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Good Day to you Brother.

Just  a little note to tell you that I am deeply impressed by your publishing of informal letters that you receive. It make me feel that I am not alone with my thoughts that the Mormon Church is on the wrong track

Best Regards,  Donald

 

 

I was raised a Mormon and went on a mission, but….

Dear Ed,

Thought I would write to express my support for your site. I'm a born in the church Mormon who was always a pretty good kid and like most, went on a mission (mine was to Korea). While on my mission I took an interest in church history and read several of the books laying around the house left behind by other missionaries. I never thought twice about it though, just pushed through them in the not quite bored but not entertained way that any missionary does with the limited amount of reading material available to them.

I was surprised to find out how much of it was new to me, I thought I had a grip on my religion from seminary and scripture study, but every time I came across something new I was like ... wow that’s our church huh?

I had one of those little one on one serious life evaluations with myself in which I came to the conclusion that I lacked any solid conviction of my own about what I was doing, and made a resolution to either get one or go home.

So I took my questions to my mission president, who confirmed several of the interesting things I had never been told growing up in Mormonism (temple ritual changes, earlier doctrines taught by Brigham young such as the Adam-god theory and blood atonement and its enforcement by the 'Danite' organization, etc) but I was assured that everything had its place and I could understand it someday with the help of the spirit. Well, I felt that to be true to myself I couldn't stay out in the field and fake it, so I went home.

An interesting after effect is that I was portrayed to my entire mission as an apostate and from what I have heard back most think I left for some grievous sin. It's interesting how that works, my little brother stopped going to church when he was younger because he got into drugs and girls without puritan views and while I don't think he made a bad choice in leaving the church I think he did it for the wrong reasons, because he left on their terms as 'a sinner'.

I think that is where the viewpoint expressed so often by letters to your site comes from, where the individual expresses how they were 'so lost in darkness' and now the gospel is bringing them so much hope and how could you criticize it, etc... They view embracing the doctrines once again as a ticket out of the choices they have made.

That's not how it worked for me though; I'm just trying to do what I feel I should to be honest with myself. It has however been amazing to me how people I thought were my friends refuse to give me even the slightest benefit of the doubt. It really is too bad so much has to be wrapped up in the social aspect of things. Here I am now deeply entrenched in Mormon culture and not being understood very well. I enjoy the articles on your site and I think it's great that you make this material available online.

 

I wish more members of the church would have the courage to question their religion, if nothing else to find out more for themselves about what they are fighting for. If their faith is as strong as they think it is it will withstand the facts they will uncover and at least then they can say they have an actual testimony of what they belief instead of being too scared to test themselves. I personally have made the decision to leave the church. I believe in God, I believe in Jesus, I just don't believe in Joseph Smith. Any suggestions on a good non-denomination church to attend in the West Jordan, Utah area?

Thanks, Bob

 

Ed, I have been speaking with a group a Mormons for about a year now, trying to teach them Christianity.  When we discuss certain issues, (e.g. the journal of discourses) they say that text was written down by scribes, therefore accuracy of the text is uncertain and can't be used against them.   Is there a good way to respond to this claim?

Thanks & God Bless,  Shawn 

Dear Shawn,

The Journal notes were given back to Brigham Young for review, correction, etc.  He, as the prophet of the church, thought they were accurate and if their prophet didn’t know what he said or what was recorded, then he wasn’t much of a prophet, was he?

Three citations on Brigham Young show that the validity of the JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES is authoritative:

1. JOD 13:95— "I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call Scripture. Let me have the privilege of correcting a sermon, and it is as good Scripture as they deserve. The people have the oracles of God continually." (BY, 1870)

2. JOD 12:127— "What man or woman, what spirit in the spirit-world can say truthfully that I ever gave a wrong word of counsel, or a word of advice that could not be sanctioned by the heavens?" (BY, 1867)

3. JOD 8: Preface: "the JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES deservedly ranks as one of the standard works of the Church."

