It is unlikely that you will go your entire life without encountering a number of Mormons. Many Mormons are well-versed in their beliefs and have been taught early on to utilize certain arguments to try to stump Christians in their beliefs. They will come at you with questions or responses that you may not have heard before and may not know how to respond to. It is important to be equipped to defend your beliefs (1 Peter 3:15) and to stand firm in the Truth of the Word of God. There are many strategies you can employ when dealing with Mormons, and I hope that this will help you as a Christian to 1) be assured in the Truth of the Gospel and 2) be able to help Mormons come to the Truth as well.

Know Your Enemy

First, it is important to know what Mormons believe. This site, as well as many others, can help you to understand where the followers of Joseph Smith are coming from. It is also important that you know the strategies that Mormons will use in trying to convert you. Know the difference between Christian terminology and Mormon terminology. For instance, Mormons will tell you that they believe in Jesus Christ, but their "Jesus" is entirely different from the Jesus of history and of the Bible. Know that Mormons will hesitate to answer specific questions about their beliefs. They will ask what you believe, and try their best to affirm you in your beliefs (even if this means twisting what you say to make it coincide with their beliefs). They have a number of pre-conceived questions they are armed with in order to try to trick you. A common objection Mormons will raise with you if you state that Jesus and God the Father are one God is that Jesus Christ prayed to God the Father, and no one prays to himself! The list goes on, but again, there are many sites and books which can help you prepare for confrontation with Mormons. Just remember, you don't need to feel intimidated or to let them tell you what you believe. If they say something you cannot respond to, it's ok! Don't make up an answer, and don't be afraid to admit if you're unsure about something. However, not being able to respond to their objections right away is not a sign of incorrect beliefs, simply not enough preparation. Don't forget--Mormons are trained to try to confuse you and trick you with clever arguments, but the Word of God stands forever.

Establish Common Ground

There are a number of things that Mormons will most likely agree with you on when pressed. You should establish these simple, foundational truths with them before continuing in the conversation:

  • Truth cannot be untrue
  • Truth cannot be changed, or it is/was not true
  • Two things cannot both be true and yet contradict each other
  • A prophet who speaks an inaccurate prophecy is not a true prophet
  • Two prophets cannot contradict each other, or they are not true prophets
  • A prophet cannot contradict himself, or he is not a true prophet

Once you have established common ground, you can address Mormonism based on what has been agreed upon.

Truth cannot be untrue

Truth cannot be changed, or it is/was not true

If Mormonism is true, then there must be nothing in its official doctrines that is untrue or has changed over time. However, Mormonism makes many claims that are untrue, and has seen many changes. The Book or Mormon has within it over 3000 changes that are not related to punctuation. Why, if the Book of Mormon is true, has it had to be changed?

Mormonism teaches that the Native Americans are descendants of of the Hebrews, yet DNA testing disproves this. This also disproves the faux history of the Lamanites. If Mormonism is true, why does it contradict the reality of the biology and history it speaks of?

In the 1851 edition of the Pearl of Great Price, the visitor was identified as Nephi. However, the visitor was identified in later editions as Moroni. These are two entirely different characters in Mormonism. If Mormonism is true, why has its "true" holy book been changed so drastically?

Two things cannot both be true and yet contradict each other

Mormonism claims that the Bible is in fact the true Word of God (so long as it is translated correctly), yet it states many, many things which clearly contradict the Bible. For instance, Mormonism teaches that God (Elohim) and the Lord (Jehovah) are two different people - the Father and Jesus, respectively. The Bible clearly says they are the same God.

Mormonism claims that Jesus had a literal, physical father who had sexual relations with Mary, while the Bible claims that Jesus was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:23).

Mormonism teaches that the foundation of the true church is the prophets, but the Bible claims that there is no foundation other than Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11).

Mormonism teaches that salvation is conditional upon the adherence to the "laws and ordinances of the Gospel," while the Bible claims that salvation is by faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8, Romans 4:5, Galatians 2:21). If Mormonism is true, how can it claim the Bible is true, and yet blatantly contradict Biblical teachings?

A prophet who speaks an inaccurate prophecy is not a true prophet

Joseph Smith made many false prophecies:

The coming of the Lord:

President Smith then stated that the meeting had been called, because God had commanded it; and it was made known to him by vision and by the Holy Spirit. . . . it was the will of God that they should be ordained to the ministry and go forth to prune the vineyard for the last time, for the coming of the Lord, which was nigh - even fifty six years should wind up the scene.

History of the Church, Vol. 2, page 182

This prophecy was made in 1835, recorded by Oliver Cowdery. 56 years would place Jesus' return at 1891, but He hasn't returned yet.

