Why Is Mormonism True?

[slowly]

Hi

I am looking for a few good reasons why Mormons believe that their Religion is true.

For example I know that there is a good historical argument for the authenticity of Mormon scriptures. However, since all Religions have some sort of historical grounding of their scriptures, this is not enough. I am looking for those two or three key aspects that make Mormonism stand out clearly as the only true Religion.

Thanks

[CrimsonKairos]

We believe God the Father and Jesus Christ authorized and commanded Joseph Smith to act as their prophet in restoring their Church to the earth.

A prophet may be known by their fruits.

One of the main "fruits" of Joseph Smith's work as a prophet was the translation of the Book of Mormon.

If the Book of Mormon is God's word, scripture, and everything it's said to be, then Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and the Church he established is Christ's true and living Church today.

If not, the reverse is true.

Study the Book of Mormon, reflect on its doctrines, see what sort of spirit you feel when reading it, and pray to know whether it is God's word or not.

All other considerations/reasons pale in comparison to knowing that Joseph Smith was God's prophet and that the Book of Mormon is an authentic collection of scriptural writings reserved for our day.

[slowly]

Thanks for a "to the point" answer.

All other considerations/reasons pale in comparison to knowing that Joseph Smith was God's prophet and that the Book of Mormon is an authentic collection of scriptural writings reserved for our day.

I guess this does make sense. If Joseph Smith really was God's prophet then this would point towards Mormonism as the truth. So the question is: how can we come to such a belief?

Study the Book of Mormon, reflect on its doctrines, see what sort of spirit you feel when reading it, and pray to know whether it is God's word or not.

This sounds reasonable, except, this proposal sounds a lot like that of many other Religions. Catholics, Muslims, Reborn Christians, Seventh Day Adventists, they all tell me that studying their doctrines and scriptures and praying to God will lead me to the realization that their Religions are true.

Let's say hypothetically I do what you suggest. I study all the scriptures of all the Religions and then pray to God to lead me to the one true Religion. Let's also assume that I do get a clear answer from God that one of those Religions is in fact the true Religion. One thing would still worry me. So many believers from a wide variety of Religions seem to be using this exact procedure to come to a belief that their own Religions are true. This cannot be right. I am therefore forced to accept the possibility that this procedure is perhaps not so reliable.

Is there no other way to come to such a belief?

[Traveler]

Hi

I am looking for a few good reasons why Mormons believe that their Religion is true.

For example I know that there is a good historical argument for the authenticity of Mormon scriptures. However, since all Religions have some sort of historical grounding of their scriptures, this is not enough. I am looking for those two or three key aspects that make Mormonism stand out clearly as the only true Religion.

Thanks

Greetings:

Anciently there was no such thing that we call religion today. Instead what was spoken of was a "way" or path. From the beginning of man’s life as a mortal there has been a journey by which we make our way back to what was once called the “tree of Life”.

One problem is thinking of our efforts for truth as an arrival (obtaining religion) rather than a way or method of traveling by covenant with G-d. In reality, the everlasting truths have much more to do with love, compassion and awareness of others than it has to do with doctrines, sermons and becoming members of social organizations.

When you ask about “Mormonism” it is not so much what you believe as it is what you are willing to sacrifice and covenant. It is not so much of what others are thinking and doing as it is your willingness to serve them, help them and assist them in their journey.

The truth about “Mormonism” is not in listening to sermons and going to church – it is about sometimes giving the sermon and helping to build the kingdom of G-d. Even the widow can contribute their mite. There is no pay or profession in “Mormonism”, there is sacrifice and service.

I have been disappointed in the ideas of religion that seem to be to be about the selfishness of getting for the “me”. Salvation becomes a me thing. Relationship with G-d become a me thing - A "Me borne again thing". We believe so “WE” can be saved. We have faith so “WE” can have salvation.