That should end the argument... If they still deny the authenticity of these works, they have just denounced Brigham Young as a true prophet... and that just tanks their whole true church, true prophets business.

Ed

 

Comments on Fast Facts on False Teachings

EXCELLENT BOOK!!!!!!! I am in leadership training at my church and right now we are on doctrine. I had already purchased the book way before we started so I had time to actually research what you were saying in your book and found it to be very accurate.

 

I recommend that book to anyone who needs to-the-point and accurate background information on false doctrine so that when we come in contact with unbelievers, we won't be stuck looking like a complete idiots. So many people are apprehensive about giving their lives to Christ because we as Christians can't explain to people why we believe what  we believe.

 

But if you ask a Muslim or Jehovah's witness why they believe what they believe, it may be wrong, but they can tell you. Ask the average  person who attends a Baptist church why they're Baptist and they're most likely to tell you "cause Momma them went there" with no understanding why.

 

Then when we run up on a Muslim or Jehovah's witness or anyone else with false doctrine, we're easily fooled because we have no solid foundation of what we believe. Believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He came and died for our sins, and God is good all the time and all the time God is good is not enough information to withstand the epidemic of false teaching in this world.

 

Again, your book is excellent. I will definitely recommend it to my other brothers and sisters in leadership class. And I would love to know how I can acquire more literature.

Thank You,   Adron!

 

 

Resigning  from the LDS Church…here is my letter

I'm getting ready to mail my resignation letter. Here's a copy of the rough draft. I'm pretty happy with the letter as it is, but please feel free to share your thoughts on it.  Do you think it is an effective letter? [Ed: You Bet!]

I have a question-  Is it possible to ask the church for a tithing refund? Has anyone done this before?   [ Ed: This has been checked out through legal sources and the tithes are not collectible]

sincerely,  Mark

Bishops name and address
Re: Resignation from church membership of Mark
Date of birth:
Present address:
Dear Bishop ____,

           This letter is to inform you that I hereby resign from the Mormon Church (LDS) and request that my name be removed from your membership records. This demand is made freely, with full knowledge of the consequences for doing so as taught by the church.

I assure you that I do not take this step lightly. I have done a considerable amount of study and soul searching concerning the legitimacy of the Mormon Church, and am confident in my stance against your theology and rituals.

Through my prolonged studies and spiritual perseverance, the truth has been revealed to me, and I have faith that in time the truth will also be revealed to the whole of your membership, either by their own inquiry or by God’s grace on the day of retribution. Please be advised that I announce my resignation from your church by the power of my free agency and under the right to freedom of religion as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America.

           I insist that the record and the letter notifying me that my name has been removed from the records of the church show that the only reason my name has been removed is because I have requested it to be done, as a voluntary act of resignation.

           I insist that you comply with this letter in a timely manner, and I insist that news of this resignation is not to be shared with anyone besides the church officials engaged in the required paper work.

           I insist that no one representing the church contact me for any reason other than to confirm that my request has been processed. I refuse to speak with anyone from the church who may attempt to question my decision to resign membership, as this letter is warrant to an official resignation, effective immediately. Please be advised that legal action can be taken against you personally (and against the LDS Church corporately) if any of these demands are not honored.

           Again, I assure you that I have done my diligence in regards to researching Mormon history and theology, and am fully confident that Mormonism is no way associated with God’s great legacy on this planet and the collective universe.

My desire is to serve God, not your organization. For this reason, and this reason alone, I have chosen to resign as a member of your church. I will refrain from any further elaboration as to why your organization is in error, as my desire is not to preach to you or indulge my ego in any way. Your enlightenment lies between you and God and no one else, and I have faith that if you (as individuals) are sincere in your quest, God will teach you. This is God’s duty, not mine. May God bless you. {end}

[Ed: Great letter!]

 

Stop It!!!

