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Is the Mormon My Brother?: Discerning the Differences Between Mormonism and Evangelical Christianity

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During the Last decade or so, the LDS Church has been engaged in a campaign to convince the evangelical community that it is orthodox expression of Christianity. "Is the Mormon My Brother" is an honest analysis of this claim---and the answer to this question is a gentle, respectful, but firm "no."

One of the toughest problems that White tackles is getting Mormons to clearly explain the LDS doctrine of God and goodhood. Many Christians who have with dialogued with Mormons know that a Mormon will agree with just about anything about God that an evangelical has to say. The oneness of God, the eternality of God, and the Trinity. In fact, it is very difficult, in a normal conversation to bring out any differences that set Christianity and Mormonism apart. However, if the Christian researchs a bit more, and asks more pointed questions, one soons discovers that LDS doctrine, in spite of the "agreements" that have been expressed over the Doctine of God, one find out that Man can become a God, and God, was one a man, and that there are actually an infinite number of gods in the universe and that every person can become a god. White's book is perhaps one of the best resources available to bring these differences out.

White does a great job of bringing this out, and he does so with extensive use of Mormon primary sources---everything from the Standards Works and early and modern publications from LDS Church authorities such as LDS prophets, and the general assemblies.

Moreover, he also addresses the issues brought about the book "How Wide the Divide" by Blomberg and Robinson, and the use of the Church Fathers (the doctrine of Theosis )by Mormon apologists to argue that the Early Church taught man can become a god.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the book is narrow in scope---the issue of monotheism vs. polytheism. It does not (and does not pretend to) deal with other issues that are also important (Such as the Historicity of the Book of Mormons). However, the book is very complete because it explains its purpose and it fulfills it. It is great if read along with Books such as "Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons" by Ron Rhodes and Marian Bodine and "Mormonism" by Kurt Van Gorden. Thus "Is the Mormon my Brother" is a must for anyone interesting to witnessing to Mormons.

Is the Mormon my Brother essentially answers the question of whether Mormons are Christians? Answer NO

This book asks a question and then answers it with facts from the bible which Christians exclusively use versus facts from the more evolved books than the bible which the Mormons exclusively use such as the Doctrine and Covenants, Book of Abraham, Book of Mormon, etc. The book follows a question and answer format like the one used below but the book goes into that and more reasons why Mormons are not Christians. This book is awesome.

If you want to see the websites, COPY/PASTE a few sentences from any of the paragraphs into Google Search and the website should pop up.

Quotes from
www dot irr dot org/mit/is-mormonism-christian dot html

1. Is There More Than One True God?

The Bible teaches and ALL Christians (Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, etc) believe there is only one True and Living God who is an eternal unchanging God -single Creator of all things and apart from Him there are no other Gods. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 43:10,11; 44:6,8; 45:21,22; 46:9; Mark 12:29-34).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Jesus is just one of many Gods. (Book of Abraham 4:3ff), and that we can become gods and goddesses in the celestial kingdom (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-20; Gospel Principles, p. 245; Achieving a Celestial Marriage, p. 130). It also teaches that those who achieve godhood will have spirit children who will worship and pray to them, just as we worship and pray to God the Father (Gospel Principles, p. 302). In chapters 4 and 5 of the Book of Abraham, Joseph Smith translates his found Egyptian documents saying PLURAL GODS organized and formed the heavens and earth and that THEY (GODS) said Let there be light. Gods (plural) is mentioned well over 40 times and each time the word Gods is capitalized. Essentially it is a rewrite of the Old Testaments Genesis using plural gods.

2. Is The Bible The Unique and Final Word of God?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the Bible is the unique, final and infallible Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1,2; 2 Peter 1:21) and that it will stand forever (1 Peter 1:23-25). God's providential preservation of the text of the Bible was marvelously illustrated in the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that the Bible has been corrupted, is missing many "plain and precious parts" and does not contain the fullness of the Gospel (Book of Mormon -- 1 Nephi 13:26-29; Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 3, pp. 190-191). The Book of Mormon, Book of Abraham and especially the Doctrine and Covenants are more evolved than the bible. The Book of Abraham contained in The Pearl of Great Price (Joseph Smith translated piece) rewrites the genesis portion of the bible Old Testament.

