Fascinating, incredible would be two adjectives describing the beliefs of our neighbors. Western cults have their roots in Christianity, usually claiming to be the true church. They use the Bible as one of their resources and Jesus Christ as a central figure in their beliefs. Many churches will not teach on the beliefs of their neighbors, because they are afraid they might offend someone.

Paul wrote to the church at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Paul writes again 2:2; 5, “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified… so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” Paul wrote many of his Epistles to refute man’s wisdom and false teaching in the first century.

Are correct belief and sound doctrine important? Paul writes in 1 Timothy 5:3, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourselves and your hearers.”

From Luther's Sermon on 2 Corinthians 13:8 found in W.A. 34. II. 387. 1531, Dr. Martin Luther writes concerning doctrine, "This is so great a good that no human heart can grasp it (therefore, it necessitates such a great and hard fight.). It must not be treated lightly, as the world maintains and many people who do not understand, saying we should not fight so hard about an article and thus trample on Christian love; rather, although we err on one small point, if we agree on everything else, we should give in and overlook the difference in order to preserve brotherly and Christian unity and fellowship. No, my dear man, do not recommend to me peace and unity when thereby God's Word is lost, for then eternal life and everything else would be lost. In this matter there can be no yielding nor giving way, no, not for love of you or any other person, but everything must yield to the Word, whether it be friend or foe. The Word was given unto us for eternal life and not to further outward peace and unity. The Word and doctrine will create Christian unity or fellowship. Where they reign all else will follow. Where they are not, no concord will ever abide. Therefore, do not talk to me about love and friendship, if that means breaking with the Word, or the faith, for the Gospel does not say love brings eternal life, God's grace, and all heavenly treasures, but the Word.”

So, we have determined that correct belief is of utmost importance. Today we take a look at what our neighbors, Mormons, believe. Joseph Smith Jr. founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints in 1830 in New York. They eventually headed west and ended up in Utah with Brigham Young as the leader. We salute Mormons for their disciplined lifestyles and strong family values, but Mormonism is not a stream of Christianity. Mormonism is an entirely different religion from Biblical Christian faith.

Mormons have the “Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price” as their religious books of instruction.

Mormons believe in many gods. To them, god the father was once a man, but “progressed” to becoming a god, by being good and moral. This god has a physical body as does his wife the Heavenly Mother. Any Mormon can become a god. The path to godhood is the path being ethical in this earthly journey. If they are good enough then they will inherit their own planet where the man and woman will eternally populate that planet. That is to say, worthy men may one day become gods themselves.

A giant billboard sign was erected on Hwy 281 at Marshall Rd. in San Antonio in the north bound lane. It was a black sign with white letters reading, “You too can become a god.” At the bottom signature space was the disclaimer that it was the Mormons who had placed it there. That was about the same time the Mormon Temple was built on Stone Oak Rd. They were passing out tabloid newspapers with headlines, “Mormons Are Christians.”

So, we see that a cult is a group that looks like Christians and uses Christian language, but the meanings are totally different. How important is it for Orthodox Christians to know what they believe and what others believe? Answer: It is of ultimate importance.” Thanks be to God we have been give the freedom to believe in our own way. What a great nation. Please pray God’s blessings on our beloved U.S. of A.

We continue next week with more specifics on what our neighbors believe.