Distinctive Christianity

Book: Tracy Y. Cannon: Tabernacle Organist and Pioneering Musician, 1879-1961

220. Shelby Fisher on Tracy Young Cannon and LDS Hymnody

Mon, 11 May 2026 10:00:34 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Shelby Fisher to discuss her book Tracy Y. Cannon: Tabernacle Organist and Pioneering Musician, 1879-1961. Who was Tracy Young Cannon, and why does he matter? A highly-trained organist and accomplished musician, Tracy Cannon had a huge impact on the musical landscape of the LDS Community – both in his work as an educator, as well as his work on the General Music Committee that helped shape the development of LDS Hymnody and the music environment of Sunday services. Having trained under many then-famous experts in organ, piano and composition, Tracy Cannon had a vision of a more refined and improved musical culture among his people. This was even showcased by his playing public recitals on the famous Tabernacle organ for decades, for the enjoyment of member and non-member alike. Listen in as Dr. Fisher takes us through a tour of the development of LDS hymnody, from the Latter-day Saints Psalmody (of 1889) through to the Latter-day Saint Hymns (of 1927) to the official Hymns: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of 1948. Tracy Young Cannon wrote the music for several of the hymns for the LDS church and people – including hymns like “Come, Rejoice”, “Praise the Lord with Heart and Voice”, and “How Beautiful Thy Temples, Lord”. In addition, Tracy Cannon wrote The Organist’s Manual – which aided in the improvement of the musical quality of wards throughout the LDS Church, which then had the organ as their official instrument for Sunday services. This tour will include names well-known and some less known, including a major part played by President Heber J. Grant, both in the desire for theological clarity when it comes to worship music – as well as his founding of the General Music Committee in 1920.

Hymns of which Tracy Y. Cannon wrote the tune, and two of which he also wrote the text:

- “Come, Rejoice” (also here)

- “God of Power, God of Right”

- “Praise the Lord with Heart and Voice” (also here)

- “The Lord Be With Us”

- “Come, Let Us Sing an Evening Hymn”

- “Jesus, Mighty King in Zion”

- “How Beautiful Thy Temples, Lord”

“Sing What We Believe” by Elder Heber J. Grant

“Farewell Address of Apostle Heber J. Grant”

Hymns: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1948)

- “O My Father” (also here)

George Q. Cannon: Politician, Publisher, Apostle of Polygamy by Kenneth Cannon II

Eduardo Balderas: Father of Church Translation, 1907-1989 by Ignacio Garcia

A sample of Alberto Jonas, Alexandre Guilmant (and here), and Pietro Yon (and here)

The English Hymn: Its Development and Use by Louis Benson

219. Daniel Stevens on Reading the Psalms with the Author of Hebrews

Mon, 04 May 2026 08:10:49 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Daniel Stevens to discuss his book Songs of the Son: Reading the Psalms with the Author of Hebrews. Starting with the issue of how truly interconnected are the Old and New Testaments, we ask about how the Psalms should help us to see the Bible, in its diversity, as a unified whole. Is Christ Jesus objectively in the Psalms or is the New Testament often a collection of subjective reader-responses (with privilege)? What is the teaching of Hebrews on the matter, how does the author view the Psalms - and why does this matter when it comes to the claims of Christ? Listen in as we ask Dr. Stevens about “prosopological exegesis”, and how we can see that the one God who speaks in the Epistle includes and involves the personal voices of Father, Son and Holy Spirit – with even glimpses into the Father and the Son speaking to each other, and God the Holy Spirit speaking to the congregation. Why is the “divine conversation” between God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit key to the entire argument of the Epistle to the Hebrews, as a whole? Moreover, we hear this play out in how the Psalms point to Christ Jesus, and how the author of Hebrews helps us see greater clarity and resolution in the Psalms given the life, death, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus. The God-man himself is the source and substance of any hope fallen and sinful man has in entering the true Promised Land and being reconciled with the unique and sovereign God who created all things and upholds them in His power. Moreover, perhaps the pattern Hebrews models directly impacted the early Church’s Creeds, both in terms of doctrine and grammar.

Book: Songs of the Son: Reading the Psalms with the Author of Hebrews

Other resources by Dr. Stevens:

- The Theme of Promise in the Epistle to the Hebrews: A Promise Remains

- “More Than Red Letters: Jesus’s Teaching Across the New Testament” (TGC)

- “Is It Valid? A Case for the Repunctuation in Hebrews 9:17” (JBL)

Other resources:

Divine Discourse in the Epistle to the Hebrews by Madison Pierce

The Paradox of Sonship: Christology in the Epistle to the Hebrews by R.B. Jamieson

The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology by Matthew Emadi

God, Grace, and Righteousness in Wisdom of Solomon and Paul’s Letter to the Romans: Texts in Conversation by Jonathan Linebaugh

Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger

“King Follett Discourse”; “The Sermon in the Grove” by President-Prophet Joseph Smith

- See also D&C 93, 132; JST John 1; Abraham 3, 4

“Be Ye Therefore Perfect” by LDS President-Prophet Spencer W. Kimball

Wrestling the Angel; The God Who Weeps by Terryl Givens

218. Matt O'Reilly on Free to Be Holy

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:44 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Matt O’Reilly to discuss his book Free To Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification. What is biblical holiness – and how does biblical holiness relate to the Gospel of Grace? What does it mean to “be holy” as God is holy, and what is the role of God, the Holy Spirit in the sanctification of the believer? From the Garden of Eden to Isaiah 6, and from the “Holiness Code” of Leviticus to our Savior’s Sermon on the Mount, Dr. O’Reilly argues that holiness is an “integrative doctrine” - aiding the attentive reader to understand one of the deep threads of Bible, from our creation in the image of God to being conformed to the image of Christ. How do we properly understand holiness and sanctification without compromising the Gospel of Grace? Does man have a “sin nature”? And when Christ calls us to “be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” – how do we properly understand the text, in context? Listen in as Dr. O’Reilly helps deepen our understanding of God, man, sin, nature – and the entire purpose God has for those who are made in his image and likeness.

Book: Free To Be Holy: A Biblical Theology of Sanctification

Also, by Dr. O’Reilly:

Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church

Paul and the Resurrected Body: Social Identity and Ethical Practice

Other resources:

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Against God and Nature: The Doctrine of Sin by Thomas McCall

Desiring the Kingdom; Imagining the Kingdom by James K. A. Smith

Paul and the Person: Reframing Paul’s Anthropology by Susan Grove Eastman

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee

The Miracle of Forgiveness by President Spencer W. Kimball (also here)

“Call to the Holy Apostleship” by President (then-Elder) Russell M. Nelson

1 Ne. 3:7; D&C 82:7; 130:20-21

Scourby: Romans; Isaiah; Matthew

217. Paul Gutacker on The Old Faith in a New Nation

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:08 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Paul Gutacker to discuss his book The Old Faith in a New Nation: American Protestants and the Christian Past. Given a construct of “biblicism” - the standard narrative of American evangelicalism often assumes or involves the ahistoric and anti-traditional. Yet, as Dr. Gutacker both argues and writes: “American Protestants never read, or argued over, the Bible alone.” What was the place, role, and priority of the past in the polemics of early American history? Indeed, how does the key role that history played in the arguments all throughout the period of 1780-1864 contribute to a proper understanding of the “democratization of American Christianity”? What were the sources so often studied and cited in debates among all the Christian denominations – as well as their historiographical tendencies and patterns of analysis? From many of the Founding Fathers to Baptist minister James P. Boyce and the founding of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – to even Restorationism, or the “Christian movement” - the arguments among Christians are saturated with appeals to history, and past Christian thinkers. Indeed, “religious memory contributed to denominational competition”. Moreover, far from “biblicism” alone leading to an inevitable impasse during the crisis surrounding the Civil War, tradition was no more able to settle the debates regarding slavery and even the place of the Church, either. Listen in as we hear Dr. Gutacker take us into this, and even more regarding questions of the Great Tradition, the place of history, and even how the blind spots of the past may help us be more sensitive to the blind spots of the present.

Book: The Old Faith in a New Nation: American Protestants and the Christian Past

Also check out: Brazos Fellows

The Democratization of American Christianity by Nathan O. Hatch

The Civil War as a Theological Crisis by Mark Noll

How To Think by Alan Jacobs

Dominion by Tom Holland

Evangelicals and Tradition by D. H. Williams

The Spirit of Early Christian Thought; Liberty in the Things of God by Robert Louis Wilken

“General History of the Baptist Denomination” by David Benedict

216. Bradley Campbell on LDS Theology: Joseph Smith's King Follett Discourse (Part 2/2)

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:32:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back and finish our interview with Bradley Campbell of God Loves Mormons (GLM) and the Mormonism Research Ministry (MRM). We ask Bradley about five more topics that indicate change over time in LDS teaching, what these changes indicate about the “official” teachings of the LDS church, and why it matters. Moreover, we discuss Joseph Smith’s King Follett Discourse, his most famous and important sermon – and ask whether it is Mormon doctrine. Indeed, we end with a discussion about the difficulty of determining “official doctrine” in the LDS theological system – and why it matters, especially from a Christian perspective.

God Loves Mormons (GLM; YouTube)

Mormonism Research Ministry (MRM)

Utah Christian Research Center (also here)

Videos:

- “5 More Things the LDS Church No Longer Teaches”

- “This One Sermon Might Prove That Joseph Smith was a Fraud”

- “Why do Christians seem to Misrepresent Mormonism?”

- “The LDS Church denied this for 100 years...until now”

Please check out our interview with Dr. Loren Pankratz about Blake Ostler’s revisionism about the King Follett Discourse.

Hear our previous interviews with Bradley here:

- LDS Theology: Past and Present (Part 1/2)

- LDS Theology: Past and Present (Part 2/2)

- On the LDS Presiding Patriarch

- Interviews Dr. Matthew Emadi about the Temple

215. Bradley Campbell on LDS Theology: Past and Present, Again (Part 1/2)

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:50:29 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back and begin our interview with Bradley Campbell of God Loves Mormons (GLM) and the Mormonism Research Ministry (MRM). We ask Bradley about five more topics that indicate change over time in LDS teaching, what these changes indicate about the “official” teachings of the LDS church, and why it matters. Moreover, we discuss Joseph Smith’s King Follett Discourse, his most famous and important sermon – and ask whether it is Mormon doctrine. Indeed, we end with a discussion about the difficulty of determining “official doctrine” in the LDS theological system – and why it matters, especially from a Christian perspective.

God Loves Mormons (GLM; YouTube)

Mormonism Research Ministry (MRM)

Utah Christian Research Center (also here)

Videos:

- “5 More Things the LDS Church No Longer Teaches”

- “This One Sermon Might Prove That Joseph Smith was a Fraud”

- “Why do Christians seem to Misrepresent Mormonism?”

- “The LDS Church denied this for 100 years...until now”

Please check out our interview with Dr. Loren Pankratz about Blake Ostler’s revisionism about the King Follett Discourse.

Hear our previous interviews with Bradley here:

- LDS Theology: Past and Present (Part 1/2)

- LDS Theology: Past and Present (Part 2/2)

- On the LDS Presiding Patriarch

- Interviews Dr. Matthew Emadi about the Temple

214. Tanner Talbot on The Arizona Tucson Mission Disaster

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:00:37 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Tanner Talbot to discuss his LDS mission experience as documented in his article “The Arizona Tucson Mission Disaster: An LDS Church Cover Up?”. We begin with his upbringing in the LDS Church, as well as some of the cultural pressures and dynamics which are key to understanding the place and importance of serving an honorable full-time mission in and for the LDS church. We hear about some of the expectations and impressions communicated by the leadership and laity of the LDS church about what a mission experience will be – and then spend time hearing about what Tanner’s experience, on the ground, actually was. With dynamics such as perfect obedience leading to increased spirituality and church-growth-results being a constant message to the missionaries, we hear about what the moral state, and mental state, of many of these missionaries actually was – within what turned out to be something of a unique mission where the LDS church hid many who should not (for themselves, and for others) have been on such a mission. We hear of the mental and emotional turmoil (in addition to even physical danger) Tanner suffered as a result of what was, at best, negligence on the part of the LDS leadership – and what this did to Tanner, spiritually. We then turn to how Tanner eventually faced the full impact of his LDS mission – and how he was eventualy freed by the (Christian) Gospel and the Christ Jesus of the Bible.

Article:“The Arizona Tucson Mission Disaster: An LDS Church Cover Up?”

Also check out: A Call for Reform

- “The Great Apostasy Lie: A 2,000 Year Timeline of Saved By Faith Alone”

Other resources:

Recent LDS Statement on Translations

Check out the ESV Study Bible (also here)

Scribes and Scriptures by John Meade and Peter Gurry

Core Christianity by Michael Horton

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Mache

The Freedom of a Christian; The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther

Institutes of the Christian Religion; “Letter to Cardinal Sadoleto” by John Calvin

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins; Restoring Christ: Leaving Mormon Jesus for Jesus of the Gospels by Grant Palmer

Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith by Linda King Newell and Valeen Tippetts Avery

Publication of pictures of Seer Stone: here and here

“Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease” by Elder David Bednar

“The Church Impotent: The History and Theology of Dispensationalism” (Ancient Paths TV)

213. CFM: Exodus

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:05:04 +0000

In this episode, Casey and Skyler discuss and critique the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual’s coverage of Exodus.

Please read (and even listen) to Exodus (ESV, KJV)

Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual)

Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

“Exceeding Great and Precious Promises” by Elder David A. Bednar

“The Reflection in the Water” by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens

Joseph Smith As Scientist; A Rational Theology by Elder John A. Widtsoe

The Pentateuch: Life in the Presence of God by J. Daniel Hays

An Introduction to the Old Testament by Edward J. Young

Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos

Who Is God? by Richard Bauckham

The Meaning of the Pentateuch by John Sailhamer

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Israel in Egypt; Ancient Israel in Sinai; “’These Things Happened’: Why a Historical Exodus Is Essential for Theology” by James K. Hoffmeier

Ancient Egypt in the Old Testament; Against the Gods by John Currid

Thanksgiving by David Pao

The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale

Westminster Shorter Catechism

The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological and Pastoral Commentary by R. Scott Clark

God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

The Mystery of the Trinity by Vern Poythress

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God; Knowing God by J. I. Packer

212. Ed Romine on Spurgeon's Christ-Centered Hermeneut

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:30:46 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Pastor Ed Romine to discuss his book The Booming Baritone Bell of England, specifically his third chapter: “The Christ-Centered Hermeneut: A Christ-Centered Hermeneutical Foundation for Spurgeon’s Evangelism”. What is Hermeneutics, and how should the methodological principles of interpretation be tuned to the type of text we are engaging with? Given Spurgeon’s view of the Bible, how does (and does not) that mean he interprets the Bible like any other book? What did Spurgeon mean by “spiritualizing” the text, and how did he think that should be limited when both interpreting and preaching the text of Scripture? Moreover, Ed gives us a sample of a worship service at The Metropolitan Tabernacle and how the Word of God was at the center. He also helps us understand the distinction between expositions and sermons, and gives us some insight and samples into how these played out for those attending. Ed writes, “For Spurgeon, all of the Bible speaks of Christ Jesus”. Listen in and hear how that was the case, and why that matters for today.

Book: The Booming Baritone Bell of England

Check out: First Baptist Church of Provo

Past interview with Dr. Romine about Spurgeon: Part One, Part Two

Other resources:

Tethered to the Cross by Thomas Breimaier

Spurgeon the Pastor by Geoffrey Chang

Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition; Contemplating God with the Great Tradition by Craig Carter

211. Stephen Presley on Irenaeus of Lyons

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:29 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Stephen Presley to discuss his book Irenaeus of Lyons: His Life and Impact. Who was Irenaeus (c. AD130-200), and why does he matter? From a deep engagement with the Bible, to a key figure in the development in both Biblical Theology and Apologetics – Irenaeus combines both the desire for rigorous analysis and pastoral care. What was his apologetic method, and how did he view the relationship between faith and reason, Scripture and philosophy? What was the “rule of faith”, and did he subordinate Scripture to tradition? Who was the God Irenaeus worshipped, and is it valid to call him “Trinitarian”? Dr. Presley takes us through some highlights from the gnostics – and how their errors are relevant to issues faced by Christians today, and how Irenaeus can aid us in understanding how to approach both the gnosticism being identified, and how the essentials of the Christian faith contrast and respond to him. How do Christians, on one hand, balance the unity and diversity of Christianity – and yet know where the line is between Christianity and what can fairly be deemed non-christian? Listen in as Dr. Presley takes us through this, as well as some basics of his anthropology, Christology and addresses the claims the Irenaeus believed men can become gods.

Book: Irenaeus of Lyons: His Life and Impact

Other books by Dr. Presley:

Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World Like the Early Church

Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church

Irenaues: Against Heresies, The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

Other resources:

LDS Gospel Topics Essay: “Becoming Like God”

Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens

The Gnostic New Age by April DeConick

Early Christian Doctrines by J.N.D. Kelly

Veritas by Ariel Sabar

A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? by Leonardo De Chirico (and here)

Scourby: The Gospel of John

210. Jason Wallace on Critiquing the Influence of John Henry Newman

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 06:10:59 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Pastor Jason Wallace of Ancient Paths TV to discuss some of his recent video “The Patristic Roots of the Reformed Faith”. Who was John Henry Newman and what does he represent to so many who likewise seek certainty in the midst of a chaotic and fallen world? What was his actual argument on the development of doctrine, and what are some reasons Protestants should be skeptical? What is really at stake in this moment in regard to the perfect storm of perfectionism, mysticism, distorted ecclesiology – and the activism that dominates so much of the frustration today? Listen in as Pastor Wallace takes us through the mess of history, and how Protestants should adhere to the standard that should be the basis upon which developments should be determined as legitimate and faithful, or innovative and destructive. Far from “ceasing to be Protestant” as we are “deep in history” – perhaps, the opposite is the case: To accept the truth of a messy history is to begin to be Protestant. Moreover, actually dealing with history exposes the twin errors of the fantasy of imagined unanimity and the false claim of apostasy and the need for restoration. Reform, not revolution, should be the Protestant cry - with the clear recognition about the necessary and fallible church being subject to the infallible Word of God. Far from needing a personal “burning of the bosom”, or prioritizing some ecclesiastic authority’s equivalent – the Apostolic authority is not found within one’s own heart, subjectively, nor is it found in a continuing (or restored) office, charismatically; rather, Christ and the Apostles’ authority are to be found in what we have that has truly and historically come from them in Scripture. Listen in as Pastor Wallace gives his earnest plea that the Christian message continues to be Christ and Him Crucified rather than either the hollow mysticism of a new monasticism, or a new Caesar and the tyranny of a “new Christendom”.

Video: “The Patristic Roots of the Reformed Faith”

Channel: Ancient Paths TV

“An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine” by John Henry Newman

declared a “saint” by Pope Francis (Oct. 13, 2019)
declared a “doctor” by Pope Leo XIV (Nov. 1, 2025)

“John Henry Newman, ‘doctor’ of the church. The most significant theological act by Leo XIV (so far)” by Leonardo De Chirico

Also mentioned:

“The Failure of Eastern Orthodoxy” (also here and here)

“Cyril Lucaris: Calvinist Patriarch/Orthodox Saint” (also here and here)

Also check out a previous interview here.

Other resources:

The Progress of Dogma by James Orr

Old and New by James Craik

The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells

The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship by Hughes Oliphant Old

Justified in Christ: The Doctrines of Peter Martyr Vermigli and John Henry Newman and Their Ecumenical Implications by Chris Castaldo

“No Longer Accretions. The Problem of Roman Catholicism in Dialogue with Gavin Ortlund”; Engaging Thomas Aquinas by Leonardo De Chirico

209. Matthew Johnston on The Person of Jesus Christ

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:12 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Pastor Matthew Johnston to discuss his chapter in the recent book The Nicene Creed titled: “The Person of Jesus Christ”. What does the Nicene Creed teach about Jesus of Nazareth, and how does it aid us in terms of both grammar and guardrails? At the same time, what does it mean over time as both heresies and orthodoxy develops, and how should one understand the place of the creed over time? What was the main points at issue in the Christological debates between the Reformed, with their emphasis on the distinction of the two natures of Christ – and Roman Catholicism, with their emphasis on the unity of the two natures of Christ. Given texts like Mark 13.32 and Matthew 24.36, how should one understand the knowledge of Jesus – and what is the place of suffering given Christ’s divine (impassible) nature? Pastor Johnston takes us into this now-oft-forgotten debate between Calvin and Turretin and Robert Bellarmine which includes a Roman Catholic emphasis on “the doctrine of the beatific vision in Christ’s soul from conception”, and a Protestant emphasis on “the doctrine of Christ’s two states (status duplex) – humiliation and exaltation”. Moreover, these distinctions lead into differing conceptions of the sacraments and the church. Ultimately, we ask about whether Roman Catholics and Evangelicals truly confess and worship the same Jesus.

Book: The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words edited by Mark Gilbert and Leonardo De Chirico

Support Pastor Matthew Johnston here

Also check out the Reformanda Initiative:

- “Claiming Catholicity: What Does It Mean to Be Catholic?”

- “Is Rome a True Church? Wrestling with History, Reformers, and Rome Today”

Other resources:

“Robert Bellarmine and His Controversies with the Reformers: A Window on Post-Tridentine Roman Catholic Apologetics”; Engaging Thomas Aquinas; A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Papacy by Leonardo De Chirico

“The Catholicity of Christianity and the Church” by Herman Bavinck

Nicaea and Its Legacy by Lewis Ayres

The Apostles’ Creed by Albert Mohler

Historical Theology (2 vol.) by William Cunningham

Union with Christ and the Life of Faith by Fred Sanders

Roman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment by Gregg Allison

208. CFM: Genesis (Part 2/2)

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:00:29 +0000

In this episode, Casey and Skyler continue their discussion about, and critique of, the 2026 official LDS Come, Follow Me manual's coverage of Genesis.

Please read (and even listen) to Genesis (ESV, KJV)

Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual)

Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Messages of the First Presidency compiled by James Clark

A Rational Theology by Elder John Widtsoe

Doctrines of Salvation by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Pearl of Great Price Commentary by Milton R. Hunter

Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens; The Pearl of Greatest Price: Mormonism’s Most Controversial Scripture by Terryl Givens with Brian Hauglid

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles R. Harrell

Book of Abraham Apologetics: A Review and Critique by Dan Vogel

Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow

The Pentateuch: Life in the Presence of God by J. Daniel Hays

The Meaning of the Pentateuch by John Sailhamer

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Interpreting Eden by Vern Poythress

An Introduction to the Old Testament by E.J. Young

Rethinking Genesis by Duane Garrett

Thinking Through Creation by Christopher Watkin

Genesis sermon series by Charlie Dennison

Against the Gods by John Currid

The Royal Priest by Matthew Emadi

From Prisoner to Prince by Samuel Emadi

Adam in the New Testament by J.P. Versteeg

The Imputation of Adam’s Sin by John Murray

Original Sin by Henri Blocher

God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

Genesis 1 Through the Ages by Stanely Jaki

Biblical Theology; Reformed Dogmatics by Geerhardus Vos

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

An Introduction to Systematic Theology; Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til

Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck

207. CFM: Genesis (Part 1/2)

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:07 +0000

In this episode, Casey and Skyler begin their discussion about, and critique of, the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual's coverage of Genesis.

Please read (and even listen) to Genesis (ESV, KJV)

Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual)

Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual

Messages of the First Presidency compiled by James Clark

A Rational Theology by Elder John Widtsoe

Doctrines of Salvation by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Pearl of Great Price Commentary by Milton R. Hunter

Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens; The Pearl of Greatest Price: Mormonism’s Most Controversial Scripture by Terryl Givens with Brian Hauglid

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles R. Harrell

Book of Abraham Apologetics: A Review and Critique by Dan Vogel

Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow

The Pentateuch: Life in the Presence of God by J. Daniel Hays

The Meaning of the Pentateuch by John Sailhamer

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Interpreting Eden by Vern Poythress

An Introduction to the Old Testament by E.J. Young

Rethinking Genesis by Duane Garrett

Thinking Through Creation by Christopher Watkin

Genesis sermon series by Charlie Dennison

Against the Gods by John Currid

The Royal Priest by Matthew Emadi

From Prisoner to Prince by Samuel Emadi

Adam in the New Testament by J.P. Versteeg

The Imputation of Adam’s Sin by John Murray

Original Sin by Henri Blocher

God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

Genesis 1 Through the Ages by Stanely Jaki

Biblical Theology; Reformed Dogmatics by Geerhardus Vos

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

An Introduction to Systematic Theology; Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til

Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck

206. Newell Bringhurst on President Harold B. Lee

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:34 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Newell G. Bringhurst to discuss his book Harold B. Lee: Life and Thought, 1899-1973. Master administrator and one who helped shape a new generation of orthodox LDS thought and leadership, Harold B. Lee served as the 11^th President of the LDS Church. Though only serving as President officially from July 1972-December 1973, the influence of President Lee far outweighs his official tenure. From founding the church-wide Church Welfare Program, serving as an LDS apostle from 1941-1972, to centralizing all church programs under the Priesthood leadership in Correlation (sometimes called “the Lee Revolution”) – Dr. Bringhurst calls Harold B. Lee “the major architect of modern Mormonism”. Given his origins in rural Idaho riding on horseback, one may not have expected President Lee to be the key figure in streamlining and orchestrating the administrative framework that helped facilitate the LDS church in becoming a global institution. Having been President J. Reuben Clark’s protege, Dr. Bringhurst takes us into how this helped shape Lee into one who would himself run the LDS church - as a kind of de facto church president behind the scenes - even long before he became the public head of the institution. With an emphasis on worthiness and obedience in the theology he taught, Harold B. Lee also had a significant impact on maintaining and handing on the LDS church’s longstanding temple and priesthood ban on black people. Listen in as Dr. Bringhurst takes us through some highlights and big picture analysis of the legacy of President Harold B. Lee, including his battle between personalities like Elder Hugh B. Brown and future church President Ezra Taft Benson. From his administrative changes, to those whom he mentored and tutored – one can truly say that the legacy of Lee is has not yet ended, as we continue to see his influence throughout the LDS church today.

Book: Harold B. Lee: Life and Thought, 1899-1973

Other resources by Dr. Bringhurst:

- Saints, Slaves, and Blacks: The Changing Place of Blacks People within Mormonism

- Brigham Young and the Expanding American Frontier

- Fawn McKay Brodie: A Biographer’s Life

- The Persistence of Polygamy: Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormon Polygamy

- The Mormon Church and Blacks: A Documentary History

- Thunder from the Right: Ezra Taft Benson in Mormonism and Politics

- Reconsidering No Man Knows My History

Also, some important resources by Dr. Matthew Harris:

- Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right

(also check out our interview about the book here and here)

- Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

President Harold B. Lee resources:

Official Manual

Youth and the Church (1945)

Decisions for Successful Living (1973)

Stand Ye in Holy Places (1974)

Ye are the Light of the World (1974)

"The Iron Rod” (April 1971)

“’Watch That Ye May Be Ready’” (October 1971)

“Responsibilities of the Priesthood” (October 1971)

“The Strength of the Priesthood” (April 1972)

“A Time of Decision” (April 1972)

“’May the Kingdom of God Go Forth’” (October 1972)

“Teach the Gospel of Salvation” (October 1972)

“Admonitions for the Priesthood of God” (October 1972)

“A Blessing for the Saints” (October 1972)

“Strengthen the Stakes of Zion” (April 1973)

“Follow the Leadership of the Church” (April 1973)

“’Stand Ye in Holy Places’” (April 1973)

“Understanding Who We Are Brings Self-Respect” (October 1973)

“General Priesthood Address” (October 1973)

“Closing Remarks” (October 1973)

BYU Devotionals

205. Matthew Bowman on President Joseph Fielding Smith

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:30:58 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Matthew Bowman to discuss his book Joseph Fielding Smith: A Mormon Theologian. President Joseph Fielding Smith, tenth president of the LDS Church (from January 1970-July 1972), is “without question the most important Latter-day Saint theologian of the twentieth century”. Writing at least twenty-five books and pamphlets that touch upon every doctrinal subject, from the nature of God to eschatology, and debating everyone from Protestants to the RLDS to even fellow General Authorities – it is nearly impossible to measure the influence Fielding Smith had upon the LDS church, laity and general authority alike. From his emphasis on LDS scripture and ritual to his pessimism toward notions of progress based upon science, Dr. Bowman takes us through highlights and paradoxes that define and characterize his work from start to finish. How did Fielding Smith define scripture, given his commitment to essentials beyond the text (such as LDS Temples)? Why did Fielding Smith oppose the work of his fellow general authorities who were much more open to synthesizing modern science with Mormon theology? What was the story behind the publication of Fielding Smith’s “crowning achievement” Man: His Origin and Destiny in 1954? Is there reason to believe that Fielding Smith hid Joseph Smith’s 1832 First Vision account? Listen in, as Dr. Bowman takes us through this and more as we hear about some highlights of one of the most theologically and administratively significant LDS apostles and LDS church President-Prophets.

Book: Joseph Fielding Smith: A Mormon Theologian

Other resources by Dr. Bowman:

- The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith

- Christian: The Politics of a Word in America

- The Urban Pulpit: New York City and the Fate of Liberal Evangelicalism

Check out: Official Manual

Some resources by Joseph Fielding Smith:

Essentials in Church History

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (edited)

The Way to Perfection

The Progress of Man

Signs of the Times

Man: His Origin and Destiny

Doctrines of Salvation (3 volumes)

Answers to Gospel Questions (5 volumes)

Some Talks:

“The Law of Divine Witnesses” (October 18, 1949)

“The Origin of Man” (April 22, 1953)

“The Immutable Laws of God” (June 15, 1953)

“The Knowledge that Saves” (June 23, 1954)

“The Atonement of Jesus Christ” (January 25, 1955)

“The Purpose of Mortal Life” (May 1, 1956)

“Seeking Salvation in the Kingdom of God” (January 22, 1961)

“Essentials of Faith” (June 24, 1964)

“The Blessings of Eternal Glory” (April 23, 1968)

“Sealing Power and Salvation” (January 12, 1971)

General Conference Talks as President of the Church:

“Out of Darkness”

“Our Responsibilities as Priesthood Holders”

“A Witness and a Blessing”

“I Know That My Redeemer Liveth”

“Blessings of the Priesthood”

“Let the Spirit of Oneness Prevail”

“Counsel to the Saints and to the World”

“Eternal Keys and the Right to Preside”

“A Prophet’s Blessing”

Other resources:

“Another Look at Joseph Smith’s First Vision” by Stan Larson

History of the Idea of Progress by Robert Nisbet

Progress and Religion by Christopher Dawson

204. Michael Lawrence on Conversion

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:00:27 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Michael Lawrence to discuss his book Conversion: How God Creates a People. What is conversion, and specifically – conversion to Christ Jesus, our unique Lord? Why did Nicodemus think being re-born from the physical womb was more reasonable than what Jesus was teaching? Dr. Lawrence takes us through distinctions between a “gospel” of nice and the true Gospel of new, true and false repentance, true and false assurance – and distinguishing the therapeutic pseudo-gospel of self-fulfillment and the real gospel of being born of God, the Holy Spirit and a calling to joy and sorrow. Was the Reformation based in subjectivity, or do Rome and the East project that onto the Reformers to hide legalism and a deadly subjective mysticism of their own? We also discuss the value of the sacraments, how the church isn’t optional, and discuss how a wrong ecclesiology can lead to confusion about the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Listen in as Dr. Lawrence helps bring clarity in being Bible-based and balanced in our approach into the heart of any true Christian life, both individually and collectively.

Book: Conversion: How God Creates a People

A few resources by Dr. Lawrence:

- “False Repentance Leads to False Conversions”

- “The False Gospel of Nice”

- The Acts of the Apostles

Other resources:

The Heart of Christ in Heaven Toward Sinners on Earth by Thomas Goodwin

Confessions; The City of God by Saint Augustine (also here)

What is the Mission of the Church? by Kevin DeYoung

Divine Government: God’s Kingship in the Gospel of Mark by R. T. France

In Defense of the Eschaton by William Dennison (also here, here, here)

The Witness of the Synoptic Gospels to Christ by Ned Stonehouse

Justification (2 vol.’s); Recovering our Sanity by Michael Horton

203. Elisa Pulido on Mormon Prophet: Margarito Bautista

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:00:34 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Elisa Eastwood Pulido to discuss her book The Spiritual Evolution of Margarito Bautista: Mexican Mormon Evangelizer, Polygamist Dissident, and Utopian Founder, 1878-1961. Who was Margarito Bautista, and why does he matter? Sometimes called “the Lamanite Prophet”, Margarito Bautista went from faith healing and life in the Mexican colonies - to helping found the first Spanish-speaking congregation in Salt Lake City, and from being a key member of the Third Convention and authoring dozens of books and pamphlets – to even founding his own colony: Colonia Industrial/Nueva Jerusalen. Included in this story is the “first major piece of LDS theology ever authored by an indigenous convert” in which Bautista combines both indigenous Mexican history and the Book of Mormon into a 571-page book. Margarito Bautista saw in the Book of Mormon and the revelations of Joseph Smith a “prophetic program” for the Mexican people who had forgotten their true Israelite heritage. Moreover, he saw a pattern of reversal in the history of colonialism and an end-times in which an obedient Mexican Israel should found the Holy City in order to welcome the returning Christ, whom they anciently knew even prior to Columbus. Along the way Margarito, being both deeply committed to the Mexican people and to Mormon theology, would eventually be both excommunicated by the LDS church for “rebellion, insubordination, and apostasy”, as well as being expelled from the Third Convention with whom he had been a key part. Dr. Pulido writes that Bautista’s “theological pillars” were “polygamy, communalism, and indigenous priesthood”. Even as the LDS church leadership in Salt Lake City were shifting away from the early commitments of Mormonism – Bautista saw, once the priesthood was among “the Lamanites”, that a redeemed Mexico would be the bastion of a true Christianity that had been restored by the Gentile colonizers who’s time of dominance should be over. Far from being simply speculative theology, Bautista saw a connection even between the Lorenzo Snow couplet – and the social progress and perpetual development of Mexico. Listen in as Dr. Pulido takes us through a tour of one of the more important and challenging lives in the history of the Restoration Movement, and answers the question of whether we should see this charismatic figure, who some saw as a “prophet, seer, and revelator”, as either a tragic figure – or a triumphant figure.

Book: The Spiritual Evolution of Margarito Bautista: Mexican Mormon Evangelizer, Polygamist Dissident, and Utopian Founder, 1878-1961

Also check out: “Margarito Bautista, Mexican Politics, and the Third Convention”

Other resources:

Book of Mormon; Alma 10 and audio clip; D&C 76; D&C 132

“Becoming Like God” (Gospel Topics Essay)

Eduardo Balderas: Father of Church Translation, 1907-1989 by Ignacio Garcia

- Check out our previous interview here

A Documentary History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico, 1875-1946 by Fernando R. Gomez

Mormons in Mexico by F. LaMond Tullis

Joseph White Musser: A Mormon Fundamentalist by Cristina Rosetti

King Tiger: The Religious Vision of Reies Lipez Tijerina by Rudy Busto

202. Brandon Crowe on The Hope of Israel: The Resurrection of Christ in Acts

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 11:00:03 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Brandon Crowe to discuss his book The Hope of Israel: The Resurrection of Christ in The Acts of the Apostles. What is the Acts of the Apostles, and what is its unique place in the New Testament? To what degree, and in what manner should we view the events of Acts as either historically-unique versus programmatic and meant to be emulated going forward? What were the views of resurrection in the world of Acts, and how would Jesus’ Resurrection stand out as unique? How did witnessing the Resurrection of Christ function when it comes to the authority of the apostles? How was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost a Christological point? In both the narrative of Acts, as well as the sermons documented therein – the Resurrection functions as the key to understanding Jesus as “both Lord and Christ”, the blessings of the last days, as well as a fulfillment of the Old Testament passages such as Psalm 2. Listen in as, along the way, we ask Dr. Crowe what Peter was referring to when he speaks of “the restoration of all things”, if the Paul presented in Acts is consistent with his own Epistles, and the place of the Temple in the theology of Luke-Acts.

Book: The Hope of Israel: The Resurrection of Christ in The Acts of the Apostles

Other resources by Dr. Crowe:

- The Last Adam: A Theology of the Obedient Life of Jesus in the Gospels

- The Lord Jesus Christ: The Biblical Doctrine of the Person and Work of Christ

- The Message of the General Epistles in the History of Redemption

- The Essential Trinity (edited with Carl Trueman)

Other resources:

The Temple and the Church’s Mission; God Dwells Among Us by G.K. Beale

“The Final Temple” by Edmund Clowney

Scourby YouBible: The Book of Acts

201. Lydia McGrew on the Historical Reliability of the Acts of the Apostles

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:00:34 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Lydia McGrew to discuss the historical reliability of The Acts of the Apostles. What is the book of Acts, and what is its genre? Is there evidence of dependence upon Josephus that necessitates a late date of composition? Is there evidence, both external and internal, of the reliability of the text? Listen in as Lydia takes us through several examples of undesigned coincidences that evince a natural fit of Acts in its time and place, and bring great insight into in our understanding of Paul’s missions and the dating of the composition of his letters. We also ask about the reliability within Acts of the speeches, even given the obvious fact that ancient people don’t have tape recorders. What do skeptics/cynics like Bart Ehrman think about Acts, and why are they wrong? In the end, we ask Lydia about what is at stake for Christianity when it comes to the reliability of the Acts of the Apostles, and why people should care.

Book: Hidden in Plain View: Undesigned Coincidences in the Gospels and Acts

Dr. McGrew’s Website; YouTube Channel; Podcast (also Podcast archive up to October 2024)

Also: Reliability of Acts Playlist

“Arguments from Silence: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly”

Other important books by Dr. McGrew:

Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels

The Mirror or the Mask: Liberating the Gospels from Literary Devices

The Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportage

Also check out our previous interview here: The Historical Reliability of the Gospel of John; The Historical Reliability of the Christmas Story; The Historical Reliability of the Easter Story

Other resources:

The Book of Acts in the Setting of Hellenistic History by Colin J. Hemer

The Voyage and Shipwreck of St. Paul by James Smith

Evidence and Paul’s Journeys by Jefferson White

Roman Society and Roman Law in the New Testament by A.N. Sherwin-White

Scourby YouBible: The Book of Acts

200. J. Daniel Hays on Race and the Bible

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:00:50 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. J. Daniel Hays to discuss his book From every People and Nation: A Biblical Theology of Race. Starting with “the multi-ethnic, non-Caucasian cultural context of the Old Testament”, we start with focusing in on an important example: the Kingdom of Cush. Who were the Cushites, and what is some of their key place in history, and the text of Scripture? Why are they key for both identifying blatant past prejudice when it comes to “cultural pre-understanding”, and positively understanding what the Bible teaches about race? Contrary to both white supremacists and the claims coming from groups like the Nation of Islam - far from being artificially imported into the Biblical story, Black Africans have been there even prior to the calling of Abraham. With this, we approach the question of the so-called “Curse of Ham” in Genesis 9, what Dr. Hays calls “one of the most serious and most damaging misinterpretations of Scripture”, and we ask both what the text actually teaches and why it is preposterous to think of this as anything race-based (let alone dealing with black and white skin). Far from a race-based curse of servitude, the descendants of Ham listed in Genesis 10 (including Cushites) historically dominated the Ancient Near East for millennia, and the Kingdom of Cush prospered even well into the Christian period. Who was Moses’ wife, as documented in Numbers 12 - and did this conform or contradict what God revealed through Moses about intermarriage in Exodus and Deuteronomy? What is significant about the Ethiopian Eunuch documented in Acts 8 – and why is it significant for understanding the call of the Gospel that will bless all nations, peoples, and even races. What does Jesus’ teachings involving Samaritans have to teach us about healing centuries of racial strife and prejudice today? Listen in as Dr. Hays helps us see the big picture of the Bible’s teachings on “the nations” – including the deep connection between the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, and that holy vision of the apostle John in Revelation 5; a vision about our receiving the blessed kingdom of racial unity around the worship of the Lamb who conquered sin and death.

Book: From Every People and Nation: A Biblical Theology of Race

Some other resources by Dr. Hays:

- The Temple and the Tabernacle: A Study of God’s Dwelling Places from Genesis to Revelation

- The Pentateuch: Life in the Presence of Godliness

- The Ichthus Christogram and Other Early Christian Symbols

Other resources:

The Bible and Race by T. B. Maston (published, 1959)

Noah’s Curse: The Biblical Justification of American Slavery; The Last Segregated Hour: The Memphis Keel-ins and the Campaign for Southern Church Desegregation by Stephen Haynes

God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

The Kingdom of Kush: Handbook of the Napatan-Meroitic Civilization by Laszlo Torok

Ancient Nubia: Egypt’s Rival in Africa by David O’Connor

The Black Kingdom of the Nile by Charles Bonnet

The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Nubia

Untangling Blackness in Greek Antiquity by Sarah Derbew

Afrocentrism by Stephen Howe

From Slave to Pharaoh: The Black Experience of Ancient Egypt by Donald Redford

The Black Pharaohs: Egypt’s Nubian Rulers by Robert Markot

Scourby YouBible:

- The Book of Genesis

- The Book of Numbers

- The Book of Luke

- The Book of Acts

- The Book of Revelation

199. Michael Haykin on the Nicene Creed and the Doctrine of the Trinity

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 11:00:51 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Michael Haykin to discuss his article: “‘The brilliance of the rainbow’: Athanasius of Alexandria, the Cappodocian Fathers, and the defence of the doctrine of the Trinity”. What is the Scriptural basis, as well as historical development and defense of the Doctrine of the Trinity? Is this development primarily a philosophical enterprise, or is it rooted in the Bible? What was the Arian Controversy, and why the need for the Council of Nicaea in AD 325? Who was Athanasius of Alexandria (“the black dwarf”) – and what was at stake in calling Jesus “god” while not affirming him as of “the same substance” (homoousios) with the Father? Is this an essential issue for true and faithful Christianity? Moreover, Dr. Haykin takes us into some of the changes made between the (325) Creed of Nicaea and the (381) “Nicene Creed”, which is more technically called the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed. Moreover, we hear about some of the major aspects of the Pneumatomachian Controversy, and the need for more clarity when it comes to the total affirmation of the Holy Spirit as God. Who was Basil of Caesarea, and what was at stake in subordinating the Holy Spirit to anything less than “Lord and Giver of Life”? Listen in as Dr. Haykin takes us into the essential nature of the Christian commitment to the Trinity, and he gives us some of his thoughts about the importance of the Nicene Creed today.

Article: “‘The brilliance of the rainbow’: Athanasius of Alexandria, the Cappodocian Fathers, and the defence of the doctrine of the Trinity”

Other resources by Dr. Haykin:

- Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact (hear interview here)

- Rediscovering the Church Fathers

- The Spirit of God:The Exegesis of 1 and 2 Corinthians in the Pneumatomachian Controversy of the Fourth Century

- Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands: Recovering Sacrament in the Baptist Traditions

- The Missionary Fellowship of William Carey

- The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical Spirituality

Other resources:

Ligonier State of Theology Survey;

Among the shocking and tragic r esults regarding American Evangelicals:

- 53% agree that “Everyone sins a little, but most people are good by nature.”

- 53% think that “The Holy Spirit is a force but is not a personal being.”

- 47% believe “God accepts the worship of all religions…”

The Essential Trinity edited by Brandon Crowe and Carl Trueman

Father, Son, and Spirit in Romans 8 by Ron Fay

Christianity at the Crossroads by Michael Kruger

The Story of Creeds and Confessions by Donald Fairbairn and Ryan Reeves

The Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity by Edmon Gallagher and John Meade

The Early Christian Fathers edited and translated by Henry Bettenson

- On the Incarnation by Athanasius

- On the Holy Spirit by Basil the Great

Athanasius of Alexandria by Peter Barnes

Athanasius by Alvyn Petersen

Basil of Caesarea by Marvin Jones

Basil of Caesarea by Philip Rousseau

Christianity and Classical Culture by Jaroslav Pelikan

Early Arianism: A View of Salvation by Robert Gregg and Dennis Groh

What Every Christian Needs to Know about the Qur’an by James White

Audio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:

Some LDS Resources:

Gospel Topics Essay: “Are ‘Mormons’ Christian?”; “Becoming Like God”; “Mother in Heaven”

Q15 Statement: “The Father and the Son”; Mosiah15 (also here); Ether 3 (also here); 3 Nephi 11:36

- Notice also Joseph Smith Translation (JST) Luke 10:22: “No man knoweth that the Son is the Father, and the Father is the Son, but him to whom the Son will reveal it.” (also here)

The Great Apostasy by Elder James Talmage (also here)

“Strange Creeds of Christendom” by Elder LeGrand Richards

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom Thou Hast Sent” by Elder Jeffrey Holland

“The Light of Christ” by Elder Boyd K. Packer (also here; here; here)

“Rereading the Council of Nicaea and Its Creed” by Lincoln Blumell, found in Standing Apart: Mormon Historical Consciousness and the Concept of Apostasy, edited by Miranda Wilcox and John Young

The God Who Weeps; Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens

INTRO CLIPS:

1) Founding Prophet, Joseph Smith: JSH-1 (also here)

2) Elder LeGrand Richards: "Strange Creeds of Christendom"

3) Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "The Mystery of Godliness"

4) Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Our Relationship with the Lord"

5) President/Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley: "We Look to Christ"

6) Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent"

198. Yannick Imbert on J.R.R. Tolkien

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 11:00:10 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Yannick Imbert to discuss his book From Imagination to Faerie: Tolkien’s Thomist Fantasy. Who was J.R.R. Tolkien, and why does he matter today? What was Tolkien’s Roman Catholicism and his own view of theology, language, and myth? What is “faerie”? What is “subcreation”? Writing, “Tolkien’s theory of fantasy is essentially a theological one”, Yannick takes us through how Tolkien’s Thomism impacts his view of the imagination, and how he sees good stories (even among the unbelievers) pointing toward their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Talking through issues of antithesis and common grace, sin and beauty, the need to engage both reason and imagination, as well as the divide between Rome and Protestantism – what can we both learn and critique of Tolkien’s work? A conservative in the realm of poetry and the arts, we both begin and end on the legacy of Tolkien today, and how he will likely be remembered indefinitely into the future.

Book: From Imagination to Faerie: Tolkien’s Thomist Fantasy

Some other resources by Dr. Imbert:

Reclaiming the “Dark Ages”: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500-1500

- Also hear our previous interview here

Other resources:

“Beowulf: The Monster and The Critics” by J.R.R. Tolkien

Engaging Thomas Aquinas; A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? by Leonardo De Chirico

- Also hear our previous interview here

Biblical Critical Theory by Christopher Watkin

Original Sin by Henri Blocher

The Defense of the Faith; Common Grace and the Gospel by Cornelius Van Til

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics; A Christian Approach to Interdisciplinary Studies; “The Christian Academy: Antithesis, Common Grace and Plato’s View of the Soul” by William Dennison

Saint Thomas Aquinas; The Everlasting Man by G. K. Chesterton

The Philosophy of Thomas Aquinas by Etienne Gilson

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (also here)

Justified in Christ: The Doctrines of Peter Martyr Vermigli and John Henry Newman and Their Ecumenical Implications by Christopher Castaldo

“The Patristic Roots of the Reformed Faith” (Pastor Jason Wallace; Ancient Paths TV)

197. Bernard Aubert on J. Gresham Machen's The Virgin Birth of Christ

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 11:00:34 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Bernard Aubert to discuss his article “J. Gresham Machen’s The Virgin Birth of Christ: Then and Now”. What is the context of Machen’s The Virgin Birth of Christ and why was the book so important? Taking us through the overlapping contexts of the Fundamentalism-Modernist Controversy, the Presbyterian Controversy, and a context in the academy where the Hellenization Thesis and the “History of Religion School” was prominent - Dr. Aubert helps us understand this book, in context. Moreover, he takes us through how Machen’s confessional Presbyterian background and classical education, in which historical context and authorial intent are emphasized, aided Machen’s work in New Testament studies. Bringing it all together, Dr. Aubert shows why the topic was key when it came to standards for ministers, in his Presbyterian context – and was a key defense of the historical reliability of the New Testament, the integrity of the Gospels’ presentation of Jesus’ birth, and indeed - the Incarnation, itself. Further aiding our understanding of Machen’s book, we also ask about how the book was received, in its time, as well as how the book’s arguments stood up over time.

Article: “J. Gresham Machen’s The Virgin Birth of Christ: Then and Now”

The Virgin Birth of Christ by J. Gresham Machen

Other resources by Dr. Aubert:

- “Calvin and the Interpretation of Scripture”, Verbum Christi

- The Sheperd-Flock Motif in the Miletus Discourse (Acts 20:17-38) Against its Historical Background

- Reformed Standards of Unity: The Historic Confessions of Faith Confessed by the Presbyterian Churches

Also: check out a database Dr. Aubert did work on that is a comprehensive list of prooftexts in key Reformed confessions: standards.wts.edu

196. Mark 8.22-26: Prisoners in the Dungeon

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:15:57 +0000

In this episode, Skyler flies solo with some thoughts on the contrast between The Gospel of Mark and Plato's Allegory of the Cave - specifically in regard to what the problem is, who and what the solution is, and what it means to "see". Instead of one's own acquisition of knowledge being a basis of the soul's ascent out of the world, perhaps the Gospel is Truth coming to us and healing us (embodied) in the world, trusting his eyes to see, with hope and patience for a Kingdom to be received by the very Grace who saved us.

One wise and informed warning against some of the symbolic interpretation of the passage is found in the brilliant work of Dr. Lydia McGrew here, here, here and here.

