Author: Eric Johnson
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Born Again (Defined)
Born Again. According to one church manual, “through the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, you were born again in to a new life” (True to the Faith, 2004, p. 25). Another says, “We are saved when we are ‘born again.’ This happens when we enter into a covenant relationship with Christ by accepting baptism, receiving the…
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Book of Moses (Defined)
Book of Moses. Found in the Pearl of Great Price, one of Mormonism’s standard works. Mormon scholars claim the Book of Moses was given to Joseph Smith by direct revelation in June of 1830. Its purpose was to restore many “lost truths” that are not included in the Pentateuch. Mormon Apostle Bruce McConkie claimed the Book of Moses “is one of…
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Book of Mormon (Defined)
Book of Mormon. One of Mormonism’s standard works. It contains the story of a group of Jews led by a man named Lehi who left Israel and sailed to the American continent around 600 B.C. with, among others, his sons Nephi and Laman. The book records the wars and ultimate demise of their followers known…
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Book of Commandments (Defined)
Book of Commandments
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Book of Abraham (Defined)
Book of Abraham. “A Translation of some ancient Records, that have fallen into our hands from the catacombs of Egypt.—The writings of Abraham while he was in Egypt, called the Book of Abraham, written by his own hand, upon papyrus. See History of the Church 2:235, 236, 348-35” (Introduction to Abraham 1). According to a…
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Blood Atonement (Defined)
Blood Atonement. A doctrine that stems from the belief that the blood of Christ does not cleanse all sins; therefore, one who sins a sin beyond the cleansing power of Christ must atone for his own sins by having his blood shed. While current Mormon leaders may deny the blunt description of this practice as…
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Bishopric (Defined)
Bishopric. Presiding officers of a ward, including a bishop and two counselors.
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Bishop (Defined)
Bishop. Non-paid leader of a local Mormon ward. Also known as the “judge in Israel” who determines those who qualify for a temple recommend. His duties are similar to a Christian pastor. In a general conference talk, fifteenth President Gordon B. Hinckley explained, “We have more than 18,000 bishops in the Church. Every one is…
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Bible (Defined)
Bible. One of the four Standard Works. The official translation used is the King James Version of the Bible. According to the Eighth Article of Faith, the Bible is true only “as far as it is translated correctly.” Joseph Smith said, “Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors” (Teachings of…
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Baptism for the Dead (Definition)
Baptism for the dead. Also known as baptism by proxy or vicarious baptism, performed in Mormon temples by living Church members on behalf of someone who is deceased. It is believed that those spirits who are baptized for will have an opportunity to receive the Mormon gospel in the spirit world, though acceptance of such…
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Water Baptism (Definition)
Baptism, Water. Required for the remission of sins. Performed by immersion and valid only if administered by a Mormon male holding priesthood authority. Twelfth President Spencer Kimball explained in a general conference, “Baptism into Christ’s true church by proper authority opens the doors for exaltation in the eternal kingdoms of glory, exaltation to be earned…
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Book Review: It’s True: An Evangelical Pastor’s Journey to Truth in the Mormon Church
While it’s only 82 pages in length, the title of Tom Scott’s book (It’s True: An Evangelical Pastor’s Journey to Truth in the Mormon Church) begs to be read. If nothing else, Scott appears to be a good marketer, even having worked out a deal with several Utah Costco stores to sell copies at $6.99…
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Can the Missionaries Really Help You?
In a lively General Conference talk, Apostle Russell M. Nelson enthusiastically touted the expertise of teenage Mormon missionaries—now eligible at younger ages.
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Articles of Faith (Definition)
Articles of Faith. A list of thirteen fundamental and characteristic doctrines of the Mormon Church. Originally known as the Wentworth Letter, it was intended to briefly outline the basic tenets of the Mormon faith. The Articles of Faith is also a book written by Mormon Apostle James Talmage.
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Apostates (Defined)
Apostates. 12th President Spencer W. Kimball“Apostasy usually begins with question and doubt and criticism. Apostasy usually begins with question and doubt and criticism. It is a retrograding and devolutionary process. The seeds of doubt are planted by unscrupulous or misguided people, and seldom directed against the doctrine at first, but more often against the leaders. They…
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Great Apostasy (Defined)
Great Apostasy. True Christianity is said to have ceased after the death of Christ’s apostles. This made it necessary for God to restore the true church through Joseph Smith in 1830. Without this belief, there is no reason for the Mormon Church to exist.
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Anti-Christ (Defined)
Anti-Christ. Depending on the context, can mean a variety of things. Second President Brigham Young said “every spirit that does not confess that God has sent Joseph Smith, and revealed the everlasting Gospel to and through him, is of Antichrist, no matter whether it is found in a pulpit or on a throne“ (Discourses of Brigham…
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Angels (Definition)
Angels. According to D&C 132:16-17, angels are those who did not qualify for the celestial kingdom. Instead, they have become “ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory. For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but…