Bridge of Reason

If we were to ask members of the public to answer the question: ‘What did Jesus teach?’, what would they say? I would imagine that many would say something along the lines of; ‘Jesus taught us that we must try to be good’. Now that answer is not correct, but that would be an understandable response from a society which believes Jesus was, at best, just a good man. But what if that was the answer given by those who claim to be familiar with the teachings of Jesus? On the opening page of the website of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we read the following: No matter your story, we welcome you to join us as we all try to be a little bit better, a little bit kinder, a little more helpful—because that’s what Jesus taught. [1] Wait, what? Is that what Jesus taught? Can you point me to the Bible verses where Jesus said we are to ‘try to be a little bit better, a little bit kinder, and a little more helpful’ ?  Be Good You see, Mormonism, like most other groups ...

  We are, again, in the June 2022 study edition of the Watchtower magazine, looking at the story of Job, and the lessons we can come away with. There is much to encourage a Christian here. Two questions arise from the article: 1 the nature of the hope Christians have, and 2 the reason for being confident in that hope. The Watchtower study article 27 begins: 'JEHOVAH has given a beautiful hope to all those who love him. Soon he will bring an end to sickness, sorrow, and death. (Rev. 21:3, 4) He will help “the meek” who are hoping in him to transform the earth into a paradise. (Ps. 37:9-11) And he will make it possible for each one of us to have a warm, personal relationship with him that will be even more wonderful than what we enjoy now. What a marvelous hope that is! But what basis do we have for believing that God’s promises will come true? Jehovah never breaks a promise. We thus have good reason to “hope in Jehovah.” (Ps. 27:14) We show this by waiting patiently and joyf...

  ‘I believe the Bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writer. Ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors’ [1] Though each Mormon Missionary will own and read a Bible, they have been taught that it is unreliable. Article eight of the LDS faith says: ‘We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly…’ [2] If you ask the missionaries to show you where the Bible has been translated incorrectly, there are unable to do so. This clearly shows that Mormons, like many caught in cults, just believe, and teach what they are told by their leaders. They don’t check things out for themselves. Now we must acknowledge that many so-called Bible believing Christians, will also just trust what they are told by their leaders. It is believed that we can trust those whom God has appointed over us, and so believe there is no need to check what we are being taught. Be Bereans I love the fact ...

  ‘Jehovah’s forgiveness is always based on his complete knowledge of a situation.’ In the June 2022 Watchtower Study Edition, study article 24 talks about God as the greatest forgiver. Unpacking what this means they write at one point: 'Unlike human judges, Jehovah always has a perfect grasp of all the facts of any case that comes before him. (Gen. 18:20, 21; Ps. 90:8) He is not limited by what humans see or hear. He completely understands how a person’s actions are influenced by his genetic makeup, upbringing, and environment as well as by his emotional and mental condition. Jehovah also reads the heart. He fully perceives the motivations, intentions, and desires of each person. Nothing can be hidden from Jehovah. (Heb. 4:13) Thus, Jehovah’s forgiveness is always based on his complete knowledge of a situation.' Is this true? Does God judge according to extenuating circumstances? Is 'I couldn't help myself' a fair defence before the judge of all mankind, as ...

The Mormon church teaches that the church must always be led by a man on the earth, one who is to be regarded as the infallible prophet of God. It is he, they say, who speaks for God, who leads the church and acts as a mediator between the people and God. At the time of writing, this is a ninety-seven-year-old man named Russell Marion Nelson. They claim that it is through this ‘prophet’ that God speaks to his people. They are certain that he, and he alone, receives direct revelations for the whole church. ‘We are most fortunate to have a living prophet at the head of the Church to guide us, and all who need his counsel will be partakers of the promised blessings which will not be enjoyed by those who fail to accept his messages… Whose side are we on? When the prophet speaks the debate is over’. [1] As a convinced Mormon, Brad Wilcox believes that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has always been led by a prophet. According to Mormon doctrine these men have the sam...