Our catalog of courses is complete. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
This course looks at one of the fastest growing coercive cults in the United States known as the Mormons. In this course, we will take a critical look at the history of Mormonism, its founder, Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and the peculiar beliefs it teaches.
Total classes: 8
Prerequisite: The student should have completed MS Beginning Apologetics or one high school level apologetics course.
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
Suggested credit: 2/3 semester Theology or Apologetics. Add another course or additional reading list for full credit.
Description
This course looks at one of the fastest growing coercive cults in the United States known as the Mormons. Mormonism is growing because most people aren’t aware of its history, its doctrines, and that it is a pseudo-Christian religion that uses terminology to make it sound like a historic Christian sect. In this course, we will take a critical look at the history of Mormonism, its founder, Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and the peculiar beliefs it teaches.
Outline
Class #1 – Denominationalism, Mormonism, and the Restoration Movement
Class #2 – History of Joseph Smith Jr. and his claims to have discovered the Book of Mormon
Class #3 – Problems with the Book of Mormon
Class #4 – More problems with the Book of Mormon and the Claims of Mormonism
Class #5 – The “Great Apostasy” and the “Restoration”
Class #6 – Egypt mania and the translation of the “Book of Abraham”
Class #7 – Peculiar Teachings of Mormonism (polytheism, plural marriage, etc.)
Class #8 – Mind control – Helping Mormons to Break Free
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: Recommended reading: No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie; 20 Answers: Mormonism (Catholic Answers Press)
Homework: Reading and weekly quizzes to reinforce learning. Quizzes are automated for immediate feedback.
