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Introducing Christianity to Mormons: A Practical and Comparative Guide to What the Bible Teaches
Share Jesus with Your LDS Friends and Family
One of our greatest challenges as Christians is sharing the truth with those who believe they’ve already found it. When witnessing to current or former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it’s essential that you can compassionately delineate biblical teachings from Mormon doctrine while tactfully advocating for Christ.
For every believer who prays for loved ones in the LDS Church—or loved ones who gave up on religion after leaving Mormonism— Introducing Christianity to Mormons is the guidebook you need to witness to them. Inside, you’ll find Get ready to present the case for Christianity with confidence and grace. This book will empower you to share your faith and give you the language to do so effectively with people in the Mormon community.
One of our greatest challenges as Christians is sharing the truth with those who believe they’ve already found it. When witnessing to current or former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it’s essential that you can compassionately delineate biblical teachings from Mormon doctrine while tactfully advocating for Christ.
For every believer who prays for loved ones in the LDS Church—or loved ones who gave up on religion after leaving Mormonism— Introducing Christianity to Mormons is the guidebook you need to witness to them. Inside, you’ll find Get ready to present the case for Christianity with confidence and grace. This book will empower you to share your faith and give you the language to do so effectively with people in the Mormon community.
288 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2022
45 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 18, 2022
I fell away from the Mormon church over 15 years ago, lived as an atheist/agnostic for over a decade and was saved into Evangelical Christianity in 2020. Even though I am living as a new Christian, I still have a lot of Mormon doctrine engrained in me and I don’t want it to muddle up the real Christianity that I want to live in today. This book has helped me so much and also shows you how to have calm conversations to logically combat Mormon teachings against what the Bible says. I highly recommend it!
October 21, 2022
This book is unique in the field of Christian apologetics to Mormons in that it is written for Mormons themselves. The purpose of the book is exactly what the title says. From more than 40 years of study and experience in talking with Mormons, Eric Johnson is more than capable of communicating to Mormons what evangelical Christians actually believe. Because many Mormons think they believe the same things as “other Christians”, Johnson carefully writes to show the differences in the two belief systems.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, not only because it deals with Mormonism (one of my favorite topics), but also because Johnson does a good job of teaching Christian doctrine. I can see this book being used to teach young believers basic Christian doctrine and apologetics, regardless of their previous belief system. Because of this, I highly recommend Introducing Christianity To Mormons even if the reader has no interest in Mormonism. There is enough meat here to chew on for anyone, Mormon, Christian or anyone else.
April 24, 2025
This was a book that I had the opportunity to receive from the author, making it an even more meaningful examination into the truth claims of Christianity, especially when coupled with witnessing up close some of the artifacts described in the book. I appreciated how well Christianity was laid out, contrasting it with the beliefs of the LDS faith. For anyone believing that there are only slight theological variations between biblical, historic Christianity and the LDS religion, this book spells out the major differences between the two systems through clear charts, accompanied with Bible verses and verses from LDS texts. This book is rife with citations and does not shy away from loading it with as many firsthand sources as possible, including a thorough index that readers can return to again at a later date. For that reason alone, I would reference this book when sharing the Gospel or providing further information for people seeking to investigate the claims of Christianity.
That being said, this book seeks to address a few audiences at once, such as Christians wanting to better understand theological differences if they are unfamiliar with the LDS religion, Christians wanting to share the Christian faith with LDS contacts, and even former LDS members who may be seeking additional information on the Christian faith. While I wouldn't be able to speak to how the last group would receive this content, I found Eric Johnson’s book to be particularly helpful for Christians. His heart for the LDS community is evident, and it is in this spirit of love and compassion that he has written such an important discourse on the primary fundamentals of the Christian faith. It is absolutely critical that Bible-believing Christians take the time to understand the truth claims out there, and even to examine the definitions of how each group defines key words. Christian readers wanting a solid understanding of their faith will appreciate this book as a guide to comparative theological beliefs between Christianity and the LDS religion.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
That being said, this book seeks to address a few audiences at once, such as Christians wanting to better understand theological differences if they are unfamiliar with the LDS religion, Christians wanting to share the Christian faith with LDS contacts, and even former LDS members who may be seeking additional information on the Christian faith. While I wouldn't be able to speak to how the last group would receive this content, I found Eric Johnson’s book to be particularly helpful for Christians. His heart for the LDS community is evident, and it is in this spirit of love and compassion that he has written such an important discourse on the primary fundamentals of the Christian faith. It is absolutely critical that Bible-believing Christians take the time to understand the truth claims out there, and even to examine the definitions of how each group defines key words. Christian readers wanting a solid understanding of their faith will appreciate this book as a guide to comparative theological beliefs between Christianity and the LDS religion.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
December 18, 2022
Very helpful, practical guide, to mere-Christian theology. It is written in a way that breaks through many of the barriers that Christians normally run in to when talking to Mormons. Would highly recommend for Christians desiring to talk to their Mormon friends, or Mormons of any kind who wish to learn more about Christian theology.
