Moroni Boloney

Recently I had the opportunity to visit the Temple Square in Salt Lake City. While I was there, an elder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints gave me a private tour. Although the gentleman seemed sincere and claimed he believed in the Bible, there were a number of things that he talked to me about that were contrary to what the Bible teaches.

For example, he pointed out to me at the top of the Mormon Temple spire, a gold angel, Mormons call Moroni. According to Joseph Smith's testimony, Moroni appeared in his bedroom on the night of September 21, 1823. According to Smith's testimony: "On the evening of the twenty-first of September, after I had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness for all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me� for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one."

According to Smith, God responded to this prayer and the manifestation he was seeking materialized. As Smith further described in his testimony: "While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday."

Then the personage introduced himself. Joseph Smith described the visitation by saying: "He called me by name, and said unto me, that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni, that God had a work for me to do."

According to Smith, Moroni appeared several more times thereafter. While subsequent visitations happened at a different location [the Hill Camorah], the visitations were always on the same day - the vernal equinox, a very significant date throughout history when pagans claim they have been very successful in contacting the spirit world.

It is a fact that Mormon tradition is based upon revelation received from this visitor Moroni, a being who came from the spirit world. Although Mormon's say their faith is biblically based, there is reason to believe this is not the case. Paul wrote to the Galatians: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."

Paul warned the Corinthian church about new revelation from angels. He stated: "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."

Is it possible that Mormons, who say they believe the Bible, have ignored this very important warning?

I am Roger Oakland. This has been a biblical perspective to help Understand the Times.