The Christ in Prophecy Journal

Mitt Romney and Mormonism: The Conversion of James Walker

James Walker


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Can a Mormon leave the cult and become a Christian?

I, along with Nathan Jones, had the pleasure of asking this question of James Walker, President of the ministry Watchman Fellowship based in Arlington, Texas. James is a former fourth generation Mormon who found the Lord Jesus Christ and since then has dedicated his life in trying to lead people out of the spiritual darkness of the cults. Experts on cults and false religions, his ministry has indexed nearly 1,200 religious organizations, cults, occultic groups, and controversial doctrinal practices to aid people in spiritual discernment.

Walker’s Conversion to Christianity

Dr. Reagan: Because of Mitt Romney’s presence in the presidential race, the question of Mormonism has been moved to the front burner again. People are interested in Mormonism who have never been interested in it before.

James, how can you speak authoritatively about the Mormon faith?

James Walker: Well, I was born and raised a Mormon, a Latter-day Saint, fourth generation. I was baptized when I was just eight years old and received the laying on of hands for what they call the Gift of the Holy Ghost. Then I later received the Mormon Aaronic priesthood, serving in the offices of deacon, teacher, and priest. I also did baptism work for the dead in the Salt Lake City Temple.

Dr. Reagan: Did you receive Temple baptism?

James Walker: I was baptized for the dead in the Salt Lake City Temple, by proxy.

I believed that Joseph Smith, the Mormon founder and prophet, was a true prophet of God. I once believed that the Book of Mormon was the very word of God. I believed it completely.

Fortunately, I had some Christian friends who loved me and built a bridge of relationship with me, and I was able to come to see that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for what it really is — a cult.

Dr. Reagan: It’s amazing those Christian friends could approach you because weren’t you taught that Christians are the enemy?

James Walker: Yes. It was hard to trust at first, but my Christian friends had some good documentation and some good proofs, and they showed the love of Christ. Over a process I came to realize that the Book of Mormon was not the word of God and that Joseph Smith was not a prophet of God. I was able to receive the true gospel of grace.

Dr. Reagan: Praise the Lord!

James Walker: Since that time, before I became president of Watchman Fellowship, I received a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and a master’s degree in Theology from the Criswell College. I teach at several Bible colleges now on comparative religions. I teach as an adjunct professor at Criswell College in Dallas and at Arlington Baptist College. I also co-teach a one week workshop each year at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Dr. Reagan: Did your family reject you?

James Walker: Eventually my entire family, except for my father, did become Evangelical Christian. My father and I went through a ten year period when we only talked twice during that whole ten year period. He did pass away as a Latter-day Saint.

Dr. Reagan: That must have been a terrible disappointment for you.

James Walker: It was.

Dr. Reagan: I understand it’s very difficult to leave a faith like Mormonism or the Jehovah’s Witnesses because it’s your culture.

Dr. Reagan: Yes, it’s not just about a religion. Everything about you — your identity, your culture, everything that you are — is based on the Book of Mormon, on the prophet Joseph Smith, and on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the next part of this interview with James Walker concerning Mitt Romney’s Mormonism, we’ll get into what Mormons truly teach concerning God, Man and salvation.

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Dr. David Reagan

Dr. David Reagan is the Founder and Evangelist Emeritus of Lamb & Lion Ministries. He is a life-long Bible student, teacher, and preacher and he led over 45 pilgrimages to Israel. Dr. Reagan was the host of the radio then television program Christ in Prophecy for nearly 40 years.

40 CommentsLeave a Comment

  • I met a mormom gal a few year ago who said that she believed in Jesus as Savior. I almost asked her if she attended their services… ever…. do u think some unsuspecting mormons are fooled or do they all have a pretty clear picture of their heretical doctrine?

  • Being a mormon myself I consider myself a Christian and know we have a clear picture of the Savior, His life, His death and His resurrection. I watched the show in reference and was very hurt by the comments and the way these men were laughing and putting down the faith that I love. Can't you please find something else to do besides Mormon bashing? Very Very Hurtful. Do unto others as you would want others to do unto you. Does it hurt you to have people bash your faith or community? I don't consider it heretical. Seems to be the word thrown around if there is a difference of opinion in doctrine.