April 5, 2023
Helpful book to understand the essential differences between Christianity and Mormonism, from a Christian perspective. Focuses on the differences in what we believe about the Bible, God, Christ, salvation, the Trinity, and such essentials. Deals with Mormon counterarguments, always emphasizing the importance of a respectful dialog and ending the conversation when it seems people are getting antsy or otherwise less inclined to listen. Seems well-written and balanced, and is solid on Christian doctrine. I don't fully agree with all the apologetic arguments he uses, but my nitpicks with the book are minor and persnickety. To the degree that I've had in-depth conversations with Mormons I can say that the book seems on-point, and I wish I'd read it before those (few) conversations.
September 4, 2024
Epiccccc, great read from the beginning of the summer that I forgot about but learned a ton from. Dives into misconceptions and unknown truths behind Mormon beliefs, and practical steps for conversations to happen/transformation to be planted
April 1, 2025
Living in Utah as a Christian, this book is a must to help you understand Mormons and how to share the gospel to them
May 11, 2024
Super respectful take on how to explain the difference between Christian and Mormon teachings. The quotes from LDS apostles charted against the Bible's teaching was a great resource. His personal stories of how he directs evangelism conversations was helpful as well.
September 15, 2022
In this non-threatening book, Eric Johnson compares the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with what is taught in the Bible. Highly informative and interesting, it is well worth the read for both members of that faith, non-believers who may be interested in the topic, and Christian believers who care about their "Mormon" friends and/or family members.
August 6, 2022
The differences between Mormonism and Christianity are vast, though they don't appear so to a superficial examination. Both religions, for instance, speak of salvation - yet what Christianity means by the word is totally different from what Mormonism means, and the two definitions are mutually exclusive; both can't be true. This is the fact behind this book.
Let me say that there are, and have been, many books designed to help Christians present the Gospel to Mormons. Some have been exceedingly useful, and others have been less so. Some, I'm afraid, have probably done more harm than good. But I always like to see another good book appear which has this as its purpose. Witnessing to Mormons can be very difficult, and all the help a Christian can get is by no means too much.
This is one of those good books. If I'd had it in hand when I was dealing with Mormonism on a daily basis (but that was 25 years ago, long before the book existed), it would have been a valuable part of my library. Introducting Christianity to Mormons does three things that are vital in such a work: 1) It speaks plain English. Without dumbing anything down, Johnson puts theological concepts in language that ordinary Christians can understand (there's also a glossary in back, which is a great help, since Mormonism and Christianity use two entirely separate dictionaries). 2) It relies on Mormon sources to define Mormon doctrine. There are, alas, people who want to tell Mormons what they believe without ever bothering to go into what Mormonism actually teaches. And there is a difference. Any given Mormon may or may not believe this or that teaching of his church; indeed, in my experience there are many Mormons who have never heard of some of the more embarrassing things that the LDS church holds to be true. It is necessary, therefore, to show that whatever the Mormon in the discussion may believe, his church teaches such-and-such. 3) It doesn't give a false sense of easy work. Witnessing to Mormons is not a quick and easy process. In the years I knew the late Dr. John L. Smith, I heard him say many times that in all his years of witnessing to Mormons, beginning in the 1950s, he never knew of a Mormon coming to Christ in just one encounter, and if it did happen there was surely a lot of work that had taken place on previous occasions. My own, less long, experience confirms that. And Johnson, while not putting it that way, confirms the principle. He doesn't tell you that you can learn a few quick tricks and infallibly bring Mormons to Christ; on the contrary, he tells how in more than one encounter he and the Mormon parted without any profession of faith. It is necessary to understand this - the difficulty of getting the Gospel across to a Mormom, or else you'll experience great disappointment, and Johnson makes the point very well.
If I could only recommend one book for Christians about Mormonism, this might not be it; if it's only possible to recommend one book, you want something with a lot more information in it. But if someone asks me for a list of books on Mormonism I would recommend, I would certainly include this one, right up toward the top of the list.
