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The Deceptiveness of Mormonism from the Christian Research Institute Newsletter
As I write this letter to you today, I have a serious concern on my heart. There is a deadly deception exploding across our country that is leading many straight into the gates of hell. That deception is Mormonism. And your family and friends are its targets. New figures show that Mormonism is growing explosively - in a culture with no discernment skills to protect itself from this cult's smiling, yet spiritually lethal embrace. Consider these alarming facts:
The startling verdict is that Mormons outspend us, out-organize us, and outwork us. They are willing to do for a lie what we're often not willing to do for the truth! But Mormonism has more then momentum, manpower, and money. Mormonism recently launched a new marketing strategy designed to win your friends, neighbors, and family. The tactic of this public relations campaign is to sell Mormonism as just another Christian denomination. Mormon leaders have unleashed well-crafted sales tools such as:
And added to this - they have a new goal of building 115 enormous regional "temples" all over the world. Maybe you've seen one. Impressive Mormon temples are being built at an alarming rate! Each temple is public relations bonanza: centerpieces of local campaigns to convince the public that Mormonism is "mainstream Christianity." So "Christian" that the Mormon Church has a new logo that highlights the words "JESUS CHRIST" in its official name: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. But what a mockery of our Savior this is! In reality, Mormonism teaches that Jesus Christ is not the eternal God, but rather, the spirit-brother of Satan, conceived through physical sex between the Heavenly Father and Mary. The Mormon Church doesn't dare reveal this upfront. Instead, Mormonism's careful conversion strategy starts seekers out with Christian terminology - to get a foot in the door of searching minds - and then slowly redefines that terminology as believers get deeper and deeper. And by the time that redefinition is complete, you have a religion that is not even close to biblical Christianity. On the doctrine of God, Mormonism teaches that there is NOT one God, but millions of gods. Mormonism teaches that our God was once a human like us on a distant planet who evolved to become a god. It further teaches that people can become gods by obeying Mormon doctrine and marrying in a secret ceremony in a Mormon temple. On the doctrine of salvation, Mormonism teaches that Jesus' blood CANNOT save you. You must save yourself through a bizarre system of good works and rituals to be followed to the letter. This would only be a strange sideshow except for one fact: the campaign is working. And millions of souls are at risk. Why is the Mormon plan succeeding? First, because men and women in our modern culture will swallow any religion or spirituality that convincingly sells itself. And second, because many Christians are biblically illiterate and too undiscerning to obey the commands to "contend for the faith" (Jude 3) and "refute those who oppose" sound doctrine (Titus 1:9). Contending and refuting are not politically correct. But that's what we are called to do! With grace, yes. With respect, always. But we must never be silent in the face of error and deception! Yet even high-profile evangelicals - like former U.S. President Jimmy Carter - have praised Mormonism as "Christian" and have denounced Christians who seek to warn others and evangelize Mormons. Frankly, it's terrifying . . . . . . but, thank God, hardly irreversible. And that's where you, the Christian Research Institute, and the Bible Answer Man broadcast can team up to make a massive and eternal difference. It's amazing. I take calls every single week on the Bible Answer Man broadcast from people coming out of Mormonism or some other cult because of your influence. Just recently, I received back-to-back callers who told me they had come out of Mormonism and that God had used CRI as a means to their conversion. It tears me apart to see uninformed people get caught in a whirlpool of spiritual confusion. Yet my heart is lifted beyond measure when they turn on the radio and hear the Bible Answer Man, are handed CRI literature, or visit the website - and the light finally dawns! Day after day, your gifts to CRI are touching people! Only in eternity will you and I know exactly how many - but we know it will be multitudes. Warmest regards, Hank Hanegraaff PS: The startling growth of Mormonism is just another symptom of today's lack of spiritual discernment. And it is "Exhibit A" for the desperate need for the Christian Research Institute and the Bible Answer Man. CRI, Rancho Santa Margarita, California
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