Author: Eric Johnson
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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…
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Anti-Mormon (Definition)
Anti-Mormon. The term first appeared in 1833 in an article by the Louisville (Kentucky) Daily Herald (“The Mormons and Anti-Mormons”). Mormon J.
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Ancient of Days (Definition)
Ancient of Days. Adam. Joseph Smith stated, “Daniel in his seventh chapter speaks of the Ancient of Days; he means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 157). According to 10th President Joseph Fielding Smith, “When Adam was placed on this earth all his former knowledge was taken away.
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Agency (Definition)
Agency. The ability to choose right from wrong, which goes back to man’s pre-existence. “Agency makes our life on earth a period of testing to see whether we are worthy to become like our Heavenly Father…. Without the gift of agency, we would have been unable to show our Heavenly Father whether we would do all…
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Adam-Ondi-Ahman (Definition)
Adam-Ondi-Ahman. Supposedly taken from the “pure Adamic language” meaning “the place or land of God where Adam dwelt.” Mormonism teaches Adam-Ondi-Ahman was located in Daviess County, Missouri (Mormon Doctrine, p. 20), showing that Adam lived on the North American continent.
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Adam-God (Definition)
Adam-God. First taught openly in a conference message by second President Brigham Young on April 9, 1852, Young claimed that Adam was Michael the Archangel, the Ancient of Days, and that Eve was “one of his wives.” Young also said Adam “is our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do” (Journal of…
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Age of Accountability (Definition)
Age of Accountability: Begins at age eight, when Mormon children are allowed to be baptized. Before then, children are considered to be innocent.
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Adam (Definition)
Adam – Known in the pre-existence as Michael. Adam “sat in the council of the gods in the planning of the creation of this earth” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 16). According to Joseph Smith, Adam participated in the creation of the earth and occupied a position of authority next to Jesus Christ (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith,…