Christian Research Service
Statement & Contact Alert
June 4, 2005
Christianbook.com Compromises the Faith
No 'Plan To Discontinue' Book Defending Mormonism
Dear Fellow Christians:
In an ongoing effort to keep the online Christian bookstores updated on non-Christian authors and materials, Christianbook.com was contacted by CRS and, at their request, was provided with irrefutable documentation on Robert Millet's book, A Different Jesus? The Christ of the Latter-Day Saints.
Robert Millet is a lifelong, dedicated Mormon, a prolific author and writer, Professor at Brigham Young University, and the "Manager of Outreach and Interfaith Relations" with the LDS Church Public Affairs. He also trains Mormon missionaries in the task of defending Mormonism against its critics (see "(Video) Religious scholar addresses how to handle anti-mormon criticism and questions," BYU NewsNet, 3/11/04 at http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/49068 ).
As with any dedicated Mormon, Millet's agenda is to spread Mormonism and convince the body of Christ that Mormonism is Christian. In spite of the talks with and documentation provided to Christianbook.com, and in spite of Robert Millet's name listed on the Master List since June 25, 2004, here is what Christianbook.com had to say:
"Thanks for sending the details on this book. We looked this book over today. It seems clear to us from the preface and afterword by Richard Mouw that the intent of this book is not to endorse Mormon beliefs – instead this is a book geared toward engaging dialogue and falls within the scope of books we would carry. If this was simply a book written by Robert Millet alone to promote Mormon beliefs we wouldn’t carry it–however we feel the preface and afterward by Robert Mouw set it in a different context, particularly since he makes clear in the afterward that he does not accept the tenets or claims of Mormonism. At this time we don’t plan to discontinue this title." (BJ Russell, June 2, 2005).
"This book carries a foreword and an afterword by Dr. Richard Mouw, the President of Fuller Theological Seminary. In his comments he recognizes the issues that evangelicals would have in common with Mormons and also points out those issues with which evangelicals would strongly disagree.We are not carrying the book because we endorse Dr. Millet’s position, but we feel that it is important to better understand the teachings of the LDS church" (Becky Silva, fowarded to her from the "Buying Department," then to CRS on June 3, 2005, emp. theirs).
While the above replies speak for themselves, one blatant irony is that within the Description provided on A Different Jesus?, Christianbook.com clearly states in part:
"Description: Points out where Latter-Day Saints agree with creedal Christians and where they don't. A leading Mormon scholar who has spent a lifetime in conversation with believers reconsiders the earliest documents, defends his church's views, and clears away numerous misconceptions and distortions" (emp. added, click HERE to verify).
Because of "Evangelicals" like Richard Mouw, and fellow endorsers Craig L. Blomberg (Denver Seminary), David Neff (Christianity Today), Craig J. Hazen (Biola University and Vice President of EMNR), and Greg Johnson (Standing Together), innocent, gullible Christians worldwide will be seduced into believing that Mormonism is Christian (see Reviews at Eerdmans Publishing Company).
In addition, the Acknowledgements section of A Different Jesus? plainly states that Millet's "friends" (including Mouw, Blomberg, Neff, Hazen and Johnson), "have been kind and helpful in reading the manuscript and offering comments about its quality" (p. xvi). Therefore, these men knew exactly what they were doing.
"I think that an open-minded Christian reader of this book will sense that Bob Millet is in fact trusting in the Jesus of the Bible for his salvation. That is certainly my sense" --Richard Mouw, Afterword from A Different Jesus?, p. 183
This is not a question of being "open minded," as Mouw suggests, but of discernment between that which is true and false, good and evil. Mormonism teaches that: men and women can become gods and rule over their own planet; Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer and just one god in a pantheon of gods; Jesus was produced through sexual relations between the Mormon god and virgin Mary; the Trinity is three gods; Jesus was married; nobody will enter heaven without the consent of Joseph Smith, Jr.; the Book of Mormon is equal to the Bible, and salvation is by obedience to the Mormon gospel and works.
To the discerning Christian, the teachings of Mormonism are not only foreign to the Bible, but deadly to the spiritual welfare of those searching for the real Jesus Christ and the truth of His word. For one to discern a counterfeit "Jesus," one must know the real Jesus of the Bible (John 7:38; John 14:6; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Hebrews 4:12; Hebrews 5:14).
Indeed, these men, along with one of the largest online Christian bookstores in the world, have compromised the faith and done a tremendous disservice to the body of Christ.
Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness
and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6:14-15)
While Christian Research Service fully recognizes Christianbook.com's freedom to advertise and promote any author or book it chooses, Christians are under a Scriptural command to warn the body of Christ about the false teachers and wolves in our midst (Acts 20:27-31), defend the faith (Jude 3), and expose the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11).
Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.
For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by
their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting
(Romans 16:17-18).
From its beginning, Mormonism and its "Jesus" is a lie straight from the pit of hell to the lips, mind and pen of Joseph Smith, Jr. The "Jesus" of Mormonism is an in-your-face counterfeit (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4), which does not have the power to save, sanctify and redeem a precious soul for whom the real Biblical Jesus died for. The Mormon "Jesus" is as cold, dead, unforgiving and lifeless as the statue on the front cover of Robert Millet's book.
If you are disturbed about Christianbook.com's advertisement and promotion of a book written by a Mormon that promotes the cult of Mormonism, and endorsed by compromising "Evangelicals," please consider voicing your concerns in Christianbook.com's Review Center (click HERE), as others have done (see below). Or, use the following contact info:
Ray Hendrickson, President
Christian Book Distributors
PO Box 7000
Peabody MA 01961-7000
Phone: 1-800-247-4784
FAX: (978) 977-5010
International Calls: (978) 977-5000
My fellow Christians, this is not the time to sit back and allow other Christians to address the serious issues at hand. If you truly love the Lord with all your heart, then do what the Lord has called you to do: take a stand, defend the faith and share the truth in love.
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me (Jesus Christ, Luke 9:23).
Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
Jude 3
---------------------------------------------------
Rex Smith from US ( Reviewed on June 09, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "I am unsure of how many theologians work for Christianbook.com but I believe that it should alarm them that well known and proven Christian apologists who have spent years witnessing and debating with Mormons are raising concern over this book. Specifically several nationally known ministries started by people who spent years in the Mormon Church but later came to a saving knowledge of the true Christ taught in the Bible. Are we to believe that they somehow misunderstood the doctrines taught there while they were the ones teaching them? Are we to believe that our doctrines are so similar as to not warn people about this deception of Satan. The Mormons still believe that we can become gods, Jesus is the Spirit brother of Lucifer, and just one god in a pantheon of gods, Jesus was produced through sexual relations between the Mormon god and virgin Mary, the Trinity is three gods. They also believe that nobody will enter heaven without the consent of Joseph Smith Jr. and the list goes on and on. Christianbook.com please use discernment and do not sell this deceptive work any longer. It is nothing more than Mormon propeganda designed in such a way as to make Mormon doctrine seem Christian. "
Sandy Simpson from Pearl City, HI ( Reviewed on June 08, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "Why are you selling a book by a Mormon? Are you a Christian bookseller or a cult bookseller? Mormonism is a cult and continues to follow a false prophet and use a false scripture. There is no excuse for "evangelicals" like Richard Mouw to have endorsed this book or apologized to Mormons for preaching the Gospel to them because they do not understand the nature of the Father, Son or Holy Spirit. They are actively trying to deceive Christians as they have for decades into thinking they are orthodox when they have not moved one inch toward orthodoxy. I am going to warn people to quit buying from your store as long as you continue to promote a cult."
milinda from seattle wa ( Reviewed on June 08, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "unless one has lived through the devastation of false teachings and false doctrines, and knows the desolation that it can bring to a person's life, you will not be able to understand the false jesus, false gospel, and false spirit that this book you are selling, "a different Jesus the Christ of the Latter Day Saints" will do to the people who are new in the faith. Please reconsider your selling of this book, so that people may not be devoured by the enemy. And that you may not be a cause of stumbling for those who are seeking the true Jesus of the bible, the word of God. devastation - lay waste, ravage, destroy, waste, sack, raze, ruin, desolate, spoil, wreck, demolish, level, flatten, gut, obliterate desolation - 2. grief, sorrow, dreariness, despair, gloom, distress, melancholy, sadness, misery, woe, anguish, wretchedness, unhappiness. from the American Century Thesaurus "
Steve Muse from Delanson, NY ( Reviewed on June 06, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "Robert Millet gives us an excellent apologetic of his Mormon beliefs in A Different Jesus. I find it is quite bizarre to see several noted Christian apologists and scholars giving their approval of a work intended to turn those reading this book to Mormonism. In writing this book, Robert Millet has done his job well promoting his Mormon Christ and Christianbook.com is now an active accomplice helping him to further his agenda of bringing many new converts into the Mormon church. I find no fault for Millet writing this book because that is what he has been called by the LDS to do but to watch many so called Christians stumbling over one another to promote this work of darkness, if it were not so sad, it would be laughable. It is one thing to find this book at any secular book store but to find a well known Christian book seller promoting this book which may draw many away from their faith in Christ into a relationship with another Christ will only bring God's judgment and not His favor."
