Seek truth. Think freely.
Welcome to Apologia's Resources page, designed for those with questions about Mormonism. Here, we encourage critical evaluation of beliefs and invite you to explore historical documents and theological differences. Our goal is for you to discern the truth and become a free thinker, equipped to evaluate what you believe.
The Jesus of scripture vs. mormon teachings
Understanding Jesus Christ is central to Christian faith, yet Mormonism presents a distinct narrative. While the Bible reveals Jesus as the beginningless Son of God, Creator of all (John 1:1; 17:24; Col. 1:17), Mormon doctrine teaches Jesus was a spirit child of Heavenly Father and Mother, who earned his role as Redeemer through a superior strategy to Lucifer's. The Bible affirms Jesus's atoning work on the cross as the complete payment for sins, declaring "It is finished" (John 19:30; cf. Gal. 2:21). In contrast, historical Mormon teaching, as expressed by Brigham Young, suggested Christ's atonement makes up the difference only after "we have done all we can."
Salvation in biblical Christianity is a gift of God's grace through faith, not works, for "the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-10). The Book of Mormon, however, states that while Jesus's atonement provides immortality for all, exaltation—or godhood—is reserved for Mormons who fulfill specific ordinances like endowments, celestial marriage, and tithing. We invite you to compare these foundations and evaluate the paths to salvation and understanding of Christ.
Examining the adam-god doctrine
One of the most debated historical teachings within Mormonism is the Adam-God theory, primarily advanced by Brigham Young. This doctrine posited that Adam was God the Father, the God of this earth, and even the spiritual and physical father of Jesus Christ. Brigham Young taught this theory extensively for over two decades, claiming it as revelation.
Despite its prominence during his leadership, later Church presidents, such as Spencer W. Kimball, declared it false doctrine. Apostle Bruce R. McConkie even categorized teaching the Adam-God theory as a "damning" false doctrine. Today, many within the Church consider it an "anomaly" or have largely set it aside. Extensive historical records, including journal entries and discourses from figures like Joseph Smith, Wilford Woodruff, Hosea Stout, and many others from 1839 through the early 20th century, document the evolution and eventual repudiation of this doctrine within Mormon thought.
A difficult past: race in early mormon doctrine
Historically, prominent Mormon leaders articulated doctrines concerning race that are deeply troubling and contradict modern Christian principles. Figures like Brigham Young, Bruce R. McConkie, and Joseph Fielding Smith taught that a black skin was a "mark of the curse of heaven" placed upon a "cursed" and "inferior race," often linked to Cain. These teachings asserted that God "made him white" when creating man, denied the priesthood to Black individuals "under no circumstances," and claimed that "negroes are not equal with other races." Some publications even described Black people as having "stunted intelligence" and a "black heart."
The Book of Mormon itself contains passages describing "a skin of blackness" coming upon the Lamanites (American Indians) as a curse for their transgression, with predictions of them becoming "white and delightsome" upon repentance. Leaders also claimed that those who "rejected the Priesthood of God in the pre-existence" were born into the "black race." Astonishingly, the concept of segregation was described by church leader Bruce R. McConkie as having its "ROOT and ORIGIN in the GOSPEL itself" and "right and proper," with the "curse of a black skin" identifying a "caste apart."
Statements by Brigham Young even suggested that the "penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot" for white individuals who mixed their blood with the "seed of Cain," while Joseph Smith wrote against abolitionists, suggesting slavery was a "decree of Jehovah." Later, apostle Ezra Taft Benson claimed the Civil Rights Movement was "fomented almost entirely by the Communists" and a "phony" endeavor. Despite these widespread teachings, historical records also show exceptions, such as Joseph Smith ordaining Elijah Abel, a Black man, to the priesthood in the early days of the church. This complex history underscores the importance of critical inquiry into the origins and evolution of doctrine.
Have a thought about what you've read or seen in our documents? This space is designed for you to share your reflections, ask questions, and contribute to a deeper understanding of Christian apologetics. Your feedback helps illuminate the path to truth for all.