DNA & THE BOOK OF MORMON BY
JIM ROBERTSON
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is built and
dependent upon Joseph Smith being a prophet and on the Book of
Mormon being a true historical record of a Jewish family who sailed
from Israel to the Americas around 600 BC. This record, as Joseph
Smith tells it, was about a man named Lehi, who had two sons named
Nephi and Laman. Both sons became the leaders of two great tribes
called the Nephites and the Lamanites. The Nephites were a white
skinned tribe and the Lamanites were, because of their rebellious
nature, cursed by God to have a dark skin. These Lamanites were
later identified by Joseph Smith as the Indians of this continent.
In 400 AD there was a great battle between the two tribes and
the Lamanites completely destroyed the Nephites. Before he was
killed, Mormon, a member of the Nephite tribe, wrote a history
of the Americas on golden plates. His son Moroni, the last surviving
Nephite, hid the golden plates on the hill Cumorah near Palmyra,
New York before, he too, was killed.
In 1823, Joseph Smith claimed that this Moroni appeared to him
in the form of an angel and told him where the plates were hidden.
He said these plates were written in what he called Reformed Egyptian
and that he had been given the power to translate them into English.
At that time, the Egyptian language was an unknown language. This
translation came to be known as the Book of Mormon, which the
Mormon people consider to be the word of God and the most correct
book on earth.
For the past 180 years the Mormons have believed the claim by
Smith that the Lamanites are today, the Indians of this continent
and were originally Jews or Hebrews from Israel. Recently, a Mormon
anthropologist, Thomas Murphy, made a surprising announcement.
He and other anthropologists and molecular biologists have done
extensive DNA testing on over 5,000 Native Americans from over
140 different tribes from Alaska to the tip of South America.
These DNA tests provided conclusive proof that all these Indians
were from the Asian nations of Siberia and Mongolia and do not
have any Hebrew genes or DNA in them. There now have been over
30 research groups who have concurred with these findings.
So what does all this mean? It proves beyond any doubt that
Joseph Smith fabricated this whole story and that the Book of
Mormon is absolutely false. This makes him a false prophet. In
addition, not one shred of evidence has ever been found that would
substantiate any part of the Book of Mormon.
We have just received a shipment of a brand new video called,
"DNA vs. The Book of Mormon." It is an astounding 49-minute video
that contains interviews and statements by these various scientists
and the findings their DNA tests have concluded. These tapes can
be ordered through our office.
We are convinced that this informative video is going to blow
the doors of the Mormon church wide open. We are asking you to
put this in your prayers and also that as this information gets
out around the world, that we will see Mormons coming into the
saving grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ instead of following the
teachings of a false prophet named Joseph Smith.
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A Comparison of the LDS Articles of Faith
with the Bible - Part 1 by Lloyd Sharp
To more clearly understand LDS beliefs and teachings I will briefly
compare each Article with the Bible. I will complete this study
in future issues of The CROSS.
Since the Articles of Faith have gone through numerous revisions
and for the sake of brevity and practicality, I have decided to
focus only on the modern version of the Articles of Faith that
are published by the LDS church today.
Article 1: "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in
His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."
This first Article is perhaps the most misleading. The Bible
tells us that there is only one God (Isaiah 44:6; Deuteronomy
6:4; John 5:44). This Article does not affirm this. Indeed it
cannot since Mormonism teaches that an infinite number of gods
exist. Brigham Young, second LDS president stated "How many Gods
there are, I do not know. But there never was a time when there
were not Gods and worlds." (Journal of Discourses, 3:22)
Also misleading is the claim that Mormonism teaches God is "the
Eternal Father." The LDS church does not teach that God the Father
is eternal, that is, He has always existed and will always exist.
Rather, the LDS church teaches that God the Father was once a
man on another planet and evolved to godhood by abiding by various
rules and regulations. The LDS manual Achieving a Celestial Marriage
(page 132) states this very thing, claiming "By obedience to eternal
gospel principles, he [God the Father] progressed from one stage
of life to another until he attained the state we call exaltation
or godhood."
The Bible also says that Jesus is coeternal with the Father
(John 1:1-2, 14) and the creator of all things (Colossians 1:16).
