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<''"I think may be the greatest virtue on earth, and certainly the most needed. There is so much of meanness and abuse, of intolerance and hatred. There is so great a need for repentance and forgiveness . . . Somehow forgiveness, with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way."'' -'' ''']''' ''> |
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'''Criticism of Mormonism''' is the criticism of the ], especially of the largest and most prominent sect, ] (hereafter referred to as the LDS Church). |
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Theological critiques of Mormonism come out of concern for ], whereas scientists and scholars may question the historicity and authenticity of the ], the ], and other Mormon religious texts. The term ] refers to those whose criticism is motivated chiefly by a desire to antagonize, although it is used by some members of the LDS Church to describe any critic of the Church's history, practices, or teachings. |
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==Criticism by Christians== |
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===Criticism of Doctrine and Practices=== |
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Historical Christian theologians and Christian apologists who address the topic occasionally teach that Mormonism is a form of pseudo-Christianity (''Many Infallible Proofs'' by ], page 330), which has departed from historical Christianity's interpretation of the ] and now espouses beliefs fundamentally different. Mormonism is sometimes referred to as a cult, due to doctrinal and procedural issues. At other times it is compared with ancient gnosticism or Arianism , and is even credited to have associations with the occult . |
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===The nature of divinity=== |
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] |
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Mormons have been criticised for rejecting the ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carm.org/lds/compare.htm|accessdate=2006-06-18|title=A Comparison Between Christian Doctrine and Mormon Doctrine}}</ref>. Mormons believe that ], the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three different beings united in purpose, love, and perfection; they also believe that the Father has a physical body (see ]). In contrast, Trinitarian theology teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three different persons united in substance (or essence), and that the Father does not have a physical body. |
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Although not LDS doctrine, some Mormons believe that the Father was once a man and became God at some point in the past (whose own God was similarly promoted even earlier, ''ad infinitum''), and that Mormons may be given the same promotion, called "]" by Mormons and "Deification" or "]" when the same concept is used by non-Mormons. This concept was most famously summarized by ], who framed it as a couplet: "As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/people/lorenzo_snow.html|accessdate=2006-05-08|title=Lorenzo Snow, About Mormons}}</ref> Joseph Smith reportedly taught something similar in the ], although he never recorded a scriptural passage explicitly teaching this idea, and this discourse was first published after his death, so that he would not have been able to correct any possible errors in the transcription<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_theosis.shtml#seaich|accessdate=2006-06-03|title=Mormon Answers}}</ref>. LDS authorities have not elaborated much on the doctrine, and there is some difference of interpretation among believers. A more certain statement of the LDS teaching is that human beings are literally God's children, and, "as such, each has a divine nature and destiny", as stated in an authoritative proclamation by the contemporary church leadership (see ]). |
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These doctrines have been heavily criticized based on some interpretations of the Bible,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utlm.org/onlineresources/ldsviewcontradictsbible.htm|accessdate=2006-05-08|title=LDS View of God Contradicts the Bible}}</ref> often citing {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Isaiah|chapter=43|verse=10}}, in which God declares: "before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me." A possible alternate reading of this chapter reveals that God may be saying that no other God will ever take his place. This alternate reading does not result in a Biblical contradiction of Isaiah with the Lord in {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Psalms|chapter=82|verse=6}} or {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=John|chapter=10|verse=34}}. |
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Orthodox defense of the ] against Mormonism focuses on the doctrine of Divine unity, citing passages such as the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utlm.org/onlinebooks/mclaims2.htm#POLYTHEISM|accessdate=2006-05-08|title=God: POLYTHEISM}}</ref> The LDS understanding of unity derives from the Gospel of John in the Holy Bible, specifically {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=John|chapter=17|verse=20|range=-23}}. |
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Belief in exaltation has also been defended by reference to passages such as {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=2 Peter|chapter=1|verse=4}}, as well as many statements by early Christians about humans being divinized (a doctrine known to the Eastern Orthodox as ]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fairlds.org/FAIR_Conferences/1999_Early_Christian_Doctrine_of_Deification.html|accessdate=2006-05-08|title="I Have Said, 'Ye are Gods'": Concepts Conducive to the Early Christian Doctrine of Deification in Patristic Literature and the Underlying Strata of the Greek New Testament Text}}</ref> Some Christian apologists reply that there is only superficial similarity, noting the crucial distinction made between the Divine ''energies'' which creatures may participate in, and the Divine ''essence'', which is uncreated and therefore entirely different from whatever is created.<ref>See {{cite web|url=http://www.mrm.org/articles/mormonism_201/chapter_03/|accessdate=2006-05-08|title=Mormonism 201: Chapter 3 The Trinity}} and {{cite web|url=http://www.aomin.org/ONEGOD.html|accessdate=2006-05-08|title=Did The Early Church Believe In the LDS Doctrine of God?}}</ref> |