 

Comments:  my cousin told me about this website,

Because her husband is a Mason. Also, many of the members of our family have been in the Mason's Eastern Star, and the Shriners. Since her husband has become a Christian, he no longer attends Masonic meetings. I was in the Eastern Star many years ago but after becoming a Christian in 1984 I renounced all ties with the cult that I was in.

 

I had no idea that it was a cult and no one ever told me about it. But once I met JESUS I knew it was wrong. My mother is 84 years old and she was in the Eastern Star and her late husband was a Mason and a Shriner. Of course,   she thinks that my cousin and I are crazy for thinking (knowing) that these are cults.

 

Recently, I took her to order her tombstone and she got an Eastern Star emblem on hers, and a Masonic symbol on his. It made me sick to my stomach, I begged her not to do it ,but she had her way .I believe that when she dies she will go to hell to be with her husband and together they can figure out what they did wrong .I bet it won't take them long to figure it out. Well thank you for listening to me! It’s been fun.   Susan

 

 

The only church with the proper priesthood authority

Ed,

Thank you so much for responding. I appreciate your concerns. That is great that you are helping out others. I commend you for that. I always feel great to when I get to help others. I encourage you to continue helping out the needy.

The difference is, the LDS church is the only church with the proper priesthood authority. For centuries the authority was taken away from the earth. The priesthood was restored to Joseph smith and Oliver Cowdery by John the Baptist. You can come to know that it’s true by the Holy Ghost. The other question you had about the general authorities going into ministry camps, or something like that? I am not sure about that. Let me get back to you on that.

Ed, I hope I wasn’t rude to you in the last e-mail. I am concerned for you. I know that the LDS church is true. The only true church of Christ. I have to agree, all the other churches teach great principals to help people live good lives.

What I don’t understand Ed, is why you are spending so much time publishing, ANTI-LDS pamphlets. If you have disagreements about something, you shouldn’t be sweating about it, and letting the whole world know. I disagree with the Catholics. Should I start publishing, ANTI-CATHOLISM forms?  Let me ask you this. What are your opinions on Catholics, Methodists, Nazarenes, and Baptists? Are they good or bad?

One more question. Tell me your Conversion story, how you got introduced into the church, and what got you to be baptized.

I hope I am not being rude to you. I don’t have any intentions to offend you. I just have a few questions, and suggestions.     Your friend, pehrsen

 

A Surprise email!

Dear Ed,

This letter will come as a surprise to you. I hope that it is a pleasant surprise. My name is Mike. Undoubtedly you may not recognize the name so let me refresh your memory. Several years ago when you came to speak to a church in Logan, Utah I was the one who handed out flyers to all of the cars as they left the parking lot telling them nasty things about you (ie: that you were a deadbeat dad and that you cheated on your wife with her best friend, etc...).

I even followed you to Brigham City the next day and handed the flyers out to the folks as they left the tiny Church you spoke to in Brigham City. I do believe that I even wrote you an e-mail early last year asking you to come back to Utah so that I could torment you so more.

However, fate has tossed an interesting twist my way. After several months of INTENSE study, my wife and I left the Mormon Church on Jan. 6th of this year. We came to the realization that Joseph Smith was the David Koresh of his day. In fact, I believe that the only difference between David Koresh and Joseph Smith is 170 years.

Now, I would like to invite you to Utah for an entirely different reason. The next time you come to Utah it would be my pleasure to speak at one (or more) of your lectures (or sermons or whatever you call them) and share my story about leaving the Mormon Church. It would be an interesting side note to tell the congregation that just a few years earlier I considered myself to be your enemy.

One other thing that I'd like to share with you, Ed. I think you may tend to sensationalize Mormonism to the point that your delivery (not just the message) is offensive to Mormons. When you come right out and practically say "Mormons are Satan worshipers" you will simply offend any Mormons who happened to be listening and they will give ZERO credit to anything else you might have to say.