  • Hello Susie and Anonymous.

    2Cor 11:3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

    4. For if he who comes preaches ANOTHER Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a DIFFERENT spirit which you have not received, or a DIFFERENT gospel which you have not accepted–you may well put up with it!

    The Hindu believes in ‘Jesus’ as one among many gods; again, this is ANOTHER Jesus and not the Lord Jesus Christ portrayed within the New Testament Scriptures and promised in the Old Testament Scriptures.

    A Biblical Christian is one who follows the commands of the Biblical Jesus, who has no connection with the Hindu ‘Jesus’ or the Mormon ‘Jesus’ who is ‘ANOTHER Jesus, a different spirit and a different ‘gospel’.

    Regardless of how ‘similar’ the different ‘Jesus’ may seem to be – similar does not equal ‘same’. Look at what they say; their false words are anti Biblical, and evidence of the sour fruit of a false prophet.

  • Anon…. sorry, i didnt mean to hurt your feelings..
    I will pray that the Lord see fit to reaveal some truths to you as u search Him out in prayer.

  • Anon said "Does it hurt you to have people bash your faith or community?"

    Actually, it doesn't hurt. My reaction tends to be either sadness that non-Christians who reject the truth are condemning themselves to hell or disgust if the demonstration of their hatred of God manifests itself into some outrageous abomination (like some of those foul "art" displays). But I don't get personally hurt since their attacks are really against God, not me.

    But if I am personally attacked for belief in Jesus I don't get hurt because of the following:

    "Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.

    Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets."

    Finally, I'm sure no one's motivation at Lamb & Lion is to hurt or offend you. They are trying to demonstrate to you that Mormonism is not a Christian religion and are trying to save your soul from false beliefs! That is an expression of love and that is how it should be taken. They have YOUR SOUL"S best interest at heart.

  • A "Christian" socialist Jew hating big spending Obama vs. a non-Christian capitalist Jew loving small government Romney.

    IF that is the choice, I'll have to vote for the non-Christian.

    (Romney is NOT my first choice btw)

  • @MormonAnonymous, did you actually watch the show and listen to what James Walker was teaching concerning Mormonism, a faith he once was a priest in? We're not talking different doctrine here, but different religions altogether.

    If you're hurt, it's only because you've been exposed to the truth that Mormonism is a cult that's duped you. That doesn't mean you can't free yourself like James did and accept the Jesus of the Bible and be saved.

  • Dearest Billy

    I am not as kind as you are, because I fear I AM willing to hurt or offend! If I may explain. My old dad was choking on a peanut, he couldn't breathe and was in a dreadful state. First I gave him an almighty slap on his back – twice. He was still choking, so I stood behind him, made a big fist of my two hands, placed them over his diaphram under his ribs and rammed them very hard and brisky until the peanut shot out of his mouth. That hurt him, and bruised him but he lived for another ten years of so.

    Mormons and J.W's are choking to death on the vile fruit of a false prophet, so if telling them the Truth for eternal life hurts them, then so be it! I'm not a sadist, I don't get pleasure from it, in fact I get really upset by hurting anyone who NEEDS to hear The Gospel Truth; but I at least know I have given them a chance for Eternal Life available ONLY through the Biblical Jesus, Gospel and Holy Spirit.

    Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.Provers 27:6

    Hoping and praying that soon, Anonymous will realise L&L are their good friends!

    Sue
    x

  • Sue said "I am not as kind as you are, because I fear I AM willing to hurt or offend!"

    Sue, I politely disagree with you. I don't want to hurt or offend you 🙂 Seriously, I think you have it wrong. You are telling the truth. Period. How someone reacts is ON THEM. YOU do not cause their reaction. If they get hurt, angry, whatever, that is THEIR reaction. So in my view you are NOT hurting or offending anyone by telling them the truth.

