Do LDS openly acknowledge that their religion teaches the belief of multiple gods?

[Mrs_V]

Christians believe in only one God and that He is the only God that exists.

Can it be summed up that Mormons believe in multiple Gods existing while they only worship the one god that they believe created our world? So, while they worship only one god - they believe in multiple ones?

The main reason I am asking is that I am confused as to how the LDS reconcile all of the mentioning in the Old and New Testaments of their only being one God with the teachings of Joesph Smith.

I know a young man who is about to go on his LDS mission trip in the near future and he couldn’t really answer this for me. (He says he hasn’t taken all the classes yet.)

Thank you and please keep it polite.

 

[thecourt]

Christians believe in only one God and that He is the only God that exists.

Can it be summed up that Mormons believe in multiple Gods existing while they only worship the one god that they believe created our world? So, while they worship only one god - they believe in multiple ones?

The main reason I am asking is that I am confused as to how the LDS reconcile all of the mentioning in the Old and New Testaments of their only being one God with the teachings of Joesph Smith.

I know a young man who is about to go on his LDS mission trip in the near future and he couldn’t really answer this for me. (He says he hasn’t taken all the classes yet.)

Thank you and please keep it polite.

I love how you folks pull things out of no where. The church does not believe in multiple Gods. I believe those of you are former Mormons, who make the outrageous statements that it is taught in the church. WRONG!!!WRONG!!!

Relative to Joseph Smith, saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in the First Vision ---- HE DID NOT SEE MULTIPLE GODS!!!

I recognize you hate the church and what truthfully profess, not the continuous recycled garbage that gets spread regularly here on the forums, etc.

 

[RebeccaJ]

I love how you folks pull things out of no where. The church does not believe in multiple Gods. I believe those of you are former Mormons, who make the outrageous statements that it is taught in the church. WRONG!!!WRONG!!!

Relative to Joseph Smith, saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in the First Vision ---- HE DID NOT SEE MULTIPLE GODS!!!

I recognize you hate the church and what truthfully profess, not the continuous recycled garbage that gets spread regularly here on the forums, etc.

thecourt- mormons do believe in multiple gods. Honestly. No made up BS. It is the truth. You should read the Pearl of Great price. The multiple God doctrine is in there.

They do not believe in the Holy Trinity. They do not believe in One God. They believe God the Father is an exalted man. They believe Jesus is an exalted man. They are two separate Gods for mormons, not one God. They believe they are one in purpose only.

No one is making this up in order to torture mormons. The former mormons here know mormon doctrine. We don’t have to make anything up. It is what we were taught, what we believed. It is also why we are no longer mormon.

 

[thecourt]

The only multiple anything I am aware is the creation of the universe and the numerous stars of it. Multiple Gods no.

 

[tundramom]

thecourt,
I would like to know… how old are you? How long have you been LDS?

in Christ
Steph

 

[ParkerD]

Christians believe in only one God and that He is the only God that exists.

Can it be summed up that Mormons believe in multiple Gods existing while they only worship the one god that they believe created our world? So, while they worship only one god - they believe in multiple ones?

The main reason I am asking is that I am confused as to how the LDS reconcile all of the mentioning in the Old and New Testaments of their only being one God with the teachings of Joesph Smith.

I know a young man who is about to go on his LDS mission trip in the near future and he couldn’t really answer this for me. (He says he hasn’t taken all the classes yet.)

Thank you and please keep it polite.

Mrs V,
This is a wonderful question, so thoughtfully raised. (Sorry about a negative response already–people are people, aren’t they?)

You are right that the Old Testament mentions many times that there is only “one God” or “beside me there is no Savior.” It becomes clear that the “one God” of the Old Testament is Jehovah, and that when Jesus said “Before Abraham was, I am” that He was declaring that He is Jehovah. He was the promised Savior and Messiah, and beside Him there is no Savior. He is the only Savior–the only God who saves and redeems.

Yet, in John 7 one reads:

28 Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
29 But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.
30 Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done?
32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
33 Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.