Let me say that there are, and have been, many books designed to help Christians present the Gospel to Mormons. Some have been exceedingly useful, and others have been less so. Some, I'm afraid, have probably done more harm than good. But I always like to see another good book appear which has this as its purpose. Witnessing to Mormons can be very difficult, and all the help a Christian can get is by no means too much.
This is one of those good books. If I'd had it in hand when I was dealing with Mormonism on a daily basis (but that was 25 years ago, long before the book existed), it would have been a valuable part of my library. Introducting Christianity to Mormons does three things that are vital in such a work: 1) It speaks plain English. Without dumbing anything down, Johnson puts theological concepts in language that ordinary Christians can understand (there's also a glossary in back, which is a great help, since Mormonism and Christianity use two entirely separate dictionaries). 2) It relies on Mormon sources to define Mormon doctrine. There are, alas, people who want to tell Mormons what they believe without ever bothering to go into what Mormonism actually teaches. And there is a difference. Any given Mormon may or may not believe this or that teaching of his church; indeed, in my experience there are many Mormons who have never heard of some of the more embarrassing things that the LDS church holds to be true. It is necessary, therefore, to show that whatever the Mormon in the discussion may believe, his church teaches such-and-such. 3) It doesn't give a false sense of easy work. Witnessing to Mormons is not a quick and easy process. In the years I knew the late Dr. John L. Smith, I heard him say many times that in all his years of witnessing to Mormons, beginning in the 1950s, he never knew of a Mormon coming to Christ in just one encounter, and if it did happen there was surely a lot of work that had taken place on previous occasions. My own, less long, experience confirms that. And Johnson, while not putting it that way, confirms the principle. He doesn't tell you that you can learn a few quick tricks and infallibly bring Mormons to Christ; on the contrary, he tells how in more than one encounter he and the Mormon parted without any profession of faith. It is necessary to understand this - the difficulty of getting the Gospel across to a Mormom, or else you'll experience great disappointment, and Johnson makes the point very well.
If I could only recommend one book for Christians about Mormonism, this might not be it; if it's only possible to recommend one book, you want something with a lot more information in it. But if someone asks me for a list of books on Mormonism I would recommend, I would certainly include this one, right up toward the top of the list.
November 7, 2022
I have been begging Eric Johnson and just about every "big name" published Christian in Mormon Studies that I know to write this book for decades now. Prior to this title, the best book on this subject was Latayne Scott's "After Mormonism, What?: Reclaiming the Ex-Mormon's Worldview for Christ" but that title was short and is now dated. The books that followed in its wake were very often either too light biblically and/or skewed toward apologetics AGAINST Mormonism in the guise of a recovery book for Ex-Mormons.
That is, rather than truly reflecting on theological recovery from Mormonism and the long, hard, haul that it be can for some, many books chose instead to rehash the same old tired polemics that every Ex-Mormon had already heard while they were exiting the Lds Church. This latter tactic just left many angry, bitter, and stuck, rather than helping them heal and move past Mormonism. There were exceptions, but none from a major publisher like Harvest House.
Please understand that I'm not speaking without experience, I currently administrate five (5) Facebook support groups for Ex-Mormons, and I often see how ham-fisted and insensitive many Christians - including and especially many Ex-Mormon Christians who have been out of the recovery process for a while - can be with Ex-Mormons who are freshly out, hurting, confused, scared, and still dragging Mormon culture behind them. A firm, but gentle touch is required for such as these.
You will find that gentle touch here in this book.
Especially problematic is the sectarianism that we Christians drag along with us. Stated plainly, too many mainstream Christians just HAVE to push their particular view of non-essential Christian doctrines onto these transitioning Ex-Mormons and not only does it confuse and scare them, it can lead them to the conclusion that Mormonism was right - Biblical Christianity really IS just a big ball of contention and conflict. What's needed is a focus on unity on the essential doctrines of the Christian Faith and liberty on the non-essentials - and that latter part just seems to be too much for far too many mainstream Christians who work with Ex-Mormons. And if you doubt this you need only add up all the Ex-Mormons who "tried" Biblical Christianity but are now outspoken Atheists due to this harmful behavior from the Christian side of the divide.
But thankfully, you will find that focus on just the essentials here.
Finally, what's needed, but so sorely lacking, in order to work in this area is an understanding of Mormon Culture exclusive of any theological or doctrinal issues since Mormonism is as much a culture as it is a theology. Sadly, many mainstream Christians refuse to empathize and learn this side of Mormon Studies and it shows in their aforementioned "ham-fisted" approach with Ex-Mormons. The tendency is to simply slap the labels, "bad", "wrong", and even "evil" on good and valuable Mormon cultural patterns and concerns even though these are the things that will keep most PIMO (Physically In Mentally Out) Mormons in the LdS Church long after they no longer believe its truth claims. Cultural Mormonism is alive and well and living in the Mormon Corridor, friends!