  • Well, I won't discuss this further because only Jesus can make this all right in the end. I leave the judgement to HIM, not this ministry and a group who has taken upon them selves to bash other religions. I will pray for you also. Have a great day!!!!!!

  • I forgot to say that James Walker totally misspoke regarding what LDS people believe on so many things including the Virgin birth. I fear that his twisting of some doctrine will be believed by people. This is why you shouldn't have these kind of shows. He was off on so many things.

  • Yes Billy, I certainly get the nuance there. I’m certainly not offended; rather I’m grateful to feel a little better about my motives. 🙂

    Maybe I mean that I am actually fearful, tummy churning sickness, to speak out God’s Word, but I will do it if I am really sure of my facts. Like helping someone with a serious injury (leg cut off in a crash) I was really frightened, but I did it because there was no-one else and I knew it was the right thing to do? At least in an accident, I know there is little chance of the victim not wanting my help and rejecting it – but it’s a bit different when I know there is every likelihood of a confrontational reaction:0 – so when that doesn’t happen – what a relief.

    Thank you Billy 🙂

  • Anonymous
    Joseph Smith claimed that the American Indians came from a Jewish tribe – LDS VERY OWN SCIENTISTS have PROVED from the modern science of DNA testing that was a lie (one of many). The God of the Bible calls Satan the father of lies.

    John 8:44 (Jesus said) You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, FOR HE IS A LIAR AND THE FATHER OF IT.

    The Book of Mormon claims that the Native American populations are descended from the Lamanites, who lived in ancient Israel 2,600 years ago. This concept is stated several times throughout the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants (both of which are part of the “standard works” that makeup the body of LDS scripture):

    “…Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel..” (Book of Mormon:Title Page 1:2)

    “…the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians” (Book of Mormon:Introduction Preface:1-2)

    “…I speak unto you [Lamanites], ye remnant of the house of Israel; and these are the words which I speak:

    Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel.” (Book of Mormon:Mormon 7:1-2)

    “Which is my word to the Gentile, that soon it may go to the Jew, of whom the Lamanites are a remnant…” (Doctrine and Covenants: Section 19:27)

    “Scientific studies conclusively show that the major claim of the Book of Mormon that Israelites are the principle ancestors of Native Americans is false. In fact, there are no Native American populations that share ancestry with Israelites. Attempts to wiggle out of the obviously false claims of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants simply invalidate large amounts of Mormon “scripture.”

    “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5-6)

    http://www.godandscience.org/cults/dna.html

    Anonymous you need to check what you THINK LDS teach, against what they actually teach, for your own sake, not ours.

    Jesus is about to finalise the Church at any moment, there is little time to avoid finding out the truth via God's soon coming judgment of the earth. We want you safe with us as part of the Biblical Church.

  • James Walker was a Temple Mormon and a Mormon priest. Few know Mormon teachings better than he does, and so did not mispeak.

    A great video about the research into the Lamanites made by Mormons who after researching realized Joseph Smith was just making it up as he went along and so came to accept the biblical Jesus is The Bible Versus the Book of Mormon. I encourage any Mormon to test their faith by watching this.

    So true, E.I., we reveal the false teachings of Mormonism because we desire to rescue people from deception and bring them the saving hope of Jesus the only Son of God.

  • So, what's next. Round up all the Mormons and encamp them or worse. This borders a sort of anti-semitism against mormons. This country was founded on religious freedom. Are you the judge and jury on what can and can't be done when it comes to religion. You guys are walking a fine line. God help this country to remain free to choose. Free to worship as we please. God help us against those who hold themselves as judge and jury as to our religious freedoms.

  • @MormonAnonymous, free to chose a lie? Is that what your Mormon faith is to you? And if so, where will it eventually lead for eternity? That's why we're showing you what God's word says in the Bible, so you'll know Jesus' salvation and have life eternally.

  • Well I don't agree with you but I do believe you have the freedom to choose. I just thank God you were not one of our founding fathers or the Constituion would have said "except for Mormons". I thank God for my choice to choose and for my own personal revelation from the Holy spirit and that I don't have to have someone dictate my religion. Just give us some credit for having a mind. Just curious, what do you think of Catholics and Nuns who are maried to Jesus? Are they heretics also? They worship Mary more than Jesus. I believe they have the freedom to worship as they please but I don't believe in their doctrine. Where does this all end? With you once again as judge and jury?

