Engaging the Cults: Mormonism/LDS

Purpose: to define/recognize a cult and understand the cult of Mormonism/the LDS church in order to evangelistically engage with them locally.

Thesis: The Mormon/LDS church meets the sociological and theological criteria for a cult. Understanding the cult mindset and bringing Mormon missionaries back to the gospel found in the Word of God are essential tools to help us evangelize LDS missionaries in our own neighborhoods. We can and should take the opportunity to share the true gospel with young men and women who come to us to talk about Jesus and the Bible.

Teacher: Kevin Cox

Schedule:

  • Week 1 (6/21/2026): Introduction and Definitions of a Cult

  • Week 2 (6/28/2026): The Historical Context of Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church, Part 1

  • Week 3 (7/5/2026): The Historical Context of Joseph Smith and the Mormon Church, Part 2

  • Week 4 (7/12/2026): Cursed Doctrine and Failed Prophecies, Part 1 (Deut 13:1-5; 18:15-22; Gal 1:8-9)

  • Week 5 (7/19/2026): Cursed Doctrine and Failed Prophecies, Part 2 (Deut 13:1-5; 18:15-22; Gal 1:8-9)

  • Week 6 (7/26/2026): Final Criticisms, Evangelistic Pointers, and Wrap-up 

 

Sources

Bowman Jr., Robert M. Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism. Tampa: Deward Publishing Company, LTD, 2020.

Horton, Michael. Core Christianity: Finding Yourself in God's Story. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016.

Johnson, Eric and Sean McDowell. Sharing the Good News with Mormons: Practical Strategies for Getting the Conversation Started. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2018.

Martin, Walter. The Kingdom of the Cults: The Definitive Work on the Subject. Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 2019.

Martin, Walter. The Maze of Mormonism. Ventura: Regal Books, 1978.

McKeever, Bill and Eric Johnson. Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints. Revised and Expanded. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2015.

McKeever, Bill and Eric Johnson. Answering Mormons' Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2013.

Ostling, Richard N. and Joan K Ostling. Mormon America: The Power and the Promise. Revised Edition. New York: Harper One, 2007.

Rhodes, Ron. The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions: The Essential Guide to Their History, Their Doctrine, and Our Response. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001.

Sanders, Fred. The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changed Everything. Second Edition. Wheaton: Crossway, 2017.

Tanner, Jerald and Sandra. The Changing World of Mormonism: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Changes in Mormon Doctrine and Practice. Chicago: Moddy Press, 1981.

White, James R. Letters to a Mormon Elder. Birmingham: Solid Ground Christian Books, 1993.

 

LDS/Mormon Sources

BYU Scripture Reference Tool: https://scriptures.byu.edu/#0d41c:t9c49:j04

Endowed from on High. Official LDS teaching manual for the temple: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/endowed-from-on-high/lesson-1?lang=eng

Gospel Principles: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-20-baptism?lang=eng

On baptism: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-7?lang=eng

On baptism of the dead: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/baptisms-for-the-dead?lang=eng

On the definition of being born again from the LDS website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/salvation?lang=eng

On Gethsemane and the Atonement from Joseph Fielding Smith: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-joseph-fielding-smith/chapter-3-the-plan-of-salvation?lang=eng

On Gethsemane and the Atonement from Apostle Russel M. Nelson: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson/gratitude-mission-ministry-jesus-christ/

On Grace enabling us to take hold of salvation from Apostle David A. Bednar: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/10/in-the-strength-of-the-lord?lang=eng

On Heavenly Mother: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/mother-in-heaven?lang=eng

On Repentance entailing ongoing sinlessness from the LDS website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/salvation?lang=eng

On the Three Kingdoms of Glory from the LDS website: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/kingdoms-of-glory?lang=eng

On the Second Coming Predictions:

  • https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/history-of-the-church-volume-2/volume-2-chapter-13-1
  • https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/history-of-the-church-volume-5/volume-5-chapter-17
  • https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/history-of-the-church-volume-1/volume-1-chapter-23
  • https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/history-of-the-church-volume-2/volume-2-chapter-13-1

On the Word of Wisdom: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng

Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2023.

"Seven Deadly Heresies" speech by Bruce R. McConkie (on proxy baptism): https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie/seven-deadly-heresies/