195. William Dennison on Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato's View of the Soul

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:00:16 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Bill Dennison to discuss his article “The Christian Academy: Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato’s View of the Soul”. Starting with the “tension between common grace and human depravity”, how do we understand the Antithesis in relation to subject-matter that seems like neutral ground for believer and unbeliever alike? Given the seriousness of sin upon our hearts and minds, how do we approach unbelieving systems in an informed manner that doesn’t compromise what Scripture has revealed? Doesn’t Plato and the Bible both teach the immortality of the soul, and thus that particular insight serve as a bridge of agreement? Taking Plato as a test case, Dr. Dennison takes us through the depth and structure of Plato’s system (especially as found in the Phaedo) and takes us into the context of the particular view of the soul and its immortality. Having properly understood Plato (as Plato), we can then analyze the level of agreement that is truly there between the Bible and Plato. Once both Plato and the Bible are adequately understood, therein lies a striking example of the danger of unwarranted synthesis, and the syncretism that has always plagued the Israel of God. Listen in as Dr. D gives us both the context of this paper, as well as the current significance of understanding this kind of analysis. Instead of nostalgia driving people simply back to earlier forms of errors, perhaps its time to systematically understand the destructive potential of an emphasis on common grace when unaccompanied by a robust Biblical view of the Fall and of man in his sinful state, including Christians. As Dr. D writes: “antithesis must precede common grace”.

Article: “The Christian Academy: Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato’s View of the Soul”

Book: In Defense of the Eschaton: Essays in Reformed Apologetics

Also check out as basically a “part two” of the article discussed: “Dutch Neo-Calvinism and the Roots for Transformation: An Introductory Essay”

Hear our past interviews with Dr. Dennison:

- Karl Marx

- Cornelius Van Til on the Problem of Evil

-Also check out Dr. D’s sermon series on Revelation

Other resources:

Plato’s Phaedo

Plato by R.M. Hare

The Westminster Confession of Faith (esp. chapters 6, 9, 32)

The Defense of the Faith; Common Grace and the Gospel by Cornelius Van Til

194. Lauren Montenegro on The Virgin Mary

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:00:24 +0000

In this episode, we welcome missionary and a church planter Lauren Montenegro to discuss her chapter in the recent book The Nicene Creed titled: “The Virgin Mary”. What is Mariology, and what are the four Marian dogmas? What is the basis and defining logic of Mariology, and does Protestant have one? What is the Rosary, and do Roman Catholics worship and pray to Mary? Listen in as Lauren takes us into this and more – as she takes us into the global world of Marian apparitions, visions and images. There are around 2,400 claims of Marian apparitions in the world, even though few than 20 are officially recognized by the Vatican; moreover, in 184 of these claims, “Mary allegedly requested that a chapel be built” in order to attain blessings from her. How should Protestants understand the place of these personal revelations of Mary, the ongoing revelation of Mariology – and the place of sincerity when it comes to evaluating faithful Christianity? Lauren takes us through this and more as we try to understand and evaluate something at the heart of global Roman Catholicism.

Book: The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words edited by Mark Gilbert and Leonardo De Chirico

Some other articles by Lauren Montenegro:

Other resources:

See chapter 8 of Lumen Gentium (Vatican II)

The Cult of the Saints by Peter Brown

Mary in Early Christian Faith and Devotion by Stephen Shoemaker

A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?; Same Words, Different Worlds: Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel?; Engaging Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach by Leonardo De Chirico

Who Is My Mother? by Eric Svendsen

The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells

193. Leonardo De Chirico on Mary: Mother of God?

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:00:55 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Leonardo De Chirico to discuss his book A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?. Is Mariology simply an accretion, and what is at stake for those who hold Scripture is the Word of God, the Gospel is essential – and that history matters? Who was Mary, the Mary of history and of Scripture? What does it mean for her to be called by the angel Gabriel “favored” by God twice in Luke 1? Is there any indication of her immaculate conception, perpetual virginity, or bodily assumption in Scripture – or sources that should otherwise be treated as historical? What of Paul’s near-silence, and the account in Mark 3 of Jesus’ question to the crowd, in the face of the intervention of “his mother and brothers”, defining his family (including “mother”) as something other than biological? Join us as Dr. De Chirico takes through what the Scriptures, and helps us in understanding the development that occurred between the actual Mary of Scripture and history into the imaginative and mythical “Mary” of Rome, Eastern Orthodoxy, as well as a few Protestants claiming a mystical experience (i.e. a burning of their bosom) with their newfound heavenly mother. Listen in as Dr. De Chirico takes us on a tour from Mary to Mariology, and how the developed and developing “Mary of the church” has consistently obfuscated and obscured both the work and person of God, the Son – as well as nearly replacing the work and person of God, the Spirit.

Book: A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?

Reformanda Initiative

Vatican Files

Some other resources by Dr. De Chirico:

- “No Longer Accretions. The Problem of Roman Catholicism in Dialogue with Gavin Ortlund”

- Engaging Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach (also here)

- A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Papacy

- Same Words, Different Worlds: Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel?

- Evangelical Theological Perspectives on post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism

Also check out the recent book edited by Dr. De Chirico, including a chapter contributed by him: The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words

Other resources:

What Happened at Vatican II by John W. O'Malley

See chapter 8 of Lumen Gentium (Vatican II)

The Virgin Birth of Christ by J. Gresham Machen (also here)

Who Is My Mother?:The Role and Status of the Mother of Jesus in The New Testament and Roman Catholicism by Eric D. Svendsen

Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos (also here)

Karl Rahner by Camden Bucey

1 Kings (EEC) by John Oswalt (also here)

Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact by Michael Haykin (also here)

From Prisoner to Prince: The Joseph Story in Biblical Theology by Samuel Emadi

"A True and Greater Boaz: Typology and Jesus in the Book of Ruth" by Mitchell Chase

Josephus and Jesus by T.C. Schmidt

Audio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:

Also check out the LDS/Mormon Gospel Topics Essay: "Mother in Heaven"; as well as the LDS hymn "O My Father" (also here). For a real-life historical example of the connection being made, see here.

192. Bill McKeever on the Legacy of Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:20:13 +0000

NOTE: There is a lengthy set of clips at the outset that highlight Bruce R. McConkie's teachings that will be covered in this episode. While we encourage you to listen to them in their entirety, the actual interview starts around 00:11:54.

In this episode, we welcome back Bill McKeever of the Mormonism Research Ministry to discuss LDS Apostle Elder Bruce R. McConkie and his legacy. Who was Elder Bruce R. McConkie, and why does matter? What are some highlights of his work – and why has his controversial book Mormon Doctrine had such a profound impact on theological understanding both for those within the LDS community, and those on the outside of the community? In this interview, we ask Bill about his view of the rise and fall of Bruce R. McConkie and what insight that may provide into the nature of LDS theology, authority-claims, and theological commitments. When Christians might disagree so thoroughly with McConkie’s conclusions, why do they so often appreciate his clarity on topics such as the Nature of God(s), the exclusive claims of Joseph Smith’s restoration of priesthood and Church, and his boldly declaring the “heresies” that define “apostate Christendom”? While LDS often maintain their rhetorical commitment to restored authority via living prophets and apostles, why is there such a casual and dismissive attitude toward one of the great doctrinal authorities in Mormon history? In other words, when even those skeptical toward the doctrinal status of many of McConkie’s teachings acknowledge him as one of the most respected Scripture-scholars and the “most doctrinaire leader of his era”, why has his reputation suffered so thoroughly by even many within the LDS community? Moreover, should Christian-outsiders continue to focus on McConkie’s published works?

Article: “Bruce R. McConkie: Respected General Authority, or Theological Hack?”

Check out: Mormonism Research Ministry

Also check out:

“An LDS Apostle’s Answers, Grounded in Mormon ‘Truth’”; “Opposing a Mormon Prophet, Seer, Revelator” by Sharon Lindbloom

Some Bruce R. McConkie resources:

“Elder Bruce R. McConkie Dies” (May 1985)

Mormon Doctrine

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary (3 volumes)

The Messiah Series (6 volumes)

A New Witness for the Articles of Faith

“Celestial Marriage”

“All Are Alike Unto God”

“Our Relationship with the Lord”

“The Seven Deadly Heresies”

“What Think Ye of Salvation by Grace?”

“The Mystery of Godliness”

“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane”

Other resources:

“Speaking with Authority: The Theological Influence of Elder Bruce R. McConkie” by David James Buerger

Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985 by Devery Anderson

Second-Class Saints by Matthew Harris

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

191. Devery Anderson on LDS Apostle Bruce R. McConkie

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 11:00:40 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Devery S. Anderson to discuss his book Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985. Who was Elder Bruce R. McConkie, what is his lasting influence and why? What has made Bruce R. McConkie stand out, especially when one engages Mormon Doctrine and theology? From his many books, conference talks, firesides, and even private correspondence – McConkie has had incredible influence on the theological understanding and reputation of the LDS Church, both from the inside and the outside. Devery takes us through many of the behind-the-scenes controversies over McConkie’s book Mormon Doctrine and his famous talk “The Seven Deadly Heresies” – as well as his surprising role in President Kimball’s 1978 reversal on the temple and priesthood ban on black people. How did an LDS apostle so educated in the doctrinal disputes of the past engage with theological change? The answers to this, in combination with the answer given by those who opposed him, bring out tensions within the LDS mind and community that remain even today.

Book: Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985

Other resources by Devery Anderson:

- The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History

- Joseph Smith’s Quorum of the Annointed, 1842-1845: A Documentary History

- Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement

Some resources by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

Doctrines of Salvation: Sermons and Writings of Joseph Fielding Smith (3 volumes)

Mormon Doctrine

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary (3 volumes)

The Messiah Series (6 volumes)

A New Witness for the Articles of Faith

“Joseph Smith – The Mighty Prophet of the Restoration”

“The Mystery of Mormonism”

“All Are Alike Unto God”

“Our Relationship with the Lord”

“The Seven Deadly Heresies”

“The Purifying Power of Gethsemane”

Other resources:

Second-Class Saints by Matthew Harris

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Note: The audio clips in the middle of the episode are a from a speech given by McConkie in 1978, however, there is no audio. BYU made this recording using someone else's voice.

190. Joshua Mitchell on Plato's Fable

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:20:22 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Joshua Mitchell to discuss his book Plato’s Fable: On the Mortal Condition in Shadowy Times. What is Plato’s Republic, and why does it matter? What is “the Good”, and why is philosophy “bound up with things divine”? How and why does Plato connect the condition of the soul with the condition of the city? Dr. Mitchell takes us through highlights from this foundational text for philosophy, Western Civilization – and one of the more influential extra-biblical texts for Christians. From the mimetic aspect of life, to the purpose of stories to aid the soul, to the embracing of death for new life – Plato’s text can aid even modern man in recognizing the problems inherent in man’s mortal condition, the dangers and necessities of evaluating the traditions of our fathers, the absolute need for the Divine gift, and to evaluate the Fable of Liberalism that informs much of the politics of our own time. Join us as Dr. Mitchell takes us through the religious awakening of our time often masquerading as “secularism”, the necessity of Biblical truth to correct the incomplete religion most wrongly identify with Karl Marx, as well as the dangers inherent in Right or Left embracing either Nietzsche or Thrasymachus. Listen in as we see the lessons and wisdom we can learn from Socrates, as well as the salvation and sanctification we need from Christ Jesus – both as embodied individuals and in our body politic.

Book: Plato’s Fable: On the Mortal Condition in Shadowy Times

Plato’s Republic: here, here or here

Some other resources by Dr. Mitchell:

Video Essay – Identity Politics: Guilt and Scapegoat

American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time

- Please check out our previous interview here

The Fragility of Freedom: Tocqueville on Religion, Democracy and the American Future

Tocqueville in Arabia: The Anxieties of the Democratic Age

Not By Reason Alone: Religion, History and Identity in Early Modern Thought

Other resources:

Confessions; The City of God by Saint Augustine

On the Incarnation by Athanasius

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville

Gravity and Grace by Simone Weil

Socrates by Paul Johnson

189. David Talcott on Plato

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:00:19 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. David Talcott to discuss his book Plato. Who was Plato (427-347 BC), and why does he matter? From his “theory of Forms”, to his “Divided Line” and even his famous Allegory of the Cave – Plato has been one of the most influential thinkers and writers in Western Civilization. British philosopher Alfred North Whitehead famously stated that the “safest generalization of the European philosophical tradition is that it consists of footnotes to Plato”, and yet many today would not even know how to approach reading a Platonic dialogue. Listen in as Dr. Talcott helps us learn some of the basic themes and structures of Plato’s thought – why they mattered in ancient Greece, and why they matter now. A pupil to Socrates, as Dr. Talcott writes the “most fundamental commitment of Platonism is an unrelentingly spiritual orientation to the world”. Perhaps there are reasons why so many Christians in history have seen much wisdom, insight and usefulness to this ancient Greek philosopher.

Book: Plato

Some other resources by Dr. Talcott:

“Plato and Aristotle: Enemies or Partners?”

A Christian Appraisal of Plato: Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four

“Hey Republicans: Stop Dissing Philosophy” (also here)

Plato:

- The Apology (also here)

- The Republic

- The Symposium

- The Laws

Other resources:

Plato and the Socratic Dialogue; Plato and the Post-Socratic Dialogue: The Return to the Philosophy of Nature by Charles Kahn

Plato of Athens by Robin Waterfield

“The Death of Socrates: How To Read A Painting”

US Supreme Court: Obergefell v. Hodges (see Oral Argument: April 28, 2015, Part One, Justice Alito)

For Music, credit and thanks to Atmospherious.

188. John Oswalt on the Book of Kings

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 11:00:46 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. John Oswalt to discuss his wonderful new commentaries 1 Kings and 2 Kings (EEC). What is 1-2 Kings, and what can we say about how it was compiled? Indeed, what is the difference between simply chronicling the history of the Kings, and the historical writing we see in these texts, prophetically interpreted? From the wisdom Solomon sought to the question of King Josiah’s “reforms”, Dr. Oswalt takes us on a tour of many highlights of this very important Biblical book. In the text that documents the building of the Temple, why is so much of the primary focus on the Word of the Lord, rather than ritual? Why was Baal, and Baal-worship such a threat to the loyalty of Israel to God? Are the miraculous events recorded between King Hezekiah and the Assyrian King Sennacherib taking place in real time and space? Highlighting the patience and faithfulness of the unique God, the only God – how do the majestic prayers of Solomon and Hezekiah give voice to the primary message of the text? Dr. Oswalt takes us through this and more, as we also discuss some of the contemporary relevance of this text for those both engaging the messy history of Christianity, as well as the problem of decay and apostasy in self-identified Christianity today. Indeed, one of the keys to rightly understanding the prophetic message of 1-2 Kings may just be found in the ending most have seen as simply bizarre.

Books: 1 Kings and 2 Kings (EEC)

Some other books by Dr. Oswalt:

- The Bible Among the Myths: Unique Revelation or Just Ancient Literature?

Listen to our previous interview: here

- The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1-39; The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66 (NICOT)

- The Holy One of Israel: Studies in the Book of Isaiah

Other resources:

Miracles by C.S. Lewis

The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells

Audio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:

187. Mitchell Chase on the Book of Ruth

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:00:31 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Mitchell Chase to discuss his paper “A True and Greater Boaz: Typology and Jesus in the Book of Ruth”. What is the Book of Ruth, and where does it fit within the larger Old Testament story? How does the Book of Ruth both continue and develop threads of theology – including God’s purpose in suffering, survival, law-obedience, gratitude and generosity, as well as an expectation of blessing being extended beyond the ethnic borders of Israel. Do we accurately see in Boaz a type of the future Christ Jesus, who himself will take “a bride from the nations”? In this episode, Dr. Chase takes us through these questions, and more, as we explore typology in the Book of Ruth; a typology of Jesus Christ as coming Davidic Messiah, an ultimate expression and fulfillment of an oft-neglected ideal kinship-redeemer from Bethlehem and Judah. The God of Israel uses the suffering, sorrow, death and destitution of the small and oft-forgotten to set the stage for the redemption of a people, and further his own eschatological purposes in Christ Jesus. As Mitch writes: “Just as the Book of Ruth is a story of redemption and marriage, so is the gospel”.

Article: “A True and Greater Boaz: Typology and Jesus in the Book of Ruth”

For Advent, check out: There Shone a Holy Light

Other resources by Dr. Mitchell:

40 Questions about Typology and Allegory

Walking the Way of the Wise: A Biblical Theology of Wisdom

Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall

“Does the Old Testament Teach Resurrection Hope?” (TGC)

Other resources:

"Ruth: A Commentary” by John Currid

Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale

“What Designates a Valid Type? A Christotelic, Covenantal Proposal” by David Schrock

Audio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:

- Book of Ruth: King James Bible

186. Paul Gottfried on Defining Right and Left

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 02:20:56 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Paul Gottfried to discuss a chapter in his book Revisions and Dissents: “Defining Right and Left”. What is the classical or essentialist Right? And how is this to be distinguished from “conservative,” historically? Similarly, what is the Left and how is this to be distinguished from what is considered “liberal” today? Paul takes us through this and more. From anthropology to the interchangeability of man, from competing notions of liberty to differing biases toward many distinctions as inherited – and even eschatology and how one may or may not achieve some utopian or millennial society; there is a more transcendent significance and foundational worldview behind the political competition between the right and the left of every age. We also go into how Christianity, both in a piecemeal way and in a distorted way, has been an instrumental good and a pragmatic means for both at times – though the hostility of the Left toward Christianity has become much more prominent as they have turned marriage and sex into social battlegrounds to be overcome for the self-centered, self-defined and subjective desires of individuals, or their activist parents. When subjective self-fulfillment has become the standard for the current instantiation of the Left, they truly have found a basis for an eternal and perpetual revolution that even surpasses the ultimate end envisioned by Karl Marx that had a social basis, and objective features.

Book: Revisions and Dissents

Article: “Three Conceptions of Conservatism”

Check out: Chronicles (especially the print magazine)

Hear our previous interview: here.

Other resources by Dr. Gottfried:

“Origins of the New Left” (Claremont Review of Books)

Multiculturalism and the Politics of Guilt

Fascism: The Career of a Concept

Antifascism: The Course of a Crusade

After Liberalism

The Strange Death of Marxism

New book: The Essential Paul Gottfried, Essays from 1984-2024

Other resources:

To Change All Worlds; The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

The Pursuit of the Millennium by Norman Cohn

A Conflict of Visions; The Vision of the Annointed by Thomas Sowell

Out of the Ashes by Anthony Esolen

American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell

From Darwin to Hitler: Evolutionary Ethics, Eugenics, and Racism in Germany by Richard Weikart

185. Mark David Hall on Who's Afraid of Christian Nationalism?

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:00:32 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Mark David Hall to discuss his book Who’s Afraid of Christian Nationalism?: Why Christian Nationalism is Not an Existential Threat to America or the Church. What is “Christian Nationalism”, and was it truly behind January 6^th? What is the actual data, a proper definition – and the correct perspective that can distinguish actual Christian Nationalism from the manufacturing of a label by which to dismiss and belittle and attempting to ban Christian influence in the public square? From the actual meaning and theological underpinning of The First Amendment, to a context-local-based prudential politics where religious rationale should be welcome, and from Romans 13 to political rationale based on the universal image-status of all mankind - listen in as Dr. Hall helps us think through why Christians should care about and be engaged in the public square. Along the way, we will hear his thoughts about alt-right extremes, as well as the concern about the American Civic Religion impacting the orthodoxy of Christians.

Book: Who’s Afraid of Christian Nationalism?: Why Christian Nationalism is Not an Existential Threat to America or the Church

Also check out: “Religious Liberty in the States”

Some other resources by Dr. Hall:

- Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land: How Christianity has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans (hear our previous interview: here)

- Did America Have a Christian Founding?: Separating Modern Myth from Historical Truth

- Roger Sherman and the Creation of the American Republic

Other resources:

“Memorial and Remonstrance against Religous Assessments” by James Madison

- Also check out James Madison and the Making of America by Kevin Gutzman

Religious Freedom: A Religious Primer by John Wilsey

The Reformation of Rights: Law, Religion and Human Rights in Early Modern Calvinism; The Western Case for Monogamy over Polygamy by John Witte

Calvin: On God and Political Duty edited by John T. McNeill

Thomas Jefferson and the Wall of Separation Between Church and State; Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers by Daniel Dreisbach

Audio clip from Scourby YouBible Channel:

Book of Romans

184. Marcus Mininger on Romans 1:16-3:26

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:45:45 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Marcus Mininger to discuss his book Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26. What have been the standard interpretive paradigms of this text about what Paul is arguing – and why he is arguing it? How has Romans 2 fit or has not fit exegetically and logically within those paradigms? Dr. Mininger takes us through highlights of both the traditionalist view, which has typically been focused on soteriology, individual justification and treated Romans as more of a systematic treatment of the Gospel – and the revisionist view, which has typically been focused on corporate and social categories and concerns and treated Romans as perhaps so occasional as to, at times, downplay even the need for coherence in Paul’s argument. Moreover, with mounting exegetical problems with both of the inherited paradigms for interpreting the passage – perhaps a new paradigm is needed. Listen in as Dr. Mininger takes us through this key passage and demonstrates Paul’s programmatic concern is actually “what is (or is not) revealed, where, and how” and that this “means that Paul argues from claims about revelation to conclusions about soteriology, which has significant social implications as well.” Dr. Mininger argues for the “revelation-historical approach” to this passage which can take into account all of what Paul actually says, and all of what he actually argues – centered on the theme he set forth by Paul himself right at the beginning of the letter: the righteousness of God and wrath of God, both which is being revealed (presently) and which will be revealed (in the future). Listen in as we go deeper into the Pauline Gospel which sets forth the principle of fitting correspondence (based on works), as well as the radical principle of diametric contrast (based on grace) in order to fully appreciate how “in Rom 3:4-5 God’s righteousness is demonstrated inversely by means of David’s unrighteousness. Similarly in 3:21-26, God’s righteousness is definitively revealed not by a display of impressive power or through the pedagogical and formational benefits of the Law, even upon Christ himself, but instead through the bloody atoning death of God’s Son, Jesus.” Perhaps this new paradigm, though challenging the traditional paradigm of interpretation, is a much more exegetically sound and logically coherent foundation for the traditional theology of God, sin, grace, the sacraments - as well as the purpose of Christ’s atoning blood upon the cross.

Book: Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26

Pleas also check out this book by Dr. Mininger:

- Impossible to Be Restored?: Temptation and Warning in the Epistle of Hebrews

Audio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:

183. Clinton Arnold on Colossians

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:00:35 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Clinton Arnold to discuss his book The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae. The apostle Paul’s epistle to the Colossians was written at a time and to a place, in history – and as “documents of history, they give us the obligation of interpreting them historically”. That being the case, there has been much question and debate as to what is being condemned in this epistle. What does the term “embateuo” (in 2.18) mean – and what does that have to do with asceticism, dietary restrictions, and the veneration and invoking of angels? To understand this, Dr. Arnold takes us into the religious context of the region – including magic, ritual, mysteries, temples and the worship of many gods and goddesses. Indeed, even the Jews, surprisingly, practiced magic in this very syncretistic context – where the false teachers were likely affirming Jesus, and yet combining him with the religious practices and spiritual teachings that they claimed came with the authority of ancient tradition. Combining archaeology and other extra-biblical texts that help us understand Colossians, in its context, Dr. Arnold helps us see more clearly what the apostle is condemning – as well as how Christ Jesus, God and Creator of all things, is the real solution to what these religious people were seeking. Indeed, the more we understand both what was being corrected and who Paul teaches is the true solution, the contemporary relevance may become more clear - even among many who likewise claim Jesus alongside other spiritual traditions, today.

Book: The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae

Check out this beautiful new amazing commentary: Colossians, Second Edition (WBC)

Also: Colossae Excavations

Some other resources by Dr. Arnold:

- Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians

- Powers of Darkness: Principalities and Powers in Paul’s Letters

Other resources:

The Teaching of Paul in Terms of the Present Day by Sir William Ramsay (1914)

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Shaman and Sage by Michael Horton

Envy by Helmut Schoeck

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship by David Buerger

Audio clips from Scourby YouBible Channel:

182. Stephen Haynes on Noah's Curse

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:00:44 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Stephen Haynes to discuss his book Noah’s Curse: The Biblical Justification of American Slavery. What is Noah’s Curse, especially in regard to the supposed “Curse of Ham”? When did this curse become race-based in the history of biblical interpretation and reception? How did American clergy develop this tradition? And how prominent was the kind of reading in which Genesis 9-11 became a key part of the defense of slavery – and then segregation, both in society and in the church? In this interview, Dr. Haynes takes us through this and more as we try to understand the social context in which readings now widely relegated to the fringe of American Christianity used to be seen as obvious within the mainstream of America. And why does this matter today – especially in understanding the correlation between proponents of both an antebellum patriarchal honor-culture and a revival of the use of Genesis to promote actual white supremacy and segregation among many white men today. In addition, we will learn about an old Presbyterian divine named Benjamin M. Palmer, who himself embodies the handing down to future generations a complicated legacy, which includes within it the use of Genesis 9-11 to defend racial hierarchy and segregation - in the name of Christianity.

Book: Noah’s Curse: The Biblical Justification of American Slavery

Some other resources by Dr. Haynes:

- The Battle for Bonhoeffer: Debating Discipleship in the Age of Trump

Hear our previous interview: here

- The Last Segregated Hour: The Memphis Kneel-ins and the Campaign for Southern Church Desegregation

Other resources:

A Consuming Fire: The Fall of the Confederacy in the Mind of the White Christian South by Eugene D. Genovese

The Curse of Ham by David Goldenberg

The Theology of B.B. Warfield by Fred G. Zaspel (also here)

Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America by D. G. Hart (also here)

Compare: SBC apology (also here), LDS non-apology (also here, here, here)

Religion of a Different Color: Race and the Mormon Struggle for Whiteness by W. Paul Reeve

Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality by Matthew Harris

Introductory audio clips:

Corey Mahler clips (approx. 31:30-40:35)

Closing clips

181. Sandra Tanner on the Character of Joseph Smith

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:00:29 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Sandra Tanner of Utah Lighthouse Ministry to discuss Joseph Smith and the origins of Mormonism – based on parts of her books Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? , Archaeology and the Book of Mormon, and Joseph Smith’s Plagiarism of the Bible in the Book of Mormon. What do we know about Joseph Smith’s involvement in magic, and why does it matter? How did we learn (and verify) the 1826 Bainbridge Trial, in which Joseph Smith was identified as a “glass-looker”? Is there a way to separate Joseph Smith’s use of seer stones for treasure-digging and the “translation” of the Book of Mormon? Was there actually a Palmyra Revival in the spring of 1820, and how did we find out? We also ask Sandra about her own struggle with the Book of Mormon and whether or not it is actual history? Was Fanny Alger Joseph Smith’s first polygamous “wife,” or is it evidence of the immorality that likely led to Joseph Smith’s later development of the doctrinal basis justifying his own behavior. Listen in as Sandra teaches us about history, how we first discovered some of that history – as well as why it should matter. Along the way, we hear some contributions that have been made along the way by Christian ministers M.T. Lamb and Wesley Walters, as well as her late husband - the heroic one and only Jerald Tanner.

Books: Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? (also here)

Joseph Smith’s Plagiarism of the Bible in the Book of Mormonism (also here)

Archaeology and the Book of Mormon (also here)

Utah Lighthouse Ministry

Note: the many books as free PDF’s on the website.

For physical copies of many of the books by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (as well as better prices), check out the Utah Christian Research Center.

Lectures:

“The Book of Mormon’s Plagiarism of the KJV Bible”

“Mormon Prophets I Have Known”

Other resources:

No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

The Palmyra Revival and Mormon Origins by Rev. Wesley Walters (also here)

Inventing Mormonism: Tradition and the Historical Record by H. Michael Marquardt and Rev. Wesley Walters

The Golden Bible by Rev. M.T. Lamb

Thank you to Bradley Campbell of GLM for helping make this happen, and sharing it with his audience. Check out his YouTube channel here.

180. John Turner on Joseph Smith: American Prophet

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:00:44 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. John Turner to discuss his book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Who was Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of Mormonism – and how should we understand him both in his own historical context, as well as in terms of his significance in American religious history? Dr. Turner takes us into the Smith family home to discuss some of the factors that impact the trajectory of Joseph’s religious entrepreneurship and innovation. How does Joseph Smith fit within the cultural-Christian discussions and debates of his time and place? What is the Book of Mormon, and how should it be seen categorically relative to other (genuine) ancient texts? Who was Fanny Alger, and should we understand her as Joseph Smith’s first polygamous wife – or rather, as some close to him seemed to think, simply an extramarital affair? We ask Dr. Turner about the origins of Joseph Smith’s polygamy, how Joseph Smith went about practicing it, and how he both hid it from his wife, Emma, and then later tried to involve her. How did Joseph’s secret Nauvoo practice of polygamy compare and contrast with the later Brighamite public practice? We also ask about the place of this biography in the scholarly conversation of the notable biographies that have been previously written, such as Fawn Brodie, Richard Bushman and Dan Vogel.

Book: Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet

Some other resources by Dr. Turner:

- Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet (also here)

- The Mormon Jesus: A Biography

- They Knew They Were Pilgrims (also here)

Other resources:

The American Religion by Harold Bloom

The Mound Builder Myth: Fake History and the Hunt for a “Lost White Race” by Jason Colavito

Inventing Mormonism by H. Michael Marquardt and Wesley P. Walters

No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith by Fawn Brodie

Joseph Smith: The Making of a Prophet; Charisma Under Pressure: Joseph Smith, American Prophet, 1831-1839 by Dan Vogel

Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Bushman

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

179. Ed Romine on Gospel Topics Essay: "Are 'Mormons' Christian?" (Part 2/2)

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:00:41 +0000

In this episode, Skyler and Pastor Ed Romine of First Baptist Church of Provo wrap up their interacting with and responding to the LDS (official) Gospel Topics Essay “Are ‘Mormons’ Christian?”.

Gospel Topics Essay: "Are 'Mormons' Christian?"

The LDS Gospel Topics Series: A Scholarly Engagement, edited by Matthew L. Harris and Newell G. Bringhurst

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

Hear our previous episodes with Ed here:

Other resources:

Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens

The Truth, the Way, the Life by B.H. Roberts

A Rational Theology by Elder John A. Widtsoe

The Great Apostasy by Elder James Talmage

A New Witness for the Articles of Faith by Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (also here)

Christianity at the Crossroads by Michael Kruger

Against Heresies; The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching by Irenaeus

Michael Haykin on Irenaeus on Scripture

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

All That Is In God by James Dolezal

The Attributes of God: An Introduction by Gerald Bray

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

The Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen Wellum

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

The American Religion by Harold Bloom

The Gnostic New Age by April DeConick

The Gnostics by David Brakke

178. Ed Romine on Gospel Topics Essay: "Are 'Mormons' Christian?" (Part 1/2)

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:59:13 +0000

In this episode, Skyler is joined by Pastor Ed Romine of First Baptist Church of Provo to interact with and respond to the LDS (official) Gospel Topics Essay “Are ‘Mormons’ Christian?”.

Gospel Topics Essay: "Are 'Mormons' Christian?"

The LDS Gospel Topics Series: A Scholarly Engagement, edited by Matthew L. Harris and Newell G. Bringhurst

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

Hear our previous episodes with Ed here:

Other resources:

Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens

The Truth, the Way, the Life by B.H. Roberts

A Rational Theology by Elder John A. Widtsoe

The Great Apostasy by Elder James Talmage

A New Witness for the Articles of Faith by Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (also here)

Christianity at the Crossroads by Michael Kruger

Against Heresies; The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching by Irenaeus

Michael Haykin on Irenaeus on Scripture

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

All That Is In God by James Dolezal

The Attributes of God: An Introduction by Gerald Bray

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

The Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen Wellum

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

The American Religion by Harold Bloom

The Gnostic New Age by April DeConick

The Gnostics by David Brakke

177. Thomas R. Young on The Alexamenos Graffito

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:00:58 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Judge Thomas R. Young to discuss his book The Alexamenos Graffito: An Early Roman Commentary on Christians and Christianity. What is the Alexamenos Graffito, and why does it matter? What insight does this single artifact give us into the Roman context, and the cultural distinctive of an emerging Christianity? What can we learn about the predominant Roman view of the Christian emphasis on the Lord Jesus being crucified? Why would a Roman student depict the Christian God as a human with a donkey head? What might the mocking of Alexamenos help us understand about a real fear of social instability and transformation in the cultural war of that time? From a tour of the Roman cult(s) system, both public and private, to aiding our understanding of what inspired Roman intolerance – to aiding our understanding Christian distinctiveness in the Mediterranean world, listen in as Rob takes us through this and more as he explains how a detailed analysis of a single graffito can, in fact, give us a tour of the world of antiquity in an unparalleled manner. Indeed, this graffito-based tour of antiquity can likewise shed light on our own world, today.

Book: The Alexamenos Graffito: An Early Roman Commentary on Christians and Christianity

Other resources:

"Alexamenos Graffito"

Confessions; The City of God by Saint Augustine

The Christians as the Romans Saw Them by Robert Louis Wilken

Pagan Rome and the Early Christians by Stephen Benko

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado (also here)

The Cross Before Constantine by Bruce Longenecker

Christianity at the Crossroads by Michael Kruger

176. Scott Hunter on The Gospel of John

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:30:32 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Scott Hunter to take us into The Gospel of John. What is this gospel, and what is the unique voice of John relative to the other three evangelists? Who is this Christ Jesus, what did he come to do – and where is he from? With these questions in mind, Scott takes us through highlights from the text that clearly reveal a God who is Triune: Father, Son and Spirit - and a Christ who is the incarnate Word, truly the unique God and man. Scott takes us through the theme of light and darkness, Jesus as the bridegroom, and who the bride of Jesus really is rooted in his identity as God and who mankind is given our universal condemnation in Adam. What did the temple originally teach us, and who and what is the temple now in light of the first coming of Christ? Is John 7.17 really a pragmatic challenge to base the truth of God on self-defined fruit of a life we choose? How should we understand Jesus’ quotation of Psalm 82 in his teaching that he and his father are One? And did Jesus really teach that we can be one with the Father and the Son in the same exact way that the Father and Son are One with each other? Listen in and hear an example of what Sunday School should be when learning Scripture given time, attention, study and reflection.

Check out: Emmanuel OPC in Kent, Washington

- Audio

- Sermon Audio

James Dennison on the Gospel of John

Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos

The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G. K. Beale

By Faith, Not By Sight; Perspectives on Pentecost by Richard Gaffin

Hear our previous interview on the historical reliability of the Gospel of John with Lydia McGrew.

175. Eric Johnson on President Russell M. Nelson

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 06:01:24 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Eric Johnson of Mormonism Research Ministry to discuss the legacy of President Russell M. Nelson. In this episode, we try to take the listener through some of the highlights of the theology and administration of Nelson, the 17^th President of the LDS Church, as well as critique them from the perspective of evangelical Christians. From Nelson’s emphasis on the “correct name of the Church”, his administrative flexibility, his emphasis on Temples and temple work, his view of faith as a power, his encouragement of women to be like “Mother Eve”, the Restoration Proclamation – to his ruling theme of obedience to “the covenant path” being the key to one’s exaltation in the eternities, as heavenly parents have gone before – Eric takes us through what stands out most to him from the presidency of Russell Nelson. In a time when the LDS membership is so hungry for charismatic leadership – is there a popular confusion of pragmatic administrative change with the spiritual substance of revelations?

- Introducing Christianity to Mormons

Other resources by Eric Johnson:

- Sharing the Good News with Mormons

- “President Nelson speaks on ‘The Everlasting Covenant’: A Review”

- Hear our previous interview with Eric Johnson here

- Also check out the response to Nelson’s “Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys” here

Some talks of President Russell M. Nelson:

“The Correct Name of the Church”

“Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys”

“Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel”

“The Second Great Commandment”

“Think Celestial!”

“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives”

“The Love and Laws of God”

- (Revised) Temple Recommend Interview Questions

- Restoration Proclamation

“Call to the Holy Apostleship”

“Reverence for Life”

“Reflection and Resolution”

“The Canker of Contention”

“Thus Shall My Church Be Called”

“The Atonement”

“Blessed Are the Peacemakers”

“Sweet Power of Prayer”

“Lessons from the Lord’s Prayer”

“Becoming True Millennials”

Also check out this very helpful archive: here

- Nelson’s first GC talk

- “President Nelson’s First Message to Members as Our Prophet” by Danielle B. Wagner

- Interview, including line: “If you think the Church is fully restored, you’re just seeing the beginning...”

Other resources:

D&C 14; 107; 132

“Timeline of President Russell M. Nelson’s life and minsitry” by Sydney Walker

“A by-the-numbers look at the 200 temples announced by President Nelson” by Scott Taylor

“Mormon LGBT ban was ‘revealed’ to the prophet as God’s will, says Elder Nelson”; “Mormon leaders reverse LGBT policy, raising the question: What is revelation?” ;“The top 10 changes President Nelson has made in the LDS Church” by Jana Reiss

Book: The Gospel Code: Novel Claims About Jesus, Mary Magdalene and Da Vinci

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball (also here)

“Mormon Should Mean ‘More Good’” by Elder Gordon B. Hinckley; also his book What of the Mormons?

On the scandal of exaggerating (to even lying) about stories, see RFM: here, and here

Financial Scandal: here, here, and here

“The Correct [Domain] Name of the Church: Technology, Naming, and Legitimacy in the Latter-Day Saint Tradition” by Spencer P. Greenhalgh

The Mysteries of Godliness by David Buerger

The Harvest of Sorrow by Robert Conquest

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris (also here)

174. Ben Witherington III on The Gospel Code

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:00:28 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Ben Witherington III to discuss his book The Gospel Code: Novel Claims About Jesus, Mary Magdalene and Da Vinci. Though a writer of fiction, Dan Brown wrote on one of the first pages under the heading “FACT” that “all descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate”. In a mix of pseudo-history, conspiracy-logic and emotion-based theology - the influence of this novel (and the culture surrounding it) is often seen in the mainstreaming of views such as Jesus being married, emphasis on a “sacred feminine”, the claim that the Gnostic texts and theology are more reliable than the official-canonical texts and theology, and conspiracies surrounding Constantine and the Council of Nicaea. The success of this Da-Vinci-Code-Culture has likewise revealed a profound ignorance among Christians, themselves, when it comes to the Bible and historical claims about their past. What are the earliest Gospels, and which are the most historically accurate? Is the Gospel of Philip as reliable as the Gospel of Mark? Was Jesus seen as simply a man until Constantine and corrupt church authorities forced the church to confess otherwise? Did the Council of Nicaea choose the canon, and suppress the texts they didn’t like? Was Jesus married - and what did he teach about marriage? Were Christians misogynistic – in contrast to the feminist Gnostics? And why should people care about getting all of this right? Join us as Dr. Witherington helps us understand the answers to these questions and more.

Some other resources by Dr. Witherington:

- New Testament History

- Paul’s Narrative Thought World

- Conflict and Community: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on 1 and 2 Corinthians

- The Gospel of Mark: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

- Jesus, Paul and the End of the World

- The Jesus Quest

Other resources:

Thomas: The Other Gospel by Nicholas Perrin

Hidden Gospels: How the Search for Jesus Lost Its Way by Philip Jenkins

The Historical Reliability of the Gospels by Craig Blomberg

Jesus and the Eyewitnesses; Jesus and the God of Israel by Richard Bauckham

Early Christian Doctrines by J.N.D. Kelly

Scribes and Scripture by John Meade and Peter Gurry

The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright

Shaman and Sage by Michael Horton

The Nag Hammadi Scriptures, edited by Marvin Meyer

Ancient Gnosticism: Traditions and Literature by Birger Pearson

The Gnostic New Age by April DeConick

Church Statement; yet,

“The Family Proclamation” (and here)

“Gathering the Poor - Religion a Science” by President Brigham Young (also here and here)

“The Marriage Relations”; “Man the Head of Woman, etc.” by Elder Orson Hyde (also here)

The Seer by Elder Orson Pratt (also here)

“Uniformity” by Elder Jedediah M. Grant

President Joseph Fielding Smith Letter (March 17, 1963)

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

“Joseph Smith Translation: Doctrinal Restoration” by Elder Bruce R. McConkie

The Gospel Through the Ages by Milton R. Hunter (Seventy)

Achieving a Celestial Marriage (student manual); “Many Plain and Precious Things” (LDS Video)

“Early Christians According to Newly Discovered Papyrii”; Temple and Cosmos; Mormonism and Early Christianity; Old Testament and Related Studies; When the Lights Went Out by Hugh Nibley

Like A Fiery Meteor: The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Stephen Taysom

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Jesus Was Married by Ogden Kraut

Dynasty of the Holy Grail: Mormon’s Sacred Bloodline by Vern Swanson

173. Terry Johnson on the Doctrines of Grace

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:00:14 +0000

In this episode, we interview The Reverend Terry Johnson about his book When Grace Comes Home: How the Doctrines of Grace Change Your Life. What are “the Doctrines of Grace”, and are they practical when it comes to the Christian life? Far from being items Christians should put on the shelf, these revealed truths from Scripture form the very core of the Christian life – as should be seen most importantly in worship. Moreover, Christian worship should be in the context of the covenant community, the church, where the Word is heard, sung, preached, made visible in the sacraments, and received with hearts desiring the Triune God who made us for Himself. Going over the basics of the sovereignty of God, human depravity, and God’s sovereign grace – Terry also takes us over some of the more common objections to these doctrines. If God is sovereign, why do we pray? Why do we evangelize? How should a Christian be biblically faithful to both Justification and Sanctification? And is the church a negotiable aspect of the Christian life?

Book: When Grace Comes Home: How the Doctrines of Grace Change Your Life

Check out: Reformation Today

Other resources by The Reverend Terry Johnson:

- When Grace Comes Alive: Living through the Lord’s Prayer

- When Grace Transforms: The Character of Christ’s Disciples Put Forward in the Beatitudes

- Who Needs the Church?: Why We Need the Church

- The Excellencies of God: Exploring and Enjoying His Attributes

Other resources:

Confessions by Augustine

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J. I. Packer

Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton

- The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther

The Democratization of American Christianity by Nathan Hatch

The American Religion by Harold Bloom

JSH-1; Moses 1.39

“King Follett Discourse” by Joseph Smith

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

172. Matthew Harris on Ezra Taft Benson (Part 2/2)

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:00:34 +0000

In this episode, we conclude our interview with Dr. Matthew Harris about his book Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right. Who was President Ezra Taft Benson, what were some of his teachings, and why do they matter today? From the White Horse Prophecy to the John Birch Society, from almost being on two Presidential tickets to his conflict with fellow Elder Hugh B. Brown – Dr. Harris takes us through some of the highlights, teachings, impact, and then the “remaking” of this controversial LDS Apostle who became the thirteenth Prophet-President of the LDS Church. Ezra Taft Benson was an author and speaker, firmly believing in “secret combinations” (that is, conspiracies) - and who frequently mixed his devotion to both Joseph Smith and Adam Smith. Listen in as Dr. Harris takes us through how to best understand and distinguish between Benson’s authoritative influence, and his broader influence today all along the Mormon corridor.

Book: Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right

Some other resources by Dr. Harris:

Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

The Mormon Church and Blacks: A Documentary History (edited with Newell Bringhurst)

Zebulon Pike, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West (edited with Jay Buckley)

“Joseph Fielding Smith’s Evolving Views on Race: The Odyssey of a Mormon Apostle-President”

“Mormons and Lineage: The Complicated History of Blacks and Patriarchal Blessings, 1830-2018”

Some resources from Ezra Taft Benson (et al):

Sample: D&C 98; 101.77-80; 134 and Ether 8

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson

“The LDS Church and Politics”

“The American Heritage of Freedom”

“A Race Against Time”

“Be Not Deceived”

“Not Commanded in All Things”

“Trust Not in the Arm of Flesh”

“The Book of Mormon Warns America”

“The Proper Role of Government”

“Life is Eternal”

“Civic Standards for the Faithful Saints” (audio)

“Prepare Ye”

“The Constitution: A Glorious Standard”

“Our Priceless Heritage”

“Freedom and Free Enterprise”

“Fourteen Fundamentals of Following the Prophet”

“Prepare Yourselves for the Great Day of the Lord”

As President of the Church:

“The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner”

“Our Divine Constitution”

“I Testify”

“Beware of Pride”

The Moral Basis of a Free Society; The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil; Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen; The Book of Mormon and the Constitution by H. Verlan Andersen

Stand Fast By Our Constitution by J. Reuben Clark

The Naked Communist; The Naked Capitalist; Prophecy and Modern Times by Cleon Skousen

Other resources:

Mosiah Lyman Hancock Autobiography

President Brigham Young: JD 2.182; 7:13, 8.321; 12.121, 12.204

President John Taylor: JD 21.8, 21.31; 22.143-44; 23.63; 26.38-39

Elder George Q. Cannon: JD 23.104; 23.122

President Joseph F. Smith; Elder Joseph Fielding Smith (Oct. 1918 General Conference)

“Church Statement on White Horse Prophecy and Political Neutrality”

“The Profile of a Prophet”; “God is the Gardener” by Elder Hugh B. Brown

“Overcome the World and Find Rest” by President Russell M. Nelson

Elder Statesman: A Biography of J. Reuben Clark; “Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts” by D. Michael Quinn

“Edwin Rushton as the Source of the White Horse Prophecy” by Don L. Penrod

The Lie That Will Not Die: The Protocols of the Elders of Zion by Hadassa Ben-Itto

The Pope and Mussolini; The Pope at War by David Kertzer

171. Matthew Harris on Ezra Taft Benson (Part 1/2)

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:00:10 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Matthew Harris to discuss his book Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right. Who was President Ezra Taft Benson, what were some of his teachings, and why do they matter today? From the White Horse Prophecy to the John Birch Society, from almost being on two Presidential tickets to his conflict with fellow Elder Hugh B. Brown – Dr. Harris takes us through some of the highlights, teachings, impact, and then the “remaking” of this controversial LDS Apostle who became the thirteenth Prophet-President of the LDS Church. Ezra Taft Benson was an author and speaker, firmly believing in “secret combinations” (that is, conspiracies) - and who frequently mixed his devotion to both Joseph Smith and Adam Smith. Listen in as Dr. Harris takes us through how to best understand and distinguish between Benson’s authoritative influence, and his broader influence today all along the Mormon corridor.

Book: Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right

Some other resources by Dr. Harris:

Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality

The Mormon Church and Blacks: A Documentary History (edited with Newell Bringhurst)

Zebulon Pike, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West (edited with Jay Buckley)

“Joseph Fielding Smith’s Evolving Views on Race: The Odyssey of a Mormon Apostle-President”

“Mormons and Lineage: The Complicated History of Blacks and Patriarchal Blessings, 1830-2018”

Some resources from Ezra Taft Benson (et al):

Sample: D&C 98; 101.77-80; 134 and Ether 8

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson

“The LDS Church and Politics”

“The American Heritage of Freedom”

“A Race Against Time”

“Be Not Deceived”

“Not Commanded in All Things”

“Trust Not in the Arm of Flesh”

“The Book of Mormon Warns America”

“The Proper Role of Government”

“Life is Eternal”

“Civic Standards for the Faithful Saints” (audio)

“Prepare Ye”

“The Constitution: A Glorious Standard”

“Our Priceless Heritage”

“Freedom and Free Enterprise”

“Fourteen Fundamentals of Following the Prophet”

“Prepare Yourselves for the Great Day of the Lord”

As President of the Church:

“The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner”

“Our Divine Constitution”

“I Testify”

“Beware of Pride”

The Moral Basis of a Free Society; The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil; Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen; The Book of Mormon and the Constitution by H. Verlan Andersen

Stand Fast By Our Constitution by J. Reuben Clark

The Naked Communist; The Naked Capitalist; Prophecy and Modern Times by Cleon Skousen

Other resources:

Mosiah Lyman Hancock Autobiography

President Brigham Young: JD 2.182; 7:13, 8.321; 12.121, 12.204

President John Taylor: JD 21.8, 21.31; 22.143-44; 23.63; 26.38-39

Elder George Q. Cannon: JD 23.104; 23.122

President Joseph F. Smith; Elder Joseph Fielding Smith (Oct. 1918 General Conference)

“Church Statement on White Horse Prophecy and Political Neutrality”

“The Profile of a Prophet”; “God is the Gardener” by Elder Hugh B. Brown

“Overcome the World and Find Rest” by President Russell M. Nelson

Elder Statesman: A Biography of J. Reuben Clark; “Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts” by D. Michael Quinn

“Edwin Rushton as the Source of the White Horse Prophecy” by Don L. Penrod

The Lie That Will Not Die: The Protocols of the Elders of Zion by Hadassa Ben-Itto

The Pope and Mussolini; The Pope at War by David Kertzer

170. Stanley Payne on The Spanish Civil War

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 08:42:58 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Stanley G. Payne to discuss his book The Spanish Civil War. What is the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), and why does it matter? In a war often still wrongly characterized as liberal/republican vs. nationalist/fascist – how do we understand the incredibly violent and extensive worker revolution and the murder of nearly 7,000 clergy on one side, and the Roman Catholic identity of the Nationalists while uniting with the Falange (Fascists) and being supported by Muslim troops on the other? When most international attention was on a defunct Republican state, how has “the grand camouflage” led to a prominent narrative which overlooks and sanitizes one half of a bloody revolutionary civil war? How does communism and fascism fit into the story? General Francisco Franco was the youngest general in Europe in 1926. How did he end up being the central figure in a national dynamic of revolution and counter-revolution, bathed in religious rhetoric (on both sides) – and his eventual reaffirmation of Spanish Roman Catholic identity. Dr. Payne identifies the Spanish Civil War as a war of religion with many paradoxes – including Franco’s international relations, his relationship with the Vatican, and what would slowly lead to a decline of his counter-revolution following the war. How did Franco view Protestants? Indeed, how should Protestants view Franco? That last question is more engaged than answered as we have the opportunity to learn from one of the great historians of Spain.