Though many do – please do not think of “Mormonism” as a religion or a set of doctrines and such. It is really a “Way” for family, a “Way” your heart can be turned to your fathers and all your ancestors before you, a “Way” to understand and love your spouse and children and their children that will endure eternity in an everlasting marriage covenant and a “Way” to sacrifice all you have and will possess by covenant for a greater cause of everlasting duration.

Most people would rather have a religion so they can have for them what they want; a religion that fits them and their desires, something more fitting humans than a G-d. The way is in the heart and thinking like G-d and G-ds. Walking such a way distinguishes G-dliness from the pursuits and passions of fallen man on a quest of self.

Most people I encounter would rather have a religion – and I respect that and wish them the best in it – but if you seek everlasting life with and like G-d, there is only one way.

The Traveler

[rosie321]

Beautifully said Traveler :) .

Slowly-Why do Mormons believe their religion is true? As you pointed out every religion points to some piece of historic grounding......

For me its the overall picture I see that seems right and true. While there are many other beautiful faiths and believers to me the LDS church stands out time and time again. I look at truths inside and outside church constraints and they lead me to the mormon path. They just are not found for me to the same beauteous degree anywhere else.

I think the view of continued revelation, organization and order both for the church as a whole and the individual is a very important aspect. Many different faiths believe different things about it. Many believe in personal prayer and their leaders are placed by God. But we really do believe in lay people being called out to serve. That God teaches and trains all regardless of who you are. That we can all know God. That we can become one. That we don't have to only look back to documents 1000's years old to here and know what God wants for us and his church. God speaks to us individually and leads the church as a whole in the direction he wants. He uses the old scriptures and new and blends it all together.

The leadership/priesthood traces back.

We can speak to God and expect an answer.

Active participation from everyone is another aspect for me. Not just a few are chosen to serve. We are all called. You don't have to go through years of seminary schooling. To see people with all their weaknesses striving to serve the best they can and seeing what God does with it. That to me is amazing.

Another amainzing aspect is the idea of one eternal round. Through LDS concepts like baptisms for the dead, geneology work, temple service, the premortal existance etc. We see how things are bound together. Everything we do has an impact and purpose whether we choose to see it at the moment or not. We are not this lone person floating out there. As I do geneology work I am able to learn about and come to know ancesters I have not been able to personally meet here on earth in the mortal state. But by doing the work I come to KNOW them and when I see them again upon death they will not be strangers. It reminds me that everything has a purpose and promises will be fullfilled whether in this life or the next :) .

We are bound by laws, rules, suggestions and commandments in every area of our life (ie: 10 commandments, word of wisdom, emergency preparation/ food storage......). We can choose the right or not. We can learn of the guidelines or not, but we will experience the consequences most times. The LDS believe God's grace will step in after we've done all that we can do. Sadly some faiths minimize the need for obedience instead focusing solely on the grace of God. People don't feel then a need to be obedient and thus suffer needlessly.

I only very briefly touched upon some heavy LDS concepts that stand out to me. I hope the brief blurb helps anwer your question. I could probably easily write 1000 pages or more since its such a loaded question.

Best wishes in your searchings Slowly

<div class='quotemain'>

Hi

I am looking for a few good reasons why Mormons believe that their Religion is true.

For example I know that there is a good historical argument for the authenticity of Mormon scriptures. However, since all Religions have some sort of historical grounding of their scriptures, this is not enough. I am looking for those two or three key aspects that make Mormonism stand out clearly as the only true Religion.

Thanks

Greetings:

Anciently there was no such thing that we call religion today. Instead what was spoken of was a "way" or path. From the beginning of man’s life as a mortal there has been a journey by which we make our way back to what was once called the “tree of Life”.

One problem is thinking of our efforts for truth as an arrival (obtaining religion) rather than a way or method of traveling by covenant with G-d. In reality, the everlasting truths have much more to do with love, compassion and awareness of others than it has to do with doctrines, sermons and becoming members of social organizations.

When you ask about “Mormonism” it is not so much what you believe as it is what you are willing to sacrifice and covenant. It is not so much of what others are thinking and doing as it is your willingness to serve them, help them and assist them in their journey.

