View source for Criticism of Mormonism/Books/Mormonism Unmasked/Chapter 9

{{Main Page}}  
{{H1
|L=Criticism of Mormonism/Books/Mormonism Unmasked/Chapter 9
|H=Response to claims made in "Chapter 9: By Whose Authority?"
|S=
|L1=
|T=[[../../|Mormonism Unmasked]]
|A=R. Philip Roberts
|<=[[../Chapter 8|Chapter 8: Jesus Is Coming Again]]
|>=[[../Chapter 10|Chapter 10: Meeting the Mormon Challenge]]
}}
<onlyinclude>
{{H2
|L=Criticism of Mormonism/Books/Mormonism Unmasked/Chapter 9
|H=Response to claims made in Mormonism Unmasked, "Chapter 9: By Whose Authority?"
|S=
|L1=Response to claim: 138 - "The priesthood of the Old Testament was brought to an end with the death of Christ"
|L2=Response to claim: 138 - The author states that "God set the minimum age of the Aaronic Priesthood at twenty-five"
|L3=Response to claim: 138-139 - "the only Christian priesthood mentioned in the New Testament is the spiritual priesthood of every believer"
|L4=Response to claim: 139 - The author states that "Mormon high priests do not offer any sacrifices, so they are not following the Old Testament pattern"
|L5=Response to claim: 140 - The author claims that 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 refers to "various ministries or gifts in the early church" and that it is "not listing specific offices of the priesthood"
|L6=Response to claim: 140 - The author claims that 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 refers to "various ministries or gifts in the early church" and that it is "not listing specific offices of the priesthood"
|L7=Response to claim: 140 - "Paul lists apostles first and prophets second, indicating their order of importance"
|L8=Response to claim: 140 - The author states that the only men who could be chosen as apostles were those who were an "eyewitness to the full ministry of Jesus"
|L9=Response to claim: 140 - The First Presidency plus the twelve apostles is equal to 15 apostles. The author states that this is not the same as Jesus' twelve apostles
|L10=Response to claim: 141 - The author claims that "bishop is not a separate office in the church but one of the elders"
|L11=Response to claim: 141- a deacon cannot be a 12-year-old boy, but must be mature men and "the husbands of one wife"
|L12=Response to claim: 141 - "Teachers" must be "mature Christians" that are "able to teach others" rather than teenagers
|L13=Response to claim: 141 - The author states the the LDS Church "does not have any pastors"
|L14=Response to claim: 141 - The author states that "Evangelist" and "Patriarch" are not the same
|L15=Response to claim: 142-143- The author claims that the Bible justifies a paid ministry
|L16=Response to claim: 143 - The author claims that "Many of the Mormons are not aware that their apostles receive a salary"
|L17=Response to claim: 144 - Church finances are not made public
|L18=Response to claim: 145 - baptism does not need to be done "by someone holding a special priesthood"
|L19=Response to claim: 145 - "Joseph Smith supposedly restored the original temple ceremony of the Old Testament"
|L20=Response to claim: 147 - The author states that Paul condemned "endless genealogies" and that this contradicts the idea of performing temple marriages for the dead
|L21=Response to claim: 147 - The author claims that Paul was not advocating the practice of baptism for the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:29, and that he was only emphasizing resurrection
|L22=Response to claim: 148 - temples became unnecessary after Christ and that they were replaced by the atonement of Christ
}}
</onlyinclude>


==Response to claim: 138 - "The priesthood of the Old Testament was brought to an end with the death of Christ"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author claims that "The priesthood of the Old Testament was brought to an end with the death of Christ."
|authorsources=<br>
#Hebrews 7:11-12
}}
{{misinformation}}
{{:Question: Do we do not need a mediating priesthood since it has been "fulfilled in Christ?"}}

==Response to claim: 138 - The author states that "God set the minimum age of the Aaronic Priesthood at twenty-five"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states that "God set the minimum age of the Aaronic Priesthood at twenty-five."
|authorsources=<br>
#Numbers 8:23-25
}}
{{misinformation|God also states in the same verse that the Aaronic Priestood is only given to the Levites. Numbers 8:24 states, "This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation." Neither of these restrictions applies to the modern Church.
}}