Book: The Spanish Civil War

Other resources by Dr. Payne:

- Franco: A Personal and Political Biography

- Franco and Hitler: Spain, Germany, and World War II

- The Franco Regime, 1936-1975

- The Collapse of the Spanish Republic, 1933-1936: Origins of the Civil War

- Fascism: Comparison and Definition

- Fascism in Spain, 1923-1977

- A History of Fascism, 1914-1945

- En Defensa De Espana: Desmontando Mitos y Leyendas Negras

- Spain: A Unique History

- Spanish Catholicism: An Historical Overview

See also the article: “The Road to Revolution”

Other resources:

Granada (Documentary); BBC In Our Time

The Spanish Civil War by Hugh Thomas

Fascism: The Career of a Concept by Paul Gottfried

Lenin: The Man, the Dictator, and the Master of Terror by Victor Sebestyen

169. Jeremy Kimble on the Efficacy of Scripture

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:00:54 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jeremy Kimble to discuss his book Behold and Become: Reading Scripture for Transformation. What is Scripture, and how do Christians understand it’s place in the Christian life? In today’s episode, Dr. Kimble takes us through not only the character of Scripture, but it’s efficacy and authority – as well as some more practical advice for Christians to be more “word-saturated”. What does it mean to pray Scripture, and even to meditate on Scripture? Is the Bible truly one story – rooted and revealing of Jesus Christ? Moreover, we ask Jeremy about the connection between Scripture and the Beatific Vision in a Protestant context that truly honors the place of Scripture as uniquely inspired of and for the Christian Faith.

Book: Behold and Become: Reading Scripture for Transformation

Other books by Dr. Kimble:

How Can I Get More Out of My Bible Reading?

40 Questions about Church Membership and Discipline

That His Spirit May Be Saved: Church Discipline as a Means to Repentance and Perseverence

Other resources:

We Become What We Worship by G.K. Beale

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life; Praying the Bible by Donald S. Whitney

What It Means to be Protestant by Gavin Ortlund (also see here)

The Courage to Be Protestant; No Place for Truth; God in the Whirlwind by David Wells

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J. I. Packer

“The Protestant Doctrine of the Perspicuity of Scripture: A Reformulation on the Basis of Biblical Teaching” by Gregg Allison

168. Retractiones: Retractions and Review

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 10:00:14 +0000

In this episode, Skyler and Casey discuss past mistakes made on the show (the silly, the bad, and the ugly), check-in with the audience, and partially review the introduction to a biography of Elder Orson F. Whitney (1855-1931).

167. Henri Blocher on Original Sin

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 10:00:38 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Henri Blocher to discuss his book Original Sin: Illuminating the Riddle. What is the doctrine of Original Sin, and is it essential to the Christian Faith? Is the doctrine Augustine’s invention, or is it Biblical truth? Is it taught in both Old and New Testaments – as well as by Christ Jesus, himself? Dr. Blocher takes us through the contours and complexities of original sin, as well as some pitfalls some have fallen into relative to the genre of Genesis 1-3, Paul’s teaching about Law and guilt – as well as the dangers of compromising our view of the integrity of Creation, itself. Distinguishing humanity as created and humanity as sinful – how does Original Sin make sense of the evil within the human heart, as well as in families, societies, and even the church? Distinguishing originated original sin that is the “tendency to sinfulness with which we are born” and the originating original sin that is “the transgression Adam perpetrated in the Garden and through which sin and death invaded our world”, how do we understand collective guilt relative to the Justice of God? Henri takes us through this and more – as we hear how, in its depth, we understand even David’s psalm of repentance and pleading for mercy in Psalm 51 along with Jesus’ clear teaching to Nicodemus that all of us must be “born again” or we will not “enter the kingdom of God”.

Book: Original Sin: Illuminating the Riddle

Other books by Dr. Henri Blocher:

Faith and Reason

Evil and the Cross: An Analytical Look at the Problem of Pain

Songs of the Servant: Isaiah’s Good News

In the Beginning: The Opening Chapters of Genesis

166. G. K. Beale on Colossians

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 10:00:56 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. G.K. Beale to discuss his commentary on Colossians (BECNT). From a defense of the Pauline authorship of this epistle, to the identity of the Colossian-heresy based on both internal and external evidence, to Paul’s use of Old Testament allusions in this epistle (contrary to what many scholars have thought) – Dr. Beale helps us think through the brilliant theology being taught to us, even today, in this epistle. Paul argues against a heresy that mingles and attempts to synthesize Old Testament terminology with what is at it’s core still Hellenistic theology: a Jesus+local mystery religion - all with the goal of making one’s self worthy of experiencing heavenly temple worship. The correcting epistle argues against this based upon Christ being “the full expression of God’s presence in the end-time temple”, and the Christian church being “part of the latter-day temple, residing in the midst of the divine tabernacling presence”. Listen in as Dr. Beale gives us a sample of the doctrinal insights we can receive in Paul’s Epistle to the Colossians.

Book: Colossians and Philemon (BECNT)

Also: G.K. Beale’s Website

“The Temple and the Anti-Temple at Colossae”

“The Old Testament in Colossians: A Response to Paul Foster”

Check out: CSB Connecting Scripture New Testament as well as the conference here.

Other books and resources by Dr. Beale:

The Temple and the Church’s Mission

- God Dwells Among Us

Union with the Resurrected Christ

We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry

The Book of Revelation (NIGTC)

A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New

Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament

Other resources:

The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae; Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians by Clinton Arnold

A couple of examples of LDS sources:

“Necessity of Building Temples – The Endowment” by President Brigham Young

“The Building of Temples – The Keys of the Apostleship”; “The New Birth – Baptisms for the Dead – Temples” by Elder George Q. Cannon

The Holy Temple by Elder Boyd K. Packer (also here)

Temple and Cosmos; When the Lights Went Out; “Treasures in the Heavens” by Hugh Nibley

165. T. C. Schmidt on Josephus and Jesus

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 10:00:14 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. T. C. Schmidt about his book Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ. Who was Josephus and why does he matter? Why are his writings so important for our understanding of first-century history? Dr. Schmidt takes us through the “Testimonium Flavianum”, whether it is a genuine passage about Jesus – and how we get at what Josephus originally wrote and originally meant. What does this hostile account of Jesus, his life and reference to his followers aid us in understanding the historical Jesus and the early “tribe” of Christians? Tom also takes us through Josephus’ account of James “the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ" – and what insight we get from early sources about him and his importance.

Book: Josephus and Jesus: New Evidence for the One Called Christ (also here)

Website: JosephusandJesus.com

Also check out: Institute for Christian Reflection

Other work by Dr. Schmidt:

- The Book of Revelation and its Eastern Commentators

- Revelation 1-3 in Christian Arabic Commentary

- “Calculating December 25 as the Birth of Jesus in Hippolytus’ Canon and Chronicon” (also here)

164. Charles Harrell on John Taylor and the "Dark Ages"

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:05:04 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Charles Harrell to discuss his recent article “John Taylor on the ‘Dark Ages’”. Pure Original, Great Apostasy, Restoration; this has been the mainstream traditional LDS view, overwhelmingly. Yet, many have used a particular quote from an 1873 sermon by Elder John Taylor to complicate this narrative. Did John Taylor believe in the Great Apostasy, or was he open to people in the “dark ages” communing and seeing God, and experiencing the gifts of the spirit in ways much more comparable to the LDS church community than the mainstream traditional narrative has allowed? Does John Taylor, who will later become the third Prophet-President of the LDS Church, actually provide a “historical precedent” in justifying the near-abandonment of the Great Apostasy narrative, thus opening the door for more ecumenism with other religions? Dr. Harrell takes us through both the story of this famous quotation – as well as a proper analysis of the full text of this 1873 sermon, in context, in order to aid us in accurately understanding what John Taylor was actually teaching. This episode includes a lesson in motivated reasoning that should leave the audience wondering why it took nearly 25 years for a scholar to double-check a quotation that should have seemed too good to be true for those with ecumenical aspirations. Moreover, Dr. Harrell will take us into an important 19^th century apologetic context that has “faded from LDS institutional memory”.

Article: “John Taylor on the ‘Dark Ages’”

Slideshow

Some other resources by Dr. Harrell:

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology

“The Development of the Doctrine of Preexistence, 1830-1844”

Elder John Taylor sermon: “The Knowledge of God and Mode of Worshiping Him” (September 7, 1873)

Other President John Taylor resources:

Truth Defended; The Government of God;

JD 13.221-233;16.369-376; 18.306-313; 21.241-256; 22.290-297; 23:320-326;23:368-376

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: John Taylor

The Last Pioneer: John Taylor, a Mormon Prophet by Samuel W. Taylor

Other resources:

Gospel Principles: here, here, here, and here

JSH-1; Gospel Topics: Apostasy

“The Gathering of Scattered Israel” ;“Hear Him”; “Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys” by President Russell M. Nelson (also here)

Jesus the Christ; The Great Apostasy by Elder James Talmage

A New Witness for the Articles of Faith by Elder Bruce R. McConkie

“Statement on the First Presidency Regarding God’s Love for All Mankind” (Feb. 15, 1978)

“The Light of Christ” by Elder Boyd K. Packer; D&C 93

The Essential Parley P. Pratt

President Wilford Woodruff: JD 2.191-202; 19.223-230; 22.169-176

Elder Moses Thatcher: JD 26. 327-335

Elder George Bywater: JD 23.142-149

Elder Henry W. Naisbitt: JD 26.228-240

Elder George Q. Cannon: JD 14. 45-58; 14. 122-129

“Inheriting the ‘Great Apostasy’: The Evolution of Mormon Views on the Middle Ages and the Renaissance” by Eric Dursteler

Standing Apart: Mormon Historical Consciousness and the Concept of Apostasy, edited by Miranda Wilcox and John D. Young

Mormonism in Transition by Thomas Alexander

163. Benjamin Park on John Taylor's 1886 Polygamy Revelation

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 10:00:59 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Benjamin Park to discuss his recent RNS article: “The LDS Historical Department Just Published an 1886 Polygamy Revelation”. John Taylor was the third LDS Prophet-President, and this 1886 revelation was for the LDS church – though it has a controversial history, and an even more surprising entry in the headlines of 2025. In this episode, Dr. Park helps us better understand this oft-neglected LDS President in his context, as well as what this revelation means and does not mean relative to debates within and between the mainline LDS church and the many fundamentalist churches who have championed this revelation for nearly a century.

Article: “The LDS Historical Department Just Published an 1886 Polygamy Revelation”

LDS Church History Catalog: John Taylor revelation, 1886 September 27

Other resources by Dr. Benjamin Park:

American Zion: A New History of Mormonism (new Paperback edition: here)

Kingdom of Nauvoo: The Rise and Fall of a Religious Empire on the American Frontier

- Check out YouTube Channel

Other resources:

D&C 118:6; 124.129; 135

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: John Taylor (official manual)

Unpublished Revelations, vol. 1 compiled by Fred Collier

The Works of John Taylor, compiled by David Hammer; including significant works, such as:

- The Government of God

- Mediation and Atonement

- “Succession in the Priesthood”

- “The Origin and Destiny of Woman”

Last public discourse before going into hiding: February 1, 1885

A sample of discourses:

“Man” (Feb. 19, 1860)

“Motives and Feelings of the Saints…” (June 12, 1853)

“Blessings of the Saints…” (Jan. 17, 1858)

“Reflections on the Sacrament, the Atonement and the Second Coming of Jesus” (Feb. 22, 1863)

“Blessings of the Gospel Contrasted with the Ideas of Men…” (Dec. 11, 1864)

“God is the Source of All Intelligence and Wisdom…” (Feb. 5, 1865)

“Revelation from God, True Knowledge” (Oct. 7, 1865)

“What the Gospel Teaches…” (Feb. 1, 1874)

“The Death of the Faithful No Cause for Mourning…” (July 24, 1882)

“The Church Based Upon the Principle of Perfect Freedom…” (Jan. 21, 1883)

The Life of John Taylor by B. H. Roberts

The Last Pioneer: John Taylor, a Mormon Prophet by Samuel W. Taylor

Worth including is this passage from The Mormon Jesus by John Turner:

“Young’s immediate successors promptly returned to the former model of revelation. Because Young had held many church properties in his own name, after his death there were conflicts of interest between his family and the church. At the time, John Taylor was president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; he was formally sustained as church president three years later. Taylor prayed repeatedly for guidance about the thorny legal conflicts over Young’s estate, and he dictated a revelatory answer in November 1877: ‘Thus saith the Lord,’ the revelation began, ‘Be one, be united, be honest, act upon the principles of justice and righteousness to the living and to the dead and to my Church, and I, the Lord, will sustain you and acknowledge your labors.’ Taylor wrote or dictated at least eight additional revelations over the next decade.

Taylor’s revelatory process resembled that of Joseph Smith. Clerk George Reynolds recalled that he sometimes found the church president working on a revelation at the Gardo House (the mansion Young had built for two of his wives). Taylor would then ‘continue the revelation he commenced to write by dictating it to me.’ Reynolds next read it aloud several times. ‘On only one occasion do I remember that he made any alteration in that which was written.’ Taylor published only two of his revelations, and the church did not add any of them to new English-language editions of the Doctrine and Covenants (two were included in certain European editions). Church leaders circulated several of them, however, which were read aloud at local church meetings.

Taylor’s revelations were explicitly dialogic. He brought questions to the Lord and received specific responses. The identity of the divine voice is not clear in some of Taylor’s revelations, but others refer to ‘my father,’ making it clear that it is Jesus Christ who speaks. ‘As thou hast asked me concerning this Temple, thus saith the Lord,’ began a brief revelation about the just-dedicated Logan Temple, ‘I accept his house which thou hast built.’ Taylor’s revelations touched on a range of topics. Several encouraged the church to defend its principle of plural marriage. For example, an 1882 revelation clarified that men called to high offices should ‘conform to my law [of marriage]; for it is not meet that men who will not abide my law shall preside over my priesthood.’ As Joseph Smith had done, Taylor led the church as Jesus Christ’s oracle.” (pp. 110-111)

Joseph White Musser: A Mormon Fundamentalist by Cristina Rosetti

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

162. Kenneth Cannon II on LDS Apostle George Q. Cannon

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:00:37 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Kenneth L. Cannon II to discuss his book George Q. Cannon: Politician, Publisher, Apostle of Polygamy. Elder George Q. Cannon, known as the Father of Utah Statehood, served in four First Presidencies and is one of the most influential and fearless LDS apostles in Mormon history. From translating the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian, to editing Elder Parley Pratt’s autobiography, to printing some of the Journal of Discourses and giving hundreds of sermons of his own, to simultaneously having a polygamist family and having a prestigious career in politics – Elder Cannon’s influence was enormous. Listen in as Ken takes us through the highlights of the career of an LDS apostle who met several Presidents of the United States, promoted woman’s suffrage, and who was liked and sought after by an ex-Queen of Hawaii. In this interview, Ken helps us understand the significance and legacy of an LDS apostle of whom it is hard to exaggerate his significance.

Book: George Q. Cannon: Politician, Publisher, Apostle of Polygamy

Other resources by Kenneth L. Cannon II:

- “‘Mountain Common Law’: Extralegal Punishment of Seducers in Early Utah in Historical Perspective” (see also JD 1.95-100)

- “Wives and Other Women: Love, Sex, and Marriage in the Lives of John Q. Cannon, Frank J. Cannon, and Abraham H. Cannon” (Dialogue)

-“After the Manifesto: Mormon Polygamy, 1890-1906”, found in The New Mormon History, edited by D. Michael Quinn

- “Do I hear an Echo? The Continuing Trial of the Mormon Church after Smoot’s Retention”, found in The Reed Smoot Hearings, edited by Michael Harold Paulos and Konden Smith Hansen

One thing to note was George Q. Cannon’s impact on the LDS theological debates over the Holy Ghost. Dr. Thomas Alexander (citing Ken Cannon in footnote 16) states: “In response to questions raised by Talmage’s lectures, George Q. Cannon, of the First Presidency, ‘commenting on the ambiguity existing in our printed works concerning the nature or character of the Holy Ghost, expressed his opinion that the Holy Ghost was in reality a person, in the image of the other members of the Godhead – a man in form and figure; and that what we often speak of as the Holy Ghost is in reality but the power or influence of the spirit.’” (“The Reconstruction of Mormon Doctrine”, found in Line Upon Line edited by Gary James Bergera)

Some examples of George Q. Cannon’s sermons:

“The Increase of Faith Among the Saints...”

“Conflict of Truth Irrepressible – Sin Causes Fear, then Apostasy”

“Unity, etc.”

“Celestial Marriage”

“The Right and Authority of President Brigham Young”

“The Building of Temples – The Keys of the Apostleship”

“The New Birth – Baptisms for the Dead – Temples”

“Those Who Hear the Gospel Must Obey It, Or They Cannot Be Saved By It”

“The Rock of New (or Continued) Revelation...”

“Spiritual Gifts Attainable...”

“The Blessings Enjoyed Through Possessing the Ancient Records, etc.”

“Kind of God the Saints Believe In...”

“The Logan Temple...”

See also Collected Discourses, v. 1, 195-204 (February 24, 1889); v. 2, 129-133

161. Miguel Echevarria on NT Canonical Context, Function, and Reading

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Miguel Echevarria to discuss his book Engaging the New Testament: A Short Introduction For Students and Ministers. With particular emphasis on the texts themselves as they contribute to the overall story of the Bible as a whole – Miguel explains to us some highlights from his book. What is the connection between covenant and canon? How did we get our New Testament canon? Is the lack of uniformity demonstrate a lack of substantive continuity when it comes to the 27 New Testament books? What was the criterion of canonicity? In addition to these questions, Miguel helps us understand why the order of the books can impact the emphases of other books, and how a canonical flow helps us rightly understand the canonical function of books as they link together into one Bible, and one story. With these answers in mind, it is easier for us to see why the church logically chose to have Revelation last, rather than first – and that the “blessings and cursings” of the last book of the Bible have theological significance as we await the second coming of Christ Jesus.

Book: Engaging the New Testament

Other books by Dr. Echevarria:

- The Future Inheritance of Land in the Pauline Epistles

Also hear interview: here

- 40 Questions about the Apostle Paul

Other resources:

- The Question of Canon; Canon Revisited by Michael Kruger

- Destroyer of the gods by Larry Hurtado

160. Camden Bucey on Karl Rahner

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Camden Bucey to discuss his book Karl Rahner. A Jesuit priest, and one of the most important and influential theologians of the twentieth century, Karl Rahner was known as “the Holy Ghost writer of Vatican II”. Camden takes us through some of the highlights of Rahner’s thought and how they connect on a systematic level. From Rahner’s Rule of Trinitarian theology, to his emphasis on anthropology as theology and man as natural recipients of uncreated grace with the ultimate goal being man’s deificiation – Camden will give us a sample of what a Reformed Protestant perspective should be in response. In addition to the clear influence on the most recent “ecumenical council” of the Roman Catholic Church, many will recognize the influence of Rahner on a thinker and churchman like Pope Francis. How should a confessional Protestant think about Rahner’s theology of the “anonymous Christian”? Camden will help us think through this – as well as why we should affirm a more robust Trinitarian theology, maintain Chalcedonian Christology, and distinguish between Roman Catholic sacramental view of deification and a more Reformed and covenantal “model of aeonic image conformity” that eternally maintains the Creator-Creature Distinction.

Book: Karl Rahner

Also check out: Reformed Forum

Other resources:

Engaging Thomas Aquinas by Leonardo De Chirico (also here)

A Brief Introduction to Karl Rahner; Karl Rahner: Theology and Philosophy by Karen Kilby

The Ecclesiology of Karl Rahner by Richard Lennan

What Happened at Vatican II by John W. O'Malley

159. D. G. Hart on J. Gresham Machen

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. D. G. Hart to discuss his book Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America. Who was J. Gresham Machen, and how do we best understand him? Pushing back on the narratives that Machen was either a “fundamentalist” or a villain – Dr. Hart takes us through some highlights of his life and career, and argues that he was a Presbyterian. As a confessional Presbyterian who prioritized the Scriptures and the confessions over social improvement and experience - Machen is not only an example in his time, but for our time. Dr. Hart also helps us understand Machen’s emphasis on the church and value for institutions as a lessons for conservative Christians today.

Book: Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America

Other books by Dr. Hart:

- The Lost Soul of American Protestantism

- Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism

- From Billy Graham to Sarah Palin: Evangelicals and the Betrayal of American Conservatism

- Calvinism: A History

- Ben Franklin: Cultural Protestant

Reformed Forum course: Machen and the Presbyterian Controversy

Also see “The Special Commission of 1925”

Some books by J. Gresham Machen:

- Christianity and Liberalism

- What is Faith?

- The Virgin Birth of Christ

- The Origin of Paul’s Religion

also see J. Gresham Machen: Selected Shorter Writings, edited by Dr. Hart

158. Machen and Mormonism

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This week will be some thoughts Skyler shared at the Utah Christian Research Center about how the book Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen can aid one in seeing some core similarities between Liberalism and LDS theology, past and present. The question posed by the lecture: Is Mormonism theologically liberal? Many confuse a desire for decorum for core conservative commitments, and the deeper one goes into Mormon history and theology reveals deep progressive commitments that many Christians may miss and/or misunderstand.

Slideshow

157. Barry Shain on The Declaration of Independence

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 10:00:53 +0000

In this interview, we interview Dr. Barry Alan Shain about his book The Declaration of Independence in Historical Context. What is the Declaration of Independence, and how does it both fit within and stand out in its context? What were the real “causes” that “impelled” the 13 colonies (now, states) to separate themselves from the British Empire, and what should that mean in how we understand America’s origins – and even America, today? Barry takes us through many of the now largely-neglected debates of the time, as well as some of the evidence that should be considered when telling America’s founding story. Moreover, is it obvious that the American colonists were more on the side of freedom and equality than the British Imperial system? And why should the truth matter when talking about our past and what it means today?

Book: The Declaration of Independence in Historical Context

Other resources by Dr. Barry Shain:

The Myth of American Individualism

The Nature of Rights at the American Founding and Beyond

Other resources:

Peripheries and Center; The Constitutional Origins of the American Revolution by Jack Greene

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy by Annette Gordon-Reed

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Britain and the American Dream by Peter Moore

The Enlightenment by Norman Hampson

John Wilkes: The Scandalous Father of Civil Liberty by Arthur Cash

LDS Resources:

D&C 98; 101.77-80

President John Taylor: JD 23.63

-“The Constitution - A Glorious Standard”

Sample of President Ezra Taft Benson:

-“Our Priceless Heritage”

-“The Constitution - A Heavenly Banner”

-“Our Divine Constitution”

Also see Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen by H. Verlan Andersen

156. W. Paul Reeve on Religion of a Different Color

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. W. Paul Reeve to discuss his book Religion of a Different Color: Race and the Mormon Struggle for Whiteness. Though many will know some of the history of the race-based priesthood and temple ban within the LDS community (that was ended in 1978) – most do not know the history of the racializing of the Mormon community itself by the broader American public. In this episode, Dr. Reeve will take us through the history of how Mormons were considered a distinct “race”, a non-white race with degraded bodies – and a “barbaric” society that was a threat to what was considered a “civilized” American democracy. This is, in part, the context for the racial regulation from within – in order to integrate into a segregated American society, and be welcomed as full citizens. Moreover, Paul will take us through the origins of the priesthood and temple restriction upon black LDS, the debate over slavery in Utah territory between Brigham Young and Orson Pratt, and answer the question of whether President Spencer W. Kimball’s revelation in June 1978 was a radical innovation – or part of a conservative “[return of] Mormonism to its universalistic roots” of broad racial acceptance.

Book: Religion of a Different Color: Race and the Mormon Struggle for Whiteness

Also check out these two amazing websites:

- Century of Black Mormons

- This Abominable Slavery

Other books by Dr. Reeve:

- This Abominable Slavery: Race, Religion, and the Battle over Human Bondage in Antebellum Utah

- Making Space on the Western Frontier: Mormons, Miners, and Southern Paiutes

- Between Pulpit and Pew: The Supernatural World in Mormon History and Folklore

Other resources:

- Noah’s Curse: The Biblical Justification of American Slavery; The Last Segregated Hour: The Memphis Kneel-Ins and the Campaign for Southern Church Desegregation by Stephen Haynes

- The Curse of Ham by David M. Goldenberg

- “Miscegenation”: Making Race in America by Elise Lemire

- Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

- “Mormonism’s Negro Doctrine: An Historical Overview” by Lester Bush

- Gospel Topics Essay: “Race and the Priesthood”

- Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality; The Mormon Church and Blacks: A Documentary History by Matthew Harris

- E.g. “Celestial Marriage” by LDS apostle George Q. Cannon

155. William Dennison on Van Til and the Problem of Evil

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. William Dennison to discuss the new book The Problem of Evil by Christian and Reformed philosopher Cornelius Van TIl. Dr. Dennison has edited this previously unpublished work, and written a very helpful introductory essay to aid the reader in seeing the relevance of Van Til's essay to more contemporary discussions. Dr. D frames both some believing and non-believing attempts at addressing and answering the problem of evil - or the origins of evil, and its implications. How we address the question is framed by our starting points, and our epistemological commitments (whether stated or unstated, consistent or otherwise) will structure how we prioritize aspects of the issue. Dr. Dennison takes us on a tour of the issue, beginning with the question: “Does Christianity have an Achilles’ heel?” How did Van Til frame this same question – and what were some of the highlights of his analysis. Van Til's most poignant and quotable line of the essay is that "God is his own theodicy". Dr. D helps us understand the wisdom of such a point, in spite of what some may superficially see as eluding the problem.

Book: The Problem of Evil by Cornelius Van Til

Check out: Emmanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church (also here and here)

Other writings by Dr. D:

Karl Marx (also hear our previous interview: here)
The Young Bultmann: The Context for His Understanding of God, 1884-1925
Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics
In Defense of the Eschaton: Essays in Reformed Apologetics

- including: “Common Grace, Antithesis and Plato’s View of the Soul”

Other resources:

Confessions; The CIty of God by Augustine
Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck
Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos
Greg Bahnsen: here and here
“To See Darkness, To Hear Silence”: St. Augustine, Herman Bavinck, and the Incomprehensibility of Evil” by Travis Ryan Pickell
Evil and the Cross by Henri Blocher

154. Loren Pankratz on the Problem of Evil and Mormonism's 'Great Secret'

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 06:15:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Loren Pankratz to discuss his article: “Mormonism’s ‘Great Secret,’ Freedom, and Evil”. What is the Problem of Evil, both in terms of the existence of evil and of “gratuitous evil”? Is it a problem of equal weight upon the Christian and LDS traditions, given their differing views of the nature of God and gods? Today, Loren takes us through the Christian thinking of Alvin Plantinga and others and how they have argued in defense of God in a way that takes into account the Problem of Evil – and then uses that analysis to see if Mormonism can avail itself of the same philosophical reasoning. Loren argues that the differing accounts of who God is, who/what Jesus is, and of the origin of creation leads to incompatible accounts of why evil exists, and of the hope that eventually it will cease. We end with a discussion of the differing concepts of “grace” and how the differing traditions view the Cross as essential to salvation.

Article: “Mormonism’s ‘Great Secret,’ Freedom, and Evil”

Also hear our previous interview: here

Other resources:

“King Follett Discourse”; “Sermon in the Grove” by Joseph Smith

Gospel Principles: “Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior” and "Exaltation" (also here and here)

"Sister's Participation in the Gathering of Israel" by President Russell M. Nelson

“His Grace Is Sufficient” by Brad Wilcox

Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Courageous Women of the Bible by McArthur Krishna

A Rational Theology by Elder John A. Widtsoe

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball

hear our interview with Eric Johnson about Kimball's book here

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera (also see here)

God, Freedom, and Evil by Alvin Plantinga

“The Existence and Irrelevancy of Gratuitous Evil” by Kirk R. MacGregor (Philosophia Christi 14 (2012):165-180)

“The Humean Obstacle to Evidential Arguments from Suffering: On Avoiding the Evils of ‘Appearance’” by Stephen J. Wykstra (International Journal for Philosophy of Religion 16, 1984, 73-93)

Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer

The Many Faces of Evil: Theological Systems and the Problems of Evil by John S. Feinberg

Evil and the Cross by Henri Blocher

“To See Darkness, To Hear Silence”: St. Augustine, Herman Bavinck, and the Incomprehensibility of Evil” by Travis Ryan Pickell

Also see the “Introductory Essay” by William Dennison in The Problem of Evil by CVT

153. Richard Gamble on the Search for the City on a Hill

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:35:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Richard M. Gamble to the show to discuss his book In Search of the City on a Hill: The Making and Unmaking of an American Myth. How did the teaching of the Incarnate Lord, Christ Jesus – a warning to Christians, ministers and about the Church – become secularized and mythologized into a defining mission of the political kingdom of the USA? We start off discussing Civic Religion, and in particular the American Civil Religion. The claims of “secularism” notwithstanding, we go through how the American Civil Religion contains doctrines, creeds, hymns – and even has a patriotic form of “social gospel”, with both political right and left claiming a range of the form it takes. Though right and left claim competing narratives of the American Religion, they share a common framework within which they make religious appeals – often without explicit reference to the Christianity they distort. With that framing, Dr. Gamble takes us through the actual history of the reference “city on a hill”, and the story of how a teaching of Jesus became utilized by Governor John Winthrop in the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Richard then takes us through a tour of how it eventually became a defining creedal statement first utilized by the International Left, via President-elect John F. Kennedy – and then used as a rallying call and defining creedal statement for a Republican coalition by President Ronald Reagan. What’s at stake in the twisting of Scripture for contemporary politics, regardless of the political side who does it? This is “the story not of how the metaphor helped make America what it is today but the story of how America helped make the metaphor what it never was”.

Book: In Search of the City on a Hill: The Making and Unmaking of an American Myth

Also, Book TV: In Search of the City on a Hill

Other resources by Dr. Gamble:

- The War for Righteousness: Progressive Christianity, the Great War, and the Rise of the Messianic Nation

- A Fiery Gospel: The Battle Hymn of the Republic and the Road to Righteous War

- “Gettysburg Gospel: How Lincoln forged a civil relgion of American nationalism”

- “Breaking the Spell of American Civic Religion”

- Review of Wolfe’s Case for Christian Nationalism

CSPAN Lectures:

- “American Civil Religion during the Cold War”

- “American Churches during WWI”

Also check out this amazing resource: The Great Tradition: Classic Readings on What It Means to Be an Educated Human Being

Other resources:

The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT) by R. T. France

The Eschatology of the Psalter by Geerhardus Vos

In Defense of the Eschaton; "Dutch Neo-Calvinism and the Roots for Transformation: An Introductory Essay"; "Review of VanDrunen's Natural Law and the Two Kingdoms" (WTJ) by William Dennison

Redeemer Nation: The Idea of America’s Millenial Role by Ernest Lee Tuveson

“Civil Religion in America” by Robert Bellah

The Royalist Revolution: Monarchy and the American Founding by Eric Nelson

Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn by Christopher Cox

Coolidge by Amity Shlaes

Trump Administration statement, “100 Days in, Trump’s Golden Age puts American workers first”, on the U.S. Department of Labor Blog, by Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer: “We are witnessing a resurgence of the same grit, determination, and ingenuity that built our country into a shining city on a hill.”

Clip 1: Barack Obama’s 2016 DNC speech

Clip 2: President Ronald Reagan’s Farewell Speech

Clip 3: President Reagan Eulogy for Crew-members of USS

Clip 4: President Lyndon B. Johnson Remarks on Vietnam

Clip 5: President-elect John F. Kennedy

Clip 6: President Trump at National Prayer Breakfast

Clip 7: Jeanine Pirro sworn in as interim US attorney for Washington, D.C.

Clip 8: LDS Prophet-President Russell M. Nelson in General Conference

I hope the listener can hear the flexibility of the use of this creedal statement; everything from hope, to ethical government, to pride - to justice, etc.

For the LDS Prophet-President - the "creedal statement" is about stopping "contention" - something he, earlier as an LDS apostle claimed originated in the premortal "war in heaven" when people with bodies here now chose Jesus over Satan in regard to Heavenly Father's plan. (Christians should keep in mind that "Heavenly Father" and "Jesus" are "two separate beings and persons" in LDS theology.)

152. Kim Riddlebarger on B. B. Warfield

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kim Riddlebarger to discuss his book The Lion of Princeton: B. B. Warfield as Apologist and Theologian. Who was Benjamin Breckinridge Warfield and why does he matter, even today? From B.B.’s work in textual criticism to apologetics, his work on patristics to his career reviewing books – the great Princeton professor is as relevant as ever, addressing and improving the defense and understanding of the Christian Faith, for friend and foe alike. Kim also answers some of the recent criticisms he has received, from epistemology to even his articulation of the Biblical doctrine of the Trinity – as well as the question of whether or not he a “fundamentalist”?

Book: The Lion of Princeton: B. B. Warfield as Apologist and Theologian

Check out The RiddleBlog

Check out the podcast: The Blessed Hope Podcast

Other books by Dr. Riddlebarger:

- The Case for Amillenialism: Understanding the End Times

- The Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth about the Antichrist

- First Corinthians (hear our interview here)

Resources by B. B. Warfield:

- Check out Kim’s article on Warfield’s bibliography

- “The Biblical Doctrine of the Trinity” (also see here, and here)

- “The Resurrection: A Historical Fact”

- “The Plan of Salvation”

Other resources:

The Theology of B. B. Warfield by Fred G. Zaspel

The Bible, Protestantism and the Rise of Natural Science by Peter Harrison

Shaman and Sage by Michael Horton

Process and Providence: The Evolution Question at Princeton, 1845-1929 by Bradley Gundlach

Toward a Reformed Apologetics: A Critique of the Thought of Cornelius Van Til by Keith A. Mathison

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self; To Change All Worlds by Carl R. Trueman

Check out our interviews with Dr. Lydia McGrew: here, here and here

151. Bradley Campbell interviews Matthew Emadi about the Temple

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we release on our podcast feed an interview conducted by Bradley Campbell of God Loves Mormons with Dr. Matthew Emadi about the biblical temple - how it points to and is fulfilled in Christ Jesus. The interview also discusses some implications for how we understand and discuss LDS temples and Mormon temple theology.

Original Video - Utah Pastor: Why Latter-day Saints Miss the TRUE Temple

God Loves Mormons; YouTube Channel

Interviews with Bradley Campbell: here, here, and here

The Royal Priest by Matthew Emadi (also see here)

The Temple and the Church's Mission by G.K. Beale

Who is God? by Richard Bauckham

150. Matthew Emadi on John 14:28: "for the Father is greater than I"

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Matthew Emadi to discuss John 14.28, wherein Jesus Christ states: “for The Father is Greater than I”. Do Christians get Christ right? LDS prophets and apostles, as well as laymen and apologists have used this verse to defend the LDS Jesus as a lesser god than their (and Jesus’) Heavenly Parents are. How have Christians understood this passage, how have they understood it – and do Christians truly avoid this verse, as written, because of our theology? Matt takes us through this and helps us understand how Bible-believing Christians should approach this passage and demonstrates that we do not avoid this verse in our understanding of who and what Jesus is.

Check out: Salt Lake School of Theology

Other resources by Dr. Emadi:

The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology (hear interview about this book here)

What is a Church? (hear interview about this book here)

“What Do Mormons Believe About God?” (TGC)

LDS resources:

For a basic LDS Christology, see the Gospel Principles manual, chapter 3: Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior. (Notice the complete lack of a distinct divine nature, at all. Indeed, in the seminary manual for 2 Peter 1 emphasizes: “Each of us has a divine nature”.)

For comparison on several passages, see Understanding Paul by LDS scholar Richard Lloyd Anderson; as well as The Articles of Faith by Elder James Talmage and the A New Witness for the Articles of Faith by Elder Bruce R. McConkie.

One prominent example of LDS usage of John 14.28 is found in “The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. (Also hear responses here, here and here)

Other resources:

“No Longer Accretions. The Problem of Roman Catholicism in Dialogue with Gavin Ortlund”; Same Words, Different Worlds: Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel?; A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Papacy; A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?; Engaging Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach (also see here) by Leonardo De Chirico

“An Earnest Plea to Roman Catholics”; “The Failure of Eastern Orthodoxy”; “Cyril Lucaris: Calvinist Patriarch/Orthodox Saint”; “Filioque: How Eastern Orthodoxy Anathematizes the Church Fathers” (Ancient Paths TV; also see here, here, here, and here)

Confessions; The City of God by Augustine (also on John 14.28 here)

The Courage to Be Protestant by David F. Wells

The Cross of Christ by John Stott

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

John Calvin’s Letter to Cardinal Sadoleto (1539)

When it comes to whether church father Irenaeus appeals to “tradition” in a way that subordinates Scripture to the Church, see here – as well as read what scholar J.N.D. Kelly states on the matter:

“Did Irenaeus subordinate Scripture to unwritten tradition? The inference has been commonly drawn, but it issues from a somewhat misleading antithesis. Its plausibility depends on such considerations as (a) that, in controversy with the Gnostics, traditions rather than Scripture seemed to be his final court of appeal, and (b) that he apparently relied upon tradition to establish the true exegesis of Scripture. But a careful analysis of his [Against Heresies] reveals that, while the Gnostics’ appeal to their supposed secret tradition forced him to stress the superiority of the Church’s public tradition, his real defence of orthodoxy was founded on Scripture. Indeed, tradition itself, on his view, was confirmed by Scripture, which was ‘the foundation and pillar of our faith”. Secondly, Irenaeus admittedly suggested that a firm grasp of ‘the canon of the truth’ received at baptism would prevent a man from distorting the sense of Scripture. But this ‘canon’, so far from being something distinct from Scripture, was simply a condensation of the message contained in it. Being by its very nature normative in form, it provided a man with a handy clue to Scripture, whose very ramifications played into the hands of heretics. The whole point of his teaching was, in fact, that Scripture and the Church’s unwritten tradition are identical in content, both being vehicles of the revelation. If the tradition conveyed in the ‘canon’ is a more trustworthy guide, this is not because it comprises truths other than those revealed in Scripture, but because the true tenor of the apostolic message is there unambiguously set out.” (Early Christian Doctrines, pp. 38-39)

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Justification Reconsidered: A Pauline Theme by Stephen Westerholm

Cracking the New Perspective on Paul by Robert Cara

We Become What We Worship; The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale

149. Paul Gottfried on Fascism

Mon, 26 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Paul Gottfried to discuss his book Fascism: The Career of a Concept. Given the problem of definition and of historical ignorance that often colors modern political discourse, what even is (and is not) fascism? In other words, what is a “single, coherent account” of fascism, the definition of which is “historically and conceptually delimited”? Paul takes us into the history and contours of generic fascism, as well as the ideas and culture surrounding it. What was the general political spectrum in Europe of the interwar period, where was Fascism on that spectrum – and what was Fascism interacting with which determined its more precise meaning? We also ask Dr. Gottfried some questions about Right and Left, why Fascism only seemed to grow in historically Latin Catholic countries, whether Fascism is a Christian heresy - and whether the Reformation was a left phenomenon.

Book: Fascism: The Career of a Concept

Check out: Chronicles (especially the print magazine)

E.g.: “Three Conceptions of Conservatism” by Paul Gottfried

Other books and articles by Dr. Gottfried:

Multiculturalism and the Politics of Guilt

Antifascism: A Course of a Crusade

The Strange Death of Marxism: The European Left in the New Millennium

Revisions and Dissents: Essays

- See especially the chapter: “Defining Right and Left”

After Liberalism: Mass Democracy in the Managerial State

Recent media example of the relevance and importance of this subject: here

Other resources:

Fascism: Comparison and Definition; A History of Fascism, 1914-1945; Franco: A Personal and Political Biography by Stanley G. Payne

Political Religions; The New Science of Politics; Science, Politics and Gnosticism by Eric Voeglin

“’It Can’t Happen Here’: Right-Wing Extremism in Pennsylvania, 1933-1942" by Philip Jenkins

“God Does Not Exist” by Benito Mussolini

148. Christopher Watkin on Jacques Derrida

Mon, 19 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Christopher Watkin to discuss his book Jacques Derrida. There are things that Derrida saw as myths and illusions – such as logocentrism and phonocentrism. There are many myths people wrongly put upon Derrida – such as language being meaningless, him being a complete “moral relativist”, being a “Marxist”, and confusing objective truth with determinate truth. From what Derrida saw as myths to myths often said about Derrida, Dr. Watkin takes us through the contours of Derrida’s thought and method and helps us understand him accurately. What is deconstruction? And how should a Biblical Christian seeking to be consistent respond to Derrida? And how should a Christian think about language, given our Triune God who has revealed Himself in Scripture?

Book: Jacques Derrida

Christopher Watkin’s Website

Other books by Dr. Watkin:

Other resources:

Jacques Derrida by Geoffrey Bennington and Jacques Derrida

147. Ignacio Garcia on Eduardo Balderas: Father of LDS Church Translation

Mon, 12 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Ignacio Garcia to discuss his book Eduardo Balderas: Father of Church Translation, 1907-1989. Translating LDS Scripture, Hymns, manuals, magazines, general conferences, and even the Temple ceremonies into Spanish – Eduardo remains one of the most important LDS figures of the twentieth century, all with hardly any broad recognition today. Dr. Garcia takes us through much of the context that Eduardo was born into and takes us through some of the important highlights of his life. Every Latino/a LDS has been impacted in one way, shape or form by the religious career of one who spent his life translating the message of LDS restoration for the Spanish-speaking. The words traducido por Eduardo Balderas, read and heard by so many Latino/a LDS, continues to have impact today in the largest non-white population of LDS membership.

Book: Eduardo Balderas: Father of Church Translation, 1907-1989

Other work by Dr. Garcia:

“Thoughts on Latino Mormons, Their Afterlife, and the Need for a New Historical Paradigm for Saints of Color”
Hector P. Garcia: In Relentless Pursuit of Justice
Chicano While Mormon: Activism, War, and Keeping the Faith
White But Not Equal: Mexican Americans, Jury Discrimination and the Supreme Court
When Mexicans Could Play Ball: Basketball, Race, and Identity in San Antonio, 1928-1945

Other resources:

“O My Father” (LDS Hymn; also here)
See also the talk by Celia Balderas

Mormons in Mexico by F. Lamond Tullis, esp. chapter 6: "The Third Convention"; two highlights:

"Most Mexican Mormons felt that a complete loss of association with the church was a heavy price to pay for a Mexican mission president. The church was important to them; they did not want to lose it. They wanted to go along with the church in all respects - but not under Harold Pratt's leadership. For many it became a question of exercising their right - as the Mormon faith teaches - to personal revelation. If God felt their cause was just and approved of their position, they would opt for the Third Convention. Rebellion against the church was acceptable, they reasoned, as long as it did not entail rebellion against God. When the count was in, nearly a third of the Mexican Mormons, deciding that God was with them and the Third Convention, cast their lot with the rebellious group." (p. 146)

"Within weeks Margarito Bautista challenged the convention's leadership on a number of doctrinal points...He advocated the reestablishment of polygamy and the United Order...The tension soon became unmanageable, and the convention expelled Margarito. Bitter and scornful, Bautista left the Third Convention to its 'darkness' and went to Ozumba, Mexico, where he set up his own colony, the 'New Jerusalem.' While Bautista's group was not totally isolated (he kept in touch with other Mormon fundamentalist and apostate groups), they were largely rejected by Conventionists and non-Conventionists alike. In the beginning, Bautista had provided impetus for concerns most considered justifiable. Now the memory of his contribution was replaced with a troublemaker's image." (p.147)

Religion of a Different Color: Race and the Mormon Struggle for Whiteness by W. Paul Reeve

A Documentary History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico, 1875-1946 by Fernando R. Gomez

The Spiritual Evolution of Margarito Bautista: Mexican Mormon Evangelizer, Polygamist Dissident, and Utopian Founder, 1878-1961 by Elisa Eastwood Pulido

We Remember, We Celebrate, We Believe/ Recuerdo, Celebracion, y Esperanza: Latinos in Utah by Armando Solorzano

Sea La Luz: The Making of Mexican Protestantism in the American Southwest, 1829-1900 by Juan Francisco Martinez

Hispanic Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists in Texas by Paul Barton

Latino Pentecostal Identity, Evangelical Faith, Self, and Society by Arlene M. Sanchez Walsh

A sample of Archbishop Fulton Sheen: “The True Meaning of Christmas”

146. Vern Poythress on Redeeming Science

Mon, 05 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this interview, we welcome Dr. Vern Poythress to discuss his book Redeeming Science: A God Centered Approach. Given the predominant view of conflict between science and religion, how do we as Christians faithfully approach both Scripture and the world around us? What is scientific law, and how is it an “analogous mystery” of the attributes of the Triune God? Why is there so much naturalistic philosophy masquerading as the findings of science? How do we affirm the (real) science without affirming the “metaphysical musings” of scientists? Is there any room for outside considerations when approaching the text of Scripture? Vern takes us through these questions and more, as we do a deep-dive into how faithful Christians should approach all that God has revealed. Christians can affirm the ordinary and the complexity of specialized knowledge as we – based on Scripture – develop what Dr. Poythress calls the “Standpoint of Nonreductive Affirmation of Comprehensive Coherence”.

Book: Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach

Website

Some other books by Dr. Poythress:

Other resources:

Westminster Confession 1.7
“A Conditional Resolution of the Apparent Paradox of Self-Deception" by Greg Bahnsen (also see here, and here)
“Why I Believe in God?” by Cornelius Van Til
Commentary on Genesis (2 Vol.’s) by John Calvin
A Christian View of Science and Scripture by Bernard Ramm
Richard Dawkins by Ransom Poythress
The Dawkins Delusion?: Atheist Fundamentalism and the Denial of the Divine by Alister McGrath and Joanna Collicutt McGrath
The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt
Religion and the Rise of Modern Science by R. Hooykaas
The Fall of Man and the Foundations of Science; The Bible, Protestantism and the rise of natural science by Peter Harrison
The Savior of Science; The Origins of Science and the Science of Its Origins by Stanley Jaki
Admirable Evasions by Theodore Dalrymple
Confessions; The City of God; The Literal Meaning of Genesis by Augustine

145. Leonardo De Chirico on Pope Francis

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Leonardo De Chirico about Pope Francis and the legacy of his pontificate. From Jorge Bergoglio’s earlier days as a Jesuit priest, to his official theology as the head of the Roman Catholic Church - what is Francis’s theology, and what is his relation to Roman Catholicism, more generally? Leo takes us through these questions and more, with a particular focus on the accurate understanding of the system of Roman Catholic theology and practice. Far from being someone new and novel – Pope Francis is fully Roman Catholic, in continuity with Roman Catholic “tradition”, and who has spoken clearly in his media appearances, reflecting and directing the Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. Join us as Dr. De Chirico helps us understand the legacy of Pope Francis, and why it matters going forward.

Reformanda Initiative

Vatican Files

Books by Dr. De Chirico:

- Engaging Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach (also here)

- A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Papacy

- A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God?

- Same Words, Different Worlds: Do Roman Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel?

- Evangelical Theological Perspectives on post-Vatican II Roman Catholicism

Highlights from Pope Francis’ original and official sources:

- Address of His Holiness to Interreligious Meeting with Young People

- Message of the Holy Father Francis To Participants In the International Meeting for Peace

Also see:

- “Lumen Gentium” (“Ecumenical Council”: Vatican II)

- “Evangelii Praecones” (Pope Pius XII)

- Regensburg Lecture (Pope Benedict XVI)

Highlights from Vatican Files:

- “Lumen Fidei. The First Encyclical by Pope Francis”

- “The Joy of the Gospel. A Window into Francis’ Vision”

- “A ‘Green’ Pope?”

- “Pope Francis Fears for the Planet, but Where is the Gospel?”

- “Querida Amazonia: A Reinforcement of Pope Francis’ Missiology”

- “‘All Brothers’: The Unbearable Cost of Roman Catholic Universalism”

- “‘God has many ways to save.’: Cardinal Cantalamessa and Roman Catholic Universalism”

- “The icing on the cake of Pope Francis. The Blessing of Same-Sex Unions”

- “More than the heart of Jesus, the heart of Roman Catholicism. On the latest encyclical of Pope Francis”

Other resources:

- Roman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment by Gregg Allison

- Revolution in Rome; The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells

- Karl Rahner by Camden Bucey

—In Defense of the Eschaton by William Dennison

Also hear Dr. Dennison’s relevant sermon here

-The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope by Austen Ivereigh

-What Happened at Vatican II by John W. O'Malley

Clip 1: (Conservative?) Bishop Robert Barron on The Ben Shapiro Show, Ep. 31

Clip 2/3: Pope Francis: The 60 Minutes Interview

Clip 4: Pope: All religions are paths to God

Clip 5: Pope Francis consoles a boy who asked if his father is in Heaven

Clip 6: Cardinal Dolan on significance of Pope Francis dying after Easter

144. Mark David Hall on Christianity and American History

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Mark David Hall to discuss his book Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans. Who were the Puritans and did they fit the stereotypes modern people often have of them? What was the context of the Salem Witch Trials? Did the American War for Independence fit within or violate the Christian tradition of Just War Theory? Does the evils of slavery define American ideals? How do we properly evaluate the orthodoxy of the Founding Fathers and/or the principles that motivated them? Mark takes us through questions such as these, and more – as he demonstrates that Christianity has been a force for good and a reason for progress in our history, in spite of secular narratives on the contrary.

Book: Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land: How Christianity Has Advanced Freedom and Equality for All Americans

Dr. Mark David Hall’s website

Other books written and edited by Dr. Hall:

Other resources:

Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World by Tom Holland

Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

The Puritans: A Transatlantic History by David D. Hall

The Witch: A History of Fear, from Ancient Times to the Present by Ronald Hutton

The Hebrew Republic by Eric Nelson

Reading the Bible with the Founding Fathers by Daniel Dreisbach

The American Revolution; The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin by Gordon Wood

Thomas Jefferson – Revolutionary: A Radical’s Struggle to Remake America; James Madison and the Making of America by Kevin Gutzman

The Fearless Benjamin Lay: The Quaker Dwarf Who Became the First Revolutionary Abolitionist by Marcus Rediker

Separation of Church and State; Liberal Suppression: Section 501(c)(3) and the Taxation of Speech by Philip Hamburger

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

E.g. John Locke: here; Thomas Jefferson: here and here; John Adams: here; Rev. King: here and here

“The Disturbing Legacy of Charles Finney”; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

143. Lydia McGrew on the Historical Reliability of the Easter Story

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Lydia McGrew to discuss the accounts of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Gospels. What are some of the most popular criticisms of the Resurrection accounts, and how should we think through the issues involved? Considering the widespread dismissal of Christ’s bodily resurrection (in time and space), as well as what is often poor argumentation in defense of it - Lydia helps us to think through the evidence of the Resurrection of Jesus. What are undesigned coincidences, and how do they bolster the historical reliability of the Gospel accounts? What is harmonization and are all attempts at harmonization created equal? There are differences, yes – but can they be responsibly harmonized? Indeed, is the evidence reliable and compelling for all people to be confronted by the claims of and about Jesus even today? Lydia also helps us to distinguish between evidence-based scholarship, and scholarship that is self-referential as “authoritative” - and tells us why simply relying on rhetoric of “consensus” and “a [supposed] majority of scholars” fall short of actual defense of the Christian claims.