The truth about “Mormonism” is not in listening to sermons and going to church – it is about sometimes giving the sermon and helping to build the kingdom of G-d. Even the widow can contribute their mite. There is no pay or profession in “Mormonism”, there is sacrifice and service.

I have been disappointed in the ideas of religion that seem to be to be about the selfishness of getting for the “me”. Salvation becomes a me thing. Relationship with G-d become a me thing - A "Me borne again thing". We believe so “WE” can be saved. We have faith so “WE” can have salvation.

Though many do – please do not think of “Mormonism” as a religion or a set of doctrines and such. It is really a “Way” for family, a “Way” your heart can be turned to your fathers and all your ancestors before you, a “Way” to understand and love your spouse and children and their children that will endure eternity in an everlasting marriage covenant and a “Way” to sacrifice all you have and will possess by covenant for a greater cause of everlasting duration.

Most people would rather have a religion so they can have for them what they want; a religion that fits them and their desires, something more fitting humans than a G-d. The way is in the heart and thinking like G-d and G-ds. Walking such a way distinguishes G-dliness from the pursuits and passions of fallen man on a quest of self.

Most people I encounter would rather have a religion – and I respect that and wish them the best in it – but if you seek everlasting life with and like G-d, there is only one way.

The Traveler

[rosie321]

Why is mormonism true?

Sometimes asking slightly different questions helps me find answers..

Why isn't it true?

Or why couldn't it be?

What makes any faith true?

etc.....................................................

It's cool the answers and insights that can be found:)

[Dr T]

What makes any faith true?

Faith in something not real is insanity (popular term for that-not legal). Historically, "faith" was something people put belief in that was a backing for fact.

[lisajo]

I feel Like a social studies project again, Gee i guess once a month is ok but it gets a little Mundane!

Ya have to find out for your self if some thing is true, people cant make you beleive it is you that needs to feel it

[Dr T]

I hear what you are trying to say Lisajo but I'd have to disagree. There are many things that are true, and feeling it or not, does not make it so. We do not feel that 2+2 is 4 for example. We do not feel the color blue, etc. I'm also sure that we feel many things that are not true. Vertigo problems and perception, for example. Something is fact, because it is factual in it's essence. It does not matter if we sense it. It just is.

[MaidservantX]

By the way, slowly, I was tickled to notice that your dilemna, and even the way you word it, is exactly like the dilemna that young Joseph (Smith) was in. If you haven't already, you might like to read the description he (Joseph) gives of how Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ visited him, and how it even came about.

Also, it sounds like that if you pray to God about any or all religions you are afraid he might not answer you. Don't be. I personally have never prayed about whether the Book of Mormon was true. I have read it many times and I have a testimony that it is true. But as I pondered with God when I was young about the truth of the Book of Mormon and of his Church, it came to me that I did already carry that testimony, and that the reason I didn't feel the need to ask, is because I didn't really have that question. I already knew for myself. My 'question' was in the way I acted and lived, I guess. "I don't need to ask God something I already know," was how I said it to myself at the time. However, I have questioned God about many doctrines and also about things I needed to know about my life, and I have always been led to answers, sometimes over time, sometimes quickly. That isn't to say that all my prayers are spectacular, they aren't. In fact, I think I'll start a thread about that sometimes instead of saying what I have learned about prayer here.

I am satisfied for myself that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded by, restored by, and continues to be headed by in a very real and actual, organizational way, by the Savior Jesus Christ himself. While other religions love and worship Jesus and generally receive his spirit when they love him, love others and keep his commandments -- they simply cannot say that their religion was made by God (Jesus Christ). They will have to say that their founder is John Calvin or Martin Luther or the Greeks or etc. And they only listen to God's word that is in the Bible -- as Mormons do, also. But other sects will not listen to what God is saying today (a prophet). (I am sure many individuals in other religions seek guidance from God on a daily basis and receive it.) This doesn't mean Mormons are better than anyone or that we are going to heaven and the rest are going to hell. Mormons don't believe like that. I do like how Traveler put it. Another thing I like to point out is that our covenants are not so we can be approved for a future heaven (only), but that we can have the cleanliness and power (etc) necessary to have a heaven on earth NOW.

