Theory of the Universe

Theory of Human Nature

Diagnosis

Prescription

Mormonism

Does not give any specific background about the nature of the beginning. In fact, it may go as far as saying the universe is eternal or has an infinite past.

Humanity is God’s spiritual offspring and has the potential to be gods of their own planets some day.

Pragmatic Problem

Man was once with God in spiritual form but must now prove he is worthy to live with God eternally

Pragmatic Answer

One must live a life of good deeds: works.

Common Quote: “By my good efforts with God’s help”

Christianity

God created the universe ex nihilo, but it has been knocked out of its original design track and order because of Man’s sin and rebellion against God.

Man was created in the image of God and therefore has characteristics that reflect that image. This makes him unique among the created order in that it gives him the ability to commune with God.

Ontological Problem

Man is dead in his transgressions. Evil is at the core of human existence and essence.

Ontological Answer

There is nothing I can do to set things right. Salvation is only through Christ, and only by his internal work can I be changed.

Jesus

View of Scripture

Relationship of the Godhead

God

Sin

Afterlife

Mormonism

Jesus was once a man and is our spiritual brother. He is the firstborn of God’s “spiritual offspring.”

Jesus had a beginning and is not eternal.

The Bible may be incorrectly translated and cannot be ultimately trusted.

Canonized Scriptures:

Book of Mormon

Doctrine and Covenants

Pearl of Great Price

King James

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all separate persons.

God was once a Man as we are.
Elohim – Name of God

God is Literally Physical as we are but of just a finer grade of “physical.”

Man is held responsible for his own sin and not the sin of Adam.

Sin is “wrong action” and is therefore external.

Four Levels:

3 of Heaven

1 of Hell

Christianity

Son of God but equally human and divine in nature – 100% each.

Christ had no beginning.

Scripture is God-breathed.

Consists of:

39 OT Books

27 NT Books

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are unified in the Trinity – One God in three distinct persons

God is YHWH.

He is not human.

He is not physical in nature.

Man is internally sinful as a result of the fall of Adam. (Original Sin)

Sin is internal and produces evil externally.

Heaven and Hell:

There is no ability to work our way in or out of either.

Atonement and Grace

Heaven

Hell

Lucifer

Humanity

Nature of the Fall

Mormonism

Christ opens the door to the afterlife and the resurrection, but it is our deeds that determine where we will end up.

Grace means making oneself worthy of the grace of God by doing good works in the church, temple, and community.

Three Levels of Heaven:

3. Celestial

2. Terrestrial

1. Telestial

There is not an eternal punishment but more like a prison. We can make restitution for our bad deeds and move out and into heaven.

Satan is one of God’s spiritual offspring and brother of Jesus who is in rebellion

Man is basically good and free to choose.

Elohim, Jesus, Satan, Angels, and Humans are all part of the same race.

The fall was good because it set man on the path to “godhood.”

Adam was set up with conflicting laws and destined to fail.

Christianity

It is only by Christ that I have any hope of life with God and becoming a new Creation.

Also called:
City of Light

Renewed or Restored Earth

Eternal separation from God, also called:

• Sheol

• Ghenna

• Hades

Fallen Angel

Pride and self-love drove him toward rebellion against God. Also called: Liar, Deceiver, Intimidator)

His goal is to “Steal, Kill, and Destroy.”

Man is fallen and prone toward evil and selfish thoughts, deeds, and attitudes.

The fall is bad because it separated humanity from God.