Mormons believe that God has a physical body and humans can become gods in the afterlife. Within theism, it contrasts with monotheism, the belief in a singular God, in most cases transcendent. The Mormon picture is closer to henotheism, which posits a supreme God over other lesser, subordinate gods. So, why is polytheism false and monotheism true? Polytheismfrom poly- (many) and theos (god)is the belief in or worship of more than one god. 4. A Mormon scholar named Blake Ostler summarizes the Mormon view in a Mormon theological journal: "In contrast to the self-sufficient and solitary absolute who creates ex nihilo (out of nothing), the Mormon God did not bring into being the ultimate constituents of the cosmos neither its fundamental matter nor the space/time matrix which . In Catholic lingo, "Godhead" is another way of saying Trinity in that we understand the Godhead as one God comprised of three divine Persons-not three distinct gods. They are busy knocking on doors as are the Jehovah's Witnesses. Where Mormonism is polytheistic, Christianity is monotheistic (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6, 8; 45:5). Mormonism is aggressive; young men donate time to make new Mormons before they go into a life career. Polytheism is a type of theism. ethnic. Their central deity is Elohim, whom Mormons call "God the Father." The other deities accepted include Jesus, the Holy Ghost & endless other gods who were once men & who have now evolved into godhood. The church has over 15 million members around the globe, with over 60% . universalizing. e. In orthodox Mormonism, the term God generally refers to the biblical God the Father, whom Latter Day Saints refer to as Elohim, [1] [2] [3] and the term Godhead refers to a council of three distinct divine persons consisting of God the Father, Jesus Christ (his firstborn Son, whom Latter Day Saints refer to as Jehovah ), and the Holy Ghost. Godhead: Elohim, a god with physical body. Evidence does exist suggesting that early in its history Mormonism did teach Protestant style Monotheism. A Polytheism of Corruptible Man. Mormons frequently change their teachings. This would make them Polytheistic by definition. B oth Mormons and Christians claim to worship only ONE God. Polytheists do not always worship all the gods equally, but they can be henotheists, specializing in the worship of one particular deity. Mormonism as a theology appears polytheistic, because the worshipping of Jesus is . Mormonism contradicts Christianity in several essential ways. Start studying Mormonism Religion Project. was a time when there were not Gods and worlds." -Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol.7, pg331, 10/8/1859 Men can become gods Inspiration Faith & Prayer Health & Wellness Entertainment Love & Family. That is, they believe that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate beings, thus denying the essential monotheistic statements of both the . That is, they believe in the existence of more than one god. The "religious regard" is essential (as has been written repeatedly) because otherwise Evangelical Christians and Mormons could be considered Polytheists, in that they (often) "believe" in many gods, but they do not render unto these "religious regard", rather stripping them of . And here is why. Polytheism is the belief in multiple deities, which are usually assembled into a pantheon of gods and goddesses, along with their own religious sects and rituals. universalizing. Because the primary religions of Western culture are monotheistic, there no longer is much debate in the West about the attributes of monotheism vs. polytheism. References to a divine council of gods are found in several ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Mesopotamia, Greece, Egypt and Canaan. Monotheism (belief that there is only one God) Tritheism (understanding the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as distinct Gods) Polytheism (worship of, or belief in, more than one God) Henotheism (worship of one God without denying the existence of other Gods; also called Monolatry) Mormons frequently change their teachings. . Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The . False prophecies in Doctrines and . In plain language, this belief is polytheism, or the belief that there exist multiple gods, as opposed to monotheism, which asserts that only one God exists. is Mormonism ethnic or universalizing? Son, and Holy Ghost, however, or the doctrine of deification (which is a profoundly Christian doctrine and not just a Mormon one), use of the word "polytheistic" as a pejorative is both . Mormonism is not Christian. 