==Response to claim: 138-139 - "the only Christian priesthood mentioned in the New Testament is the spiritual priesthood of every believer"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states that "the only Christian priesthood mentioned in the New Testament is the spiritual priesthood of every believer."
|authorsources=<br>
#1 Peter 2:5-9
}}
{{misinformation}}
{{:Question: Is there a "Priesthood of All Believers" which eliminates the need for unbroken lines of priesthood authority?}}

==Response to claim: 139 - The author states that "Mormon high priests do not offer any sacrifices, so they are not following the Old Testament pattern"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states that "Mormon high priests do not offer any sacrifices, so they are not following the Old Testament pattern."
|authorsources=<br>
#Hebrews 5:1
}}
{{misinformation|Christ fulfilled the Mosaic law, and did away with the need to offer physical sacrifices. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not claim to be following the "Old Testament pattern" in all things. To do so would mean that we would have to ignore Christ's sacrifice in favor of the Law of Moses. Instead, we understand the Christ made the ultimate sacrifice.
}}

==Response to claim: 140 - The author claims that 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 refers to "various ministries or gifts in the early church" and that it is "not listing specific offices of the priesthood"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author claims that 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 refers to "various ministries or gifts in the early church" and that it is "not listing specific offices of the priesthood."
|authorsources=<br>
#1 Corinthians 12:28
}}
{{misinformation|We disagree. 1 Corintians 12:28 reads: "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues."
}}

==Response to claim: 140 - "Paul lists apostles first and prophets second, indicating their order of importance"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states that "Paul lists apostles first and prophets second, indicating their order of importance." He states that in Mormonism that the apostles "serve under" the prophet, which he claims is a "reversal of the biblical order."
|authorsources=<br>
#1 Corinthians 12:28
}}
{{misinformation|All apostles are considered prophets, seers and revelators. The designation of one apostle to be the president of the Church simply means that he is the one authorized to make final decisions after the deliberation of the Council of the Twelve and the First Presidency.}}

==Response to claim: 140 - The author states that the only men who could be chosen as apostles were those who were an "eyewitness to the full ministry of Jesus"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states that the only men who could be chosen as apostles were those who were an "eyewitness to the full ministry of Jesus, including his resurrection," and states that "the New Testament offers no evidence that others were later chosen to take the place of anyone else in the twelve."
|authorsources=<br>
#None provided
}}
{{misinformation|In Acts 1:13–26, the apostles call a new apostle to replace Judas.
<blockquote>
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.

14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

15 ¶And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)

16 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

19 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
</blockquote>
}}

==Response to claim: 140 - The First Presidency plus the twelve apostles is equal to 15 apostles. The author states that this is not the same as Jesus' twelve apostles==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The First Presidency plus the twelve apostles is equal to 15 apostles. The author states that this is not the same as Jesus' twelve apostles. The author states that that Mormonism has "too many apostles."
|authorsources=<br>
#None provided.
}}
{{misinformation|There is no biblical restriction on the number of apostles that may exist at one time. However, there are always only 12 apostles who are members of the Quorum of the Twelve at any given time.}}

==Response to claim: 141 - The author claims that "bishop is not a separate office in the church but one of the elders"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author claims that "bishop is not a separate office in the church but one of the elders."
|authorsources=<br>
#1 Timothy 3:1; Titus 1:7
}}
{{misinformation|This is simply the author's interpretation of the Biblical passages. 1 Timothy 3:1 clearly defines "bishop" as an "office":
<blockquote>
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
</blockquote>
}}

