FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Topical Guide/Scripture and Influential Writings/Bible/LDS View
RESOURCES
Being "born again"—what does the Bible mean?
Summary: When the Bible talks about being "born again," what does this mean? How did the first Christians understand this concept?Christianity is a mystery
Summary: Members of the Church believe that the gospel of Christ has been known since the days of Adam. It is claimed that the New Testament teaches that the Gospel of Christ was a mystery unknown until the advent of Christ. (In defense of this claim, they often cite such scriptures as Rom. 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:7, 1 Cor. 4:1; Eph. 3:1-10; Col. 1:25-27).Cosmology of the Bible
Summary: What do we know about how Bible authors viewed the earth and the universe?Genealogy, condemnation of
Summary: Critics of Mormonism charge that the Bible condemns genealogy, and therefore the Latter-day Saint practice of compiling family histories is anti-Biblical, often citing 1 Timothy 1:4 or Titus 3:9."Eternal" commands in the Bible that were changed by later revelation.
Summary: Critics of Mormonism attack Joseph Smith for altering things that were "eternal," while ignoring other matters labeled "eternal" that were later changed by biblical prophets.Hebrews 7 and the Aaronic Priesthood
Summary: Hebrews 7 states that the Aaronic/Levitical Priesthood was "changed" to the unique priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek" held by Jesus Christ. Why then do Latter-day Saints still use the Aaronic Priesthood?On-going divine revelation not necessary
Summary: Critics of Mormonism claim that there is no need for on-going divine revelation today; some even charge that claims of visions from God or revelations to a modern prophet is a blasphemous idea.Three degrees of glory not biblical
Summary: Critics of Mormonism claim that the doctrine of three heavens has no basis in the Bible.Textual criticism
Translations
Summary: What are the merits of various biblical translations?Transmission versus translation
Summary: LDS doctrine expresses belief in the Bible "as far as it is translated correctly." Does translated have a broader sense than the modern one?Trustworthy?
Summary: Do LDS regard the Bible as "untrustworthy"?Old Testament practices
- Animal sacrifice—
Brief Summary: It is claimed that Joseph Smith favored "Old Testament practices" including "teaching animal sacrifice." (Click here for full article)∗ ∗ ∗ - Cursing of enemies—
Brief Summary: Critics charge that Joseph Smith focused on Old Testament ideas and concepts, such as the "cursing of enemies." Critics appeal to New Testament prohibitions of cursing enemies (e.g., Rom. 12:14, and then argue that restoration scriptures or remarks by Church leaders are inconsistent with the Christian command to "bless, not curse." (Click here for full article)∗ ∗ ∗
- Animal sacrifice—