2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. Generally, polytheism refers to a group of gods of one another and often, in the case of hard polytheism, in conflict with one another. But the stigma associated with the belief in more than one god - the "guilt by association" with pagan or eastern religions - has caused Christians to run from this self-evident truth for millennia. A polytheist is someone who worships multiple gods. The arguments of Mormons are committing . Some evangelical Christians regard Mormonism as a modern example of monolatry because Mormonism teaches the existence of many gods of many worlds, yet worships only one on this planet. Mormonism also affirms the existence of a Heavenly Mother, as well as exaltation, . Protestant and Catholic critics of Mormonism claim that this teaching is both polytheistic and unbiblical. That is, it did not imply polytheism," (p. 68). The Latter Day Saint movement has over 100 denominations. But what we believe about the nature of the God we worship is one of the most fundamental differences between Mormons and Christians. Polytheists believe there are multiple gods and worship multiple gods. Certainly, this is an incoherence at the core of this concept of deity, for it provides no explanation for the existence of the gods, nor does it . January 9 - Mormon Godhood Status is Polytheism. From a handful of members at the beginning, the movement has grown steadily through proselytizing and a relatively high birth rate. 7. The best-known example of polytheism in ancient times is Greek/Roman mythology (Zeus . Joseph Smith said the Trinity is three gods. Monotheists believe there is only one god and worship only that god. Equals three distinctive gods. The Mormon picture is closer to henotheism . Brigham Young and the worship of Adam. This is, of course nonsense. Are Mormons polytheistic? How many followers worldwide? Mormons deny they are polytheistic. Mormon doctrine of God the Father and the Godhead > Mormonism cannot be Christianity - not because we say so or because we take a vote on that subject in the Christian church. Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is, in many ways, a universalizing religion. In fact, Mormonism teaches that God was once a man but attained divine status. The head of the church - the Prophet - can get a new revelation from God at any time and change Mormon teaching on . it is also spread by relocation diffusion. When I was a Mormon, they taught that the title Lord refers to Jesus, and God refers to the Father. A popular Skeptical, uninformed objection supposes that because Elohim is a plural form, a multiplicity of gods is indicated, and this is supported by the use of "us" and "we" in Genesis 1:26 and elsewhere in Genesis. Polytheism characterizes virtually all religions other than Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which share a common tradition of monotheism, the belief in one God. But Jehovah is the God of the Old Testament according to them and Jehovah is Jesus according to them! Jesus, a god with physical body. Henotheism or Polytheism? Now that they claim that they are Christians they state that they believe like Evangelicals that there is only one God. Joseph Smith said the Trinity is three gods. Brigham Young and 10 ft tall men on the moon. Mormonism has 13.5 million followers worldwide. Since mormonisms inception in 1820 to the present (total of 190 years) mormons denied being Christian until the last 30 years. Polytheism has perhaps been the dominant theistic view in human history. this type of religion does NOT seek converts, and most are born into it. 5. this type of religion actively seeks converts. 1 WE believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. is Protestantism ethnic or universalizing? Copy. Mormonism is a polytheistic religion (e.g.,The Pearl of Great Price, Abraham 5:1-21). But, while the first LDS Scripture, the Book of Mormon, has nothing to say about plurality of Gods (see Alma 11: 22-35), later scripture has "the Gods . 6. 1) Mormons are polytheists, not monotheists. Mormonism, major world religion of close to ten million members, [was] founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith, known as the prophet. Polytheism implies that all gods get worshipped, and Heavenly Mother does a good job of showing that doesn't happen. Finally, it seems polytheistic Mormonism has a difficulty at its heart-namely the infinite regress of deity. Mormons deny they are polytheistic. In their concept of the Trinity, there are three distinct personages: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. There are about 70 or more denominations within it that identify as "Mormon." The largest and best-known Mormon denomination is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One is that it is a "cult," a Mormon cult. The Book of Mormon is monotheistic. Here is yet more evidence of the falsity of Mormonism: Not only do the teachings of both Mormonism and its founder, Joseph Smith Jr. directly contradict the Bible, THEY EVEN CONTRADICT THE BOOK OF MORMON !!! 1 WE believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. 