion.

The Message of the Mormon Missionaries at Your Door. This examines in depth the Mormon missionary system. It looks at their training and lifestyle. It looks at missionary rules. It also examines the importance of its changing nature. This is important material since these young people are converting thousands of professing Christians each week.

THE ABOVE ITEMS ARE CORE TO UNDERSTANDING MORMONISM

The Fall of the Book of Abraham. This book is not given away or emphasized by the missionaries. It was not published until just two years before Joseph Smith's death in 1844. The RLDS Church does not accept this work at all. It is important though because Mormons say it is upon these documents that their temple endowment language is based. This presentation graphically examines each papyri. It contrasts the occifical Mormon Church translation and translations of non-Mormon Egyptologists. Active Mormon leaders and educators place their highest level of respect on the dialogue from their temple system. This study is important becaus these documents are foundational to that language.

Understanding the Mormon Temple System. Less than 30% of Mormons ever go to their temples. This will graphically examine the whole system including the interview process. Since the language here is held dearer than any written Scripture by Temple Mormons, it is important to understand what is contained here. We will examine links between Masonic temples and Mormon temples. A contrast will be made throughout to the Biblical temple system. All of the endowment ceremonies from 1842 through 1990 will be compared studying shifts in theology and doctrine. A major question will be why are the Temple Endowments Changing? Anyone wishing to witness to a Temple Mormon should never bring up secret components because it will usually shut down further communication.

The Fall of the Pearl of Great Price. This will graphically present Joseph Smiths'History, his Inspired version of the Olivet Discourse, and his Articles of Faith. The Book of Abraham is only covered briefly in this setting.

Jerry Stokes, Adjunct Instructor

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will take a deep view of Mormonism. It will focus on origin, development, and historical beliefs of the Mormon church. It will examine “How Wide the Divide” is between Evangelicals and Mormons. It will offer preparation for those wishing to “Bridge the Gap” between Mormonism and Christianity in meaningful ministry. Special emphasis will be given to understanding the difference between Mormon Beliefs and the public Mormon message using modern Mormon sources.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Understand the historical background and context in which the leading personalities of Mormonism emerged in the early nineteenth century.

2. Understand Mormon Doctrines in the context of the changing world of Mormonism. Understand their view of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, authority, humanity, eschatology, temple and vocabulary. Understand the unique LDS teachings with a special emphasis on points of confusion and deviation from historic Christianity.

3. Understand the spiritual and social differences between Mormons and their neighbors. Examining various “types” of Mormons among their own community.

4. Understand the way the Mormon Temple experience controls loyal Mormons. Understanding the system of authority and control that exists in this church from the top down to the individual member.

5. Understand the way the Mormon church meets the social and spiritual needs of its members.

6. Understand the missionary system among the Mormons including the message of the Mormon missionaries. Understand the way Mormon beliefs differ from their public message.

7. Develop witnessing skills to reach Mormons. 8. Develop a Christian response for confused Christians considering joining the Mormon Church.

9. Enable students to research basic Mormon resources allowing them to as well as directly to Mormons. Developing confidence in the Biblical response to Mormons and Mormonism.

10. Develop and improve research skills necessary using the library, digital and internet resources.

TEXTBOOKS

Jerry Stokes, Mormonism 2002, (Newberg: OR, Chehalem Valley Baptist Church, 2002).

Mormonism Comparison Chart, (Newberg: OR, Chehalem Valley Baptist Church, 2002).

Bill McKeever, and Eric Johnson, Mormonism 101, (Grand Rapids MI, Baker, 2000).

All “Four Standard Works” published by the Mormon Church.

INSTRUCTOR

Jerry Stokes spent 40 years in the Mormon Church. He was active in priesthood, stake and ward leadership. He was involved with missionary work. He was ordained by the current President, of the Mormon Church, Gordon B. Hinckley. He completed B.S. degree, Concordia University. Completed Master of Arts in Theological Studies at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Northwest Campus in Vancouver Washington. He authored Mormonism 2002, an analysis of the Mormon faith using their most current authorities and apologetic resources as the 1992 Encyclopedia on Mormonism and FARMS publications from BYU. Contact at home (503) 538-4173, jkstokes4@juno.com, geraldostokes@aol.com

RESEARCH PROJECT

Option One: Each student will make contact with a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A journal will be kept of their interfaith conversations. Each student will be recording various ways their Mormon friends share their gospel. Attention will be paid to the Mormon’s testimony and insights gained into witnessing to future Mormons. This relationship should be one that has the potential of having on-going dialogue that can be beneficial to both the student and their Mormon friend. The written report should be between 10-12 pages using Turabian.