I am of the opinion that 99.95% of Mormon honestly believe that they are members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ on the earth. I don't see how ANY of the "brethren" could honestly believe that, but almost ALL of the regular members do (I know WE did). There is simply NO need to sensationalize the facts because the facts speak for themselves.

The real question is this: Are you trying to make money or trying to win converts away from Mormonism over to Christ? If you want to save people from Mormonism then your message should be directed towards Mormons. The message I've heard you give in the past was directed more towards non-Mormons and it was NOT a message that virtually ANY Mormons would listen to.

I would be happy to discuss this with you further in the future. When you come to Utah again, please drop me a line and I'd be happy to speak along side of you and share some ideas with you as to how you could make your message more effective in winning people away from Mormonism into a saving relationship with Christ.

Sincerely,

Mike 

 

PPS: I really should apologize for my behavior towards you when you were in Utah. You may have some weaknesses of the flesh (don't we all?) and have undoubtedly made some mistakes in your past, but that has nothing to do with your current desire to free people from the bondage of Mormonism.

Ed’s Note:  Mike was armed with some very slanderous and untrue charges against me when I was in Utah that time. He believed the lies because of his anger and hatred toward me. I am happy to see that he has found out the truth for himself. 

So many Mormons have responded to our  messages with such anger and hostility. It always amazes me that once they see the facts clearly, we are usually thanked for speaking the ‘ truth in love.” Even though it is hard to speak and hard to hear, people are continually being set free…

 

 

Subject: We're leaving Mormonism...

Dear Ed,

My wife and I have finally decided to leave Mormonism, after being members since 1997 for myself and since 1978 for my wife.

We're not actually sure whether we should tell them yet or not, or what to do to disassociate ourselves from them.

I'm an "Elder" now, so I don't think they'll be too happy to loose me from the 'flock' from the 'only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth' as D&C 1:30 claims them to be...

My wife and I cannot take anymore of their misleading theology, nor put up with their "prophets" who are not really prophets at all. Nor can we continue to accept the Book of Mormon for scripture, because it's not true.

We're not sure whether we should just go 'inactive' or actually take our names off of their rolls and become, as they say, apostates.

What do you think?  We're awaiting your advice.

Very Respectfully,

Eric, USN

Dear brother,

God bless you as you work through this... I remember my own struggles in this battle as though it were yesterday.... I am copying a file for you here that may give you some insights.. It is all about leaving the church and ways to do it and ways not to do it.

Remember that the people you will deal with are not evil enemies of God but blinded victims of a soft core false theology... looks great but is bad inside. I'll be praying for you.

Ed...

http://www.saintsalive.com/mormonism/exodus.html

 

EXODUS- the process of leaving Egypt

PS: Above all else, go into this with prayer and love, and a gentle spirit. Anger will not glorify the Lord. If you feel more comfortable, read your statement and refuse to debate anyone on anything. If you are a Group 3 tiger, read your prepared statement at that Fast and Testimony meeting. Don’t go alone! Try to tape record it! We would very much appreciate copies of all correspondence and official letters. Many people are now able to simply resign, without the hassle of the trials.

It is also important when leaving the Church and becoming a disciple of Jesus to renounce any past ties, both spiritual and mental or emotional. This is because membership in the Church involves submission to satanic, lying spirits (1 Tim.4:1) and priestcraft. This is a subtle, invisible form of spiritual bondage. While it certainly does not affect your position of salvation through Jesus, it may hold you back from a full and victorious walk with Him. This is especially true for those who have been through the temple.

We have also found that it is helpful in many cases for new Ex-Mormons to be re-baptized in a Bible-believing church, and for those who have had temple marriages to renew their wedding vows before a Christian minister. All of these actions are ways of starting anew in Jesus and separating yourself from the Mormon mindset, both spiritually and emotionally (2 Cor.6:14-17).