So Jesus was saying that He was sent to earth, and that there is another person (“Him”) involved who sent Him. God the Father is a separate Person, yet They are one God in the very same sense that Jesus uses in His intercessory prayer, recorded in John 17.

They have a unified mind and will, purpose and intent, understanding and love. It is neither deceptive nor inconsistent to say They are “One God.”

Jesus also said in that beautiful intercessory prayer, that humankind can become “one in us.” The apostle John the Revelator wrote of the promise of Jesus that humankind can become “joint heirs” on a joint throne with Jesus Christ.

With those contexts in mind, one would be correct to say that the LDS believe in “One God” in a similar sense that Catholics believe in “One God”, although not using the word “trinity” or the Nicene creed to describe the belief. If a mortal person becomes a joint heir with Jesus Christ and thus a “son of God” in the sense used to mean an “heir”, then such a mortal becomes so unified with the Father and the Son that they have complete “Oneness” with Them, and as I had previously described they would thus have “a unified mind and will, purpose and intent, understanding and love.” They would enter into a condition of complete unified thoughts, actions, compassion and understanding of the truths of eternity such that They could be honestly described as “One God.” There are not competing truths in the Universe. There is one set of truths that are consistent throughout the Universe.

 

[RebeccaJ]

The only multiple anything I am aware is the creation of the universe and the numerous stars of it. Multiple Gods no.

Yes, I know. It is clear in your posts that you have had the basic missionary lessons. You should understand by now the missionaries didn’t teach you all the mormon doctrines.

They call this “milk before meat”, and here you are, discovering the “meat”. Only thing is, a child at the table who drinks only milk can see the meat, it is not hidden from them.

 

[thecourt]

tundramom why is that a issue or concern of yours?

I have been a member long enough to know that there attacks against the church before I became a member and they continue now.

 

[RebeccaJ]

With those contexts in mind, one would be correct to say that the LDS believe in “One God” in a similar sense that Catholics believe in “One God”, although not using the word “trinity” or the Nicene creed to describe the belief. If a mortal person becomes a joint heir with Jesus Christ and thus a “son of God” in the sense used to mean an “heir”, then such a mortal becomes so unified with the Father and the Son that they have complete “Oneness” with Them, and as I had previously described they would thus have “a unified mind and will, purpose and intent, understanding and love.” They would enter into a condition of complete unified thoughts, actions, compassion and understanding of the truths of eternity such that They could be honestly described as “One God.” There are not competing truths in the Universe. There is one set of truths that are consistent throughout the Universe.

Please, don’t try to deceive Catholics into believing Mormons believe in One True God. You know, and I know, very well you do not. There is absolutely nothing similar about your belief in god. It is a heresy, if even that. It is something other that has no root in Christian understanding, whatsoever.

 

[RebeccaJ]

tundramom why is that a issue or concern of yours?

I have been a member long enough to know that there attacks against the church before I became a member and they continue now.

People can ask honest questions without it being an attack.

 

[ParkerD]

Please, don’t try to deceive Catholics into believing Mormons believe in One True God. You know, and I know, very well you do not. There is absolutely nothing similar about your belief in god. It is a heresy, if even that. It is something other that has no root in Christian understanding, whatsoever.

Not according to TheosisM.

I realize you have strong feelings about this subject. I am quite a bit more familiar with the Bible than you are, it appears. How many times have you read it?

 

[twopekinguys]

Not according to TheosisM.

I realize you have strong feelings about this subject. I am quite a bit more familiar with the Bible than you are, it appears. How many times have you read it?

Not a very nice, or fair comment there.

There is a difference between reading something 12 times, and still not understanding it, and reading it 3 times and understanding.

Just because you may have read it more (there is no proof) does not mean you understand it any better, or understand it at all.

