Mormons Have a Different Belief in Hell - You are Most Likely Not Going There

Salt Lake City, Utah – Honorable people throughout the world who are open to religious faith are often discouraged, or confused by incorrect doctrine, according to an Apostle who spoke to the 179th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

One issue has been particularly troubling, according to Elder Quentin L. Cook, a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"They have a difficult time reconciling the correct doctrine that we have a loving Father in Heaven and the incorrect doctrine that most of mankind would be doomed to eternal hell," Elder Cook explained to more than 20,000 Latter-day Saints (often referred to as Mormons) gathered in the Conference Center on Temple Square. The conference was broadcast live to the other 13 million members around the world.

He told the story of his great-great-grandfather Phineas Wolcott Cook who was investigating the beliefs of various religions in the early 1800s. He explained that there was one doctrine of concern to him, and that he was often criticized for questioning it.

"I could not believe that the Lord had made a part (of mankind) to be saved and a part to be damned to all eternity," said Phineas in a journal.

Elder Cook pointed out that scholars have the common teachings of many Protestant churches with respect to hell were incorrect. He said the Anglican Church leader and classic scholar, Frederick Farrar, gave lectures at Westminster Abbey and taught that the definition of hell of endless torment and everlasting damnation were wrong because of translation errors from Hebrew and Greek to English in the King James Version of the Bible.

Latter-day Saints believe that the Church of Jesus Christ was restored in 1830 by Joseph Smith, who they believe to be a modern prophet of God.

"At the time Joseph Smith received revelations and organized the Church, the vast majority of churches taught that the Saviorīs atonement would not bring about the salvation of most of mankind. The common precept was that a few would be saved and the overwhelming majority would be doomed to endless tortures of the most awful and unspeakable intensity," explained Elder Cook.

"The marvelous doctrine revealed to the Prophet Joseph unveiled to us a plan of salvation that is applicable to all mankind, including those who do not hear of Christ in this life, children who die before the age of accountability and those who have no understanding," he added.

Elder Cook emphasized in his sermon that despite differences with other faiths, the Latter-day Saints refrain from criticism of other Christians who believe differently. "They do much good. They bless mankind. Many help their members learn of the Savior and His teachings," he said.

He also counseled members of the Church to be kind and loving to members of the Church regardless of their level of understanding, level of commitment, or activity. He said that the Savior made it clear that church members are not to judge one another, especially members of their own families. "Our obligation is to love and teach and never give up," he said.