David W. Patten would go on a mission:

Verily, thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even twelve including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto the world.

Doctrine & Covenants 114:1

This prophecy was made on April 17, 1838. Patten died in October of the same year, never making the mission trip.

The United States government overthrown:

I prophecy in the name of the Lord God of Israel, unless the United States redress the wrongs committed upon the Saints in the state of Missouri and punish the crimes committed by her officers that in a few years the government will be utterly overthrown and wasted, and there will not be so much as a potsherd left for their wickedness in permitting the murder of men, women and children, and the wholesale plunder and extermination of thousands of her citizens to go unpunished.

History of the Church, Vol. 5, page 394

This prophecy was made on May 6, 1843. As of the publishing of this page, over 163 years have passed since then. The government has made no redress, and yet it still stands.

Congress would be broken up:

While discussing the petition to Congress, I prophesied, by virtue of the holy Priesthood vested in me, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that, if Congress will not hear our petition and grant us protection, they shall be broken up as a government, and God shall damn them, and there shall be nothing left of them -- not even a grease spot.

Millennial Star, Vol. 22, p. 455

See also History of the Church HC, vol. 6, p. 116, which excludes the last "grease spot" part

The petition was not heard and protection was not granted, but Congress still stands. Attempting to explain this prophecy, History of the Church includes the editorial note, "This prediction doubtless has reference to the party in power; to the 'government' considered as the administration;" (p. 116). This means that the prophecy was referring to the ruling Democratic party. However, the appeal was made to the general government, not the Democratic party (also noted in History of the Church.

Treasure in and ownership of Salem:

From Doctrine and Covenants, Section 111:

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Salem, Massachusetts, August 6, 1836. HC 2:465-466. At this time the leaders of the [LDS] Church were heavily in debt due to their labors in the ministry.

1. I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies.
2. I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.
3. Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you.
4. And it shall come to pass in due time that I will give this city into your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours.
5. Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them.

There has been no treasure found, and Salem has never fallen into the hands of the Mormons.

Mass destruction of a wicked US generation:

And now I am prepared to say by the authority of Jesus Christ, that not many years shall pass away before the United States shall present such a scene of bloodshed as has not a parallel in the history of our nation; pestilence, hail, famine, and earthquake will sweep the wicked of this generation from off the face of the land, to open and prepare the way for the return of the lost tribes of Israel from the north country. The people of the Lord, those who have complied with the requirements of the new covenant, have already commenced gathering together to Zion, which is in the state of Missouri; therefore I declare unto you the warning which the Lord has commanded to declare unto this generation, remembering that the eyes of my Maker are upon me, and that to him I am accountable for every word I say, wishing nothing worse to my fellow-men than their eternal salvation; therefore, "Fear God, and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come." Repent ye, repent ye, and embrace the everlasting covenant and flee to Zion, before the overflowing scourge overtake you, for there are those now living upon the earth whose eyes shall not be closed in death until they see all these things, which I have spoken, fulfilled.

History of the Church, Vol. 1, pp. 315-316

Never happened.

Temple to be built in Zion:

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, September 22 and 23, 1832. HC 1:286-295.

1. A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high.
2. Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem.
3. Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.
4. Verily, this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.
5. For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.

Doctrine and Covenants, Section 84

The Mormons had to flee Zion, Missouri, and no temple was built.

Mormons may object to these prophecies, arguing that unless the the prophet says, "Thus saith the Lord," it is not intended to be a prophecy. Here is one prophecy that can be used in spite of that weak objection:

Civil War would engage all nations:

VERILY, thus saith the Lord, concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls.
The days will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at that place.
For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and thus war shall be poured out upon all nations.
And it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war:
And it shall come to pass also, that the remnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation;
And thus, with the sword, and by bloodshed, the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquakes, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed, hath made a full end of all nations;
That the cry of the Saints, and of the blood of the Saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth, from the earth, to be avenged of their enemies.
Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.