Option Two: the student will develop a special teaching on Mormonism for their home church. This teaching should be delivered in the context of a general meeting, Bible study, or Sunday School setting. The report will be to include the teaching outline, student created handouts, and copies of other teaching methods used. The report should include evidence like a church program highlighting the event stapled as an attachment. This report should be 10 pages long in Turabian style.

FIELD TRIP

Each student will visit an official meeting of the local Mormon Church and make a written evaluation.

TESTS

Two tests will cover material from class lecture, and textbooks.

GRADING

There will be two examinations with 25 points each. The documented field trip is worth 10 points. The project will be worth an additional 40 points. This will make a possible 100 point total. Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary’s grading scale is as follows: 95-100 = A, 87-94 = B, 77-86 = C, 70-76 = D, 0-69 = F. Anyone missing more than two class sessions is in danger of having their grade impacted. The instructor retains the discretion to grade on a curve.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Students who miss more than two class periods are in danger of failing this course. A student who falls into this category should meet with the instructor immediately to prevent automatic failure.

SCHEDULE

First Meeting: Introductions and overview - why is there a need. Understanding the setting in which Mormonism emerged in the early nineteenth century. Understanding the geography of Mormonism with its focus on America and Americans. Understanding the draw for many Europeans wanting to come to America and prosper in context with the Mormon Perpetual Immigration Fund. Understanding the draw of the Book of Mormon in 1830 boldly declaring America a new western Zion and the American Indians as being related to ancient Israel.

Second: Understanding Joseph Smith’s and Mormonism’s time line from 1820 - 1830 comparing that to the official published chronology of the Mormon Church. Understanding the Smith Family, theology, earliest visions, and ties to frontier folk magic. Ten different versions of the “first vision” will be studied. The earliest theology will be examined as revealed in the earliest versions of revelations like the 1830 Book of Mormon, the 1833 Book of Commandments, and the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants.

Third: The 1830 Book of Mormon. An overview of its impact in early America. Official history of its origin. Other theories about its origin. An overview of the content. The theology of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, humanity, eschatology, and various doctrines unique to Mormonism.

Fourth: Examining the geography of the Book of Mormon from the perspective of the early Mormons. Looking historically at the evolution of the way modern Mormons now view its geography. The search for the people of the Book of Mormon. The search for the Christ of the Book of Mormon. The claims of the Book of Mormon will be examined from a Biblical, archeological, and historical view.

Fifth: The origin and history of the coming forth of the modern Doctrine and Covenants. An overview of the content will be explored. The theology of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, authority, humanity, eschatology, and various doctrines unique to Mormonism will be examined. The Doctrine and Covenants will be studied in context with the history and chronology of the Mormon Church. A focus will be made on the early emphasis on an American Zion with “gatherings.” Important sections of the D&C will be examined in detail.

Sixth: Mid Term Examination

Seventh: The Pearl of Great Price will be examined including the Book of Moses, Abraham, Joseph Smith’s Olivet Discourse from Matthew, Joseph Smith’s history, and the Articles of Faith. Structure and content will be studied with a.special focus on The Book of Abraham 1835-1842. An overview of its content will be examined with a focus on the theology of God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Scripture, humanity, eschatology, andvarious doctrines unique to Mormonism will be examined. The history and development of this book will be examined with a look at its original Egyptian text. The connection of the Book of Abraham to with the Mormon Temple endowment will be studied. The evolving temple ceremonies will be examined.

Eighth: Modern Mormon Theology of God - Elohim, Jesus Christ - Jehovah, the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit - Light of Christ, Authority, humanity, the Church, the Plan of Salvation, eschatology.

Ninth: Definitions - Understanding Mormon Vocabulary.

Tenth: The missionary system of the Church will be examined. Understanding the missionaries on your front door. The content of the message of the Mormon missionaries will be studied. Are Mormon missionaries a fertile mission field for Christians? Handling confusion among missionaries, and members over the changes in Mormon doctrine. Examining Gordon B. Hinckley’s 1997 Changes?

Eleventh: Witnessing to Mormons. How can we survey the Mormon people. Ten different “types” of Mormons will be studied. How can we pray? Carrying a positive message.

Twelfth: Final Examination.

