Cult from the Same Cloth

At first glance, Islam and Mormonism would seem to have nothing in common. These two religions were founded more than one-thousand years apart, on opposite sides of the globe by men with very different life experiences. When you hear the word Mormon, many things may come to your mind. For some it may be The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, some may think of Brigham Young University, while others may think of famous athletes such as Bryce Harper, Steve Young, Dale Murphy, and Danny Ainge. Still others simply picture a super friendly neighbor or acquaintance who refuses to take a sip of coffee or sweet tea. Regarding Islam there are a vast number of perceptions that one might have. For many, the thought of a Muslim brings to mind the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001, yet others may think of the newly elected Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani. While some may think of famous athletes like Mohammad Ali, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal. While you cannot deny that Mormonism and Islam have their vast differences, they certainly have some striking similarities.

Islam was created in seventh-century Mecca, Arabia, when a man named Mohammad claimed to receive revelations from the angel Gabriel. Mohammad believed that these revelations were the word of God; these revelations make up the Qur’an. Mohammad and his followers soon fled from Mecca to Yathrib and later to Medina due to persecution. Soon after Mohammad and his followers arrived in Medina, his preaching was graciously accepted by the locals. They began

to live under the Islamic principles, and many tribes were united under Islam.

Mormonism was founded in nineteenth-century up-state New York, when a fourteen-year-old boy named Joseph Smith claimed that an angel named Moroni came to him and told him that all of the current Christian denominations were false and led him to ancient gold plates inscribed with religious history. Smith later published these inscriptions; they are known as the Book of Mormon.

Islam teaches that there is one God who is the creator of everything. The adherents of Islam believe that peace is only acquired by completely submitting to Gods will. Muslims follow the teaching of the Qur’an which they believe to be the direct word of God, revealed to them by their founder Mohammad who they believe to be a prophet. They believe that the only way one can achieve heaven is by their own works.

Mormon theology is built around the belief that God continues to speak to mankind today. Mormonism teaches that God chose Joseph Smith to proclaim the true teachings of God that had been lost to time. They believe that Smith received visions and guidance from God, that he translated into the Book of Mormon which they hold to the same standard as the Bible. Mormons believe that they can become a god and earn their way into heaven through works alone.

Both Islam and Mormonism believe in a Jesus, but this Jesus is far from the Jesus revealed in the Holy Bible. The Jesus of Islam is merely a prophet, where the Jesus of Mormonism is the brother of Satan. This is vastly different from the God-Man He is revealed to be in Holy Scripture.

Islam and Christianity have long been at odds. One of the main principles of Islam is Jihad, which essentially means that all other systems of belief are to be conquered. This conflict has led to Christians being eradicated from some of its earliest centers. The Crusades were a response to Muslim aggression. Constantinople was conquered by Muslims and renamed Istanbul. In modern times, Islam has equated western culture with Christianity, leading to the

attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. on September 11, 2001. Even today in places like Nigeria, Muslims are waging war against Christians, slaughtering them by the thousands.

Similarly, Mormonism and Christianity have had their battles. Joseph Smith was pushed out of New York for his heresy. His views that were contrary to orthodox Christianity led to conflict, even wars, between Mormons and the United States government in Illinois, Missouri, and Utah, as the adherents of this new religion pushed westward.

While Islam and Mormonism seem to be complete opposites in some categories, they certainly have many things in common. From their conflict with Christians throughout the years, to specific theological distinctions, to the very origins of these two religions, you can clearly see that there is nothing new under the sun when a man creates his own religion.

Theology matters. Scripture matters. A religion that denies the Trinity is not true. A religion with a different Jesus is not true. A religion that adds to the finished work of Christ is not true.

Examine all things; hold fast to that which is good. ~1 Thessalonians 5:21