Christianity has seen its fair share of offshoots, but few have managed to build full-fledged religious empires out of creative reinterpretations of doctrine quite like Armstrongism and Mormonism. Both claim to be the one true restoration of the faith, both thrive on apocalyptic urgency, and both have an unhealthy obsession with their human founders. If we put them in a room together, they might just form a new sect called the Church of Fraud of Latter-Gay Snakes.
Despite their theological differences, Armstrongism and Mormonism share an eerie number of similarities, especially in how they twist scripture, demand cult-like loyalty, and add extra-biblical revelations. While orthodox Christianity remains rooted in the teachings of Christ and the apostles, these two movements have concocted alternate histories, bizarre eschatologies, and extra-scriptural authorities that would make even the most eccentric televangelist blush. So, let’s take a ride through the land of self-proclaimed prophets, angelic encounters, and prophetic date-setting, all while contrasting these heretical hijinks against real Christian doctrine.
1. Self-Appointed Prophets and the Art of Self-Promotion
Cults:
Both Armstrongism and Mormonism are built on the charisma (or narcissism) of their founders. Joseph Smith and Herbert W. Armstrong were men of vision—quite literally, in Smith’s case, since he claimed to see angels giving him golden plates. Armstrong, on the other hand, didn't need plates; he simply received "truth" that had supposedly been lost for 1900 years.
Christianity:
Orthodox Christianity, by contrast, isn’t reliant on a single human figure for legitimacy. Jesus Christ alone is the foundation (Ephesians 2:20), not a conman with an overactive imagination or a failed ad-man turned apostle. Real Christianity doesn’t hinge on the latest visionary’s new revelations but on the unchanging truth of the gospel.
2. Extra-Biblical Scripture: Because One Bible Just Isn't Enough
Cults:
Mormons have the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Armstrongists don’t technically have a second Bible, but they may as well, given the sheer volume of Armstrong’s writings treated as inspired. Reading Armstrong’s "Mystery of the Ages" is practically a rite of passage for the faithful, much like a young Mormon memorizing passages from Joseph Smith’s works.
Christianity:
Orthodox Christianity, however, sees the Bible as a complete and sufficient revelation from God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). No need for hidden plates, angelic visitations, or restored truths from men who conveniently declare themselves the only ones to receive them.
3. The Cult of Personality: When Leaders Become Demigods
Cults:
Mormonism has Joseph Smith and a long succession of "prophets, seers, and revelators." Armstrongism had Herbert W. Armstrong, and when he died, the movement splintered into various factions, each with its own leader vying for the title of supreme Restorer of Truth™. The legacy has continued, with figures like Jon Brisby and Stephen Flurry ensuring that devotion to Armstrong remains alive and well.
Christianity:
Meanwhile, Christianity revolves around Christ (Colossians 1:18). No apostolic succession of self-proclaimed prophets is needed. Christians are called to follow Jesus, not the latest leader who claims divine authority.
4. Restored Truth Syndrome: Everyone Else Got It Wrong Until NOW
Cults:
Armstrongism and Mormonism both thrive on the belief that historical Christianity completely lost the truth for centuries—until their respective leaders conveniently rediscovered it. Mormons claim the church went apostate after the death of the apostles, while Armstrongists believe Christianity went off the rails shortly after the first century, only to be corrected by Armstrong in the 20th century.
Christianity:
But if Jesus promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18), how could Christianity have been lost for nearly two millennia? Orthodox Christianity doesn’t suffer from this messiah complex; it trusts that God preserved His word and His church throughout history.
5. Eschatology: The End is Always Near!
Cults:
Both movements have a flair for the dramatic when it comes to the end times. Mormons have their elaborate prophecies about America’s role in the last days, while Armstrongists have spent decades predicting the Great Tribulation (spoiler: it’s always just a few years away). When dates fail, they just move the goalposts—a strategy that would make doomsday cults proud.
Christianity:
Meanwhile, biblical Christianity acknowledges that while Christ will return, we don’t set dates or indulge in conspiracy theories (Matthew 24:36). The gospel isn’t about fear-based urgency but about faith in Christ.
6. Works-Based Salvation: Jumping Through Hoops for the Kingdom
Cults:
Mormonism and Armstrongism both preach a form of works-based salvation. Mormons require temple rituals, celestial marriage, and a lifetime of good standing with the church to reach the highest heaven. Armstrongists insist on Sabbath-keeping, holy day observance, and dietary laws, treating grace as something to be supplemented with proper rule-following.
Christianity:
Christianity, on the other hand, teaches salvation by grace through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). No temple endowments, no required feast days—just faith in Jesus Christ. The gospel is simple, but that doesn’t sell as well as an intricate system of legalistic hoops.
7. Secretive Doctrines: Because a Good Cult Always Has Hidden Knowledge
Cults:
Mormons have secret temple ceremonies with handshakes that resemble something out of a Freemason playbook. Armstrongists have their "deeper understanding" of prophecy and hidden knowledge about the identity of modern-day Israel. Both groups pride themselves on having access to truths that outsiders just don’t get.
Christianity:
Christianity has no need for secret knowledge. The gospel is openly preached to all (Romans 10:9-10). There’s no need for secret handshakes, coded language, or obscure prophetic interpretations that only the enlightened few can grasp.
Conclusion: Christianity Versus Counterfeits
Armstrongism and Mormonism share a lot in common—man-centered leadership, extra-biblical revelations, legalism, and esoteric doctrines. They twist the Bible to fit their theological narratives and demand loyalty to their self-proclaimed prophets. While they differ in specific doctrines, they both function as counterfeit versions of Christianity that elevate their founders and institutions over the simple, powerful message of the gospel.
Orthodox Christianity, by contrast, has no need for secret doctrines, apocalyptic fear-mongering, or new revelations from modern-day prophets. It stands firm on the gospel of Jesus Christ, who alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). No Armstrong, no Smith—just Christ.
Perhaps the next time a pair of young men on bicycles or a zealous Armstrongite tries to hand you a booklet, you can hand them a Bible and remind them that the real restoration happened 2000 years ago—and it was finished on the cross. ✝
Comparing Cults: Armstrongism vs. Mormonism © 2025 by Ai-COG is licensed under CC BY-ND 4.0
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