Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Scientists, Mormons, some New Agers and other non-Christian groups would cheerfully say, “Jesus is Lord” if they are put on the spot to do so. This becomes puzzling to some in light of Paul’s words to the church in Corinth. He wrote: Therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in … Continue reading
Category Archives: Mormon
When someone leaves a cult or spiritually abusive religious group, it often means they will be abandoned by everyone who was their friend when they were inside the group. This practice is called shunning, and cult members take very seriously their spiritual “duty” to shun former friends and even family members who leave the group. So, for many former cult members, the statement “they were my friends” brings on terrible sadness and angst. Were they … Continue reading
We find angelic communications to humans quite a number of places in Scripture. An angel appeared to Zechariah with the news that he and his wife Elizabeth would have a son (Luke 1:13). Mary, a young Jewish virgin, who was engaged to be married, had a similar encounter and was told she would have a son conceived by God (Luke 1:26-38). And, while her husband-to-be Joseph was deciding the kindest way to call off his … Continue reading
Creating a god in your own image can have many temporal benefits. Such a deity would reflect your views and sanctify your behavior. He or she might even make your own behavior look better in comparison. The ancient Greek and Roman gods, who could be extremely nasty and selfish beings, are good examples of this benefit. The gods of other pagan cultures were no better. These various gods and the God Who revealed Himself in … Continue reading
The late John Lennon wistfully imagined a world of peace, safety and harmony – a time when “the world will live as one.” His very popular song, Imagine, was released in October 1971. All the world would need to do to reach utopia is to abandon their current wrong-headed “fuddy duddy” religious beliefs and join him, embracing the religious beliefs that he outlines in his song. The song is basically a statement of faith. Imagine … Continue reading
Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Days, Volume 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815-1846 (722 Pages. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. $5.99) Reviewed by Kurt Van Gorden The history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon or LDS) has always been an enigma. The church’s published history is a mixture of truth, speculation, and falsified information. To resolve that, history students have sought … Continue reading