You might wish to pray something like this: "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the authority I possess as a believer in Him, I rebuke any and all lying and deceitful spirits of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which may still think that they have a claim on me or my family. In Jesus’ name, I renounce the spirits of priestcraft, the spirits of Moroni and Mormo and declare that you have no power over me any more, for I am bought and paid for by the blood of Jesus of Nazareth who died for me on Calvary.

"I renounce any covenants made by me at my baptism into the LDS church and any priesthood or Bishopric blessings given to me. (If a former Temple Mormon: I renounce any and all covenants made in the LDS temple— especially those placing my family and children under bondage to demonic principalities and powers!) By the power of the blood of Jesus, I also renounce any generational sin or hereditary bondage which may be oppressing me or my family through covenants made by my parents or ancestors; and I nail all these things to the cross of Christ, ‘forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’(Phil.3:13-14)...in Jesus’ name. Amen."

Remember, let us know how you are doing! Ed

 

Yes, Ed,

 

I do know that my former Mormon brethren are good and nice people. They genuinely think that they're in the Lord's true and only church upon the earth, they are willing to give their lives for it.  However, due to the amount of time spent out of their homes in 'church service', I am surprised to find that the Mormon divorce rate is rather high.

 

This is one of the main reasons my wife and I have left, not only due to their many errors, but to the stress and heartache put upon the lives of the members.

God bless,

A helpful Mormon

Dear Ed,

I was on the internet and came across your website on Mormons. I happen to belong to THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS and I have found your website to be very offensive and for the most part untrue. If there are any questions you would have on the LDS church I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Also I will go in depth if needed. I have read some of the things you have and I feel I need to clear some up.

 

We are not a cult. We do not refer to our religion as Mormonism. We are called Latter Day Saints and we belong to The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. The reason we do not call ourselves Mormon because Jesus Christ is the foundation of our church and we worship him. Mormon is a prophet that has put together the Book of Mormon. Although Mormon is a prophet of God, we do not worship him. Thank you for you time and I hope you will e-mail me in the future regarding different mix ups you may have on our church. I will be glad to help you clear it up. Thank you again. Sincerely,   Kami

 

 

Greg, the black man from your mail bag

Mr. Decker,

 

I would like to write to you regarding Greg, the black man who says, "so what if Mormons used to teach that blacks were inferior. I gather from his tone that after his friends came to talk to him, he would run and tell the missionaries, who would in return provide a very manufactured answer. What Greg needs to understand is the difference between doctrines and practices.

The doctrine is something that a church believes in because they think it comes from God. A practice is something  one does that is not necessarily authorized by God. Mormons held it as DOCTRINE that blacks were "loathsome and cursed by God with dark skin" (BOM) If this statement comes from an unchanging God, why suddenly stop teaching it? Oh, I remember! It was because the NAACP was threatening  a major lawsuit against the Mormons for the discriminatory use of census records. Instant revelation! One DROP of Negro blood and one can't be a Mormon

 

As far as practices go, it was NEVER, EVER taught that black people did not have souls by the Christian church. However, there were people who carried out atrocious acts against blacks in "the Name of God" but these were people who acted on their own social conscience and not their Christian one. Learn the difference my friend, of practices and doctrine.

I would love for you to post this. Fascinating web site. Very enlightening.
In Christ,  Lesley 

 

P.S. I am a woman as white as the driven snow  and it was the attitude towards blacks that played a major role in my leaving the Mormon Church.

 

 

My wife and I both have Mormon relatives

Dear Mr. Decker,

 

My name is Justin, and I have been a Christian for over ten years.  My wife and I read your personal testimony from the Web, and we give thanks to God for your work for the kingdom.  I attended Whitworth College from 1991-1995, and had the honor of meeting your son Jason while I was there.  We were only casual acquaintances, so I would doubt if he remembers me, but  It's good to hear about how well he's doing. If Jason still remembers me from Whitworth, I would love to hear from him too

My wife, Lisa, recently ran into a pair of LDS missionaries while she was on the University of Hawaii campus.  She wasn't sure how to respond to them, but after reading through your essay, "Who's that Knocking at My Door?", we have gained a better understanding of how to share the true gospel with them, and will be meeting with the missionaries soon to establish a dialogue with them.

