Gospel Principles
A Teaching Manual by the Mormon Church.
When demonstrating to Mormons and non-Mormons what the Mormon church [1]
(this is an end note) teaches I believe it is best to use their teaching
manuals, Scriptures and teachings by top Mormon church leaders at official
Mormon church meetings. Articles like those on my web page are good for general
understanding of Mormonism and for dealing with specific subjects. But they are
too easily dismissed and labeled "anti-Mormon." Because of this it is best to
use official sources.
I believe that the single best teaching manual is Gospel Principles,
a book that has been in use for over 25 years. A Mormon church "Family Resource
Catalog" [2] provided this description; "This manual contains 47 chapters
that provide an overview of basic gospel principles. It is especially helpful
for investigators. It is also used in the Gospel Principles Sunday School
class." (page 8)
A copy of this teaching book can be found on a web page by the Mormon church
at http://www.lds.org/library/gos_pri/gos_pri.html
Major Teaching:
The online version has no paging, so you must use chapters as I do in the
following. I suggest you read the first two paragraphs of chapter 2. As you
read this note that at one time the spirit of the Mormon Jesus Christ did not
exist. This is clearly not a biblical teaching. According to Psalms 90:2 our
creator (Jesus Christ) has always been God. The Apostle Paul in 2 Cor 11:4 and
Gal. 1:18-20 warns us about those who would bring another Jesus and another
gospel.
Then read all of chapter 47. Note in item 5 that faithful Mormons can
have everything that the Father and Jesus Christ have - all power, glory,
dominion, and knowledge. They can become "like God," as the Mormons say. But
this is more than "like God," it is God. Near the end of this chapter note that
even the Mormon God the Father was once a man who progressed, something like
climbing a ladder, to become a god, one of many. Being "like God" is
illustrated in item 3. The exalted Mormon can also procreate and raise to
maturity spirit children who will go into bodies on an earth they are in charge
of. These new people will worship the exalted Mormon, the same as we worship God
the Father. Isaiah 43:10 (also see 44:6, 8), we find God saying that no gods
were formed before him and none will be formed after him. He does not know of
any other gods.
On the Berean Christian Ministries web page http://www.bcmmin.org
I suggest you also read and study Articles B-2 and F-3. Article C-2 contains an
Index of other subjects of interest in Gospel Principles.
How to purchase Gospel Principles (and other LDS books and
scriptures):
You can get a 1997 edition (the newest one) of this Mormon teaching manual
from your local LDS book store. Look in the yellow pages under church and then
call one of the LDS numbers or ask your LDS friend where to find one. If they
ask why you want one just tell them that you want to learn what their church
teaches from one of their manuals and not be influenced by anyone. Tell them if
you have questions you'll call them back. You might also find one under "Books"
or "Book Stores" in the yellow pages.
I strongly suggest that unless you are a mature in the faith Christian that
you not talk with the Mormon missionaries or senior members. More that one
"Christian" has become a Mormon while trying to show the Mormons how wrong they
are. If you do speak with Mormons I suggest you first read and study Articles
C-1 and C-2 on my web page.
You may also try Zions' Book Store, Salt Lake City. Their phone number is
1-800 333-7269 (toll free), you will need a charge card. They have a new
section and a used section for Mormon books. This is a private book store that
deals in Mormon books.
END NOTES:
1) Mormons call themselves "LDS" and their church, The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.
2) Distributed by the Mormon church with the November 2002 Ensign, a monthly
Mormon church magazine.
John Farkas, 11-13-02, john/web/gosprinc or art/gosprinc