The Book of Mormon was written in 1830 and is said to be a record of the Nephites and the Lamanites. It is taught that these peoples descended from the ancient Israelites. The Book of Mormon further teaches that the Nephites were a light skinned people, a culturally advanced society; the Lamanites were culturally inferior and cursed by God with a dark skin. It is taught that the Lamanites are the American Indians, Samoans, Maoris, Tahitians and Hawaiians. This was affirmed in 1982 when Mormon Prophet Spencer Kimball said to these peoples that "the Lord calls you Lamanites."
When Joseph Smith finished writing the Book of Mormon he declared that it was "the fullness of the everlasting gospel, and was the most correct of any book on the earth and that a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." Fullness means complete and everlasting means forever. And "the most correct book on earth" means there shouldn't be any mistakes. These two points are very important to remember for this article.
Recently, a group of scientists, including several Mormons, set out to prove the Book of Mormon to be true. In order to prove the dark skinned people were Israelites or Hebrew, they began taking the DNA of the Indians in North, Central and South America. What they discovered was that none of the tribes had any Hebrew DNA or showed any sign of being Israelites. Instead it was found that they descended from Siberia and Mongolia. This obviously makes Joseph Smith a liar and the Book of Mormon to be a fictional man-made book. This has the Mormon Church scrambling for answers to this dilemma. This kind of new information is causing many to conclude the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormons is changing, but not through prophesy or revelation.
Some scholars at Brigham Young University are re-interpreting the fundamental teachings of the Book of Mormon as a result of the DNA findings. One small group, called Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies or FARMS, is dedicated to combating ministries like ours. Although they say that FARMS does not speak officially for the Mormon Church, the church leadership does not make any attempt to discount what FARMS is doing. Church spokesman, Dale Bills, said "the church teaches only that the events recorded in the Book of Mormon took place somewhere in the Americas. The doctrine of the church is established by scripture and by the senior leadership of the Church; the First Presidency and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. Faithful Latter-day Saint scholars may provide insight, understanding and perspective, but do not speak for the church," he said.
On the LDS web site, http://www.lds.org/ newsroom/mistakes, under the "Mistakes in the News" heading, the church declares, "Recent attacks on the veracity of the Book of Mormon based on DNA evidence are ill considered. Nothing in the Book of Mormon precludes migration into the Americas by people of Asiatic origin. The scientific issues relating to DNA however, are numerous and complex." A Midvale, Utah Mormon attorney says, "There is such a huge divide between what the scholarly elite with the LDS church knows and will discuss and what the ordinary members know. The burden of proof is on the people who are advancing the Book of Mormon as the word of God." This man is a Peruvian native born into the LDS church and is still a member.
Mormons have used the Book of Mormon to attract people in South America and the South Pacific convincing them that they belong to the Hebrew family and are considered to be the chosen ones. Yet, because of their dark skin they were also cursed by God until June 1978. If this DNA situation continues without any legitimate explanation, these people will be suffering an identity crisis.
Simon Southerton, one of the men involved in the DNA studies and a former Mormon bishop in Australia said, "You've got Mormon apologists in their own publications rejecting what LDS prophets have been saying for decades. This becomes very troubling for ordinary members of the church."
The Utah lawyer equated this to staring into a spiritual abyss. He said he felt like he needed an apology. "Our prophets should have known better. It's that serious, that real. That's the feeling I get," he said.
It is my opinion that although the Mormon scholars and leaders will come up with many weak explanations, they will not be able to refute these DNA studies. In the video we carry, "DNA vs. the Book of Mormon," Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley, when asked what he thought of the DNA studies said, "well, all the facts aren't in yet." Well, the facts are in because DNA evidence is used in a court of law everyday. There is no way they can contest the proficiencies and use of DNA evidences. It's a proven fact!
Another fact we can count on; "The word of our God stands forever." (Isaiah 40:8) "It stands firm in the heavens." (Psalms 199: 89) We have His word on it!
Jim Robertson
(Some of this information was extracted from an article by Patty Henetz, a reporter for the Associated Press).
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"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should" (Col 4:2-4, NIV). If God has given you a heart for prayer, join us on Tuesday nights from 7-8 p.m. at our office in Mesa. If you're unable to come, please join us in prayer from where you are. Pray for our staff and teachers. Pray that God will bless us and increase our territory and that we will give God all the glory. |
My wife and I left the LDS church nearly three years ago. She was raised Mormon and I was a convert. Neither of us ever made good Mormons. We smoked and drank and this made us unworthy to be temple Mormons. Becoming temple worthy is a goal all Mormons strive for and few attain.
