Islam & Mormonism

Heart of the Matter – Islam and Mormonism

LIVE! From the “Mecca of Mormonism” Salt Lake City, Utah – THIS . . . is Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology. . . . “Where Mormonism Meets Biblical Christianity Face to Face.” Show 46 Islam and Mormonism November 24th, 2009

And I’m Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion., your host. If you have family or friends who cannot get Heart through television, give them a call and tell them to go to WWW.HOTM.TV. They can watch through streaming video from anywhere in the world!

I was a Born-Again Mormon is available for you to download through a PDF. Go to www.bornagainmormon.com to get it through this avenue. If you don’t have a computer, we are working on getting the hard copy version done.

Studying the Bible and Christianity

The Bible is the actual, living Word of God. Learn what it says – in context – for there is no more important action a Christian can take in overcoming the self and the world. Every Sunday at Calvary Campus, a never-denominational Bible study is held. Go to www.calvarycampus.com for more information.

Coming up . . . This Sunday at 11 am, I will be teaching the sermon at Sandy Ridge Community Church located at _________. All are welcome. My text, assigned by Pastor Travis Mitchell, who will be out of town, is:

Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Come, and let us reason together. That’s this Sunday at Sandy Ridge Community Church.

A Weekend at Good Shepherd Lutheran

On Friday and Saturday night of last week, I had the great blessing to be a guest speaker at Good Shepherd Lutheran, also in Sandy. It was really nice to gather with like-minded believers, seekers, and people who had come out, or were looking at the possibility of coming out of Mormonism. We gathered in peace, and love, and in the common desire to share Jesus with our LDS family, friends, and neighbors. They’re doing good work out there at Good Shepherd Lutheran. It was an honor to be a part of what they are all about.

Church and State in Utah

One of the issues non-LDS have always faced living here in the Mecca of Mormonism is the separation of church and state. Shortly after Brigham Young set up a permanent camp here in the Salt Lake Valley, charges of his establishing a theocracy (where there was no division between the power of the Church and the people of the state) came forward. Anyone who has lived here long enough knows the influence Mormonism attempts to have over everything they can – including the bars, entertainment, education and the press – when possible.

Recently, I received word about a situation that occurred in the Granite School District located here in the Salt Lake area. It seems a high school teacher made the following assignment to the class: “Attend a religious service or activity of a different denomination than what you belong to or would normally associate with.” Got that? Attend a service that is different from the church you would normally associate with. Then the assignment was: “Write your observations and feelings in a two-page response. Also, compare and contrast your religion/beliefs to the different denomination you attended.”

What the LDS teacher of this class may not have anticipated when handing this assignment out was that some of the students in the class were Christians and would visit an LDS ward to make comparisons – which is exactly what occurred. So now we have a Christian teenager going to an LDS ward, as assigned, and then doing as she was told in comparing and contrasting her beliefs with the LDS Church she visited.

READ the first paragraph. In response to the first paragraph, the LDS teacher wrote: “5th Grade Opening.” READ the THIRD PARAGRAPH. And the teacher wrote in response? “Incorrect info?” And then added, “Perhaps you should have chosen a different religion?”

READ the FIFTH PARAGRAPH. And the teacher wrote in response? “So do Catholics!” and then “You’re coming across as too judgmental! A different religion would have worked better for you and this assignment.” READ the SIXTH PARAGRAPH. “They are a Christian Church!” READ the CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH. And the teacher's concluding remarks? “The assignment was to promote good feelings and open-mindedness.” “This assignment defeated its purpose” – and then she added: “Choose a different religion.” I would love to read the other kids' papers from the class and see how she graded and responded to them – especially to those LDS kids who visited a charismatic Pentecostal service.

The Christian student received a low C on the paper from her LDS teacher. And the battle to separate church from state continues to rage.

Similarities Between Mormonism and Islam

Here in the Mecca of Mormonism.

And with that, let’s have a prayer:

PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER

Before we step in and finish out the year with a look at the role of racism in the LDS Church, we are going to take a minute and show some of the amazing similarities between Islam and Mormonism.

Most of the information from which I am quoting about Islam comes from Sam Soloman, the head of the Islamic department at Elam Ministries. Mr. Solomon, who is an expert in Islamic studies and is also a former Muslim, was trained at a very high level of the faith. Today he is considered a formidable source of information regarding Sharia law.

