The Mormons: A Doctrinal Overview

Abstract

Wayne M. Borgwardt’s essay offers a comprehensive doctrinal critique of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), highlighting its theological divergence from biblical Christianity. Delivered to the Metro South Pastoral Conference in 1981, the paper examines Mormon teachings on salvation, human nature, God, and church ordinances. Borgwardt outlines the Mormon view of existence in three stages—pre-existence, mortality, and post-resurrection—and exposes its work-righteousness, universalism, and denial of original sin. He critiques the materialistic and polytheistic concept of God, the doctrine of eternal progression, and the practice of celestial marriage and vicarious ordinances for the dead. The essay also explores the origins and authority of Mormon scriptures and the influence of founders Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Borgwardt concludes that Mormonism, despite its moral veneer and Christian terminology, is a deceptive religious system that undermines the gospel of grace and promotes self-deification. Abstract generated with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).