  • Anon,

    A typical reply from someone who has no facts to back up their position. You instead resort to throwing out ridiculous exaggerations and may false accusations.

    No one said round up the Mormons and put them in camps or worse (what…kill them???…oh, brother, please!)

    The only thing you are fearing is the free exchange and expression of thoughts about religion – the very thing you claim to be afraid to lose.

    Get real!

  • Anon,

    Please re-read my comment. I said the "Christian" Obama hates the Jews and the Mormon Romney loves the Jews. I said I would vote for what I consider a non-Christian (Romney) over someone who is supposedly a Christian (Obama).

    So I'd vote for the Mormon over the Christian as my nation's leader. So much for me wanting to "round up the Mormons".

  • Anon,

    You speak against those of us commenting against the Mormon religion (not the individuals, big difference) then you turn around and point out the oddities of Catholics! Take a deep breath and explain your viewpoint as to where you disagree without resorting to cheap tactics. Your viewpoint is just as welcome as anyone.

    So…how about a comment where your post a rebuttal with facts as to where L&L is wrong in it's view on the Mormon religion.

  • Thanks for clarifying about Obama and Romney. I guess there are so many different religions out there with different doctrines I wonder what the fascination is with the Mormons and I don't see Mr Reagan bashing them like he does the LDS religion. All religions may seem odd to those not of that religion. What is the fascination with us. Hope you guys aren't loosing sleep over us unsaved Mormons. I sleep real well at night, right after I pray.

  • Anon,

    No one here is focus exclusively on Mormons. Mostly it is end time Bible prophecy. But false religions is a part of that discussion.

    If you go to the following link:

    http://lamblion.com/articles/articles_cults.php

    …you will see 17 articles by Dr. Reagan under the section regarding "cults". Only 1 of the 17 articles is under the "Mormonism" subtitle. That should be enough evidence to show your comment "I don't see Mr Reagan bashing them like he does the LDS religion" is incorrect.

    You still haven't addressed any of the substantial facts put forth in the articles about the Mormon religion that seem kooky to a mainstream Christian like myself (such as God was a man, God had a wife, we can be gods on other planets, etc.)

    Why don't you get off going after L&L and the rest of us and start defending your religion if it is so dear to your heart.

    I'm STILL waiting….

  • Well, I don't think I want to go down the long road of discussing doctrine with you because that would be ugly. Wouldn't be good. But I don't believe you are kooky Christians. I believe you love your beliefs in God as do I. And I will get off the site. I also believe these are the end times and that as a nation we need to pull together not cut each other down. Can't we stand together against those who would come against our society and freedoms? Mormons are not the enemy. We are good people. We love God, family and Country. We stand with other Christians against the forces that would turn us into a nation of Socialism, Communism or worse. I applaud people like Pastor Hagee and others too many to name, who stand with Israel. And you also misunderstood that I'm against Catholics. I just put them out there for an example of different doctrine. I will close before I get off the site by saying that no matter what people say and how they twist it I am a Christian. I believe in and love My Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I pray for our nation that we don't loose the freedoms we love. I pray that this country will not turn further away from God. God bless!!!!!!

  • A neighbor of mine who finally saw the light in regards to the mormon religion… and came to Christ……. told me the members of her church growing up were strictly instructed to never discuss or debate mormon do trine with outsiders. I dont no if thats true or not, but i didnt think billy would get any type of detail from anon regarding their doctrine.

  • Wrong again Susie. Why doesn't the show put on someone lds to debate. Because you want to keep it one sided. Your side, to laugh at and make fun of others like a bunch of high school bullies. If I debated doctrine you guys would just put down anything I say and what's the purpose. Without the spirit you wouldn't understand anything I say anyway. Your neighbor who saw the light? Please, I have plenty of light in my life. When are you going to see the light? Maybe you are the one without the light. Did you ever think of that. Have you ever read the Book of Mormon or just go by what others say. Have you ever gone to the LDS church to find out for yourself. Do you really think doctine can be discussed on a blog. There is no way. Thers is too much scripture and it would take forever. But I would say don't just listen to hearsay. Read the Book!