1. [book of Moses] What does this mean. As a result, Mormonism becomes very difficult to pin down - like nailing jello to the wall. In the definition you provide Mormons are no more polytheist than most in regards to their worship of the Godhead and others reverence for Trinity. Polytheism portrays a world in which competing gods either vie for ultimate authority or have delimited provinces over which they rule. When I was a Mormon, they taught that the title Lord refers to Jesus, and God refers to the Father. The fraud of the Book of Abraham (See Proverbs 14:5) 3. First, Mormons claim to revere the Christian Bible, and the Bible clearly and unequivocally proclaims monotheism. Mormon Godhood Status is Polytheism. 2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. YET MORMONISM IS POLYTHEISTIC !!! The common definition of a cult is that its members are in the thrall of a powerful, charismatic leader. 3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Mormonism was founded by Joseph Smith in the early 1800's. The world view of Mormonism is polytheism many gods. Bible's One God vs. Mormon Polytheism. Son, and Holy Ghost, however, or the doctrine of deification (which is a profoundly Christian doctrine and not just a Mormon one), use of the word "polytheistic" as a pejorative is both . Strictly speaking, they are monolatrists, i.e., they worship one God but believe that others also exist. However, it is worth noting that there are also significant differences between Mormonism and Islam. These are regarded as the gods of this world. 2. monotheistic. Anyone can do the math. All Mormons worship the Father, however some Mormons are polytheistic, worshipping Jesus as a separate God. Mormonism is polytheistic, in spite of any complaints to the contrary. Mormonism is mostly practiced in the US. "I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods," (Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 370) The Godhead consists of the three distinct personages . Answer: Polytheism is the belief that there are many gods. []Each god relies upon a former god, which itself relies upon a former god, forever. As McDermott explains, The theologian Stephen Robinson denies that Mormonism is polytheistic, and strictly speaking he is right. Polytheism (worship of, or belief in, more than one God) Henotheism (worship of one God without denying the existence of other Gods; also called Monolatry) . Ways to Prove Mormonism Wrong. Joseph's Smith famous boast. Another aspect of a cult is that its members appear to be lied to and brainwashed. Polytheism portrays a world in which competing gods either vie for ultimate authority or have delimited provinces over which they rule. Monotheistic or Polytheistic? As McDermott explains, The theologian Stephen Robinson denies that Mormonism is polytheistic, and strictly speaking he is right. Beside the Scriptures, the Book of Mormon, The Pearl of Great Price, and The Doctrine and Covenants are accepted as inspired. The Mormons say that the Father is at least functionally over the Son and the Holy Ghost, and they are . Mormonism is polytheistic, teaching that there are many gods, and that you yourself can become a god with your own universe to tinker with (compare Satan's promise in Genesis 3:5 ). No, Mormons aren't polytheists. Monotheism is a joke in context of Christianity. During other parts of his sermon, Beck used language that would be familiar to most . However, the church clearly teaches that God's purpose is to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man? Polytheism (worship of, or belief in, more than one God) Henotheism (worship of one God without denying the existence of other Gods; also called Monolatry) . Mormons claim to only "worship" God the Father as a way to claim to be monotheistic. Although Mormons believe in the existence of more than one god, they only worship one god, whom they call "Heavenly Father" or "Elohim." Foundational Polytheism is a good place to start, . Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. While it may be true that some individual Mormons are henotheistic, from my perspective the Church does not officially endorse henotheism, and many Mormons (like myself) reject it. The answer to your question is: Yes, Mormonism is essentially polytheistic. They also teach that somehow Adam is Godwho then made him and to whom did he . This belief is closer aligned with Eastern religions than with the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) which teach monotheism: the belief that there is only one God. Mormonism says God is in the form of a man (D&C 130:22), where Christianity teaches that God is not a man (John 4:24; Luke 24:39). is Protestantism monotheistic or polytheistic? All Christians are polytheistic, they just won't admit it. "The is one of the most illuminating updates on the current state of Mormonism that I have ever seen. Mormonism is polytheistic where Islam is not. Yet the term "Mormon" is a nickname that some offshoots reject for a variety of reasons. And, since they