Tisk, Tisk,

 

[Kdesiel]

Mormons Believe in
God the Father
God the Son
God the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit.
God the Father and God the Son - Jesus Christ BOTH have distinct and individual physical bodies.
Mormons teach and believe that “As God is now, man may become, as man is now God once was.” Think about the meaning in the words just stated. Man has the potential to become God, to create his own works, his own worlds without number. Mormons believe this is part of Eternal progression. After this life they we believe we will continue to learn and serve God allowing us to prgress to “Exaltation” meaning Godhood. In this exalted state we then can create our own worlds without end, our own race of mankind drawn from the spirit children we create with our wife/wives.
If Mormons believe that God was once man, and they do, they believe he had to progress through a first and second estate like the rest of us, then who was the God that he worshipped at the time? Who was the Savior to that Plan of Salvation? If the concept of eternal progression holds true then there are many who have become Gods, who are in the process of becoming Gods and so on and so on.
Mormons are encouraged not to think of this, the fact that there are multiple Gods and focus their faith on the God which created us. In Fact because of their individual and distinct differences Mormons worship 3 Gods, God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They Comprise the Mormon Godhead. Three Personages with one purpose, “To Bring to pass the immortality and exaltation of man.”

This is not anti-Mormon rhetoric, nor is it meant to shade the LDS religion in a Bad light; these are simply the teachings of the church, well documented in LDS Scripture such as the Book of Abraham within the Pearl of Great Price as well as various discourses given by many LDS Prophets. Any LDS member who takes umbrage with what I have presented does not “Know their Religion.” Older members should remember that class…Good times.

Hope this information is helpful.

 

[RebeccaJ]

Not according to TheosisM.

I realize you have strong feelings about this subject. I am quite a bit more familiar with the Bible than you are, it appears. How many times have you read it?

ParkerD, your erroneous understanding of God is the basis for nearly every error in Mormonism. You do not understand even the basic doctrines, such as the Incarnation or fully understand Salvation. You can’t, as it impossible to your understanding of God. This is not a condemnation, it is a fact.

I have never claimed to be a Bible scholar. What does this have to do with your erroneous understanding of God?

 

[Kdesiel]

Not a very nice, or fair comment there.

There is a difference between reading something 12 times, and still not understanding it, and reading it 3 times and understanding.

Just because you may have read it more (there is no proof) does not mean you understand it any better, or understand it at all.

Tisk, Tisk,

Not very nice indeed, and Parker usually is civil. Maybe cause it’s a touchy subject.
I know when I was a member we weren’t encouraged to think about all the possibilities this Doctrine of Man can become God especially in the light that God has created Worlds without end, populated worlds. With the eternal progression culminating at Exaltation this would mean there are MANY Gods, before us, after us, and becoming Gods at this moment.
Mormons are encouraged to focus on the God who has created us, “Our Heavenly Father” and not think about the “others” on the fringe. I could understand why. It is definitely a touchy subject, not many Mormons will discuss in depth all this doctrine entails. They’ll give the classic stand that it is Through Christ our Salvation comes so we only worship him, but Mormon doctrine (not the book) is explicit and implied a multitude of Gods.

 

[twopekinguys]

Not very nice indeed, and Parker usually is civil. Maybe cause it’s a touchy subject.
I know when I was a member we weren’t encouraged to think about all the possibilities this Doctrine of Man can become God especially in the light that God has created Worlds without end, populated worlds. With the eternal progression culminating at Exaltation this would mean there are MANY Gods, before us, after us, and becoming Gods at this moment.
Mormons are encouraged to focus on the God who has created us, “Our Heavenly Father” and not think about the “others” on the fringe. I could understand why. It is definitely a touchy subject, not many Mormons will discuss in depth all this doctrine entails. They’ll give the classic stand that it is Through Christ our Salvation comes so we only worship him, but Mormon doctrine (not the book) is explicit and implied a multitude of Gods.

You bring up an interesting point, about not being encouraged to think.

I have found a common thread among posters on here that have come out of the mormon church. That thread is that people have studied their way out of the mormon church. I have also heard it from others of different faiths.

I have said this before, but I think it bears repeating. If you are a member of a church. Any church, including the Catholic Church. Become a sponge. Research, read, listen, watch. Learn anything and everything you can.

One of two things will happen. It will either stengthen your faith, or it will shake it to the core.

 

[RebeccaJ]

Not a very nice, or fair comment there.