The author was a Mormon for forty years. He was ordained by Gordon B. Hinckley. He came to know the Lord on October 14, 1985. His years of leadership as a Mormon gave him the background and reason to author a work which evidences “How Wide The Divide” is between Mormonism and Christianity. His B.S. Degree is from Concordia University. He currently serves as director of evangelism and outreach in his local church at Chehalem Valley Baptist Church in Newberg Oregon.

Jerry has a Master of Arts in Theological Studies is from the Pacific Northwest Campus of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Mormonism 2002 came out of a presentation associated with his Master’s degree project in March 2002 This project would never have been possible without the support of his wife Kate Stokes, and my home church family at Chehalem Valley Baptist Church. My pastor, Bruce F. Sloan, was a continuous source of encouragement and oversight. Direct project oversight came from Dr. Clint M. Ashley, Director of the Vancouver Washington Seminary. Without Dr. Ashley’s assistance, and encouragement this seminary experience and this book would have been impossible.

Jerry's experience and ongoing research in Mormonism has revealed a wide gap between what Mormons profess and believe. While, in recent years Mormons seem to be making strides in "sounding" like Christians, the gap that divides Mormons and Christians is still very wide.

This research came out of Jerry's ongoing experience in witnessing to Mormons. Jerry has found that many Mormons when confronted with evidences demonstrating the historic gap they move into a position of denial. For this reason many authors trying to reach Mormons have found success by simply photographing actual source documents for all to evaluate. Now, in response to this many Mormons are simply saying "we no longer believe those 170 year old quotations."

Jerry's research was initiated to help meet this need. He began researching only the most current LDS sources available as the source for quotations on what Mormons currently believe. Jerry has used their own trusted 1992 Encyclopedia on Mormonism. Another source he used was FARMS material now published by Brigham Young University. Another tactic Mormons have historically used in their defense is to say, "well you lifted that quote out of context." Because of this problem, Jerry has often included entire articles even including their own bibliographies.

The first two pages of this work have the title "Items of Special Interest." This is like a table of contents for some of the most important pages. These are often presented in the form of questions like "did Mormons really canonize the Egyptian Book of the Dead?"

Because, historically, there has always been a problem with changing Mormon vocabulary, Jerry included the entire article on Latter-day Saint Vocabulary with its own bibliography. This is followed by another article having their entire twelve page glossary.

The next section has a brief chart showing Presidents of the Church, some December 2001 statistics, and their own statistical growth projections which say they will soon be a full world class religion by 2050 with 71 million members.

The next fifteen pages include Jerry's testimony with a bibliography. Following Jerry's story of the mercy and grace of God is an invitation to come to Christ.

The next major section deals with the falls of each Mormon Scripture beginning with the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon chapter begins with a forward that sets the book in its supposed context using quotations from the 1992 Encyclopedia on Mormonism. Included are some reasons why this book struck such a chord with frontier America. A few pages are dedicated to dealing with the then current myths about who the First Americans were and how the Book of Mormon just fit into this setting. Then, using John Sorenson's Geography of Mormonism, Jerry examines historic statements about the book from early Church leadership in their own periodicals. The reason current Mormon apologists see a link between the ancient Maya and the Nephites of this book is rooted in these earliest statements. Jerry then devotes several pages to revealing problems with Maya theology. While the book claims a two hundred year period of peace on both continents, we do not see any evidence for peaceful leaders or peaceful times in the thousands of stone records surviving which document the era of the Book of Mormon.

Followed by this, Jerry deals with the many claims that the Book of Mormon should be trusted over all other revelation because it is the most correct book on earth. Many charts over the next pages demonstrate the 1830 version side by side with the current version to show evidence of many changes of major importance. Jerry then deals with the problems surrounding the historic witnesses to the book. Another key area dealt with is the myth that this book should go hand in hand with the Bible. Instead, evidence is shown which states the opposite. This book is the first to allow for a future open canon and a high view of eastern religious writing.

The problem with the Isaiah inclusions are then covered using large quotations from Mormon scholars like Hoyt Brewster's 1995 Deseret published Isaiah Plain and Simple: The Message of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon. Brewster deals with the ongoing "Mormon Malady" as he calls it of skipping over these inclusions as they read the Book of Mormon. This is all shown in light of recent discoveries of the great Isaiah scroll at Qumran in 1948 which has restored confidence in the book.

Jerry then goes back to some Mayan language problems which have, until very recent times, been the blame for many scholars not understanding who the Maya were. Michael D. Coe's lifetime work of research is sited in defense of a reality check about the absence of a Christ in America or of a Christian civilization. Two scholarly chronologies of the Maya are included which date them as being outside the range of possibility as being Nephites. This is problematic because the Maya are really the only American group with a serious language that was written.