My wife and I both have Mormon relatives.  In my situation, my paternal grandmother was born into the church.  Alone of her family, she married a non-Mormon, my grandfather, who never converted.  At some point, my grandmother stopped attending. 

I believe that attempts were made early on to bring up my dad, his brother and sister in the Mormon religion, but something happened during their childhood that alienated the three of them from Mormonism, and from religion in general.  My aunt was actually excommunicated from the Mormon church.  To this day, I have never been told what happened with my dad and his siblings with the Mormons.

I would love to hear any insights that you might have into this situation, especially with regards to what could merit excommunication from the LDS. Thanks for allowing us to e-mail you.  If you are able, we would love to hear from you.

In Christ, Justin and Lisa

 

A Note From Logan, Utah

Mr. Ed Decker,

I am a University student living in Logan, Utah. I previously lived in  Bryan, Ohio where I was part of the religious majority.  It is definitely different being a minority and I can tell you that it has strengthened my Christian views considerably.  I have come to realize that the Mormon Church is so successful because it is so similar to Christian beliefs.

 

It is tough for me to see all of the different denominations split up in this town. For example, when I started attending a Baptist church after attending a Presbyterian church for three months, I stopped back periodically to visit my fellow Christians at the Presby church, I was  asked,  "why did you leave our congregation to go to another" by one of the Presby church members.

 

In my home town of Bryan they would have been  happy for me.  Since then I have come to realize that the Mormon church uses the division of the Christian denominations as one of their many cloaks of  Deception, in either trying to compare themselves as another one of us or use our division to lessen the difference between them and us.

 

In my home town of Bryan, every Easter all of the different Christian Church  congregations come together for a united Easter service at one location. I  am seeking some advice on how to go about what would be the best way of  setting up something like this in Logan. Would you or any of your colleagues  have any advice on subject At the most I want all of the different church  congregations to unite once a year for a common service together  or at least  get Christians from different congregations to meet each other in some way.   After this Easter I plan on contacting all of the churches either by mail or  phone on this subject, I just wanted to hear a more experienced view on things so that I have it together when I present my idea.

 

One more thing, I have two Mormon roommates and have had talks with them on  their Religion, usually when they have had the audacity to call themselves  Christian in front of me.  They seem to always be consistent in giving me  the "Automated answering service" as they have been trained.  Would you  happen to know any verses in the Bible that reject the possibility of any  prophets or books about Christianity that occur after the Bible? I know of  one, Revelation 22:18. I would greatly appreciate your input in these matters.  JH-

 

The God Makers

Mr. Decker,

I consider myself a pretty liberal Mormon.  And I can see the flaws in my religion, just like I can in other religions...but my question is why promote the God Makers?  If you have any Mormon knowledge you know that many of these statements made by the movie are far fetched and ridiculous...and warp Mormon belief... twist the truth...and some are flat out lies.  I have no problem in you doing what you are doing, as long as the content is accurate, just like it should be on any web site.

Good luck in all you do,   Jenny 

 

 

URGENT! PLEASE HELP WITH A RESPONSE!

Dear Ed Decker,

This year my wife, my son and I left the Mormon Church. I left after 40 years, my wife after 36 years. We are going through unbelievable things with the whole scenario of the Mormon experience. We realize now with the whole thing in the temple that it is Satan that is involved as you also teach. We request any help you may give us to break free of the curses, etc., PLEASE!!!

 

Our latest problems with the Mormon Church began when they wanted us to go along with polygamy.  I was sealed in the Mormon temple in 1975 to my first wife, and divorced in 1995. She is still living. I remarried in Jan. 2001, and the church wants my wife and me to go to the temple and be sealed to each other also.

