Protestant and Evangelical Christians have historically rejected the Book of Mormon and the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This rejection is grounded in a combination of theological, historical, and biblical concerns. One of the most pivotal biblical passages cited in this rejection is Galatians 1:6-9, where the Apostle Paul warns against accepting “another gospel.” This article explores the reasons for this rejection, with a strong emphasis on the implications of Paul’s warning.
Galatians 1:6-9 — The Heart of the Rejection #
Paul writes:
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (ESV)
This stern warning directly addresses what Evangelicals and Protestants perceive in Mormon doctrine—the introduction of an alternative gospel.
The Book of Mormon: A “Different Gospel”? #
The LDS Church claims that the Book of Mormon is “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” However, Evangelical Christians argue that it contradicts key biblical teachings:
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- Nature of God: The Book of Mormon introduces ideas such as God having a physical body and once being a man. This contradicts traditional Christian doctrine, which affirms that God is spirit (John 4:24) and eternally immutable.
- Christology: The Book of Mormon portrays Jesus Christ as a separate being from God the Father, contradicting the orthodox view of the Trinity.
- Salvation: While the Bible emphasizes salvation by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), the Book of Mormon emphasizes a combination of grace and works, adding requirements for exaltation and godhood.
From a Protestant perspective, these deviations constitute a “different gospel” that distorts the essential message of salvation.
The Role of Angelic Revelation in Mormonism #
The Book of Mormon claims to have been revealed to Joseph Smith by the angel Moroni. This account raises concerns in light of Paul’s warning in Galatians 1:8:
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”
Evangelicals interpret this passage as a clear caution against angelic visitations that promote teachings inconsistent with the established gospel. Consequently, they view the Book of Mormon as falling under Paul’s warning.
Historical and Textual Concerns #
Evangelicals also cite historical and textual problems as evidence against the Book of Mormon:
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- Lack of Archaeological Evidence: Unlike the Bible, which is supported by extensive archaeological discoveries, the historical claims of the Book of Mormon lack tangible corroboration.
- Textual Integrity: The Book of Mormon has undergone thousands of revisions since its first publication in 1830, raising concerns about its credibility and divine origin.
Canon and Authority #
Protestants adhere to the belief that Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) and closed with the completion of the New Testament canon. The addition of the Book of Mormon is seen as violating this principle. According to Jude 3, believers are urged to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.”
Doctrinal Divergences #
LDS theology diverges significantly from core Protestant beliefs:
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- Doctrine of God: The LDS belief in multiple gods stands in stark contrast to Christian monotheism.
- Afterlife: The LDS teaching on celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms differs from the biblical view of heaven and hell.
- Authority of Prophets: The LDS belief in continuous revelation through prophets is seen as undermining the sufficiency of Scripture.
Conclusion: The Warning of Galatians 1:6-9 #
For Protestant and Evangelical Christians, Paul’s warning in Galatians 1:6-9 carries significant weight. The Book of Mormon, introduced as “Another Testament,” is seen as presenting a gospel that contradicts the biblical message of salvation by grace through faith. Consequently, Evangelicals firmly reject the Book of Mormon and Mormon teachings as incompatible with the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
References #
- The Holy Bible (ESV) – Galatians 1:6-9
- The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
- “The Complete Guide to Christian Denominations” by Ron Rhodes
- “Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics” by Norman Geisler