There is a difference between reading something 12 times, and still not understanding it, and reading it 3 times and understanding.

Just because you may have read it more (there is no proof) does not mean you understand it any better, or understand it at all.

Tisk, Tisk,

It is OK. I realize my 20+ years of atheism shows now and then. This time, it is a comparison of a person who didn’t own a Bible for a long time, to Parker who has been studying it for a long time. The only thing Parker should realize is that I can make this comparison in the Catholic Church, and find Bible scholars that far exceed his understanding and knowledge. And in process gain a better understanding of the teachings of God than he could ever give me.

Parker can learn someday the lesson of comparing oneself to others. Always you will find someone lesser than you, and always you will find one greater.

 

[ParkerD]

ParkerD, your erroneous understanding of God is the basis for nearly every error in Mormonism. You do not understand even the basic doctrines, such as the Incarnation or fully understand Salvation. You can’t, as it impossible to your understanding of God. This is not a condemnation, it is a fact.

I have never claimed to be a Bible scholar. What does this have to do with your erroneous understanding of God?

RebeccaJ,
The original question brought up the Bible. Your comment talked about “Christian understanding”, which I have to assume you mean is founded in Biblical understanding.

If you or Twopekinguys want to discuss the specific verses in the Bible that form the basis of your assertions about my beliefs versus your beliefs, then I am more than happy to do that in a respectful way.

A person who disparages another person’s beliefs and does so inferring that their own beliefs are based on the Bible, had best have become a “Bible scholar” before they do that or they might as well spend their time becoming one–that would be time better spent.

 

[Kdesiel]

You bring up an interesting point, about not being encouraged to think.

I have found a common thread among posters on here that have come out of the mormon church. That thread is that people have studied their way out of the mormon church. I have also heard it from others of different faiths.

I have said this before, but I think it bears repeating. If you are a member of a church. Any church, including the Catholic Church. Become a sponge. Research, read, listen, watch. Learn anything and everything you can.

One of two things will happen. It will either stengthen your faith, or it will shake it to the core.

I totally agree. A very common denominator is study, comparing teachings, and questioning. These aren’t really encouraged within the LDS fait, and when I say not encouraged they are not discouraged either, but the Mormon leadership would rather you “Pray” on the issue, or they would suggest you have an unresolved transgression which is holding you back so to speak.
While on my Mission I studied a lot. Also a hobby of mine was studying other religions, it fascinated to see what and why people believed what they believed and how it formed part of their character or their person. I started questioning a few teachings while on my Mission and rest assured when I would bring them up to my Mission Prez or to another Missionary for the most part I was politely asked to focus on the principles I needed to teach for Missionary work. When I came home, got married, had a family, was active in the church those questions which were unresolved continued to be so they didn’t go away, Church leaders didn’t have the answers, when I compared and studied other teachings with an open mind, without the blinders on I came to the realization that what I had been taught for my whole life was …false. It was an emotional, frightening experience, but it was one necessary for me in order to find the true Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Study, not just prayer, and critical thinking I came to the Catholic faith.
I apologize if this seems redundant I know I’ve shared my conversion before.

 

[RebeccaJ]

RebeccaJ,
The original question brought up the Bible. Your comment talked about “Christian understanding”, which I have to assume you mean is founded in Biblical understanding.

If you or Twopekinguys want to discuss the specific verses in the Bible that form the basis of your assertions about my beliefs versus your beliefs, then I am more than happy to do that in a respectful way.

A person who disparages another person’s beliefs and does so inferring that their own beliefs are based on the Bible, had best have become a “Bible scholar” before they do that or they might as well spend their time becoming one–that would be time better spent.

Please Parker, as though you could teach anyone here about the teaching in the Bible. You think Jesus always has in his mind ways to trick people.

I may not be a Bible scholar but I know the Bible well enough to understand what it teaches about God. The first teaching you should understand is there is One God and no other. This is a basic commandment. I think you know it. Tell everyone how Mormons understand this commandment, and then continue to tell us how you don’t believe in multiple Gods.