[Dr T]

Hi Xhenli,

You said,

They will have to say that their founder is John Calvin or Martin Luther or the Greeks or etc.

Calvin and Luther would never claim that they are the foundation for the Christian belief. They were theologianswith their foundation being Christ the Lord.

[CrimsonKairos]

Joseph Smith didn't claim to be the foundation for Christian belief either. What he did claim was that God had commanded him to restore His Church, including valid priesthood authority and true doctrine/ordinances.

[Dr T]

Hello CK,

Just to be clear, I was not saying he did. Calvin and Luther would probably say the priesthood authority is already in all believers and not needed to be restored and that God told them the correct biblical doctrine as a response to the Catholic church. As can be seen in the reformation lit. I was only trying to clarifying what xhenli was falsely putting forth-not trying to stir up any trouble . :)

[lisajo]

I hear what you are trying to say Lisajo but I'd have to disagree. There are many things that are true, and feeling it or not, does not make it so. We do not feel that 2+2 is 4 for example. We do not feel the color blue, etc. I'm also sure that we feel many things that are not true. Vertigo problems and perception, for example. Something is fact, because it is factual in it's essence. It does not matter if we sense it. It just is.

AHHHHHHHHHHH But DR T in the world Of many relgions there is a thing called the Holy Ghost and it is felt, not to say you are wrong but in this case you are LOL You feel it and it is very noticable when you do, see that is what i mean by you have to feel it to know it

[MaidservantX]

Sometimes what we are trying to say hinges on semantics. Saying I was falsely putting forth -- that's so harsh :) , Dr. T. By the way, the way you stated your thought -- how Calvin and Luther viewed their calling -- is something I can totally agree with. I don't even think it is automatically contradictory to my statement earlier. LDS people do believe that God (Jesus Christ) moved upon and still moves upon all sorts of people and they are instruments in his hands. Luther led people to Christ. Christ created Luther, Christ "whispered in his ear". LDS people know that the Restoration is possible because of the Reformation. In fact, I know LDS people like to sometimes try to peg the Catholic Church into the 'church of the devil' hole, but I have a great respect for the Catholic Church, despite what I see as its flaws and I personally have the opinion that God preserved a great deal in the Catholic Church, especially for those individuals during the dark ages who would be sincere enough to find Him through their personal faith even in a broken system. Gosh, am I making sense? Probably not.

[Dr T]

Yes Lisajo,

You are correct, it can be/is felt. I have no qualms there. What I am saying though is perception is not the end all for verification. If it was, they we wouldn't know a lot. :)

===

Xhenli,

I'm sorry for being harsh. No offense intended. I just wanted it to be known that what they wrote about had the foundation of God not themselves. That's all I wanted to be known. Not that they were the foundation as you said.

Dr. T

[MaidservantX]

It's all good, Dr. T. No offense. I always like what you have to say.

[Rosewood]

You can argue "religion" all day. But as Pres. Hinkley said, quoting scripture, "things of the Spirit are understood by the Spirit."

The reason we believe it to be true is that we have studied, tested and then prayed and recieved confirmation by the Spirit that it was true. Thats a testimony. It's all about personal revelation

I prayed because I was confused and was sent this with a powerful Spiritual witness-

James 1: 5-6

5 aIf any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that cgiveth to all men liberally, and dupbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him aask in bfaith, nothing cwavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

I wanted the truth of who I was and who God is and recieved this, again with a powerful Spiritual witness -

Moroni 10:3-5

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how amerciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and bponder it in your chearts.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not btrue; and if ye shall ask with a csincere heart, with dreal intent, having efaith in Christ, he will fmanifest the gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may aknow the btruth of all things.

I stake my whole soul on the truth of these two scriptures, but there are many more. God gave me knowledge. I know it and He knows I know it, and I cannot deny it.

[slowly]

To the Traveler

Thanks for your post, I really enjoyed reading it.

