Unveiling Mormonism

Mormons believe in the doctrine of "exaltation"- that worthy Mormons can become gods of their own planets some day. They believe God was once like us, and we can someday become like him. Let's unpack that heresy.The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

The LDS Gospel Topics Essays claim that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and the Book of Abraham "by the gift and power of God". But upon further review, it seems something sketchy might have been afoot. Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

Today we start a new series on the LDS Church's "Gospel Topics Essays" released in 2013. These essays were written by Mormon experts in an attempt to explain away some of the difficult questions coming against the Church. In this first episode we explore the essay titled "Are Mormons Christians?"Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

So you're leaving Mormonism and you're feeling burned by the institutional church. It's tempting to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Don't do it! Here's how to find a good Christian church. Next steps:Find a Christ-centered, Bible-based evangelical church.Connect to a mentor or small group.Go through The Pursuit together.Mentioned in this episode:Donate Now

Your leaving Mormonism and you've dealt with the emotions and your questions. Now you've gotta tell your family. How do you do that without burning bridges? Bo and KD share their insights. Why leave in the first place? The Mormon Church has a great community, positive upbringing (for the most part), and a belief in eternal families… so why leave? We talked the past two weeks about the emotions and questions that come up when you realize what you’ve believed in or were raised in turned out to be false… To find and gain a relationship with Jesus, the biblical Jesus.Luke 14:26Love Jesus above all else… even family How to approach the conversationExplaining your perspectiveExplaining why you’re leavingIt’s important to call out what you no longer believe, but even more important to point out what you do believe in moving forwardMost family members will still want to respect your beliefs and support you Some won’t… simple as that. Emotions will run high, so try to remain levelLeave room for your family’s emotions as well as your ownKeep it simple and straightforwardHow to handle the aftermathYou’ll likely be faced with plenty of questions / rebuttals Mormons are Christians too, why leave to find Jesus? Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater…CovenantsMan can make mistakes (ie. Joseph Smith) Book of MormonMormon GospelWhat about Eternal Families? What about the spiritual experiences you’ve had? What next? You’ve left the Mormon Church… NOW WHAT? Isaiah 41:10“Don’t be afraid for I am with you”

Today we talk again with Bo and KD, two former Mormons who are leaving the LDS church and trying to do it right. We go over their insights around some of the major doctrinal differences between the Mormon church and biblical Christianity. Shownotes: Bible“As far as it is translated correctly…”Mormons lack trust in the BibleJoseph claimed that plain and precious truths were corrupted over time by translators (1 Nephi 13:26-29)“Precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God.” “Because of these things which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceedingly great many do stumble”Mormons attempt to contrast the Biblical translation process with the Book of Mormon translation process… 5,800+ Greek Manuscripts compiled to translate the Bible300 fulfilled prophecies in Jesus25,000 archeological digs that prove biblical historyBoM has 0 evidence JesusJesus of the Mormon ChurchMormons believe we were all spirit children of Heavenly parents (Father and Mother) and that Jesus is their Elder brother. Jesus is the Son of GodJesus is our Savior This is where Mormons get the idea that they are ChristiansIt can be pretty offensive to Mormons for others to assert that they aren’t Christian. Biblical JesusJesus is God and has been from the beginning (John 1:1)Point out the JST that changes this verse substantially Jesus created all things in Heaven and in Earth (Col 1:16) The Fullness of the Father dwells in Jesus - Triune Nature of God (Col 1:19)Trinity vs Godhead?Atoned for our Sins on the Cross (Col 1:20)Hebrews 9:11-15Jesus’ death was the ultimate sacrifice and marked the end of Levitical sacrifices in the Temple. No more Temples or sacrifices needed.  We have a new covenant with Jesus through His blood.  When we accept Him in Faith we are saved. Ephesians 2:11-17GraceEphesians 2:8-9 vs. 2 Nephi 25:23Saved by Grace when we believed vs. saved by Grace after all the works we can do How is one saved in Mormonism? 3rd Article of Faith “by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel”How does God explain salvation in the Bible? Galatians 2:16, 20-21FamiliesMormons believe the purpose of eternal families is to become Gods (D&C 132:19-21) If you are married in the Temple and obey the commandments the rest of your life and do not commit murder, then you will become gods. The Bible teaches (Ephesians 2:19-21)We are part of God’s family when we believe in JesusWe become God’s temple where His Spirit dwellsRomans 8:1-17We received The Spirit of God when we believed in Jesus and we were adopted as children of God. Romans 8:18-30