It was during a difficult trial in our marriage that I came to understand that God wanted me to be more than alcohol and tobacco free, He wanted me to be clean on the inside too.
The Mormon church and its members placed an enormous burden on my wife and me to look the part of a good Mormon couple. However, through the Bible, God showed me that appearances do not matter, the heart does. So after some intense study and prayer, we left the LDS church and began to work on our marriage and a new relationship with Christ. We now have two kids and are blessed more than either of us ever deserve.
We're now viewed as apostates by our Mormon family members. To them, the idea that anyone would voluntarily leave the Mormon church is unthinkable. They've been taught that only people who are weak in their faith and weak in their testimony leave their church.
To a Mormon the LDS church is all knowing and all-powerful. While my wife was attending a funeral for an LDS friend recently, an LDS Bishop spoke about how we are not to judge. Judging, he said, is reserved only for Mormon church leaders.
Now, lets step outside the Mormon factor and look at what is going on with my in-laws and the recent passing of a Mormon friend.
My in-laws are separated and on the verge of a divorce. My father in-law moved out last November. The LDS church does not openly sanction divorce, but quietly, it does nothing to aid single mothers who are left by their spouse. My mother in-law is hurting and scared that she, a stay at home mom for 25 years, will now have to fend for herself and her 14 year old daughter. Despite the fact that my father in-law has instigated this separation, he still has his temple recommend, which gives him access to the Mormon temple. As of this writing, He has not been confronted by the LDS church officials regarding his behavior.
My mother in-law has been told only to pray and the LDS church has increased her workload by giving her more responsibilities at her local Mormon church. Rather than support her and help her through this rough time, the LDS solution is to simply keep my mother in-law busy with Mormon functions.
The funeral I mentioned before was for an LDS friend of ours. She was a bright, outgoing, giving young woman. She was also rebellious, a trait that sometimes got her into hot water as a Mormon. Yet her personality would light up a room, you always knew when she was around.
A few years back she came home to find that her husband had hung himself. She was devastated. Afterwards she was never quite the same. She battled depression and thoughts of suicide for the years that followed. She lost the battle the night she took her own life. She did so the same way her husband had.
Not all stories of Mormons are sad ones though. An LDS friend of my wife and I recently had a birthday. While it would be inappropriate to give her actual age, she is a mature woman with several grown children of her own. She and her husband are fairly well off financially and very generous with their money. Both are always helping others in any way they can. Her husband told her she could have anything she asked for on her birthday. All she had to do was name it and it was hers. After thinking about it for a few days, she told her husband, a dentist, that she wanted him to clean my teeth. You see, I have a nasty stain on my front teeth from when I was a smoker, and she wanted me to be able to have a nice white smile. She could have chosen to get a brand new BMW, or a nice boat or a vacation to someplace exotic. Instead, she chose to help me out with a free trip to the dentist.
The kicker is that I am not supposed to know about any of this. The cover story is that she and her husband did this for me as a Father's Day gift! Either way you look at it, it is quite selfless and humbled this Christian man's heart.
These stories remind us of the human side to our Mormon friends and neighbors. Too often we forget the person behind the theology. If we are to ever really reach those in Mormonism, it must be on a personal level, as well as a spiritual one.
Our Lord knew this well. When the nobleman came to Jesus to heal his son, Jesus did not turn him away simply because he was looking for a miraculous sign. Rather he healed the man's son that moment (John 4:43-54). This same compassion on the plight of a suffering servant was shown to the Roman centurion as well (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:2- 10). Perhaps the most touching moment of human compassion is shown with the death of Lazarus. We know that both Mary and Martha believed in the resurrection (John 11:24), so they were not without hope. Yet the suffering of losing a dear brother was not lost to the Lord. The sight of their suffering moved Him to tears (John 11:35). The Jews noticed the love that the Lord had for Lazarus and his family because of this (John 11:37).
It is this type of compassion that must drive us in our efforts. The LDS theology is the barrier to the person, and it is the person that we are trying to save. So next time you see your LDS friend or neighbor ask them how they are doing. Offer to help them clean their yard or go out to dinner and a movie. Get to know them as a person and the issue of their theology will eventually come up.
