Vol. 6, No. 7, 1989

Articles on Mormonism

Tom Forehand

Apostle Orson Pratt probably rolled over in his grave when he heard of an article in the Mormon Church News about "free agency."

"What power, what majesty, there is in a church that expect its people to decide for themselves. What majesty, yes. And what responsibility."

The article about the Mormon church later quoted Brigham Young:

"I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful that they settle down in the state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence, (Church News, March 12, 1988, p. 16).

Mormon leaders and writers may claim their people have lots of "freedom to think for themselves," however when the rubber meets the road, "you'd better not disagree with your file leader."

About one hundred and thirty-six years ago, Brigham Young began publicly teaching that Adam was God the Father (of our spirits). This "new" doctrine soon became too big of a pill for the Apostle Orson Pratt, who gagged on this new "meaty" teaching. Pratt claimed before other Apostles:

"I have heard brother Brigham say that Adam is the Father of our Spirits... that is revolting to my feelings."

But Wilford Woodruff, trying to get Pratt in line, reminded:

"Joseph Smith and B. Young... as our leaders are inspire dot talk, they are inspired oracles, and we should be as limber as a dish cloth," (Council of the Twelve in Historian's upper room, April 5, 1860; as found in �LDS Apostle Confesses Brigham Young Taught Adam-God Doctrineo by Jerald Tanner).

Even according to Mormonism today, the belief that Adam is God the Father is a damnable heresy -- yet Brigham taught it. How free was Pratt to publicly speak out against this heresy?

Have time changed any in Mormonism? No, but doctrinal positions have been switched. A few years ago Apostle Bruce McConkie rebuked a popular Mormon university professor who was publicly bringing up this same Adam-God doctrine of Brigham Young; that professor received the following: "Yes, President Young did teach that Adam was the father of our spirits.... This, however, is not true....

"You (the professor) do not have a divine commission to correct me or any of the Brethren.... It is not in your province to set in order the Church of to determine what its doctrines shall be....

"I advise you to take my counsel on the matters here involved. If I err, that is my problem; but in your case if you single out some of these things and make them the center of your philosophy, and end up wrong, you will lose your soul," (Ibid).

Do not follow men -- follow God. He in the person of Jesus Christ shed his blood to save your soul; know the truth and it will free you (John 8:31).