Mormon Singers?

Questions and Answers

 Question

Recently I was in a location and I heard a large group of well-dressed and smiling men who were singing in unison, a cappella, a rendition of “Nearer My God to Thee.”

The song sounded so captivating and the men were obviously “into” the singing. It was quite an impressive event. The statement said that the large chorus or choir was from a BYU group. What should I think?

Answer

I can see why this event or group was so impressive to you. A large group, very well-dressed men, all singing in unison, with cheerful countenance, and occupied with a well-known hymn (“Nearer My God to Thee”) can have an effect!

The identification (BYU) refers to Bringham Young University. This is one of the leading Mormon universities in Utah, named after the renowned false teacher who did much to promote Mormonism in the nineteenth century. You may remember that after Joseph Smith (the founder of the Mormon cult) was killed in a Missouri jail, Bringham Young took over and led some of Smith’s followers westward to the Great Salt Lake in Utah and settled that fledging state. This later became known as Salt Lake City.

Today the Mormon cult is known around the world. Most of the members are Caucasian since blacks were forbidden from the priesthood until the then-president claimed to have receive a “revelation” allowing them to enter the priesthood in the nineteenth century.

Although this group is known for responsible and conservative living, clearly it is a false group that holds to false doctrine. This is why virtually everyone agrees that it is a cult, one that differs widely from the sound teaching of Scripture. Joseph Smith was a false teacher (or false prophet) who was born in New York in the early 1800s. This renowned polygamist was responsible for multiple false prophecies and false teachings.

The Mormons hold to the KJV of the Scriptures but exalt the Book of Mormon, Doctrines and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price. The church is led by a President and twelve assistants. You might know them for the huge and ornate temples built at many places on earth, including the “mother” temple in Salt Lake City.

The experience with which we began this article illustrates how dangerous it is to follow any human being for the person could be either a false teacher or a follower of a false teacher (as in this case). Jesus warned:

Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant shall be uprooted. Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if the blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit (Matthew 15:13-14).

The New Testament is replete with warnings about those who would lead us astray by their false ways. Although these singing men looked very respectable, they clearly were deceivers. (Whether they knew this or not, they were following a false teacher, teaching false doctrines, part of a false cult, and utterly spiritually deceived.)

Remember that the Lord said: “Beware of the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. You will know them by their fruits. . . (Matthew 7:15-16a). Although this Mormon choir sounded good, sung a touching song, and even looked good, they actually were corrupt in doctrine. To repeat the sobering words of Jesus Christ, “Beware”!

–Richard Hollerman