Jehovah's Witnesses

            Along with Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses are growing, too. But before I get into what JWs believe, I have to praise them for something they do that Christians don’t (although, just like Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe they are Christians, too).

            They tell others about the(ir) truth.

            I believe Christians have the truth, and yet… we do nothing about it. We don’t go looking for those who are not saved and evangelize to them. We sit back and either ignore them or think that God will save them… and then ignore them.

            So, Mormons and JWs, if you ever read my blog, I have to commend you. You may not like what I have to say about you, but at least know that I admire the way you treat your truth. You treat it as if it was actually true, compared to Christians who do nothing about the truth.

            Let’s begin:

How They Explain the World Around Us

            It’s the usual “pain and suffering exist* because we disobey God”. Pretty standard among most religions, including Christianity (it’s easier to call Christianity a religion than to explain the whole “Christianity is not a religion, it’s a relationship” thing. Read James 1:27).

            Also, just like the Mormons, JWs believe that the true church was lost soon after the apostolic age, and it wasn’t until Charles Russell (JW founder) in the late 1800s that the true church was restored.

Their Belief in How the World Started

            While I’ve heard of individual JWs being Young Earth Creationists, their official website denies this position. They officially are Old Earth Creationists (evolutionists).

How They Believe the World Will End

            If there ever was a stumbling block, it would be here. JWs have predicted the end of the world a bazillion times, and were wrong every single time (for some reason they believe God’s Kingdom came down in 1914, World War 1’s starting date. Go figure). JWs have swung and struck out in this area a lot (understatement).

            But their individual beliefs are this. Jesus will come down. At the time of his second coming, everyone who was a JW will be saved. Those alive when he comes down who were not JWs will cease to exist (JWs don’t believe in Hell). Those who were not alive at the second coming and who never got the chance to become a Jehovah’s Witness will be resurrected so that they too can be saved by the end of the 1,000 years (millennium). Those who were Jehovah’s Witnesses but died before Jesus comes back will also be resurrected.

            At the end of the 1,000 years, Satan will be loosed from his 1,000 year long  imprisonment, and everyone who exists at this time will fall into two camps: JWs and those who choose to follow Satan. Those who choose to follow Satan will be annihilated (the Second Annihilation, you could say) and will cease to exist (no Hell).

            From this point there are three results: the 144,000 special JWs who will rule with Christ (heaven), the other JWs who will continue to live on the earth (quasi-heaven), and those who have been annihilated.

Their Belief in What We Should Be Doing in the Mean Time

            As is typical in all religions other than Christianity (including the LDS), Jesus’ death on the cross wasn’t enough. JWs believe in a works-based salvation (though they will do the most they can to deny it). They have to spread the word (their Bible is a corrupt thing called the New World Translation) and follow the Watchtower Society.

            Mormons send young men out on missions from ages 19-21. JWs have something called “Pioneers”. Every JW is an evangelizer (pioneer), but there are different levels. Special Pioneers are the saints. They devote 130 hours a month to evangelizing. Then there is the typical JW, who is a Regular Pioneer (70 hours). Last but not least are the Auxiliary Pioneers who can’t devote as much time (30-50 hours).

Their Differences from Christianity

            Just like Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses LOVE to cite their similarities with Christianity. However, underneath the surface are major doctrinal differences that render JWs (and Mormons) non-Christians.

1. Jehovah’s Witnesses: Jesus was the literal first-born of creation (along with Lucifer). Oh, and he was really the archangel Michael before God turned him into Jesus.

Christianity: Jesus IS God (John 10:30). He created ALL things, which means He couldn’t have created Himself (Colossians 1:16). He created Lucifer and Michael.

2. Jehovah’s Witnesses: Jesus’ resurrection wasn’t physical, but spiritual.

Christianity: *Sigh*. (Luke 24:39)

3. Jehovah’s Witnesses: there is no trinity.

Christianity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost (Spirit). (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, John 14:26)

4. Jehovah’s Witnesses: There is no Hell.

Christianity: Yes there is, unfortunately. (Matthew 25:46, 2 Thessalonians 1:9)

Conclusion

            Jehovah’s Witnesses, just like Mormons, love to stress their Christian doctrine. However, they do not tell you the full story. JWs hide that they believe Jesus is Michael. Mormons hide that they believe the Heavenly Father was very a very busy guy to produce all the humans on earth. Both organizations know these beliefs would make them unpopular, so they try to hide them.

            Ultimately, a true belief can be tested with these questions: was Jesus fully God and fully man? JW: no. Is salvation by faith alone and nothing we can do? JW: no.

            JWs are not Christians, though they are a lot more Bible-based than Mormons. They have a butchered Bible that is not based on the original languages, but that supports their erroneous teachings (obviously).

*I feel bad about my lost post. I didn't use a lot of links when describing mormonism. I'll have to go back sometime and add some.