This lack of cultural understanding has also led to a dynamic where, because Mormon Culture is never being addressed in an empathetic or understanding way, the result is a batch of POMI (Physically Out Mentally In) Ex-Mormons who, despite being out of the LdS Church (even decades in some cases) they still think and act like Mormons.
And this, my friends, is the hardest tightrope to walk if you're a Christian attempting to coach and support Ex-Mormons who are trying to transition into Biblical Christianity: How do you help Ex-Mormons keep the good and valuable parts of Mormon Culture but drop the toxic and/or destructive parts?
This book isn't the complete answer to this last one (guiding enlightenment, time, patience, and holding to standards without using them like a whip are) but it's an important tool in the toolbox and, right now, the best ones that we've got. I simply can not recommend this book highly enough for this and all the other reasons that I have outlined.
Finally, and in the interests of full disclosure, not only was I pushing Eric Johnson to write this book, I was reviewing the chapters as the excerpts were released in the pre-released form in his newsletter. I also reviewed the rough drafts of the book and was given a free copy of the book by the publisher in appreciation for my part in supporting the author in this effort. That said, I don't feel that my personal involvement in this project (as light as it was) has jaundiced or prejudiced my thoughts on it. Frankly, I don't think that I changed a single word in what I saw because even in its raw form, Mr. Johnson was writing absolute gold!
I will close my review by saying this: If you are an Ex-Mormon who is transitioning into mainstream, Biblical Christianity this is a book that you really, really, really need to read. And if you don't think that you need to because the LdS Church taught you everything that you need to know about the Bible and Christianity, that's a good indication that you need to read it the most. Spoiler Alert: It didn't, they lied to you about this too.
And if you are a mainstream, Biblical Christian who works with transitioning Ex-Mormons the inverse is true for you as well. Not only will you get a good tool for your toolbox, but this book will give you an appreciation of the baggage that the Ex-Mormons that you're working with may be dragging along with them. I have been doing this kind of work for some time now, and I needed to read this book badly because there were some things that I had forgotten - and I live in this world daily.
It is not hyperbole to simply say that this is a book that all Ex-Mormons and those who love them should read.
Thank you.
That is, rather than truly reflecting on theological recovery from Mormonism and the long, hard, haul that it be can for some, many books chose instead to rehash the same old tired polemics that every Ex-Mormon had already heard while they were exiting the Lds Church. This latter tactic just left many angry, bitter, and stuck, rather than helping them heal and move past Mormonism. There were exceptions, but none from a major publisher like Harvest House.
Please understand that I'm not speaking without experience, I currently administrate five (5) Facebook support groups for Ex-Mormons, and I often see how ham-fisted and insensitive many Christians - including and especially many Ex-Mormon Christians who have been out of the recovery process for a while - can be with Ex-Mormons who are freshly out, hurting, confused, scared, and still dragging Mormon culture behind them. A firm, but gentle touch is required for such as these.
You will find that gentle touch here in this book.
Especially problematic is the sectarianism that we Christians drag along with us. Stated plainly, too many mainstream Christians just HAVE to push their particular view of non-essential Christian doctrines onto these transitioning Ex-Mormons and not only does it confuse and scare them, it can lead them to the conclusion that Mormonism was right - Biblical Christianity really IS just a big ball of contention and conflict. What's needed is a focus on unity on the essential doctrines of the Christian Faith and liberty on the non-essentials - and that latter part just seems to be too much for far too many mainstream Christians who work with Ex-Mormons. And if you doubt this you need only add up all the Ex-Mormons who "tried" Biblical Christianity but are now outspoken Atheists due to this harmful behavior from the Christian side of the divide.
But thankfully, you will find that focus on just the essentials here.
Finally, what's needed, but so sorely lacking, in order to work in this area is an understanding of Mormon Culture exclusive of any theological or doctrinal issues since Mormonism is as much a culture as it is a theology. Sadly, many mainstream Christians refuse to empathize and learn this side of Mormon Studies and it shows in their aforementioned "ham-fisted" approach with Ex-Mormons. The tendency is to simply slap the labels, "bad", "wrong", and even "evil" on good and valuable Mormon cultural patterns and concerns even though these are the things that will keep most PIMO (Physically In Mentally Out) Mormons in the LdS Church long after they no longer believe its truth claims. Cultural Mormonism is alive and well and living in the Mormon Corridor, friends!
