Jess Whitlock
I recently finished teaching a class showing the myriad contradictions between The Book of Mormon (TBOM) and the Holy Bible. During that time I was having a discussion with two “elders” from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I also took advantage of the moment to study from Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. The “elders” told me that all three of these volumes are inspired of God. It does not take long to realize that such cannot be the case. Reflect on just a few of our discussions together:
-
The Bible states that Christ was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:5; Luke 2:4-7). TBOM says He was born in Jerusalem (Almah 7:10) and it also says He was born in Nazareth (1 Nephi 11:13-20). How could Christ be born in three cities? And, how could Mary be in three cities at the same time?
-
The Bible declares that when Christ was crucified the darkness lasted for three hours (Luke 23:44). TBOM states that the darkness lasted for three days (Helaman 14:20, 27; 1 Nephi 19:10). TBOM contradicts itself on where darkness lasted for three days; i.e., Helaman 14:20 says, “there shall be no light on the face of this land [America, JLW]” but 14:27 says, “darkness should cover the face of the whole earth TBOM contradicts not only the Bible, but itself!
-
The Bible claims to be all-sufficient (John 14:26; 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 3). TBOM claims the Bible is not all-sufficient (2 Nephi 29:1-4). Furthermore, 1 Nephi 13:26ff states the Bible is incomplete, missing many “plain and precious parts of the Gospel” which were “kept back by that abominable church.” I ask any Mormon member to name any “plain and precious parts of the Gospel” that are missing that would prevent one from obeying God and being saved? I humbly submit that no part of the Gospel of Christ is missing, nor is any part restored in this “other testament”!
-
The Bible clearly shows the establishment of the church in A.D. 33 (Acts 2). TBOM goofed again when it speaks of some added to the church 147 years before Christ (Mosiah 18:7-17). Christ stated, “I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). Did you notice the future tense? Also, He stated it would be His church; not the church of Joseph Smith.
-
The Bible states “disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26). TBOM has some wearing the name Christian first in America 73 years before Christ (Almah 46:13-16). Is the Bible correct in its use of “first” first, or is TBOM correct in using “first” second? The Bible states, “yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4). That includes “Another Testament of…” (Joseph Smith). Even the angel Moroni is not exempt. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8).
-
The Bible states that “it is appointed unto men once to die” (Heb. 9:27). TBOM has an account about three men who are told they will live until the final return of Christ (3 Nephi 28:4-9). These three men are told they will “never endure the pains of death.” Christ has not returned. Where are these three men? Nobody seems to know: the “elders” told me they had not seen nor talked with these men and they did not know of any who had including their so-called “apostles” or “the 70” or their “president-prophet.” Deuteronomy 18:20-22 gives the test of a true prophet and Joseph Smith has failed miserably here.
-
The Bible tells of the institution of the Lord’s supper; i.e., unleavened bread and fruit of the vine as emblems of the Lord’s body and blood (Matt. 26:26-29; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:24-29). However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints incorrectly calls it “sacrament” and then perverts the elements to water and light bread! TBOM states “bread and wine” repeatedly (3 Nephi 18:1-3; 5-9, 13). Joseph Smith apparently “forgot what he wrote” for in Doctrine and Covenants 27:2 he writes, “I say unto you that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament.” I asked my two visitors, “Could I use iced tea and cookies?” They said, “yes.” I asked, “How about cake and ice cream?” They said, “yes.” One of them offered, “You could use beer and pizza, if that’s all you have.” I was shocked beyond belief. We then moved into a discussion of the silence of the Scripture which they could not quite comprehend.
Time would fail me to go through the remaining seven pages of notes that were taken during those discussions. After all is said and done I still keep coming back to the words of Christ to His only chosen apostles, who were apostles indeed: “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come” (John 16:13). Yet, the Holy Spirit in guiding them into all truth and showing them things to come did not guide them into one word concerning the conflicting doctrines of Mormonism, Moroni or Joseph Smith! I wonder why?
There are myriad contradictions between the Holy Bible and The Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon even contradicts itself numerous times. The Book of Mormon contradicts the Doctrine and Covenants. The Doctrine and Covenants also contradicts the Holy Bible. The Pearl of Great Price contains contradictions with all the others. The numerous failed prophecies of Joseph Smith’s writings speak eloquently of his identity as that of a false prophet.
They claim inspiration for Doctrine and Covenants, and I assume that includes 71:7 which reads, “Wherefore confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest.” In light of what I have written, I assume that I am an enemy of the man-made denomination known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have now challenged about a dozen sets of elders to meet with me in a public debate on the inspiration of The Book of Mormon.
Once again, my challenge to meet these matters in public debate was refused. That seems to be a flagrant refusal on their part to obey Doctrine and Covenants 71:7, and if not, why not? Therefore, taking their advice, I offer this public challenge to any so-called “elder,” “apostle,” “priest,” the “president—prophet” or one of “the 70.” I will go so far as to offer this challenge to any one of the three men mentioned in 3 Nephi 28 who are said to be somewhere on earth today, to do what they have been commanded to do!
Propositions For Public Discussion
“Resolved: The Book of Mormon contradicts the Holy Bible and other doctrines of Mormonism; and therefore is not another testament of Jesus Christ.”
AFFIRM:
(signed) Jess Whitlock
DENY:
“Resolved: The Book of Mormon agrees in every detail with the Holy Bible and other documents of Mormonism; and therefore is another testament of Jesus Christ.”
AFFIRM:
DENY:
(signed) Jess Whitlock