Fear, depression, anger, guilt, confusion. These are just a few of the emotions you'll feel when you leave Mormonism. But it's still worth it.

The news hit early this week about a hefty fine levied by the US Securities and Exchange Commission against the LDS Church. The LDS Church has a huge investment portfolio and has violated some reporting requirements. This points to the vast wealth of LDS Church. Just how wealthy are they? How was this wealth obtained? How is it used? These massive investments have created some problems inside and outside of the church.Best source on this: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2023/02/21/lds-church-investment-firm-agree/Tithing in Mormonism Active Mormons are expected to pay one-tenth of their income to the LDS ChurchAccess to temples depends on paying a full titheMembers meet with local church leaders annually to verify their tithe-paying statusThis generates a large amount of income for the ChurchAgain → impossible to verifyOne study (2012) based on countries that require more disclosure than the USEstimated tithing income of $7 billion / yearUsed to build and maintain meetinghousesTo build and maintain templesTo support the global missionary programTo help needy people around the world 2.3 billion since 1985May seem like a lot → until we see later how much $$ the Church hasTo educate Church members - seminary, institute, universitiesTo carry out the general administration of the ChurchMany LDS will offer tithe-paying testimoniesWhen paying a full tithe was a sacrifice, God providedOthers offer testimonies of abuseCounseled to take out a 2nd mortgage in order to tithe / or other drastic measuresUnderstanding the tithing culture & expectations is a key part of making sense of the news that came out this week about LDS investmentsCreation of a “Rainy Day” FundLDS Church was not always wealthyIn 1960’s = started settling aside $$ from contributions for future contingenciesIn late 1970’s → investments estimated at around $1 billionEnsign Peak Investors established in 1997 as agent / arm of the LDS Church to manage investmentsEmploys around 70 peopleBTW: you have to be an active member in good standing to work thereThe rainy-day fund has grown beyond what anyone imaginedIn 2012, LDS investments estimated at about $40 billionMuch more todayLDS Financial Wealth ExposedFor decades, financial analysts have speculated about just how wealthy the LDS Church isBut those are only outside estimates → without full dataBc the Church is very secretive about its financial dealings2019 - a whistleblower report filed with IRSFormer Ensign Peak employee = David Nielsen (a senior portfolio manager)Filed along with brother Lars NielsenLars went farther → gave the info to the Washington PostRevealed in this filing = Church’s investment fund worth as much as $100 billion$40 billion in US stockOver $1 billion in Apple, $1B in Microsoft, $B in AlphabetAlso: Chevron, Visa, JPMorgan Chase, Home Depot, etc.Timberland in Florida panhandleInvestments in prominent hedge fundsFor all we know, the Church has other assets not managed by EPUnknown how much foreign investment it might haveThat may not be required to report by SEC