This lack of cultural understanding has also led to a dynamic where, because Mormon Culture is never being addressed in an empathetic or understanding way, the result is a batch of POMI (Physically Out Mentally In) Ex-Mormons who, despite being out of the LdS Church (even decades in some cases) they still think and act like Mormons.
And this, my friends, is the hardest tightrope to walk if you're a Christian attempting to coach and support Ex-Mormons who are trying to transition into Biblical Christianity: How do you help Ex-Mormons keep the good and valuable parts of Mormon Culture but drop the toxic and/or destructive parts?
This book isn't the complete answer to this last one (guiding enlightenment, time, patience, and holding to standards without using them like a whip are) but it's an important tool in the toolbox and, right now, the best ones that we've got. I simply can not recommend this book highly enough for this and all the other reasons that I have outlined.
Finally, and in the interests of full disclosure, not only was I pushing Eric Johnson to write this book, I was reviewing the chapters as the excerpts were released in the pre-released form in his newsletter. I also reviewed the rough drafts of the book and was given a free copy of the book by the publisher in appreciation for my part in supporting the author in this effort. That said, I don't feel that my personal involvement in this project (as light as it was) has jaundiced or prejudiced my thoughts on it. Frankly, I don't think that I changed a single word in what I saw because even in its raw form, Mr. Johnson was writing absolute gold!
I will close my review by saying this: If you are an Ex-Mormon who is transitioning into mainstream, Biblical Christianity this is a book that you really, really, really need to read. And if you don't think that you need to because the LdS Church taught you everything that you need to know about the Bible and Christianity, that's a good indication that you need to read it the most. Spoiler Alert: It didn't, they lied to you about this too.
And if you are a mainstream, Biblical Christian who works with transitioning Ex-Mormons the inverse is true for you as well. Not only will you get a good tool for your toolbox, but this book will give you an appreciation of the baggage that the Ex-Mormons that you're working with may be dragging along with them. I have been doing this kind of work for some time now, and I needed to read this book badly because there were some things that I had forgotten - and I live in this world daily.
It is not hyperbole to simply say that this is a book that all Ex-Mormons and those who love them should read.
Thank you.
December 21, 2023
I read this after befriending a Mormon and desiring a way to have Christ-centered interaction with her that would point her to the true Gospel. It was helpful, though I admit it felt extremely introductory and I found far more helpful information through documentary and even YouTube videos.
April 8, 2025
A book which requires almost as much discernment as the religion which is being discerned.
Although the title of the book rather suggests speaking to Mormons, the acknowledgments mention that 'I pray that this book will encourage Christians to share their faith with the Latter-day Saints.' In light of the book being directed to Christians, it is too heavy on theology we already know, and way too light in educating us about the Mormon religion. A basic historical timeline is entirely missing and the discernment is fragmentary. The following important topics are missing in this book:
+ The vast influence of Freemasonry.
+ The claim that the US is 'the Biblically Promised Land'.
+ Melchizedek priesthood.
+ The translation of a 'Book of Abraham'.
+ Doctrines of eternal marriage ('Temple Marriage Sealing').
+ The 'fire insurance' (mandatory tithes and offerings).
+ They lower the biblical age of accountability from 20 to 8 years and baptize children at that age.
+ They use water for communion.
+ Systematic racism, claim that black skin is a curse. Justification of slavery.
+ Their churches ('temples') can only be visited with a 'Temple Recommend'.
+ They teach murder and a second adultery to be unforgivable sins, which clearly contradicts Scripture.
+ Mormon missionaries are only allowed twice a year to phone relatives. Once a week they are allowed to write handwritten letters.
+ In Utah, the land of the Latter-day 'saints', there are more people on welfare than in any other state according to the population, and the divorce rate is among the highest.
All those previous points can be taught while balancing the word and not creating hate. While those are included at the website https://www.mrm.org/ the book is redirecting to, it should have been included at least in a brief form in this book.
PROS
+ The structure of the book is good, with each chapter starting with a chapter preview and concluding with questions.
+ The table of the differences between Evangelical Christianity and Mormonism is very useful.
+ There is much very useful discernment and the author employs a wise approach to Mormons.
+ Mention of IESOUS as the Angel of KYRIOS in the OT.
NEUTRAL
o Good reflections on the Trinity, stating that its concept is extensively described in the Bible. But he is ignorant of the fact that it is indeed scripturally based on 2 Greek terms (THEIOTES in Rom 1:20 and THEOTETOS in Col 2:9).
