I just want to add to logophile that the complete teachings of the LDS are not outlined on their website.
These teachings are simplified so as not to offend anyone that might be interested in becoming a member. They gloss over many of the beliefs about celestial (plural) marriage, tithing, the word of wisdom, garments, three degrees of glory (and what exactly it takes to achieve the Celestial Kingdom) etc.
Those who wish to know the teachings of the church would be wise to look into publications from other sources. I am a seventh generation "mormon" by birth, but now I'm a Christian. I've come to know Jesus as my Savior and not as LDS doctrine teaches, my "older brother," and the older brother of Satan.
In Genesis, the fallen angles described by Moses when he speaks about the earth being cleansed by flood, are called Nephilim (hebrew). Nephilim is plural for the singular Nephi. I'm sure any LDS worth their salt can tell you about Nephi and his travels to the Americas. The whole Book of Mormon is based upon the story of Nephi. Was Nephi then, a fallen angel sent to deceive mankind. If so, where does that put Mormons?
In Genesis, the fallen angles described by Moses when he speaks about the earth being cleansed by flood, are called Nephilim (hebrew). Nephilim is plural for the singular Nephi.
It may interest you to know that the name Nephi is NOT a Hebrew name -- it is Egyptian, as is the name of Nephi's younger brother, Sam. I always thought it was odd that a name like Sam would appear in the Book of Mormon until I learned that Sam is the Egyptian form of Shem. Also of note is the fact that Laman and Lemuel, Nephi's older brothers, have Arabic names, and the two younger brothers who were conceived during the days of their wandering in the wilderness, were named Jacob and Joseph, which ARE Hebrew names.
It is a well known fact that in Old Testament times names given were very significant and had a meaning associated with the circumstances of their birth or family circumstances -- read the OT account of the births of the 12 sons of Jacob, and you'll see that very clearly. Also note that when Jacob wrestled with God until he had received a blessing, he called the name of the place Peniel, which means "The Face of God."
Now, isn't it interesting that we find three different origins for the names of Lehi's children. The naming of the youngest two, Jacob and Joseph, clearly indicates a connection with the 400 years the Israelites spent wandering in the wilderness. The family of Lehi only spent 8 years, but it must have been equally challenging for them, nonetheless, during that time. Is it possible that the names of Lehi's other children similarly reflect the circumstances in which Lehi found himself at the time of their birth?
And how likely do you think it is that a young man such as Joseph Smith, with very little education, could have hit that nail right on the head if he was just making it up?
The Book of Mormon? What exactly happened to those plates that nobody other than Smith saw?
What exactly is "reformed Egyptian?" That is, other than a made-up language?
How many "Zions" did Smith identify? He seemed to have several convenient "revelations" about this, did he not?
Have you ever compared your "temple ceremonies" to those of the Masons?
All, and I mean ALL of the official doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, in fact, contained and displayed for all to see and explore on the Church's website. The author of this article uses an annoying method to mislead the reader in that the says, "The Mormons have a saying..." when he can't point to any scripture or doctrine which says what he's claiming. I've been a member of the Church all of my life and I've never heard many of the sayings he claims that "we" have. And if even if the saying may exist, it doesn't make it actual doctrine.