3. Was God Once a Man Like Us?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that God is Spirit (John 4:24; 1 Timothy 6:15,16), He is not a man (Numbers 23:19; Hosea 11:9; Romans 1:22, 23), and has always (eternally) existed as God -- all powerful, all knowing, and everywhere present (Psalm 90:2; 139:7-10; Isaiah 40:28; Luke 1:37).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that God the Father was once a man like us who progressed to become a God and has a body of flesh and bone (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22; "God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!" from Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 345-347; Gospel Principles, p. 9; Articles of Faith, p. 430; Mormon Doctrine, p. 321). Indeed, the Mormon Church teaches that God himself has a father, and a grandfather, ad infinitum (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 373; Mormon Doctrine, p. 577).

4. Can a Mortal Man become a God?

All Christians (Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist) believe when you die you go to heaven (if you are judged worthy) and that you are one of God's children NOT his equal.

By contrast Mormons believe mortal man can become a God just like Jesus and Jesus' father, etc. if they follow divine laws and ordinances and gain exaltation. Part of the divine laws is a celestial marriage which is sealed in the Mormon Temple. "We cannot emphasize too strongly that in Mormonism the idea of advancement to godhood is the gospel of the Church" (P93 in Is Mormon my Brother) "The progression of our father in heaven to godhood or exaltation was strictly in accordance with eternal principal "for he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide celestial glory (D&C 88:22). Man is the child of God, formed in the divine image and endowed with divine attributes, and even as the infant son of our early father and mother is capable in due time of becoming a man, so the undeveloped offspring of celestial parentage is capable , by experience through ages of aeons, of evolving into a God. (The First Presidency {Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder Anthon H. Lund}, The Origin of Man, Improvement Era November 1909: 81)

5. Can Mortal Man who Dies Continue to have Children?

All Christians (Lutheran, Catholic, Baptist) believe when you die you may be reunited with your loved ones but you cannot have children.

Mormons believe "By definition, exaltation includes the ability to procreate the family unit throughout eternity. This our Father in heaven has the power to do. His marriage partner is our Mother in heaven. We are their spirit children, born to them in the bonds of celestial heaven. The Lord would have all his children attain exaltation but men must have their agency. Only those who subscribe by ordinance and by faithful adherence to covenant are worth of a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. Doctrine and Covenants 132:19

6. Are Jesus and Satan Spirit Brothers?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that Jesus is the unique Son of God; he has always existed as God, and is co-eternal and co-equal with the Father (John 1:1, 14; 10:30; 14:9; Colossians 2:9). While never less than God, at the appointed time He laid aside the glory He shared with the Father (John 17:4, 5; Philippians 2:6-11) and was made flesh for our salvation; His incarnation was accomplished through being conceived supernaturally by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18-23; Luke 1:34-35).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Jesus Christ is our elder brother who progressed to godhood, having first been procreated as a spirit child by Heavenly Father and a heavenly mother; He was later conceived physically through intercourse between Heavenly Father and the virgin Mary (D&C 93:21; Journal of Discourses, 1:50-51; Gospel Principles, p. 11-13; Achieving a Celestial Marriage, p. 129; Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 546-547; 742; Ezra Taft Benson, Come unto Christ, p. 4; Robert L. Millet, The Mormon Faith: Understanding Restored Christianity, p. 31). Mormon doctrine affirms that Jesus, all angels, Lucifer, all demons, and all human beings are originally spirit brothers and sisters (Abraham 3:22-27; Moses 4:1-2; Gospel Principles, pp. 17-18; Mormon Doctrine, p. 192).

7. Is God a Trinity?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost are not separate Gods or separate beings, but are distinct Persons within the one Triune Godhead. Throughout the New Testament the Son and the Holy Spirit, as well as the Father are separately identified as and act as God (Son: Mark 2:5-12; John 20:28; Philippians 2:10,11; Holy Spirit: Acts 5:3,4; 2 Corinthians 3:17,18; 13:14); yet at the same time the Bible teaches that these three are only one God (see point 1).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three separate Gods (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 370; Mormon Doctrine, pp. 576-577), and that the Son and Holy Ghost are the literal offspring of Heavenly Father and a celestial wife (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 2, p. 649).