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===Salvation=== |
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Another frequent topic of criticism, especially among ], is the basis of salvation. Mormons hold that there is no such thing as faith without works, based upon {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=James|chapter=2|verse=14|range=-26}}. Some Christian denominations reject such theology, holding instead the belief that salvation is reached through faith alone. For example, in an article not specifically directed against Mormonism, ] said: |
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<blockquote> |
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There are many who make justification dependent on a mixture of faith and works... This was the error of the Galatian legalists (cf. {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Galatians|chapter=2|verse=16}} {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Galatians|chapter=5|verse=4|nobook=}}). Paul called it "a different gospel" ({{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Galatians|chapter=1|verse=6}}, {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Galatians|chapter=1|verse=9|nobook=}}). The same error is found in virtually every false cult.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/sf-solafide.htm|accessdate=2006-05-08|title=Jesus' Perspective on Sola Fide}}</ref> This critique is not without controversy because it also condemns the doctrine of the Catholic church. |
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</blockquote> |
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===Authority=== |
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Joseph Smith claimed that the priesthood, which he defined as authority to act in God's name, had been removed because of apostasy (also known as a "falling away"), which Mormons believe occurred not long after the deaths of the original apostles, which they maintain was prophesied in the Bible (see {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=2 Thessalonians|chapter=2|verse=3}} and ]). This prophecy warned that an apostasy would occur prior to the second coming and was therefore in keeping with God's plan for mankind. Most Christians believe a complete apostasy is impossible. Catholic apologist ] wrote: |
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:Since Christ is the mind and head of his Church ({{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Ephesians|chapter=4|verse=15|range=-16}}), animating the body, the members enjoy an organic spiritual union with him ({{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=John|chapter=15|verse=1|range=-8}}). It's inconceivable that he would permit his body to disintegrate under the attacks of Satan.<!-- Broken URL: <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/1992/9203fea.asp|accessdate=2006-05-08|title=}}</ref> --> |
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Catholics often see the Mormon priesthood as a counterfeit of their own ]. Protestants, on the other hand, often believe in the ]. |
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Most Christians believe that the Canon of Scripture is closed, making the Bible the only ] for Christians, though the precise number of books in the Bible is disputed among different Christian denominations. Many Protestants consider the Bible the only infallible authority, a doctrine called ]. Latter-day Saints believe that the ], the ] and the ] are also the word of God. |
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They also believe that if additional Scripture is found, it too should be embraced as the Word of God (e.g. Paul's Letter to the Laodiceans, which has never been found but referred to by Paul in {{sourcetext|source=Bible|version=King James|book=Colossians|chapter=4|verse=16}}). |
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==Criticism by scientists== |
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===Archeology and the Book of Mormon=== |
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{{main|Archaeology and the Book of Mormon}} |
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Many critics claim that the Book of Mormon is incompatible with archeology. The Book of Mormon states that there were pre-Columbian peoples that were white, literate, had knowledge of Old World languages, and possessed Old World derived writing systems. (E.g. ] {{sourcetext|source=Book of Mormon|book=1 Nephi|chapter=13|verse=23|nobook=}} et. seq.) They smelted ] and made ]s and ]s of ], ], and ]. (E.g. ] {{sourcetext|source=Book of Mormon|book=Ether|chapter=7|verse=9|nobook=}}, {{sourcetext|source=Book of Mormon|book=Ether|chapter=10|verse=23|nobook=}}) They owned domesticated ]s and ]. They possessed ]s. (E.g. ] {{sourcetext|source=Book of Mormon|book=Alma|chapter=18|verse=9|range=-12|nobook=}}) The people covered the "entire land." The civilization described by these passages and scores of others in the ''Book of Mormon'' should yield certain types of discoveries in the pre-Colombian archaeological record. However, few such discoveries have been made. |
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===Genetics and the Book of Mormon=== |
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{{main|Genetics and the Book of Mormon}} |
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Many critics claim that the Book of Mormon is incompatible with genetics as well. Since the late ] and the pioneering work of ] and others, scientists have developed potent techniques to use genetic markers to indicate the ethnic background and history of individual people. It has thus become possible to directly compare genetic evidence of the ethnic background of ] with the story of the Book of Mormon. Studies show that Native Americans have very distinctive DNA markers, and that are most similar, among old world populations, to the DNA of people anciently associated with the ] area of central Asia, near the intersections of ], ], ], and ]. A number of geneticists have indicated that genetic comparison does not appear to support the story in the Book of Mormon, while some ] advocates have argued instead that genetic markers show consistency with the story of the Book of Mormon. An argument by LDS scientists is that the DNA taken from modern day Israelis has been intermixed with DNA from many other nations, thus they do not contain the same traits that Israelites once had, back when ] left Israel. Also, Native Americans have been intermixed, distorting their ancestors' true DNA as well. |