rulesProblems with the U.S. GovernmentEarlier this week, SEC fined LDS Church and Ensign Peak $5M in penaltiesFailure to properly disclose past stock holdingsGoing to great lengths to deliberately obscure their investment portfolioQuote from SEC:“The church was concerned that disclosure of its portfolio, which by 2018 grew to approximately $32 billion, would lead to negative consequences. To obscure the amount of the church’s portfolio, and with the church’s knowledge and approval, Ensign Peak created 13 shell LLCs, ostensibly with locations throughout the U.S., and filed forms 13F in the names of those LLCs rather than in Ensign Peak’s name.”Breaking down what Ensign Peak didRequired to file form annually to disclose the Church’s equity investments: Form 13FInstead, EP created a number of shell corporationsCould not be traced back to the ChurchCompletely owned / controlled by EPCreated for sole purpose of preventing public disclosure of the amount and nature of the Church’s assetsEach one filed the required formNowhere could anyone see the actual totalThis secrecy was out of fear of discouraging members from paying tithing (WSJ 2020)Practiced this approach to reporting for about 20 years prior to 2019After whistleblower → been filing correctlyThe latest SEC filing = $44B → reports only those investments that must be disclosed by lawDoes not reflect the portfolio’s total holdingsThe Church’s finances are now also under scrutiny in Canada & AustraliaWhat Members ThinkMany don’t see the problemThe church didn’t really do anything wrong; it’s a minor issue like a traffic ticketThe church relied on lawyers; it’s their faultBelieve the church was secretive bc as a big player in markets, it didn’t want to cause market swingsOthers: the church didn’t want individual investors to mimic the church’s investment strategy (thinking it inspired?), bc it would not apply to individual investorsOthers have raised questions / critiquesCritique #1 = What the $$ could be used forIn spite of overall wealth → yet still heavy-handed tithing techniquesStill ask members to do more and moreSpend very little (proportionally) on caring for needyAvg $60M / yrCompared to annual tithing of 7BCompared to annual investment growth of 7% of 100BCritique #2 = What the money is actually used for$1.4 billion for City Creek Mall in SLC$600K to bail out Beneficial Life InsuranceTwo church-owned commercial enterprisesCritique #3 = the LDS Church should pay taxes, or lose its tax-exempt status for using contributions for commercial purposesA lot of $$ not being spent on its stated charitable purposesCritique #4 = Hiding the actual amountChurch claims that use of $$ is guided by prayerTemple recommend question: are you honest in all your dealings?Undermines credibility of apostles & prophetsDeliberately trying to evade an applicable law → to shield reputationMistakes? The Church’s statement on the matter expresses regret for mistakes madeBut this wasn’t a mistake → a deliberate strategy to circumvent reporting requirements put in place for the public goodSam Brunson, a Mormon who teaches tax law at Loyola U Chicago“The apparent hypocrisy is potentially harmful in its relationship with its members.”