8. Was The Sin Of Adam and Eve a Great Evil Or a Great Blessing?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the disobedience of our first parents Adam and Eve was a great evil. Through their fall sin entered the world, bringing all human beings under condemnation and death. Thus we are born with a sinful nature, and will be judged for the sins we commit as individuals. (Ezekiel 18:1-20; Romans 5:12-21).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that Adam's sin was "a necessary step in the plan of life and a great blessing to all of us" (Gospel Principles, p. 33; Book of Mormon -- 2 Nephi 2:25; Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, pp. 114-115).

9. Can We Make Ourselves Worthy Before God?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that apart from the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross we are spiritually "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1,5) and are powerless to save ourselves. By grace alone, apart from self-righteous works, God forgives our sins and makes us worthy to live in His presence (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6). Our part is only to cling to Christ in heartfelt faith. (However, it is certainly true that without the evidence of changed conduct, a person's testimony of faith in Christ must be questioned; salvation by grace alone through faith, does not mean we can live as we please -- Romans 6:1-4).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that eternal life in the presence of God (which it terms "exaltation in the celestial kingdom") must be earned through obedience to all the commands of the Mormon Church, including exclusive Mormon temple rituals. Works are a requirement for salvation (entrance into the "celestial kingdom") -- Gospel Principles, p. 303-304; Pearl of Great Price -- Third Article of Faith; Mormon Doctrine, pp. 339, 671; Book of Mormon -- 2 Nephi 25:23).

10. Does Christ's Atoning Death Benefit Those Who Reject Him?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the purpose of the atoning work of Christ on the cross was to provide the complete solution for humankind's sin problem. However, those who reject God's grace in this life will have no part in this salvation but are under the judgment of God for eternity (John 3:36; Hebrews 9:27; 1 John 5:11-12).

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that the purpose of the atonement was to bring resurrection and immortality to all people, regardless of whether they receive Christ by faith. Christ's atonement is only a partial basis for worthiness and eternal life, which also requires obedience to all the commands of the Mormon church, including exclusive Mormon temple rituals (Gospel Principles, pp. 74-75; Mormon Doctrine, p. 669).

11. Did The Early Church Fall Into Total Apostasy?

The Bible teaches and orthodox Christians through the ages have believed that the true Church was divinely established by Jesus and could never and will never disappear from the earth (Matthew 16:18; John 15:16; 17:11). Christians acknowledge that there have been times of corruption and apostasy within the Church, but believe there has always been a remnant that held fast to the biblical essentials.

By contrast, the Mormon Church teaches that there was a great and total apostasy of the Church as established by Jesus Christ; this state of apostasy "still prevails except among those who have come to a knowledge of the restored gospel" of the Mormon Church (Gospel Principles, pp. 105-106; Mormon Doctrine, p. 44).

Page 124 sums it: "Official Mormon teaching is clear. God and man are of the same species. The difference between them is a matter of exaltation and progression over eons of time. God was once a man, a mortal, just as we are. He lived on another planet in a condition very similar to ours, and gained exaltation on the same principles that are made available to men today. The worthy Mormon man who is sealed for time and eternity to his wife in the LDS temple and who continues to be faithful to the end in obedience to gospel ordinances and principals, will be exalted, in due time, to the status of a god. He will have "eternal increase," beget spirit children, and be worshiped as a god and creator of other worlds. In those worlds he will raise up his spirit children so that they too, might become exalted. This is the eternal law of progression, the concept of exaltation to godhood and as we have seen over and over, in Mormonism this is the gospel. That this is the LDS teaching cannot possible be doubted. ......the fundamental issue is monotheism versus polytheism, one eternal God versus an exalted man. .. primary issue. Is there only one true and eternal God? Are we gods in embryo or creatures of the Almighty and Eternal Creator?"

Quote from www dot carm dot org/comparison-between-christian-doctrine-and-mormon-doctrine
"Mormon theology teaches that god is only one of countless gods, that he used to be a man on another planet, that he became a god by following the laws and ordinances of that god on that world, and that he brought one of his wives to this world with whom he produces spirit children who then inhabit human bodies at birth. The first spirit child to be born was Jesus. Second was Satan, and then we all followed. But, the Bible says that there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8; 45:5), that God has eternally been God (Psalm 90:2) -- which means he was never a man on another planet. Why is Mormonism a non Christian religion? It is not Christian because it denies that there is only one God, denies the true Gospel, adds works to salvation, denies that Jesus is the uncreated creator, distorts the biblical teaching of the atonement, and undermines the authority and reliability of the Bible" CARM does not deny that Mormons are good people, that they worship "a" god, that they share common words with Christians, that they help their people, and that they do many good things. But that isn't what makes someone Christian. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, " Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" (NKJV). Becoming a Christian does not mean belonging to a church, doing good things, or simply believing in God. Being a Christian means that you have trusted in the true God for salvation, in the True Jesus -- not the brother of the devil, not the god of Mormonism, not the gospel of Mormonism. Mormonism is false and cannot save anyone.