CONS
- Quote: "I dedicated my life to Chirts in Jan 1972 at the age of nine while watching a Billy Graham crusade on television with my parents." (Graham had a strong tendency towards universalism; key figure in the ecumenical movement; close collaboration with the Vatican and the Pope; unfriendly takeover of Halley's Bible Handbook and deletion of Jesuit references; advised his friend Nixon to end the Vietnam conflict in a blaze of glory; trained female pastors; great admirer of the 33° Mason Norman Vincent Peale; taught theistic evolution; promoted the catholic-influenced Alpha Course). Billy Graham is mentioned 3 times in this book.
- The author calls himself in this book a 'Master of Divinity', which is a deeply blasphemous title.
- He teaches the erroneous concept of Single-Tense-Salvation leading to the Once-Saved-Always-Saved dogma which he also endorses. Although he teaches about sanctification, he ignores that salvation is a Past-, Present- and Future reality as plainly laid out in the Bible through the respective use of tenses.
- This becomes obvious when he discusses baptism and relates it exclusively to Past Salvation, while being ignorant that the requirement for salvation does not need to be explained away as he does, but that it simply refers to Future Salvation.
In his quest to explain the need away, he goes as far as to consider baptism as 'works', which is an astounding and deeply troubling claim. He does not explain how he comes to such a particular conclusion and why he would not consider e.g. communion as works.
- Quote: "We didn't earn our salvation by our behavior, and we can't 'un-earn' it by our behavior". This is a false teaching and contradict dozens of Paul's warnings to not shipwreck one's salvation precisely through sinful behavior.
- Heavy promotion of the Lutheran doctrine of 'Faith & Grace Alone'. He literally twists history when stating in this book that Luther "made a careful study of the books of Romans and Galatians".
Luther is indeed the key figure in bringing the (Faith / Grace ...-) ALONE doctrines into our vocabulary. He interpolated the word 'alone' in his Bible translation of Rom 3:28. When he was opposed for this, he insulted his enemies. The 2017 version of the Luther Bible has added footnotes on Rom 1:17, 2:13, 3:21, and Rom 3:28 that warn about the deliberate mistranslations Luther committed.
- He describes both the NIV (which is ridiculous) and the ESV as "highly accurate renderings of the original texts". I would rather call it the English simplified version, as it is one of the worst versions in regards of the immense amount of biblical text being cut out - whenever they think that it does not add to the sense (e.g. "and answering, He said" > He said). The version also ignores habitually grammar forms (Participle almost always, Subjunctive often, sometimes even the Passive).
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer is endorsed throughout the book (7x), which is deeply troubling in a book that supposedly should lead people away from Satan and not towards him (Freemason, Black Fraternity 'Der Igel' (The Hedgehog) in Tübingen, strong affinity for Jesuits, claimed that "the biblical witness is uncertain with regard to the virgin birth")
- 20x endorsement of Wayne Grudem (Calvinist, Former Steering Council member and elder at the Vineyard Movement; Theistic Evolution; rejects Noah's flood).
- 8x endorsement of R.C. Sproul (Calvinist).
- 6x endorsement of John MacArthur (Figurehead of Augustinian-Calvinism; Cessationist ...).
- 5x endorsement of Timothy Keller (Ecumenism and explicit promotion of the Catholic Church, G‑spel Coalition, Theistic evolutionist, Contemplative Prayer / Catholic Mysticism, Lectio Divina, Emerging Church, Calvinist, Marxism ...).
- 4x endorsement of C.S. Lewis (believed in purgatory; Tao is the highest morality; rejected biblical inerrancy; theistic evolutionist; considered Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims as brothers in CHRISTOS).
- 4x endorsement of William Lane Craig (Proponent of Theistic Evolution Adam & Eve = Homo heidelbergensis; one million years ago ... contradicting the 77 generations in Luke 3:23-28; he claims that the genre of Genesis 1-11 is pure myth; rejects the Flood and the Tower of Babel; serious errors related to the Trinity and Incarnation; he does not believe in the inerrancy of Scripture).
- One of his main source materials comes from Lee Strobel (a de facto Catholic; a highly problematic teacher; see separate reviews above).
Although the title of the book rather suggests speaking to Mormons, the acknowledgments mention that 'I pray that this book will encourage Christians to share their faith with the Latter-day Saints.' In light of the book being directed to Christians, it is too heavy on theology we already know, and way too light in educating us about the Mormon religion. A basic historical timeline is entirely missing and the discernment is fragmentary. The following important topics are missing in this book:
+ The vast influence of Freemasonry.
+ The claim that the US is 'the Biblically Promised Land'.
