Criticism of Mormonism/Books/Do Christians Believe in Three Gods

Introduction

Statement of Purpose It is not uncommon for a few members of some religious denominations to attack the beliefs of others. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are, unfortunately, sometimes victims of this tactic. As members of the Church, we are encouraged to share our beliefs with others. However, we are convinced we should do so in a positive way: we should share what we believe, rather than attacking or vilifying what others believe. The following pamphlet has recently come to the attention of FAIR: Herb Vander Lugt (senior research editor), "Do Christians Believe in Three Gods?" (RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1992/2000). (All page numbers refer to this pamphlet, except where otherwise noted). The pamphlet asks the question, "Do Christians Believe in Three Gods?" It then asserts that "Muslims, Jews, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormons say yes." Though composed mostly of active members of the Church of Jesus Christ, FAIR does not speak for the Church. We are a group of private individuals whose goal is to defend the Church and its history, leaders, and doctrine from inaccurate or sensationalized attacks. Though we do not speak for the Church, we believe our varied membership provides a good cross-section of LDS views on a given topic. FAIR certainly cannot speak for Muslims, Jews, or Jehovah's Witnesses, though we find much to admire and emulate in those faiths. Since, as will be shown, the RBC pamphlet does not accurately reflect our views on the Trinity, we suspect that the pamphlet may also unfairly characterize the beliefs of others. It has been our experience that any religion's views are best understood if a believer, rather than a critic, is consulted. FAIR does not wish to attack any other faith's beliefs, creeds, or doctrines. We believe in preaching our own beliefs, not using other's views as targets. However, when claims about the Church are made, we believe we have a duty to clarify the record. We must address false information so that members and sincere inquirers will understand what we believe, not simply what RBC Ministries claims we believe. What is RBC Ministries? "RBC Ministries" (formerly Radio Bible Class) is not, to our knowledge, a major purveyor of much anti-Mormon literature. Happily, this ministry seems mostly dedicated to spreading the Good News of the Word of God as they understand it. There are, however, some aspects of their presentation and website which indicate that their expertise in LDS matters and theology is limited. For example, they describe Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and the Church of Jesus Christ as "cultic groups."[1] Their website also contrasts "Mormon faith" with "Christian faith," suggesting the common anti-Mormon claim that "Mormons aren't Christians."[2] Ironically, the website repeatedly uses a meeting with an LDS missionary in Turkey as a springboard to discussing faith/work—yet, the website does not seem to realize that the LDS view of works is similar to its own: It is those works that come as a response of faith to God’s promise in a particular circumstance....It is a response in a particular circumstance where your faith has to show itself in action or you have made yourself an enemy of God....Good works in James were not just general good behavior. They are the result of faith.[3] Members of the Church of Jesus Christ understand faith and works in the same way. Do members of the Church of Jesus Christ believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior? RBC Ministries writes about a Christian woman who enjoyed praying with her LDS friend. Said the woman, "We have such wonderful fellowship with each other and God." The response given by the minister is disappointing: Many Mormons are fine people and share a lot of our values. But, since Mormonism denies that Jesus is God and Savior, we can never get beyond friendship to true fellowship.[4] This claim is completely false. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints emphatically declare that Jesus is both God and Savior, the only source of salvation. When we see that this ministry claims that members of the Church deny Christ's status as both God and Savior, it becomes clear why members of the Church are included with Jews and Muslims in the pamphlet, since those religions deny the divinity and saving power of Jesus. Jump to... Introduction What does "One God" mean? Is Nicene Trinitarianism Biblical? What are the origins of Nicene Trinitarianism? Relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Jesus is God Do Christians believe in Three Gods? Other Protestant attacks on the Church of Jesus Christ: Contradictions in LDS scripture? Many anti-Mormon protestants use a list of supposed "contradictions" between the Book of Mormon and other LDS scripture. This table reviews and rebuts each. Do Christians Believe in Three Gods? Review of an anti-Mormon pamphlet. Questions All Mormons Should Ask Themselves Questions which protestant critics think that Latter-day Saints cannot answer are here answered. 50 Answers from FAIR to 50 Questions Critics Ask Latter-day Saints Even more questions which protestant critics think that Latter-day Saints cannot answer are here answered. Jesus Christ/Joseph Smith DVD A review and examination of this slick anti-Mormon video Do You Have Questions? If you have questions about anything you read on this page, we encourage you to ask. FAIR is a volunteer organization, and our members are glad to answer questions. You can ask by using our handy contact page. You will get one or more answers, via e-mail, usually within a short time after asking. Click here to receive our free monthly e-mail newsletter for defenders of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. You can unsubscribe at any time.