This is not affirmed in this Article either. Again this is because
Mormonism does not teach this. Rather it teaches that Jesus is
a created being and spirit brother to Lucifer. Essentially, the
first Article uses the names of the Godhead and does not define
the nature of the Godhead. Therefore unwitting Christians and
laymen are led to believe that Mormons have the same concept of
God that the Bible teaches, when in fact they do not.
Article 2: "We believe that men will be punished for their
own sins, and not for Adam's transgression."
This appears to be correct, however this Article is misleading.
Mormonism teaches that men will not be punished for the Fall of
Adam and Eve. The reason is not because the Bible says "…every
man shall be put to death for his own sin" (Deuteronomy 24:16),
but because the fall of mankind was a positive action! LDS Apostle
Dallin Oaks declared that Mormons "celebrate Eve's act and honor
her wisdom and courage in the great episode called the fall."
(Ensign, Nov. 1993:10) This stands in stark contrast to the Biblical
teaching that the choice of Adam and Eve resulted in sin and death
for "all men" (Rom. 5:12,15).
Article 3: "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ,
all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances
of the Gospel."
Here we see the proclamation that salvation is by the "Atonement
of Christ" and "obedience to laws and ordinances" of the LDS church.
Salvation in Mormonism is a mixture of Christ's atonement and
the work of church members. The Bible, however, does not teach
this. Salvation is a gift by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8).
A gift you work for is no gift at all, it is a debt you work off.
The apostle Paul taught this as well in the book of Acts (Acts
16:30-31). Obedience to ordinances is never taught as a prerequisite
to salvation in the Bible.
According to former LDS prophet Spencer W. Kimball, "One of
the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded
by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief
in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation." (Spencer
Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness, 26) If this is true then
Kimball is making a liar out of Jesus. Jesus himself taught that
the only work needed to be saved is to believe in Him (John 6:28-29).
I will continue this examination of the LDS Articles of Faith
In the next issue of our newsletter.
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Ministry Update by Judy Robertson
God is moving in our ministry today! In January we had a display
booth at the National Seniors Christian Convention here in Arizona.
A man I will call Bill, came up to me as I was talking to a group
of people, tapped me on the shoulder and said with a huge grin
on his face, "You don't remember me do you?"
"No, I'm so sorry I don't," I said sheepishly. "Can you help
me out?"
"You used to teach me in Primary (LDS children's program). I
attended the same Ward you did. I finished reading your book (Out
of Mormonism) yesterday and we need to talk."
What a surprise! I'd often thought about the young people I
taught in Primary and if they ever wondered why my husband and
I left the LDS church. Well here was one standing before me and
saying he no longer wanted to be Mormon.
The past two months have been some of the most rewarding of
our ministry here at Concerned Christians. Invitations to speak
at various churches, youth groups and college campuses have overwhelmed
us. Our literature is going out in record numbers. Requests for
translations in other languages have given us a delightful dilemma.
Understanding My Mormon Friends' Faith and Mine is presently being
translated into the Samoan and Tongan languages. The Witness to
Mormons Spanish version is almost complete and we have requests
from as far away as Albania and the Kiribati islands in the South
Pacific for versions in their languages.
Our support group is bubbling with expectation and new Christians
are being born within our small groups every Thursday evening.
One example is Andy and his wife Lori both born and raised Mormon.
Andy served his LDS mission in Argentina, married in the temple
and up until two months ago was an active Mormon. We give God
the praise that he is now out of Mormonism, has been baptized
into Christ, studies the Bible diligently and is already helping
others struggling through this process, including his wife. Lori
is well on her way, however. Just last week she expressed her
desire to "know about salvation."
To see Andy and Lori beaming with their new knowledge and joy
brings gladness to us "old-timers" who recognize the stages they
are going through are the same that so many of us have experienced
as we found the truth and were set free in Christ Jesus.
We have had so many requests for support groups throughout the
country and even overseas, that we find the need is far greater
than the people available to lead these groups. However, we recently
added a highly equipped ex-LDS couple to our growing number of
satellite groups, this one in the Flagstaff area. Their specialty
is with youth.
The past two months have also been filled with much media interest.
We've done numerous radio interviews. The ASU Web Devil magazine
did a three-page article on Concerned Christians, an international
Christian magazine, Woman's Touch featured our ministry, and book
signings continue even in secular bookstores for Out of Mormonism
.
