Mormonism and Christianity

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The Book of Mormon indicates that Christianity existed in the New World prior to the birth of Christ

Summary: The Book of Mormon refers to "Christians" in Alma 46꞉13-16 and Alma 48꞉10. These texts date to approximately 72 BC.

Martyrdom in Christian history

Summary: Critics claim that Joseph Smith is not a martyr because, while in jail, he fought back against those who attacked him. No one questions if he died for his religion. The question therefore is, has the definition of a Christian martyr always been understood only as one who does not fight back?

Critics assert that there is a"Mormon" vs. a "Christian" Jesus

Summary: Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ is the only path to salvation, and that He died for our sins, yet Evangelical critics claim that Latter-day Saints believe in a "different" Jesus than "mainstream" Christians.

LDS versus Evangelical Christian view of the atonement of Jesus Christ

Summary: Critics compare what they state are the four positions of the LDS church, which by their definition must be false.

Completeness of the Bible

Summary: Critics claim the Bible contains all necessary or essential knowledge to assure salvation. Therefore, things like modern prophets or additional scripture (such as the Book of Mormon) are unnecessary or even blasphemous.

Grace and works

Summary: How do the LDS see the relationship between works and grace?

• • Early Christian views on salvation—
    Brief Summary: What can the writings of early Christians tell us about how to receive salvation in Jesus Christ? (Click here for full article)
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  • Neglect grace—
    Brief Summary: Some claim that the Church ignores the doctrine of grace at the expense of "works." Critics argue that Church leaders do not teach this doctrine, and as a result most members of the Church do not expect to be saved, since they are not "good enough." (Click here for full article)
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  • Salvation by faith alone—
    Brief Summary: Evangelical Christians claim that salvation comes through "faith alone" (sola fide) and they accuse Latter-day Saints of holding to an un-Biblical belief of "works-based salvation." (Click here for full article)
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  • Scriptures on grace and works—
    Brief Summary: Critics of the church claim that the Bible teaches that individual works are completely unnecessary, in contrast to the doctrine of the LDS church that an individual's obedience to the commandments of God matters in his salvation. (Click here for full article)
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  • Unforgivable sin—
    Brief Summary: Why did LDS apostle Bruce McConkie write that a man may commit a sin so grievous that it will place him beyond the atoning blood of Christ (Mormon Doctrine, 1979, p. 93) when the Bible says that the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7)? (Click here for full article)
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