Dr. McGrew’s Website; YouTube Channel; Podcast (past archive up to October 2024); Current podcast link

“Development Theories Are All Bunk”

Books by Lydia:

- Review of Michael Licona’s Why Are There Differences in the Gospels?

Related article: “The Argument from Miracles: A Cumulative Case for the Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth” by Timothy and Lydia McGrew

Other Resources:

Easter Enigma by John Wenham

“Receipt for Writing a Life of Jesus like that of Dr. David Fr. Strauss” by H.B. Hackett

“The Resurrection of Christ a Historical Fact” by B.B. Warfield

The Witness of the Synoptic Gospels to Christ by Ned Stonehouse

Christianity and Liberalism; The Origin of Paul’s Religion by J. Gresham Machen

The Final Days of Jesus by Andreas Kostenberger, Justin Taylor and Alexander Stewart

Passing on the Right: Conservative Professors in the Progressive University by Jon A. Shields and Joshua M. Dunn, Sr.

“Viewpoint Diversity in the Academy” by Jonathan Haidt

Ending Medical Reversal: Improving Outcomes, Saving Lives by Vinayak K. Prasad and Adam S. Cifu (also see here, here and here)

False Positive: A Year of Error, Omission, and Political Correctness in the New England Journal of Medicine; Admirable Evasions by Theodore Dalrymple

142. Ardel Caneday on Perseverance and Assurance

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Ardel Caneday to discuss his book The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance and Assurance. When Jesus teaches “But the one who endures to the end will be saved” - how should we understand this text? How should Christians approach the juxtaposition of promise and warning in scripture without doing damage to the assurance of salvation on one hand, and the warnings toward perseverance in holiness on the other? Dr. Caneday takes us through some of the major issues involved and responds to some of the negative criticism he’s received for the book.

Book: The Race Set Before Us: A Biblical Theology of Perseverance and Assurance by Thomas Schreiner and Ardel Caneday

Dr. Caneday’s blog: All Things Christian

“The Gospel Announces God’s Last Day Verdict for All Who Believe in Jesus Christ: Justified and Sins Forgiven”

Faith and Perseverance by G.C. Berkouwer

“New Lies for Old: The False Gospels of Anti-Mormonism" (Jason Wallace)

141. Bill McKeever on Separating Fact from Fiction in LDS History (Part 2/2)

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we conclude our interview with Bill McKeever, founder and president of Mormonism Research Ministry. We ask Bill about how he started researching Mormon history and theology, and what led to the founding of MRM. Bill then takes us through a bunch of examples of how he separates fact from folk-tale in Mormon historical claims, and why it matters. We end with a question as to whether he, as a Christian, uses a double-standard when it comes to the Mormon faith, and the Christian faith.

Utah Christian Research Center

Books by Bill:

Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints

Answering Mormons’ Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints

In Their Own Words: A Collection of Mormon Quotations

Other resources:

Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John Meade and Peter Gurry

What Is Faith? by J. Gresham Machen (and here)

Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions by Robert Bowman

Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels; The Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportage; Hidden in Plain View: Undesigned Coincidences in the Gospels and Acts by Lydia McGrew

The Case for Biblical Archaeology by John Currid

On the Reliability of the Old Testament by K.A. Kitchen

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

The Gospel Code by Ben Witherington III

The Forgotten Trinity by James White

Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

Who Is God? by Richard Bauckham

The Incarnate Christ and His Critics by Robert Bowman and J. Ed Komoszewski

Christ and the Bible by John Wenham

Exegetical Fallacies by D.A. Carson

God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

The God of Miracles by C. John Collins

Thanksgiving by David Pao

Confessions; The City of God by Augustine

When Grace Comes Home: How the Doctrines of Grace Change Your Life; When Grace Transforms: The Character of Christ’s Disciples Put Forward in the Beatitudes; When Grace Comes Alive: Living Through the Lord’s Prayer by Terry Johnson (and here)

Cracking the New Perspective of Paul by Robert J. Cara

Defending Substitution by Simon Gathercole

Justification Reconsidered by Stephen Westerholm

Christianity at the Crossroads; The Question of Canon; Canon Revisited by Michael Kruger

Christianity and Classical Culture by Jaroslav Pelikan

Reclaiming the “Dark Ages” by Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert

The Bible, Protestantism and the Rise of Natural Science by Peter Harrison

How Christianity Changed the World by Alvin J. Schmidt

140. Bill McKeever on Separating Fact from Fiction in LDS History (Part 1/2)

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Bill McKeever, founder and president of Mormonism Research Ministry (MRM). We ask Bill about how he started researching Mormon history and theology, and what led to the founding of MRM. Bill then takes us through a bunch of examples of how he separates fact from folk-tale in Mormon historical claims, and why it matters. We end with a question as to whether he, as a Christian, uses a double-standard when it comes to the Mormon faith, and the Christian faith.

Utah Christian Research Center

Books by Bill:

Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints

Answering Mormons’ Questions: Ready Responses for Inquiring Latter-day Saints

In Their Own Words: A Collection of Mormon Quotations

Other resources:

Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible by John Meade and Peter Gurry

What Is Faith? by J. Gresham Machen (and here)

Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions by Robert Bowman

The Case for Biblical Archaeology by John Currid

On the Reliability of the Old Testament by K.A. Kitchen

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

The Gospel Code by Ben Witherington III

The Forgotten Trinity by James White

Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

Who Is God? by Richard Bauckham

The Incarnate Christ and His Critics by Robert Bowman and J. Ed Komoszewski

Christ and the Bible by John Wenham

Exegetical Fallacies by D.A. Carson

God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

The God of Miracles by C. John Collins

Thanksgiving by David Pao

Confessions; The City of God by Augustine

Cracking the New Perspective of Paul by Robert J. Cara

Defending Substitution by Simon Gathercole

Justification Reconsidered by Stephen Westerholm

Christianity at the Crossroads; The Question of Canon; Canon Revisited by Michael Kruger

Christianity and Classical Culture by Jaroslav Pelikan

Reclaiming the “Dark Ages” by Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert

The Bible, Protestantism and the Rise of Natural Science by Peter Harrison

How Christianity Changed the World by Alvin J. Schmidt

139. Kyle Beshears on the 1832 "First Vision" Account

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kyle Beshears to discuss his article: “‘That Sacred Depository’: Biblical Content in Joseph Smith’s 1832 First Vision Account”. The earliest account of “The First Vision”, and written in Joseph Smith’s own handwriting - Kyle takes us through the substantive message of the 1832 account via an analysis of the Biblical citations, allusions, and echoes. Is there more substantive unity between the 1832 and (canonical) 1838 accounts than previously realized, due to the clear difference in style between the two? President of the Seventy Levi Edgar Young had called the 1832 account “strange”; perhaps it actually makes sense within Smith’s context, with an already-developed sense of being an Apostle-Prophet. Dr. Beshears takes us through the findings of the paper, and why they matter.

Article: “‘That Sacred Depository’: Biblical Content in Joseph Smith’s 1832 First Vision Account” (also see here)

Kyle Beshear’s website

Previous interview: here and here

Also check out:

Check out: Primary Accounts of the First Vision

Gospel Topics Essay: First Vision Accounts

Other Resources:

“Restoration Proclamation”

“Three Reasons We Teach Others about the First Vision” by Mark Matthews (January 2025)

“The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith” by President Gordon B. Hinckley

- “I Give You My Testimony” by Elder Gordon B. Hinckley

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom Thou Hast Sent” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Inventing Mormonism by H. Michael Marquardt and Wesley Walters

“New Light on Mormon Origins from Palmyra (N.Y.) Revival” by Wesley Walters

Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions by Robert Bowman, Jr.

“8 Questions Every Latter-day Saint Needs to Answer about the First Vision” by Eric Johnson

138. Jason Wallace on the Cult of Alcoholics Anonymous

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Pastor Jason Wallace to discuss his new documentary “The Cult of Alcoholics Anonymous”. What is the true story of the religious founding of Alcoholics Anonymous, and what does it reveal about the organization, the Twelve Steps, and even Bill Wilson himself. Going back to Frank Buchman and the Oxford Group – Jason takes us through the dangers of both liberalism and mysticism and how Buchman’s restorationism, prophecy and Moral Re-Armament failed. Although Bill Wilson distanced himself somewhat on the surface from these roots - AA, the Big Book, and the Twelve Steps have a substantive continuity with Buchman. Indeed, as Jason has shown – Bill Wilson is in reality yet another failed prophet, of another failed restoration, who himself didn’t live the moral standards he preached. This impacts how we should view AA today – and the reality of both true Christianity and real science should demonstrate this.

Video: The Cult of Alcoholics Anonymous

Channel: Ancient Paths TV

Revelatory Events: Three Case Studies of the Emergence of New Spiritual Paths by Ann Taves

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

Confessions by St Augustine

American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell

When Grace Comes Home; When Grace Transforms; When Grace Comes Alive; Who Needs the Church? by Terry Johnson

No Place for Truth; God in the Whirlwind; Above All Earthly Pow’rs; The Courage to Be Protestant by David F. Wells

We Become What We Worship by G.K. Beale

The Gospel and the Mind by Bradley Green

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

The Fall of Man and the Foundations of Science; The Territories of Science and Religion; The Bible, Protestantism, and the Rise of Natural Science by Peter Harrison

Of Popes and Unicorns by David Hutchings and James C. Ungureanu

The Savior of Science; The Origin of Science and the Science of Its Origins by Stanley Jaki

How Christianity Changed the World by Alvin Schmidt

The Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark

The Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen Meyer

When Children Became People by O.M. Bakke

From Shame to Sin by Kyle Harper

Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land by Mark David Hall

Religion and the Rise of Capitalism by Benjamin Friedman

Admirable Evasions by Theodore Dalrymple

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Mate

The Globalization of Addiction by Bruce Alexander

“The Irrationality of Alcoholics Anonymous” by Gabrielle Glaser

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier

Hitler’s Religion by Richard Weikart

Black Earth by Timothy Snyder

Ordinary Men by Christopher Browning

The Holocaust by Laurence Rees

137. Michael Haykin on St. Patrick of Ireland

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Michael Haykin to discuss his book Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact. Who was Patrick of Ireland, and why does he matter today? What is the real history of Patrick, and what was the core of his theology? In this episode, Dr. Haykin takes us through some of the life and times of this great saint – as well as highlights from his Confession. What was the Christianity that Patrick received and then introduced and passed on to the people of Ireland? A robust Trinitarian in every aspect of his theology, the church today has much it can learn from Patrick – including his courage and dedication to missions in a time of global instability.

Book: Patrick of Ireland: His Life and Impact

Other books by Dr. Haykin:

Other resources:

The Confession of St. Patrick
The Quest for Celtic Christianity by Donald Meek
Saint Patrick: His Origins and Career; The Life and Writings of the Historical Saint Patrick by R. P. C. Hanson
The Celtic Churches: A History A.D. 200 to 1200 by John T. McNeill

136. Nicholas Perrin on The Abiathar Problem (Mark 2.26)

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Nicholas Perrin to discuss his article “The Temple, A Davidic Messiah, and a Case of Mistaken Priestly Identity (Mark 2:26)”. What is “the Abiathar Problem”, and what are people missing who use this passage to assume the evangelist Mark (or even Jesus, Himself) made a mistake? Dr. Perrin takes us through the “mystery” of Abiathar’s appearance in Mark 2.26 and demonstrates not only that this wasn’t the mistake that people have assumed, but is an opportunity to observe a deep set of insights into who this Jesus is, and who His disciples are being made into. What has Jesus’ argument, including his naming of Abiathar, have to do with who the Messiah is and his connection to the Temple? Who is this Jesus, Son of David – the Son of God?

Article: “The Temple, A Davidic Messiah, and a Case of Mistaken Priestly Identity (Mark 2:26)”

Some books written by Dr. Perrin:

Check out: Corinth Reformed Church

Check out: “The Gospel of Jesus’ Wife and the ‘Historical’ Jesus”

135. Samuel Emadi on The Joseph Story

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Samuel Emadi to discuss his book From Prisoner to Prince: The Joseph story in biblical theology. Sam takes us through highlights of the Joseph Story (Genesis 37-50), and its place in Genesis, as a whole. Moreover, how was the Joseph Story used by the Lord in the Parable of the Tenants and in Stephen’s Speech? Why did the early Christians so clearly see Joseph as a type of Christ – and few modern scholars see any connection? Sam also answers the question of how we make sure our (the reader’s) seeing of biblical “types” is objective and truly derived from the text rather than subjective and imposed upon them.

Book: Prisoner to Prince: The Joseph story in biblical theology

Podcast: Bible Talk

“What the Joseph Story is Really About” (TGC)

Hunsinger Lane Baptist Church (Louisville, Kentucky)

Also check out article: “The Religion that Reads (but Doesn’t Respect) The Bible”

“What Designates a Valid Type? A Christotelic, Covenantal Proposal” by David Schrock

The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher by Peter Williams

Figuring Resurrection: Joseph as a Death and Resurrection Figure in the Old Testament and Second Temple Judaism by Jeffrey Pulse

On Joseph Smith changing the text of Genesis 50, including writing in a prophecy of himself, with no evidence other than his own asserted authority: see here and here.

134. Loren Pankratz on Blake Ostler's KFD Revisionism

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Loren Pankratz about his article “Was Joseph Smith a Monarchotheist? An Engagement with Blake Ostler’s Theological Position on the Nature of God”. Loren takes us through how LDS philosopher Blake Ostler is not only making theological claims, but historical claims regarding Joseph Smith’s theology – some of which are at odds with the plain reading and more mainstream interpretation of Smith’s King Follet Discourse and Sermon in the Grove. How far did Joseph Smith go in his teaching of a plurality of gods, the nature of god(s), the eternal progression of man, and his re-writing of Genesis 1:1?

Article: “Was Joseph Smith a Monarchotheist? An Engagement with Blake Ostler’s Theological Position on the Nature of God” (Dialogue, Volume 55, No. 2)

Also see this lecture by Dr. Pankratz
Check out The Bridge Community
God Loves Mormons: here and here

King Follett Discourse (also here)

Past Episodes: here and here

The Sermon in the Grove (also here)

Past Episode: here

Key to the Science of Theology by Elder Parley P. Pratt

A Rational Theology; Joseph Smith as Scientist by Elder John A. Widtsoe

Past Interview with Dr. Thomas Alexander on Elder John A. Widtsoe
In a chapter on the teachings of Brigham Young, Dr. Alexander states: "For the faithful , such a creation and free agency allowed men and women the possibility of achieving godhood like Adam and Eve. In a statement later attributed to Lorenzo Snow but first spoken by Brigham while the Twelve served their mission in England, he told Snow, 'As God was, so are we now; as he now is so shall we be.' 'Our Father,' he preached, 'was once born of parents, having a father and mother the same as we have.' Eliza R. Snow, Lorenzo's sister and a wife to both Smith and Young, echoed this teaching for women when she wrote a poem of a Mother in Heaven, 'Invocation or The Eternal Father and Mother.' later set to music as 'Oh My Father.'" (Brigham Young and the Expansion of the Mormon Faith, pp. 217-218)

The Truth, The Way, The Life by B.H. Roberts

Wrestling the Angel; "Joseph Smith and the Forging of Community" by Terryl Givens

133. Thomas Alexander on LDS Apostle John A. Widtsoe

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Thomas G. Alexander about his book John A. Widtsoe: Scientist and Theologian, 1872-1952. We cover some basics of Widtsoe’s biography, including a prestigious career as a scientist and public administrator - in addition to being an LDS Apostle who wrote a lot about LDS doctrine and practice. What was Widtsoe’s contributions in Mormon history and thought – and what are the implications for today?

“What is Man?” by John A. Widtsoe (October 1936 General Conference)

Book: John A. Widtsoe: Scientist and Theologian, 1872-1952 by Thomas Alexander

Other books and articles by Dr. Alexander:

Mormonism in Transition: A History of the Latter-day Saints, 1890-1930
Things in Heaven and Earth: The Life and Times of Wilford Woodruff
Brigham Young and the Expansion of the Mormon Faith
“The Reconstruction of Mormon Doctrine”

Works by Elder John A. Widtsoe:

Joseph Smith As Scientist
A Rational Theology: As Taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Priesthood and Church Government
Evidences and Reconciliations

See specifically, e.g. book V – including essays such as “What is the True Meaning of Salvation?” and “What is the Meaning of Atonement?” (also here)

Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation

"Seven Deadly Heresies" by Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Thanks to Aaron Shafovaloff for pointing out this November 8, 1919 statement of Christian ministers pointing out the “untrue statements” pertaining to kidnapping, trafficking and slavery.

132. Virgil Walker on Critiquing MLK

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome Virgil Walker, Vice President of Ministry Relations for G3 Ministries, to discuss his article: “The Truth Behind MLK’s Social Gospel”. Virgil takes us through highlights of MLK’s views of essential doctrines of the Christian Faith. What do the primary sources, written by MLK himself, reveal about his views of God, Scripture, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Birth and Resurrection – and Salvation? Given the weight of MLK’s legacy today, how do we affirm the need for racial reconciliation while not compromising on the essentials of the Christian Faith? Virgil also shares with us some of his story, his decision to write on this subject (and the response), and his thoughts on MLK’s true legacy.

Articles by Virgil:

“The Truth Behind MLK’s Social Gospel”

“Deconstructing the MLK Myth”

“What’s the Truth about Martin Luther King, Jr.?”

“A Letter to Black Pastors”

G3 Ministries

Just Thinking Podcast

Check out Virgil’s recent book, with co-host and co-author Darrell Harrison: A Biblical Theology of Climate Change

See: Martin Luther King, Jr. Papers Project

Some highlights from the MLK, Jr. Papers Project:

"What Experiences of Christians Living in the Early Christian Century Led to the Christian Doctrines of the Divine Sonship of Jesus, the Virgin Birth, and the Bodily Resurrection" (Essay, Crozer, 1949)
"The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus" (Essay, Crozer, c.1949-50)
"The Christian Pertinence of Eschatological Hope" (Essay, Crozer, c.1949-50)
"The Influence of the Mystery Religions on Christianity" (Essay, Crozer, c.1949-50)
Letter to Coretta Scott ("the gospel that I will preach to the world"; July 18, 1952)
Letter to George W. Davis (December 1,1953)
"My Pilgrimage to Nonviolence" (September 1, 1958)
"What Happened to Hell?" (Interview, 1961)

The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr. Comes of Age by Patrick Parr

Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; The FBI and Martin Luther King, Jr. by David J. Garrow

Speaking of King’s being influenced both by the “social gospel” of Walter Rauschenbusch and the realism of Reinhold Niebuhr: “The arguments of Niebuhr and friendly prodding of [Kenneth] Smith moved King away from his earlier blind attachment to the optimism that pervaded not only Rauschenbusch’s social gospel but indeed all of the evangelical liberalism that George Davis had suffused him with. Looking back, King confessed that he had become ‘absolutely convinced of the natural goodness of man and the natural power of human reason.’ Niebuhr’s more persuasive realism, however, showed him ‘the complexity of human motives and the reality of sin on every level of man’s existence.’ Clearly Christian love alone could not defeat injustice and achieve social change.” (BTC p. 43, see also pp.45-47; e.g. “Although liberalism had failed ‘to realize that many of our present ills result from the sins of men,’ King found in Niebuhr too much of an emphasis upon the sinfulness of man.”)
“...King...wrote his former Crozer professor, George W. Davis, ‘When Schleiermacher stressed the primacy of experience over any external authority he was sounding a note that continues to ring in my own experience.” (BTC pg. 639, footnote 31)
King preached a sermon titled “Faith in Man”, in which he stated “[m]y faith in man is, at bottom, a faith in God.” (p.67)
Notice also King’s education in Boston “Personalism” in BTC p. 44-45; For an analysis of the critique of Personalism by Cornelius Van Til, see lecture "Boston Personalism", lecture delivered March 6,1956 at Boston; also see The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton, pp. 88-94. Indeed, Dr. Tipton refers to King’s professor, Edgar Sheffield Brightman, as “perhaps the most important personalist in the twentieth century”.
A couple of King’s sermons were influenced by Henry Emerson Fosdick. (see chapter one of The Presbyterian Controversy by Bradley Longfield)

See also these articles by David J. Garrow:

“The Intellectual Development of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Influences and Commentaries”

- “Zepp and Smith give a fair and balanced, if at times incomplete, portrayal of the major intellectual traditions upon which Martin King drew. They rightly suggest that it was King’s three years at Crozer Theological Seminary (1948-1951), much more so than either his undergraduate experience at Morehouse College (1944-1948) or his graduate years at the Boston University School of Theology (1951-1954), that witnessed King’s academic maturation and the development of a first-rate intellectual curiosity and self-testing. Nonetheless, while surveying the contributions that evangelical liberalism and the social gospel, Gandhian nonviolence, Niebuhrian realism and Boston University’s personalism all made to King’s development, Zepp and Smith do not adequately appreciate how King’s evaluation and partial adoptions of different intellectual doctrines were profoundly rooted in his social presuppositions and faith experience. Those presuppositions and experiences were themselves the product of King’s upbringing in a family and a church that inculcated the biblical stories, especially for this son and grandson of preachers, and that fully represented the strong faith heritage of the black southern Baptist church.”

Some books that influenced MLK:

A Philosophy of Religion by Edgar Sheffield Brightman
Moral Man and Immoral Society by Reinhold Niebuhr
Religion and the Rise of Capitalism by R. H. Tawney
Christianity and the Social Crisis by Walter Rauschenbusch

American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time by Joshua Mitchell

From every People and Nation by J. Daniel Hays

From Shame to Sin by Kyle Harper

A Stone of Hope by David Chappell

Voice of Deliverance: The Language of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Its Sources by Keith Miller

Search for the Beloved Community: The Thinking of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Kenneth Smith and Ira Zepp, Jr.

Origins of the Dream: Hughes's Poetry and King's Rhetoric by W. Jason Miller

Doctrine and Race by Mary Beth Swetnam Mathews

The Social Gospel in American Religion by Christopher Evans

The Last Segregated Hour: The Memphis Kneel-Ins and the Campaign for Southern Church Desegregation; Noah’s Curse: The Biblical Justification of American Slavery by Stephen R. Haynes

131. David Garrow on Martin Luther King, Jr. (Part 2/2)

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we finish our interview with Dr. David J. Garrow, distinguished historian and Pulitzer Prize winning author of Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. In this interview, we ask Dr. Garrow about what led him to write the biography of MLK – and what went into his incredible research, including his expertise in FBI documents. We discuss the ecclesiastical context of King and the Civil Rights movement and why the FBI began tracking MLK – as well as some of the more troubling parts of the life of King. We discuss parts of his 2019 article and what people are missing who dismiss some of this evidence. Join us as Dr. Garrow helps us think through how to understand King, in his context.

Dr. David Garrow’s website

Some books by Dr. Garrow:

Some articles by Dr. Garrow:

Other resources:

King: A Life by Jonathan Eig

“The Theology of Martin Luther King, Jr.” by James Cone

Voice of Deliverance: The Language of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Its Sources by Keith Miller

To See the Promised Land: The Faith Pilgrimage of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Frederick Downing

Search for the Beloved Community: The Thinking of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Kenneth Smith and Ira Zepp, Jr.

The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr. Comes of Age by Patrick Parr

Origins of the Dream: Hughes's Poetry and King's Rhetoric by W. Jason Miller

A Fire You Can't Put Out: The Civil Rights Life of Birmingham's Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth by Andrew Manis

A Philosophy of Religion by Edgar Sheffield Brightman

Moral Man and Immoral Society by Reinhold Niebuhr

Religion and the Rise of Capitalism by R. H. Tawney

Christianity and the Social Crisis by Walter Rauschenbusch

God’s Long Summer: Stories of Faith and Civil Rights by Charles Marsh

The Social Gospel in American Religion by Christopher Evans

Coming to Terms with John F. Kennedy by Stephen Knott

Doctrine and Race by Mary Beth Swetnam Mathews

The Last Segregated Hour: The Memphis Kneel-Ins and the Campaign for Southern Church Desegregation by Stephen R. Haynes

A Stone of Hope by David Chappell

Thanks to Dr. Garrow for generously hosting in addition to being interviewed.

Thanks to Jason Wallace (of Ancient Paths TV), Bradley Campbell (of God Loves Mormons) and Casey Cheney (of FBC Provo) for making this interview happen.

130. David Garrow on Martin Luther King, Jr. (Part 1/2)

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we begin our interview with Dr. David J. Garrow, distinguished historian and Pulitzer Prize winning author of Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. In this interview, we ask Dr. Garrow about what led him to write the biography of MLK – and what went into his incredible research, including his expertise in FBI documents. We discuss the ecclesiastical context of King and the Civil Rights movement and why the FBI began tracking MLK – as well as some of the more troubling parts of the life of King. We discuss parts of his 2019 article and what people are missing who dismiss some of this evidence. Join us as Dr. Garrow helps us think through how to understand King, in his context.

Dr. David Garrow’s website

Some books by Dr. Garrow:

Some articles by Dr. Garrow:

Other resources:

King: A Life by Jonathan Eig

“The Theology of Martin Luther King, Jr.” by James Cone

Voice of Deliverance: The Language of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Its Sources by Keith Miller

To See the Promised Land: The Faith Pilgrimage of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Frederick Downing

Search for the Beloved Community: The Thinking of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Kenneth Smith and Ira Zepp, Jr.

The Seminarian: Martin Luther King Jr. Comes of Age by Patrick Parr

Origins of the Dream: Hughes's Poetry and King's Rhetoric by W. Jason Miller

A Fire You Can't Put Out: The Civil Rights Life of Birmingham's Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth by Andrew Manis

A Philosophy of Religion by Edgar Sheffield Brightman

Moral Man and Immoral Society by Reinhold Niebuhr

Religion and the Rise of Capitalism by R. H. Tawney

Christianity and the Social Crisis by Walter Rauschenbusch

God’s Long Summer: Stories of Faith and Civil Rights by Charles Marsh

The Social Gospel in American Religion by Christopher Evans

Coming to Terms with John F. Kennedy by Stephen Knott

Doctrine and Race by Mary Beth Swetnam Mathews

The Last Segregated Hour: The Memphis Kneel-Ins and the Campaign for Southern Church Desegregation by Stephen R. Haynes

A Stone of Hope by David Chappell

Thanks to Dr. Garrow for generously hosting in addition to being interviewed.

Thanks to Jason Wallace (of Ancient Paths TV), Bradley Campbell (of God Loves Mormons) and Casey Cheney (of FBC Provo) for making this interview happen.

129. Bradley Campbell on the LDS Presiding Patriarch

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Bradley Campbell of God Loves Mormons about his video regarding the origin, history and then elimination of the office of Presiding Patriarch of the LDS Church. Bradley takes us through some of the essential issues, historically – and lands on some of the ironies, theologically, when it comes to LDS interpretation and apologetic use of Ephesians 4.11 in promoting and defending the Mormon Restoration. First filled by Joseph Smith’s father: Joseph Smith, Sr. - this office was seen as not only (at least) presiding over the patriarchal priesthood, but as a position from which the Smith bloodline would guard the Church. If this office of Presiding Patriarch was an essential office of the LDS restoration, why did President Kimball eliminate it in 1979?

Video: “What Mormons don’t know about the ‘Highest Office’ in the LDS Church” (also here)

God Loves Mormons

Christian Research Center

D&C 20; 107; 124

Lost Legacy: The Mormon Office of Presiding Patriarch by Irene M. Bates and E. Gary Smith

Priesthood and Church Government by Elder John A. Widtsoe

The Words of Joseph Smith, compiled and edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook

At one place, Smith distinguishes between Melchizedek and the “Aaronic or Levitical” priesthoods (p. 38-39). Yet, at other places, Smith distinguishes between “Aaron, Abraham, and Melchizedek” - Levitical, Abraham’s “patriarchal power”, and the “three grand orders of priesthood” as “the King of Shalom”, “patriarchal authority”, and Levitical (pp. 244-246).

History of the Church 2.379-80, 3.381 (below), 5.510, 7.234

Joseph Smith taught that: “An Evangelist is a Patriarch, even the oldest man of the blood of Joseph or of the seed of Abraham. Wherever the Church of Christ is established in the earth, there should be a Patriarch for the benefit of the posterity of the Saints, as it was with Jacob in giving his patriarchal blessing unto his sons.”
Even LDS Apostle Franklin D. Richards commented on this passage that: “As the singular number is here used, exclusively, doubtless the Prophet Joseph, in the above passage, speaks of the Patriarch of the whole Church.” (A Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, 1882; reprinted in 1925)

128. Michael Haykin on Irenaeus and Scripture

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Michael Haykin about his article “Fundamentum et Columnam Fidei Nostrae: Irenaeus on the Perfect and Saving Nature of the Scriptures”. Michael introduces us to Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-195), one of the first great Christian theologians. What was the Christian Faith Irenaeus inherited, articulates and defends - and what were the views and ideas he saw as a threat to it? In this interview, we learn about Marcion, Gnosticism, and how the debates this second century Christian pastor-theologian was involved in are relevant to the issues of today.

“Fundamentum et Columnam Fidei Nostrae: Irenaeus on the Perfect and Saving Nature of the Scriptures” by Dr. Michael Haykin; found in Do Historical Matters Matter to Faith? Edited by James K. Hoffmeier and Dennis R. Magary (also see here)

Against Heresies by Irenaeus of Lyons

Other books by Dr. Haykin:

Rediscovering the Church Fathers: Who They Were and How They Shaped the Church

Amidst Us Our Beloved Stands: Recovering Sacrament in the Baptist Tradition

Other Resources:

Christianity at the Crossroads by Michael Kruger (also here); The Heresy of Orthodoxy by Michael J. Kruger and Andreas J. Kostenberger

The Early Christian Fathers, edited and translated by Henry Bettenson

“’The Truth Above All Demonstration’: Scripture in the Patristic Period to Augustine” by Charles E. Hill; found in The Enduring Authority of the Christian Scriptures, edited by D.A. Carson

Thy Word Is Truth by Edward J. Young

The Virgin Birth of Christ; Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

The Gnostic New Age by April DeConick

“Was the Burning in Your Bosom from God?”; “The Magical Mormon Scriptures”; Joseph Smith: Behind the Mask; Temples Made With Hands?; Bart Ehrman vs. The Bible (Pastor Jason Wallace)

Mormon/LDS Sources:

“Strange Creeds of Christendom” by LeGrand Richards

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

“Are ‘Mormons’ Christian?” ; “Becoming Like God” (Gospel Topics Essays)

“Lightning Out of Heaven”: Joseph Smith and the Forging of Community by Terryl Givens

“Joseph Smith Translation: The Doctrinal Restoration” by Elder Bruce R. McConkie

127. Richard Weikart on the Myth of Bonhoeffer

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 10:15:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Richard Weikart to discuss his book The Myth of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Is His Theology Evangelical? With expertise in both the intellectual context and primary sources, Richard takes us through many key issues in Bonhoeffer’s thought, such as his view of Scripture – and how they reflect fundamental commitments that diverge from those of conservative evangelicals who often see Bonhoeffer as an ally. What is the myth of Bonhoeffer, and why does it persist? What is the truth about Bonhoeffer, and what can we learn from it?

Book discussed: The Myth of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Is His Theology Evangelical?

“Scripture and Myth in Dietrich Bonhoeffer”

“The Troubling Truth about Bonhoeffer’s Theology”

Other books by Dr. Weikart:

Hitler’s Religion: The Twisted Beliefs that Drove the Third Reich

(also: hear the previous interview about this book here)

Also mentioned:

“Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Review Article” by Cornelius Van Til

126. Stephen Haynes on The Battle for Bonhoeffer

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Stephen R. Haynes about his books The Bonhoeffer Phenomenon and The Battle for Bonhoeffer. With as much attention as is given to Dietrich Bonhoeffer – why is there often so little care for the objective historical reality of his life and theology? In this interview, Dr. Haynes takes us through some of both the life and thought of Bonhoeffer in context, as well as the incentive many different groups have in appropriating his name for current (often political) causes. Dr. Haynes helps us see through some popular errors as we discuss why the truth matters both in history, as well as in appropriations of past figures in the present.

Books:

Bonhoeffer for Armchair Theologians by Lori Brandt Hale and Stephen R. Haynes
The Bonhoeffer Phenomenon: Portraits of a Protestant Saint
The Battle for Bonhoeffer: Debating Discipleship in the Age of Trump

Recommended Biographies:

Dietrich Bonhoeffer 1906-1945: Martyr, Thinker, Man of Resistance by Ferdinand Schlingensiepen
Strange Glory: A Life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Charles Marsh

Other books by Stephen R. Haynes:

Noah’s Curse: The Biblical Justification of American Slavery
The Last Segregated Hour: The Memphis Kneel-Ins and the Campaign for Southern Church Desegregation

Other resources mentioned:

The Myth of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Is His Theology Evangelical? ; “Scripture and Myth in Dietrich Bonhoeffer” by Richard Weikart (also here)
Bonhoeffer’s Black Jesus: Harlem Rennaissance Theology and an Ethic of Resistance by Reggie L. Williams

125. Prolegomena: Ancient Israel

Mon, 13 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler continue setting up the context for the coming series on the Nicene Creed. Today, we take a brief and broad tour of Ancient Israel. What is Israel’s story both as Israel – and also relative to the civilizations around them? What are distinctive Israelite beliefs – and what are the patterns to the problems within Israel, and between Israel and their neighbors? This episode mostly starts around the time of the Monarchy, and covers highlights of the historical material all the way up to the rise of King Herod.

We start into the content of Ancient Israel at the 10:30 mark.

The Bible Among the Myths; The Book of Isaiah (NICOT; 2 vol.’s) by John Oswalt

Against the Gods; The Case for Biblical Archaeology by John Currid

Scribes and Scripture by John D. Meade and Peter J. Gurry

An Introduction to the Old Testament; My Servants the Prophets; The Book of Isaiah (3 vol.’s) by Edward J. Young

The Old Testament Against Its Environment by G. Ernest Wright

Who Is God? by Richard Bauckham

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen

New Testament History by F.F. Bruce

Now and Not Yet: Theology and Mission in Ezra-Nehemiah by Dean Ulrich

The Pentateuch in Its Cultural Environment by G. Herbert Livingston

The Meaning of the Pentateuch; The Pentateuch as Narrative by John Sailhammer

The Five Books of Moses; God Spake By Moses; The Unity of Isaiah; The Old Testament: Its Claims and Its Critics by Oswald T. Allis

Murmuring Against Moses by John Bergsma and Jeffrey Morrow

The Documentary Hypothesis by U. Cassuto

Biblical Theology; The Mosaic Origin of the Pentateuchal Codes by Geerhardus Vos

We Become What We Worship; The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale

Introduction to the Old Testament by Roland Kenneth Harrison

On the Reliability of the Old Testament by K. A. Kitchen

A History of Israel by Walter Kaiser Jr. and Paul D. Wegner

The History of Ancient Israel by Michael Grant

Do Historical Matters Matter to Faith? edited by James K. Hoffmeier and Dennis R. Magary

The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary (4 vol.’s) by Christopher Ash

The Jews in the Greek in the Greek Age by Elias Bickerman

Jew and Gentile in the Ancient World by Louis Feldman

From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire by Pierre Briant

The Harvest of Hellenism by F. E. Peters

The Rise of Christianity by W.H.C. Frend

Herod Antipas by Harold W. Hoehner

The Herods by Bruce Chilton

From Joseph to Caiaphas by James C. Vanderkam

Israel in Egypt; Ancient Israel in Sinai by James K. Hoffmeier

God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

The God of Miracles by C. John Collins

Interpreting Eden by Vern Poythress

Thinking Through Creation by Christopher Watkin

Old Testament Cosmology and Divine Accommodation by John Hilber

The Anti-Anthropomorphism in the Greek Pentateuch by Charles T. Frisch

The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha (2 vol.’s) edited by James H. Charlesworth

Sinai and Zion by Jon D. Levenson

The Bible and the Ancient Near East by Cyrus Gordon and Gary Rendsburg

Yahweh and the Gods of Canaan by WIlliam Foxwell Albright

The Talmudic Argument by Louis Jacobs

The Bodies of God and the World of Ancient Israel by Benjamin D. Sommer

The Jewish Gospels by Daniel Boyarin

In the Wake of the Goddesses by Tikva Frymer-Kensky (see also here)

124. Miguel Echevarria on the Land Inheritance in Paul

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler interviews Dr. Miguel Echevarria about his book The Future Inheritance of Land in the Pauline Epistles. Miguel argues that “the promises of Abraham, though related, are distinct” and that the promise of land inheritance is a rich theme in Paul’s epistles. Miguel will help us think through what the apostle Paul teaches regarding God’s promise of blessing, promise of offspring, and promise of inheritance. He may even have a few things to say regarding questions of Pauline authorship.

Faculty Page

Book: The Future Inheritance of Land in the Pauline Epistles by Miguel G. Echevarria Jr.

Other books by Dr. Echevarria:

40 Questions about The Apostle Paul by Miguel G. Echevarria and Benjamin P. Laird
Engaging the New Testament

123. William Dennison on Karl Marx

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. William Dennison about his book Karl Marx. What does Marx actually argue as his system of thought? Bill takes us through Marx’s thought, in its context – and how he views the rise of man, history and eschatology. Bill then shows us how the Fourfold State of Humanity as articulated in the Westminster Confession of Faith is a way to critique Marx from the Christian Worldview.

Book: Karl Marx

Emmanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church (also here and here)

Other books by Dr. D:

The Young Bultmann: The Context for His Understanding of God, 1884-1925

Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics

In Defense of the Eschaton: Essays in Reformed Apologetics

“Common Grace, Antithesis and Plato’s View of the Soul”

Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 9

The Pauline Eschatology by Geerhardus Vos

The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til

A Farewell to Marx: An Outline and Appraisal of His Theories by David Conway

Marxism: Philosophy and Economics by Thomas Sowell

The Devil and Karl Marx by Paul Kengor

Other sources:

“Trump Bible” (also see: here)

“The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner”; “Our Divine Constitution”; “The Proper Role of Government” by Ezra Taft Benson

Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right by Matthew Harris

122. Lydia McGrew on the Historical Reliability of the Christmas Story

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Lydia McGrew to help us understand and respond to the widespread dismissal of the historicity of the Nativity Story. What are the issues often brought up by skeptics and cynics - and what are they missing about the Gospels of Matthew and Luke? On issues such as the Census, the Virgin Birth, and King Herod's Killing of the Innocents - Lydia helps us think through the common abuse of the argument from silence, untangle phony contradictions (often based on misreading) - and understand the flawed use of "multiple attestation" as a way to dismiss unique material in Luke or Matthew.

Lydia’s Website; YouTube Channel (see Virgin Birth Playlist); Podcast

The Mirror or the Mask: Liberating the Gospels from Literary Devices by Lydia McGrew

"Some more notes on the Census in Luke"

Review of Michael Licona's Why Are There Differences in the Gospels?

"The Nativity Census: What Does Luke Actually Say?" by John Thorley

The First Days of Jesus by Alexander Stewart and Andreas Kostenberger

The Virgin Birth of Christ by J. Gresham Machen (also here and here)

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey (also here, here, here and here; see also here)

The Evidence for Jesus; The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT) by R.T. France; and some more relevant articles by R.T. France:

"The Formula-Quotations of Matthew 2 and the Problem of Communication"
"Herod and the Children of Bethlehem"
"Jewish Historiography, Midrash, and the Gospels"
"Scripture, Tradition and History in the Infancy Narratives of Matthew"

"Jesus' Genealogies: Coherence in Content"; "Jesus; Genealogies: Coherence in Numbers"; "We Three Kings of Israel Aren't!" by James Behon

“Matthew 1.1-17 as a Summary of Israel’s Story: The Messiah, His Brothers, and the Nations” by Jason B. Hood

The Gospel and the Greeks by Ronald Nash

The God of Miracles by C. John Collins

The Witness of the Synoptic Gospels to Christ; Origins of the Synoptic Gospels by Ned Stonehouse

From Every People and Nation by J. Daniel Hays

New Testament History by F.F. Bruce

Papyri and the Social World of the New Testament by Sabine Huebner

The Harmony of the Gospels by St. Augustine (e.g. here)

Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides I

The Jews of Ptolemaic Egypt by Zsuzsanna Szanto

outlines her chapter on Jewish settlements of Ptolemaic Egypt with these regions: Alexandria, The Nile Delta, Memphis, Arsinoite nome (Fayum Oasis), Herakleopolite nome, Oxyrhynchite nome, Diospolis Magna (Thebes), Apollinopolis Magna (Edfu)
F.E. Peters states: "The number of Jews in Egypt may have reached one million by Roman times, but whether that figure is accurate or not, the Jewish population in Egypt was considerable." (The Harvest of Hellenism, p. 296)

Please also check out other books by Dr. Lydia McGrew:

The Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportage by Lydia McGrew

hear our previous interview here

Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels

Hidden in Plain View: Undesigned Coincidences in the Gospels and Acts

121. John Oswalt on the Bible Among the Myths

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. John Oswalt about his book The Bible Among the Myths: Unique Revelation or Just Ancient Literature? In this episode, Dr. Oswalt helps us understand the contours and content of mythical thinking, and then contrasts that with the worldview of the Old Testament. What is myth – and what are its central assumptions and features? What is the Bible – and what is its central assumption and features? We land on many issues that have been framed by confusing the two, including - Monotheism v. Polytheism, Creation vs. Organization, whether God had/has a wife (or wives), the purpose of ritual, the spirit of law, the possibility of meaningful history, and the Virgin Birth. The implications for understanding Mormonism should be readily apparent to the interested listener.

Some books by Dr. Oswalt:

The Bible Among the Myths: Unique Revelation of Just Ancient Literature?

The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1-39; The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66 (NICOT)

The Holy One of Israel: Studies in the Book of Isaiah

Lecture: “Why Does Creation Ex Nihilo Matter?” (and here)

120. The Casey Cheney Story (Part 3/3)

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this series, we interview Casey Cheney on her story coming out of Mormonism. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Provo, and has been a hard-working hero behind the scenes making Distinctive Christianity happen! Listen in and hear her story of conversion to Mormonism, and then her re-committing to the Biblical Jesus and the Triune God of Scripture.

Message from Casey:

Dear faithful, former, and questioning LDS listeners,

I hope one thing you have come to learn through listening to this podcast is how much Pastor Brendon, Skyler, myself, and all other guests yearn for you to come to know the God of the Bible. I realize that this is a scary prospect, to even begin to question what you believe or to put your faith once again in something greater than yourself.

As you begin to read the Bible, I urge you to really read it for what it says, not wearing the lenses of the LDS church. You will come to see that there is one God in the 3 persons of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You will recognize how to identify a false prophet (see Deuteronomy 13 and 18) which will then show you that your own church was built by a man (and men) who gave false prophecies, which automatically disqualifies them from any office of prophet. You will see that those same men created a god after their own image, which Deuteronomy and Galatians tell us are "other gods" and we should flee from such teachings.

You will come to understand just how sinful we are and that we need God to save us through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The LDS church puts so much stock into doing all that we can do to be exalted, but our deeds are like "filthy rags" to God. NOTHING we can do will ever save (or exalt) us. Good deeds flow out of our faith in and our salvation through Jesus ... they earn us nothing. The only thing we earn every day is the just and righteous wrath of God as we continually sin against Him. Only through faith in the true Jesus are we saved, He paid our debt, He reconciled us to God. Put your faith in the only Jesus who saves completely.

You will learn that God does not dwell in a temple made with hands. The veil at the temple was torn at the crucifixion of Jesus, granting us personal and immediate access to God with Jesus as our mediator. We, as believers in the One True God, are His living temple. You will also learn that it was in times past that God spoke through His prophets, but He NOW speaks only through His Son, the living Word who has been revealed in the 66 books of the Old and New Testament.

Your prophet, Brigham Young said, "Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it and see if it will stand the test." If you truly compare the theology and doctrine of the LDS church, you will see it is in direct conflict with what God has spoken in the Bible.

The Christian faith has stood the test of time. The doctrine and theology has not changed. God is faithful and trustworthy. Just because you have been deceived does not mean that Truth is not out there. Your leaders have created a fear of Truth not being out there with comments like without the LDS church, "where will you go?" The answer to that question is, into Christianity to follow the Triune God of the Bible, to the only faith that will save.

I have many LDS friends who are sincere in their faith. They've had experiences that they can only explain through the lens of the LDS church, I have too. My friends, sincerity does not equal Truth. You can sincerely believe something and be very, very wrong. Deadly wrong, even. Once God removes the scales from your eyes, you, too will see that you are wrong. Your church cannot save you, only the God of the Bible can.

I plead with you to flee from your false church, false prophets, and false gospel. Stop worshipping a "god" who looks like you and look to Someone far greater. Stop being the "god" of your own world as you continue to "work" to try to earn your place, you will NEVER succeed, you will only succeed in earning death and just damnation. Begin by asking those questions that have been nagging you, dive into the Bible, and break down those walls (and shelves) as you discover the Truth.

Sincerely,

Casey Cheney

Recommended Resources:

Alistair Begg

Power and message of the cross: https://youtu.be/SL8mJQ39zjw?si=gJHFonFzTJtL9j0v

Apologia Studios

The Gospel for Mormons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQNObk2qAwo

Ligonier Ministries

Trinity playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fXOTsaES-fe_G_Vi9v836DM
Faith alone playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fWpVFe1JbevGeBEh9YKnuF5
Grace alone playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fXLUCD2Anxzn55e_3gFpWiA
What is the Gospel playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fVKoF19CmJWgy9GpzoWMz3O
Mystery of the Trinity playlist (R.C. Sproul): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fUn9Yl_IUO9PLddhIjCtMgv

Mike Winger

Evidence for the Bible playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuhA0RPKZFHVcjIMN_-F596&si=IOoM86VNAPRtc_JU
Mormonism refuted playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHto0RUyfROfdl2l6jDMwvSi
Stop saying all roads lead to God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toFfthC-Xto
Jesus vs Joseph Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJMAMAbPB94
The Trinity: can we defend it Biblically: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0cLKtR5kfE

Ancient Paths TV

LDS Videos playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpi3wmTbuMp45XO_rkcbfNJQMsLZ8Ptyb&si=aCfomiArrYYwSka5
Joseph Smith behind the Mask: https://youtu.be/MsVM89lM0tQ?si=Y_SU4Uj8VW4J7mrk
Temples made with hands: https://youtu.be/kTef-yb-VZk?si=-E2a7LvyTa9gcCJX

Living Hope Ministries

The Bible vs Joseph Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7tyCH3rBtU
The Bible vs the Book of Mormon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1mFdO1wB08

Fighting for the Faith:

Hearing the Voice of God, pt. 1: https://youtu.be/3du-8JT4X_Y?si=CXEBi0BkL21BacvE
Hearing the Voice of God, pt. 2: https://youtu.be/d_ehhsYF8NA?si=RYp_XxiKlSs6sM9s
Apostles 101: https://youtu.be/4R67FC-ZhWU?si=ujYe_vm6rZPodgSS
Diseased Trees and Bad Fruit (not directly LDS related): https://youtu.be/3bxpk75Gnyk?si=LJe516sYW_U7zC-M

Long for Truth

Mormonism and the New Apostolic Reformation: https://youtu.be/PCL9Jimd8PU?si=yGgTvV5otOlbWC4_

Bethel (Bethel Church in Redding California, Bethel Music, Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry) ... not to be confused with other churches that use the name Bethel.

video of "impartation" to other church members, demonic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xkV6BloXOg&t=42s

R.C. Sproul booklets: There are tons more but these are a good start

What is the Gospel
Does God exist?
Who is Jesus?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What is the Trinity?
Can I trust the Bible?
What does it mean to be born again?
Can I know God's will?
Can I have joy in my life?
How can I be right with God?
Are people basically good?
What is faith?

Stories about leaving the LDS Church (from those born & raised)

A Mormon's Unexpected Journey by Carma Naylor (2 v.)
Where is Jesus? by Brenton Laidler

Stories about leaving the LDS Church (from converts into the LDS church)

Out of Mormonism by Judy Roberston
Unveiling grace by Lynn Wilder

Other useful books

Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons by Ron Rhodes & Marian Bodine
Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson
Introducing Christianity to Mormons by Eric Johnson
The Historical Jesus and the Historical Joseph Smith by Tom Hobson
Where does it say that? Photo reprints of Hard-to-Get Mormon Documents Compiled by Bob Witte

Other useful websites

Cultwatch: https://cultwatch.com/mormon.html
God Loves Mormons: https://godlovesmormons.com/
Mormonism Research Ministry: https://www.mrm.org/

119. The Casey Cheney Story (Part 2/3)

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Message from Casey:

Dear faithful, former, and questioning LDS listeners,

Sincerely,

Casey Cheney

Recommended Resources:

Alistair Begg

Power and message of the cross: https://youtu.be/SL8mJQ39zjw?si=gJHFonFzTJtL9j0v

Apologia Studios

The Gospel for Mormons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQNObk2qAwo

Ligonier Ministries

Trinity playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fXOTsaES-fe_G_Vi9v836DM
Faith alone playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fWpVFe1JbevGeBEh9YKnuF5
Grace alone playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fXLUCD2Anxzn55e_3gFpWiA
What is the Gospel playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fVKoF19CmJWgy9GpzoWMz3O
Mystery of the Trinity playlist (R.C. Sproul): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fUn9Yl_IUO9PLddhIjCtMgv

Mike Winger

Evidence for the Bible playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuhA0RPKZFHVcjIMN_-F596&si=IOoM86VNAPRtc_JU
Mormonism refuted playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHto0RUyfROfdl2l6jDMwvSi
Stop saying all roads lead to God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toFfthC-Xto
Jesus vs Joseph Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJMAMAbPB94
The Trinity: can we defend it Biblically: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0cLKtR5kfE

Ancient Paths TV

LDS Videos playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpi3wmTbuMp45XO_rkcbfNJQMsLZ8Ptyb&si=aCfomiArrYYwSka5
Joseph Smith behind the Mask: https://youtu.be/MsVM89lM0tQ?si=Y_SU4Uj8VW4J7mrk
Temples made with hands: https://youtu.be/kTef-yb-VZk?si=-E2a7LvyTa9gcCJX

Living Hope Ministries

The Bible vs Joseph Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7tyCH3rBtU
The Bible vs the Book of Mormon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1mFdO1wB08

Fighting for the Faith:

Hearing the Voice of God, pt. 1: https://youtu.be/3du-8JT4X_Y?si=CXEBi0BkL21BacvE
Hearing the Voice of God, pt. 2: https://youtu.be/d_ehhsYF8NA?si=RYp_XxiKlSs6sM9s
Apostles 101: https://youtu.be/4R67FC-ZhWU?si=ujYe_vm6rZPodgSS
Diseased Trees and Bad Fruit (not directly LDS related): https://youtu.be/3bxpk75Gnyk?si=LJe516sYW_U7zC-M

Long for Truth

Mormonism and the New Apostolic Reformation: https://youtu.be/PCL9Jimd8PU?si=yGgTvV5otOlbWC4_

Bethel (Bethel Church in Redding California, Bethel Music, Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry) ... not to be confused with other churches that use the name Bethel.

video of "impartation" to other church members, demonic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xkV6BloXOg&t=42s

R.C. Sproul booklets: There are tons more but these are a good start

What is the Gospel
Does God exist?
Who is Jesus?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What is the Trinity?
Can I trust the Bible?
What does it mean to be born again?
Can I know God's will?
Can I have joy in my life?
How can I be right with God?
Are people basically good?
What is faith?