My friend, Bill, said that the majority of his contemporaries
have "one foot in Mormonism and one foot out." The opportunities
are there. The fields are "ripe for harvest" (John 4: 35).
 Jim
and I attended in January, a National conference in California,
focusing on false religions with Mormonism being emphasized. Many,
involved in this type of ministry, were there. We enjoyed a happy
reunion and time of telling what God has been doing in our ministries
over the years. Caryl Matrisciana co-producer of the Godmakers
and Temple of the Godmakers videos took this opportunity
to interview many for the new Expose on Mormonism video
to be released summer of 2003.
I hope you feel the excitement we do. We see on a regular basis,
Mormons coming out of Mormonism and accepting the Jesus of the
Bible and salvation through Him alone.
My heart remains broken, however, for the many who refuse "to
love the truth and so be saved" (2 Thessalonians 2:10). It is
our responsibility to pray with even more fervor than ever before
that "God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge
of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape
from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his
will" (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
Risk talking to your Mormon neighbor, co-worker, friend or relative,
he or she may be one of those who have "one foot in Mormonism
and one foot out."
Jesus said: "Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he
harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the
reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying 'One sows and another
reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for.
Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits
of their labor" (John 4: 36-38). May we join with the One who
"harvests the crop for eternal life."
Please pray for:
- Equipped teachers and support group leaders internationally
- That God will oversee the translation and distribution process
of helpful literature
- Wisdom and strength for the staff and Board of Concerned Christians
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CORRECTION:
It has been brought to my attention that in my article "LDS Growth:
Fact or Fiction" in the February edition of "The Cross," I misquoted
LDS Dr. David Stewart from his website. When stating, "He goes
on to say that the net result of their growth is zero," I erroneously
attributed that conclusion to Dr. Stewart when, in fact, I was
actually thinking and stating the conclusion of a different, non-
LDS website. To accurately q u o t e D r . S t e w a r t , "worldwide
LDS membership is currently growing at less than 3% per year"
and that "The annual U.S. LDS growth rate (is) 1.9%…" I sincerely
apologize to Dr. Stewart and to all of our readers for this error.
- JIM ROBERTSON
Going International by Bob Betts
Countries Currently Receiving The CROSS Newsletter Australia
Philippines
Malawi, Africa
England
Fiji Islands
Germany
India
Japan
North Korea
New Zealand
Nigeria, Africa
Russia
Samoa
Tonga
Chile, South America
Sweden
Cape Town, Africa
West Indies
Canada |
Concerned Christians would like to reach more people outside
the United States with the truth about Mormonism. Indeed, we get
e-mails from people in other parts of the world who are affected
by the influence of Mormonism in their community. They, too, want
to be advised and educated about how to reach Mormons with the
biblical gospel of Jesus Christ and to warn fellow Christians
about the deceptiveness and seductiveness of Mormonism.
One of the most effective starting places is to make "The Cross"
newsletter available overseas and to Mexico and Canada. As of
this year we have almost 100 families outside the U.S. that receive
"The Cross." The postage rate to Mexico and Canada is $.60 per
piece and $.80 per piece to the rest of the world.
ANOTHER WAY TO "GO INTERNATIONAL" IS TO GET CONCERNED CHRISTIAN'S
PUBLICATIONS TRANSLATED INTO OTHER LANGUAGES. WE'RE STARTING WITH
THE SPANISH LANGUAGE AND HOPING TO GROW FROM THERE.
A third potential avenue is to facilitate other branches of Concerned
Christians. I believe that all of our prayer and financial supporters
would agree that a Concerned Christians-style of ministry in every
densely, Mormon- populated community and near every Mormon temple
in the world would add wonderful ministry opportunities.
Getting our message out into the rest of the world is a must.
Even though our particular message focuses on the differences
between biblical Christianity and Mormonism, we are a part of
fulfilling the great commission of Christ in Matthew 28:18-20.
However, we are not ones to go into debt to accomplish these lofty
ministry goals. We prefer to pray, make these goals known to you
and watch how God provides. Once again, while we pray and minister
to the inquiring Mormon's spiritual and emotional needs,…
…we trust God for His provision- we depend
on you to be His instruments.
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Temple Notes
In the Bible, Solomon's Temple was the only temple authorized
by God. Nephi said he built a replica of Solomon's temple
in South America (2 Nephi 5:16). No evidence exists. Worldwide
today, there are about 120 LDS temples. None meet God's
temple specifications in 1 Kings 6.