==Response to claim: 141- a deacon cannot be a 12-year-old boy, but must be mature men and "the husband of one wife"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states that a deacon cannot be a 12-year-old boy, but must be mature men and "the husband of one wife."
|authorsources=<br>
#1 Timothy 3:8-12
}}
{{misinformation|
This is the result of some changes in the nature of priesthood offices. This is a letter with instructions given to Timothy from Paul, and is basically the equivalent of the church Handbook today, or a letter from the First Presidency with instructions/policies, which can be changed as needed. According to Brigham Young (JD 2:89, 1854):

<blockquote>
When you have got your Bishop, he needs assistants, and he ordains Counselors, Priests, Teachers, and Deacons, and calls them to help him; and he wishes men of his own heart and hand to do this. Says he, “I dare not even call a man to be a Deacon, to assist me in my calling, unless he has a family.” It is not the business of an ignorant young man, of no experience in family matters, to inquire into the circumstances of families, and know the wants of every person. Some may want medicine and nourishment, and to be looked after, and it is not the business of boys to do this; but select a man who has got a family to be a Deacon, whose wife can go with him, and assist him in administering to the needy in the ward. <ref>{{JDfairwiki|author=Brigham Young|vol=2|disc=19|start=89|date=1854}}</ref>
</blockquote>

The original division in the priesthood was between temporal and sacred functions, with the Aaronic priesthood administering to the temporal needs (the remains of this function has the Bishop as the head of the Aaronic Priesthood in the ward). The shift to younger/older divisions happened after the requirements for Statehood removed the ability of the Church to function in the temporal realm. The functions of the Aaronic Priesthood were being subsumed under the Territorial and later State governments. That left the Aaronic Priesthood with nothing to do, and the shift provided different ways for the Aaronic Priesthood to have a function in the ecclesiastical realm.
}}

==Response to claim: 141 - "Teachers" must be "mature Christians" that are "able to teach others" rather than teenagers==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states that "Teachers" must be "mature Christians" that are "able to teach others" rather than teenagers.
|authorsource=2 Timothy 2:2
}}
{{misinformation|
The ''New Testament Student Manual 2014'' states,
<blockquote>
In Paul’s list of Church officers, he mentioned teachers immediately after apostles and prophets, which underscores the importance of effective teachers in the Church. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged all of us to improve our teaching skills:

“In this Church it is virtually impossible to find anyone who is not a guide of one kind or another to his or her fellow members of the flock. Little wonder that Paul would say in his writings, ‘God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers.’ [1 Corinthians 12:28.] 
</blockquote>

Therefore, according to Elder Holland, the "teachers" being referred to by Paul are anyone who is a "guide of one kind or another to his or her fellow members of the flock."
}}

==Response to claim: 141 - The author states the the LDS Church "does not have any pastors"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states the the LDS Church "does not have any pastors," and states that it is "inconsistent for Mormons to insist the words ''apostles'' and ''teachers'' are specific offices of the priesthood while denying that ''pastor'' or ''evangelist'' are priesthood offices."
|authorsources=<br>
#Joseph Fielding Smith, ''Doctrines of Salvation,'' vol. 3, 108-9; Ephesians 4:11
}}
{{misinformation|A Latter-day Saint bishop or stake president is the equivalent of a pastor in other churches. Elder Tad Callister stated,
<blockquote>
The blueprint of the New Testament reveals other officers that constituted part of the organization of Christ’s Church: bishops (see 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1:7); elders (see Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5); deacons (see Philippians 1:1); evangelists (see Ephesians 4:11), meaning patriarchs; and pastors (see Ephesians 4:11), meaning such men as bishops and stake presidents who preside over a flock.<ref>Tad R. Callister, [https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2014/01/what-is-the-blueprint-of-christs-church?lang=eng "What Is the Blueprint of Christ's Church?,"] CES Devotional for Young Adults (January 12, 2014}</ref>
</blockquote>
}}