Mormons

            Mormonism (officially called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) is a fascinating “cult”, and they are growing. There are now around 7 million in the world. While that’s not a huge number by any means, the astonishing fact is how many famous mormons there are. From CEOs to politicians, they are where the action is.
            A quick note: they hate being called a cult. However, that is what they are. A Christian cult is one that borrows a lot of Christian doctrines but changes some of its core beliefs. Let’s get to it:

How They Explain the World Around Us

             They believe, as most religions do, that pain and suffering exists because of disobedience to (a) god (whom they call the Heavenly Father). They hold the Bible to be true (as long as it is translated correctly. Joseph Smith began… uh… “correcting” the Bible to make it fit his beliefs. He didn’t get to finish his personalized Bible before he was murdered in a jail cell).

             However, the church became corrupt soon after the New Testament was finished, and it wasn’t until Joseph Smith in the 1820s that the true church was formed again. They used to hold to this belief to the point where all “other” denominations (they think of themselves as Christians) were abominable and incorrect. The Heavenly Father gave Joseph Smith another divine book called the Book of Mormon to restore things.

            They also have an interesting take on Adam and Eve. Yes, they disobeyed God and ate the fruit (with pain and suffering following). However, this was a good thing (!) because it let humans, for the first time, truly experience joy and try to become like the Heavenly Father. I guess being perfect and always joyful isn’t like God at all…

Their Belief in How the World Started

            Just like Christians, some Mormons are Young Earth Creationists and some are Old Earth Creationists (day-age, theistic evolutionists, gap theory, etc.). I do not believe the LDS Church takes a stance on this issue.

            Also, they believe their god (the Heavenly Father) doesn’t create, he just takes what is there and organizes it. That’s why Mormons are so goal-oriented and organized. Their god is like that. Also, the Heavenly Father was once a human who eventually became god.

            This is the goal of Mormons. They want to become gods and have their own planets that they get to populate, just like their Heavenly Father did. Oh, and they also believe in a Heavenly Mother, because you need two to tango (and have a Son).

How They Believe the World Will End

            Mormons believe something similar to Christians in this area. There will be some amazing signs and some tough trials. Israel will be gathered and the Heavenly Father’s faithful (known as Zion) will continue to be obedient. The Son will come back and rule the world, which will be a paradise.
            (Update on 2/28/14: They also believe in three heavens. The celestial salvation is the awesome one (mormons go here). The terrestrial salvation is for all the good non-mormons. It's like earth now. Then there is the telestial salvation (not Hell) for all the bad people. It's like the bad parts of a city.)

Their Belief in What We Should Be Doing in the Mean Time

            Mormons are very into success and earning things. They are very patriotic, for they believe that Jesus will come back and rule from America and Israel. Because of America's importance in the end times, they need to build it up into the best nation possible. They also believe that whatever they learn in this life stays with them throughout eternity. That is why they go to the best universities possible and often go to graduate school.

            They are extremely family-oriented, because the family they have now was predestined back in eternity past and will stay together in eternity future. That’s why their families are large and loving.

            But with this family atmosphere and works-oriented mindset comes extreme pressure to perform (like in Japan and other countries). A person should never bring dishonor to his family and he has to succeed. There is a lot of stress behind their friendly demeanor. No wonder, their future depends on what they do on earth.
            (Update on 2/28/14: like all religions, Mormons believe in a works-based salvation)

Their Differences from Christianity

             Many websites go through the differences between this cult and Christianity. I’ll go through some differences quickly and leave some links:

1. Mormonism: Jesus is Satan’s brother.

Christianity: Jesus is God. Therefore He created Satan. (Colossians 1:15-17)

2. Mormonism: Everyone can become a god.

Christianity: There is only one God (three in one). (1 Kings 8:60)

3. Mormonism: Adam and Eve’s sin was good in that it allowed the rest of mankind to be created and for humans to truly experience fellowship with the Heavenly Father.

Christianity: Through Adam and Eve pain and suffering entered the world. Their disobedience was a BAD thing because it eternally separated humans from God (and means some people are going to Hell). Only the death of Jesus and the acceptance/faith of Him as Savior brings us back to a relationship with God. (Basically Genesis and the Gospels)

4. Mormonism: The Heavenly Father had sex with the Heavenly Mother (Mary) to produce Jesus. Somehow she remained a virgin even after impregnation.

Christianity: Uh, no. Mary was engaged to Joseph when she became pregnant, and she was a literal, real virgin. You know, not the type of virgin who is still a virgin after having sex with a Heavenly Father. Not that type of virgin (still trying to figure out how that is possible). (Luke 1:34-35)

5. I could go on, and on, and on, and on. Some other differences are that Mormons believe the Father is a physical being. The Father doesn’t create, he just organizes what is there. Everyone is saved (I think) because of what Jesus did, however, what you do on this earth determines the quality of Heaven you will enter. Etc.

6. I wasn’t going to add this, but I found this fascinating. Mormons believe that we were alive and in perfect fellowship with the Father before we entered this life. How? Well, He had sex with the Heavenly Mother (or Mothers) and produced spirit children. So really, each human is the result of the Father having sex once (to produce us spiritually) and a father having sex once (to produce us physically). Extremely carnal (and explains Mormonism's early polygamy), but that is what you expect from a manmade religion.