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Mail Bag
 Dear
Jim,
You probably don't remember me, but I just wanted to write and
tell you thank you for saving me from becoming a member of the
Mormon church! In 1996, when I was 17, I began dating a college
man who was Mormon. I had not been raised in a family who attended
church regularly or had a real relationship with God. At first
I was not interested in the Mormon religion, but as I got more
serious in the relationship, I began to be more interested in
his religion. I was impressed with the seemingly closeness of
his family and the way they acted like they had built their lives
around their religion. I was so young then that I actually believed
they would approve of me and accept me into their family if I
was baptized into the Mormon church. However, I only put on my
"good girl" face around them and the boy I was dating. At my home
I changed from a completely motivated, college bound, happy young
lady to one who was very introverted and defiant to authority,
especially my parents. Thankfully, by the grace of God, my parents
found you! The way that you presented the facts was very harsh,
but I'm so thankful you did it that way. At the time, I was very
rude and defiant to you and I apologize. I needed someone to knock
some sense into me and break the stronghold that was keeping me
from seeing the truth.
Soon after, my boyfriend left on his mission for the Mormon
church and the relationship ended right there. I was so relieved
that I didn't have to be someone I wasn't anymore. And I'm glad
I was never baptized into the LDS church!
That fall I went away to college. One afternoon I was sitting
on the grass of my college campus and some people approached me
and asked if I as interested in knowing about God. I said I wanted
know about the one true God. They explained how God loved me unconditionally,
no matter what mistakes I had made in the past. I put my faith
in Jesus Christ right then! My life turned completely around.
I threw away every Mormon thing I had and replaced it with God's
forgiveness. I am so thankful for what God has done in my life
and that the Holy Spirit protected me through all that, even though
I wasn't a believer. I wrote a letter to my former boy friend
telling him about what happened to me and that he needed to change
his life also. I never heard anything from him.
I continue to live my life for God. And I'm so thankful for
the work you do and I'm praying that your ministry will be abundantly
blessed by God!
Page, AZ
Dear Concerned Christians,
Thank you so much for all you do. My husband and I, along with
our four boys, left the Mormon church about 12 years ago. Organizations
like yours were essential in us finding the truth!
Elgin, TX
Dear Concerned Christians,
May God continue His rich blessings on you folks, for the enrichment
of His precious Word to save souls. God has lavished His love
on us and you and we are ever grateful!
Alexandria, MN
 Dear
Friends at Concerned Christians,
What a mighty God we serve! The enclosed check is to help you
with your ministry and my heart is filled with praise to God because,
as a team, you are all working faithfully to win precious LDS
people to the real Christ of the Bible. Thank you for keeping
us aware of your work by sending us the "Cross" newsletter, keep
it coming! I love you all in Christ.
Brainerd, MN
Jim & Judy,
May God continue to bless your ministry. Thank you for your continued
efforts in bringing forth the truth to the lost. And thank you
for "The Cross" newsletter, I enjoy it very much. God bless you
both!
Phoenix, AZ
Dear Jim,
My husband and I just arrived home after listening to you at our
church. We are both from the east coast and had never heard much
about "the Mormons." We would like to take this opportunity to
say thank you for tonight. It was amazing! We really had no idea
people could actually believe these kind of things. God bless
you in your endeavor and thank you for the education.
Mesa, AZ
Dear Jim,
Once again, you did not disappoint participants at last weeks
Seniors Assembly. Your sessions continued to draw large crowds
and people left with information to help them grasp Mormonism
better. We thank you for your time and effort and participation
in this annual event. I appreciate your candidness and honesty.
Again, thank you.
Phoenix, AZ
 Hi
Jim,
Please send me your monthly newsletter, "The Cross". I am so grateful
and excited about this wonderful ministry and will be keeping
you in my prayers. Praise the Lord!
Las Vegas, NV
Dear Concerned Christians,
Thank you for all you are doing. I was able to hear Jim speak
at our church recently and he truly touched my heart for my Mormon
co-workers. May God richly bless you!
Chandler, AZ
Concerned Christians,
I cannot believe how much information you have made available
on your website. You have answered many questions I've had or
told me where I can go to get the answers. Thank you so very much!
I will pray for continued blessings in your ministry!
Cathlamet, WA
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