Bridge of Reason

From time to time Mormons come up with what they regard as ‘substantive’ evidence for the Book of Mormon. When ministries inevitably challenge and refute that evidence, Mormons insist that someone can only know the Book of Mormon is true by sincere prayer, citing Moroni’s promise from the end of the book: ‘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) Of course, if you have prayed and received no such confirming answer, the sincerity of your heart, the reality of your intent, and the faith you express in Christ are all called into question. Very quickly you move from their providing evidence to their doubting your integrity… read more →

Ramadan is approaching and Muslims will be fasting and spiritually searching. As Christians, we should be ready to give a reason for the hope within us with meekness and fear. We should consider how we can share the gospel in a way that is understood and, at the same time, make an effort to comprehend where those from the Islamic faith…… read more →

Christian Science, not to be confused with Scientology, is officially called, The Church of Christ, Scientist and was founded by Mary Baker Eddy in 1879. The Christian Science textbook is entitled, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures” and was first published in 1875. It was revised many times by Mary Baker Eddy. Services are usually held twice on… read more →

The latest issue of the Reachout newsletter , carried an article about The Watchtower Memorial Meal.  The article concentrated on the division between the great majority of Jehovah's Witnesses, the Great Crowd, and the Anointed Class, the 144,000, who alone are to partake of the memorial meal. A reader sent in some comments after studying the article and shared some interesting insights into how Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves in the great scheme of things. 'I've just read with interest your article entitled 'The Memorial Meal'  in the latest Reachout Trust newsletter. I was  born into the  Witnesses in 1967 and remained there until about 26 years ago when I  became born again. Most of my family are still in the JW organisation. I just wanted to point out a couple of things from the article. The  'great crowd' are encouraged to see themselves as having just as close  a relationship with the organisation as the 'anointed', the soc...

Mormons and the Bible Just as in other churches, Mormons face the question of what to think of the different Bible translations available today. Most churches have a standard text, a pew Bible, but often encourage members to use and explore other translations. Christians have found this very helpful as each translation brings its own strengths and weaknesses. It is also the case that… read more →

The Watchtower Society make much of the symbols and customs of what they call ‘Christendom’ that they say won’t be found in Scripture. It is true to say that people in glasshouses shouldn’t throw stones and Witnesses certainly need to have a care, “for with the judgement you are judging, you will be judged, and with the measure that you… read more →

The Watchtower Society suggests for book studies for January and February: Good News from God! and Listen to God and Live Forever. What is this good news and how are we to benefit from it? Quoting Jeremiah 29:11, they say, "Soon God will act to provide a better future for people in every land. He will relieve mankind of the causes of suffering." This is the fond hope of everyone who sees the wickedness of the world. Jeremiah 29:11 is a text to which most Christians mistakenly turn for comfort in their individual trials. In this instance it is a correct application insofar as it is not about 'God's plan for your life' but about God's plan for his people. Of course, the question of who are God's people is another issue. They go on to make familiar claims of peace and good health in a better future, lifting verses from the Old Testament Isaiah 25:8;33:24; Daniel 2:44. But it is how this is to be achieved that draws this attention. It is here tha...