If I try to summarize this for myself, you are saying that Mormonism is true to the extent that it guides you on a way of serving your fellow humans. I like it, although it does not help me that much with my search. Service to your fellow human is not an uncommon trend amongst Religions. It does not make Mormonism stand out clearly.

You also are basically saying that I will not come to an understanding of Mormonism as the truth unless I live/walk the "Way". Sure, I accept that. I would still have preferred to have some more reason for doing so in the first place.

As I said in my first post I am looking for something about Mormonism that makes it stand out clearly above all the other 9 999 Religions. So if I am going to have to live my life as a Mormon for a substantial period of time in order to understand its truth, I am going to have to do this for all the other Religions as well. How else will I know that the Mormon experience of truth is clearly better than that of all the other Religions? Just because you experience truth in the Mormon Religion, does it automatically follow that you cannot experience the same or even bigger truth in the Muslim or any other Religion? I have to assume that Mormoms do believe this but for me, I can see no good reason why this would be the case.

Alas, I am going to have to continue my search...

[slowly]

Why is mormonism true?

Sometimes asking slightly different questions helps me find answers..

Why isn't it true?

Or why couldn't it be?

What makes any faith true?

etc.....................................................

It's cool the answers and insights that can be found:)

You are absolutely right. I have been working with these questions in my mind as well. Of course some are easier to answer than others. Here are some thoughts:

Why isn't it true? A difficult one. If you can find a historical flaw or scriptural inconsistency in the scriptures of a Religion then surely that would put the Religion in doubt? Given that so many Religions are not doubted by their millions of followers this does mean that finding anything like that is not going to be easy. There could always be a different understanding or interpretation that could make plausible such "errors". Humans do spend a lot of time on this topic and so far no conclusive answers have come forward. I have decided to try a diferent approach instead in the hope that there may be simpler answers, but sofar it hasn't worked.

Why couldn't it be true? Even more difficult. Any Religion could in principle be true, as long as it is consistent. Any inconsistent set of ideas are difficult to talk about and the meaning of the word "truth" then becomes problematic. In the Zen school of thought contradictions are used as a way of reaching understanding (this is probably an oversimplified statement and appologies to the Zen Buddhists if it offends them) although I suspect that the ultimate truths within Zen Buddhism would probably be consistent as well. To be honest I have not done a lot of thinking/researching in this direction, but you are right, it may be interesting to do this.

What makes any faith true? I think this is the reason why I am asking these questions in the first place. If I can find universal criteria for why a Religion is true then I should be able to find the one true Religion, not?

[slowly]

...

Also, it sounds like that if you pray to God about any or all religions you are afraid he might not answer you. Don't be.

....

I am not afraid per se that God will not answer me. In fact, given that there are so many believers in the world who have had a personal experience of God and have had answers given to them about their Religions through prayer, chances are pretty good that I will in fact get an answer. What I do have a concern about is what to do with that answer. It seems that there is not just one answer. To be clear, Mormons get confirmation about the Mormon truth through studying the scriptures and prayer, Muslims get confirmation of Islam in the same way, studying the Qur'an and prayer. Same with the Reborn Christians, the Catholics and I suspect the Hindus as well. How am I to think about this answer once I get it?

[Traveler]

To the Traveler

Thanks for your post, I really enjoyed reading it.

If I try to summarize this for myself, you are saying that Mormonism is true to the extent that it guides you on a way of serving your fellow humans. I like it, although it does not help me that much with my search. Service to your fellow human is not an uncommon trend amongst Religions. It does not make Mormonism stand out clearly.

You also are basically saying that I will not come to an understanding of Mormonism as the truth unless I live/walk the "Way". Sure, I accept that. I would still have preferred to have some more reason for doing so in the first place.

