A Response to FARMS Critique of Questions to ask your Mormon Friends

Using the Word of God?

Jacobson points out that Christians and Mormons differ on their interpretation of theological words. So, while both Christians and Mormons may use the word "scripture," Christians only think of the Bible while Mormons also include the Book of Mormon, Doctrine of Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, as well as "any other scriptures which might be brought forth by God in the future" (pg. 168). This is no different than what we have said all along, including in our glossary on page 177. However, just because Christians and Mormons differ on this terminology does not mean that the issue should be dropped. Yes, we place a heavy emphasis upon the Bible because we feel it is the Word of God. Mormons supposedly hold to the same view. If this is true, why does the Bible contradict much of what Mormonism teaches? While this is open to debate, it is important for us to come to a consensus as to the importance of the Bible, and that is why we wrote chapter four (What if the Bible is translated correctly after all?). Much of our book dealt with the importance of the Bible to the Christian and how the Mormon should question Article Eight's assertion that the Bible is true only "as far as it is translated correctly." Jacobson makes another point, stating:

The authors also quote Hebrews 1:1-2 ... Mormons certainly accept that Christ is at the head of the Church, but the authors seem to be interpreting this scripture to mean that Christ is the last of the prophets and that no other living prophet will be appointed to guide and direct the church on earth. This scripture makes no such claims, nor does any other passage in the Bible. (pg. 168)

The "Prophet" who was understood by the Jews to be the "Elijah," or final prophet, was Jesus Christ. Some mistook John the Baptist to be this person in John 1:21, but John answered that he was not this person. John had been sent to be the one preparing the way for Christ. Some Mormons like to claim that there were other prophets in the days after Jesus, and so Jesus was not the "last" of the prophets. However, there is a major difference between the role of prophet and the gift of prophets, one point being that none of those given the title of prophet in the New Testament was ever the head of the Church. Consider also that LDS leaders have said that there could be no more than one prophet at a time, something the New Testament appears to allow (Acts 13:1; 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11). The Old Testament also allows for more than one prophet at a time. It is seen from the Bible, especially the book of Hebrews, that Jesus was the culmination of all prophets.