When we as Christians give our testimony of how God brought us to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, we all express three similar components to our conversion experience:
Yet, each of our testimonies is as varied as our fingerprints. No two testimonies are exactly alike, any more than any two of us, as individuals, is exactly alike. The unique variations in our personal testimonies have been shaped by our own life-defining experiences, relationships and circumstances that led up to that special, life-changing encounter with our Lord and Savior.
The Mormon's Testimony
Many Christians aren't aware of how vastly different the Mormon testimony is.
When Mormons say, "I bear you my testimony…" they will also express three main
components: that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, the Book of Mormon
is the inspired word of God and the Mormon church is the only true church on
the face of the earth. They will end their testimony by saying, "And I say these
things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." Their testimony consists of a rote
profession of their religion, rather than a confession of what Christ has done
in their lives.
From the age of three, Mormon children are taught to repeat their testimony about Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon and their church. They will repeat it all their lives.
The Differences Between Theirs And Ours
As Bible-based Christians, we certainly recognize the tremendous contributions
rendered by the prophets and the apostles as inspired by God. We trust the Bible
to be the only inspired, infallible Word of God. And, we understand the significance
of the role of the church, defined as the body of believers, not a religious
institution, in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The focus of our testimony is summed up in Paul's confession: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" (Galatians 2:20).
We view the Old Testament prophets as usually willing, but sometimes reluctant instruments in God's hands to accomplish His purposes. We don't follow prophets as Mormons follow theirs, we follow Jesus Christ. Neither was the early church led by a single prophet as Mormons believe, but by the apostles. And the apostles taught what Jesus trained them. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, who He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds" (Hebrews 1:1,2). Paul reminds us that there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men-the testimony given in its proper time (1 Timothy 2:5,6). So, we don't follow men; prophets, apostles or otherwise. We follow Christ alone.
We do not, nor will we ever recognize any other book as the inspired Word of God. Over the years, we at Concerned Christians have devoted much space in this newsletter to inform you about why the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price could not possibly be scriptures inspired by God.
Our Testimony Is Glory To God
While the LDS testimony is apparently meaningful to them, it's disturbing that
their testimony focuses on glorifying a man, a book and a "church." Rather,
we are to give glory to our awesome God and our Lord Jesus Christ. As Paul told
Timothy, "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor
and glory for ever and ever. Amen" (1 Timothy 1:17).
Dear Mr. Robertson,
I am 18 years old and after many attempts, trials, tears and trouble, I have
left the Mormon church. Now I'm not positive, but after reading your wife's
book, "Out of Mormonism," the man she spoke of that was instrumental in your
baptism into the LDS church was, I believe, my uncle. My family is extremely
devoted to this poison of Mormonism and they can't see how blinding it is. So
I am somewhat estranged from my family. I have recently moved out on my own.
Every time I go to visit them, the missionaries are conveniently there. Anyway,
I found it interesting that I was trying to figure out why I felt so uncomfortable
in Mormonism, and then read your book. My Dad found the book and told me that
it was my uncle your wife talked about in the book. I feel like it is a sign.
The first time I ever attended a Christian church with one of my friends, God told me in my heart and head "you will help lead people away from Mormonism. You will help show them the truth as you have been shown." Ever since then I have been searching and trying to figure out what the truth really is. I read everything on your web site about the doctrinal fallacies and the false teachings the prophets and leaders have been covering up. I was absolutely heart-broken and depressed for a long time after learning what a cult this religion is.
My parents were extremely upset with me wanting to leave the LDS church. They ended up getting so sick of me that they started taking me to a psychiatrist to give me drugs to shut me up. But my parents weren't satisfied and kept getting more drugs from the psychiatrist until finally they had me committed to a mental institute. I never got to finish my senior year. I was there until my parents and their "quacks" decided I could go home.
Since that terrible time I have accepted the Lord and been saved and God has provided for me ever since. I know he has a plan for me to be an instrument in bringing many Mormons out of this demeaning brain washing cult. I know I'm not ready yet because I have a lot to learn. That's where you come in. I know God wants me to do all I can to reach these lost people. But I know nothing, I'm a new infant in Christ. I need to know scriptural references and defenses, statistics and historical facts, and where to find them. I want to learn so I can prove to people how false Mormonism is. Then I want to help them see and understand the truth in Christ and Christianity. You have been studying and doing this for many years, so I want to learn from you. I have a burning desire to help people out of this "hell." I want to share with people who are as lonely and confused as I was. I know that's what God wants me to do.