==Response to claim: 141 - The author states that "Evangelist" and "Patriarch" are not the same==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states that "Evangelist" and "Patriarch" are not the same.
|authorsources=<br>
#Joseph Fielding Smith, ''Doctrines of Salvation,'' vol. 3, 108, 170.
}}
{{misinformation|Joseph Smith defined "evangelist" as "patriarch",
<blockquote>
An Evangelist is a Patriarch. … Wherever the Church of Christ is established in the earth, there should be a Patriarch for the benefit of the posterity of the Saints, as it was with Jacob in giving his patriarchal blessing unto his sons. <ref>''Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith'', sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 151.</ref>
</blockquote>
}}

==Response to claim: 142-143- The author claims that the Bible justifies a paid ministry==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author claims that the Bible justifies a paid ministry.
|authorsources=<br>
#Numbers 35:7; Josh. 21:191; Timothy 5:17-18; 1 Corinthians 9:5-6; 1 Corinthians 9:11, 14; 2 Corinthians 11:8; Phil. 4:16, 18.
}}
{{information}}
{{:Question: What do the scriptures teach about paid ministry in the Church of Jesus Christ?}}

==Response to claim: 143 - The author claims that "Many of the Mormons are not aware that their apostles receive a salary"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author claims that "Many of the Mormons are not aware that their apostles receive a salary."
|authorsources=<br>
#The Encyclopedia of Mormonism
}}
{{propaganda|After making a biblical case for having a paid ministry, the author is now complaining that top church leaders receive a living allowance.
}}
{{:Question: Why do General Authorities receive living stipends?}}

==Response to claim: 144 - Church finances are not made public==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author complains that Church finances are not made public.
|authorsources=<br>
#Not provided.
}}
{{information}}
{{:Question: Why does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) not provide public disclosure of its financial data?}}

==Response to claim: 145 - baptism does not need to be done "by someone holding a special priesthood"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author claims that baptism does not need to be done "by someone holding a special priesthood," and that it is simply "a symbol of one's identification with Christ and is not a necessary requirement for salvation."
|authorsources=<br>
#Acts 16:30-34
|authorsources=<br>
#
}}
}}
{{misinformation|The Bible talks of the authority required to perform ordinances in the name of Jesus Christ.}}
{{:Question: What does the Bible teach about priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ?}}

==Response to claim: 145 - "Joseph Smith supposedly restored the original temple ceremony of the Old Testament"==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states that "Joseph Smith supposedly restored the original temple ceremony of the Old Testament."
|authorsources=<br>
#Bruce R. McConkie, ''Mormon Doctrine'', 780-1.
|authorsources=<br>
#
}}
}}
{{information|Joseph Smith was indeed inspired to restore something genuinely Christian and genuinely ancient}}
{{:Question: Do modern temple rituals have analogues in early Christian practice?}}

==Response to claim: 147 - The author states that Paul condemned "endless genealogies" and that this contradicts the idea of performing temple marriages for the dead==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author states that Paul condemned "endless genealogies" and that this contradicts the idea of performing temple marriages for the dead.
|authorsources=<br>
#Timothy 1:4; Titus 3:9
}}
{{misinformation|The Bible does not forbid genealogies: It rejects the use of genealogies to "prove" one's righteousness, or the truth of one's teachings.}}
{{:Question: Does the Bible condemn genealogical research?}}

==Response to claim: 147 - The author claims that Paul was not advocating the practice of baptism for the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:29, and that he was only emphasizing resurrection==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author claims that Paul was not advocating the practice of baptism for the dead in 1 Corinthians 15:29, and that he was only emphasizing resurrection.
|authorsources=<br>
#1 Corinthains 15:29
}}
{{misinformation|This is the author's own interpretation of the scripture.}}
{{:Question: Does the practice of baptism for the dead have ancient roots?}}

==Response to claim: 148 - temples became unnecessary after Christ and that they were replaced by the atonement of Christ==
{{IndexClaimItemShort
|title=Mormonism Unmasked
|claim=The author claims that temples became unnecessary after Christ and that they were replaced by the atonement of Christ.
|authorsources=<br>
#Hebrews
}}
{{misinformation}}
{{:Question: Was the temple obsolete after Christ?}}

{{endnotes sources}}



<!-- PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING BELOW THIS LINE -->