Specific historic Mormon claims of archeological finds which support the Book of Mormon are then covered for several pages. Those chosen were from the official 1966 Book of Mormon which was annotated for seminary students. Example one was the way these notes described the Temple of the Cross from Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico. That article linked the Maya as Nephites and Quetzalcoatl as Jesus Christ. Scholars with a knowledge of Maya have been included which show the pagan nature of this cross. Example two is the Izapa Stela 5, or what only Mormons call the Lehi stone. Four scholars are quoted side by side in a chart presenting the truth about what this stone means. Included in this critique are articles from the 1992 Encyclopedia on Mormonism. The third example is from the Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico. These notes perpetuate the myth of the peaceful Maya. Scholars who have written on this glyph are sited for the last few pages which refute any Christian connection firmly. These are followed by letters from the Smithsonian, and National Geographic which refute claims Mormons repeatedly make that claim they have a high view of the Book of Mormon.

Several pages are devoted to Dr. Santos research on the biological DNA evidence about the First Americans as coming from Siberia instead of Israel as the Book of Mormon claims including his bibliography. This is followed by the evidence from Oregon State Universities, Center for the First Americans which confirm Dr. Santo's work. This is followed by material from Stanford University which links the First Americans to Siberia linguistically. All of this is followed by another bibliography.

The second section, beginning on page ninety, begins to document problems with the entire Pearl of Great Price. It begins with articles describing the work from the 1992 perspective of the Encyclopedia of Mormonism. There is some material on the Inspired Version of the Bible there also since this is the source for the Book of Moses and Joseph Smith's translation of the Olivet discourse. An overview of the additions the Book of Moses makes to Genesis in the Bible is covered as well as the Biblical perspective for making those additions.

The Book of Abraham is covered using primarily Mormon sources such as H. Donl Peterson's The Pearl of Great Price: A History and Commentary, published by Deseret Book in 1987. Peterson shows the connection of this book with the Masonic lodge where the world was first exposed to it. A history of the papyri itself is presented from Walter Whipple's 1968 apologetic work. Jerry uses Whipple's work because he witnessed his discipline for showing the papyri in firesides in southern California in the early 1960's. All three facsimiles are included including the official translations and linkings to the Mormon Temple endowment. Problems with facsimile one are taken up including a photograph of the actual papyri showing the missing section. Also included is a photograph of the way scholars think the original looked like before Joseph Smith tampered with it. The two are interesting to study together along with a large commentary from recent Mormon sources. Following this comes the testimony of many Egyptologists who have agreed in condemning Joseph Smith's translation. Christian responses to this book are then given showing the additions this book makes to Mormon theology. This was Smith's source for polytheism.

Smith's Olivet discourse is shown side by side with Matthew 24 from a modern Bible translation. As with the Isaiah inclusions in the Book of Mormon, Smith used a cut and paste effort to change the core of the meaning of Matthew 24. There is a Christian response to these changes at the conclusion.

Joseph Smith's history in the Pearl of Great Price is a good place to examine Smith's and the later Mormon Church's method of preserving history. Mormons do not realize what a struggle it was to write this history as Smith was being chased by one court after another across the eastern United States for most of his life. Seven attempts at history writing were documented by H. Donl Peterson in 1987. Another important Mormon source is Richard L. Bushman who has remained candid often in the midst of problematic records. Many key events in Smith's chronology are chronicled in this work showing a Christian perspective to Smith's life and work. Financial fraud, counterfeiting, and unchartered banking were typical. His joining the Methodist church in 1828 is covered as well as his bankruptcy in 1837. A Mormon time line from their own perspective is included. The historic changes in 1842 in theology to polytheism is covered. Ten First Visions are dealt with including the language from the witnesses themselves. A Christian response to the First Vision follows. Biblically strange marriages follow for the next few pages. Finally, is a Christian response to Smith as a prophet. Does he match up to his own claims?

The Articles of Faith are covered using only recent LDS sources. Each article is dealt with in view of a Christian response.