Quote www dot leaderu dot com/offices/michaeldavis/docs/mormonism/mormonism dot html
'Is the Mormon church a Christian denomination?' NO. Mormonism is not Christian because it denies some of the essential doctrines of Christianity, including: 1) the deity of Christ, 2) salvation by grace, and 3) the bodily resurrection of Christ. Furthermore, Mormon doctrine contradicts the Christian teaching of monotheism and undermines the authority and reliability of the Bible

It's interesting to me how easy it is to tell which of the people who commented on this book at this site have actually read it, by the one line, one star comments, that include NO reasons as to why the book would recieve one star other than vaguely saying "it isnt good" (or the like), you have to know there's some out there simply criticizing this book with one star simply because they know it criticizes the LDS church. Regardless of the opinions below, pick it up, read it, and ask if it doesn't really hit the CORE issue on the question "Are Mormons Christians?", which is: Are Mormons Monotheists or Polytheists?

I believe I should first state my religious belief and my association with Mormon(s). I am a Protestant who has been studying Mormonism for quite a while (the ball got rolling when some Mormon friends started talking to me about their faith).

I've always enjoyed White's writing style and form. He is a good writer, I don't think many will deny that. The problem with his last book dealing with Mormonism, Letters To A Mormon Elder, was that it was designed as a 'witness tool' and the book was too broad...there weren't enough details in the arguments for them to be successful. This book, on the other hand has a very narrow focus. Only on the difference between the 'Mormon God' and the 'God Christians worship'. White simply pours out a fantastic variety of quotations as well. That is where the book shines...in it's number of references and quotations. I have looked up many of his references and found some very interesting statements. The Appendix where he discuses 'theos' in the early church is fantastic, he should write a whole book just discussing the early church. I've looked up a few references given by some LDS apologists who quote the early church...most of what is quoted is taken heavily out of context, but since the resources to read these early church leaders is so limited, no one will know the better (they hope at least).

The flaw of this book is one chapter; "The God Christians Worship". Where he quotes biblical passages that support his belief in the 'Christian God'. It is again too broad. God is so vast, you cannot simply demonstrate 'the God Christians worship' in a single chapter. Maybe in 3 books, sure, but one chapter, no. Besides that issue this book is good, it doesn't presume Mormonism is a cult and it isn't designed largely as a witness tool (I hate books like that). I'd give it 3.5 stars if possible.

James R. White is a justly a famed Christian (Reformed Baptist) apologist, as well as the Director of "Alpha and Omega Ministries" in Arizona. He is also the author of books such as Letters to a Mormon Elder, What's with the Dudes at the Door: Stuff to Know When the Cults Come Knocking, Roman Catholic Controversy, The, King James Only Controversy, The: Can You Trust Modern Translations?, etc.

Here are some quotations from this 1997 book:

"I do not wish to be held accountable for beliefs that are not part of my own faith. I don't want to have to defend every word that comes out of the mouth of every televangelist these days. So if we seek to be fair and honor the truth, we must allow Mormonism to define Mormonism." (Pg. 19)
"I am glad I am not Bruce R. McConkie... As far as Apostles go, he is the one that LDS missionaries like to disagree with the most... you hear, 'Oh, that's just his speculation.'" (Pg. 117)
"(about President Gordon B. Hinckley's words in the August 4, 1997 issue of Time magazine) If Hinckley were to say in a General Conference address that he doesn't 'know a lot about' God being a man, we would have some real reason to wonder. But ... it is hard to avoid asking a rather simple question: How can the President of the LDS Church say that he doesn't know a lot about a doctrine that we have traced through every level of LDS teaching and through every era of the Church's existence?" (Pg. 123-124)
"It is my love for the LDS people that compels me to missions work in Utah and Arizona... If I love someone, I will tell them the truth, even if I know they may not appreciate my efforts." (Pg. 167)
"I find no biblical warrant for seeking 'dialogue' or 'common ground' with the Mormon faith. It is a postmodernistic viewpoint of truth that sees more value in 'agreements' than in 'disagreements.'" (Pg. 183-184)