  • I was just looking around at the other blogs and notice that Susie comes in as a third party. In one blog she says she doesn't know scripture enough to quote it. Well neither do I and we would have to search endlessly to discuss the doctine. And a blog is a terrible place to do this and I don't know scripture by heart. So Susie, don't go down this road of debating doctrine and act like you know more than anyone because of what your neighbor told you.

  • I didnt say she explained any doctrine to me at all. What i said was she was instructed by her church not to discuss doctrine with outsiders. I dont know what … she comes in as a third party means…. i dont know scripture by heart like i would like to however i look up every single one that is listed during discussions so i can further educate myself. I study scripture on a daily basis. How bout u?

  • Yes, I do study scripture, maybe not every day but often. I hope to be able to quote scripture like others do, but I'm not there yet. The point being if you haven't read the Book of Mormon how do you know if it's true or not. I read the Bible and the Book of Mormon and I believe they both are a testiment of Jesus Christ. The Church encourages us to discuss our beliefs with others. The Church is growing leaps and bounds and we have nothing to hide. We invite all to search and decide for themselves. I cannot believe she was told not to discuss doctrine with others. That is not true. What we don't discuss is the sacred nature of the things in the Temple. That is all. But all are invited to go to the Temple if they are worthy. This is a sacred house of the Lord. But there is nothing to hide or be ashamed of. Some people have fallen away like James Walker because they lost the light, and their testimony was tested and they could not withstand the test. Especially if he worked in the Temple, for him to fall away is well, unbelievable. But his prior membership and falling away does not make him anything more than an ex mormon who may have a beef with the church or someone in it. Maybe he was offended or just was never fully converted in the first place. That does not make him the all knowing judge. He has lost the light of the spirit and the darkeness has engulfed him.

  • Hahaha i agree "GO TEBOW!" Well we can respectfully disagree about the mormon religon i guess. I wasnt trying to be sarcastic when i said i was gonna pray for u. I pray pretty much constantly and i always pray for the Lord to personally reveal Himself to me and whoeveGod r is on my mind that day. I find it is a daily process. 🙂 GOD Bless!

  • @MormonAnonymous, James Walker's dedicated his life to helping rescue people from the false teachings of men like Joseph Smith. He loves guys like you. Visit Watchman Fellowship, James' ministry to those caught up in deception.

    And, unfortunately, that's what you are currently – caught up in a deception and you don't even know it. Talk with James. Prove him wrong if you can. Accept Jesus the only Son of God as your Savior before it's too late (Matt. 7:21-23).

  • Anon,

    You said I should read the Book of Mormon. Well, not only have I read some of the book of mormon I've also read some of the koran. Just enough to see for myself what is in those books.

    In the koran I found that the divinity of Jesus is denied. The book of mormon…frankly I found it too kooky to comprehend.

  • Hello Susie

    I am glad to be reminded that you thought I knew Scripture by heart! It had been my intention to tell you that I use the Blue Letter Site as a Concordance. There is a Search button to type in what you remember, then up come the options. I do know some Scriptures by heart, but not enough by far.

    Here is a link to the site that Anonymous could also use to check out what the Bible says contrary to the Book of Moron ‘scriptures’ which is also available to read on line which I considered to be absolutely barking!

    http://www.blueletterbible.org/audio_video/

  • Thanks sue!! I appreciate any reliable sources. I have a Ryrie study bible but i am many times overwhelmed with all the research i wanna do…. and googling with my phone is more than frustrating! Haha so i guess i need to ask God to help me organize and prioritize!!!!…

  • I would like to discuss some of your doctrine Mormonanon.

    Could explain what the Mormon church thinks about the cross, please?

    Are you familiar with Joseph Smith's translating "The Lost Book of Joseph," and what did you think of that?

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