Stories about leaving the LDS Church (from those born & raised)

A Mormon's Unexpected Journey by Carma Naylor (2 v.)
Where is Jesus? by Brenton Laidler

Stories about leaving the LDS Church (from converts into the LDS church)

Out of Mormonism by Judy Roberston
Unveiling grace by Lynn Wilder

Other useful books

Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons by Ron Rhodes & Marian Bodine
Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson
Introducing Christianity to Mormons by Eric Johnson
The Historical Jesus and the Historical Joseph Smith by Tom Hobson
Where does it say that? Photo reprints of Hard-to-Get Mormon Documents Compiled by Bob Witte

Other useful websites

Cultwatch: https://cultwatch.com/mormon.html
God Loves Mormons: https://godlovesmormons.com/
Mormonism Research Ministry: https://www.mrm.org/

118. The Casey Cheney Story (Part 1/3)

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Message from Casey:

Dear faithful, former, and questioning LDS listeners,

Sincerely,

Casey Cheney

Recommended Resources:

Alistair Begg

Power and message of the cross: https://youtu.be/SL8mJQ39zjw?si=gJHFonFzTJtL9j0v

Apologia Studios

The Gospel for Mormons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQNObk2qAwo

Ligonier Ministries

Trinity playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fXOTsaES-fe_G_Vi9v836DM
Faith alone playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fWpVFe1JbevGeBEh9YKnuF5
Grace alone playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fXLUCD2Anxzn55e_3gFpWiA
What is the Gospel playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fVKoF19CmJWgy9GpzoWMz3O
Mystery of the Trinity playlist (R.C. Sproul): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL30acyfm60fUn9Yl_IUO9PLddhIjCtMgv

Mike Winger

Evidence for the Bible playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHuhA0RPKZFHVcjIMN_-F596&si=IOoM86VNAPRtc_JU
Mormonism refuted playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZ3iRMLYFlHto0RUyfROfdl2l6jDMwvSi
Stop saying all roads lead to God: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toFfthC-Xto
Jesus vs Joseph Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJMAMAbPB94
The Trinity: can we defend it Biblically: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0cLKtR5kfE

Ancient Paths TV

LDS Videos playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpi3wmTbuMp45XO_rkcbfNJQMsLZ8Ptyb&si=aCfomiArrYYwSka5
Joseph Smith behind the Mask: https://youtu.be/MsVM89lM0tQ?si=Y_SU4Uj8VW4J7mrk
Temples made with hands: https://youtu.be/kTef-yb-VZk?si=-E2a7LvyTa9gcCJX

Living Hope Ministries

The Bible vs Joseph Smith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7tyCH3rBtU
The Bible vs the Book of Mormon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1mFdO1wB08

Fighting for the Faith:

Hearing the Voice of God, pt. 1: https://youtu.be/3du-8JT4X_Y?si=CXEBi0BkL21BacvE
Hearing the Voice of God, pt. 2: https://youtu.be/d_ehhsYF8NA?si=RYp_XxiKlSs6sM9s
Apostles 101: https://youtu.be/4R67FC-ZhWU?si=ujYe_vm6rZPodgSS
Diseased Trees and Bad Fruit (not directly LDS related): https://youtu.be/3bxpk75Gnyk?si=LJe516sYW_U7zC-M

Long for Truth

Mormonism and the New Apostolic Reformation: https://youtu.be/PCL9Jimd8PU?si=yGgTvV5otOlbWC4_

Bethel (Bethel Church in Redding California, Bethel Music, Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry) ... not to be confused with other churches that use the name Bethel.

video of "impartation" to other church members, demonic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xkV6BloXOg&t=42s

R.C. Sproul booklets: There are tons more but these are a good start

What is the Gospel
Does God exist?
Who is Jesus?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
What is the Trinity?
Can I trust the Bible?
What does it mean to be born again?
Can I know God's will?
Can I have joy in my life?
How can I be right with God?
Are people basically good?
What is faith?

Stories about leaving the LDS Church (from those born & raised)

A Mormon's Unexpected Journey by Carma Naylor (2 v.)
Where is Jesus? by Brenton Laidler

Stories about leaving the LDS Church (from converts into the LDS church)

Out of Mormonism by Judy Roberston
Unveiling grace by Lynn Wilder

Other useful books

Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons by Ron Rhodes & Marian Bodine
Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson
Introducing Christianity to Mormons by Eric Johnson
The Historical Jesus and the Historical Joseph Smith by Tom Hobson
Where does it say that? Photo reprints of Hard-to-Get Mormon Documents Compiled by Bob Witte

Other useful websites

Cultwatch: https://cultwatch.com/mormon.html
God Loves Mormons: https://godlovesmormons.com/
Mormonism Research Ministry: https://www.mrm.org/

117. Leonardo De Chirico on Engaging with Thomas Aquinas

Mon, 02 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Leonardo de Chirico about his book Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach. Leonardo takes us through the context of Thomas, himself – as well as the question of what is “Thomism”. In addition to hearing about the weight Thomas gives to Aristotle in his Theology, we also discuss some of how we should understand his enduring influence and relevance - for both Protestant and Roman Catholic. All of this is relevant to current conversations among Christians on this very topic.

Book: Engaging with Thomas Aquinas: An Evangelical Approach

Vatican Files

The Reformanda Initiative Podcast

116. Rachel Kousser on Alexander the Great

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Rachel Kousser on her book Alexander at the End of the World: The Forgotten Final Years of Alexander the Great. Rachel offers both old and new perspectives on Alexander and his conquests, and helps us see into the religious worldview that both surrounded and motivated him. In addition to some thoughts on the understanding and writing of history, itself – she addresses the question of whether Alexander was truly great.

Some books by Dr. Kousser:

Alexander at the End of the World: The Forgotten Final Years of Alexander the Great

The Afterlives of Greek Sculpture: Interaction, Transformation, and Destruction

Hellenistic and Roman Ideal Sculpture: The Allure of the Classical

The Illiad by Homer

The Landmark Arrian: The Campaigns of Alexander (also here)

From Cyrus to Alexander: A History of the Persian Empire by Pierre Briant

credit for music clip: Atmospherios

115. Justin Peters on Hyper-Charismatic Apostles and their Authority

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

On today’s episode, Skyler and Pastor Ed Romine are joined by Bradley Campbell of God Loves Mormons to interview Justin Peters of Justin Peters Ministries about some of the theology and practice of the extreme charismatic movement. We ask Justin about topics such as charismatic apostles and their claims of authority – as well as examples and patterns of heresy taught by them. These false teachers distort, pervert, and reject essential issues of the Christian faith such as the Trinity, who Jesus Christ is, and the Gospel. Much of this overlaps and rhymes with many of the claims and priorities of Joseph Smith, as well as the LDS prophets and apostles ever since.

Video of interview is found here.

Justin Peters Ministries

Justin Peters (YouTube)

Highlights: Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland and the false COVID prophecies

“Mysticism: The Deadly Dangers of Trusting Personal Experience Over Biblical Authority”

Clouds Without Water: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

American Gospel: Christ Alone

Roundtable

An Earnest Plea to Charismatics; Joseph Smith: Behind the Mask; New Lies for Old (Jason Wallace)

Interview with Ed Romine (and here)

Interview with Bradley Campbell: Part 1, Part 2

114. Kim Riddlebarger on 1 Corinthians

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler interviews Dr. Kim Riddlebarger about his commentary First Corinthians. Kim takes us through some of the teachings of Paul in this epistle and how they inform a correct understanding of the Christian Faith. Along the way, we discuss LDS attempts at appropriating their own doctrines and practices from the Epistle - and whether those attempts are, in any way, credible.

First Corinthians (2nd edition) in the Lectio Continua Commentary Series

The Riddleblog

The Blessed Hope Podcast

“Man As a Body-Soul Composite” by Kim Riddlebarger

“Trichotomy: A Beachhead for Gnostic Influences” by Kim Riddlebarger

1 Corinthians: Introduction and Commentary by Thomas Schreiner

Conflict and Community in Corinth by Ben Witherington III

Mormon Sources:

Joseph Smith: here and here

Orson Pratt: JD 1.56-57, 294, 332-33, 7.89, 15.51-52, 16.297, 328, 20.70

Heber C. Kimball: JD 1.161, 1.355-357, 3.109, 4.223, 5.95, 6.63

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

Correction: I said "chapter 1" when describing Widtsoe starting with the Eternity of Chaotic Matter. It is actually chapter 3, however - it is page 9 (so, in my recollection, in/toward the beginning). It is the first substantive section following his chapter which outlines the basis of theology being in the Senses and Reason.

A recent example: "Kingdoms of Glory" by Dallin Oaks

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians by Richard Draper and Michael Rhodes

113. Aaron Shafovaloff on the Fatherhood of God(s) (Part 2/2)

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Aaron Shafovaloff of Mormonism Research Ministry about the question: Is God Our Literal Father? This interview involves a deep dive into the diversity of Mormon views on intelligences, spirits, and bodies. This is then compared with the various ways the Bible speaks of God’s Fatherhood, as well as the meaning of mankind being made in/as the “image and likeness” of God. The Mormon and Christian Worldviews, even in their diversity, can be seen within the issue of Eternal progenitorship. On one hand, the Christian doctrine of the Eternal Generation of the Son (uniquely) - and on the other, the Mormon doctrine of the infinite regression of fathers and sons (as a procreative principle).

YouTube Channel; Mormonism Research Ministry

BOM; D&C 76, 93, 132; Abraham 3; Lectures on Faith; JST Revelation 1

Joseph Smith: King Follett; Sermon in the Grove (also here, here, and here)

Michael as Adam is agreed upon by all sides of Mormonism.

Brigham Young: JD 1:50f; ”Discourse on Marriage” ; 1.92-93; 1.349f; 6.273f (also here)

“I Propose to Speak upon a Subject That Does Not Immediately Concern Yours or My Welfare” (found in The Essential Brigham Young, pp. 86-103)

“The Origin of Man” 1909 First Presidency Message

“The Father and the Son” 1916 Doctrinal Statement by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve

Gospel Principles; Achieving A Celestial Marriage Manual

The Family; A Proclamation to the World

Key to the Science of Theology by Parley Pratt

The Seer by Orson Pratt

Elias by Orson F. Whitney

A Rational Theology by John A. Widtsoe

The Articles of Faith by James Talmage

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball (also here)

“The Light of Christ” by Boyd K. Packer

The Mormon Doctrine of Deity; The Truth, The Way, The Life by B.H. Roberts

“The Doctrine of the Firstborn and Only Begotten” by Rodney Turner

“Origin of the Spirit in Early Mormon Thought” by Van Hale

“The Idea of Preexistence in Mormon Thought” by Blake Ostler

“The Source of God’s Authority: One Argument for An Unambiguous Doctrine of Preexistence” by Roger Terry

“’The First Principles of Man Are Self-Existent with God’: The Immortality of the Soul in Mormon Theology” by Brent L. Top

“Tripartite Existentialism” by Jonathan Stapley

“Spirit Birth and ‘Chains of Belonging’” by Brian D. Hales

“Believing Adoption” by Samuel M. Brown

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

“The Development of the Doctrine of Preexistence, 1830-1844"; “This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

Mormonism in Transition; “The Reconstruction of Mormon Doctrine” by Thomas G. Alexander

The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship by David John Buerger

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

What Is Doctrine? A Latter-Day Saint Systematic Theology (2 vol.’s) by Peter Carmack

“Toward a Post-Heterosexual Mormon Theology”; “After a Post-Heterosexual Mormon Theology: A Ten-Year Retrospective” by Taylor Petrey

Scientific Aspects of Mormonism by Nels Nelson

Outlines of Mormon Philosophy by Lycurgus Wilson

Eternal Man by Truman Madsen

“’Lightning Out of Heaven’: Joseph Smith and the Forging of Community” by Terryl Givens

Gospel Trilogy; The First 2,000 Years by Cleon Skousen

LDS Temple: here and here

Girls Who Choose God (Deseret Book)

Mormon Matters: Satan

“Wingfield Scott Watson and His Struggle to Preserve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) After the Death of Its Founder” by Kyle Beshears (also here and here)

“D&C 76:24 isn’t about ‘Literal’ Spirit Children” by Aaron Shafovaloff

Confessions by Augustine

On the Incarnation by Athanasius

Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck

Theoretical-Practical Theology (4 vol.’s) by Petrus van Mastricht

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

“Man As a Body-Soul Composite” ; “Trichotomy: A Beachhead for Gnostic Influences” by Kim Riddlebarger

Created in God’s Image by Anthony Hoekema

The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology by Matthew Emadi (also here and here)

Retrieving Eternal Generation edited by Fred Sanders and Scott Swain

God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum

Confessing the Impassible God edited by Ronald Baines, James Renihan, et al. (also here)

Father, Son, and Spirit in Romans 8: The Roman Reception of Paul’s Trinitarian Theology by Ron C. Fay

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Foundations of Covenant Theology by Lane Tipton

We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry by G.K. Beale

112. Aaron Shafovaloff on the Fatherhood of God(s) (Part 1/2)

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000

YouTube Channel; Mormonism Research Ministry

BOM; D&C 76, 93, 132; Abraham 3; Lectures on Faith; JST Revelation 1

Joseph Smith: King Follett; Sermon in the Grove (also here, here, and here)

Michael as Adam is agreed upon by all sides of Mormonism.

Brigham Young: JD 1:50f; ”Discourse on Marriage” ; 1.92-93; 1.349f; 6.273f (also here)

“I Propose to Speak upon a Subject That Does Not Immediately Concern Yours or My Welfare” (found in The Essential Brigham Young, pp. 86-103)

“The Origin of Man” 1909 First Presidency Message

“The Father and the Son” 1916 Doctrinal Statement by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve

Gospel Principles; Achieving A Celestial Marriage Manual

The Family; A Proclamation to the World

Key to the Science of Theology by Parley Pratt

The Seer by Orson Pratt

Elias by Orson F. Whitney

A Rational Theology by John A. Widtsoe

The Articles of Faith by James Talmage

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball (also here)

“The Light of Christ” by Boyd K. Packer

The Mormon Doctrine of Deity; The Truth, The Way, The Life by B.H. Roberts

“The Doctrine of the Firstborn and Only Begotten” by Rodney Turner

“Origin of the Spirit in Early Mormon Thought” by Van Hale

“The Idea of Preexistence in Mormon Thought” by Blake Ostler

“The Source of God’s Authority: One Argument for An Unambiguous Doctrine of Preexistence” by Roger Terry

“’The First Principles of Man Are Self-Existent with God’: The Immortality of the Soul in Mormon Theology” by Brent L. Top

“Tripartite Existentialism” by Jonathan Stapley

“Spirit Birth and ‘Chains of Belonging’” by Brian D. Hales

“Believing Adoption” by Samuel M. Brown

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

“The Development of the Doctrine of Preexistence, 1830-1844"; “This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

Mormonism in Transition; “The Reconstruction of Mormon Doctrine” by Thomas G. Alexander

The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship by David John Buerger

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

What Is Doctrine? A Latter-Day Saint Systematic Theology (2 vol.’s) by Peter Carmack

“Toward a Post-Heterosexual Mormon Theology”; “After a Post-Heterosexual Mormon Theology: A Ten-Year Retrospective” by Taylor Petrey

Scientific Aspects of Mormonism by Nels Nelson

Outlines of Mormon Philosophy by Lycurgus Wilson

Eternal Man by Truman Madsen

“’Lightning Out of Heaven’: Joseph Smith and the Forging of Community” by Terryl Givens

Gospel Trilogy; The First 2,000 Years by Cleon Skousen

LDS Temple: here and here

Girls Who Choose God (Deseret Book)

Mormon Matters: Satan

“Wingfield Scott Watson and His Struggle to Preserve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) After the Death of Its Founder” by Kyle Beshears (also here and here)

“D&C 76:24 isn’t about ‘Literal’ Spirit Children” by Aaron Shafovaloff

Confessions by Augustine

On the Incarnation by Athanasius

Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck

Theoretical-Practical Theology (4 vol.’s) by Petrus van Mastricht

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

“Man As a Body-Soul Composite” ; “Trichotomy: A Beachhead for Gnostic Influences” by Kim Riddlebarger

Created in God’s Image by Anthony Hoekema

The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology by Matthew Emadi (also here and here)

Retrieving Eternal Generation edited by Fred Sanders and Scott Swain

God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum

Confessing the Impassible God edited by Ronald Baines, James Renihan, et al. (also here)

Father, Son, and Spirit in Romans 8: The Roman Reception of Paul’s Trinitarian Theology by Ron C. Fay

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Foundations of Covenant Theology by Lane Tipton

We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry by G.K. Beale

111. Joshua Mitchell on Identity Politics and the Search for Atonement

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Joshua Mitchell about his book American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time. Is our current political climate the result of secularism, or is it actually indicating a deep religiosity – even the merging of religion and politics? Joshua takes us through the distinction between the visible and invisible economy, innocence-signaling (as distinct from virtue-signaling), and the current political quest for atonement, purity, and innocence. Far from being a secular phenomenon, identity politics is a Christian heresy that can only be answered by a superior account of Original Sin, Divine Judgment, and true atoning Mercy - centered on the Divine Scapegoat: The Word Who Became Flesh. Only then will there be space and time for “the Liberal Politics of Competence”.

Some books by Dr. Mitchell:

American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time

Tocqueville in Arabia: The Anxieties of the Democratic Age

Not by Reason Alone: Religion, History, and Identity in Early Modern Political Thought

Video Essay - Identity Politics: Guilt and Scapegoat

110. Richard Weikart on Hitler's Religion

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:05:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Richard Weikart about his book Hitler’s Religion: The Twisted Beliefs that Drove the Third Reich. Was Hitler a Christian? Was Hitler an Atheist? Was Hitler a Darwinist? Richard takes us through the answers, in their historical context, as we look at issues of theology, science, and politics - and hear about some of their consequences.

Some books by Dr. Weikart:

Hitler’s Religion: The Twisted Beliefs that Drove the Third Reich

Hitler’s Ethic: The Nazi Pursuit of Evolutionary Progress

Darwinian Racism: How Darwinism Influenced Hitler, Nazism and White Nationalism

Lecture: “From Darwin to Hitler”

Preaching Eugenics by Christine Rosen

The War for Righteousness by Richard Gamble

The Aryan Jesus by Susannah Heschel

Hitler’s Monsters by Eric Kurlander

The Popes Against the Jews by David Kertzer

109. Yannick Imbert and Iain Wright on Reclaiming the "Dark Ages"

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode we welcome Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert, the authors of the book Reclaiming the “Dark Ages”: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500 to 1500. There are many figures in church history in-between Augustine and Luther that are worth understanding, appreciating, and learning from. Iain and Yannick help us approach the complexity of history through often-overlooked figures such as Pope Leo the Great, Alcuin, and Bernard of Clairvaux. Christ said that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church, and these men are evidence of this.

Reclaiming the “Dark Ages”: How the Gospel Light Shone from 500 to 1500 by Iain Wright and Yannick Imbert

Leo’s Tome (and here)
A Mind Intent on God: The Spiritual Writings of Alcuin of York by Douglas Dale
“Jesus, the very thought of thee” ; “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” by Bernard of Clairvaux (also here and here)

For those wanting an informed Protestant analysis and critique of both the Papacy and Mariology - Dr. Leonardo De Chirico is highly recommended:

The few sources mentioned on “the Dark Ages” (even, the “Black Millenium”), though one should realize that any claim of “restoration” must argue for some form of extinction beforehand. LDS missionaries all around the world today still tell the story of “Jesus” supposedly telling Joseph Smith that “all their creeds [are] an abomination”.

The Progress of Man by Joseph Fielding Smith

Continuing the Quest by Hugh B. Brown

A New Witness for the Articles of Faith by Bruce R. McConkie

Jesus the Christ ; The Great Apostasy by James Talmage

108. Lydia McGrew on the Historical Reliability of the Gospel of John

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Dr. Lydia McGrew on her book The Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportage. In this interview, Lydia helps us understand the current state of scholarship about the Gospel of John – and what is wrong with the current mainstream approach to the Gospel. Is the Gospel of John a distinct genre from the Synoptics? Does John feel free to invent scenes, invent sayings of Jesus, and shift events around contrary to historical fact - yet, for some “higher” or “more spiritual” reason? Lydia helps us understand the Gospel of John as the author intended, and shows some reasons the author is trustworthy - based on evidence.

Website; YouTube Channel

The Eye of the Beholder: The Gospel of John as Historical Reportage by Lydia McGrew

The Mirror or the Mask: Liberating the Gospels from Literary Devices by Lydia McGrew

TalkAboutDoubts.com

The Harmony of the Gospels by St. Augustine (and here for the specific citation)

Julius Africanus, Letter to Aristides I

107. Prolegomena: Alexander the Great and the Harvest of Hellenism

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler continue setting up the context for the coming series on the Nicene Creed. Today, we take a brief and broad tour of Alexander the Great and the Harvest of Hellenism. What is Hellenization? We take a look at some of its political and cultural context – and then focus on the philosophical schools of Stoicism and Epicureanism. This will be key to accurately understanding the world of the New Testament, the early church - as well as contemporary debates over Christian theology and apologetics.

Correction: The Battle of Tyre occurred in present-day Lebanon, not Syria. Also, though the Battle of Gaugamela occurred in modern-day northern Iraq (Iraqi Kurdistan), Alexander didn’t arrive at the body of Darius III until he was in modern-day northeastern Iran.

Clarification (in case there was confusion): The Cleopatra mentioned as the wife of Philip II of Macedon is not the famous Cleopatra. The seventh and final wife of Philip of Macedon was Cleopatra (sometimes, "Eurydice"). She (and her children) was seen as a threat by another wife of Philip - the mother of Alexander, Olympias. The famous Cleopatra, Queen Cleopatra VII (of Caesar and Mark Antony fame) was actually the last ruler of the Ptolemies (of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, spoken of in this episode) and ruled from 51-30 BC.

Twelve Greeks and Romans Who Changed the World by Carl Richard

Alexander the Great: Journey to the End of the Earth by Norman Cantor

Alexander At the End of the World: The Forgotten Final Years of Alexander the Great by Rachel Kousser

The Landmark Arrian: The Campaigns of Alexander, edited by James Romm

Alexander to Actium by Peter Green

The Harvest of Hellenism by F.E. Peters

Jew and Gentile in the Ancient World by Louis Feldman

The Jews in the Greek Age by Elias Bickerman

The Land of the Elephant Kings; Time and its Adversaries in the Seleucid Empire by Paul Kosmin

Circumference by Nicholas Nicastro

The Epicurus Reader, translated and edited by Brad Inwood and L.P. Gerson

The Stoics Reader, translated, with introduction, by Brad Inwood and L.P. Gerson

Hellenistic Philosophy: Stoics, Epicureans, Sceptics by A.A. Long

Epicurus and His Gods by Andre-Jean Festugiere

Stoic Philosophy by J.M. Rist

The Stoics by F.H. Sandbach

Ancient Mystery Cults by Walter Burkert

Philosophy in the Hellenistic and Roman Worlds by Peter Adamson

Destroyer of the God by Larry Hurtado

Dominion by Tom Holland

Christian Charity in the Ancient Church by Gerhard Uhlhorn

Unnatural Death by Richard Weikart

Abortion and the Early Church by Michael Gorman

Infinitesimal by Amir Alexander

The Virgin Birth of Christ; Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Christless Christianity; Core Christianity by Michael Horton

"Resurrection, Proof, and Presuppositionalism: Acts 17.30-31" by Lane Tipton; found in Revelation and Reason, edited by K. Scott Oliphant and Lane Tipton

The Gospel and the Greeks by Ronald Nash

106. Eric Johnson on The Miracle of Forgiveness by President Spencer W. Kimball

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Eric Johnson of Mormonism Research Ministry about LDS President-Prophet Spencer W. Kimball’s book The Miracle of Forgiveness. Eric takes us through some of the main teachings of President Kimball, and how it still has authority for the LDS. Could this book be, in any way, considered Christian? We also discuss Eric’s “Free-Book Approach” of using Kimball's book for evangelism. Listen as we dive into what an LDS Prophet thinks about the gods, man, sin, salvation – and how he authoritatively explained (away) some of the Bible passages that disagree.

themiracleofforgiveness.com

D&C 58.43; 82.7; 2 Ne 25.23

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball

Some talks by President Kimball:

Endorsements, e.g.: Elder Richard G. Scott (and two), Elder Bruce Hafen

“The Miracle of Forgiveness: The Free-Book Approach” by Eric Johnson and Randy Sweet; found in Sharing the Good News with Mormons, edited by Eric Johnson and Sean McDowell

Viewpoint on Mormonism: Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland’s Credit for Trying (April 2016 Conference Talk) Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 June 20-24, 2016 (Article)

“Book Review: The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Apostle Neil Andersen” by Eric Johnson

Introducing Christianity to Mormons by Eric Johnson

105. Bradley Campbell on LDS Theology: Past and Present (Part 2/2)

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Bradley Campbell of God Loves Mormons (GLM) and the Mormonism Research Ministry (MRM). We ask Bradley about the content of a few of his recent videos - and the response to them by LDS. This is a conversation that talks about changes in what the LDS church “officially” teaches and why. What is the state of popular-level LDS theology today, both online and on the street?

God Loves Mormons (website)

God Loves Mormons (YouTube)

Church Statement by Dale Bills

D&C 27.11; D&C 132

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, edited by Joseph Fielding Smith

Brigham Young: JD 1.50-51; 2.184; 4.53-54, 215, 220; 6.275; 7.333; 13.95, 264; 11.286

Orson Hyde: JD 2.81; 4.259f

Jedediah Grant: JD 4.49-51

“If you could hie to Kolob” (LDS Hymnal)

The Seer by Orson Pratt; also 13.187 (D&C 27.11); 18.293

Doctrines of Salvation; Answers to Gospel Questions by Joseph Fielding Smith

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

“Our Own Liahona” by Spencer W. Kimball

“The Seven Deadly Heresies” by Bruce R. McConkie

“Race and the Priesthood” (Gospel Topics)

Mormonism and the Magic World View; Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn

The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship by David J. Buerger

The Blood of the Prophets by Will Bagley

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Like a Fiery Meteor: The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Stephen Taysom

Second-Class Saints by Matthew Harris

Jesus Was Married by Ogden Kraut

Dynasty of the Holy Grail: Mormonism's Sacred Bloodline by Vern Swanson

104. Bradley Campbell on LDS Theology: Past and Present (Part 1/2)

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:05:00 +0000

God Loves Mormons (website)

God Loves Mormons (YouTube)

Church Statement by Dale Bills

D&C 27.11; D&C 132

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, edited by Joseph Fielding Smith

Brigham Young: JD 1.50-51; 2.184; 4.53-54, 215, 220; 6.275; 7.333; 13.95, 264; 11.286

Orson Hyde: JD 2.81; 4.259f

Jedediah Grant: JD 4.49-51

“If you could hie to Kolob” (LDS Hymnal)

The Seer by Orson Pratt; also 13.187; 18.293

Doctrines of Salvation; Answers to Gospel Questions by Joseph Fielding Smith

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

“Our Own Liahona” by Spencer W. Kimball

“The Seven Deadly Heresies” by Bruce R. McConkie

“Race and the Priesthood” (Gospel Topics)

Mormonism and the Magic World View; Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn

The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship by David J. Buerger

The Blood of the Prophets by Will Bagley

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Like a Fiery Meteor: The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Stephen Taysom

Second-Class Saints by Matthew Harris

Jesus Was Married by Ogden Kraut

Dynasty of the Holy Grail: Mormonism's Sacred Bloodline by Vern Swanson

103. Matthew Emadi on The Church

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Matthew Emadi to discuss his recent book What Is a Church? In this book, Matt addresses the phenomenon of “Lone Ranger christianity” and hopes to aid in seeing what the true Christian Church is, and why it is a necessary and essential component to the Christian life. Ecclesiology should be more than just the later part of a systematic theology we never read.

Crossroads; Salt Lake School of Theology

Interview on The Royal Priest

What Is a Church?; How Can I Serve My Church? (9 Marks)

“3 Reasons Why Your Small Group Is Not a Church” (Crossway)

“What Do Mormons Believe About God?” (TGC)

New Lies for Old; The Bible vs. Shawn McCraney ; An Earnest Plea to Roman Catholics (Jason Wallace)

The Sound of Fabrication, Part One; Part Two

102. Prolegomena: The Ancient Romans

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler continue setting up the context for the coming series on the Nicene Creed. Today, we take a brief and broad tour of Ancient Roman civilization. This includes some of the basics of public and private Religion in Roman society, as well as the importance of Roman law, piety, and virtue. The how and the what of the spread of Roman power helps set the stage upon which Christianity entered the scene. This is key to understanding the events that led up to, among other things, the Council of Nicaea.

Correction: I merged parts of two scenes with Anchises in Virgil's Aeneid. The scene where Anchises charges Rome with her destiny is actually from the Underworld. (see here) It should be noted that in the same section where this occurs, Anchises also explains the reincarnation of souls. (see also the prophecy of Jupiter early on in the epic poem, here and here.)

The Ancient City by Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges

Twelve Greeks and Romans Who Changed the World by Carl Richard

Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen

A History of the Roman World 753 to 146 B.C.; From the Gracchi to Nero A History of Rome from 133 B.C. to A.D. 68 by H. H. Scullard

The Gods of Ancient Rome; The Cults of the Roman Empire by Robert Turcan

The State, Law and Religion: Pagan Rome; Roman Private Law around 200 B.C.; The Spirit of Roman Law; The Nature of Law by Alan Watson

The City of God by St. Augustine

“Augustine and the Classical Latin Literary Tradition” by Dennis Trout (found in Augustine and Tradition, edited by David G. Hunter and Jonathan P. Yates)

“Mars and Anna Perenna: March Gods and the Etruscan New Year in Archaic Rome”; Etruscan Italy; Masada and the World of the New Testament written and edited by John F. Hall

The Etruscans: A Very Short Introduction by Christopher Smith

The Religions of the Roman Empire by John Ferguson

The Archaic Community of the Romans; Roman Religion and Roman Empire by Robert E. A. Palmer

Roman Dining, edited by Barbara K. Gould and John F. Donahue

Roman Myths by Michael Grant

The World of Rome by Peter V. Jones and Keith Sidwell

SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard

Rubicon by Tom Holland

The Roman Republic: A Very Short Introduction by David M. Gwynn

Politics in the Roman Republic by Henrik Mouritsen

Party Politics in the Age of Caesar by Lily Ross Taylor

The Calendar of the Roman Republic by Agnes Kirsopp Michels

The Roman Festivals of the Period of the Republic by W. Warde Fowler

Law and Life of Rome, 90 B.C. - A.D. 212 by J. A. Crook

Caesar: Politician and Statesman by Matthias Gelzer

Julius Caesar and His Public Image by Zwi Yavetz

“Caesar and Jewish Law” by Miriam Pucci Ben Zeev

Pax Romana by Adrian Goldsworthy

The Roman Empire: A Very Short Introduction by Christopher Kelly

The Emperor in the Roman World by Fergus Miller

War and Imperialism in Republican Rome, 327-70 B.C.; Roman Power by William V. Harris

The Hellenistic World and the Coming of Rome by Erich Gruen

Harvest of Hellenism by F. E. Peters

Ancient Greek and Roman Science: A Very Short Introduction by Liba Taub

“The Roman Flour Mill at Barbegal” by Roger Hansen (also here)

An Introduction to Roman Legal and Constitutional History by Wolfgang Kunkel

Roman Law: A Historical Introduction by Hans Wolff

Encyclopedic Dictionary of Roman Law by Adolf Berger (also here; and here)

“Corporate Law Lessons from Ancient Rome” by Andreas Fleckner

“Maritime Loans” by Dominic W. Rathbone

“Banking in the Roman World” by Victor Labate

“Sine Qua Non: How Banks in Ancient Rome Thrived in the Private Sphere” by Andrew Koroly

Commerce and Social Standing in Ancient Rome by John H. D’Arms

“The Economy of Endowments: the case of Roman associations” by Jinyu Liu

Astrology in Roman Law and Politics by Frederick H. Cramer

Ovid: A Very Short Introduction; Horace: A Very Short Introduction by Llewelyn Morgan (also, e.g.: Cicero)

The Christians as the Romans Saw Them by Robert Louis Wilken

The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era by James Jeffers

The Roman Citizenship; Roman Society and Roman Law in the New Testament by A. N. Sherwin-White

The Rise of Christianity by W. H. C. Frend

The Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

Rome and Jerusalem: The Clash of Ancient Civilizations by Martin Goodman

In Stone and Story: Early Christianity in the Roman World by Bruce W. Longenecker

The Fall of Rome: And the End of Civilization by Bryan Ward-Perkins

Why Empires Fall: Rome, America, and the Future of the West by Peter Heather and John Rapley

Unnatural Death: Medicine’s Descent from Healing to Killing by Richard Weikart

When Children Became People by O.M. Bakke (also here)

The Victory of Reason; The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark

Envy by Helmut Schoeck

The Bourgeois Trilogy by Deirdre McCloskey

101. Red Pilled America on How 'Sound of Freedom' Conned Christians

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler is joined by Patrick Courrielche and Adryana Cortez of Red Pilled America to discuss their recent documentary: “Rescue Ruse – How ‘Sound of Freedom’ Conned Christians”. Patrick and Adryana take us all the way back to a man named W.T. Stead in the 19th century - and show us how there has been a blueprint for men like Tim Ballard to lie and take advantage of Christians’ desire to help with social ills, real and imagined. We get to hear some of the story behind the making of the documentary, the reaction it has received, and why the ends don’t justify the means if truth is the price.

In the same epistle of 1 Timothy which Ballard has used for a fake necklace story, the apostle Paul commends that we should “[h]ave nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths”. If not for truth - how can one tell between what is history, and what is myth? And should (even real) social problems be identified and confronted based on lies, or based on truth?

Red Pilled America

Documentary: “Rescue Ruse – How ‘Sound of Freedom’ Conned Christians”

Check out: Con, Inc. (8 parts)

Recent reporting: here and here

Lynn Packer (e.g. here and here)

VICE article

Muckraker: The Scandalous Life and Times of W.T. Stead, Britain’s First Investigative Journalist by W. Sydney Robinson

Hidden in Plain Sight: America’s Slaves of the New Millennium by Kimberly Mehlman-Orozco

The QAnon Deception by James Beverley

100. Lynn Packer on Investigating Paul H. Dunn

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this interview, Skyler interviews distinguished journalist Lynn Packer about his book Lying for the Lord: The Paul H. Dunn Stories. The second most popular LDS General Authority in his time - Paul H. Dunn was in the Presidency of the Seventy, and was famous for his faith-promoting stories. But were those stories true?

Following his investigation into the AFCO fraud scandal (of which Elder Dunn was a part) Lynn continued to investigate and found that the lies and fraud went deeper than most are willing to face, even now.

Lying for the Lord: The Paul H. Dunn Stories by Lynn Packer

Book Intro; Paul Dunn Highlight Video

Lynn Kenneth Packer (YouTube Page)

“Field of Dreams” (Sunstone)

Lynn also led the way in reporting on Tim Ballard (see, e.g., here, here, here), long before more recent coverage. (e.g. here)
Be sure to check out Lynn’s recent reporting on Elder M. Russell Ballard, who was President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Paul H. Dunn’s obituary ; Fireside

99. Prolegomena: The Ancient Greeks

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler start setting up the context for the coming series on the Nicene Creed. Today, we take a brief and broad tour of Ancient Greek civilization. This includes some of the basics of public and private Religion in Greek society, and some of the influential ideas of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. If it is claimed that Greek ideas corrupted the Christian faith – then it is necessary to be familiar with some of the main ideas to be able to evaluate the claim. We make a few brief comments on contemporary debates over "Christian Platonism" and the Great Tradition.

Aeon (and here); Antikythera Mechanism (also here and here)

The Ancient Greeks: Crucible of Civilization

The Ancient City by Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges

Twelve Greeks and Romans Who Changed the World by Carl J. Richard

The Greeks by H. D. F. Kitto

The Greeks and Their Gods by W. R. C. Guthrie

Pericles Funeral Oration

Ancient Greece: A Very Short Introduction by Paul Cartledge

The Greeks and the Irrational by E. R. Dodds

The Greeks and the Rational by Josiah Ober

Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen

A History of Western Philosophy and Theology by John Frame

The Consequences of Ideas by R. C. Sproul

The Iliad; The Odyssey by Homer

Homer and His Iliad by Robin Lane Fox

Homer: A Very Short Introduction by Barbara Graziosi

The World of Odysseus by M.I. Finley

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Classical Philosophy by Peter Adamson

Presocratic Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction by Catherine Osborn (and here)

- Parmenides

Socrates: A Very Short Introduction by C.C.W. Taylor

Socrates: A Man for Our Times by Paul Johnson

Socrates and the Political Community by Mary P. Nichols

“Socrates in Combat: Trauma and Resilience in Plato’s Political Theory” by Sara Monoson

National Review and here
“Socrates & Christ” by Greg Bahnsen

Plato: Complete Works, edited by John M. Cooper

Plato’s Cave (and here)

Plato: A Very Short Introduction by Julia Annas

Understanding Plato by David Melling

In Our Time: here, here, here
Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles (National Review)

Christian Platonism, edited by Alexander J. B. Hampton and John Peter Kenney

From Plato to Christ by Louis Markos

“All One in Christ: Why Christian Platonism is Key to the Great Tradition” by Hans Boersma

Christ Over All (also: here, here, here)

“Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato’s View of the Soul” by William D. Dennison

The Gospel and the Greeks by Ronald Nash

It should be noted that Thomas Aquinas refers to Aristotle as "The Philosopher", and Dante refers to him (even in Limbo) as "the Master of those who know".

The Complete Works of Aristotle, edited by Jonathan Barnes

Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction by Jonathan Barnes

Aristotle for Everybody by Mortimer Adler (and here and here)

In Our Time: here, here

The Last Superstition; Five Proofs of the Existence of God by Edward Feser (also here)

Russell-Copleston Debate on God’s Existence (1948)

Nature, Justice, and Rights in Aristotle’s Politics by Fred Miller

“Aristotle’s Unmoved Movers” by Philip Merlan (also here)

Van Til and the Foundation of Christian Ethics by Scott Hatch

“’All Things are Full of Gods’: Rethinking Naturalism in the Classical World” by Daryn Lehoux; found in Science Without God?: Rethinking the History of Scientific Naturalism, edited by Peter Harrison and Jon H. Roberts

Early Greek Science by G. E. R. Lloyd

Five Stages of Greek Religion by Gilburt Murray

The Rise and Fall of Classical Greece by Josiah Ober

Paidea (3 v.) by Werner Jaeger

“The Liberty of the Ancients Compared with that of the Moderns” by Benjamin Constant

“The Legislation of Lycurgus and Solon” by Friedrich Schiller

Envy: A Theory of Social Behaviour by Helmut Schoeck

Hellenization Revisited, edited by Wendy Hellerman

The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til

Thucydides and the Pursuit of Freedom by Mary Nichols

Republics Ancient and Modern, Vol. 1: The Ancien Regime in Classical Greece by Paul Rahe

Finding the Walls of Troy by Susan Heuck Allen

Lost and Found by Caroline Moorehead

Freedom’s Progress? By Gerard Casey

The Harvest of Hellenism by F.E. Peters

Unnatural Death: Medicine’s Descent from Healing to Killing by Richard Weikart

When Children Became People by O.M. Bakke

The Victory of Reason; The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark

98. Jolene Phelps Interview (Part 2/2)

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview Jolene Phelps about her life story, including her transition from being a faithful and committed LDS to becoming an evangelical Christian. Her story includes everything from Cuban grandparents who fled Castro’s communism to leaving that mainstream LDS church for “The Remnant”, waiting for the imminent end of the world. Her and her husband, James Phelps, will be leading a church-plant in southern Utah starting this year.

Check out: Ask LDS Questions

Crossroads Church Utah

Into God’s Arms: A Woman and Her Family Come Out of Mormonism and Find Jesus! by Jolene Phelps

“Wanted” by Rinsley Rose

“What Do Mormons Believe About God?” by Matthew Emadi

Against All Hope: A Memoir of Life in Castro’s Gulag by Armando Valladares

Fidel: Hollywood’s Favorite Tyrant; The Longest Romance: The Mainstream Media and Fidel Castro by Humberto Fontova

Scribes and Scripture by John Meade and Peter Gurry

The Reformation of Rights by John Witte Jr.

Proclaim Liberty Throughout the Land by Mark David Hall

97. Jolene Phelps Interview (Part 1/2)

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Check out: Ask LDS Questions

Crossroads Church Utah

Into God’s Arms: A Woman and Her Family Come Out of Mormonism and Find Jesus! by Jolene Phelps

“Wanted” by Rinsley Rose

“What Do Mormons Believe About God?” by Matthew Emadi

Against All Hope: A Memoir of Life in Castro’s Gulag by Armando Valladares

Fidel: Hollywood’s Favorite Tyrant; The Longest Romance: The Mainstream Media and Fidel Castro by Humberto Fontova

Scribes and Scripture by John Meade and Peter Gurry

The Reformation of Rights by John Witte Jr.

Proclaim Liberty Throughout the Land by Mark David Hall

96. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 9/9)

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this series, Brendon and Skye are going through the book Crisis of Confidence by Carl Trueman – exploring the reasons why Christians have normally used creeds to guard the faith, and why Mormons have been anti-creedal since their founding. This week we cover the Conclusion, Appendix, and wrap-up the series.

Note of clarification: The Council of Arminium or Rimini was in AD 359 and has around 330 western bishops.

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity; The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

Christless Christianity; “Charles Finney v. The Westminster Confession” by Michael Horton (also here and here)

The Need for Creeds Today by J.V. Fesko

"Dispensing with Merely Human Meaning: Gains and Losses from Focusing on the Human Author, Illustrated by Zephaniah 1:2-3" by Vern Poythress

95. President Nelson on Priesthood Keys: A Response (w/ Ed Romine)

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler is joined by Dr. Ed Romine to review and respond to LDS President Russell M. Nelson’s April 2024 General Conference talk “Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys”.

Correction/Clarification: I brought up the 1838 First Vision Account, and then made the comparative point with the other accounts in a way that wasn’t as clear as it should've been. More technically, I should have said JSH-1, which includes the First Vision account. The Elijah portion quoted, which was also placed in D&C 2 in 1876, comes from the “Moroni” visit of JSH-1 (notice: not Nephi), and, similarly, that portion is also a part that is not mentioned in the other accounts of Nephi/Moroni.

Moreover, the Sept. 23, 1823 Moroni-visit may more accurately be called the “First Vision” depending on how one argues the dating of what they now call the First Vision (wherein he claims to see God, the Father and Jesus Christ). If the dating is 1820, it would be prior to the Moroni visit in 1823, but would also have a social context that is anachronistic; if 1825, then the context of revival would be fitting, yet it would obviously date to after the Moroni visit.

“Rejoice in the Gift of Priesthood Keys” by Russell M. Nelson

News: RNS; SLTrib

D&C 109; 110; 2; 77; BD: Elias; JSH-1

“Why did Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear in the Kirtland Temple?” (Notice the footnotes on Elias)

The Words of Joseph Smith, edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook

History of Church, edited by B.H. Roberts (vol.’s 2, 4, 5, 6)

Joseph Smith: here and here

Jesus the Christ by James Talmage

“Celestial Marriage” by Orson Pratt (August 29, 1852)

“Elijah’s Latter-Day Mission” by Orson Pratt (August 28, 1859)

“Discourse By President John Taylor” (October 21, 1877)

“Discourse By President George Q. Cannon” (May 25, 1884)

The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith by Lyndon Cook

Visions, 3 April 1836 [D&C 110] (Warren Cowdery)

“The Mormon Creed” by Orson Pratt

Lectures on Faith

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

Power from on High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood by Gregory Prince

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Like A Fiery Meteor: The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Stephen Taysom

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

Temple Made With Hands?; An Earnest Plea to Charismatics (Jason Wallace)

“Doctrine and Covenants 110: From Vision to Canonization” by Trevor Anderson, MA Thesis

Polygamy on the Pedernales: Lyman Wight’s Mormon Village in Antebellum Texas by Melvin Johnson

“Wingfield Scott Watson and His Struggle to Preserve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) After the Death of Its Founder” by Kyle Robert Beshears

“God Has Made Us a Kingdom”: James Strang and the Midwest Mormons by Vickie Cleverley Speek

The Kirtland Temple: Biography of a Shared Mormon Sacred Space by David J. Howlett

NOTE (from an earlier episode): Who is Elias? What is the spirit of Elijah? Malachi's Prophecy and John's Fulfillment -

Though in the Bible Elias and Elijah are the same person, with just a difference in the transliteration of the name - Joseph Smith claimed they were different people, and that they (both) appeared to him. In other words, Elias is simply the Greek form of the OT prophet Elijah's Hebrew name. They are the same person. Yet, according to Joseph Smith, they are two different people who both appeared to him.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 335-338; D&C 110

Why did Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear in the Kirtland Temple? (Notice the footnotes on Elias)

Not only do LDS see the coming of Elijah as actually fulfilled in the Kirtland Temple (though some, including a Mormon prophet outside the LDS church, dispute this) - but they connect the "spirit of Elijah" to temple work (including vicarious rituals for the dead). One irony about this is that John (who is biblically associated with Elijah and the prophecy of Malachi) is born to parents of a priestly lineage (of Aaron) - and yet, one of the LDS distinctives is that the Aaronic priesthood is unable to do sealings, and thus, John would not have qualified in their system.

The Malachi prophecy that the Bible teaches as fulfilled in John the Baptist preparing the way for The Lord features in a key place in Joseph Smith's story (JSH 1. 38-39, D&C 2:1-2); and the spirit of Elijah is described in ways linked to genealogy and temple work, such as: "Elijah would restore the sealing powers so families could be sealed together. He would also inspire people to be concerned about their ancestors and descendants." (here, here also here)

Yet, Jesus says this prophecy of Elijah/Elias (who are one and the same) was fulfilled in John the Baptist. (Matt. 11. 13, 17.12-13). In fact, the prophecy - including the language about turning the hearts of the fathers to the children and vice versa (language of covenant, and covenant-faithfulness, in context) - is literally stated by the angel Gabriel to Zechariah in Luke 1:13-17 to be about the mission of John, specifically.

Moreover, Luke's presentation of John the Baptist fulfilling prophecy in 3.4-5 is changed by Joseph Smith in order to make these verses about events associated with the second coming. (JST Luke 3, D&C 49.23)

Even the utilization of the ministry of Elijah by Jesus in Luke 4 (where Jesus reads from Isaiah 61) is likewise obfuscated in Mormon teaching - since they have historically treated Isaiah 61 as about liberating spirits from spirit prison (also linked to their temple rituals). (here, D&C 128, D&C 138) Harrell states, relative to this, "Of course, in Mormonism it is more than hearing the gospel that delivers spirits from spirit prison." And "In current LDS discourse on salvation for the dead, Isaiah 61.1-2 is interpreted almost exclusively as having reference to the liberation of spirits from spirit prison, or hell, into paradise once the living perform saving ordinances on their behalf." (p.344)

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

Temple Made With Hands? (Jason Wallace)

"Most modern KJV's follow the revision made by Benjamin Blayney in 1769." (There was the original 1611, the 1612, 1613, 1616, 1629, 1638 - and then in 1769 Cambridge Edition of Benjamin Blayley; The King James Only Controversy by James White, pp. 124-126; also see p. 288, and footnote 13 on that page) On the LDS version of the KJV - "Leaders took steps in the early 1970s to produce their own edition of the KJV that would fill such desires, completing the effort in 1979...[Their] new Bible boasts seven major features distinguishing it from other editions of the KJV..." (Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow, pp. 227-228, also here)

God's Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicolson

In the Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible and How it Changed a Nation, a Language, and a Culture by Alister McGrath

94. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 8/9)

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity; The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

Christless Christianity; “Charles Finney v. The Westminster Confession” by Michael Horton (also here and here)

The Need for Creeds Today by J.V. Fesko

"The Princeton Seminary Curriculum" by B.B. Warfield

Don’t Fire Your Church Members by Jonathan Leeman

Democratic Religion: Freedom, Authority, and Church Discipline in the Baptist South, 1785-1900 by Gregory Wills

The Church of Christ by James Bannerman

“Strange Creeds of Christendom” by LeGrand Richards

“Pragmatism” by Daniel Larison

Jacques Derrida by Christopher Watkin

93. James Renihan on Divine Impassibility

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler interviews Dr. James Renihan about his book Confessing the Impassible God: The Biblical, Classical, & Confessional Doctrine of Divine Impassibility.