+ Melchizedek priesthood.
+ The translation of a 'Book of Abraham'.
+ Doctrines of eternal marriage ('Temple Marriage Sealing').
+ The 'fire insurance' (mandatory tithes and offerings).
+ They lower the biblical age of accountability from 20 to 8 years and baptize children at that age.
+ They use water for communion.
+ Systematic racism, claim that black skin is a curse. Justification of slavery.
+ Their churches ('temples') can only be visited with a 'Temple Recommend'.
+ They teach murder and a second adultery to be unforgivable sins, which clearly contradicts Scripture.
+ Mormon missionaries are only allowed twice a year to phone relatives. Once a week they are allowed to write handwritten letters.
+ In Utah, the land of the Latter-day 'saints', there are more people on welfare than in any other state according to the population, and the divorce rate is among the highest.
All those previous points can be taught while balancing the word and not creating hate. While those are included at the website https://www.mrm.org/ the book is redirecting to, it should have been included at least in a brief form in this book.
PROS
+ The structure of the book is good, with each chapter starting with a chapter preview and concluding with questions.
+ The table of the differences between Evangelical Christianity and Mormonism is very useful.
+ There is much very useful discernment and the author employs a wise approach to Mormons.
+ Mention of IESOUS as the Angel of KYRIOS in the OT.
NEUTRAL
o Good reflections on the Trinity, stating that its concept is extensively described in the Bible. But he is ignorant of the fact that it is indeed scripturally based on 2 Greek terms (THEIOTES in Rom 1:20 and THEOTETOS in Col 2:9).
CONS
- Quote: "I dedicated my life to Chirts in Jan 1972 at the age of nine while watching a Billy Graham crusade on television with my parents." (Graham had a strong tendency towards universalism; key figure in the ecumenical movement; close collaboration with the Vatican and the Pope; unfriendly takeover of Halley's Bible Handbook and deletion of Jesuit references; advised his friend Nixon to end the Vietnam conflict in a blaze of glory; trained female pastors; great admirer of the 33° Mason Norman Vincent Peale; taught theistic evolution; promoted the catholic-influenced Alpha Course). Billy Graham is mentioned 3 times in this book.
- The author calls himself in this book a 'Master of Divinity', which is a deeply blasphemous title.
- He teaches the erroneous concept of Single-Tense-Salvation leading to the Once-Saved-Always-Saved dogma which he also endorses. Although he teaches about sanctification, he ignores that salvation is a Past-, Present- and Future reality as plainly laid out in the Bible through the respective use of tenses.
- This becomes obvious when he discusses baptism and relates it exclusively to Past Salvation, while being ignorant that the requirement for salvation does not need to be explained away as he does, but that it simply refers to Future Salvation.
In his quest to explain the need away, he goes as far as to consider baptism as 'works', which is an astounding and deeply troubling claim. He does not explain how he comes to such a particular conclusion and why he would not consider e.g. communion as works.
- Quote: "We didn't earn our salvation by our behavior, and we can't 'un-earn' it by our behavior". This is a false teaching and contradict dozens of Paul's warnings to not shipwreck one's salvation precisely through sinful behavior.
- Heavy promotion of the Lutheran doctrine of 'Faith & Grace Alone'. He literally twists history when stating in this book that Luther "made a careful study of the books of Romans and Galatians".
Luther is indeed the key figure in bringing the (Faith / Grace ...-) ALONE doctrines into our vocabulary. He interpolated the word 'alone' in his Bible translation of Rom 3:28. When he was opposed for this, he insulted his enemies. The 2017 version of the Luther Bible has added footnotes on Rom 1:17, 2:13, 3:21, and Rom 3:28 that warn about the deliberate mistranslations Luther committed.
- He describes both the NIV (which is ridiculous) and the ESV as "highly accurate renderings of the original texts". I would rather call it the English simplified version, as it is one of the worst versions in regards of the immense amount of biblical text being cut out - whenever they think that it does not add to the sense (e.g. "and answering, He said" > He said). The version also ignores habitually grammar forms (Participle almost always, Subjunctive often, sometimes even the Passive).
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer is endorsed throughout the book (7x), which is deeply troubling in a book that supposedly should lead people away from Satan and not towards him (Freemason, Black Fraternity 'Der Igel' (The Hedgehog) in Tübingen, strong affinity for Jesuits, claimed that "the biblical witness is uncertain with regard to the virgin birth")
- 20x endorsement of Wayne Grudem (Calvinist, Former Steering Council member and elder at the Vineyard Movement; Theistic Evolution; rejects Noah's flood).
