A Comparative Theological Analysis: “Are Mormons Christian?” Series Introduction The question of human origins, the nature of the cosmos, and the relationship between Creator and creation stand at the very heart of Christian theology. For nearly two millennia, the Church has articulated a coherent understanding of these matters, drawing upon Scripture, the apostolic witness, and…
Category: Latter Day Saints
Bread and Water: A Theological Examination of LDS Communion Elements in Light of Orthodox Christian Practice
Introduction The Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, or communion stands as one of Christianity’s most sacred and defining ordinances, instituted by Jesus Christ on the night of His betrayal. Across nearly two millennia of Christian practice, the elements of this ceremony—bread and wine—have carried profound theological weight, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ given for the…
Questions Worth Asking of Our LDS Friends: How About Those Golden Plates?
A Dialogue Starter for Thoughtful Conversation Friends, I’ve been thinking about something that genuinely puzzles me, and I’d value hearing your perspective. You know I come at this from a different theological tradition, but I’m asking in the spirit of honest inquiry—not to score points, but because I find the question genuinely fascinating and I…
The Christological Divide: Examining Latter-day Saint Theology in Light of Orthodox Christian Doctrine
A Comparative Theological Analysis: “Are Mormons Christian?” Series 1. Introduction: The Question of Christological Orthodoxy Few theological questions carry greater weight than the identity and nature of Jesus Christ. Throughout the history of the Christian church, Christological controversies have generated some of the most significant councils, creeds, and theological treatises in ecclesiastical history. From the…
The Doctrine of Demons in Latter-day Saint Theology
Origins, Development, and Comparison with Orthodox Christianity A Theological Analysis 1. Introduction to the LDS Belief in Demons The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) holds distinctive theological positions regarding the nature, origin, and function of demons that significantly depart from historic Christian orthodoxy. Central to this belief system is the doctrine of…
A Philosophical Inquiry into the Ontological Problems of Latter-day Saint Theology: The Other Gods
The Infinite Regress of Divine Origins A Philosophical Inquiry into the Ontological Problems of Latter-day Saint Theology Questions Worth Asking Series Introduction: The Question That Cannot Be Avoided Among the most distinctive claims of Latter-day Saint theology is the assertion that the God worshiped by Christians was once a mortal man who progressed to godhood,…
Seven Woes: Matthew 23’s Relevance to Modern Mormonism
Whitewashed Tombs: Matthew 23 and the Structural Parallels Between Pharisaic Judaism and Latter-day Saint Religious Culture A Theological and Historical Analysis Introduction: The Enduring Relevance of Jesus’ Prophetic Critique In the twenty-third chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus delivers what stands as perhaps His most sustained and devastating critique of religious leadership recorded in Scripture. The…
A Critical Examination of Joseph Smith Restoration Claims in Light of New Testament Theology
THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE APOSTOLIC GOSPEL: An Academic Theological Analysis Abstract This book conducts a comprehensive theological inquiry into the claims of Joseph Smith’s Restoration Gospel, specifically examining why—if such a restoration was necessary—the original apostles of Jesus Christ were not provided with this purportedly complete Gospel during their ministry. Through careful exegesis of New…
The Idol of Human Potential: How LDS President Hinckley’s Message Conflicts with “Apart from Me You Can Do Nothing.”
LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “There is no limit to your potential. If you will take control of your lives, the future is filled with opportunity and gladness. You cannot afford to waste your talents or your time. Great opportunities lie ahead of you….
The Psychology of Faith Formation: Examining Belief Development of Latter-day Saints.
A PDF is available of this essay to download and read at a later date: The Psychology of LDS Faith. This essay may be the answer to the question: Why are you LDS? Introduction The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints represents one of the fastest-growing religious movements of the modern era, with approximately…