Thank you for all the information you have already provided. I am so grateful for you and your family. Thank you so much for being a guide for me already. I look forward to helping Concerned Christians reach the lost.
Mesa, AZ
Dear Concerned Christians,
We continue to pray for your ministry and the impact you have reaching Mormons.
We enjoyed the message Jim recently gave at our church here in Chandler. We
pray that God will continue to use Jim & Judy and the rest of the staff. Thank
you!
Chandler, AZ
Dear Concerned Christians,
I recently checked out your book, "Out of Mormonism" from my local library.
I couldn't put it down. Everything you say in the book are true. Mormonism seems
to be clean and righteous, but is in reality dark and full of lies. I am a former
Mormon. I had myself excommunicated several years ago. I was forced to attend
a meeting 3 hours long with nine men of the church. They told me by leaving
the church I was condemning my soul to hell and they would pray for my soul.
How sad for them.
Des Moines, IA
Dear Concerned Christians,
I was raised in the Mormon church, but came to know the Lord when I was 30 years
old. My family is still in the Mormon church and although I pray for them daily,
I am afraid for them. I enjoy reading your newsletters as it gives me hope.
Thank you for all you do and have done. You are in my prayers. God bless!
Imperial, CA
Blessing to all of you,
I just had to write and let you know how wonderful you are for sharing your
story with the world. I have just finished your book, "Out of Mormonism." It
is truly an eye opening account of truth. I have never been a Mormon myself,
but I do work with and have friends who are members of the LDS church. My wife
and I lived in Brigham City, Utah for a short time and got an eye opening shot
of the Mormon church. As a matter of fact, that is when I decided to join the
Christian church and ask Christ into my life. My wife has always been a Christian
from early childhood. Maybe someday with people like you and Concerned Christians,
more and more people's eyes will be open to who Christ really is. Bless you
and yours. Keep up the spread of truth wherever you travel.
Milwaukee, OR
Dear Jim,
I know you have been out of surgery for awhile, but we want you to know you've
been in our thoughts and prayers for healing and relief from pain. I just spoke
with the sister of a woman you helped out of the Mormon church. She is in her
60's. Her sister said you spent hours and hours with her and she had many pages
of questions which you answered, hour after hour. Thank you for your ministry!
She is still out of Mormonism and is helping her other elderly friends who question
their Mormon faith.
Mesa, AZ
Concerned Christians,
Enclosed is a small token to help in all your worthy causes. Many people are
blessed by the support group you have on Thursday nights and all the other great
things you do. Continue the good work!
Mesa, AZ
Dear Jim & Concerned Christians family,
I e-mailed you about 6 months ago asking you how to get our names removed from
the LDS church. I'm happy to report that in December we received notification
that our request had been granted. My profession of faith in Jesus Christ was
actually made to an LDS bishop. As ironic as it is, it was the most incredible
experience of my life. We currently attend a Bible Church in our area. Our family
has learned more about the Bible in the past 14 months than we ever had as life
long Members of the LDS church. We occasionally suffer at the hands of misinformed
family members. Through faith & prayer we are encouraged. We firmly believe
that we have done the right thing & that's evident when we see God working in
our lives. It has been difficult for our teenagers. They struggle with finding
other believers to "hang out" with. Please pray for them as they are our future
and their peer pressures are great. Keep up the great work you are doing and
let us know when you are going to be teaching in Utah again.
Clearfield, UT
Dear Jim,
My husband & I attend church in Strawberry. I want to let you know that I have
read your wife's book about how you left Mormonism. I found it so fascinating.
I was driven to read it during the time my daughter was dating a Mormon boy
who just returned from his Mormon mission. It really disturbed my husband and
I when our daughter, a senior in high school at the time, told us of her decision
to date this young man. We prayed about it and from our past experience with
our son's poor choice in dating a girl, we wanted to approach our daughter's
situation with love and compassion. We encouraged her to seek counseling with
our pastor, which she did. We also treated her Mormon boyfriend with love. She
asked a lot of questions and we turned to the scriptures many times. Through
it all, I believe her Christian faith grew stronger. She and this boy ended
up parting and he married a Mormon girl on July 31. We received a wedding reception
invitation (of course we could not attend the wedding in the temple). We continue
to pray for him and his new bride that they will see the truth. He denied the
Mormon rituals our daughter asked him about and said all the material she shared
was a lie. Our daughter fell hard for this boy, but the Lord answered our prayers.
He is so merciful!
Pine, AZ