At 11:50 PM 7/3/2005
 
 
To the Reader: Craig Hazen is the Director of M.A. Program in Christian Apologetics, and Associate Professor of Comparative Religion and Apologetics at Biola University (Craig Hazen's Biola Bio), and Vice President of Evangelical Ministries to New Religions (EMNR).
 
Greg Koukl is the Founder and President of STAND TO REASON, a ministry that "trains Christians to think more clearly about their faith and to make an even-handed, incisive, yet gracious defense for classical Christianity and classical Christian values in the public square" (Our Mission). Koukl's radio show, Stand to Reason, broadcasts live every Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on KBRT-AM 740 in Los Angeles, CA ( http://www.str.org/radio/index.htm ).
 
The following excerpts are from Greg Koukl's radio interview with Craig Hazen, dated December 19, 2004. The entire 57 minute program may be reviewed at http://www.strradio.org/current/121904.mp3 . 
 
[At 4:07 into the program, Greg Koukl introduces Craig Hazen:]
 
Greg Koukl: "Now, my guest; a dear friend; a former Chairman of the Board at Stand To Reason and, he's still on our Board; Director of the Apologetics program at Biola University...Doctor Craig Hazen. Craig, it's great to have you here today."
 
Craig Hazen: "Great to be here."
 
[At 49:09 into the interview:]
 
Greg Koukl: "And one doesn't have to say that Mormonism is Satanism, which is a particular kind of religious expression. To say that it is a false religion and therefore inspired by an angel of light, by Satan, which it seems to me Dave Hunt is saying. Yet, Richard Mouw is trying to distance himself from that analysis. Would you be comfortable with Dave Hunt's analysis here, given as I just read it?"
 
Craig Hazen: "Certainly. On one level I think it's totally from the New Testament. You know, Galatians, 2nd Corinthians 11. These are very powerful statements. I think when you, when you boil it all down, certainly. I actually believe that Mormonism is a tremendous achievement of the devil! You know, sometimes the devil is very clever about dancing right on the edge of what appears to be Christian. He's most effective in doing that. We need to be aware of that."
 
[At 53:38 into the interview:]
 
Craig Hazen: "Much of our view of Mormonism is provided by these white-shirted, bike-riding missionaries who come to our door. And, you know, they know nothing about nothing, really, in terms of Mormonism; they just don't. They're 19 year old kids who'd rather be doing something else, generally, but they're, you know, doing their duty and doing their best. They've learned some basic lessons to provide and, they've practiced and practiced and practiced giving their testimony, and that's where it resides."
 
[At 55:07 into the interview:]
 
Greg Koukl: "Okay, one last thing here. We've just got a minute or two...James White, well known Christian apologist, thinker...James is concerned that the comment by [Richard] Mouw has really disheartened Christian apologists, because now he's kinda aided and abeted the enemy, as it were, and taken a shot at these guys that are really working hard...You have a liberal Christian from a liberal institution--Richard Mouw--with liberal theologians, and they're talking about these kind of things. And you got all these other guys who are down in the trenches and they're working hard for years trying to make a difference. And, now, they are thoroughly disheartened...they're discouraged to make an effort, because this is all used against them. What do you have to say?"
 
Craig Hazen: "Well, when he [Richard Mouw] made the comment in the Tabernacle, I, you know, something inside of me; my heart went out to folks like Jerald and Sandra Tanner; people who've done such tremendous historical work that I believe helped push us to the place we are today in this new level of engagement with the LDS. And, you know, to say anything that would lump them in or even cause them to be dishonored in any way troubles me some. And I'm glad Rich Mouw--although he made a statement--he came back with some sort of clarification on that, be that as it may. But..."
 
Greg Koukl: "I'm not sure it helped much, you know."
 
Craig Hazen: "Yeah. I'm not sure but, you know, I totally understand that that could be dishonoring to the folks out there in the trenches."
 
Greg Koukl: "You got a word of encouragement for them?"
 
Craig Hazen: "Keep up the great work, guys! We all have to work together. And I hope they understand that really what we're involved in is a huge war here, where we've got people in the trenches. Not only that, we've got people who are doing peace talks too, who are engaging at the highest levels, seeing if there's any way we can workout a lasting peace."
 
Greg Koukl: "So we got a whole army here working and everybody's got their job, and you're doing one part of it and they're doing another part, and we all work together."
 
Craig Hazen: "That's right. And I'm one of them. I stand in the trenches too! So, I honor what they do."
 
Greg Koukl: "Craig Hazen! Great to have you as a friend; as a brother in Christ; as a co-worker on the field of the kingdom of God. Good talking to you."
 
[End of interview]
 
Endorsing a devilish achievement
 
Certainly, in light of Galatians chapter 1 and 2 Corinthians chapter 11, all cults--including Mormonism--promote a counterfeit Jesus, gospel and spirit, are overshadowed by demonic activity, and are under a divine curse (anathema).
 
