Mormon Myths

Theosis or Apotheosis: Which is it? Have you ever talked to a Mormon, either online or in person who quoted one of the early church fathers to support their belief that they can become a god in the next life?  If so, you're likely already aware that Mormons believe in a doctrine called ' eternal progression ', and when speaking with Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox or Protestants/Evangelicals they will often claim that such a doctrine was taught by the early church fathers in their literature (Patristics), and is best known today as ' theosis '. This is then usually followed up with one or more quotations that in some cases, truly do seem to lend support to such a claim.  However, it must be pointed out that this is a false equivocation on the part of the Mormon and is by no means a novel tactic. ( See this excellent  article  from Fred Anson on beggarsbread.org for more information ) The definition of theosis that Mormons functionally use is actually known as apot...

[ This is Part 1 in a series on  Theosis according to Mormonism  ] Anyone who has ever engaged in rigorous discussions with Mormons, particularly in the online space can attest to what seems to be a more & more common usage of early church fathers (Patristics) quotes that according to them - lend historical support for Mormon doctrine, in this case... Justin Martyr: " But as my discourse is not intended to touch on this point, but to prove to you that the Holy Ghost reproaches men because they were made like God , free from suffering and death, provided that they kept His commandments, and were deemed deserving of the name of His sons, and yet they, becoming like Adam and Eve, work out death for themselves; let the interpretation of the Psalm be held just as you wish, yet thereby it is demonstrated that all men are deemed worthy of becoming “gods,” and of having power to become sons of the Highest ; and shall be each by himself judged and condemned like Adam and Eve.”...

[ This is Part 3 in a series on Theosis according to Mormonism ] Anyone who has ever engaged in rigorous discussions with Mormons, particularly in the online space can attest to what seems to be a more & more common usage of early church fathers (Patristics) quotes that according to them - lend historical support for Mormon doctrine, in this case... Theophilus of Antioch: " But some one will say to us, Was man made by nature mortal? Certainly not. Was he, then, immortal? Neither do we affirm this. But one will say, Was he, then, nothing? Not even this hits the mark. He was by nature neither mortal nor immortal.  For if He had made him immortal from the beginning, He would have made him God. Again, if He had made him mortal, God would seem to be the cause of his death. Neither, then, immortal nor yet mortal did He make him, but, as we have said above, capable of both; so that if he should incline to the things of immortality, keeping the commandment of God, he should receive a...