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===Linguistics and the Book of Mormon=== |
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{{main|Linguistics and the Book of Mormon}} |
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{{:The Book of Mormon and the King James Bible}} |
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==Criticism of Mormonism because of alleged discriminatory practices== |
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===Women and Mormonism=== |
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{{main|Women and Mormonism}} |
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The status of ''']''' in ''']''' has been a source of public debate beginning prior to the death of ] in ]. Various denominations within the ] movement have taken different paths on the subject of women and their role in the church and in society—views ranging from the full equal status and ordination of women to the ] as practiced by the ], to the ]-like patriarchal system practiced by the modern ], to the ultra-patriarchal ] system practiced by the ] and other ] groups. |
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===Blacks and Mormonism=== |
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{{main|Blacks and Mormonism}} |
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The first reference in ] writings describing dark skin as a curse and mark from God refers to ], rather than African Americans. The '']'', dictated in the late ], states the following about Lamanites, apparent ancestors of some tribes of Native Americans: |
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<blockquote>And had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing, because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint; wherefore, as they were white, and exceedingly fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people, the Lord God did cause a skin of '''black'''ness to come upon them. And thus saith the Lord God; I will cause that they shall be loathsome unto thy people, save they shall repent of their iniquities." ({{sourcetext|source=Book of Mormon|book=2 Nephi |
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|chapter=5|verse=21}}, emphasis added)</blockquote> |
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The Book of Mormon seems to imply that dark skin was heritable, passed down through generations to a group of Lamanites known as Anti-Nephi-Lehies or ] who became converted to the group of God, "they did open a correspondence with them, and the curse of God did no more follow them," ({{sourcetext|source=Book of Mormon|book=Alma |
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|chapter=23|verse=18}}) And later, the Book of Mormon claims that another group of Lamanites converted, "their curse was taken from them, and their skin became white like unto the Nephites... and they were numbered among the Nephites, and were called Nephites." ({{sourcetext|source=Book of Mormon|book=3 Nephi |
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|chapter=2|verse=15|range=-16}}). |
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Having separated themselves from the people of God, the Lamanites had regressed into a state of ignorance and iniquity and, by doing so, had cursed themselves and their posterity. The black skin represented their spiritual blindness and constituted the marke of the curse (see {{sourcetext|source=Book of Mormon|book=2 Nephi|chapter=30|verse=6}}). Possible intermarriage wilth local tribes would explain both the heritable nature of the dark skin and the sudden change from civilized Hebrew society to a loin-cloth culture of idleness, "full of mischief and subtlety"<ref>See {{sourcetext|source=Book of Mormon | book=Enos | chapter=1 | verse=20 }} and {{sourcetext | source=Book of Mormon | book=2 Nephi|chapter=5|verse=24}}.</ref> |
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===Homosexuality and Mormonism=== |
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] considers ] or homosexual behavior to be sinful just as adultery and fornication are considered to be sinful. Homosexual desire when dwelled on is also viewed as sinful. The LDS church encourages its members to not feed any such tempted desire. |
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The LDS Church has actively opposed efforts to legalize same-sex marriage or civil unions. LDS doctrine holds that heterosexual marriage is one of many requirements for entry into the "highest degree of glory" of the ], the highest of the three heavens mentioned by Paul in the New Testament. Marriage between a man and a woman is not only required but is considered an essential part in the so named heaven being that family(]) is believed to be the fundamental unit of society in this life and in heaven. |
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The church believes homosexuality to be a problem which is destructive to families and to individuals. Members who experience these "problems" are counseled to receive guidance and help from their family, bishop, or presiding authority. It is also considered a very serious matter, as serious as adultery and fornication in that all three are difficult to give up, undermine the family, and (in the beliefs of that Church) are sins of which one must repent. |
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In order to give a more clear view on the LDS view of ]; the current church president(]) said in a 2004 interview with ] the following... |
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<blockquote>"Well, we're not anti-gay. We are pro-family. Let me put it that way. |