Conclusion

            Mormons are not Christians. They are a cult. I would not advise that you call them that in person, because they hate it. They view themselves as Christians, and have backed down somewhat on the whole “we are the one and only true church”. 

            However, the fact that they believe that one day we can be equal to God is blasphemy. The same type spawned in Genesis 3:5 by Satan. That’s his bait. He says that by living a good life we can be gods (which is the exact reason why Satan got the boot from Heaven). Mormons swallow hook, line, and sinker.

            Also, Jesus was just a special human. Yes, he is a god to them, but no more than what you and I can be if we live a virtuous Mormon life. That is also blasphemy.

            Mormons can be good people. In fact, they generally are. However, they are not Christians because they deny the truth that we are not God. We will never be equal to the one and only God of this world, the maker (not just organizer) of the Heavens and the Earth (Genesis 1:1).

"Yahweh, He is God; there is no other besides Him" Deuteronomy 4:35.

Amen.

P.S. Here are several good websites on the differences between Mormonism and Christianity:

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2010/08/30/an-faq-on-the-difference-between-mormonism-and-biblical-christianity/

http://carm.org/comparison-between-christian-doctrine-and-mormon-doctrine

http://www.4truth.net/fourtruthpbnew.aspx?pageid=8589952801

Abandon Christianity? Reason 20: It Is Unoriginal

The Final Challenge

            We’ve reached the end at last. The final reason to abandon Christianity is because it is just a “copycat” religion. There is little to nothing original to it, therefore it’s not worth entering. Worship of Adonis, Attis, Osiris, Mithras, etc. all influenced Christianity to the point it just isn’t legitimate.
            Bogus.
            This “problem” with Christianity was popular from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Then Bible scholars demolished all the arguments, and the issue died. Then, in the late 1900s and early 2000s, some people decided to raise the issue again. This time they had the internet to help. Now Christians have to deal with this issue again. Oh well, this is how it will be until Jesus comes back.
            Before we get to it, let’s look at what is essential for a religion to have had before  it could’ve influenced Christianity: 1) it had to have been older than Christianity, 2) it had to have a god dying and raising from the dead, 3) it has to be literal history.
            If the religion doesn’t predate Christianity, the whole discussion is pointless. You can’t influence something if you don’t exist yet.
            Also, if it predates Christianity but doesn’t have its god dying and rising from the dead, it’s nothing like Christianity anyway. 
            Finally, if the cult isn’t claiming to be based off real history, then it isn’t like Christianity at all. Jesus didn't die to explain why nature is the way it is, but for people. I’ll start with this point first.

Cyclical religions

            Christianity is rooted in real, physical history. As in, dates and chronology. You know, with eyewitnesses and such (see 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
            Most of these “mystery religions” are based on the cycles of vegetation. For instance, when the fall/winter rolls around, the deity “dies”. Then, in the spring/summer, the deity “resurrects”.
            This is completely opposite Christianity. Jesus died once for sins (1 Peter 3:18), and rose once. He didn’t die to explain the weather and seasons. No, Christianity makes its stake in history, not the vegetation cycle.
            This eliminates the cults of Baal and Adonis among many others.

Does It Have a God Dying and Resurrecting?

            If a religion’s god doesn’t die and rise again, it is not like Christianity. It’s as simple as that. Let’s go through some religions that do not have gods that have done that.
            Attis: though this myth is older than Christianity, the first story we have of Attis rising from the dead comes after the first century. No, Attis couldn’t have influenced Christianity.
            Tammuz: there is uncertainty as to whether this god even died. No dispute with Jesus, we can say.
            Osiris: oh, Osiris sure died. In fact, he was chopped up. Oh, and he “rose” again in the underworld. But he never came back to the world like Jesus. So no, this wasn’t a resurrection because he stayed in the underworld after he died. “Zombification”, you could say*.
            Mithras: Mithras didn’t die. But he killed a bull. (How that could’ve influenced Christianity is beyond me)
            So you see, this also eliminates a lot of these mystery religions.

Does It Predate Christianity?

            Yes, some of the afore-mentioned religions do predate Christianity. Notably Tammuz and Baal. However, their gods didn’t die and rise again. If they did, it was to explain the seasons, not to make a claim in physical history.
            For an example of a religion that came after Christianity, I’ll use Mithraism. This religion is often used against Christianity because of some of the parallels in the birthdate (December 25th), secret meal (communion), and promise of immortal life (salvation).
            There is a small problem, however. Mithraism as a religion has no attestation before AD90. So… yeah, that doesn’t work.

Conclusion

            As anyone can guess, I am not an expert on this subject**. However, all one generally needs to know is the basics. To be like or to influence Christianity, a religion has to be older than Christianity, it has to make a claim on physical history (dates and chronologies, not the vegetation cycle), and it has to have a god that dies and resurrects. As I’ve shown, these three criteria together eliminate most “mystery religions”, including the main one used against Christianity (Mithraism).

*I borrowed this term and most of the information in this post from the fourth chapter (or Challenge Number 4, as it is called in the book) of Lee Strobel’s The Case for the Real Jesus. An amazing book, I recommend it.
**I barely scratch the surface of what I do talk about in this post.