But oddly enough, at some point in time before or after the interview, this same Craig Hazen, who clearly stated that "I actually believe that Mormonism is a tremendous achievement of the devil!" was actually furnished with a copy of a manuscript written by a Mormon that defends Mormonism, to read and comment on. Once published, Robert Millet's book, A Different Jesus? The Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, included Hazen in its Acknowlegements section:
 
"My friends Craig Blomberg, Robert Matthews, David Neff, Craig Hazen, Truman Madsen, Greg Johnson, and David Paulsen have been kind and helpful in reading the manuscript and offering comments about its quality" (p. xvi).
 
Make no mistake about it, Robert Millet is a dedicated, lifelong Mormon, a Professor at Brigham Young University, prolific author and writer, and "Now holds a joint appointment with Church Public Affairs (Manager of Outreach and Interfaith Relations)" (Robert Millet's BYU Bio). He also instructs Mormon missionaries and regular LDS church members in how to defend Mormonism against "anti-mormon" critics (refer to the video, "Religious scholar addresses
how to handle anti-mormon criticism and questions" at BYU NewsNet, March 11, 2004).
 
It is interesting to note that of those who were provided with the manuscript,
Craig Blomberg is a Professor at Denver Seminary; David Neff is an Editor at Christianity Today magazine; Craig Hazen is a Professor at Biola University and Vice President of EMNR; Greg Johnson is the President of Standing Together ministries--all of whom are professing Christians. Those remaining, Robert Matthews, Truman Madsen and David Paulsen are Mormon.
 
When Millet's book finally hit the shelves of both walk-in and online Christian bookstores nationwide, the Christian community learned the results of Hazen's evaluation of A Different Jesus?:
 
"Robert L. Millet has done us all a great service with this book. He communicates contemporary Latter-day Saints thinking on Christology with remarkable clarity and charity. His years of open, bold, and authentic dialogue with traditional Protestants of all stripes have certainly given him a special vantage point. This work sets the stage for a whole new level of robust dialogue between the LDS and evangelical Christian communities" (Craig J. Hazen, A Different Jesus?, back cover. See also Eerdmans Reviews).
 
Think about it: Mormons and professing Christians together, reading, commenting on and eventually endorsing a book written by a Mormon that defends the cult of Mormonism. This, in and of itself, is a deceptive combination, and deadly to the spiritual welfare of the uninformed reader, whether Christian or Mormon.
 
I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing
the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things,
to draw away the disciples after them (Acts 20:29-30).
 
Keep in mind that Millet, along with and by way of Greg Johnson of Standing Together, has worked hard over the years to get his foot in the door of Christian churches both here in the U.S. and abroad. Millet and Johnson had their own one-hour weekly broadcast out of Salt Lake City named the "Bob and Greg in Conversation" at KTMV-TV20, prior to its cancellation, that is.
 
Again, during his radio interview with Greg Koukl, Hazen testified publicly that he actually believed that Mormonism is "a tremendous achievement of the devil!" Later, he had the audacity to do an about-face turnaround and provide a glowing review of a book written by a cultist that defends a cult! Hazen's actions, along with his colleagues, will be a stumbling block to gullible Christians. When the dust has settled, history will record that their actions will seal the fate of doubting Mormons--to their eternal doom and separation from God.
 
Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house,
and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in
his evil deeds (2 John 1:9-11).
 
President of the Mormon church admits belief in a different "Jesus"
 
"In bearing testimony of Jesus Christ, President Hinckley spoke of those outside the Church who say Latter-day Saints 'do not believe in the traditional Christ.' 'No, I don't. The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of whom I speak. For the Christ of whom I speak has been revealed in this the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. He together with His Father, appeared to the boy Joseph Smith in the year 1820, and when Joseph left the grove that day, he knew more of the nature of God than all the learned ministers of the gospel of the ages'" (Deseret News, Church News, June 20, 1998, p.7. Gordon B. Hinckley is the current President/Prophet of the Mormon church).
 
You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior (Isaiah 43:10-11).
 
Contrary to Hazen's endorsement, Hinkley's beliefs and Mormonism's teachings, there is no Mormon "Christology." There is no Mormon "Jesus." There are no Mormon "gods." The Book of Mormon isn't worth the paper it's printed on. Universal salvation (universalism) is foreign to the Bible. Every article, book, word, prayer, writing and thought produced in the name and defense of Mormonism is worthless. Mormonism is a seductive cult that began with a false teacher named Joseph Smith, Jr.
 
Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins (John 8:24).
 