 

You know what I am talking about!  Please help us break the sealing with my ex-wife. We are currently in communication with the prophet of the Mormon Church to get this sealing cancelled and no longer attend Mormon churches. We now attend an Assembly of God  church and other similar, as we are looking for a new church.

We are sending you a copy of the letter we sent to Mormon headquarters.  Thank you for any help or hope you may offer, hope to hear from you soon. If you send us your phone number we will contact you at your request time.  We would drive anywhere to meet you, and to pay any fees that are necessary to eliminate this sealing and curses incurred from it.. Thank You.

Elaine & Don

 

Good Read

I just finished reading "The God Makers" and found it fascinating. I have several Mormon friends and find it inconceivable that they know even half of what I read in your book. One important point you did not make note of: The goal of a Mormon is God/Goddess stature to be able to make their own creation and have millions of children. To what end?

 

Most parents want to know and be known by their children. With the, at best, lack of interest in knowing our creator (Jesus)  it seems to take the reward out of having all these offspring. I have raised 2 kids and found it to be one of the most difficult tasks I have ever taken on. To think that I would be looking forward to eons of following thousands of rules so I could create children who would recognize my accomplishments by the token effort of putting my name in the official church name as a reward! Not in a million years!

 

Thank you for enlightening me.

Sincerely,

Harold 

 

Have you ever met any Mormons??

Is there any reason for you to try to destroy the faith of others?  It seems to me that, in trying to follow the example of Christ, you would seek to love those different from yourself.

 

I am a student of religion...not an expert...I just look around trying to find the truth.  I had a friend in high school who was a Mormon.  She and her sister were the only two in our school, actually.  They were both the smartest, sweetest girls that I have ever met...some of my best friends.  They were kind to everyone, despite the criticism that many of the Baptist students would give them.

 

I suppose that what I want to know is, how is a church that produces such good people so bad?   I hope that you won't read this email as an insult.  I just wondered if you had ever met any Mormons, and if you hadn't, let me tell you of the two I have.  :-)  Thanks for your time to read this email!

Chris

Playing The Devil's Advocate

I'm a subscriber of the occult and very interested in Masonic Initiation. I am conducting my own research. --Why is it for every statement supporting Freemasonry there is an vehement adverse messages by Christians opposing their practice???  After all, Masons accept God over all.  I am not Atheist, anti-Christian, or satanic, just curious and needing info.

 

Please enlighten me?  What and for why is your position concerning Gnosticism & masonry?  Thank you!

Michael

 

Hi, Advocate. 

 

Ed Decker's work load is such that occasionally he asks me to assist him in answering some of the email he receives regarding Freemasonry.  Please allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Duane Washum.  I was initiated, passed and raised in 1978 at Vegas Lodge No. 32, Las Vegas, Nevada.  In 1983 I was Worshipful Master of that lodge.  But in 1984, Jesus led me out of the darkness of the lodge and into His light. 

He pointed out to me that He is the Light.  And that since He is not allowed in Masonic lodge rooms, there is no way that my search for light that Masonry refers to, will ever be accomplished there; that it is found in John 8:12  Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life."  I have my own ministry - In Search Of Light Ministries, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Additionally, I am an active participant in Ex Masons For Jesus.

Masonry's definition of what they call "god" is at great odds with the True and Living God, as stipulated in the Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed, and every protestant denomination that I know of.  As far as Masonry is concerned, its own "Great Architect Of The Universe" that is prayed to is a symbol which supposedly represents all gods to all mankind, necessitating the inclusion of Baal, Ra, Lucifer, Allah, Buddha, Krishna, etc.  This is not the True and Living God that is to be worshiped by Christians.

I do not believe in Gnosticism; I do not believe in Freemasonry.  I believe in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sincerely,

Duane Washum
Ex Masons For Jesus
In Search Of Light Ministries

 

Subject: Origination of your Animosity? 