As I said in my first post I am looking for something about Mormonism that makes it stand out clearly above all the other 9 999 Religions. So if I am going to have to live my life as a Mormon for a substantial period of time in order to understand its truth, I am going to have to do this for all the other Religions as well. How else will I know that the Mormon experience of truth is clearly better than that of all the other Religions? Just because you experience truth in the Mormon Religion, does it automatically follow that you cannot experience the same or even bigger truth in the Muslim or any other Religion? I have to assume that Mormoms do believe this but for me, I can see no good reason why this would be the case.

Alas, I am going to have to continue my search...

I will try to be a little clearer. In the beginning G-d created the heavens and the earth. Many think of this in terms of where or how but this is not a true understanding of G-d and what he is all about. The creation is in the divine sense, an incredible act of service, sacrifice and love. Acts of compassion are acts of emulation of G-d. The purpose of walking in the way is not just that we may live with G-d but that we will become like him; or in other words that we will become G-ds and masters of love and compassion as he is. The ancient relationship of Master and disciple is like a teacher and student with the goal that the disciple will someday be a master.

If you know of any where else that someone can learn of G-d by preparing to be a G-d I would be interested. The ancient way is the way of G-d and G-ds.

It is somewhat of a surprise to me to learn that many that believe in G-d do not care to worship him to the extent of emulation and becoming like him.

The Traveler

[prisonchaplain]

This sounds reasonable, except, this proposal sounds a lot like that of many other Religions. Catholics, Muslims, Reborn Christians, Seventh Day Adventists, they all tell me that studying their doctrines and scriptures and praying to God will lead me to the realization that their Religions are true.

Let's say hypothetically I do what you suggest. I study all the scriptures of all the Religions and then pray to God to lead me to the one true Religion. Let's also assume that I do get a clear answer from God that one of those Religions is in fact the true Religion. One thing would still worry me. So many believers from a wide variety of Religions seem to be using this exact procedure to come to a belief that their own Religions are true. This cannot be right. I am therefore forced to accept the possibility that this procedure is perhaps not so reliable.

Is there no other way to come to such a belief?

Your quest is not nearly so vast as it seems. First, you might simply pray, "God, if you are real, reveal yourself to me." The Scriptures of most major religions declare that whoever seeks God with a sincere heart will find him.

If you come to the place of believing there is a true God, then consider what that God would be like. Would there be a plethora of little gods, ruling different small patches of land throughout the earth? Or, do you believe there is one true God? If one God, is He a God that would want to appeal to all of his creation, or would he limit himself to one tribe or nation?

IMHO, there is only on God, and that one God would want to relate to his creation on a grand scale. That quickly narrows my search to Christianity and Islam. Study and pray over what these two have to say about Jesus in a broad sense. The two views are both respectful and honoring--but they are vastly different. Is Jesus a prophet in the line of prophets, superceded by Muhammed? Does the God of Islam seem like the God that created this world? Or, is was Jesus God's incarnate son, come to redeem the rebellious wreck of his creation?

If you come to have faith in Jesus, then God will surely direct you to a church where you can grow in him. Many folks here can tell you about the church this site is dedicated to. I'm sure you can find many Christians who would happily answer your queries about their particular houses of worship.

Blessings on your quest.

[Rosewood]

IMHO, there is only one God, and that one God would want to relate to his creation on a grand scale. That quickly narrows my search to Christianity and Islam.

How Jewish and Buddists? Although they were included in my original search, all the religions I considered as "in the running" were patriarchal and respectful of family. So, I started with the tradition of my fathers, which was Christianity.

If one God, is He a God that would want to appeal to all of his creation, or would he limit himself to one tribe or nation?

Excellent!

[prisonchaplain]

How Jewish and Buddists?

With all due respect to both faith traditions, Judaism, at its core, is a tribal religion. As it is practiced today, the goal is to continue obedience to the covenant between YHWH and the Hebrew people, as established by Moses some 3400 years ago. There is no missionary or evangelistic impulse. So, while they got the right God, and they surely have a special place in His plan, something has gone amiss.

Buddhism, in some forms is not even a religion. Further, it simply offers a path to enlightment, not a relationship with the Creator God. Finally, in spite of recent western advances, it remains a largely eastern practice.