Pearl of Great Price, 1891, p. 55

This prophecy was given by Joseph Smith on Decemeber 25, 1832. The Civil War did not involve all the nations. The following refutation is taken from Contender Ministries, posted by Ben Rast on August 11, 2003, and updated on August 21, 2005:

Since initially posting this article, many concerns have been raised, and some have been swayed by an article written by John Tvedtnes of FAIR, who claims this as an accurate prophecy. Tvedtnes states that this prophecy was fulfilled by the American Civil War. However, while he tries to acknowledge some important historical facts, he fails. Let's look at the facts. On July 14, 1832 (more than five months before the date of Smith's prophecy), Congress passed a tariff act that South Carolina declared null and void. Because tensions were high, President Andrew Jackson put the U.S. army on alert and the United States expected war in 1832! The LDS Evening and Morning Star and many other U.S. newspapers reported that information before Smith's prophecy! So anyone who might have read Joseph Smith's prophecy at that time would not have been enthralled by a prediction of war beginning in South Carolina -- everyone was expecting that. However, things calmed down. Perhaps that's why, even though D. & C. 87 is dated December 25, 1832, it did not appear in the 1833 Book of Commandments or in any edition of the D. & C. or other LDS scripture until after the Civil War began! It was printed in the 1851 Pearl of Great Price in England and in The Seer by Orson Pratt in 1854, but neither of those were considered then as scripture. And in the 1850's, the rumors of war between the North and South were already starting, so that was probably why Pratt published it then. The point is, the prediction of war beginning in South Carolina was something anyone would have made in 1832. Reviving this in the 1850's was reactionary to renewed rumors of civil war. At the time it was given, most people would have read it and said, "Well, duh!"

Addressing verses 2 and 3, it says, "And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place. For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations." Now, the south DID call upon Great Britain for help, but Great Britain did not get involved, nor did they call upon other nations to defend themselves. If one reads this with intellectual honesty as opposed to blind faith, it's easy to see that Joseph Smith establishes the South Carolina rebellion as the causal factor in war being poured out upon all nations. This simply did not happen, and given the wording of the prophecy, it can in no way be construed as something that can still come to pass. This prophecy doesn't say, "and someday down the road, war will be poured out on all nations for reasons other than the South Carolina rebellion," but that's the way Mr. Tvedtnes wants you to interpret it. World War I did not start because of the South Carolina rebellion, and its roots did not begin there. Any effort to link the South Carolina rebellion or the American Civil War with any war that has happened since is simply illogical. D&C 87 was not a divine insight. Rather, it was a false prophecy. When you use the prophecy test listed in Deuteronomy 18:20-22, Joseph Smith fails. He was a false prophet.

The Bible says in Deuteronomy 18:21-22, and we agreed earlier, that a prophet who gives false prophecies is not a true prophet. How can Joseph Smith be a true prophet if he has given many false prophecies?

Two prophets cannot contradict each other, or they are not true prophets

A prophet cannot contradict himself, or he is not a true prophet

God changes, God is unchanging:

For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity.

Moroni 8:18

... for I am going to tell you how God came to be God. We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea, and take away the veil, so that you my see.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345

God is one, God is many:

...And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

2 Nephi 31:21

...these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 370

Jesus conceived by the Spirit, Jesus not conceived by the Spirit:

...she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

Alma 7:10

Now, remember from this time forth, and for ever, that Jesus Christ was not begotten by the Holy Ghost.

Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 1, p. 51

Adam from dust of Earth, Adam from another planet:

And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul....

Pearl of Great Price, Moses 3:7

We are to understand that as God made the world.., and also formed man out of the dust of the earth ....

Doctrine and Covenants, Section 77:12A

...the Lord God sent our first parents forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground, from whence they were taken ....

Alma 42:2

Yet, Brigham Young disagrees with all this:

You believe Adam was made of the dust of this earth. This I do not believe, though it is supposed that it is so written in the Bible; but it is not, to my understanding. You can write that information to the States, if you please -- that I have publicly declared that I do not believe that portion of the Bible as the Christian world do. I never did, and I never want to. What is the reason I do not? Because I have come to understanding, and banished from my mind all the baby stories my mother taught me when I was a child.

Journal of Discourses, vol. 2, p. 6

Here, Brigham states that all he has taught is Scripture:

I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call Scripture.

Journal of Discourses, vol. 13, p. 95

If prophets contradict themselves, each other, and the "holy," "perfect" books they claim are true, how can they be true prophets?

Why should you believe?

Over the last 2 centuries, many people have come forth claiming to be prophets of God: Ellen G. White (Seventh-Day Adventists), Charles Taze Russell (Jehovah's Witnesses), Mary Baker Eddy (Christian Science), and Joseph Smith (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). Each claimed to be a prophet of the one true church, yet they all contradict each other. Knowing this, ask the Mormon a question:What reason is there for you to believe in Joseph Smith?

As seen above (and elsewhere on this site), there is plenty of reason to dismiss Mormonism as false. What reason do you have to believe it is true?