It seems funny that we ask our children to improve in school, to get A's. Employers ask of their employees to be the best. To be perfect? Hum. Why? For what? So we can fail again. Is there no growth to the point of perfection. James R. White downplays a very fundimental belief of the LDS, that with centuries of time and tests of our inner spirit we can become as god. Perfect. Is not that what God wants of us? Is that our reward? Or are we never able to attain perfection? Restoring a church, which Jesus Christ and God himself founded at Christ's birth, was this not revelation. Revelation is fundimental to all mankind. Who are you to tell anyone that their relationship with the Holy Spirit is not revelation. Who are you to tell anyone that a church restored in Jesus Christ's name is not Christian. That it is a Cult. How easy it is to be that perfect.

The fundamental difference between Mormonism and Christianity hinges upon WHO is the God they worship? Mormons- by their own admssion and their own documents, worship a God who once was only a man and became 'exalted' over time. The God of the Bible has ALWAYS been God. Mormonism is not Christianity- from its' very foundation- Theology Proper (the Doctrine of God) it differs from historic and Biblical Christianity. Joseph Smith didn't 'restore' anything- he created a new religion, with a new 'god' and adopted Christian terminology. This is the primary focus of White's book and he goes thru great detail to dcument ACCURATELY what Mormonism teaches. The LDS, although some very nice folks and very sincere in their beliefs (I do have several Mormon friends) are worshipping a false god. Nothing White presents is faulty or misleading- from a doctrinal standpoint and what the Bible alone teaches, I cannot call the Mormon my brother.

James White provides a scholarly look at the fundamental issues dividing Biblical Christianity and Mormonism. White accurately contends that the essential division between Biblical Christianity and the LDS faith is the difference between monotheism and polytheism. In addition, White points out that insofar as LDS teaching denies the eternality and immutability of God it cannot be understood to be Biblical Christianity. Bravo to White for being a Berean and "searching the Scriptures to see if these things are so". White also encourages all people, LDS and non-LDS alike, to be Bereans as well. Furthermore, White's scholarship is commendable, as he establishes the validity of his sources early in the book. A must for any student of Mormonism honestly seeking the truth from a Biblical perspective.

As with all of James White's books I've read, he provides a fair treatment of an oppossing point of view by allowing Mormonism for speak for itself on issues of The Nature of God, Salvation and the Nature of Man. Mormonism is diametrically opposed to Christianity and can in no way be considered 'Christian', despite the seeming smokescreen of agreement that men like Dr. Robinson (How Wide the Divide) present. This book is one of two which are written to respond directly to How Wide The Divide. The other is by Norman Geisler, Ron Rhodes and several other authors - The Counterfeit Gospel of Mormonism: The Great Divide Between Mormonism and Christianity. Pick up both.

Having read the reviews thus far, it is obvious that the Mormons are not very happy. THAT ALONE should direct your attention toward this book. As you also consider their personal attacks against White's professionalism, ask yourself, "Why should I blindly trust the advice of biased Mormon strangers?" So, I challenge you to do what most of the reviewers didn't do: read the book and draw your own conclusions. White's book is "tedious," as one claimed. Why? Because the book basically contains quote after quote after quote from Mormon sources concerning the nature of God. White organizes these quotes according to four general levels of Mormon doctrinal authority. This is as comprehensive as a little book can be. It is not smooth reading but it is informative. In fact, it is quite an overkill. And this was White's purpose. For accomplishing his purpose so well, the book gets 5 stars. The book serves as a springboard to future study.

One final, personal point: I would love to utilize a time machine to be able to get the following folks into one room: Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russel and Judge Rutherford, Mary Baker Eddy, Elizabeth Clare Prophet, Herbert Armstrong, Ellen G. White, Tony Alamo, David Koresh, L. Ron Hubbard, Phineas Quimby, David Moses Berg, Jim Jones, Pope Innocent, and Kenneth Hagin. The group would be posed one question: "Who's right?" These self-proclaimed prophets, visionaries, and mouthpieces-of-God would then be allowed to argue themselves unto death.