The LDS have historically rejected any notion of any god being “without body, parts, or passions.” This teaching was even explicitly identified as a Luciferian deception through the character of a Reformed Minister (called a “hireling of Satan”) in the LDS temple until 1990 (also here). Today, we ask Dr. James Renihan if the doctrine of Divine Impassibility is what the Bible actually teaches, what Christians have historically believed – and why Christianity must confess One God “without body, parts, or passions.”

James Renihan lectures:

Also mentioned were his books:

Faith and Life for Baptists: The Documents of the London Particular Baptist General Assemblies, 1689-1694
A Toolkit For Confessions: Symbolics 101 – Helps for the Study of English Puritan Confessions of Faith

Against the Gods by John Currid

All That Is In God by James Dolezal

The Suffering of the Impassible God by Paul Gavrilyuk

Christianity and Classical Culture by Jaroslav Pelikan

Brigham Young: 10.192 ; 13.309

John Taylor: JD 14.267-70

LDS Temple transcript: here and here

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” by Jeffrey Holland

The Great Apostasy; Jesus the Christ by James Talmage

The Truth, The Way, The Life: An Elementary Treatise on Theology by B.H. Roberts

The God Who Weeps; Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens

Brigham Young clearly taught that “the God that I serve is progressing eternally, and so are his children: they will increase to all eternity, if they are faithful.” (JD 11.286) However, there has been some voices to the contrary, though still stated within a context which accepts eternal progression (i.e. gods becoming gods by obedience to law, acquisition of knowledge, etc, etc)

Compare President Wilford Woodruff and Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the question of eternal progression:

"If there was a point where man in his progression could not proceed any further, the very idea would throw a gloom over every intelligent and reflecting mind. God himself is increasing and progressing in knowledge, power, and dominion, and will do so, worlds without end. It is just so with us. We are in a probation, which is a school of experience." (Wilford Woodruff, JD 6.120)
"Now may I suggest the list of heresies. Heresy one: There are those who say that God is progressing in knowledge and is learning new truths. This is false - utterly, totally, and completely. There is not one sliver of truth in it." (Bruce R. McConkie; Seven Deadly Heresies; Notice the condemnation of earlier men of higher church-rank then himself - including but not limited to Presidents/Prophets Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff.)

Even Orson Pratt, in his "confession" and "apology" for opposing Brigham Young on the eternal progression of even the highest gods, stated that “[w]e are told that every God will continue to progress in knowledge to all ages of eternity; and we are told this by the highest authority on the earth.” (the line was in the original sermon, edited out of JD 7.371-76, but see Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera, p.163. To see more context on the issue, Bergera's book is well-worth reading.)

92. Excursus: Joseph Smith's Anti-Creedal Imperative (Part 7/9)

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skye flies solo further analyzing the Mormon anti-creedal imperative. Building on the coverage in Part One of the Creedal Imperative series, Skye analyzes whether it it just creeds – or perhaps it is a deeper issue that would affect their view of canon, and even written texts at all? This is all occurring within the background of the Mormon paradox of on the one hand, the impulse toward exclusivity – and on the other hand, the trend toward a type of conformity that downplays any distinctives.

JSH-1; 1 Ne 13; D&C 46.2 ; D&C 84; D&C 123

History of the Church, edited by B.H. Roberts (vol.’s 3, 5, and 6)

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, edited by Joseph Fielding Smith

George A. Smith: JD 11.9; JD 13.292-293

John Taylor: JD 14.267-70

Wilford Woodruff: JD 24.236

Elias: An Epic of the Ages by Orson F. Whitney

Mormon Doctrine; A New Witness for the Articles of Faith by Bruce R. McConkie

“But Arise and Stand Upon Thy Feet” by Harold B. Lee

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder; “Strange Creeds of Christendom” by LeGrand Richards

LDS Temple transcript: here and here

Wrestling the Angel by Teryl Givens (also here)

Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Bushman

Mormonism in Transition by Thomas Alexander

Jason Wallace: An Earnest Plea to Charismatics

91. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 6/9)

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity; The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

Christless Christianity; “Charles Finney v. The Westminster Confession” by Michael Horton (also here and here)

The Need for Creeds Today by J.V. Fesko

War Against the Idols by Carlos Eire

Cyril Lucaris: Calvinist Patriarch/Orthodox Saint

Disruptive Witness by Alan Noble

Cultural Liturgies series by James K. A. Smith

90. Pastor James Phelps Interview (Part 2/2)

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, we finish an interview with Pastor James Phelps from Crossroads Church about his life story.

Growing up LDS, we hear his story of leaving Mormonism to then being converted to Christianity. His story includes going from serving an LDS mission in Taiwan - to then being an elder in a faithful Christian church in Sandy. He also shares with us that he will be leading a church-plant in southern Utah later this year.

Check out: Ask LDS Questions

Sermons: "The Remedy for Gospel Amnesia: Galatians 5.1-6" and "Living Life at the End of the World: 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11"

89. Pastor James Phelps Interview (Part 1/2)

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, we begin an interview with Pastor James Phelps from Crossroads Church about his life story.

Check out: Ask LDS Questions

Sermons: "The Remedy for Gospel Amnesia: Galatians 5.1-6" and "Living Life at the End of the World: 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11"

88. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 5/9)

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity; The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

Christless Christianity; “Charles Finney v. The Westminster Confession” by Michael Horton (also here and here)

The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis

"The Greatness Commision: Christ, Individualism, and the Meaning of Cultural Diversity"; Reflections on the Christian Life by Anthony Esolen

The Faith We Confess: An Exposition of the Thirty-Nine Articles by Gerald Bray

The Augsburg Confession with a Historical Introduction and Notes by Charles Krauth

With Heart and Mouth: An Exposition of the Belgic Confession by Daniel Hyde

The Good News We Almost Forgot: Rediscovering the Gospel in a 16th Century Catechism by Kevin DeYoung

Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort by W. Robert Godfrey

The Westminster Confession: A Commentary by A.A. Hodge

God’s Ambassadors: The Westminster Assembly and the Reformation of the English Pulpit, 1643-1653; Confessing the Faith by Chad Van Dixhoorn (also here)

For the Vindication of the Truth: Baptist Symbolics Volume 1; To the Judicious and Impartial Reader: Baptist Symbolics Volume 2 by James Renihan

The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther

Institutes of the Christian Religion; Letter to Sadoleto by John Calvin

Dialogue on the Two Natures in Christ by Peter Martyr Vermigli

Zwingli: God’s Armed Prophet by F. Bruce Gordon

Martin Bucer: An Introduction to His Life and Theology by Donald K. McKim and Jim West

Cyril Lucaris: Calvinist Patriarch/Orthodox Saint (Jason Wallace; and here)

Justified in Christ: The Doctrines of Peter Martyr Vermigli and John Henry Newman and their Ecumenical Implications by Chris Castaldo

“John a Lasco: A Polish Religious Reformer in England, 1550-1553" by Richard Glen Eaves and William A. Carter

Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace by Keith Stanglin (also of note: here and here)

87. Russ Robinson: From Bible-belt to Utah Valley

Mon, 27 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skye interviews Russ Robinson about his story and some of the history of First Baptist Church of Provo in Utah County. He was a pastor at this local Baptist church for 14 years.

Russ preaching on John 1

E.g. SBC: 1995, 2009

“The Heresy of Racial Superiority – Confronting the Past, and Confronting the Truth” by Al Mohler

For comparison: here, and here

Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right by Matthew Harris

86. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 4/9)

Mon, 20 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Correction: The dates for Heber C. Kimball are June 14, 1801 – June 22, 1868. The dates for Jedediah M. Grant are February 21, 1816 – December 1, 1856. Thus, Kimball lived for 11.5 more years than Grant. Sorry for the silly mistake! I think the Grant comment must have had something to do with either phases or goals of Young’s presidency, rather than length of service. (The mistake was mine, not Sister J's)

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity; The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

Christless Christianity; “Charles Finney v. The Westminster Confession” by Michael Horton

Heresies: The Image of Christ in the Mirror of Heresy and Orthodoxy by Harold O. J. Brown

Christianity at the Crossroads by Michael Kruger

Early Christian Doctrines by J.N.D. Kelly

The Cruelty of Heresy by C. FitzSimons Allison

Institutes of the Christian Religion; Letter to Sadoleto by John Calvin

The Story of Creeds and Confessions by Ryan Reeves and Donald Fairbairn

Credo by Jeroslav Pelikan

85. Multiple Mortal Probations (MMP) w/ The Hamilton Boys

Mon, 13 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Given recent coverage of MMP in the news, including two interviews with historians of Mormonism, Skyler and Colin give their immediate reaction to what they see as PR-Mormonism obfuscating the point and purpose of the doctrine. With all due respect, these historians either should know better - or at least be interested in knowing better!

Why would any LDS believe MMP, to begin with? Are there any historical and theological reasons to believe it? Do people believe it in spite of Mormonism, or because of Mormonism? Is it only extreme crazy-people and/or criminals who would believe it?

Please note the correction below.

To get the most out of this interview, one may consult these two interviews (at least the indicated time stamps) prior to hearing our discussion:

"Are Chad and Lori Daybell's beliefs in line with LDS teachings? Religious expert explains." (East Idaho News); especially timestamp: 26:22-28:33
"LDS Historian on Chad Daybell Beliefs" (Hidden True Crime); especially timestamp: 1:03:00-1:15:34

Also, of interest, e.g.:

Lori Vallow's cousin (who is himself a "faithful LDS", currently!) is also open to the doctrine
As well as the straw man of the doctrine presented by Melanie Gibb (1:01:15f)
Sunstone

Correction: Orson F. Whitney was bishop of the 18th Ward, not the 19th Ward. Also, I mentioned the Improvement Era as a source. I had conflated some sources in my memory and misstated this piece of evidence. The Improvement Era article in mind was “A Lesson from the Book of Job” in November 1918. The term is not here.

The source that was in mind is from Orson’s Saturday Night Thoughts, in which he cites an author named Maeterlinck. He mentions how a play of his “inspired mind” was Mormon in its understanding. However, it is actually in a different play of Maeterlinck, The Mountain Path, that the term “expiations” was used. Given Orson F. Whitney’s own views, it is an interesting connection – though clearly not as direct as was stated in the episode. I apologize for the error.

It is interesting to note that Orson cites Eliza R. Snow, who –in her works in their totality - are evidence of MMP, in both citations above.

The hypocrisy of calling out historians on details while getting a few wrong myself is not lost on me. However, I hope these couple details don’t detract from the overall reaction toward this pattern of historian-minimization that I was so critical of in this episode.

84. Jason Wallace on Cyril Lucaris's Protestant Confession (Part 2/2)

Mon, 06 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Pastor Jason Wallace joins us to discuss his recent video Cyril Lucaris: Calvinist Patriarch/Orthodox Saint. Who was Cyril Lucaris, and what do we know about him? Was his Confession authentic, and does it indicate that he was Protestant? And what are the implications for Eastern Orthodox claims about the Christian faith, and their arguments against Protestantism?

We also take the time to go through some highlights from Lucaris's Eastern Confession of the Christian Faith, largely inspired by his own reading of scripture - as well as his agreement with The Belgic Confession.

The Failure of Eastern Orthodoxy

Protestant Patriarch: The Life of Cyril Lucaris, 1572-1638 by George Hadjiantoniou

Eastern Confession of the Christian Faith

Disillusioned by Joshua Schooping

When Grace Comes Home; When Grace Transforms; When Grace Comes Alive by Terry Johnson

The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells

War Against the Idols by Carlos Eire

83. Jason Wallace on Cyril Lucaris: Calvinist Patriarch of the East (Part 1/2)

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Cyril Lucaris: Calvinist Patriarch/Orthodox Saint

The Failure of Eastern Orthodoxy

Protestant Patriarch: The Life of Cyril Lucaris, 1572-1638 by George Hadjiantoniou

Eastern Confession of the Christian Faith

Disillusioned by Joshua Schooping

When Grace Comes Home; When Grace Transforms; When Grace Comes Alive by Terry Johnson

The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells

War Against the Idols by Carlos Eire

82. Kyle Beshears on Mormon Apologist: Wingfield Watson (Part 2/2)

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skye interviews Dr. Kyle Beshears on his dissertation “Wingfield Scott Watson and His Struggle to Preserve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) After the Death of Its Founder”. Who was Mormon prophet James Strang? Who was Wingfield Watson? What is their place in Mormon history, theology, and practice?

“Wingfield Scott Watson and His Struggle to Preserve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) After the Death of Its Founder” by Kyle Robert Beshears

The Rajah Manchou of Vorito; The Book of the Law of the Lord by James Strang

“God Has Made Us a Kingdom”: James Strang and the Midwest Mormons by Vickie Cleverley Speek

The Kingdom of Saint James by Milo M. Quaife

Assassination of a Michigan King: The Life of James Jesse Strang by Roger Van Noord

“The Mormon Succession Crisis of 1844” by D. Michael Quinn

A Voice of Warning by Parley Pratt; Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt

Ezra T. Benson: JD 2.348

George Q. Cannon: JD 13.45-47

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Like a Fiery Meteor: The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Stephen Taysom

Joseph Smith III: Pragmatic Prophet by Roger Launias

81. Kyle Beshears on Mormon Prophet: James Strang (Part 1/2)

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

“Wingfield Scott Watson and His Struggle to Preserve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) After the Death of Its Founder” by Kyle Robert Beshears

The Rajah Manchou of Vorito; The Book of the Law of the Lord by James Strang

“God Has Made Us a Kingdom”: James Strang and the Midwest Mormons by Vickie Cleverley Speek

The Kingdom of Saint James by Milo M. Quaife

Assassination of a Michigan King: The Life of James Jesse Strang by Roger Van Noord

“The Mormon Succession Crisis of 1844” by D. Michael Quinn

A Voice of Warning by Parley Pratt; Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt

Ezra T. Benson: JD 2.348

George Q. Cannon: JD 13.45-47

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Like a Fiery Meteor: The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Stephen Taysom

Joseph Smith III: Pragmatic Prophet by Roger Launias

80. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 3/9)

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Pastor Brendon sermons.

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity; The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

Christless Christianity; “Charles Finney v. The Westminster Confession” by Michael Horton

Institutes of the Christian Religion; Letter to Sadoleto by John Calvin

The Story of Creeds and Confessions by Ryan Reeves and Donald Fairbairn

Credo by Jeroslav Pelikan

When Grace Comes Alive: Living Through the Lord’s Prayer by Terry Johnson

The Lord’s Prayer by Wesley Hill

The Church of Christ by James Bannerman

Don’t Fire Your Church Members by Jonathan Leeman

The Young Bultmann by William Dennison

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

Christianity at the Crossroads by Michael Kruger

Paul and His Predecessors by A.M. Hunter

79. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 2/9)

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this series, Brendon and Skye are going through the book Crisis of Confidence by Carl Trueman. This week we cover chapter one: “The Cultural Case against Creeds and Confessions”.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity; The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

Christless Christianity; “Charles Finney v. The Westminster Confession” by Michael Horton

Institutes of the Christian Religion; Letter to Sadoleto by John Calvin

The Story of Creeds and Confessions by Ryan Reeves and Donald Fairbairn

Credo by Jeroslav Pelikan

No Place For Truth; Above All Earthly Pow'rs by David F. Wells

Nostalgia; Out of the Ashes; Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization; Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching by Anthony Esolen

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

An Introduction to Systematic Theology by Cornelius Van Til

The Young Bultmann by William Dennison (also Dr. Dennison's review of Lane Tipton's book, cited above, in New Horizons)

Schleiermacher by Terence Tice

Apostles of Reason by Molly Worthen

Orthodox yet Modern: Bavinck's Use of Friedrich Schleiermacher by Cory Brock

The Incarnation of God by John Clark and Marcus Peter Johnson

Being Mortal by Atul Gawande

The Bourgeois Trilogy by Deirdre McCloskey

Factfulness by Hans Rosling

Progress by Johan Norberg

Religion and the Rise of Capitalism by Benjamin Friedman

American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell

A Time to Build; The Great Debate by Yuval Levin

The Rational Optimist; How Innovation Works by Matt Ridley

The Territories of Science and Religion; The Fall of Man and the Foundations of Science; The Bible, Protestantism, and the Rise of Natural Science by Peter Harrison

The Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark

How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization by Thomas Woods

Galileo Revisited by Dom Paschal Scotti

The Savior of Science; The Origins of Science and the Science of its Origins by Stanley Jaki

78. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 1/9)

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 10:30:00 +0000

In this series, Brendon and Skye are going through the book Crisis of Confidence by Carl Trueman – exploring some of the reasons why Christians have normally used creeds to guard the faith, and why Mormons have been anti-creedal since their founding.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

JSH-1; 1 Ne 13; D&C 46.2 ; D&C 84; D&C 123

History of the Church, edited by B.H. Roberts (vol.’s 3, 5, and 6)

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, edited by Joseph Fielding Smith

The Great Apostasy; Jesus the Christ by James Talmage

The Truth, the Way, the Life by B.H. Roberts

“The Mormon Creed” by Orson Pratt

George A. Smith: JD 13.292-293

John Taylor: JD 14.267-70

Wilford Woodruff: JD 24.236

Mormon Doctrine; A New Witness for the Articles of Faith and “Our Relationship with the Lord” by Bruce R. McConkie

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder; “Strange Creeds of Christendom” by LeGrand Richards

“Apostasy and Restoration” by Dallin Oaks

“The Things of Which I Know” ; “What Are People Asking About Us?” by Gordon Hinckley

LDS Temple transcript: here and here

The American Transcendentalists: Essential Writings, edited and with an introduction by Lawrence Buell

The American Religion by Harold Bloom

Religious Seekers and the Advent of Mormonism by Dan Vogel

“’No Creed to Circumscribe My Mind’: Joseph Smith, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Romantic Theology” by Jared Hickman

“’Build, Therefore, Your Own World’: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Joseph Smith, and American Antebellum Thought” by Benjamin E. Park (Journal of Mormon History, Vol. 36, Winter 2010: Iss. 1)

“Frontier Kantianism: Autonomy and Authority in Ralph Waldo Emerson and Joseph Smith” by Ryan W. Davis [The Journal of Religious Ethics, Vol. 46, No. 2 (June 2018), pp. 332-359]

“Minding Business: A Note on the ‘Mormon Creed’” by Michael Hicks (BYU Studies)

Mormonism; Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens (also here)

Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Bushman

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Crisis of Confidence: Reclaiming the Historic Faith in a Culture Consumed with Individualism and Identity by Carl Trueman

Christless Christianity; “Charles Finney v. The Westminster Confession” by Michael Horton

Institutes of the Christian Religion; Letter to Sadoleto by John Calvin

The Story of Creeds and Confessions by Ryan Reeves and Donald Fairbairn

Credo by Jeroslav Pelikan

77. Matthew Emadi on Melchizedek and his Priesthood

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skye interviews Dr. Matthew Emadi on his book The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology. Psalm 110 is the most quoted or alluded Old Testament text in the New Testament – and today we are going to learn from one of the leading experts on this important biblical text.

Joseph Smith, in the last section of his last sermon (“The Sermon in the Grove”) stated that: “All men are liars who say they are of the true Church without revelations of Jesus Christ and the Priesthood of Melchisedek, which is after the order of the Son of God.” Today, we ask a scholar on the topic of Melchizedek and of the Melchizedek Priesthood what the Bible teaches on the matter.

Dr. Emadi is a pastor at Crossroads Church in Sandy, Utah – as well as a professor at Salt Lake School of Theology.

The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology by Matthew Emadi

JST Genesis 14 ; Alma 13 ; D&C 84

Come Follow Me Manual ; Gospel Principles Manual and here

The Third Thousand Years by Cleon Skousen

The Old Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Evidences and Reconciliations by John Widtsoe

John Taylor: JD 21.243-244 (also here)

76. Jeffrey Holland: LDS Reject the Trinity and are "Christian", too (Part 2/2)

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler continue to go through Jeffrey Holland’s October 2007 General Conference address titled “The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent”. This continues the analysis of the LDS treatment of the Biblical doctrine of the Trinity and the historic Christian creeds and confessions.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

NOTE: Joseph Fielding Smith defined the Godhead as “the supreme governing council in the heavens”. (Doctrines of Salvation 1:1) Also, notice how it is Joseph Smith – in the Book of Mormon - who confuses the persons of the Godhead; Smith would be a more apt target than the Trinitarian Creeds that, although they affirm One Being - do not confuse the persons of the Trinity. (see Mos. 15.2-4f; Morm. 9.12; Ether 3.14; 4.12; and JST Luke 10.22 - footnote b)

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” by Jeffrey Holland

Also, Holland: here, and here

Lectures on Faith ; JSH-1.19-20 ; BOM Title Page

History of Church 6:473-479 (also, here)

2 Ne. 31.21; Mormon 7.7; Ether 4.12 ;Abraham 4 ; Mosiah 15 ; D&C 20.28 ; 121.28,32 ;130; 132

Brigham Young: JD 1.49-51 (and here); JD 4:218 ; JD 11:268

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder; “Strange Creeds of Christendom” by LeGrand Richards

Are Mormons Christians? by Stephen Robinson

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith by Linda King Newell

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus: A New Look at the Joseph Smith Papyrii by Charles Larson (also here, here, here and here)

The Mound Builder Myth: Fake History and the Hunt for a “Lost White Race” by Jason Colavito

Jason Wallace: here, here and here

The Forgotten Trinity by James White; Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain; The Attributes of God: An Introduction by Gerald Bray; The Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen Wellum

God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum

All That Is In God by James Dolezal

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

The Transfiguration of Christ by Patrick Schreiner

Confessions by St. Augustine

Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

The Origenist Controversy by Elizabeth Clark

Early Christian Doctrine by J.N.D. Kelly

God in Patristic Thought by G. L. Prestige

The Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

Who Is God? By Richard Bauckham

Christianity and Classical Culture by Jaroslav Pelikan

“The Image of God and the Anthropomorphite Controversy in fourth-century Monasticism” by Graham Gould - in R. J. Daly (ed.), Origeniana Quinta: Papers of the Fifth International Origen Congress, Boston College, 14–18 August 1989 (Bibliotheca Ephemeridum Theologicarum Lovaniensium, 105; Leuven: Peeters Press, 1992), pp. 549–57

“The Divine Council in Late Canonical and Non-Canonical Second Temple Jewish Literature” by Michael Heiser

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

An Introduction to the Old Testament by Edward J. Young

Treaty of the Great King by Meredith Kline

The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT) by R.T. France

The Gospel According to John by D. A. Carson

75. Jeffrey Holland: LDS Reject the Trinity and are "Christian", too (Part 1/2)

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler go through Jeffrey Holland’s October 2007 General Conference address titled “The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent”. This continues their analysis of the LDS treatment of the Biblical doctrine of the Trinity and the historic Christian creeds and confessions.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

We love Christ Fellowship Church as well - in the American Fork area.

CORRECTION: Muslims actually say "peace be upon him" (alayhi al-salam) after the name of Jesus. The point is the apparent show of devotion to the person of Jesus - yet apart from the Bible that they see as corrupted. (e.g. here) Would an LDS definition of Christianity also include Islam?

NOTE: Joseph Fielding Smith defined the Godhead as “the supreme governing council in the heavens”. (Doctrines of Salvation 1:1)

Also, notice how it is Joseph Smith – in the Book of Mormon - who confuses the persons of the Godhead; Smith would be a more apt target than the Trinitarian Creeds that, although they affirm One Being - do not confuse the persons of the Trinity. (see Mos. 15.2-4f; Morm. 9.12; Ether 3.14; 4.12; and JST Luke 10.22 - footnote b)

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” by Jeffrey Holland

Notice even the "and" in the title of Holland's talk. So, is Jesus not the "only true God", then?
Also, Holland: here, and here

Lectures on Faith ; JSH-1.19-20 ; BOM Title Page

The Lectures on Faith (the doctrine of the D&C) literally has a Q&A at the end of Lecture 5: "Q: How many personages are there in the Godhead? A: Two: The Father and the Son"

History of Church 6:473-479 (also, here)

The Articles of Faith by James Talmage

A New Witness for the Articles of Faith by Bruce R. McConkie

“Our Relationship with the Lord” (March 2, 1982); in which McConkie states, among other things: “We do not worship the Son, and we do not worship the Holy Ghost.”

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder; “Strange Creeds of Christendom” by LeGrand Richards

Brigham Young: JD 1.49-51

Franklin D. Richards: JD 26.300

LDS Temple transcript: here and here

Are Mormons Christian? By Stephen Robinson

Harper’s Bible Dictionary edited by Paul J. Achtemeier

Western Asceticism edited by Owen Chadwick

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? By Sandra and Jerald Tanner

An Earnest Plea to LDS (Jason Wallace)

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right by Matthew L. Harris (also here; and notice the introduction here)

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Doctrine by Charles Harrell

The Forgotten Trinity by James White; Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain; The Attributes of God: An Introduction by Gerald Bray; The Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen Wellum

All That Is In God by James Dolezal

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

Early Christian Doctrine by J.N.D. Kelly

Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck

The Book of Isaiah (3 vol.’s) by E.J. Young

The Gospel According to John (PNTC) by D.A. Carson

Confessions by St. Augustine

Father, Son, and Spirit in Romans 8: The Roman Reception of Paul’s Trinitarian Theology by Ron Fay

74. Joseph Smith's Last Sermon: The "Sermon in the Grove"

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler will go through Joseph Smith’s last public sermon: the “Sermon in the Grove”. They will analyze Smith’s claims and teachings - and highlight his consistent twisting of Scripture, as well as his consistent distrust and aversion to the Christian creeds and confessions. This episode goes along well with the previous series on the King Follett Discourse.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

History of Church 6:473-479 (also here)

JST Revelation 1:6 ; Abraham 4 ; Mosiah 15 ; D&C 20.28 ; 121.28,32 ;130; 132

Lectures on Faith ; JSH-1.19-20 ; BOM Title Page ; JST 1 Cor 15.40

A Voice of Warning; An Answer to Mr. William Hewitt’s Tract; Key to the Science of Theology by Parley Pratt (whom some scholars have called The Apostle Paul of Mormonism.)

“Now, Mr. Sunderland, you have something definite and tangible, the time, the manner, the means, the names, the dates; and I will state as a prophesy, that there will not be an unbelieving Gentile upon this continent 50 years hence; and if they are not greatly scourged, and in a great measure overthrown, within five or ten years from this date, then the Book of Mormon will have proved itself false.” (Mormonism Unveiled, 1838; found in The Essential Parley Pratt, p. 24)

“The Mormon Creed” by Orson Pratt

A History of the Priesthood by Benjamin Winchester

Outlines of Ecclesiastical History by B. H. Roberts

Jesus The Christ by James Talmage (see footnote 8 - on Psalm 82)

Brigham Young: JD 1.49-51

“Kingdoms of Glory” (Dallin Oaks)

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith by Linda King Newell

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus: A New Look at the Joseph Smith Papyrii by Charles Larson (also here, here, here and here)

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

Among the books Smith donated to a Nauvoo library include books Catholic Piety, and The Catholic Manual (pp. 188-89, 496-97)

Nauvoo Polygamy by George Smith

Mysteries of Godliness by David Buerger

The Forgotten Trinity by James White; Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain; The Attributes of God: An Introduction by Gerald Bray; The Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen Wellum

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

God, Language and Scripture; Biblical Words and Their Meaning by Moises Silva

The Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

Who Is God? By Richard Bauckham

The Royal Priest by Matthew Emadi

1 Corinthians (ZECTNT) by Paul Gardner

The Gospel According to John (PNTC); Exegetical Fallacies by D.A. Carson

“You’ve Seen One Elohim, You’ve Seen them All? A Critique of Mormonism’s Use of Psalm 82” by Michael Heiser (also here)

73. Can LDS believe Jesus Christ? (Part 3/3)

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this three-part series, Skye picks 10 teachings of Jesus Christ from the Gospels that faithful LDS not only do not emphasize, but cannot believe.

Can an LDS, from a Mormon worldview, truly believe and practice what Christ actually taught - as found in the Gospels? This question will be asked for every one of the 10 points included in this series.

LDS often say that they sincerely love Jesus, and some even claim to believe the Bible. This series will test what that can actually mean from someone who believes Joseph Smith is "the prophet of the Restoration", and is a loyal member of the LDS church today.

Included in this episode are Jesus' teaching on salvation, the Gospel, the Church (and whether or not it will fail), hell and final judgment, followed by whether sincerity (and trying our best) is enough.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

72. Can LDS believe Jesus Christ? (Part 2/3)

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this three-part series, Skye picks 10 teachings of Jesus Christ from the Gospels that faithful LDS not only do not emphasize, but cannot believe.

Included in this episode are Jesus' teaching on family, marriage (as well as marriage in heaven), with an excursus on whether or not Jesus was/is married.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

71. Can LDS believe Jesus Christ? (Part 1/3)

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this three-part series, Skye picks 10 teachings of Jesus Christ from the Gospels that faithful LDS not only do not emphasize, but cannot believe.

Included in this episode are Jesus' teaching The Shema, God is Spirit, Scripture is God's Word - both what Christ taught about the Temple, and who Christ is as the Temple - followed by who is man, and who is Christ's true family.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

70. The King Follett Discourse: Joseph Smith's "Greatest Sermon" (Part 2/2)

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this two-part series, Skye introduces the audience to the sermon considered by most to be Joseph Smith's greatest and most important sermon. This last of Joseph Smith's general conference talks, far from being speculative "deep doctrine", is presented as being the foundation for Mormon theology. The King Follett Sermon is a foundation of Mormon theology.

KSL clip; Devotional

History of the Church, volume 6 (B.H. Roberts); JD 6.1-11

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, edited by Joseph Fielding Smith

Newly Amalgamated Text (Stan Larson, 1978 BYU Studies)

"The King Follett Discourse: Joseph Smith's Greatest Sermon in Historical Perspective" by Donald Cannon

"The Doctrinal Impact of the King Follett Discourse" ; "The King Follett Discourse: Textual History and Criticism" by Van Hale

"The King Follett Discourse: Pinnacle or Peripheral?" by James Faulconer and Susannah Morrison

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Biblical Words and Their Meaning; God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

Exegetical Fallacies by D. A. Carson

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

"Trichotomy: A Beachhead of Gnostic Influence" by Kim Riddlebarger

No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie

Blood of the Prophets by Will Bagley

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

In Sacred Loneliness by Todd Compton

Nauvoo Polygamy by George Smith

The American Religion by Harold Bloom

"Treasures in the Heavens" by Hugh Nibley

"The Development of the Doctrine of Pre-Existence, 1830-1844" by Charles Harrell

The Man Behind the Discourse: A Biography of King Follett by Joann Follett Mortensen

The King Follett Sermon: A Biography by William Smith

69. The King Follett Discourse: Joseph Smith's "Greatest Sermon" (Part 1/2)

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

KSL clip; Devotional

History of the Church, volume 6 (B.H. Roberts); JD 6.1-11

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, edited by Joseph Fielding Smith

Newly Amalgamated Text (Stan Larson, 1978 BYU Studies)

"The King Follett Discourse: Joseph Smith's Greatest Sermon in Historical Perspective" by Donald Cannon

"The Doctrinal Impact of the King Follett Discourse" ; "The King Follett Discourse: Textual History and Criticism" by Van Hale

"The King Follett Discourse: Pinnacle or Peripheral?" by James Faulconer and Susannah Morrison

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Biblical Words and Their Meaning; God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva

Exegetical Fallacies by D. A. Carson

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

"Trichotomy: A Beachhead of Gnostic Influence" by Kim Riddlebarger

No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie

Blood of the Prophets by Will Bagley

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

In Sacred Loneliness by Todd Compton

Nauvoo Polygamy by George Smith

The American Religion by Harold Bloom

"Treasures in the Heavens" by Hugh Nibley

"The Development of the Doctrine of Pre-Existence, 1830-1844" by Charles Harrell

The Man Behind the Discourse: A Biography of King Follett by Joann Follett Mortensen

The King Follett Sermon: A Biography by William Smith

68. Interview with Colin Hamilton (The Hamilton Boys, Part 2/2)

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler sits down with his brother, Colin Hamilton, about his “Mormon Story”. Colin's story ended not in agnosticism/atheism or in "new age", but in Creedal Christian belief.

Skyler and Colin discuss their mutual (shared, though distinct) journey – while landing on several of Colin’s stories that may help the listener understand the Mormon worldview, and the Mormon experience for someone who (as a Mormon) actually cared about doctrine, and not just fuzzy experience. Colin's story includes bits of previously-believed Mormon theology, and currently-believed Christian theology, along the way.

Skyler and Colin Hamilton were baptized in the name of the Triune God on the same day, May 16, 2021 - along with their mother, at Life In Christ CRC. All have formally removed their names from the LDS church and, as part of their baptism, renounced the Mormon gods, prophets, and "gospel".

The two churches that have been their home are FBC Provo and Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna - along with some dear siblings at Christ Fellowship Church in American Fork.

Recommended resources:

Lecture by Jeff Durbin; American Gospel; Sermon by Voddie Baucham

Augustine’s Confessions

The Forgotten Trinity; The King James Only Controversy by James White

Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

The Incarnation of God by John Clark and Marcus Peter Johnson

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til

The One Christ: St. Augustine’s Theology of Deification by David Vincent Meconi

Ironies of Faith by Anthony Esolen

The Family Worship Book by Terry Johnson

Jason Wallace: here, here, here, here, here, here, and here

(Some) Mormon sources:

Joseph Smith: here and here

Lectures on Faith

Brigham Young: here, here and here

Waiting for World’s End: The Diaries of Wilford Woodruff, edited by Susan Staker

Elias: An Epic for the Ages by Orson F. Whitney

Ezra Taft Benson: here and here

Our grandmother’s story is found in The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball (also: here); There was also a signed First Presidency Statement/Letter issued for, and read at, our grandfather’s funeral.

Also, Grandma Hamilton's funeral: here

A Gospel Trilogy by Cleon Skousen (also here)

Earth In the Beginning by Eric Skousen

Temple and Cosmos by Hugh Nibley

LDS Temple transcript: here and here; A form of the transcript is in Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (also: here)

New Testament Witnesses of Christ by John Hall

Eternal Man by Truman Madsen

The Second Comforter by Denver Snuffer

No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

Colin recommends a shorter book, The Angel and the Sorcerer by Peter Levenda if Quinn’s book is too lengthy or intimidating.

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith by Linda King Newell

“A Gift Given: A Gift Taken – Washing, Anointing, and Blessing the Sick Among Mormon Women” by Linda King Newell

67. Interview with Colin Hamilton (The Hamilton Boys, Part 1/2)

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler sits down with his brother, Colin Hamilton, about his “Mormon Story”. Colin's story ended not in agnosticism/atheism or in "new age", but in Creedal Christian belief.

The two churches that have been their home are FBC Provo and Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna - along with some dear siblings at Christ Fellowship Church in American Fork.

Recommended resources:

Lecture by Jeff Durbin; American Gospel; Sermon by Voddie Baucham

Augustine’s Confessions

The Forgotten Trinity; The King James Only Controversy by James White

Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

The Incarnation of God by John Clark and Marcus Peter Johnson

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til

The One Christ: St. Augustine’s Theology of Deification by David Vincent Meconi

Ironies of Faith by Anthony Esolen

The Family Worship Book by Terry Johnson

Jason Wallace: here, here, here, here, here, here, and here

(Some) Mormon sources:

Joseph Smith: here and here

Lectures on Faith

Brigham Young: here, here and here

Waiting for World’s End: The Diaries of Wilford Woodruff, edited by Susan Staker

Elias: An Epic for the Ages by Orson F. Whitney

Ezra Taft Benson: here and here

Also, Grandma Hamilton's funeral: here

A Gospel Trilogy by Cleon Skousen (also here)

Earth In the Beginning by Eric Skousen

Temple and Cosmos by Hugh Nibley

LDS Temple transcript: here and here; A form of the transcript is in Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (also: here)

New Testament Witnesses of Christ by John Hall

Eternal Man by Truman Madsen

The Second Comforter by Denver Snuffer

No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

Colin recommends a shorter book, The Angel and the Sorcerer by Peter Levenda if Quinn’s book is too lengthy or intimidating.

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith by Linda King Newell

“A Gift Given: A Gift Taken – Washing, Anointing, and Blessing the Sick Among Mormon Women” by Linda King Newell

66. E. G. Romine on Charles Spurgeon, “The Prince of Preachers” (Part 2/2)

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler interviews Dr. Ed Romine about his book The Booming Baritone Bell of England: The Pedagogy and Practice of Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s Open-Air Preaching. The interview will cover Spurgeon's basic biography, including chapters such as the Downgrade Controversy - and will include any comments Spurgeon had about Mormonism. Toward the end, we will also cover some of Ed’s story and how he came to be an Elder at FBC Provo.

An example of an Ed Romine sermon can be found here and here.

Other Resources:

Ten Essential Sermons of Charles Spurgeon, Introduction by Tom Nettles

One Example: “The War of Truth” (Spurgeon Sermon on Exodus 17.9, Jan. 11, 1857)
"Baptismal Regeneration" (Sermon on Mark 16.15-16, June 5, 1864)

Spurgeon by Arnold Dallimore

Spurgeon the Pastor: Recovering a Biblical and Theological Vision for Ministry by Geoffrey Chang

“What Was the Downgrade Controversy Actually All About?” by Alex DePrima (also: here)

Living by Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon by Tom Nettles

The Child is the Father of the Man: C.H. Spurgeon by Tom Nettles

Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary by Matthew Barrett

“Mormons, Crickets, and Gulls: A New Look At An Old Story” by William Hartley (Utah Historical Quarterly, Vol. 38, 1970, No. 3)

65. E. G. Romine on Charles Spurgeon, “The Prince of Preachers” (Part 1/2)

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 11:00:00 +0000

An example of an Ed Romine sermon can be found here and here.

Other Resources:

Ten Essential Sermons of Charles Spurgeon, Introduction by Tom Nettles

One Example: “The War of Truth” (Spurgeon Sermon on Exodus 17.9, Jan. 11, 1857)
"Baptismal Regeneration" (Sermon on Mark 16.15-16, June 5, 1864)

Spurgeon by Arnold Dallimore

Spurgeon the Pastor: Recovering a Biblical and Theological Vision for Ministry by Geoffrey Chang

“What Was the Downgrade Controversy Actually All About?” by Alex DePrima (also: here)

Living by Revealed Truth: The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon by Tom Nettles

The Child is the Father of the Man: C.H. Spurgeon by Tom Nettles

Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary by Matthew Barrett

“Mormons, Crickets, and Gulls: A New Look At An Old Story” by William Hartley (Utah Historical Quarterly, Vol. 38, 1970, No. 3)

64. CFM: Revelation 15-22

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: "Final" Judgment(s); The Universalist-impulse, Exaltation(s), and the sons of perdition

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the fifty-second lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (December 25-31) is titled “He that Overcometh Shall Inherit All Things” and covers Revelation 15-22.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Seminary Manual: here, here and here

“Help students discover that “the spirit of prophecy” (verse 10) refers to the gift of revelation and inspiration from God, which allows us to receive and speak His word.”

Gospel Principles and here, here and here

1 Nephi 10.20-21, 14.7,10; 2 Nephi 9.46; Mosiah 3.11,19, 4.30, 5.15, 24, 15.25; Alma 5.39, 11.34-44, 12.12-14, 27, 28.11-12, 34.33-35, 42.10; Mormon 3.20; 3 Nephi 26.4-5, 27.33; Moroni 8.22

D&C 11; 19; 29; 38; 45; 58; 68; 76; 82; 88; 128; 130; 131; 132; 133; 137

“Celestial Kingdom”

The Words of Joseph Smith edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook

“No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus, and this is the spirit of prophecy. Whenever salvation has been administered it has been by testimony.” (p.10)
“Now if any man has the testimony of Jesus, has he not the spirit of prophecy? And if he has the spirit of prophecy, I ask, is he not a prophet? And if a prophet, he can receive revelation. And any man that does not receive revelation for himself must be damned, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (p. 230)

Joseph Smith: here and here

The Articles of Faith by James Talmage

“Divine Love” (Russell Nelson)

“My Words...Never Cease” (Jeffrey Holland)

Statements of the LDS First Presidency, edited by Gary Bergera:

“According to the light we receive, so shall we be judged; the Lord will not hold us responsible for what we have had no opportunity of learning and His mercies will be extended to those who do not know the law.” (Joseph F. Smith to William A. Smith, Jan. 23, 1903; p. 244)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary; Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

The Revelation of John the Apostle by Richard Draper and Michael Rhodes

“The Redemption of the Dead: A Latter-day Saint Perspective on the Fate of the Unevangelized” by David Paulsen

Joseph Smith the Prophet by Truman Madsen

“To those who argued that there was no such thing as prophecy, anceint or modern, he would say (quoting John in Revelation 19:10): ‘The New Testament says that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. I am a servant of Jesus Christ. I have a testimony of Jesus. Therefore, I am a prophet.’ Occasionally, he tied his enemies into a logical paradox. He would say, ‘Have you discovered that there is no revelation? How?’ They would say, ‘Does not the Bible end all revelation?’ He would reply, ‘If so, there is a great defect in the book or it would have said so.’ Pointing out that it takes revelation to know that there will be no more revelation, he once asked, ‘Have ye turned revelators? Then why deny revelation?’”

Brigham Young: JD 4.220 ; "Discourse on Marriage"

Heber C. Kimball: JD 7.236

A Treatise on Atonement by Hosea Ballou

Jason Wallace: here and here

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

“This is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

The Mound Builder Myth by Jason Colavito

“Anti-Universalist Rhetoric in the Book of Mormon” by Dan Vogel; found in New Approaches to the Book of Mormon, edited by Brent Metcalfe

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

The Joy of Hearing; Revelation (BECNT) by Thomas Schreiner

The Book of Revelation (NIGTC) by G.K. Beale

The Returning King by Vern Poythress

Triumph of the Lamb by Dennis Johnson

All Things New by Brian Tabb

The Question of Canon; Canon Revisited by Michael Kruger

63. Last Recap of the Year: Wilford Woodruff's Vision, and the LDS debate over Scripture

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler goes over a few loose ends from previous episodes. This includes Wilford Woodruff’s vision of, and temple work for the “founding fathers” - some aspects of the LDS version of the fundamentalist v. modernist debate to keep in mind (so as to not put Boyd K. Packer and J. Gresham Machen on the same side of the divide) - J. Reuben Clark’s impact on LDS church education, and two book recommendations to read on biblical canon.

D&C 98; D&C 101; Wilford Woodruff: JD 19:229

Temples of the Most High, compiled by N.B. Lundwall

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith

The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson; “The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner”

Things in Heaven and Earth: The Life and Times of Wilford Woodruff, a Mormon Prophet by Thomas Alexander

“Wilford Woodruff’s Vision of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence” by Brian H. Stuy; found in Dimensions of Faith, edited by Stephen Taysom

The Other Eminent Men of Wilford Woodruff by Vicki Jo Anderson

“Joseph Smith Goes to Washington, 1839-40" by Ronald Barney

No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie

“Proclamation - Rebellion in the Territory of Utah” by President James Buchanan

The Mormon Rebellion: America’s First Civil War, 1857-1858 by David Bigler and Will Bagley

Seminary Manual (for teachers)

Mormonism in Transition by Thomas Alexander

Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow

“The 1911 Evolution Controversy at Brigham Young University” by Gary Bergera; found in Search for Harmony: Essays on Science and Mormonism, edited by Gene Sessions and Craig Oberg

Brigham Young University: A House of Faith by Gary Bergera and Ronald Priddis

“A Charted Course in Church Education” by J. Reuben Clark (and here)

“The Mantle is Far, Far Greater than the Intellect” by Boyd K. Packer

“The Secret Mormon Meetings of 1922” by Shannon Caldwell Montez

“W.H. Chamberlin and the Quest for a Mormon Theology” by James M. McLachlan

“Seers, Savants and Evolution: The Uncomfortable Interface” by Duane Jeffery

Lynn Packer: here ; Mormon Land (and here)

Gospel Topics Essays

The Modernist Impulse in American Protestantism by William Hutchison

The Presbyterian Controversy by Bradley Longfield

Defending the Faith by D.G. Hart

David Swing: here; Charles Briggs: here, here, here, and here

The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture by B.B. Warfield (and here)

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

The Church Confronts Modernity: Catholic Intellectuals and the Progressive Era by Thomas Woods

Fundamentalism and American Culture by George Marsden

Seminary Manual (for teachers)

“My Words...Never Cease” (Jeffrey Holland)

The Question of Canon; Canon Revisited by Michael Kruger

62. CFM: Christmas

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the fifty-second lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (December 18-24) is titled “Good Tidings of Great Joy” and covers Christmas.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Gospel Principles; Jesus Christ Chosen as Savior

Gospel Principles ; here and here

Statements of the LDS First Presidency compiled by Gary Bergera

Joseph Smith told Alexander Neibaur that he saw Jesus with a light complexion (white skin) and blue eyes (A.N. Journal, May 24,1844) - thus, looking a lot like...Joseph Smith. Whiteness is also true of Mary in 1 Nephi 11.13-15, who is even claimed by some LDS to be from England, based on legend.

Brigham Young: JD 7.289; 10.324-325

“Remembering Christmas Past” by Larry Porter

“Nephi and His Asherah” by Daniel Peterson (also here, here, and here)

“For Mormons, Christmastime Is For Honoring Jesus – and Joseph Smith” by Sharon Lindbloom

Christmas Books (MRM) by Eric Johnson

The First Days of Jesus: The Story of the Incarnation by Andreas Kostenberger and Alexander Stewart

Why God Became Man by Anselm

On the Incarnation of Our Lord by Athanasius

Nativity Sermons I-VIII by Pope Leo the Great

Sermons to the People: Advent, Christmas, New Year, Epiphany by Augustine

Christianity and Liberalism; The Virgin Birth of Christ by J. Gresham Machen

Miracles by C.S. Lewis

The Incarnation of God by John Clark and Marcus Johnson

The Birth of Christ by J.V. Fesko

61. Do LDS Believe in Hell?

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

This is a response to this short. There is nothing here that is meant to take away, in any way, from the good this ministry does and will continue to do. In fact, in defense of the short - the LDS often obfuscate with their use of language, rather than clarify, including on their website.

The citations which the short portrays, and one from the comments are:

D&C 29.36-38; 76. 28-38; 88.24,32; "Hell" (LDS website)

The episode at issue in which we originally covered this is here. There will be overlap in coverage with other episodes from throughout the year, as well as the upcoming episode on Final Judgment.

LDS Website, e.g. - “Grace”

1 Nephi 10.20-21, 14.7,10, 15.35; 2 Nephi 9.46; 28.21-23; Alma 1.3-4, 34.32-35, 41.4-5, 42; 3 Nephi 26.4-5, 27.11-17,33; D&C 19; 133.73; Moses 4; Abraham 3

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith; also, here and here

The Words of Joseph Smith edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook

History of the Church 5.517

“Life and Death, or Organization and Disorganization” by Brigham Young (July 10,1853)

“The Three Glories” by Brigham Young (August 26, 1860); notice – even in the sermon where he says concerning D&C 76 that it “far outweigh[s] all the Christian tenets, doctrines, and systems they have drawn from the Bible” and that “[T]he doctrine God has revealed here is more precious to me, and is worth more than all the doctrines of Christendom” - he still goes on to say: “The Kingdoms that God has prepared are innumerable.” He did not read D&C 76 as teaching that the lines between the kingdoms are eternal barriers. Moreover, he states that the LDS elders' preaching hell is “good for nothing.”

“Eternal Punishment - ‘Mormonism,’ &c.” by Brigham Young (January 12, 1862) - wherein he states: “God’s punishment is eternal, but that does not prove that a wicked person will remain eternally in a state of punishment.” He here also distinguishes himself between the first and second death. Notice: no caveat made for anyone here – even under his discussion of the second death.

Brigham Young: JD 1.118, 1.185 (also here); 1.275-276; 2.31; 2.124; 2.135-136; 2.137; 3.94; 3.247; 4.285; 5.76; 7.57; 9.333

Heber C. Kimball: JD 1. 161, 3.109, 3.125; 4.2,4-5; 4.223; 4.329; 5.95; 5.203

John Taylor: JD 1.151-152

Orson Pratt: JD 2. 336-337

Orson Pratt used D&C 76 to argue that not all people of the worlds under the Father are literally children of his, but rather of the network of gods, more generally.

Jedediah M. Grant: JD 2.227

George A. Smith: JD 12.333-334

George Q. Cannon: JD 24.374

Chas. W. Penrose: JD 24.91-93: “But it does not follow that because a person may be banished into the eternal punishment it is intended that he shall stay there eternally. He may go into eternal punishment, he may go to the place prepared for the rebellious and the sinner and stay there but for a certain period.” He then goes on to speak of D&C 19, then D&C 76 – and then states: “The sons of perdition are to go away into this everlasting punishment.” He makes only the caveat of “this world or the world to come”.

A few more relevant Brigham Young quotes:

On the 1/3 of the children point – Brigham Young taught that: “Do you suppose that one third part of all the beings that existed in eternity came with [Lucifer]? No, but one third part of the spirits that were begotten and organized and brought forth to become tenants of fleshly bodies to dwell upon this earth.”

“Who will be saved in the celestial kingdom of God? They that have the oracles of truth and obey them. Where will the rest go? Into kingdoms that God has and will prepare for them and there are millions of such kingdoms. There is as many degrees of glory as there are degrees of capacity and to them will be meted out according to their faith, and goodness and the truth that abides in them and according to the light God has imparted to them.” (The Essential Brigham Young, pp.139-140)

"Do we know what hell is? And where hell is? Who can point it out? In many instances where the apostles have been speaking and likewise Jesus in his communications to the people this earth is compared to hell. Well it is in one sense. If we find out really that hell is anything more or less than this earth, this wicked world, we shall find that it is banishment from the society and presence of Holy beings." (The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Vol. 1, pg. 1103)

Young stated in a "Discourse on Marriage" that women "are not accountable for the sins that are in the world." This is one of the places where the idea that women cannot become "sons of perdition" is taught. He also teaches that here, but says “in hell”.