The Fall of the Doctrine and Covenants follows beginning at page 179. Again, recent Mormon sources are used to describe the books development and history. Since the earliest version included the Lectures on Faith, these are also covered showing their imprint on early Mormon faith. The Book of Commandments was first published in 1833. This was republished with many additions, deletions, and changes in 1835 as the Doctrine and Covenants. An overview of that book is included followed by a Christian perspective. The 1844 edition is covered from the 1992 perspective of the Encyclopedia on Mormonism. A chart showing the chronology of the revelations is included. A section showing methods by which various revelations where given follows. A chart is included from the RLDS Church which aligns the many versions with the current version today. Then each important revelation is covered by a chart which shows on one side the way it is described by the 1992 Encyclopedia and a Christian response on the left. In the middle of this, there is an extended chart depicting the Zion Time Line using the Doctrine and Covenants to show the way the early Church was led to gather in various and changing atmospheres called Zion by Joseph Smith. This chart, in a graphic way demonstrates the lack of inspiration in the D&C by highlighting the unfulfilled promises and massive changes in doctrine.

The next chapter covers the Mormon concept of God using only the most recent sources. Included are David H. Yarn's full article from the Encyclopedia on Mormonism with his own bibliography. This is followed by Stephen E. Robinson's article on God the Father from the same source including his bibliography. Also included are the full article titled Elohim by Keith H. Meservy which documents the problematic way Mormons use this word as a personal proper name. This is followed by a Christian response showing each unique attribute of God followed by a quotation which shows Mormons to be in denial about key areas of belief.

The person of Jesus Christ begins on page 216. This begins with the Christ found in the Book of Abraham which emerged in 1842. Joseph Smith's changing Christ from the Doctrine and Covenants is covered next which is followed by the changing First Vision. Focus is made on the Mormon Christ who is unable to dwell in the human heart of the believer. The virgin birth from the LDS perspective is covered next which is followed by the Mormon Christ's place among many gods in a polytheistic world view. Covered also are the problems of identity of Christ as being the exact same class of being eternally as humans and angels. Parts of Stephen E. Robinson's article on God the Father is used again followed by a Christian response. Jesus' identity as being fully God is linked to the Old Testament names and language which is quoted by Jesus and the apostles in the New Testament. Theos sayings, I Am sayings, Logos sayings, Kurios sayings, all link to evidence the fullness of the deity of Christ before and after Bethlehem. Historic Christological heresies are covered with the Mormon world view in mind. This is followed by a large bibliography.

The work of Christ on the cross begins on page 241. Because so many Mormons today claim they proclaim grace and offer the same salvation presented in the Bible, Mormonism 2002 uses key articles from the 1992 Encyclopedia on Mormonism. The first article fully used is the one titled Justification by Colin Douglas. Following this is part of Ed Pinegars Born from God article which demonstrates the confusion both Mormons and Christians have about how human beings are to be saved. Bruce Hafen's article on Grace is included which shows the nature of that grace before baptism and after baptism. Basic atonement language is compared. Extra cross atonement material is also covered which is followed by a Christian perspective on the finished work of the cross taking a look at important Greek words demonstrating the evidence from Greek grammar. The Christian response reveals Christ being alone as Savior. Fourteen key terms from the text of the New Testament itself are explored each demonstrating an area of salvation unique to that work. Ten atonement theories are explored. Substitutional atonement is given several pages of evidence from Old to New Testament. Evidence concludes both Testaments teach justification by faith as the means for salvation.

The person and work of the Holy Spirit [Ghost] in Mormonism begins on page 265. We begin with the 1992 article titled Holy Ghost written by Joseph Fielding McConkie including his bibliography. This is followed by the 1992 article titled Holy Spirit by Jerry Wilson, and the Light of Christ by C. Kent Duntford. Following this is the article titled Spirit by Jay Jensen. These all picture a limited humanized Holy Spirit who has a body of spirit and uses the impersonal force called the Light of Christ to accomplish the work of deity. The Christian response to the Mormon doctrine begins with an exhaustive study of every use of the word spirit in the Old and New Testaments which looked for evidence for personality, body, eternality, and deity. Out of this detailed study came much evidence for the person and deity of the Holy Spirit as known by Christians.

The problems Mormons have with the Trinity are dealt with beginning on page 277. Paul E. Dahl's article on Godhead from the 1992 Encyclopedia is the lead article. This is followed by a history of the way Mormons have reacted to the Trinity. A Christian response using a graphic approach is then followed through 25 important evidences for the Trinity in both the Old and New Testament. Following each evidence are quotations from Hebrew and Greek scholars as well as some denials by key Mormons. This section is concluded with a reference of passages grouped which evidence various aspects of the Trinity.