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And we love these people and try to work with them and help them. We know they have a problem. We want to help them solve that problem." (http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0412/26/lkl.01.html)</blockquote> |
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The LDS Church is against any form of homosexuality but also is very opposed to and officially condemns ] and ], and encourages people to instead treat homosexuals as neighbors in accordance to ] teachings of neighborly love, in whatever the actions they choose. |
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The LDS church website has a section on general questions and basic beliefs of the LDS church. In this section can be found a page on their views of homosexuality. |
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http://www.mormon.org/question/faq/category/answer/0,9777,1601-1-60-1,00.html |
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==Critics of Mormonism== |
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There are several organizations with various individual activities which oppose the Mormon church. In most cases the primary activity is informational – they seek to provide what they regard as a true picture of the Mormon church. Some are independent while others are connected with parent churches, and not all are Christian. Examples of such organizations are: |
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*Utah Lighthouse Ministry (founded by ]) |
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*{{cite web |
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|title= Mormon Research Ministries |
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|url= http://www.mrm.org |
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}} |
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*{{cite web |
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|title=Mormons in Transition |
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|url=http://www.irr.org/mit |
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}} |
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*The Exmormon Foundation |
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*{{cite web |
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|title=Living Hope Ministries |
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|url=http://www.lhvm.org |
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}} |
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Some anti-Mormons have become well-known for their activities. A few of them are: |
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*Arthur Budvarson |
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*] |
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*] |
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*] |
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Some Utah residents are often described as Anti-Mormon due to political opposition of many popular conservative political agendas. This is vastly different from the Anti-Mormon beliefs of some fundamentalist and evangelical ] who oppose Mormon Theology. Many Utah media outlets such as ], ], and the ]'s ] are often described as "Anti-Mormon" even though many of the contributors are Mormon themselves. Many of these charges surfaced when ] sold forged documents to the ] Church and when ] sold one block of Main Street to the church, with what many felt was too little public input.{{fact}} |
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In the case of the Salt Lake Tribune, however, this reputation stems from the paper being founded as an openly anti-Mormon publication in the 1800's. Over the years this position has moderated significantly. The other major newspaper in Utah is the ], founded by the Church. The two papers routinely cooperate in a number of areas, including sharing advertising and distribution channels. |
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==See also== |
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* ] |
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* ] |
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* ] |
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* ] |
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* ] |
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==References== |
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<div class="references-small"> |
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<references /> |
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</div> |
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==External links== |
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===Pro-LDS or LDS Apologetic Websites=== |
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* - The official website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
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* - Maintained by ] |
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* - A non-profit organization providing well-documented answers to criticisms of LDS doctrine, belief and practice |
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* - An organization devoted to the scholarly study of Mormonism |
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===Critical or Anti-Mormon Websites=== |
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* - For those who have left the LDS Church, or for those considering leaving. |
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* - A non-sectarian charity to assist those transitioning out of the LDS church. Organizes annual conferences each October in Salt Lake City. |
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* - An alternative to ex-Mormon, focused on moving beyond, not opposing, Mormonism. |
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* - Maintained by ] |
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* - Evangelical ministry of former Mormons to expose what they believe to be the truth about Mormonism |
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* - California ] online |
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* |
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] |
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] |
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] |
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