Evidences and Reconciliations; A Rational Theology; Joseph Smith: Seeker After Truth – Prophet of God; The Message of the Doctrine and Covenants by John A. Widtsoe

“In the Great Plan there is no provision for the eternal damnation of man.” (A Rational Theology, p. 183)
“In the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there is no hell...The gospel of Jesus Christ has no hell in the old proverbial sense.” (Joseph Smith: Seeker After Truth - Prophet of God, p. 178)

Elias: An Epic of the Ages by Orson F. Whitney

Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage

A Gospel Trilogy by Cleon Skousen

“Elder Widtsoe then called my attention to Doctrine and Covenants, 88:32 where it says that these afflicted entities will ‘RETURN AGAIN to their own place.’ The scripture says this means: ‘They shall go away into outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.’ (D&C 133:73). From all of this we learn that the scriptures clearly teach that we all originally came from outer darkness and the sons of perdition return AGAIN to the place from which we all originated.” (p.11, emphasis in original)

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

Gospel Principles ; Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service

LDS Temple transcript: here and here; A form of it is in the book by Sandra Tanner, cited below. This is the script that Skyler read from in the episode. Apparently, there is also a line (missing from the Tanner version) about believing in “a devil”, as well. Notice: the belief in “a devil” is condemned literally in a scene where Lucifer is present.

“Review: Heaven, Hell, and Other People: A Wandering Review of Samuel Brown’s First Principels and Ordinances” by Michael Austin

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

Mormonism in Transition by Thomas Alexander

The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, edited by Devery Anderson

The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship by David John Buerger

Mormon Matters

“Eternal Damnation, Outer Darkness, and the Reorganization of Intelligence” by Tom Bennett

Concise Theology by J.I. Packer

Simply Put: here and here

“Trichotomy: A Beachhead for Gnostic Influences” by Kim Riddlebarger

Isaac Watts Hymn: “When I can Read My Title Clear”

60. CFM: Revelation 6-14

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: The War in Heaven; Agency as theological "Liberal-tarianism"

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the fiftieth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (December 11-17) is titled “They Overcame...,by the Blood of the Lamb” and covers Revelation 6-14.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Seminary Manual: here, here, here and here

JSH 1.29-54; JST Revelation; Moses 4; Abraham 3; 2 Ne 2; Alma 13, 32

D&C 4.4; 6.3; 7; 13; 19; 22; 29; 33.7; 45; 76; 77; 82; 84; 86; 87; 88; 93; 97; 101; 110; 115; 121; 128; 131; 132; 133

“My Turn on Earth” (Carol Lynn Pearson)

Joseph Smith: here and here

The Words of Joseph Smith edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook

“Beware of Pride”; The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner; “Our Immediate Responsibility”; “Life Is Eternal” (Ezra Taft Benson) - also Oct. 1961 CR

“A Time of Decision” (Harold B. Lee)

“The Times in Which We Live”; “War and Peace” (Gordon Hinckley)

“The Canker of Contention” (Russell Nelson)

“Prayer and Promptings” (Boyd Packer)

“The Enemy Within” (James Faust)

“If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear” (L. Tom Perry)

“Preparing for the Lord’s Return” (D. Todd Christofferson)

“Winning the War Against Evil” (James J. Hamula)

October 2010 General Conference

“Race Problems – As They Affect the Church” (Mark E. Petersen) (or here)

The Seer by Orson Pratt

Mediation and the Atonement by John Taylor

The Articles of Faith; Jesus the Christ by James Talmage

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

Elias: An Epic of the Ages by Orson F. Whitney

The Truth, the Way, and the Life by B.H. Roberts

The Way to Perfection by Joseph Fielding Smith

The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil; Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen by H. Verlan Andersen

Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley

Gospel Trilogy; Prophecy and Modern Times by Cleon Skousen

Brigham Young: JD 3.256; 3.369; 9.333; 13.282; 14. 93-94, 280-281

John Taylor: JD 19.79; 22.300

Wilford Woodruff: JD 21.125-126; 23.126-127

Lorenzo Snow: JD 20.367

Orson Pratt: JD 21.287-288

George Q. Cannon: JD 11.229-230

Jedediah M. Grant: JD 2.11-12

Moses Thatcher: JD 26.305

“Agency”; “War in Heaven”

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary by Bruce R. McConkie

The Revelation of John the Apostle by Richard Draper and Michael Rhodes

The Second War in Heaven as Now Being Waged by Lucifer Through Hitler as a Dummy by Nels L. Nelson

“Free Agency and Freedom - - Some Misconceptions” by Garth Mangum

“Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”

“The War in Heaven and Satan’s Continuing Battle for Power” by Kevin Bulloch

“Mormonism’s Satan and the Tree of Life” by Jeffrey Bradshaw and Roman J. Head

“’Moral, Responsible, and Free’: Mormon Conceptions of Divine Justice” by Terryl Givens

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right by Matthew Harris

“Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts” by D. Michael Quinn

“’One Soul Shall Not Be Lost’: The War in Heaven in Mormon Thought” by Boyd Jay Petersen

“Making A Mormon of Milton” by John Tanner

“An Ambiguous Heritage” by Thomas Alexander; also see Things in Heaven and Earth: The Life and Times of Wilford Woodruff, a Mormon Prophet

The Ritualization of Mormon History and Other Essays by Davis Bitton

“The Secret Mormon Meetings of 1922” by Shannon Caldwell-Montez

“The Doctrine of the Firstborn and Only Begotten” by Rodney Turner

David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism by Gregory Prince

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

“Mormonism in the New Germany” (Deseret News, December 9,1933); or here

“The Fuhrer’s New Clothes: Helmuth Huebner and the Mormons in the Third Reich” by Alan Keele and Douglas Tobler

Moroni and the Swastika by David Conley Nelson

The Aryan Jesus by Susannah Heschel

The God of Israel and Christian Theology by R. Kendall Soulen

Christian Antisemitism by Michael Brown

The Lie the Will Not Die: The Protocols of the Elders of Zion by Hadassa Ben-Itto

The Hebrew Republic by Eric Nelson

The Virtue of Nationalism; Conservatism: A Rediscovery by Yoram Hazony

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

The Joy of Hearing; Revelation (BECNT) by Thomas Schreiner

The Book of Revelation (NIGTC) by G.K. Beale

The Returning King by Vern Poythress

Triumph of the Lamb by Dennis Johnson

All Things New by Brian Tabb

Jason Wallace: here, and here

Defending the Faith by D.G. Hart

The War for Righteousness by Richard Gamble

The Great and Holy War by Philip Jenkins

Illiberal Reformers by Thomas Leonard

Intellectuals and Race by Thomas Sowell

American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell

The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt

59. CFM: Revelation 1-5

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: Revelation(s): Do we worship the same Jesus?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the forty-ninth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (December 4-10) is titled “Glory, and Power, Be Unto...the Lamb for Ever” and covers Revelation 1-5.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Seminary Manual: here, here, here, and here

D&C 93; 82.10; 130.10-11,20-21; Alma 42.13, 22, 25; Mormon 9.19; 2 Nephi 2; 1 Ne 14.18-27; Ether 4.16 ; D&C 113 (and here); 77; 7; 132; 137

Gospel Principles and here, here, here

Joseph Smith: here and here; The Lectures on Faith

“Happiness Letter” (also here and here)

HC 1.176: “The Spirit of the Lord fell upon Joseph in an unusual manner, and he prophesied that John the Revelator was then among the Ten Tribes of Israel...to prepare them for their return from their long dispersion, to again possess the land of their fathers.”

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” ; “A Perfect Brightness of Hope” (Jeffrey Holland)

“Our Relationship with the Lord” (Bruce R. McConkie)

“We Look to Christ” (Gordon Hinckley)

“The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner”; “Civic Standards for the Faithful Saints” (Ezra Taft Benson)

Waiting for the World's End: The Diaries of Wilford Woodruff, edited by Susan Staker:

"[President Kimball] made the following remarks: ...Some have said that I was very presumptuous to say that Brother Brigham was my God & Saviour. Brother Joseph was his God. The one that gave Joseph the keys of the kingdom was his God which was Peter. Jesus Christ was his God & God & Father of Jesus Christ was Adam." (p.150)

“Becoming Like God” (Gospel Topics Essay; cited in the Seminary Manual)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary by Bruce R. McConkie

The Revelation of John the Apostle by Richard Draper and Michael Rhodes

The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil; Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen by H. Verlan Andersen

Gospel Trilogy; Prophecy and Modern Times by Cleon Skousen

The Words of Joseph Smith, edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook

“Revelation is one of the plainest books God ever caused to be written.” (p.188)
“There is no angel [who] ministers to this earth [but who] either does belong or has belonged to this earth. And the angels do not reside on a planet like our earth, but they dwell with God, and the planet where he dwells is like crystal, and like a sea of glass before the throne.” (p. 169)
“Probably those were beasts which had lived on another planet than ours.” (p. 171)

Compare President Wilford Woodruff and Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the question of eternal progression:

"If there was a point where man in his progression could not proceed any further, the very idea would throw a gloom over every intelligent and reflecting mind. God himself is increasing and progressing in knowledge, power, and dominion, and will do so, worlds without end. It is just so with us. We are in a probation, which is a school of experience." (Wilford Woodruff, JD 6.120)
"Now may I suggest the list of heresies. Heresy one: There are those who say that God is progressing in knowledge and is learning new truths. This is false - utterly, totally, and completely. There is not one sliver of truth in it." (Bruce R. McConkie; Seven Deadly Heresies; Notice the condemnation of earlier men of higher church-rank then himself - including but not limited to Presidents/Prophets Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff.)

Fundamentalism and American Culture by George Marsden

Crucible of the Millennium by Michael Barkun

As A Thief in the Night by Dan Erickson

The Millenarian World of Early Mormonism by Grant Underwood

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

An Earnest Plea to Charismatics; An Earnest Plea to Seventh-day Adventists (Jason Wallace)

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

The Joy of Hearing; Revelation (BECNT) by Thomas Schreiner

The Book of Revelation (NIGTC) by G.K. Beale

The Returning King; Chance and the Sovereignty of God by Vern Poythress

Triumph of the Lamb by Dennis Johnson

All Things New by Brian Tabb

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer

The Potter’s Freedom by James White

Hume: A Very Short Introduction by James Harris

David Hume by James Anderson (also here and here)

Christian Theistic Evidences by Cornelius Van Til

58. CFM: 1-3 John and Jude

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: Is God Love or Is God Loving? - Nelson's "Divine Love" of the Gods

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the forty-ninth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (November 27-December 3) is titled “God Is Love” and covers 1-3 John and Jude.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Pastor Ed Romine's Jude series can be found here and here.

Seminary Manual and here

D&C 82; 130; 131; 132

Heidelcast on the Descensus

“Divine Love” (Russell Nelson)

Joseph Smith: here and here; The Lectures on Faith

“Happiness Letter” (also here and here)

"The Light of Christ" (Boyd Packer)

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” (Jeffrey Holland)

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

The Essential Orson Pratt

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Core Christianity by Michael Horton

1, 2, 3 John (NAC) by Daniel Akin

The Gospel and Epistles of John by F.F. Bruce

The Gospel According to John by D.A. Carson

The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D.A. Carson

God in the Whirlwind by David Wells

The Attributes of God; God Is Love by Gerald Bray

Heresies: The Image of Christ in the Mirror of Heresy and Orthodoxy by Harold Brown

Early Christian Doctrines by JND Kelly

The Earliest Christologies by James Papandrea

The Incarnation of God by John Clark and Marcus Peter Johnson

The Gnostic New Age by April DeConick

57. CFM: 1 and 2 Peter

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: Eternal Progression and the Spirit World; "They" have a Divine Nature - and so do you!

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the forty-eighth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (November 20-26) is titled “Rejoice with Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory” and covers 1 and 2 Peter.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Note: the grammatical construction referenced is called Granville Sharp's Rule. (More below)

Seminary Manual: here and here

“Vision of the Redemption of the Dead” (a.k.a. D&C 138); D&C 93;29; 76; 88; 110; 132; 137

Gospel Principles (and here)

“The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead” (M. Russell Ballard)

“The Redemption of the Dead and the Testimony of Jesus” (D. Todd Christofferson)

“The Price of Priesthood Power” (Russell Nelson)

"Life Is Eternal" (Ezra Taft Benson)

“Becoming Like Him” (Scott D. Whiting)

Joseph Smith: here and here; The Lectures on Faith

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, edited by Joseph Fielding Smith

The Words of Joseph Smith, edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook

“If you wish to go where God is, you must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses. For if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going from him and drawing towards the Devil...Search your hearts and see if you are like God. I have searched mine and feel to repent of all my sins...As far as we degenerate from God, we descend to the Devil and lose knowledge. And without knowledge we cannot be saved...Is not God good? Yes; then you be good. If he is faithful, then you be faithful. Add to your faith virtue, to your virtue knowledge, and seek for every good thing....A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge and consequently more power than many men who are on the earth. Hence, it needs revelation to assist us and give us knowledge of the things of God.” (pp. 113-114)
“It is not wisdom that we should have all knowledge at once presented before us, but that we should have a little. Then we can comprehend it...The principle of knowledge is the principle of salvation. The principle can be comprehended, for anyone that cannot get knowledge to be saved will be damned.The principle of salvation is given to us through the knowledge of Jesus Christ.” (p. 200)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary by Bruce R. McConkie

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” (Jeffrey Holland)

Brigham Young: JD 1.50-51 ;2.137; 4.285, 287-289, 4.371, 9.269

Heber C. Kimball: JD 1. 161, JD 3.125; 4.4-5; 4.329; 5.203

John Taylor: JD 6.163, 17.375; 18.138-39; 22.308-309

Wilford Woodruff: JD 19.229; 22.333-334, 24.54-55

Joseph F. Smith: JD 20.28; 21.10

Gospel Doctrine: Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith

A Rational Theology by John A. Widtsoe

Waiting For World’s End: The Diaries of Wilford Woodruff, edited by Susan Staker

The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson

Elias: An Epic of the Ages by Orson F. Whitney

The Essential Orson Pratt

Gospel Trilogy by Cleon Skousen

“Treasures in the Heavens” by Hugh Nibley

“Becoming Like God” (Gospel Topics Essay)

“The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead (D&C 138)” by Robert L. Millet

“From Obscurity to Scripture: Joseph F. Smith’s Vision of the Redemption of the Dead” by Mary Jane Woodger

“The Doctrine of the Firstborn and Only Begotten” by Rodney Turner

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner; who calls Mormonism “temple Christianity”.

“Wilford Woodruff’s Vision and the Signers of the Declaration of Independence” by Brian Stuy; found in Dimensions of Faith: A Mormon Studies Reader, edited by Stephen C. Taysom

Like A Fiery Meteor: The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Stephen Taysom

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

“An Ambivalent Rejection: Baptism for the Dead and the Reorganized Church Experience” by Roger Launius

“Baptism for the Dead: Comparing RLDS and LDS Perspectives” (Grant Underwood)

“Reincarnation In Mormonism” (Sunstone; Kirk Watson and Robert Beckstead)

WHI: here, here and here

1, 2 Peter and Jude by Thomas Schreiner

1 Peter: A Commentary by Craig Keener

Greg Bahnsen: here, and here

The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale

Vox Petri by Gene Green; though, also considering Michael Kruger and TCI on 2 Peter.

James White; Jason Wallace (esp on hermeneutics)

“Trichotomy: A Beachhead for Gnostic Influences” by Kim Riddlebarger

The King James Only Controversy by James White

the author points out that 2 Peter 1.1 is one of the clearest examples of what is called Granville Sharp's Rule.
"Basically, the rule states that when you have two nouns, which are not proper names (such as Cephas, or Paul, or Timothy), which are describing a person, and are connected by the word 'and,' and the first noun has the article ('the') while the second does not, both nouns are referring to the same person. In our texts, this is demonstrated by 'God' and 'Savior' at Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 1:1. God has the article, it is followed by the word and, and Savior does not have the article. Hence, both nouns are being applied to the same person, Jesus Christ." (p.335)
More on Granville Sharp here.

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

One With Christ by Marcus Peter Johnson

The Incarnation of God by John Clark and Marcus Peter Johnson

Crux, Mors, Inferi by Samuel Renihan

“He Descended to the Dead” by Matthew Emerson

Battle for the Keys by Justin Bass (and here)

The Disobedient Spirits and Christian Baptism by Bo Reicke

56. CFM: James

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: First Vision(s), and which "Faith" Without Works Is Dead?; Contradiction or Complement?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the forty-seventh lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (November 13-19) is titled “Be Ye Doers of the Word, and Not Hearers Only” and covers James.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Accounts of the First Vision; JSH 1

Seminary Manual: here, here and here

“Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains” (Russell Nelson)

“The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith” (Gordon Hinckley)

"Life Is Eternal" (Ezra Taft Benson)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary by Bruce R. McConkie

“What Faith Is” by Dennis Rasmussen; found in The Lectures on Faith in Historical Perspective, edited by Larry Dahl and Charles D. Tate

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

“New Light on Mormon Origins from Palymyra (N.Y.) Revival” by Wes Walters

“The Significance of Joseph Smith’s ‘First Vision’ in Mormon Thought” by James Allen

“Another Look at Joseph Smith’s First Vision” by Stan Larson

“Which First Vision Account Should We Believe?” by Lane Thuet

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

Like A Fiery Meteor: The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Stephen C. Taysom

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus by Charles Larson (and here)

The Mormon Hierarchy: Wealth and Corporate Power by D. Michael Quinn

Nelson stories: here and here

Second Anointing: here, here and here

M Russell Ballard and Tim Ballard

WHI: here, here, and here

Michael Kruger

Notes on Galatians; What Is Faith?; Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris

The God Who Justifies by James White

James (TNTC) by Douglas Moo

The Letter of James; Brother of Jesus, Friend of God by Luke Timothy Johnson

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

The Letter and the Spirit by Augustine

Greek Grammar: Beyond the Basics by Dan Wallace

Biblical Words and Their Meaning by Moises Silva

Exegetical Fallacies by D.A. Carson

All that Is in God by James Dolezal

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

Histories and Fallacies by Carl Trueman

Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions by Robert Bowman

55. CFM: Hebrews 7-13

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: Power Grab and Double Standards: Lost Patriarchs to Semi-lost "Doctrine"

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the forty-sixth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Nov.6-12) is titled “An High Priest of Good Things to Come” and covers Hebrews 7-13.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Seminary Manual and here

General Handbook (esp. here, here, here and here)

D&C 20; 28.13; 68.4; 84;86.8-9; 107; 110; 124; 132; 138; Alma 32; 3 Ne 11

Official Declaration1

The Lectures on Faith

Joseph Smith: here and here

The Words of Joseph Smith, compiled and edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook

At one place – Smith distinguishes between Melchizeedek and the “Aaronic or Levitical” (p. 38-39). Yet, at other places, Smith distinguishes between “Aaron, Abraham, and Melchizedek” - Levitical, Abraham’s “patriarchal power”, and “that of Melchizedek”- and the “three grand orders of priesthood” as “the King of Shalom”, “patriarchal authority”, and Levitical (pp. 244-246).
“I admit that by reading the scriptures of truth, Saints in the days of Paul could learn beyond the power of contradiction that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had the promise of eternal life confirmed to them by an oath of the Lord. But that promise or oath was no assurance to them of their salvation. But they could, by walking in the footsteps and continuing in the faith of their fathers, obtain for themselves an oath of confirmation that they were meet to be partakers of the inheritance with the Saints in light...will not the same faithfulness, the same purity of heart, and the same faith bring the same assurance of eternal life – and that in the same manner...” (pp.299-300)

True to the Faith, excerpt from “Faith”: “Faith is a gift from God, but you must nurture your faith to keep it strong. Faith is like the muscle of your arm. If you exercise it, it grows strong. If you put it in a sling and leave it there, it becomes weak.”

An Earnest Plea to Roman Catholics

“Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains” (Russell Nelson)

“Faith Is Not by Chance; but by Choice” (Neil Andersen)

“Faith - The Choice Is Yours” (Richar Edgley)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

Epistle To the Hebrews by Richard Draper and Michael Rhodes

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie; under “Faith” - he includes the heading: “Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness.”

Orson Pratt: JD 19.114

The Lectures on Faith: In Historical Perspective, edited by Larry Dahl and Charles Tate, Jr.

“The ‘Lectures on Faith’: A Case Study in Decanonization” by Richard Van Wagoner, Stephen C. Walker, and Allen D. Roberts

Power From On High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood by Gregory Prince

Lost Legacy: The Mormon Office of Presiding Patriarch by Irene M. Bates and E. Gary Smith

"A Gift Given: A Gift Taken; Washing, Anointing, and Blessing the Sick Among Mormon Women" by Linda King Newell

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Mormonism in Transition by Thomas Alexander

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View;The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power; The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn

Like A Fiery Meteor: The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Stephen Taysom

The Politics of American Religious Identity: The Seating of Senator Reed Smoot, Mormon Apostle by Kathleen Flake

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri by Steve LeSueur

When Prophecy Fails by Leon Festinger, et al.

What Is Faith?; Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Jason Wallace: here, here; Simply Put

The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale

The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology by Matthew Emadi

Hebrews (NIV Application Commentary) by George Guthrie

54. Jason Wallace on The Failure of Eastern Orthodoxy (Part 2/2)

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is with Pastor Jason Wallace on his recent video The Failure of Eastern Orthodoxy.

We discussed his motivation for making the video, his thoughts about the importance of its content, as well as some of the criticism the video has received. Along the way, we focus on topics such as the work of John of Damascus, the authenticity and validity of The Protoevangelium of James, and the doctrine of theosis.

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

The Courage To Be Protestant; No Place For Truth by David Wells

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Disillusioned: Why I Left the Eastern Orthodox Priesthood and Church by Joshua Schooping

The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship by Hughes Oliphant Old

War Against the Idols by Carlos Eire

Historical Criticism of the Bible: Methodology or Ideology?; Biblical Criticism on Trial: How Scientific is 'Scientific Theology'? by Eta Linnemann

“Trichotomy: A Beachhead for Gnostic Influences” by Kim Riddlebarger

Who Is My Mother? by Eric Svendsen

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus by Charles Larson (also here and here)

Debate on Homosexuality

After Mormonism...Now What?

53. CFM: Hebrews 1-6

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: The Passable Mormon-Jesus: From New Age Seances to Loving Executions

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the forty-fifth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Oct. 30 – Nov. 5) is titled “Jesus Christ, ‘the Author of Eternal Salvation’” and covers Hebrews 1-6.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Correction (of a silly mistake): JS was assassinated on June 27,1844.

Individual and Families; Sunday School (Holland video at bottom; also here)

Gospel Principles and here

2 Ne. 2.7, 9.7,26, 25.16; Mosiah 13.28,34; Alma 34.8-12, 42.15,21-31; Mos. 1.33, 3.1-9; D&C 20.17,28; 76; 77.3; 93; 132

True to the Faith, under “Atonement”, regardless of substitutionary language states things like: “To receive this gift, we must meet certain requirements”; and “Through your faith and righteousness and through His atoning sacrifice, all the inequities, injuries, and pains of this life can be fully compensated for and made right.”

“The Light of Christ” (Boyd Packer)

“Atonement of Jesus Christ” (Encyclopedia of Mormonism);“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” (Jeffrey Holland)

The Lectures on Faith

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

The Words of Joseph Smith compiled and edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook

“Christ, who is the image of man, Is also the express image of his Father’s person. So says Paul. For in him, Christ, dwelt ‘the fulness of the Godhead bodily’. Why? Because he was ‘the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.’ What person? God’s person.” (p.231)
“But the holy ghost is yet a Spiritual body and waiting to take himself a body. As the Savior did or as god did or the gods before them took bodies...” (June 16, 1844; p. 382)
“Joseph also said that the Holy Ghost is now in a state of Probation which if he should perform in righteousness he may pass through the same or a similar course of things that the Son has.” (August 27, 1843; p. 245)

Joseph Smith: here and here ; The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 38-40

Statements of the LDS First Presidency compiled by Gary Bergera

“Christ’s supreme sacrifice can find full fruition in our lives only as we accept the invitation to follow Him. This call is not irrelevant, unrealistic, or impossible. To follow an individual means to watch him or listen to him closely; to accept his authority, to take him as a leader, and to obey him; to support and advocate his ideas; and to take him as a model. Each of us can accept this challenge.” (Howard W. Hunter, “First Presidency Message”, Ensign, Sept. 1994)

Michael as Adam is agreed upon by all sides of Mormonism.

Brigham Young: JD 1.50-51; 4.53-54; 4.215-220; 13.309; 14.71-72

Amasa Lyman: JD 3.140f; 3.164-177, 213f; 7.296-299

Jedediah M. Grant: JD 1.346; 4.49-51 (Notice the condemnations of occult practices that would include their prophet, Joseph Smith)

Orson Hyde: JD 4.259f

Preface to JD 8 states: "The Journal of Discourses deservedly ranks as one of the standard works of the Church, and every rightminded Saint will certainly welcome with joy every Number as it comes forth from the press as an additional reflector of 'the light that shines from Zion's hill.'"

Brigham Young stated:

"I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call Scripture." (JD 13.95)
"when they are copied and approved by me they are as good scripture as is couched in this Bible" (JD 13.264)

Young stated in a "Discourse on Marriage" that: "Some years ago I advanced a doctrine with regard to Adam being our Father and our God. That will be a curse to many of the elders of Israel because of their folly with regard to it...It is one of the most glorious revealments of the economy of heaven, yet the world hold it in derision. Had I revealed the doctrine of the baptism for the dead instead [of] Joseph Smith, there are men around me who would have ridiculed the idea until doomsday, but they are ignorant and stupid, like the dumb ass."

The Mediation and Atonement by John Taylor

A Rational Theology; Evidences and Reconciliations by John Widtsoe

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

Epistle To the Hebrews by Richard Draper and Michael Rhodes

A Gospel Trilogy; The First 2,000 Years by Cleon Skousen

Exploring Mormon Thought: Volume 2, The Problems of Theism and the Love of God by Blake Ostler

“The Doctrine of the Firstborn and Only Begotten” by Rodney Turner

“The ‘Moral’ Atonement as a Mormon Interpretation” by Lorin Hansen

Jason Wallace: here, here, here and here

No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

“Early American Influences on the Book of Mormon” by Thomas E. Donofrio

The Mound Builder Myth by Jason Colavito

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet; The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

The Thirteenth Apostle: The Diaries of Amasa M. Lyman, 1832-1877 edited by Scott Partridge (also here)

The Ritualization of Mormon History and Other Essays by Davis Bitton

“Amasa Lyman, The Spiritualist”; “From Apostle to Apostate: The Personal Struggle of Amasa Mason Lyman” by Loretta L. Hefner

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View; The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power; The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power; “LDS Church Authority and New Plural Marriages, 1890-1904" by D. Michael Quinn

Like a Fiery Meteor: The Life of Joseph F. Smith by Stephen Taysom

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

Wayward Saints by Ronald Walker

The Mountain Meadows Massacre by Juanita Brooks (also here)

Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows by Will Bagley

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? By Jerald and Sandra Tanner

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

The Gospel According to John (PNTC); The Gagging of God by D.A. Carson

The Cross and the Prodigal by Kenneth Bailey

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris

Justin Peters (including a Todd White clip making the point that Holland makes)

Hebrews (NIV Application Commentary) by George Guthrie

The Forgotten Trinity by James White; Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

Divine Discourse in the Epistle to the Hebrews by Madison Pierce

The Royal Priest by Matthew Emadi

The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale

Ancient Greek Religion by H.J. Rose

Plutarch and His Intellectual World by Judith Mossman

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

Moralia by Plutarch; “Isis and Osiris”

The Cross Before Constantine by Bruce Longenecker

Plutarch and History by Christopher Pelling

52. Jason Wallace on The Failure of Eastern Orthodoxy (Part 1/2)

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Today’s episode is with Pastor Jason Wallace on his recent video The Failure of Eastern Orthodoxy.

We discussed his motivation for making the video, his thoughts about the importance of its content, as well as some of the criticism the video has received. Along the way, we focus on topics such as the work of John of Damascus, the authenticity and validity of The Protoevangelium of James, and the doctrine of theosis.

An Earnest Plea to Roman Catholics

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

The Courage To Be Protestant; No Place For Truth by David Wells

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Disillusioned: Why I Left the Eastern Orthodox Priesthood and Church by Joshua Schooping

The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship by Hughes Oliphant Old

War Against the Idols by Carlos Eire

Historical Criticism of the Bible: Methodology or Ideology?; Biblical Criticism on Trial: How Scientific is 'Scientific Theology'? by Eta Linnemann

“Trichotomy: A Beachhead for Gnostic Influences” by Kim Riddlebarger

Who Is My Mother? by Eric Svendsen

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus by Charles Larson (also here and here)

Debate on Homosexuality

After Mormonism...Now What?

51. CFM: 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon(?)

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: What is Mormon Doctrine?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the forty-fourth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Oct. 23-29) is titled “Be Thou an Example of the Believers” and covers 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus - and they mention the name of the book Philemon on the title page.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Correction: Every time Skyler said "Rasban", he actually meant to say "Renlund" (who's talk is cited below). Although both are equally boring - they may not be equally Jacobin. Being baptized "for the remission of sins" (understood as, by the correct priesthood authority claimed, the sins are washed away) being so common in the experience of nearly every LDS (ever) to the point of raising the question of the limits of needed documentation - it should be said that, technically, the True to the Faith manual states: "Because you have been baptized, you can receive the remission of your sins." Can implies a potential, rather than a guarantee. Thus, perhaps this change has been in the works longer than previously realized.

Also, the recent talk on “the Gathering” that was mentioned was actually by D. Todd Christofferson (who's talk is also cited below).

D&C 132; original D&C 101; D&C 26.2; D&C 28.13; D&C 1.38;D&C 68.4

Sunday School Manual: here, here, here and here

True To the Faith: A Gospel Reference

Preach My Gospel ; Gospel Principles

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

The Articles of Faith; The Articles of Faith by James Talmage

“Articles of Faith: Know What We Believe” (Spencer Kimball)

“Approaching LDS Doctrine”

“Eternal Truth” (John Pingree, Jr.)

“Trial of Your Faith” (Neil Andersen)

“The Doctrine of Christ” ; “The Sealing Power” (D. Todd Christofferson)

“Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet” (Ezra Taft Benson)

“The Love and Laws of God” (Russell Nelson)

“Living in the Fulness of Times” (Gordon Hinckley)

Russell Nelson statement: “If you think the Church is fully restored, you’re just seeing the beginning...”

“Kingdoms of Glory” (Dallin Oaks)

“Jesus Christ Is the Treasure” (Dale Renlund)

Tim Ballard and his personal connections to M. Russell Ballard: here and here, e.g.

"Stand As True Millennials" (Russell Nelson); also here, and here

"A Triumph of Faith: Paul's Teachings in Second Timothy" by John Scott; found in The Apostle Paul: His Life and Testimony which was the 23rd Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium

HC 6.366; wherein Joseph Smith states: “I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught.” Joseph Smith also taught “that a prophet was a prophet only when he was acting as such.” (HC, 5:265.)

Evidences and Reconciliations; A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

Mormon Doctrine; “All Are Alike unto God” by Bruce R. McConkie (notice: “They don’t matter anymore. It doesn’t make a particle of difference what anybody ever said about the Negro matter before the first day of June of this year, 1978. It is a new day and a new arrangement...”)

"Finding Answers to Gospel Questions" (Bruce R. McConkie), esp. see section no.3. - wherein he quotes Joseph Fielding Smith (who would become a president-prophet of the LDS chuch) as saying: "It makes no difference what is written or what anyone has said, if what has been said is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, we can set it aside. My words, and the teachings of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them. Let us have this matter clear. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man’s doctrine." Yet, how does this square with Joseph Smith, Brigham Young - and even points taught by Ezra T. Benson cited above.

"The Place of the Living Prophet, Seer, and Revelator" (Harold B. Lee); one pertinent quote by Pres. Lee is: "The only one authorized to bring forth any new doctrine is the President of the Church, who, when he does, will declare it as revelation from God, and it will be so accepted by the Council of the Twelve and sustained by the body of the Church."

Brigham Young stated:

"I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call Scripture." (JD 13.95)
"when they are copied and approved by me they are as good scripture as is couched in this Bible" (JD 13.264)

Brigham Young: JD 1.50-51; 9.149-150; 9.289; 10.251; 11.375; 11.269,272; 13.95; 13.264; 18.359

Heber C. Kimball: JD 3.125; 5.203

Joseph F. Smith: JD 20.28; 21.10

Messages of the First Presidency, compiled by James Clark; specifically – Vol. 4, pp.266-267

Statements of the LDS First Presidency compiled by Gary Bergera

“It ought to have been known, years ago, by every person in the Church – for ample teachings have been given on the point – that no member of the Church has the right to publish any doctrines, as the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, without first submitting them for examination and approval to the First Presidency and the Twelve. There is but one man upon the earth, at one time, who holds the keys to receive commandments and revelations for the Church, who has the authority to write doctrines by way of commandments unto the Church. And any man who so far forgets the order instituted by the Lord as to write and publish what may be termed new doctrines without consulting with the First Presidency of the Church respecting them, places himself in a false position, and exposes himself to the power of darkness by violating his priesthood.” (Millennial Star, Oct. 21, 1865)
“No man is authorized to teach to the Church new or advanced doctrines except the presidency thereof. Light comes from the head, and to that point must members of the Church look for knowledge and wisdom and doctrine and principle.” (Millennial Star, Apr. 15, 1878)
“The theology of our Church is the theology taught by Jesus Christ and his apostles, the theology of scripture and reason.” (Improvement Era, May 1907)
“Our doctrines are open to the world. They are not secret or clothed in mystery. We proclaim the pure gospel of Christ as revealed from heaven in these last days through the prophet of the nineteenth century, Joseph Smith. We invite all mankind to look into our teachings and promise all who obey them a witness of their truth by the power of the Holy Ghost, which makes men free indeed.” (Improvement Era, June 1911)
“[T]he theories, speculations, and opinions of men, however intelligent, ingenious, and plausible, are not necessarily doctrines of the Church or principles that God has commanded His servants to preach. No doctrine is a doctrine of this Church until it has been accepted as such by the Church, and not even a revelation from God should be taught to His people until it has first been approved by the presiding authority – the one through whom the Lord makes known His will for the guidance of the Saints as a religious body. The spirit of revelation may rest upon anyone, and teach him or her many things for personal comfort and instruction. But those are not doctrines of the Church, and however true, they must not be inculcated until proper permission is given.” (Joseph F. Smith to Lillie Golsan - July 16,1902)

Compare President Wilford Woodruff and Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the question of eternal progression:

"If there was a point where man in his progression could not proceed any further, the very idea would throw a gloom over every intelligent and reflecting mind. God himself is increasing and progressing in knowledge, power, and dominion, and will do so, worlds without end. It is just so with us. We are in a probation, which is a school of experience." (Wilford Woodruff, JD 6.120)
"Now may I suggest the list of heresies. Heresy one: There are those who say that God is progressing in knowledge and is learning new truths. This is false - utterly, totally, and completely. There is not one sliver of truth in it." (Bruce R. McConkie; Seven Deadly Heresies; Notice the condemnation of earlier men of higher church-rank then himself - including but not limited to Presidents/Prophets Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff.)

Jason Wallace: here, here, here and here

“The Art of Scripture and Scripture as Art: The Proclamation on the Family and the Expanding Canon” by Boyd Petersen and David Scott; found in The Expanded Canon

“The ‘Lectures on Faith’: A Case Study in Decanonization” by Richard Van Wagoner, Stephen C. Walker, and Allen D. Roberts

As A Thief in the Night by Daniel Erickson

The Millenarian World of Early Mormonism by Grant Underwood

Conflict In the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Power From on High; David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism by Gregory Prince

The Mormon Jesus; Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet by John Turner

Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right; The Mormon Church and Blacks by Matthew Harris

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

Political Deliverance: The Mormon Quest for Statehood by Edward Lyman

Christianity at the Crossroads by Michael Kruger

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

Out of Mormonism by Judy Robertson

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Core Christianity by Michael Horton

Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck

The Pastoral Epistles (NIGTC) by George Knight III

The Authority and Inspiration of the Scriptures by B.B. Warfield

God and Reason in the Middle Ages by Edward Grant

The Territories of Science and Religion; The Bible, Protestantism, and the Rise of Natural Science; Science Without God? Rethinking the History of Scientific Naturalism by Peter Harrison

The Rise of the Universities by Charles Haskins

Universities In the Middle Ages by Alan Cobban

The Savior of Science by Stanley Jaki

50. John Kauer on The Imputation Approach

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we interview the one and only John Kauer. Many will know him - and the rest of you soon will. He's been a staple here in Utah for many years!

The chapter discussed comes from the book Sharing the Good News with Mormons: Practical Strategies for Getting the Conversation Started, edited by Eric Johnson and Sean McDowell. John authored chapter 23: "Are You Considered As Good As Jesus? The Imputation-Approach"

1689 London Baptist Confession, chapter 11

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray

Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck

The Plan of Salvation by B.B. Warfield

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ by John Bunyan

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer

49. CFM: 1 and 2 Thessalonians

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: The Great Apostasy: How flexible is the Mormon narrative?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the forty-third lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Oct. 16-22) is titled “Perfect That Which Is Lacking in Your Faith” and covers 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Correction: Skyler misspoke and stated Official Declaration 1 was 1894-95, when it was 1890. This was a weird mistake (facepalm!). There was a manifesto given in 1895, but not this one!

Seminary Manual: here, here and here

True To the Faith: A Gospel Reference

Preach My Gospel

“The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

Jesus The Christ; The Great Apostasy by James Talmage

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Russell Nelson statement: “If you think the Church is fully restored, you’re just seeing the beginning...”

“The Ongoing Restoration” by LeGrand Curtis, Jr.

“Apostasy and Restoration” (Dallin Oaks)

When the Lights Went Out by Hugh Nibley

The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil by H. Verlan Andersen

The Inevitable Apostasy by Ted R. Callister: "If there had been significant righteousness among the Saints, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles would have continued." (p. 46)

In the LDS temple endowment ceremony before 1990 - Lucifer (or Satan) states that he would "buy up...popes and priests". Then, there was a scene where Lucifer hires a minister (thus, a "hireling of Satan") who is interviewed to make sure he's been to school - and then, Lucifer has him promote "the orthodox religion" (including a God "without body, parts, or passions") to Adam/Eve. Lucifer tells the minister that he will pay him well for conversions. (here, here, here, here) Thus, Talmage’s use of this phrase would have a powerful meaning to his LDS temple-endowed readers.

Joseph Smith claimed: "I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam...Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet..." (HC 6:408; here)

“What Latter-Day Saints get wrong about the ‘Great Apostasy’” by Peggy Fletcher Stack

“Not Your Parents’ Apostasy and Restoration” by Michael Austin

Ancient Christians: An Introduction for Latter-day Saints, edited by Jason Combs, et al.

The Millenarian World of Early Mormonism by Grant Underwood

“New Light on Mormon Origins from Palmyra (N.Y.) Revival” by Wesley Walters

“LDS Church Authority and New Plural Marriages, 1890-1904" by D. Michael Quinn (also here)

Conflict In the Quorum by Gary Bergera

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

The Politics of American Religious Identity by Kathleen Flake

Standing Apart edited by Miranda Wilcox and John Young

Justification Reconsidered by Stephen Westerholm

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

1-2 Thessalonians (IVP NTCS); The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale

The Man of Sin; A Case for Amillennialism by Kim Riddlebarger

The Reformation as Renewal by Matthew Barrett

All That is in God by James Dolezal (also here, here)

Luther and His Times by E.G. Schwiebert

Roger Williams: Church and State by Edmund Morgan

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen

The Territories of Science and Religion by Peter Harrison

The Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark

How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization by Thomas Woods

From Icons to Idols by David Davis

48. CFM: Philippians and Colossians

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: The Only God Incarnate: The One and Only True Christ Jesus

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the forty-second lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Oct. 9-15) is titled “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me” and covers Philippians and Colossians.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Seminary Manual: here, here, here, and here

D&C 93; 132 ; JST Philippians 3.11: “resurrection of the just”

Joseph Smith: here and here

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” (Jeffrey Holland)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

What Mormons Think of Christ (official pamphlet)

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

Jesus The Christ; Articles of Faith by James Talmage

A Rational Theology by John A. Widtsoe

Brigham Young: JD 4.218; 11. 268; 1.49-51

Orson Pratt: JD 18.290

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

The Person of Jesus; Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here)

The Forgotten Trinity by James White (also here)

Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett (also here)

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

Philippians by Moises Silva

Colossians and Philemon; The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale

Christianity and Classical Culture by Jaroslav Pelikan

The Person of Christ by Phillip Schaff

47. CFM: Ephesians

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Who is Sovereign? Man's Foreseen Use of Agency vs. God's Predestining Election

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the forty-first lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Oct. 2-8) is titled “For the Perfecting of the Saints” and covers Ephesians.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Seminary Manual: here, here, here, here, and here

2 Ne 2; 2 Ne 25.23; Alma 13; Mor. 10.32 ; Moses 4; Abraham 3.19-22; D&C 27.13; 93; 132

“Foreordination”; “Agency” ; “Agency and Responsibility”

"Patriarchal Blessing"; "Jesus Christ Chosen As Savior"

Gospel Principles: here and here

Joseph Smith: here and here

The Words of Joseph Smith, wherein Smith taught that “unconditional election of individuals to eternal life was not taught by the apostles” (pp. 74, 189)

“The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner” (Ezra Taft Benson)

“Gathering the Family of God” (Henry Eyring)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

The Epistle to the Ephesians (BYU NT Commentary) by Kent Jackson

Lectures on Faith

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen; The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil by H. Verlan Andersen

Eternal Man Truman Madsen

Achieving A Celestial Marriage manual

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie; wherein he states that people are “chosen” to become Christ’s sheep in the premortal world “because of their pre-existent training, election, and foreordination.” (p.291)

Brigham Young: JD 10:5;10.324

Orson Hyde: JD 4. 259f

Elder (then future president/prophet) Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: “Under [premortal] conditions it was natural for our father to discern and choose those who were most worthy and elevate the talents of each individual. He knew not only what each of us could do, but also what each of us would do when put to the test and when responsibility was given us. Then, when the time came for our habitation on mortal earth, all things were prepared and the servants of the Lord chosen and ordained to their respective missions.” (The Way to Perfection, pp.50-51)

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus: A New Look at the Joseph Smith Papyri by Charles Larson (also here and here and here)

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? By Sandra and Jerald Tanner

Religion of a Different Color by W. Paul Reeve (Note that the premortal explanation for the priesthood and temple ban for black people did not come from Brigham Young but was a later development.)

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

Ephesians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Clinton Arnold

Ephesians by Charles Hodge

What Is Faith?; Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (also here)

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J. I. Packer

Core Christianity; For Calvinism by Michael Horton (also here)

The Ascension of Christ by Patrick Schreiner

Prepositions and Theology in the Greek New Testament by Murray Harris

“When Paul speaks of Christians’ spiritual identification with Christ, he can say, ‘God has enthroned us with him [Jesus] in the heavenly realms’ (Eph 2:6), but significantly he does not add ‘at his right hand...,’ a phrase that is applied to Christ in a comparable statement in Eph 1:20. Christ’s exalted status cannot be shared. Angels stand or fall down in worship in God’s presence (1 Ki 22:19; Rev 4:10); the enthroned Son sits.” (p. 107)

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther

The Potter’s Freedom by James White (also here and here)

The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale

Adopted into God’s Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor (NSBT) by Trevor Burke

46. CFM: Galatians

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: There Is No Other Gospel

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the fortieth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (September 25-October 1) is titled “Walk in the Spirit” and covers Galatians.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Correction: Paul doesn't use the word "heresy", here - but the concept. In other words, heresy comes from inside the community. The Galatian Heresy is worthy of "cursing" and being cast out, including those who are being seduced by the heresy if they won't be corrected. For Christians, (of course) all heresy is error - but not all error is heresy. From the Christian position: Is Mormonism a heresy, or so fundamentally different as to not be accurately identified as a heresy? The Galatian heresy arose within the church, but can it be accurately asserted that the teachings of Joseph Smith or Russell Nelson do?

Seminary Manual: Here, here, and here

3 Nephi 27.13-21 ; Moses 1.39 ; Articles of Faith (no. 4)

D&C 76.51-59; 84.33-44; 131.1-4; 132

True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges; e.g.

"In this chapter [1] we learn that the prophesied great apostasy is already under way."
In Galatians 2 - Peter and Paul "disagreed on a basic matter of church policy"; that's all it was, a policy difference.
on 2.16, Justified is defined/explained as "brought into full harmony with God."
on 3.21: "If properly understood, the Law of Moses was designed as a 'schoolmaster law' to point the people's minds toward Christ and His great last sacrifice in opening the door of exaltation to all...In other words, the children of Israel were so far into wickedness that it was impossible to give them a law high enough to bring them exaltation at that point in their lives."
on 4.9 - "known God": "Now that you know about the plan of salvation brought by Christ" - and no comment after "or rather are known by God".
on 6.7-9, excerpts of his comments are: "Whatever you plant, you will harvest. In other words, you will be rewarded on judgment day for how you live. This is known as the 'Law of the Harvest.'...He who plants or lives according to the worldly desires of the flesh will receive the punishments of God for his corrupt lifestyle...But those who 'plant righteousness will harvest a reward for exaltation, in other words, eternal life...Let's not get tired of doing good, thus living the Gospel...When the tine comes to be judged, we will harvest a reward of eternal life...if we don't give up and quit living the gospel."

“Salvation” (Alma Burton)

The Words of Joseph Smith (compiled and edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook); e.g. pp. 365-372, 12 May 1844 (Friday Morning). Temple Stand; also see HC 6.363-367, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 364-368)

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

The Apostle Paul: His Life and His Testimony (notice the index entry for “Gospel”)

Statements of the LDS First Presidency: A Topical Compendium (compiled by Gary Bergera)

“The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that man is eternal – that he lived as a spirit before he came to Earth, and that after death he will be resurrected and will dwell in a place determined by how he kept his mortal estate. Every man may choose for himself whether or not he wishes to live forever with God, or be cast out of His presence. One of the principles of the gospel is that the family will continue as an eternal unit. Where true love exists between husband and wife, it is most comforting to know that through a special ordinance in the holy temple a man and wife are sealed for time and all eternity, and the children born of that union will be them forever. How glorious!” (pp.182-183; N. Eldon Tanner, “First Presidency Message”, Ensign, Oct. 1978)
“We also declare that the gospel of Jesus Christ, restored to His Church in our day, provides the only way to a mortal life of happiness and a fullness of joy forever. For those who have not received this gospel, the opportunity will come to them in the life hereafter if not in this life.” (“Statement of the First Presidency Regarding God’s Guidance to All Mankind”, Feb. 15,1978)
“In general, the gospel may be said to consist of all truth secular and religious, for any truth can contribute to progression and improvement. In the sense in which it is used most frequently in the scriptures, however, the word gospel is ‘the power of God unto salvation for every one that believeth’ (Rom. 1:16). It consists of all the principles, laws, covenants, ordinances, and truths that will secure exaltation in the celestial kingdom for those who believe and obey.” (p. 183; Principles, 1976)

Speaking of the temple endowment, President/Prophet Howard W. Hunter stated that it “consists of two parts: first, a series of instructions, and second, promises or covenants that the person receiving the endowment makes – promises to live righteously and comply with the requirements of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Lectures on Faith (esp. 7)

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil by H. Verlan Andersen

Eternal Man by Truman Madsen

“The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent” (Jeffrey Holland)

“Dear Are the Sheep That Have Wandered” (James Faust)

Brigham Young: Sermon, July 19, 1857; JD 1.93; 11.216; 11.269

Wilford Woodruff: JD 22.209; 23.329-330

Joseph F. Smith: JD 20.29

Orson Pratt: JD 18.293

George Q. Cannon: JD 25.290

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

Power From on High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood by Gregory Prince

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson by Courtney Anderson

Christianity and Liberalism; Notes on Galatians by J. Gresham Machen

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

No Place For Truth; God In the Whirlwind; The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells

“Tithing”; “Fasting and Fast Offerings”

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham); Sin and the Fall (D.A. Carson)

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) by Thomas Schreiner

Interpreting Galatians by Moises Silva

Promise, Law, Faith by T. David Gordon

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

Justification Reconsidered by Stephen Westerholm

Cracking the New Perspective on Paul by Robert Cara

The Doctrine Upon Which the Church Stands or Falls: Justification in Biblical, Theological, Historical, and Pastoral Perspective, edited by Matthew Barrett

One With Christ: An Evangelical Theology of Salvation by Marcus Peter Johnson

45. CFM: 2 Corinthians 8-13

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Church Finances, Testing Apostles, and the Gap between Claim and Results

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirty-ninth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (September 18-24) is titled “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver” and covers 2 Corinthians 8-13.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Correction: Skyler overstated a point on "tithing settlement" meetings. The main point is surely for the LDS to be in the position of being able to demonstrate that one has been a faithful and *full* tithe payer, if need be. In some cases Sky had heard about, this has included actually demonstrating it. However, in the manual - what is standard is more of the "honor system", in terms of what is declared as the correct amount to tithe, on the part of the church member. The General Manual can be found here. Keep in mind that not only is being a full tithe-payer a requirement for temple worthiness and attendance, but that has been coupled with dire warnings of not obeying this command. An obvious example would be LDS apostle Bruce R. McConkie's entry in Mormon Doctrine on tithing wherein he not only includes a warning (citing D&C 64) that "he that is tithed shall not be burned" at the Second Coming, but that "[b]y this principle it shall be known who is for the kingdom of God and who is against it" (citing President/prophet Joseph F. Smith). It is sometimes a real phenomenon, however bizarre it may sound, that among some members who are basically inactive (even unworthy) in the church, they still sometimes continue to pay tithing to the LDS church.