 

My name is also Ed, I am writing from Michigan with an inquiry.  I was wondering from where does the animosity originate in your opposing views of the Mormon Church?  I couldn't find anything specific on the website, just that a crisis in your life had made you make a decision to change.

 I am currently in somewhat of a similar situation (at a crossroad, somewhat heretic of the beliefs in the Mormon Church; I was baptized in the church in Dec, 2000).  Please let me describe it; I was born and raised in the Catholic Church.  At a point in my adolescence, I became rebellious, and abandoned my walk with our Savior.  I lived a lifestyle which eventually left me at a dead end (nothing like murder, drugs, or other serious crimes, but enough to wander off my walk in faith).  Eventually, I had returned to attending mass weekly, and stayed for another seven years.

To make a long story short, I met my wife, received the discussions from the missionaries, and decided to become baptized. Well, the journey has been full of surprises.  I have seen many wonderful things, heard many beautiful teachings, and felt many beautiful acts of charity and kindness.  Also, I have been hearing many bad things, both about the history and the doctrine of the Mormon Church. I could write and write and write about my personal experiences, and history, and comments, etc. etc. etc.

I would like to ask just this question, which has been the sort of after analysis, general question that I have after my journey in faith:  do you think it is possible for the devil to disguise himself so much, as you I am sure are aware of all of the praise and worship and focus on our savior that is done in the meetings, so as to create a church, in the name of Jesus Christ, teach all of the virtues and precepts and responsibilities of living a Christ-like life? I've been struggling with this, and I really appreciate your input.

Edward

 

 

What Do Mormons Believe?? Let me Tell you.

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What do Mormons believe?

There are many out in cyberspace who would like to tell you what Mormon's believe. They trawl here and there for any controversial doctrine or statement made by the church leaders in the past which can be twisted and perverted to meet their own dishonest and exploitative agendas.

 

The truth about the Mormons is however very different from what the detractors and defamers would have you believe.

 

Firstly, Mormon teaching is that which is supported by the four standard works of the church: the Protestant Bible which does not including the Apocrypha, The Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. The final arbiters on the interpretation of these scriptures are the living Prophets and Apostles of the church. The writings and explanations of the Prophets and Apostles who are dead can only be considered authorised as they are quoted in church published materials approved by living Prophets and Apostles.

 

It should be noted that those called by God are authorized to arbitrate on what can and cannot be considered to be true scripture. The Bible came into being through the acts of the Prophets and Apostles who were called to write down God's will for his people at particular times, or dispensations, in the history of the world. It is nonsense to believe that God's message to the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would be the same as that to Israel ruled by the Judges or the Kings and even the nascent Christian church lead by the Apostles appointed by Jesus Christ in the first century.

 

God's true church today is blessed with revelation and teaching relevant to its times. A truly saved individual would respond to the commands given by the God of salvation through properly appointed ministers. So, quotes from other sources not approved by the First Presidency of the church do not constitute the actual teaching of the church. Such quotes are always out of context with the times and seasons in which they were uttered; out of context with the church today; as such can only be considered as spurious.

 

The ministers of self appointed and self regulated religious organizations who are offended by the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints; who waste their time and resources in publishing lies and distortions are actually the servants of the deceiver, even Lucifer who is the father of lies. Have nothing to do with them otherwise your salvation will be in peril.

Your brother….

 

 

Subject: Thank you for your web site

 

Dear Ed

 

I just want to let you know that because of your web site, I have had two different friends come to me inquiring about the church.  They have not started taking the discussions yet, but have shown great interest.  I enjoy reading your articles because they give me new topics to study and have greatly heightened my interest in church history. 

 

I've just ordered two new books on church history including the Brigham Young’s Discourses.  I assume you mean well by what you do and hope that one day you'll see how people like you fit into Gods plan of separating the wheat from the tares.  I look at you as a wolf among the sheep that kills off the old and diseased. 

Thomas