So here goes. Someone smart once said, “When it comes to Gospel Truths there is nothing new under the sun but heresy and deception.” There was never a more true statement said – especially when discussing faith movements like Mormonism and Islam. Because of an overwhelming push for people today to focus on “similarities between faiths” rather than obvious and blatant differences, it can be tedious to discern “truth from error” when comparing Islam and Mormonism to Biblical Christianity. Most people are so fearful of offending or being convicted of a hate crime, that they simply smile and say things like, “We all worship the same God, right?”

Well, according to the Bible, we really don’t. Where heresy is the only new game since Jesus and his twelve laid out the principles of the Good News, the similarities found in the heretical faiths can be astonishing. Let me share with you no less than twenty-five similarities that Mormonism and Islam have in common.

Historical Foundations

Islam was founded by the man Muhammed around 500AD while Mormonism was founded by the man Joseph Smith in 1830. Both Mormonism and Islam use terminology that sound and seem Christian, but when defined and broken down prove to be quite different – even contrary – to Gospel truth. Since almost all of the terms used in Islam and many in Mormonism originate from the Bible, understanding the differences between them can be different – especially when the role of Muslim and Mormon apologists is to make them SEEM the same.

Where many people today believe that Islam means peace, this is neither accurate nor Qur’anic. Islam actually means “submission” which in the end means submission to an assortment of laws and rules and cultural demands – same as Mormonism, for to be either Muslim or Mormon, acceptance and submission to the ways established by their founders are mandatory.

Influence and Control in Islam and Mormonism

Muslim scholars agree that Islam is an all-encompassing system; it is sociopolitical, socioreligious, socioeconomic, socioeducational, legislative, judiciary, and even militaristic in its influence. With the exception of a military force, Mormonism is no different. And though somewhat invisible today, Mormonism, at its roots, was, and continues to be, extremely militaristic.

Continuing with this all-encompassing theme, Islamic scholar Soloman writes: “Freedom of choice does not exist in Islam; neither is religion a private or personal matter. All decisions have already been made by Allah or his prophet Muhammad, so Muslims have no choice but to follow these divine regulations. Whoever strays has indeed strayed in error.” Similarly, in Mormonism, all decisions have been made by God through His LDS prophets and the “brethren,” so faithful LDS really have no option but to tow the line – to conform – or be cast out. This is so true that LDS leaders have actually said: “When the brethren have spoken, the thinking has been done.”

Listen to the way Soloman describes the founder of Islam: “Muhammad himself claimed authority from the top to bottom in the budding Islamic entity, including a prophetic office, being a supreme legislator, a judge, commander in chief of the armies, and head of the Muslim community. He established a state, sent armies, conquered his enemies and collected taxes.”

Now listen to the way award-winning historian Fawn Brodie described Joseph Smith:

In summary, the institutions of Mormonism and Islam strive to have a say in every area of their adherents’ lives.

Islam is founded primarily on two books of writings. The first book is the Qur’an, which Muslims believe to be “the most correct book on the face of the earth.” The second set of writings is known as the Sunnah, which is an Arabic word that means, “to form, shape, mold, set a path,” and points to the actual life, revelations, and the teachings of Muhammed as a man.

Mormonism is primarily founded on four

Comparative Analysis of Religious Texts

Books of scripture, with two – the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants – are more emphasized than the others. Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon to be the most correct book on earth and their Doctrine and Covenants, which is used to “form, shapen, mold and set a path for the Church,” literally points to the actual life, revelations, and the teachings of Joseph Smith as a man.

Islam claims that the Qur’an is the final revelation of Allah to mankind through his prophet Muhammed. Mormonism claims the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the Gospel and though they do not call it the final revelation of God to mankind, no other LDS prophet has produced anything like it, so it may as well be. What the LDS call Modern Revelation from a living prophet is almost a non-event as very very few things have been added to what their founder, Joseph Smith, originally said.