Bo grew up in a strong Mormon family, followed the principles and even served on his LDS mission. He worked for the church as a seminary teacher and married KD in the temple. Then he read the LDS gospel topics and began to seriously question his faith. After almost a decade of searching for answers, Bo and KD finally left the Mormon church. Here's their story.

When many people hear about Mormonism, their first thought is polygamy. The mainstream LDS church continues to try to downplay their polygamist roots. But polygamy in LDS offshoots keeps cropping up in the news. How did polygamy get started? Why did they do it? When did it end? Are Mormons polygamists today?Joseph Smith and the Origins of Polygamy Some of early LDS scripture is in response to questions asked JSOne such question: why many OT leaders had more than one wife (as early as 1831)Smith was interested in restoring ancient biblical religionBut without context or hermeneutical discernmentHow many wives? 40 - 49.Some dispute bc documents do not always existFanny Alger (1833) - 16 yr old housemaid living with SmithsPeople closest to Smith (Emma, Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris) believed it was simply adulteryApparently there was a marriage ceremony; although this may be dubious - based on very late accountsPlural marriage in Nauvoo (1841-1844)Practiced entirely in secrecySmith’s wivesTwo under 14Eight were already married to other menSome pairs of sisters / in some cases, mother and daughterMany of these were consummatedKey leaders initiated into the practice → loyalty test / initiation into higher levelAbout 100 people initiated into it before Smith’s deathSmith’s denials of polygamy - 1835 even became part of LDS scripture for a timeSmith’s justification for plural marriageClaims that David’s multiple wive and concubines were given to him by GodLots of problems with this claim (see below)But → biblical prophets / kings did not take multiple wives then lie about itBacklash reaction - Nauvoo ExpositorLeaders in Nauvoo began to hear rumors / opposed Smith for this reasonWilliam Law started an opposition newspaper devoted to “exposing” plural marriageOnly one edition → Smith had it destroyed = the reason for his arrest, which led to his deathSee the LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay on Plural Marriage in Kirtland and NauvooBrigham Young and Utah PolygamyBY was already initiated in plural marriage when took overJ Smith dies - 1844B Young leads exodus to Utah - 1846-47Public announcement of polygamy - 1852Published the written revelation → Section 132 of D&CBrigham Young’s polygamy practice51-56 wives / 56 childrenSome lived with him as wives; others were sealed only for eternity; others were married to him as “welfare” cases (older widows)Other prominent practitioners → basically every top leader; Young’s successorsPlural marriage as a Utah institutionThose in leadership positions were encouraged / expected to take multiple wivesNever a majority practice: St George: 1870 - 30%; 1880 - 40% South Weber 1880 - 5%Most polygamists had 2 wivesSee the LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay on Plural Marriage and Families in Early UtahThe End of Polygamy in the LDS ChurchPopular opposition in the US1856 (just after public revelation) = Republican party platform opposed polygamyPressure from the US governmentSeries of US laws from 1862-1874 seeking to undermine / prohibit polygamy1882: Edmunds Act - disenfranchised convicted polygamists1887: Edmunds-Tucker Act - threatened to shut the church down financiallyPolygamy goes undergroundChurch leaders / members went into hiding to avoid arrestThe Manifesto - 1890New LDS President Wilford Woodruff - changed church’s policyAdvised LDS to “refrain from contracting any marriages forbidden by the law of the land.”Merely created ambiguityContinued practice of plural marriages - including all polygamous general authoritiesMany polygamists moved to Canada and Mexico to continuing in plural marriagesSecond Manifesto - 1904The LDS Church finally actually stopped authorizing new plural marriagesBegan excommunicating those who did not complyEven then, most LDS men with plural wives continued in those relationshipsThe 1st LDS President who was not a polygamist: George Albert Smith (1945)See the LDS Church’s Gospel Topics Essay on The Manifesto and the End of Plural MarriageThe Survival of Polygamy in the Fundamentalist MovementMany believed the LDS Church discontinued polygamy only due to government pressureContinued the practice in secret or in isolationExcommunicated by LDS churchThe John Taylor conspiracy3rd LDS prophet: died while in hiding from polygamy prosecutionModern fundamentals claim he set apart some men to continue with polygamy, sensing that the church would caveIn 1930s, 7 leading polygamists formed a loose confederation to keep polygamy goingIncluded various groups led over time by a changing cast of “prophets”Many internal splits / splinter groupsCurrent status of polygamyMain groups: Kingstons, FLDS, United Apostolic BrethrenMany smaller groups, independentsHow many? No one knows. 40,000 throughout the West?Mainstream LDS Church and polygamyDidn’t really end it, only suspended it → still authorized in D&C 132 as a “everlasting covenant” No divine revelation ending the practiceStill acknowledged as an eternal principle → multiple sealingsAs marriage practices & laws change in US, could it be reinstated?Not as long as the public views it as weird / marginalLDS Church is most interested in its imageBiblical Response to PolygamyNever commanded by GodContrary to order of creation in Gen 2One man, one woman → united / joinedNote how this becomes the basis for NT teaching on marriageEvery instance leads to tragic resultsAbraham - conflict between wivesSolomon - “his wives turned his heart away” (1 Kings 11:3)Strictly forbidden for Israel’s kings - Deut 17:17Contrary to the biblical image of God’s relationship w/IsraelGod as Israel’s spouse (Hosea) → one chosen nation only, not manyNT: Christ has one bride; cf Eph 5