Problems with Mormon authority begin on page 301. To set the stage for these beliefs we have included 1992 articles titled apostasy, and James Talmage's work titled The Great Apostasy which is still published by the Church. Universal apostasy is followed by a Christian response to such a belief in light of Scripture, and the historical evidence for a remnant of genuine believers who have never ceased to exist. The FARMS work by Nibley titled Mormonism and Early Christianity is quoted. Mormon views of the Protestant Reformation are included using the same 1992 source. The Mormon idea of priesthood authority is covered again from the 1992 Encyclopedia using articles as Restoration of All Things, and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Lines of priesthood authority which claim to go from Joseph Smith all the way back to Jesus Christ are also covered. A Christian response to Mormon authority follows demonstrating evidence from both Testaments that priests and temples would cease giving way to the priesthood of all believers.

Mormon Scripture begins on page 309 which begins with Clyde Williams Stand Works article from the 1992 Encyclopedia. As the idea of an open canon proceeds, we see the expansion of confusion which still exists today as Mormons struggle to know who to place their trust in. Kent Jack's article on the Authority of Scripture shows how Mormons have a higher view of personal revelation like the First Vision or even a Personal Testimony than ancient scripture. The Christian response shows God's Word has a high view of itself, as did the Old Testament prophets, Jesus and the apostles. It concludes by siting the thousands of manuscripts discovered in our time which evidence the inspiration of God's Word.

The Mormon view of human beings begins on page 313. Gerald N. Lund's 1992 article titled the Plan of Salvation is sited with the aim of answering questions like who are we, why are we here, and where are we going when we die? Mormon salvation which is works dependant is covered as is the work of baptism for the dead. Spirit worlds and three degrees of glory are covered by their own articles followed by one which exalts the deification of man. Sited were Robert Parsons article on Spirit Prison and Larry Dahl's Degrees of Glory. The Christian response to the Mormon afterlife looks at the absence of Biblical reference to such beliefs. This is followed by a lengthy research on salvation for the dead. This research uses quotations from 8 different Bible translations and most major theologians, as well as many early church fathers. While the reference in Corinthians is unclear, many have down through the centuries attempted to offer an explanation. I have tried to include everyone I could find from Robert Gundry to John MacArthur. I also included Nibley's FARMS interpretation on this passage. This section is followed by a large bibliography.

The Mormon view of the last days begins on page 335. It begins with Grant Barton's 1992 article title The Last Days which sites 20 major end time events. Unique Mormon views are presented for a Second Coming which must be preceded by a secret coming not to Israel but to western Missouri. Paul Pixton's 1992 article on the Millennium is also included which is followed by a Christian response and bibliography.

Problems with the Mormon Temple begin on page 339 allowing Mormon leaders themselves to discuss their own temple since it is still very secret. Since any discussion of what Mormons consider sacred will shut down a meaningful conversation with them I do not include any secret material. I let people like Boyd K. Packer do the teaching and follow up with a Biblical response. Problems with the interview process are covered also. FARMS author Nibley has much on temples which are quoted also. The problem of current Mormon temples not being like ancient temples in Israel is covered. The problems of current leaders linking pagan American temples with the temples in the Bible is also covered. Nibley's FARMS work, The Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri: An Egyptian Endowment is used, as is Sidney Sperry's Ancient Temples and Their Functions. Two key 1992 articles from the Encyclopedia clear up any doubt about the linkage of early Mormon temples and Masonic rites. Kenneth Godfrey wrote Freemasonry in Nauvoo, and Freemasonry and the Temple. Another source used is a Masonic scholar who wrote for the Encyclopedia Britannica. A Christian response to temples after the cross follows. Another section on a reality check on end time temples as well as a response to the endowment ceremony itself. This response concludes by documenting the fact that the temple endowment has changed drastically from its original form until the 1990 changes.

The final chapter offers helps in witnessing to Mormons. It is difficult to witness to a people in denial. There is a need to survey each Mormon. Helps are included for each type. Help is also offered in the form of practical prayer helps for Mormons. A prayer strategy is included. A move to offering a careful and prayerful message for Mormons is then covered. A suggestion to focus on the mission new birth in Mormonism is presented. Questions like what is a Biblical faith are answered. This section ends with some basic questions anyone can ask their Mormon friends or family member. Each question is followed by some recent public denials in case the Mormon they witness to is also in denial.

MORMON COMPARISON CHART

Also included with this handbook is a small pocket sized Mormon Comparison Chart which graphically contains material from the 1992 Encyclopedia on Mormonism on the left side and a Biblical response on the right side. This is from material in the larger handbook. This format is small enough to be able to fit in a Bible Cover. Charts include: God, The Fatherhood of God, Jesus Christ, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, Authority and Scripture, Humanity, Sin, the Plan of Salvation, and the Church.