LDS Church

During 2013, LDS members will be studying the latest manual published by their church, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow. We will evaluate this book regularly, chapter by chapter, by showing interesting quotes and providing an Evangelical Christian take on this manual. The text that is underlined is from the manual, with our comments following.

In Mormonism, receiving a “testimony” is vital for each individual Latter-day Saint. Using what they believe is precedence from James 1:5 and Moroni 10:4, LDS missionaries typically encourage potential converts to pray about the Book of Mormon. It's truth will be seen by the person who is sincere with good intent by way of a good feeling about the Mormon gospel. However, the missionary will not tell the potential convert just how much has to be assumed to “get to the starting point” in the first place.  

Eternal Life. Gaining exaltation in the highest level of the celestial kingdome and living forever in the family unit. Apostle Bruce R. McConkie explained, "Only those who obey the fulness of the gospel law will inherit eternal life ... Thus those who gain eternal life receive exaltation; they are sons of God, joint heirs with Christ, members of the Church of the Firstborn; they overcome all things, have all power, and receive the fulness of the Father. They are gods" (Mormon Doctrine, p. 237).

Elohim. God the Father. The literal father of Jesus Christ. According to Apostle James Talmage, "Elohim is literally the Father of the spirit of Jesus Christ and also of the body in which Jesus Christ performed His mission in the flesh ..." (The Articles of Faith, pp. 466-467). Elohim was once a mortal man who progressed to the level of God and is a "Being who has attained His exalted state" (Ibid., p. 430).

Elder. The lowest ordained office of the Mormon Melchizedek Priesthood (Priesthood and Church Government, p. 111). Only male members are allowed to hold this position. By this office Mormons feel they have the authority to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church, etc. This is also the official title used by male missionaries.

Cross. According to 15th President Gordon B. Hinckley, "the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of a Living Christ" ("The Symbol of Our Faith," Ensign, April 2005, p. 3). Tenth President Joseph Fielding Smith explained the reason why Latter-day Saints don't wear jewelry depicting the cross: To many, like the writer, such a custom is repugnant and contrary to the true worship of our Redeemer. Why should we bow down before a cross or use it as a symbol?

Creation. Joseph Smith taught that matter is eternal and God had no power to create out of nothing. God reorganized already present elements, which have no beginning or end and cannot be destroyed (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 350-352). “Since Mormons believe that the elements are eternal, it follows hat they deny the ex nihilo creation” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism1:400).

Commandments. Laws and rules taught by the Mormon Church. Keeping all of these are necessary to receive exaltation, as tenth LDS President Joseph Fielding Smith explained, “CELESTIAL SALVATION. Those who keep the full law and obey all the commandments of God are heirs of full salvation in the celestial kingdom, the glory of which the sun is spoken of as being typical. These overcome all things and receive a fulness of the blessings, power, and glory of the Father” (Doctrines of Salvation 2:21. Italics in original).

Chapels. Latter-day Saint buildings used for Sunday worship services. According to a general conference message by James Faust, a member of the First Presidency, “Our chapels are dedicated to the Lord as holy places. We are told we should go to the house of prayer and offer up our sacraments upon His holy day. Partaking of the sacrament is a solemn and sacred privilege.

Calling. Invitation a member receives for a particular assignment.

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