Jesus Christ gave us all sorts of evidence to believe in Him and His Word. The testimony of the apostles, their willingness to die for their belief that they saw the Risen Lord after His death, the accuracy of the Bible on the entirety of its historical and scientific content, the fact that the Bible has not been changed one single time, the lack of any contradiction within the Bible, the miracles Christ performed, the fulfillment of every Biblical prophecy (with the exclusion of yet-to-come prophecies), etc.

Mormonism, however, offers us absolutely none of that evidence.

The "Proof" for Mormonism

The Mormons will likely respond to your request for evidence with this answer: "You can know for yourself that these things are true by asking Heavenly Father in prayer" (The Plan of Salvation, p. 16). You're to ask him to "confirm the truth of the Book of Mormon and what the missionaries have taught" (The Plan of Salvation, p. 16).

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Moroni 10:4

You will be given a feeling in your bossom that Mormonism is true...supposedly.

What if I pray to God and He reveals to me that Mormonism is wrong? What if I don't feel that Mormonism is right? What about all the people who say that they've prayed to God and been given the feeling that their non-Mormon religion is the right one? What about Muslims and Christians and Jews and Jehovah's Witnesses and...?

Mormons will tell you that God will confirm Mormonism to you if you're praying with the right heart, and you'll know if you're praying right and if you have the right heart because you will be given the revelation that Mormonism is right. If you feel something else, then you're mistaken in your prayer or in your heart.

The Problem with the "Proof"

So, here's how you know that Mormonism is true: You ask God, and he will confirm it to you. How do you know you're getting the right conviction from God? It's right if it confirms Mormonism. What if you get the conviction that Mormonism is wrong or that something else is right? It's not a conviction from God. This is called begging the question, or circular reasoning.

What if I told you I was a prophet of God? You would ask for proof. My proof is that I am a prophet of God, and since you can trust prophets of God to tell the truth, then you can trust me when I say I'm a prophet of God. This is essentially the same kind of "proof" that Mormonism has to offer.

What it would take for me to believe

You can tell the Mormons what it would take for you to believe in Mormonism. These requirements should be generally agreeable and are based largely on the common ground established earlier:

  • It would have to not contradict the Bible, which is both evidenced to be true and claimed to be true by Mormonism.
  • There would have to be real positive evidence for it.
  • Its prophets would have to be shown to be true prophets by not contradicting each other and by not having false prophecies.
  • It would have to be factually true in its scientific and historical claims.
  • It would have to be consistent with itself--that is, it could not in one place claim that there is one god, and then in another claim that there are multiple gods.
  • It would have to be logically sound. For instance, Mormonism claims that all gods were once created men on another god's planet.This is logically impossible, as there would be no first god to have started this eternal progression.

Challenge them

The Mormons by now have seen that their beliefs don't pass the requirements above. They've seen contradictions, inaccuracies, etc. If they claim that their beliefs do meet the above criteria, ask them to explain everything that you've mentioned so far. The question you should ask them is how they can believe in what they believe with all the evidence against it, and no evidence for it. Remember, the answer, "because I feel it's right" is not acceptable. It's a circular argument, and it does nothing to evidence any belief system over another. Everyone feels their beliefs are true, or else they wouldn't have them!

Present the Gospel
  • Romans 10:17 Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ.

Explain exactly what it is that you believe, according to the Word of God.

To be Christian, you must accept the entirety of the Gospel message, and have faith in Jesus Christ. What is the true Gospel message?

Christ is God

Jesus Christ is God in flesh:

  • Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, "I am that I am." And he said, "You must say this to the Israelites, 'I am has sent me to you.'"
  • John 8:58 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the solemn truth, before Abraham came into existence, I am!"

There is one God in all existence, existing in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believing in more than one god rejects Christ's claims about Himself, rendering Him a liar, His sacrifice worthless, His nature finite, etc:

  • 1 John 4:2-3 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus as the Christ who has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now is already in the world.

Jesus Christ is both God and man:

  • 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one intermediary between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, himself human

Salvation by Grace Through Faith
  • Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 it is not from works, so that no one can boast.

Salvation is not by works:

  • Galatians 5:4 You who are trying to be declared righteous by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace!
  • Galatians 2:21 I do not set aside God's grace, because if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing!
  • Galatians 3:21 Is the law therefore opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.
  • Romans 3:20 For no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

The Resurrection
  • 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is futile and your faith is empty.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is useless; you are still in your sins.

Christ's resurrection was a raising of His physical body which He died in"

  • John 2:19, 21 Jesus replied, "Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up again." 21 But Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body.

The Gospel Summarized

Jesus Christ is the one true God in flesh. He died for the world's sins and was then physically resurrected. Salvation comes by grace through faith in Christ alone.