- 8x endorsement of R.C. Sproul (Calvinist).
- 6x endorsement of John MacArthur (Figurehead of Augustinian-Calvinism; Cessationist ...).
- 5x endorsement of Timothy Keller (Ecumenism and explicit promotion of the Catholic Church, G‑spel Coalition, Theistic evolutionist, Contemplative Prayer / Catholic Mysticism, Lectio Divina, Emerging Church, Calvinist, Marxism ...).
- 4x endorsement of C.S. Lewis (believed in purgatory; Tao is the highest morality; rejected biblical inerrancy; theistic evolutionist; considered Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims as brothers in CHRISTOS).
- 4x endorsement of William Lane Craig (Proponent of Theistic Evolution Adam & Eve = Homo heidelbergensis; one million years ago ... contradicting the 77 generations in Luke 3:23-28; he claims that the genre of Genesis 1-11 is pure myth; rejects the Flood and the Tower of Babel; serious errors related to the Trinity and Incarnation; he does not believe in the inerrancy of Scripture).
- One of his main source materials comes from Lee Strobel (a de facto Catholic; a highly problematic teacher; see separate reviews above).
November 9, 2022
I heard about this book on Issues, Etc (a podcast for Christians) and encouraged my friends to read it with me. I really enjoyed the clear distinctions between Christianity and Mormonism that Johnson gives. There were a couple of spots near the end of the book that I thought that Johnson could have done better at. I wish that Johnson would have explained that the purpose of good works is for the benefit of our neighbor. He did explain that God does not need our good works because we are saved through Jesus' death and resurrection, which was wonderful, but Johnson lacks an understanding of the doctrine of vocation. I was also disappointed in his rant against baptism and communion giving the forgiveness of sins. He is obviously not a Lutheran as he did not explain that in Matthew 26 that Jesus says that eating and drinking His body and blood is for the forgiveness of sins. Similarly, Johnson did not explain that baptism is intimately tied up with the forgiveness of sins as well as is said in 1 Peter. (The Bible describes Baptism as a gracious and powerful work of God through which He miraculously (though through very “ordinary” means) washes away our sins by applying to us the benefits of Christ's death and resurrection (Acts 2:38-39; Acts 22:16), gives us a new birth in which we “cooperate” just as little as we did in our first birth (John 3:5-7), clothes us in Christ's righteousness (Gal. 3:26-27), gives us the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-6), saves us (1 Peter 3:21), buries us and raises us up with Christ as new creatures (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:11-12), makes us holy in God's sight (Eph. 5: 25-26) and incorporates us into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13).)
I felt that Johnson could have left the differing theologies about baptism and communion out of the book and the book could have still be really wonderful.
I felt that Johnson could have left the differing theologies about baptism and communion out of the book and the book could have still be really wonderful.
April 5, 2024
Read this for my Utah mission trip and finally got around to finishing the last part. Absolutely amazing book!!! This taught me so much about both my faith and the LDS faith. It taught me how to talk to people who believe something different and how to guide them to the truth! This book is amazing for anyone who wants to share their faith, anyone who is LDS, exmo, or just anyone in general who is curious about the differences between LDS and Christianity!! The Lord moved so well through the author and I will be reading it again and using this book to help me!
January 16, 2025
Just finished this lovely book. I was able to use what I learned in conversation with several people with not just LDS backgrounds. I really liked it provides biblical answers to a lot of questions that Mormons have. Overall, it really encouraged and strengthened my faith.
April 13, 2023
The book is a good introductory and lay presentation of the differences between Mormons and Christians. It is just not what I was looking for in a book like this one.
July 26, 2023
This book gives an excellent, in-depth overview of Christianity, especially for those who come from an LDS background.
October 26, 2023
This is a phenomenal resource for anyone who wants to be able to talk to their LDS friends about faith, for those leaving Mormonism, and it will strengthen your own faith as well!
January 15, 2024
4.5⭐️
Very well done, biblically sound, & very comprehensive guide of how to introduce Christianity to Mormons. Great book for anyone wanting to learn more on the subject.
Very well done, biblically sound, & very comprehensive guide of how to introduce Christianity to Mormons. Great book for anyone wanting to learn more on the subject.
April 25, 2024
Not always clear who the audience is. Helpful in some parts, not as helpful in others where it seems to serve as a general apologetics book.
August 11, 2024
Super super super helpful for those who desire to share the Good News. And I don’t mean specifically for Mormons. The direction of addressing your Mormon friends is definitely most applicable but you can easily use it to share with other non-believers.
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