Julie from Cornfields IL ( Reviewed on June 05, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "I am an ex-mormon and currently a church secretary at a CHRISTIAN church. We order from CBD quite often. I am saddened to see that you are offering this type of material on your site. Please be more cautious when selecting books for sale- you might be leading someone "to the dark side". "
cassandrah batya from united states ( Reviewed on June 04, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "I find it to be irresponsible that a Christian book store would promote such blasphemous literature. I am concerned about those who are looking for Christ and may believe this is the way to Him. We all as Christians have a responsibilty to present the true Gospel of Christ. There is no difference between selling this Mormon literature or Satanic bibles. Both books are full of heretical doctrine. To say Christians should be open-minded to the message which is presented in its pages is a sellout. I have to believe that the god which is being honored here is really the almighty dollar."
Dan Harting from Noblesville, IN ( Reviewed on June 04, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "I find it hard to understand why you wuld promote a book that might lead one person into Mormonism. Just the fact that a trusted Christian publisher would publish ths book lends credence to the Mormon church. I am deeply disapointed that you have done this.I have several of your books on my book shelf, but I can assure you, there will no more. In HIS service, Dan Harting"
Dennis & Rauni Higley from Salt Lake City, Utah ( Reviewed on June 04, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "This book should NOT be offered in a Christian Bookstore, where people trustingly buy literature to edify and help in their walk with the Lord of the Bible. Mormons worships a "Jesus" who is Satan's brother and Gods who are not Gods, but creations of Joseph Smith. We are former LDS, former devout members of 40 years. We have left it and repented from our false-god worship in Mormonism. Please do not tempt people with this book.Professor Millet from BYU is the same one who trains Mormon missionaries how to deceive about 300 thousand Christians ANNUALLY to join the Mormon Church by saying that they are Christian, when they are not: they are counterfeit, and non-Christian. You should know that this book represents how the Mormon Church is planning on getting counted among Christians without changing their doctrine - which is that God was once a mortal man and a polygamist, and that Jesus and Lucifer, all angels and mankind are children born to God and his many wives in "pre-existence", and that Jesus came to "work out his own salvation" and provide resurrection to "his brothers and sisters" so that they too can become gods and goddesses and create other worlds and populate them with their spirit-offspring. Mormonism is as anti-biblical as any New Age or pagan doctrine. Please remove Millet's book from your list. Sincerely, Dennis & Rauni Higley Our website: www.hismin.com "
Chris Carmichael from KCMO ( Reviewed on June 03, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "A Christian bookseller with any integrity would not be selling this Mormon propaganda. It doesn't matter if Richard Mouw wrote the Foreword and Afterword, or not. The fact is, if you put a big slice of bologna in between two slices of bread, it's still a bologna sandwich. Except in the case of this book, it isn't just bologna, it's heresy. Shame on you, Christianbook.com."
Marsha Iddings from Clarkston, WA ( Reviewed on June 01, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "I am appauled that a Christian Book Seller would sell a book written by a cult member defending his false religion! I would expect that of a secular book seller, but not of a Christian bookseller. What has happened to the Biblical warnings against dealing with false teachers of false doctrines? Are people ignoring it so they can be politcally correct? I can not shop with confidence any longer with CBD. Marsha"
Bud Press from Shelby NC ( Reviewed on June 01, 2005 )
Product Rating: 0 out of 5
Comments: "Robert Millet is a Professor at Brigham Young University, and a lifelong dedicated Mormon. Mormonism, which is in direct opposition to historic Christianity, teaches that: man can become a god; Jesus is the spirit brother of Lucifer; Jesus was not begotten by the Holy Ghost (as the Bible clearly teaches), but through sexual relations between God the father and Mary; the Trinity is three gods (not one God in three Persons); Jesus was married; nobody will enter heaven without the consent of Joseph Smith, and that the "Book of Mormon" is above the Bible. Galatians 1:6-9 and 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 warns Christians about a counterfeit Jesus, gospel and spirit. Therefore, the Mormon "Jesus" never existed in the first place. Indeed, it is amazing that a non-Christian book is being advertised and promoted in Christianbook.com. --Bud Press"
As a service to the body of Christ, Christian Research Service provides information, documentation and referral on a wide variety of issues to individuals, companies, pastors, outreach ministries and the Christian news media. All correspondence written or received is subject to public scrutiny.
© Christian Research Service 2004