Source and Revelation

The Qur’an and Sunnah were given to Muhammed piecemeal over a period of many years – and by direct “revelation.” The Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants were given to Joseph Smith piecemeal over a period of many years, and by, (ahem) “direct revelation.” Latter-day Saints believe that the original source for the Book of Mormon to be from “golden plates,” which were taken to heaven once the book was done. Muslims believe that the original version of the Qur’an has been preserved on what they call “the eternal tablet,” which was brought down into this atmospheric realm temporarily to inspire Muhammed’s mind.

The Angel Gabriel inspired Muhammed to write what he wrote and assisted him in the process. The angel Moroni told Joseph to write the Book of Mormon and assisted him in the process.

Unlike the Bible, the Qur’an has no historical evidences or documents that can support its historical authenticity or literary reliability. So too, the Book of Mormon, though full of fantastic material claims, has not one provable material support to authenticate its historical authenticity or literary reliability.

Scripture Comparison

Muslims claim that the Qur’an “support and perfects” the Bible by clarifying it. Latter-day Saints call the Book of Mormon “Another witness or another testament of Jesus Christ,” and believe it too, clarifies, or completes the Bible. But both the Qur’an and the Book of Mormon, while claiming to support the Bible, actually contradict it, thereby placing their believers in the position to choose between the two. The result? Muslims choose the Qur’an and Mormons choose the BOM – hands down. This is the primary aim of ALL counterfeit faiths.

The contradictions found throughout the teaching of Muhammed are written off by Islamic apologists as “abrogations,” meaning later revelations of God supersede prior ones. Within Mormonism, the same game is played as it is accepted that “a living prophet trumps a dead one” and the earlier revelations of Joseph Smith which contradict later ones are seen as only stepping stones in the spiritual growth of the man.

The Qur’an actually teaches and testifies of the coming of Muhammed, and Muhammed actually rewrote parts of the Bible so that it, too, testified of his coming and ministry. The Book of Mormon actually teaches and testifies of the coming of Joseph Smith, and Joseph Smith actually rewrote parts of the Bible so that it too, testified of his coming and ministry!

Where the Qur’an acts as the theological framework of Islam, the Sunnah actually shapes at least 80% of the Muslims life and faith. So too with the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants as the Book of Mormon could be seen as the core to faith, but the Doctrine and Covenants actually describes most of what is done within the administration of Mormon life and religion.

Alterations and Influence

Muslims accuse the Jews and Christians of tampering with the Bible (especially in order to remove prophesies that spoke of Muhammed) and therefore consider the Bible to be corrupted. This led to Islam altering doctrine relative to the uniqueness of Jesus, His teachings, His person, and His atoning work. Mormonism accused the early translators of the Bible – in particular the Catholics – of also tampering with the “plain and precious” truth contained therein and therefore consider the Bible unreliable. This led Mormonism to ultimately alter doctrine relative to the uniqueness of Jesus, His teachings, His person, and His atoning work.

In Islam, all non-Muslim’s are enemies to Allah, and their response – especially to Jews and Christians – is one of violence. While physical violence is not the norm.

Mormonism and Islam: Similarities and Ideological Parallels

In Mormonism today, non-LDS outsiders in Brigham Young’s day were treated with a similar contempt – including violence. In a similar vein, Islam believes that all people on earth are born Muslims, and when they find or discover the eternal truths about the faith, they do not “convert,” but instead “revert” to what they had always been but just forgot to know.

Those who have not reverted stand in a state of rebellion to Allah. When someone does “revert” there is great joy in the ranks and that person is welcomed “home.” Similarly, Latter-day Saints embrace the idea that all of the human race is in fact in possession of the truth from a united pre-mortal existence, and are said to have “re-discovered, found, or had the veil lifted” from their minds when they embrace the Father’s plan and become LDS in this life.

Historical Consistency and the Concept of Unification

Joseph Smith, and thus Mormonism today, taught that the LDS gospel has been known and practiced from the beginning of recorded history; and that all prophets from the past were tacitly, Mormon. One man recently told a group of LDS kids here in Salt Lake City that Jesus was Mormon. Naturally, Islam teaches that all of the Old Testament prophets were tacitly Islam and they all preached Islam. Jesus is also included in this group.

Islam has had a long and abiding desire to both convert the world and to then rule over it. Sura 7:158 tells them that all people need to be “brought back to Islam . . . by every means necessary.” Islam divides the world into two great territories: the Land of Islam and the Land of War. So too Mormonism, from its foundations, has also longed to both convert the world and then to rule over it. Previous programs have provided AMPLE examples of this ambition.