Yet, because of "Christians" endorsing books that defend and promote the false teachers, false prophets and false doctrines of the Mormon church, precious souls will be lost and condemned to eternal damnation in the fires of hell. Doubting Mormons will be further deceived and turned away from the real Jesus Christ of the Bible. Innocent but gullible Christians will be conditioned into believing that there is nothing really wrong with books like A Different Jesus? (or Mormonism itself), because it has been approved of and endorsed by "Christians."
 
Craig Hazen, Richard Mouw, Craig Blomberg, David Neff and Greg Johnson were wrong to endorse A Different Jesus?, and they must be held accountable.
 
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)
 
Now that professing Christians are actively involved in the endorsement and promotion of Mormonism, the precedence has been set for others to follow. While local churches have fallen prey, this dangerous trend may soon evolve into the captivation of entire Christian denominations by the Mormon church's non-stop efforts to convince the entire body of Christ that it is Christian.
 
If you think, It can't happen, then take a look at the following ministries, pastors and congregations that have already fallen prey to compromise, deception, dialogues and endorsements, involving Mormons and professing Christians (click HERE - HERE and HERE).   
 
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).
 
Indeed, when news of the endorsements reached the body of Christ, thousands of Christian pastors, laymen, cult-evangelists, apologists and seminary students across the nation should have stood up, voiced their objections, called for immediate disciplinary measures, withheld support, found another seminary to attend, resigned memberships and positions, and defended the faith. Instead, a cold, icy spirit of fear and compromise took hold and caused Christians to be more concerned about their positions and what their peers might say or do. As it is, the professing Christians who endorsed Millet's book continue to hold their positions of influence--including Craig Hazen.
 
But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
 
Regardless of their credentials on the wall, lofty positions, status or popularity, no one is above accountability! No one is above examination! No one is immune from scrutiny! But everyone will answer to the King of kings and Lord of lords (Matthew chapter 23).
 
...and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them (Acts 20:30).
 
Professing Christians who endorse books that mock God and defend doctrines of demons fail miserably to heed the commands of Scripture and recognize God's holy word as their final authority. They serve as poor examples to the Christian church and as representatives of Jesus Christ. By their actions, they contribute to the subtle conditioning process that clouds the minds of Christians; a process that reaches out and snares the sheep they should be protecting in the first place. The conditioning process is deception within deception, and sets the stage for further, darker, deeper deception.
 
As Christians, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in
deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects
into Him who is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15).
 
In his compelling and powerful sermon, Spirit of This Age, the late Walter Martin reminds Christians that:
 
"It is not unloving to tell people the truth. You can get into a lot of trouble doing it.
But if you're in the ministry of God for popularity contests, you have chosen the wrong place. You are supposed to be a witness for Jesus Christ--no matter what it costs."
 
In the same sermon, Martin delivered a solemn warning to the Christian church:

"...when you've got your arm around the wolf, instead of sheep, and you're calling
the wolf 'brother,' then you are prejudicing the gospel, and you are in a very dangerous position where Christians who don't know the truth are concerned. It is imperative that we return to the Biblical standard of righteousness."
 
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ
unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others
save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the
flesh (Jude 21-23).
 
What the body of Christ does not need is spineless Christians who are more concerned about their positions, affiliations, loss of financial support, alliances, and peer-pressure reprisal from their colleagues and constituants.  
 
What the body of Christ does need is strong, discerning Christians who are more concerned with what God says in His word and unafraid of what others might say or do; who are bold in their stance against doctrines of demons; who are willing to expose those who are actively involved in the endorsement and promotion of books such as A Different Jesus?.
 
But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to
spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.
But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you (Galatians 2:4-5).
 
Did Paul "yield in subjection" to the cultists, heretics and compromisers of his day? No! Did Paul travel from city-to-city under the banner of "missiology," side-by-side with cultists? No! Did Paul conduct warm and fuzzy "dialogues" with cultists in Christian churches? No! Did Paul "bridge-the-gap" between Christian and non-Christian denominations? No! Did Paul make "good friends" with wolves in sheep's clothing? No! Did Paul endorse the writings of cultists? No!
 
Paul loved Jesus Christ with all his heart and soul. He didn't sacrifice the gospel or waiver in its defense for good-ol'-boy alliances, academic positions, peer-pressure popularity or friendships with enemies of the cross (Philippians chapter 3). On the contrary, Paul's missionary journey was wrought with danger and terrible persecution, the likes of which most modern-day Christians have yet to experience:
 
Are they servants of Christ?--I speak as if insane--I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five
times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers
in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
 
In spite of everything Paul experienced in his witness for Christ, he maintained concern for the spiritual welfare of the church, which is what every professing Christian should emulate, no matter how costly it may be.
 
Paul didn't compromise, and neither should we...not for one hour, one minute or one second.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
www.christianresearchservice.com
Jude 3
July 4, 2005