So one of the shows doing well on the Great White Way these days is “The Book of Mormon.” It’s a satirical look at Mormons, done by the creators of “South Park.”
I do not expect that it is an altogether reliable source for information about the faith.
At the same time, I doubt they made anything up out of whole cloth. Let me clarify: if a farcical look at Jews said something like, “And we drink the blood of Christian babies,” that clearly would be false, but the authors of the piece would not have made it up; they would be repeating a false charge leveled against Jews many years ago, and that would be the source of the statement.
With that framework in mind, I’d like to share the claims about Mormon faith made in the show-stopper song “I Believe.” As this is GQ, what I’m asking for is the factual basis, in the context in Mormon faith, dogma, and history, for the claim. I am well aware that may readers do not believe that Mormons, Christians, or any religious faith contains truth, and your further reminder is unnecessary. But in the context of Mormonism, where do these claims fit, how true are they, and what’s the background on them?
[ul]
[li]the Lord, God, created the universe. (Christian and Jewish roots, uncontroversial I expect)[/li][li]He sent His only Son to die for my sins (Christian, likewise)[/li][li]ancient Jews built boats and sailed to America[/li][li]that God has a plan for all of us, and that plan involves me getting my own planet[/li][li]the current President of The Church, Thomas Monson, speaks directly to God[/li][li]in 1978, God changed his mind about black people[/li][li]that God lives on a planet called Kolob[/li][li]that Jesus has his own planet as well[/li][li]the Garden of Eden was in Jackson County, Missouri[/li][/ul]
I have no basis for authoritatively answering any of these questions, but I’m replying anyway, just to see what answers are given.
I’m not a Mormon and I have no specialized knowledge of Mormonism, but from what I have picked up here and there, all these things are things I’ve heard about Mormonism.
Yeees, it’s a popular thing for people to make fun of mormonism for. Mormon heaven is divided into 3 sections, the telestial, terrestrial and celestial kingdoms. Only those with sealed temple marriages are able to enter the celestial kingdom and live as God does.
Sure, Mormonism has a strong belief in direct revelation. Dogma could be changed at any time by the President getting new info from God. The early history of the church is amusing to read with various people trying to challenge Smith and later Young’s dogma with their own revelations.
Yep.
I believe Kolob is said to be the star nearest God’s throne. Whether it’s a planet, a star, or a metaphor is an issue that various mormons are still working out.
I haven’t heard so but I’m at best a dilettante when it comes to Mormon theology. I wouldn’t be surprised, though.
Inner Stickler got it right. But I figured I would throw in some extra info.
Yes
Yes, but the Mormon’s are not Trinitarians… when most Christians say this they really mean that God sent an aspect/form/part of himself known as the son. Mormons mean a literal son. He and God are two completely separate beings.
Yep. Led by the prophet Lehi and his son the prophet Nephi. They sailed from somewhere on the Arabian peninsula landing without stop somewhere on the West coast of the Americas. The actual Book of Mormon is supposed to be a history of them and their descendants as compiled by the later prophet Mormon.
Ummmm… kinda. The very best can earn a right to become gods and goddesses and rule along side God, under his guidance. In the 19th century there were a lot of quotes about ruling planets. But I think most Mormons think they get their own universe now. But it is hardly spelled out how the whole thing will actually work. So really the most we can say is that his plan involves you becoming a co-ruler with God.
Yep. He is supposed to be a prophet like Moses. I don’t think they are supposed to do a lot of direct talking any more. More like guidance and “inspiration.” I don’t remember the last time a Mormon prophet ever said “thus sayeth the Lord.” They used to do that a lot but God hasn’t seemed to have as much to say since the 19th century.
Yep. Although increasingly the church seems to be moving to the line that God didn’t change his mind. The leaders and members were just not good enough to know the whole truth. So it wasn’t God keeping black people out, it was the impurity of the members and the general public. But now that we’ve stopped being such dicks, God can let black men hold the priesthood.
Kolob is a name for the place where God lives. What it is, where it is, etc. isn’t really talked about. And really outside an occasional reference in a Hymn it isn’t really ever mentioned. It maybe a planet, but the church doesn’t know and doesn’t seem to care.
Not that I know of. Jesus is the Savior of this world. He is pretty solidly attached here. Either he gets this one… or he gets them all.
Yep. It is also known as Adam-ondi-Ahman. Not only was it Eden, it is also where Christ will return to, after a quick stop in Jerusalem. And Kansas City and Jerusalem be joint capitols of God’s Kingdom on Earth during the millennium.
Bartman pretty much carried the ball here. Not much to add to that.
I realize much of this may seem strange to many non-Mormons , but honestly, so seems the Catholic practice of saving and displaying body parts (Relics) of their dead saints. All religions are a bit strange to non members.
I remember reading someplace that the original “Battlestar Galactica” was laced with Mormon theology. In that series, they often spoke of the “Lords of Kobol.”