At the same time, Mormonism has long broken the world down into two polarized groups – members and non-members, those who live in Zion (Utah) and those who live in the Mission Field (the equivalent to the Islamic “Land of War.”)

Islamic law declares that insulting the prophet Muhammed is equal to insulting Allah since they are respected as representing one another. In some Islamic countries, like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, disrespecting or refuting Muhammed is worthy of an immediate public execution. When Brigham Young settled Utah, the people who followed Him found themselves under similar religious fervency. To question or deny the faith, Brigham Young, or the prophet Joseph Smith could lead to deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God., but always lead to people being wholly rejected by family, friends, and community at large.

Comparative Analysis of Doctrines and Practices

Today, and though not nearly as extreme, the fact remains that to disrespect either Joseph Smith Jr. and/or “the living prophet” is certain ground for being a social outcast – even to the point of having your high school English teacher give you a C for speaking your opinion in paper that calls for opinion. It is my simple opinion that if and when Mormonism gets to the same number of members as Islam, and maintains its economic status in the world, it will return to the extremist ways of Brigham Young and flex its muscle on any who challenge or question it.

Finally, there are four main ingredients or working philosophies that keep Islam alive. I would suggest these four ingredients are also present in the LDS faith today. The first is the doctrine of “Takkiya.” The second is the doctrine of abrogation. The third is the doctrine of biblical corruption, and the fourth is the doctrine of obedience. Let me briefly speak to each of these.

First, the doctrine of Takkiya is better understood as the doctrine of “cover-up.” Takkiya literally means, in Arabic, “caution, fear, or disguise.” And it sanctions lying in order to advance the cause of Islam or to preserve its good name. Takkiya is very effective in Islamic apologetics because rarely will a person ever get the straight story. Islam expert Soloman admits that he used Takkiya frequently when he was Muslim and involved in debating Christians – it was all in order to “protect the faith.”

Similarly, Mormons have long been accused of the practice of “Lying for the Lord,” the tactic of using white lies and subtle deceptions so as to protect the faith from scrutiny.

The Doctrine of Abrogation, as we mentioned before, was a doctrine of convenience. When Muhammed stated one doctrine and then later pronounced a contrary one, the doctrine of Abrogation stepped in and justified the inconsistency by saying Allah is in charge and that He…

Comparing Islam and Mormonism

Mormonism justifies its changing doctrines and inconsistencies with the convenience of “modern revelation.” To them, there is nothing inconsistent when an LDS prophet says one thing and ten years later they or another prophet, say another. In the end, all of it is what Muslims call, “Abrogation.” The doctrine of biblical corruption is exactly as it sounds . . . and both Islam and Mormonism propagate it as true. And finally, Islam and Mormonism both embrace a doctrine of strict, legalistic obedience to other men to one extent or another.

Similarities Between the Two Religions

So there they are, some similarities between Islam and Mormonism. Both were religions started by men claiming to be visited by angels. Both have additional scripture which contradict the biblical Good News. Both claim these scriptures came from heavenly plates or tablets. Both claim a belief in a different Jesus. Both demand total allegiance to their faith. Both are highly legalistic extending to even diet, dress, and finances. Both have a past and present history of extremism. Both claim the Bible has been corrupted. Both claim their additional book clarifies the Bible. Both have founders who have added their own names into the Bible narrative through re-translation. Both practice some form of the doctrine of Takkiya, which in simple terms means “lying for the cause.” Both practice the doctrine of abrogation, which makes it permissible for a latter revelation to contradict an earlier one. Both treat defectors from the faith harshly. Both say that to insult their founder is to insult God. Both state their founder’s contributions are essential to the salvation of man. Both desire to convert the world. Both desire to govern the world. Both use biblical terms which have an entirely different meaning that how Christians use them. Both represent an all encompassing faith which invades every aspect of a persons life . . . and . . .

Concluding Thoughts

Both are non-biblical, non-Christian, deceptive religious world powers which in the end, are the product of a man.

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Hey, remember, this coming Sunday, 11am, Sandy Ridge Community Church. See you there, and if not, we’ll see you next week here on Heart of the Matter!