believe there ARE millions of Gods and Goddesses, they only WORSHIP one, so that means they are not polytheists. Together, they form the Godhead and fulfill the complete mission of God. Like for example Muslims argue that the whole saints an Trinity thing in Christianity is polytheism, many Christians argue Mormons are polytheistic and so on. Please request a copy of "Lesson 21" to mass-produce and send out to all struggling Christians who know nothing about the evil of Mormonism. Monotheism - One God. New World Archaeology: Zarahemla will never be found. Polytheism - many gods. Because of this nearly infinite, ever-increasing number of gods, it could be rightly said that Mormonism is the most polytheistic religion in the . Mormons play word games and say that polytheism is the belief AND WORSHIP of many Gods. "I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods," (Teachings of Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 370) The Godhead consists of the three distinct personages . Christianity is monotheistic. Below is a table with documentation from both Mormon and Islamic sources, categorized by similarities. By the early 1990s there were four million Mormons in . There are many gods (polytheism) "How many Gods there are, I do not know. Likewise, henotheism does not accurately describe Mormonism. Polytheism means the worship of a plurality of gods. . Polytheism is a type of theism. . But Jehovah is the God of the Old Testament according to them and Jehovah is Jesus according to them! Mormonism is not it - it is polytheistic, it is eternally polygamist - and thus thoroughly non-Christian. Polytheism MORMON BELIEFS The Mormon beliefs are clearly shown and easily contradicted by both the Bibleand the Book of Mormon. Other polytheists can be kathenotheists, worshiping different deities at . Holy Ghost, a god without physical body. But let's make sure we're straight on our terms. Yes, mormonism is the most polytheistic religion ever conceived. Who founded Mormonism and when? There are also numerous references to the divine counsel in the Hebrew Bible. Polytheism portrays a world in which competing gods either vie for ultimate authority or have delimited provinces over which they rule. There is nothing ambiguous about this word. Listen to this LDS Perspectives podcast about The Divine Council with Stephen Smoot. Joseph Smith made this perfectly clear in several of his lectures. Subscribe to my email list to receive email notifications every time I post a new video blog: https://pastorwagner.com/subscribe/. Polytheism. The difference between henotheism and polytheism is that, in the latter, more than one of the gods believed in are worshipped. Terminology. Jokes aside, I think henotheism describes Mormonism best. The answer is yes. Titus 1:15-16 "Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.16 They profess that they know God; but in works . However, the reality of Mormon theology is so far from that standard that there is absolutely no way Mormons could properly be defined as monotheistic. Is Judaism's foundation polytheistic, and does the name of God as Elohim prove this? Best Answer. Let's investigate these ideas. Breaking the word down, "poly" comes from the Greek word for "many," and "theism" from the Greek word for "God.". Polytheism is the belief in (or worship of) more than one God. Here at Carm, Mormons disagree with one another. Here at Carm, Mormons disagree with one another. Mormons believe there are three Gods, but who function as an entirely unified body. Polytheistic. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the. . Jesus is one of three gods in the godhead in Mormonism, where Islam teaches only one God. Plus we throw in the infinite number of possible unnamed gods that potentially exist in LDS theology. But as shown above in actuality they have three gods. The connotations of "polytheism" go far beyond a belief in multiple gods. Drawing from Mormonism, Roman polytheism, and even Buddhism, the reimagined sci-fi TV series is steeped in religion. The Mormon picture is closer to henotheism . "Mormon theology is polytheistic. First, some people assume that Mormons are in the thrall of church founder . 01/09/2022 by lifeafterministry. Beat YouTube's censorship! The fact you believe there is more than one God makes you a polytheist. It brings Mormonism's unstable, changeable truth clearly into view, and provides a convincing warning against the most polytheistic religion ever offered to the modern world." 3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. Mormonism: Monotheistic or Polytheistic? The efforts of Jeff Lindsay and other Mormon apologists need to be opposed, and the world needs to be told the truth about real Mormon polytheistic theology. Mormonism teaches polytheism: the belief in many gods. You could say this Mormon theologian said that or this Mormon theologian wrote this, but he doesn't speak officially for the church.