Note: We mentioned President Lorenzo Snow in this episode. Keep in mind, he was not only the brother-in-law to Joseph Smith by one of Smith’s plural wives – but is credited with the famous Mormon maxim (really, “the core belief of LDS”): “As man now is, God once was; As God now is, man may be.”

Seminary Manual: here, here, and here

I wish we had had more time to cover their coverage of 1 Cor. 13 – but the audio clip we shared was the actual quotation that they include in the lesson under the question: Are prophets infallibe? The source is called “Prophets”, and was the keynote address during the 2021 BYU Women’s Conference, given July 13,2021 by Sheri Dew. Notice the misquote in the manual. Also notice the weaponized ambiguity when it comes to the distinction between honest questions and “criticizing” the leadership of the LDS church.

Mormon 1.13; Mormon 9. 15-19; Moroni 10; 3 Nephi 27.13-21; D&C 46.8; D&C 64. 23-25; D&C 82.10; D&C 88.21-22; D&C 105.5; D&C 119; D&C 129; D&C 130.20-21

“It Works Wonderfully!”; “Waiting on the Road to Damascus” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

“Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains” (Russell Nelson)

“The Power of Sustaining Faith” (Henry Eyring); Note his inclusion of a quote by George Q. Cannon.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 203-207, 214, 270-271, 301, 304-305

Smith also stated: “As Paul boasted, I have suffered more than Paul did. I should be like a fish out of water if I were out of persecutions. Perhaps my brethren think it requires all this to keep me humble. The Lord has constituted me so curiously that I glory in persecution. I am not nearly so humble as if I were not persecuted.” (WJS, p. 202)

LDS General Handbook, underneath the over-arching Section: “God’s Plan and Your Role in His Work of Salvation and Exaltation”- and right after the subsection “Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ” - there is 1.2.2. Caring for Those in Need; also see 34. Finances and Audits

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges;

One comment from Ridges we weren’t able to include was his comment on 11.1-4 where he states: “We ‘marry’ ourselves to Him, by making and keeping gospel covenants, and thus ensure that we will be with Him in celestial exaltation forever.”

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

“Our Divine Constitution”; “Constitution: A Heavenly Banner” (Ezra Taft Benson

This should be understood more clearly as part of Benson’s very public denunciation of government-welfare programs, a detail not mentioned (let alone interacted with) in the manual. See, e.g. Benson’s Proper Role of Government and The Red Carpet
See Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right by Matthew Harris

Statements of the LDS First Presidency (compiled by Gary Bergera), e.g.: "Fasting is a form of self denial for self mastery. It is a physical sacrifice for spiritual blessing. All Saints should be urged to observe the fast day and enjoy the blessings to be derived thereby. In general, fasting means abstaining from two consecutive meals and taking neither food nor drink into the body." (Helps and Suggestions, 1956, p.159)

A Rational Theology by John A. Widtsoe

Brigham Young: JD 12.115-116; 9.149-150

Heber C. Kimball: JD 4.294

Franklin D. Richards: JD 26.299

It’s hard to compare Jesus’ teachings on wealth and the rich with this – allegedly coming from the one true and living church of Jesus Christ.

Financial stuff, e.g.: here, here , here and here

Numbers, in general, e.g.: here, here, here

Mormonism and the Magic Worldview; The Mormon Hierarchy: Wealth and Corporate Power by D. Michael Quinn

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

Going Clear; see also the book Going Clear by Lawrence Wright

Justin Peters’ plea to Kenneth Copeland

American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell

Alma 42.13, 25; Mormon 9.19

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

What Is Faith?; Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

2 Corinthians (NIV Application Commentary) by Scott Hafemann

“An Earnest Plea to LDS”; “An Earnest Plea to Charismatics” (Jason Wallace)

The Gospel According to John; How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Evil and Suffering; The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D.A. Carson (and here)

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity; Recovering Our Sanity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

“’For Whenever I am Weak, Then I Am Strong’: Disability in Paul’s Epistles” by Martin Albl (Found in This Abled Body: Rethinking Disabilities in Biblical Studies, ed. By Hector Avalos, et al.)

Francis of Assisi and His World by Mark Galli (also here and here)

Religion and the Rise of Christianity by Benjamin Friedman

Property and Riches in Early Christianity by Martin Hengel

The Rise of Christianity; The Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark

Poverty in the Theology of John Calvin by Bonnie Pattison

Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen

On the Road with Saint Augustine by James K.A. Smith

44. CFM: 2 Corinthians 1-7

Mon, 11 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Reconciliation: a Gift Received from God, or a Goal to Earn as one?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirty-eighth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (September 11-17) is titled "Be Ye Reconciled to God” and covers 2 Corinthians 1-7.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Seminary Manual: here, here, here

Gospel Principles: here and here

“Waiting on the Lord” (Jeffrey Holland); and notice that in the quotation we included, he is building on a previous LDS apostle, Neal Maxwell.

Also see Brigham Young: JD 8.31

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer Kimball

See also here, here and here

“The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness” (Kevin Duncan)

A Gospel Trilogy by Cleon Skousen

“The Power of the Book of Mormon in Conversion” (Benjamin M.Z.); wherein he includes a quote from Elder Bednar stating that: “Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion”, followed by the statement - “Conversion requires us to be ‘doers of the word, and not hearers only’. The Lord’s action plan for use – the doctrine of Christ – is taught most clearly in the Book of Mormon” followed by a to-do list.

“Justification and Sanctification” (D. Todd Christofferson)

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

A few of his interpretations that we failed to mention include:

2 Cor. 4.10, on the line “that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body”: “That, through our faithfulness, we might be resurrected to eternal life with Christ.”
On the JST 2 Cor. 4.15 - where Joseph Smith added two commas, neither of which alter the meaning significantly, he states: “Just another reminder that Joseph Smith paid very close attention to detail as he worked on the JST.”
2 Cor. 4.17, on the phrase “eternal weight of glory”, he states: “Exaltation in the Kingdom of God; see D&C 132.16”.
2 Cor. 7.10, on the phrase “to salvation”, he states: “and thus obtain exaltation”.
On JST 2 Cor. 5.18, on the phrase “and receiveth all the things of God”, he stated: “...all that my Father hath shall be given unto him”, D&C 84.36; In other words, exaltation”.
2 Cor. 5.20, on the phrase “Be ye reconciled to God”- he states: “Be brought into harmony with the Father through the Atonement of Christ”.

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

Christianity and Liberalism; What is Faith?; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Simply Trinity; None Greater by Matthew Barrett

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

All That Is in God by James Dolezal (also here, here and here)

American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell

Justification Reconsidered by Stephen Westerholm

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray

How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Evil and Suffering; The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D.A. Carson (and here)

2 Corinthians (NIV Application Commentary) by Scott Hafemann

Unpacking Forgiveness by Chris Brauns

Embodying Forgiveness by L. Gregory Jones

When Grace Comes Alive by Terry Johnson

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

JST 1 Cor. 15; JSH 1.7-8; Abraham 3.19-25

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

Common Grace and the Gospel by Cornelius Van Til

Living In Union with Christ by Grant Macaskill

Union with the Resurrected Christ by G.K. Beale

The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale:

It was interesting to me that the LDS curriculum neglected the temple passages and themes in this epistle, entirely. G.K. Beale covers it showing that for Paul, in both Corinthian epistles, teaches/assumes that “the church [is] the actual beginning fulfillment of the end-time temple prophesied in the Old Testament...he compares the church to a temple because he understands it to be the inaugurated fulfillment of the expected latter-day temple.” (p.253)

“...Paul is not merely making an analogy between a temple idea and that of Christians, but that Christians are the beginning fulfillment of the actual prophecy of the end-time temple.” (p.254)

“Intriguingly, Ezekiel 11:16 says that when Israel was in captivity God ‘was a sanctuary for them a little while in the countries where they had gone’! This assertion is made in direct connection with Ezekiel 10:18, in which ‘the glory of the Lord departed from the threshold of the temple’ in Jerusalem (Ezek. 10:18; similarly, Ezek. 11.23). It is likely not coincidental that God’s glorious presence departed from the temple and then is said to be with the remnant, who have gone into captivity. His presence would return with the restored people and would once again take up residence in another temple. It is likely that this did not occur in the second temple that was built after Israel’s return. God’s tabernacling presence expressed itself in the coming of Christ, who ‘tabernacled among’ Israel, and they ‘beheld his glory’ (John 1:14). Those who identify with Christ become like the Corinthians, part of the true temple.” (p. 255)

“Christ and his people have become what the microcosmic symbolism of the old temple foreshadowed...Christ initially fulfilled the temple promise (cf.1:20), and the readers participate in that fulfillment also, as they are ones ‘having these promises’ (7:1).

The curriculum, of course, skips over the language of the new temple being one “not made with hands” - and Beale discusses this phrase as Paul uses it in 5.1. This is just, initially, the most obvious point which should signal to the reader that this cannot be a basis for a future temple made with hands, let alone hundreds - to say nothing of the myriad theological differences in purpose and practice.

Beale ends on a note worth including: “The manner by which glory grows in the temple is rather ironic: it is as the believer perseveres through suffering. God’s glorious ‘power is perfected in weakness’ (2 Cor. 12.9). In fact, this increasing glory through the weakness of the true, visible church is the growth of the temple itself. As Christians trust God in the midst of trial and their own weaknesses, God make his glory shine in us. God has designed that ‘we have this treasure’ of his glory shine in us. God has designed that ‘we have this treasure’ of his glory ‘in earthen [weak] vessels in order that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves’ (2 Cor. 4:6b-7).” (p.259)

43. CFM: 1 Corinthians 14-16

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Baptisms for the Dead: Hell(?), Trichotomy, and the Celestials

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirty-seventh lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (September 4-10) is titled “God Is Not the Author of Confusion, but of Peace” and covers 1 Corinthians 14-16.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here and/or here.

Seminary Manual: here, here and here

D&C 19; 29; 63.50; 76; 88; 93; 101; 124; 131; 132; 133

1 Ne 15.35; 2 Ne 28.21-23; Mosiah 3.38-39; Alma 1.3-4, 5, 34.32-35, 41; 3 Ne. 27.11-17

"A Vindication of Imputation: On Fields of Discourse and Semantic Fields" by D. A. Carson

Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service (Basically, the textbook for LDS missionaries)

Achieving a Celestial Marriage (Student Manual); In a dialogue format underneath the headings "God became God by Obedience to Law" and then "Through Obedience to Law We can Become Like Our Father In Heaven":

"...I can be a god only if I act like God."
"Exactly right. Can you imagine the state of the universe if imperfect gods were allowed to spawn their imperfections throughout space, if beings who did not have law under their subjection were free to create worlds?" (p. 5)

“The Atonement” (Russell Nelson)

“Our Mission of Saving”; “Rejoice in this Great Era of Temple Building” (Gordon Hinckley)

“Baptisms for the Dead” (Gospel Topics); “Three Facts about Temple Baptisms” by Leah Barton

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith ; Words of Joseph Smith

“On 10 August 1840 Seymour Brunson, member of the Nauvoo High Council, died in Nauvoo. The Prophet took the occasion of his funeral, on 15 August 1840 to deliver the first discourse on the doctrine of baptism for the dead (See HC, 4.231)…He also said the apostle was talking to a people who understood baptism for the dead, for it was practiced among them. He went on to say that people could now act for their friends who had departed this life, and that the plan of salvation was calculated to save all who were willing to obey the requirements of the law of God.” (WJS, p. 49)
“When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel – you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” (TPJS, p. 348)
“The Bible supports the doctrine [of baptism for the dead]. If there is one word of the Lord that supports the doctrine, it is enough to make it true doctrine. Again, if we baptize a man in the name of the Father, [and] of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost for the remission of sins, it is just as much our privilege to act as an agent and be baptized for the remission of sins for and in behalf of our dead kindred who have not heard the gospel or fullness of it.” (WJS, pp. 109-110)
“Flesh and blood cannot go there, but flesh and bones, quickened by the Spirit of God, can...Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, or the kingdom that God inherits and inhabits, but the flesh without the blood, and the Spirit of God flowing in the veins instead of the blood. For blood is the part of the body that causes corruption. Therefore, we must be changed in the twinkle of an eye, or have to lay down these tabernacles and [let] the blood vanish away. Therefore, Jesus Christ left his blood to atone for the sins of the world, that he might ascend into the presence of the Father...The blood is the corruptible part of the tabernacles. The resurrection is devised to take away corruption and make man perfect, or in the glory [in] which he was created. For the body is sown in corruption and raised in incorruption. Then we will be able to go into the presence of God.” (WJS, p. 255, 370-371)

Joseph Smith: here and here

History of the Church (vol.5), quoting Joseph Smith:

Under the heading “Salvation Through Knowledge”: “Add to your faith knowledge, etc. The principle of knowledge is the principle of salvation. This principle can be comprehended by the faithful and diligent; and every one that does not obtain knowledge sufficient to be saved will be condemned. The principle of salvation is given us through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Salvation is nothing more nor less than to triumph over all our enemies and put them under our feet. And when we have power to put all enemies under our feet in this world, and a knowledge to triumph over all evil spirits in the world to come, then we are saved, as in the case of Jesus, who was to reign until He had put all enemies under His feet, and the last enemy was death. Perhaps there are principles here that few men have thought of. No person can have this salvation except through a tabernacle.” (p. 387-388)
“Paul ascended into the third heavens, and he could understand the three principal rounds of Jacob’s ladder – the telestial, the terrestrial, and the celestial glories or kingdoms, where Paul saw and heard things which were not lawful for him to utter. I could explain a hundred fold more than I ever have of the glories of the kingdoms manifested to me in the vision, were I permitted, and were the people prepared to receive them.” (p. 402; Note that Smith, and a few of his apologists try to connect what Smith adds to the text of 1 Cor. 15 – namely, telestial – to the third heaven Paul mentions in 2 Cor. 12.2; yet Joseph Smith also stated: “Paul saw the third heaven, and I more.” TPJS, p. 301)
“I see no faults in the Church, and therefore let me be resurrected with the Saints, whether I ascend to heaven or descend to hell, or go to any other place. And if we go to hell, we will turn the devils out of doors and make a heaven of it. Where this people are, there is good society. What do we care where we are, if the society be good?” (p. 517)

The LDS First Presidency has stated that: “To the Latter-day Saints, salvation itself, under the Atonement of Christ, is a process of education.” (Improvement Era, May 1907) cited on pg. 128 of Statements of the LDS First Presidency: A Topical Compendium (compiled by Gary Bergera); also:

“This life is part of eternity. This is one stage of our eternal lives. When we die, we will go on to purposeful, active, challenging living. The life on the other side of the veil will be somewhat like the life here. If we have been clean and decent and good here, we will go on in that same spirit. If we have been rascals, we will go in that same spirit.” (Gordon B. Hinckley. “First Presidency Message”, Ensign, Apr. 2002; p. 112)
“Even before the fall of Adam, which ushered death in this world, our Heavenly Father had prepared a place for the spirits who would eventually depart this mortal life. At the time of Jesus’ death, the spirit world was occupied by hosts of our Father’s children who had died – from Adam’s posterity to the death of Jesus – both the righteous and wicked. There were two grand divisions in the world of spirits. Spirits of the righteous (the just) had gone to paradise, a state of happiness, peace, and restful work. The spirits of the wicked (the unjust) had gone to prison, a state of darkness and misery (see Alma 40:12-15). Jesus went only to the righteous – paradise.” (Ezra Taft Benson, “First Presidency Message”, Ensign, Apr. 1993; p. 112)
“Say to brothers Hulet, and to all others, that the Lord never authorized them to say that the devil, his angels or the sons of perdition, should ever be restored; for their state of destiny was not revealed to man, is not revealed, nor ever shall be revealed, save to those who are made partakers thereof; consequently those who teach this doctrine have not received it of the Spirit of the Lord.” (Statement, June 25, 1833; p. 428)

A Rational Theology (esp. Chapter 28: Work For the Dead); Evidences and Reconciliation by John A. Widtsoe: “President Brigham Young suggested that the ultimate punishment of the sons of perdition may be that they, having their spiritual bodies disorganized, must start over again, must begin anew the long journey of existence, repeating the steps that they took in the eternities before the Great Council was held. That would be punishment indeed!” (p. 266)

Another quote by LDS apostle Widtsoe worth including: “All others, who are not classed as sons of perdition, will be ‘redeemed in the due time of the Lord’, that is, the will all be saved. The meanest sinner will find some place in the heavenly realm...In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there is no hell. All will find a measure of salvation,...The gospel of Jesus Christ has no hell in the old proverbial sense.” (Joseph Smith – Seeker After Truth, pp.177-178)

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson: “The gift is given, bringing the joy of gratitude. But what about the responsibilities of gratitude? Does one ever receive a gift without moral obligation? Does the Christian remain the polite child expressing verbal thanks only, or does he develop the maturity to show gratitude in action?” (p. 181); also see Appendix C.

Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians by Richard Draper and Michael Rhodes; even in a commentary on 1 Corinthians, you still find this kind of material when commenting on Paul’s(?) doctrine of the resurrection: “When this doctrine is properly understood and believed, death is put in its proper perspective. It is but a passage into the next phase of existence. The core belief of the Latter-day Saints was declared by President Lorenzo Snow who said, ‘As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be.’ Thus, the brethren place emphasis on the idea that God designed this mortal experience to be but a temporary but a necessary step into eternity and godhood.” (pp.70-71)

“Paul Among the Prophets: Obtaining a Crown” by Michael Middleton (found in The Apostle Paul: His Life and Ministry - The 23d Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium): “And indeed Paul addressed many subjects; he has not left those who read his writings ignorant of some of the most fundamental and glorious truths of the Restoration: the three degrees of glory (1 Corinthians 15:40-47), the teaching power of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 2:10-16), the purpose and continuity of the family unit (1 Corinthians 11:11), and baptism for the dead (1 Corinthians 15:29). He taught in plainness these and a host of other essential and exalting doctrines. The lack of vibrato with which he presented these concepts suggests that they were common knowledge to the Saints of his day. Many of these precious truths were distorted after Paul’s death but have been restored to their former fulness by latter-day revelation.” (pp. 121-122)

Mormonism and Early Christianity by Hugh Nibley (esp. Ch. 4: “Baptism for the Dead in Ancient Times”)

A Gospel Trilogy by W. Cleon Skousen

Brigham Young: JD 1.118; 1.275; 1.312; 2.124; 3.277; 3.375; 4.31-32; 6.293 ; 7.2-3; 7.287; 8.35;8.59-61 ; 8.154-155; 8.222; 9.149; 15.137

John Taylor: JD 13.14

Wilford Woodruff: JD 6.120; 23.125-126

Orson Pratt: JD 1.56-57; 1.332-333; 7.89; 15.51-52; 16.297, 16.328; 20.70

Heber C. Kimball: JD 1.161; 1.355-357; 3.109; 4.223; 4.329; 5.95; 6.63

George A. Smith: JD 15.99

“Who will be saved in the celestial kingdom of God? They that have the oracles of truth and obey them. Where will the rest go? Into kingdoms that God has and will prepare for them and there are millions of such kingdoms. There is as many degrees of glory as there are degrees of capacity and to them will be meted out according to their faith, and goodness and the truth that abides in them and according to the light God has imparted to them.” (The Essential Brigham Young, pp.139-140)

"Do we know what hell is? And where hell is? Who can point it out? In many instances where the apostles have been speaking and likewise Jesus in his communications to the people this earth is compared to hell. Well it is in one sense. If we find out really that hell is anything more or less than this earth, this wicked world, we shall find that it is banishment from the society and presence of Holy beings." (The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Vol. 1, pg. 1103)

Young stated in a "Discourse on Marriage" that women "are not accountable for the sins that are in the world." This is one of the places where the idea that there women cannot become "sons of perdition".

As an interesting example of a Mormon debate – David Ridges (cited above) has this to say under 15.4: “Just a quick comment about ‘rose again’ in verse 4, above. Once in a while, a student will see the word ‘again’ and start wondering if it means that Jesus had been resurrected previously on other earths and thus, was being resurrected ‘again’ here on our earth, after performing an atonement for us. Furthermore, some start wondering if Jesus gets born, crucified, and resurrected over and over on each of Father’s worlds. This is not true. The word ‘again’ simply means that Jesus became alive ‘again’ through the process of resurrection. We know from D&C 76.24, that the Atonement, which Jesus performed on our earth, works for all other worlds he has created or will create for the Father. He will never die again. Neither will we, once we have been resurrected – see Hebrews 9.27”

One can tell a lot about the beliefs of a community by their debates. The debate over the full divinity of Christ (leading to the Council of Nicaea) was a fundamentally monotheistic debate; and a debate over particulars within a framework doesn’t mean that the framework itself is debatable. This type of question that Ridges (who would know!) finds as enough of a “problem” to address in writing in this book helps to show the Mormon framework around both one who would take his view, and even a Mormon who would not take his view. Why Hebrews should settle the debate (in Ridges’ mind) is not stated – given how expendable the Bible is on any other Mormon doctrinal position. Also, watch for this double-standard: notice how Christian debates disprove any sort of Christian unity or any sort of truth claim within Christianity – but Mormon debates don’t do the same relative to their own unity and truth claims.

Relevant news article

"'What Has Become of Our Fathers?' Baptism for the Dead at Nauvoo" by M. Guy Bishop

“An Ambivalent Rejection: Baptism for the Dead and the Reorganized Church Experience” by Roger Launius

“Baptism for the Dead: Comparing RLDS and LDS Perspectives” (Grant Underwood)

“’Complexity and Richness’: Reenvisioning the Middle Ages for Mormon Historical Narratives” by Spencer Young

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

“This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell

1 Corinthians (ZECNT) by Paul Gardner

Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

St. Paul’s Corinth: Texts and Archaeology by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor

The Cross Before Constantine by Bruce Longenecker

Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics by William Dennison

Perspectives on Pentecost by Richard B. Gaffin

The Pauline Eschatology by Geerhardus Vos

Biblical Words and Their Meaning by Moises Silva

Exegetical Fallacies by D.A. Carson

“Living Rewards for Dead Apostles: ‘Baptised for the Dead’ in 1 Corinthians 15.29” by James Patrick

“Trichotomy: A Beachhead for Gnostic Influences” by Kim Riddlebarger

A footnote worth including by scholar Joachim Jeremias: "...much more reserve of judgment will have to exercised in ascribing an early date to Hellenistic influences on Christian baptismal doctrine and practice than is common now. Since 1 Cor. 15.29 is cited as the most striking evidence of Hellenistic influence on the baptismal practice in the Pauline churches, it may be mentioned that the interpretation of this passage as referring to vicarious baptism for persons who died unbaptized has, in my opinion, been refuted...M. Raeder...has convincingly shown that in the phrase [cites the Greek of vs. 29] (a) the [huper] has a final sense ('for the sake of so-and-so'), and (b) the the term [oy nekron] refers to dead Christians. We must accordingly translate 'What then are those people to do, who submit to baptism for the sake of the dead (i.e.) in order to be reunited in the resurrection with their dead relatives or friends who have received Christian baptism)?'...Take, for instance, a case in which a young woman belonging to the Church, and engaged to be married, died, and whose heathen bridegroom had himself baptized 'for her sake' - that is, in order to be united with her in the resurrection. This interpretation fits excellently into the context of the apologetic reflections of 1 Cor. 15.12-19, which Paul, after the digression of vv. 20-28, resumes in vv. 29-34. The apostle had said in v. 18 that if Christ were not risen 'they who are kinsmen (husbands, wives, lovers), who had themselves baptized in order to be united with them in the resurrection...If this interpretation is correct, then 'vicarious baptism' is to be deleted from the vocabulary of New Testament exegesis. The superstitious misuse of representative baptism for the dead, which was practiced in heretical circles since the end of the second century, did not arise about AD 50 in Corinth, only to be tolerated in silence by Paul, but arose from a gross misunderstanding of the (certainly very telegraphic) formulation of 1 Cor. 15.29." (IBITFFC, pp. 36-37)

42. CFM: 1 Corinthians 8-13

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Ignore the Shema, Rewrite the Scripture, and Earn More Gifts

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirty-sixth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (August 28-September 3) is titled “Ye Are the Body of Christ” and covers 1 Corinthians 8-13.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here.

Seminary Manual: here, here, here and here

D&C 76, 46, 131, 132; Moroni 7

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians by Richard Draper and Michael Rhodes

Joseph Smith: here and here

“The Challenge to Become” (Dallin Oaks)

“Celestial Marriage” (Russell Nelson)

Orson Pratt: JD 1.56, 16.295

Brigham Young: JD 8.142, 9.267-268, 10.324

Charles Penrose: JD 21.142-143

George Q. Cannon: JD 22.265

David Ridges (of CES/Institute, cited above, in a book being promoted by Deseret Book this current year: 2023) states in his commentary on 1 Cor. 8.4-6: "Before Paul continues to answer their questions about eating meat left over from pagan idol worship, he takes a minute to review the doctrine of plurality of gods with them. We know from D&C 132.19-20, that all who are worthy will become gods over their own worlds, and will send their own spirit offspring to those worlds to go through the same plan of salvation as we are going through here. Therefore, because of the success of the Father's plan, there are many gods in the universe. But there is only one Heavenly Father for us. Thus, Paul reminds these Corinthian saints that there actually are many gods out there...

The Prophet Joseph Smith tells us that the parenthesis in vserse 5, above, teach a marvelous doctrine; namely that there, indeed, are many gods. This reminds us that we can become gods. (By the way, Abraham Isaac and Jacob from our world have already become gods. See D&C 132.27. This would include their wives. See D&C 132.19-20). He taught that the word 'gods' in verse 5 does not refer to idols or, in other words, heathen gods."

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

Jason Wallace: An Earnest Plea to Charismatics; The Vanishing Lamanites; The Bible vs. Bart Ehrman; The Magical Mormon Scriptures

Spiritual Gifts by Thomas Schreiner

Perspectives on Pentecost by Richard Gaffin

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

The Forgotten Trinity by James White

Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

1 Corinthians (ZECNT) by Paul Gardner

Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

St. Paul’s Corinth: Texts and Archaeology by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor

The Cross Before Constantine by Bruce Longenecker

Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics by William Dennison

“Epistemological Reflections on 1 Corinthians 2.6-16” by Richard B. Gaffin

The Pauline Eschatology by Geerhardus Vos

Biblical Words and Their Meaning by Moises Silva

Exegetical Fallacies by D.A. Carson

41. CFM: 1 Corinthians 1-7

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Unity and Epistemology; Are feelings and experience enough?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirty-fifth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Aug. 21-27) is titled “Be Perfectly Joined Together” and covers 1 Corinthians 1-7.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here.

Correction: The George Albert Smith quote was from Elder George A. Smith who was an early Mormon apostle, not President George Albert Smith who was the eighth president of the church. The one quoted was a Mormon apostle and member of the LDS First Presidency from 1839 until his death in 1875. President George Albert Smith was president of the LDS church from 1945-1951.

The mentioned and recommended article by Matthew Emadi is “What Do Mormons Believe About God?” These differences are super important, especially given some recent examples of obfuscation.

Seminary Manual: here, here, and here

Note the cited GA quotation in the first lesson: “If we build our foundation on Jesus Christ, we cannot fall! As we endure faithfully to the end, God will help us establish our lives upon His rock, ‘and the gates of hell shall not prevail against [us]’ (D&C 10:69).” One cannot help but notice a) the citation, not of Matthew, but of the D&C; and b) If that was not true of the very church Jesus was speaking of originally (due to the coming apostasy), is this really the best verse for assurance to the members who believe that very failed church had to be restored 1800 years later?

“The Candle of the Lord” ; “The Mantle Is Far Far Greater Than the Intellect” (Boyd K. Packer)

“How To Learn By the Spirit” (Richard G. Scott)

“The Charted Course of the Church in Education” (J. Reuben Clark)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians by Richard Draper and Michael Rhodes

Joseph Smith: here and here

George Albert Smith: JD 3.25

Wilford Woodruff: JD 18.188

Orson Pratt: JD 1.294

Charles W. Penrose: JD 26.23

John Taylor: JD 21.346; JD 8.97

Brigham Young: JD 1.3; JD 17.155

George Q. Cannon: JD 22.324

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus by Charles Larson (also: here, here, and here, here)

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (also: here)

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Watchman on the Tower by Matthew Harris

Lying For the Lord – The Paul H. Dunn Stories by Lynn Packer

An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer

The Mound Builder Myth: Fake History and the Hunt for a “Lost White Race” by Jason Colavito

Quest for the Gold Plates by Stan Larson

“The Secret Mormon Meetings of 1922” by Shannon Caldwell Montez

Jason Wallace: Temples Made With Hands?;The Magical Mormon Scriptures; Was The Burning in Your Bosom From God?; The Vanishing Lamanites; After Mormonism...Now What?; The Bible vs. Bart Ehrman

Justification Reconsidered by Stephen Westerholm

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (also here and here)

See also Machen’s fantastic book What Is Faith? (also here)

The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G.K. Beale

A Peculiar Glory by John Piper

1 Corinthians (ZECNT) by Paul Gardner

Paul Through Mediterranean Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

St. Paul’s Corinth: Texts and Archaeology by Jerome Murphy-O'Connor

The Cross Before Constantine by Bruce Longenecker

Paul’s Two-Age Construction and Apologetics by William Dennison

“Epistemological Reflections on 1 Corinthians 2.6-16” by Richard B. Gaffin

The Pauline Eschatology by Geerhardus Vos

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen Meyer (also here and here)

On the Reliability of the Old Testament by Kenneth Kitchen

Interpreting Eden by Vern Poythress

The Territories of Human Reason by Alister McGrath

Jesus and the Eyewitnesses by Richard Bauckham (also here)

Jesus and His World by Craig Evans

The Historical Jesus of the Gospels by Craig Keener

Christianity at the Crossroads; The Heresy of Orthodoxy by Michael Kruger (also here)

Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

40. CFM: Romans 7-16

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: New Perspective(s): Justification(s), adoption(s) - and "then shall they be gods"

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirty-fourth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Aug. 14-20) is titled "Overcome Evil With Good" and covers Romans 7-16.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here.

*Correction - - at 32:04, Skyler obviously misspoke very badly and meant to say (as the context makes clear): "Nobody's saying that God was once a man" or “Nobody’s saying that God was once a man who became God.” Some disputing the full divinity of Jesus still comes out of a monotheistic assumption which all forms of Mormonism deny.

**Correction - - George Foot Moore was a Presbyterian, and was a "Jewish scholar"...meaning to say: a scholar of Judaism. In terms of influence, his work in 1920's didn't seem to have the impact that E.P. Sanders would later in his book Paul and Palestinian Judaism (1977).

D&C 20; 50.26-28; 76.92-95; 84.38; 88.107; 132.19-21; Abraham 3

Seminary Manual: here, here and here, here, here

Gospel Principles: here

“Justification and Sanctification” (D. Todd Christofferson)

“The Challenge to Become” (Dallin Oaks)

“Hearts Knit In Righteousness and Unity” (Quentin Cook); look for the citation The Life and Work of St. Paul by Frederic Farrar (1898); also his complete lack of quoting from the actual text of the “profound epistle” - yet, his citation of the LDS heading (which disagrees with the actual text of Romans) as if it were the actual text of Romans.

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Achieving A Celestial Marriage manual

Joseph Smith: here and here; also The Words of Joseph Smith, edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook

Jesus the Christ by James Talmage

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

“Becoming Like God” (Gospel Topics Essays)

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

Exploring Mormon Thought: The Problems with Theism and the Love of God by Blake Ostler

“Latter-day Saint Perceptions of Jewish Apostasy in the Time of Jesus” by Matthew Grey

Alfred Edersheim: Jewish Scholar for the Mormon Prophets by Marianna Edwards Richardson

The Apostle Paul: His Life and His Testimony (Sidney B. Sperry Symposium on the New Testament); esp. “Hebrew Concepts of Adoption and Redemption in the Writings of Paul” by Jennifer Clark Lane

Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right by Matthew L. Harris

The New Testament: A Translation for Latter-day Saints by Thomas Wayment (published by Deseret Book), pg. 266:

Footnote on Romans 1, vss. 26-27: “These verses have become one of the primary pieces of evidence for the discussion of homosexuality in the New Testament. In Paul’s day, pederasty and other abhorrent sexual practices were more common, particularly in accusations made by religious individuals against foreign religious cults. It is therefore unclear that Paul is condemning the practice of homosexuality but instead may be condemning what he perceives to be strange and foreign sexual practices such as pederasty. From such scant evidence, it remains unclear what actions Paul had in mind here, but it is obviously abhorrent to him.”

Some Joseph Smith quotes on these passages:

“We need not doubt the wisdom and intelligence of the great Jehovah. He will award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several deserts, their means of obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed, and facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information, and his inscrutable designs in relation to the human family. And when the designs of God shall be made manifest and the curtain of futurity be withdrawn, we shall all of us eventually have to confess that the Judge of all the earth has done right...To say that the heathen would be damned because they did not believe the gospel would be preposterous. And to say that the Jews would be damned that do not believe in Jesus would be equally absurd...Consequently, neither Jew nor heathen can be culpable for rejecting the conflicting opinions of sectarianism, nor for rejecting any testimony but that which is sent of God...”
“No man can attain to the joint heirship with Jesus Christ without being administered to by one having the same power and authority of Melchizedek.”
“To become a joint heir of the heirship of the Son, [one] must put away all [one’s] traditions.”
“[It is] to inherit the same power [and] exaltation, until you ascend the throne of eternal power, same as those who are gone before.”
“What is it? To inherit the same glory, power, and exaltation, with those who are gone before.”
“[You will] enjoy the same rise, exaltation, and glory, until you arrive at the station of a God.”
“The scripture says those who will obey the commandments shall be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.”

MRM (Romans): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

MRM (Becoming Like God): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris

Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray

The Letter to the Romans (NICNT) by Douglas Moo

Father, Son, and Spirit in Romans 8: The Roman Reception of Paul’s Trinitarian Theology by Ron Fay

Adopted into God’s Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor (NSBT) by Trevor Burke

We Become What We Worship; Union with the Resurrected Christ by G.K. Beale

Knowing God; Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by JI Packer

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Confessions by St. Augustine

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Text and Hermeneutics by Robert Gagnon

Reformed Forum: here, and here

Jason Wallace: here and here ; An Earnest Plea to LDS

The Victorian “Lives of Jesus” by Daniel L. Pals

“Christian Writers on Judaism” by George Foot Moore

In response to the New Perspective on Paul: Here; here; here and here

Cracking the Foundation of the New Perspective on Paul: Covenantal Nomism versus Reformed Covenantal Theology by Robert Cara

Perspectives Old and New on Paul: The "Lutheran" Paul and His Critics by Stephen Westerholm

Justification (2 vol.’s); Covenant and Salvation by Michael Horton

Justification and Variegated Nomism, Vol. 1: The Complexities of Second Temple Judaism and Vol. 2: The Paradoxes of Paul, edited by D.A. Carson, Peter T. O’Brien and Mark A. Seifrid

Where Is Boasting?: Early Jewish Soteriology and Paul's Response in Romans 1-5 by Simon Gathercole

The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson

One book that is very important in regard to addressing some of the exegetical weaknesses of past commentary on the early parts of Romans, and yet demonstrates the inability of the New Perspective scholars to answer them is Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger. Often, the New Perspective has pointed out a weakness and then used that as a springboard for their own view, without actually answering the very exegetical questions they have asked of others. Mininger's book is incredibly important work.

One scholar's concluding remark regarding the NPP is worth including: "In spite of recent challenges, I believe [the traditional, forensic] understanding of Paul's justification does better justice to the Pauline texts. It cannot be dismissed by the claim that the ancients were not concerned to find a gracious God (how could they not be, in the fact of pending divine judgment?); or that it wrongly casts first-century Jews as legalists (its target is rather the sinfulness of all human beings); or that non-Christian Jews, too, depended on divine grace (of course they did, but without Paul's need to distinguish grace from works); or that 'righteousness' means "membership in the covenant" (never did, never will) and the expression "works of the law" refers to boundary markers of the Jewish people (it refers to all the 'righteous' deeds required by the law as its path to righteousness).

Modern scholars are correct in noting that Paul first focused on language of justification in response to the question whether Gentile believers in Christ should be circumcised. They are right to emphasize the social implications of Paul's doctrine of justification (what it meant 'on the ground') in his own day, and are free to draw out its social implications for our own. But the doctrine of justification means that God declares sinners righteous, apart from righteous deeds, when they believe in Jesus Christ. Those so made righteous represent the new humanity, the people of God's new creation." (Justification Reconsidered by Stephen Westerholm)

The Aryan Jesus: Christian Theologians and the Bible in Nazi Germany by Susannah Heschel

The Lie That Wouldn't Die: The Protocols of the Elders of Zion or (a more recent edition) The Lie That Will Not Die: The Protocols of the Elders of Zion by Hadassa Ben-Itto

The Popes Against the Jews: The Vatican’s Role in the Rise of Modern Antisemitism by David Kertzer

Theologians Under Hitler by Robert P. Ericksen

Our Hands Are Stained with Blood; Christian Antisemitism by Michael Brown

The Aryan Christ: The Secret Life of Carl Jung by Richard Noll

39. CFM: Romans 1-6

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: When "grace" is natural, the Cross ignored, and exaltation is a ladder

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirty-third lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Aug. 7-13) is titled "The Power of God unto Salvation" and covers Romans 1-6.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here.

Seminary Manual: here and here

D&C 20; 2 Nephi 25.23; Moroni 10.32

JST Romans

Gospel Principles Manual

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

"Justification and Sanctification" (D. Todd Christofferson)

Understanding Paul by Richard Lloyd Anderson

The Apostle Paul: His Life and His Testimony (The 23rd Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium)

Exploring Mormon Thought: The Problems with Theism and the Love of God by Blake Ostler (also here, here, and here)

A Rational Theology by John A. Widtsoe

The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil by H. Verlan Andersen

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

"His Grace Is Sufficient" (Brad Wilcox); also here

MRM: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Martyn Lloyd-Jones Romans series

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

The God Who Is There by D.A. Carson

The God Who Justifies by James White

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

The Family: A Proclamation To The World

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

"The Power and Message of the Cross" by Alistair Begg

40 Questions About Christians and Biblical Law by Thomas Schreiner

Union with the Resurrected Christ by G.K. Beale

The Letter to the Romans (NICNT) by Douglas Moo

Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger

Paul: An Outline of His Theology by Herman Ridderbos

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til

In response to the New Perspective on Paul:

Cracking the Foundation of the New Perspective on Paul: Covenantal Nomism versus Reformed Covenantal Theology by Robert Cara

Perspectives Old and New on Paul: The "Lutheran" Paul and His Critics by Stephen Westerholm

Justification (2 vol.'s); Covenant and Salvation by Michael Horton

Justification and Variegated Nomism; Vol. 1: The Complexities of Second Temple Judaism and Vol. 2: The Paradoxes of Paul, edited by D.A. Carson, Peter T. O'Brien and Mark A. Seifrid

The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson

38. CFM: Acts 22-28

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: LDS Testimony: From Prophets to Follow and Laity who Follow

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirty-second lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (July 31-August 6) is titled "A Minister and a Witness" and covers Acts 22-28.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's Colossians series can be found here.

Seminary Manual: here and here

JSH-1.24; Alma 5.45-46; D&C 90. 13,16

Joseph Smith: here and here

"Praise to the Man" (Hymn No. 27); "Follow the Prophet" (Children's Songbook, pg. 110)

Gospel Principles: Prophets of God

"The Living Prophet: The President of the Church" (manual)

"Pure Testimony" (M. Russell Ballard)

"I Testify" (Ezra Taft Benson)

"Fourteen Fundamentals In Following the Prophet" (Ezra Taft Benson)

Just as an example of what used to be clearly taught by LDS President-Prophets, here is a sermon by Brigham Young: JD 1.46-53, 7.290-291 and 9.147-150.

"The Soil and Roots of Testimony" (John Carmack)

Heber C. Kimball: JD 9.27

Franklin D. Richards: JD 26.302

Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt wherein it states: "Lift up your head and rejoice; for behold! it is well with my servants Joseph and Hyrum. My servant Joseph still holds the keys of my kingdom in this dispensation, and he shall stand in due time on the earth, in the flesh, and fulfill that to which he is appointed..." (p. 294, 1985 ed.)

Elias by Orson F. Whitney (e.g. Canto IX)

The Inevitable Apostasy by Ted R. Callister: "If there had been significant righteousness among the Saints, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles would have continued." (p. 46)

There is a quotation from Jana Reiss worth quoting in her book The Next Mormons by Jana Riess: "Even the notion that Mormons would call the president of their church 'the prophet' is a mid-twentieth century innovation; the practice can be dated to 1955, during the presidency of the exceptionally popular David O. McKay. Before 1955 the term 'prophet' was used in LDS periodicals to refer to founding leaders Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, or else to prophets from scripture." The footnote reads: "From the newspaper's beginnings until 1955, for example, no headline of the Church News ever used 'prophet' to connote the current LDS president. By the 1960's, however, such references to McKay as 'our prophet' and 'the prophet' were becoming routine...McKay's immediate successor, Harold B. Lee, expressed concern with the 'almost worshipful attitude' Mormons had begun expressing toward the president of the church and sought to stop it; during his administration only one headline referred to him as 'prophet'. However, his tenure of less than a year was 'too brief to reverse the accelerating adoration by rank-and-file". (pp. 191, 285-286; see The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn)

For a recent, albeit extreme and controversial, example of a "testimony" is found here / here.

As A Thief in the Night by Dan Erickson

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen

Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, ed. by Daniel Treier and Walter Elwell

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Books by Michael Kruger

The Gospel Code: Novel Claims about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Da Vinci by Ben Witherington III

The Structure of Biblical Authority by Meredith Kline

Note: It should be noted that in Mark 12 - Jesus, when asked what the greatest commandment is, begins with the Shema and thus, the monotheism denied in Mormon and/or LDS theology.

Contrary to what seems to be popular understanding among LDS, the Trinity is a monotheistic doctrine, and to claim that the Godhead are "three separate beings and persons" is to be polytheistic, no matter the aesthetic preference of someone like Jeffrey Holland. (also see here, and here to see how Joseph Smith spoke about the Trinity; also see The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain for a short introduction to the foundational Christian doctrine.)

Moses warns against false prophets who lead people after other gods (Deut. 13.1-5); and Paul warns in Galatians that "even if we or an angel from heaven" preach a different gospel, let him/her be anathema, as well as warning against false apostles, men who preach "another Christ" - saying that "even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (Gal. 1.7, 2 Cor. 11.4,13-14) And of course, the apostle John warns against "false prophets" and commands we "test the spirits". (1 John 4.1-3)

37. CFM: Acts 16-21

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: "We are His Offspring": Distinguishing Universal Image-Status from Particular Adoption-Status

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirty-first lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (July 24-30) is titled "The Lord Had Called Us for to Preach the Gospel" and covers Acts 16-21.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

"I Am A Child of God" LDS Hymn #301

Seminary Manual (*correction: only one day of the curriculum, not two)

Gospel Principles Manual

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Joseph Smith: here and here

Brigham Young: JD 1: 46-53; JD 4:218; JD 10.319-320; JD 11:268

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

"Joseph Smith and the Forging of Community" by Terryl Givens

Eternal Man by Truman Madsen

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Reformed Forum episode- particularly Lane Tipton's commentary on the Liberal phrase "the universal fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man". (Also see his very excellent book The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til)

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

The Attributes of God: An Introduction by Gerald Bray

Simply Trinity; None Greater by Matthew Barrett

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

God In the Whirlwind by David Wells

The Incarnation of God by John Clark and Marcus Peter Johnson

Contemplating God with the Great Tradition by Craig Carter

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Created In God's Image by Anthony Hoekema

Being God's Image by Carmen Imes

Paul: An Outline of His Theology by Herman Ridderbos

We Become What We Worship: A Biblical Theology of Idolatry; Union with the Resurrected Christ by G.K. Beale

The God Who Is There; The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God; How Long, O Lord? by D.A. Carson (also here)

Thanksgiving by David Pao

Kingdom Prologue by Meredith Kline

The Dragon, the Mountain, and the Nations by Robert Miller III

n the Beginning...We Misunderstood by Johnny Miller and John Soden

The Hope of Israel: The Resurrection of Christ in the Acts of the Apostles by Brandon Crowe

The Acts of the Apostles by Joseph Fitzmyer

The Spirit, the Church, and the World by John Stott

"The Encounter of Jerusalem with Athens" by Greg Bahnsen (see also here and here)

"Resurrection, Proof, and Presuppositionalism: Acts 17:30-31" by Lane Tipton, found in Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed Aopologetics, edited by K. Scott Oliphant and Lane Tipton

The Idol of Our Age: How the Religion of Humanity Subverts Christianity by Daniel Mahoney

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark

Abortion and the Early Church by Michael Gorman

Embryo: A Defense of Human Life by Robert P. George

Dominion by Tom Holland

Slavery, Abortion, and the Politics of Constitutional Meaning by Justin Dyer

American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell

The Harvest of Hellenism by F. E. Peters

Stoicism; Epicureanism

Ancient Greek Religion; Ancient Roman Religion by H.J. Rose

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen

The Consequence of Ideas by R.C. Sproul

A History of Western Philosophy and Theology by John Frame

On some further issues of concern pertaining to OUR, which don't even include, to put it nicely, his books of basically straight-up fake history - see Lynn Packer. (also here) Packer's track-record includes the exposing of LDS General Authority Paul H. Dunn. For this, see his book Lying For the Lord - the Paul H. Dunn Stories.

relatedly: The QAnon Deception by James Beverley (also here)

36. CFM: Acts 10-15

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Racism: Cultural or Doctrinal?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirtieth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (July 17-23) is titled "The Word of God Grew and Multiplied" and covers Acts 10-15.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Pastor Brendon's sermon on Colossians 1.9-14

Seminary Manual

2 Nephi 5.21, Alma 3. 6-9, Abraham 1. 24-27

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Brigham Young: JD 2.143; 2.268; 7.290-291; 10.110; 11.272

Official Declaration 2

"All Are Alike Unto God" (Bruce R. McConkie)

The same General Authority who wrote: "Negroes in this life are denied the priesthood; under no circumstances can they hold this delegation of authority from the Almighty." Mormon Doctrine, p. 527

"Race and the Priesthood"

Interview on Ancient Paths TV
The LDS Gospel Topics Essays: A Scholarly Engagement, edited by Matthew Harris and Newell Bringhurst

First Estate; Second Estate

"Fourteen Fundamentals to Follow the Prophet" (Ezra Taft Benson)

"Let God Prevail" (Russell Nelson)

Brad Wilcox fireside: here

The First 2,000 Years by Cleon Skousen

The Church and the Negro by John L. Lund

Prophets, Principles and National Survival compiled by Jerreld Newquist

"Given the LDS notion that Ham was the one through whom the 'Negro lineage' continued after the flood, some Mormon critics have considered it ironic that Joseph Smith, whom Brigham Young called a 'pure Ephraimite,' would not have also been cursed as to the priesthood since, according to LDS scholar Hugh Nibley, 'Joseph [of the Old Testament] married Asenath [an Egyptian], who was the daughter of the high priest of Heliopolis and a direct descendant of Ham.' This would make both Ephraim and Manasseh - from whom the majority of church members have been told they descend - half Hebrew and half Egyptian, carrying the blood of Ham." ("This Is My Doctrine": The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles R. Harrell, p. 388)

The Mound Builder Myth: Fake History and the Hunt for a "Lost White Race" by Jason Colavito

Mormonism - Shadow or Reality by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (esp.ch. 21)

"Mormonism's Negro Doctrine: An Historical Overview" by Lester Bush

Religion of a Different Color by W. Paul Reeve

The Mormon Church and Blacks; Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right; Thunder from the Right: Ezra Taft Benson in Mormonism and Politics by Matthew L. Harris

David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism by Gregory Prince

Black Mormon: The Story of Elijah Ables by Russell Stevenson

Banishing The Cross by Michael Reed

The Doctrine of the Word of God by John Frame

The Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards

From Every People and Nation: A Biblical Theology of Race by J. Daniel Hays

Recovering Our Sanity: How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears that Divide Us by Michael Horton (also here, and here)

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Defending the Faith by D.G. Hart
The Presbyterian Controversy by Bradley Longfield
Also see here, and here

Fault Lines by Voddie Baucham; also see here, here, and here

The Vanishing Lamanites; Mormonism's Changing "Revelations" on Blacks; The Atheist Illusion (Jason Wallace)

American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell

Union With Christ by J. Todd Billings

More Than A White Man's Religion by Abdu Murray

Michael Heiser; Gospel Coalition

Noah's Curse: The Biblical Justification of American Slavery; The Last Segregated Houir: The Memphis Kneel-Ins and the Campaign for Southern Church Desegregation by Stephen R. Haynes

The Curse of Ham by David Goldenberg

"Noah's Nakedness and the Curse of Canaan" by John Bergsma and Scott Hahn

Gregory of Nyssa, Fourth Homily on Ecclesiastes (here, here and here)

The First Thousand Years by Robert Louis Wilken

Granville Sharp (also here); also did some groundbreaking work in Greek grammar (see The KJV Only Controversy by James White)

The Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark

Dominion by Tom Holland

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado

All Mankind Is One by Lewis Hanke

Columbus and the Crisis of the West by Robert Royal

Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches; Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S.C. Gwynne

Illiberal Reformers: Race, Eugenics, and American Economics in the Progressive Era by Thomas Leonard (also see here)

Intellectuals and Race; Black Rednecks and White Liberals; Civil Rights: Rhetoric or Reality? by Thomas Sowell (also see here)

The Guarded Gate by Daniel Okrent

Coming to Terms with John F. Kennedy by Stephen F. Knott (esp. the chapter on Civil Rights)

Ordinary Men by Christopher Browning

Black Sun: Aryan Cults, Esoteric Nazism, and the Politics of Identity by Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke

On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed

Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) is the "father of modern theology".

"[He] found the church's confession of Jesus Christ, as articulated by the Definition of Chalcedon, to be illogical. Christ, he said, cannot be God the Son in and as man. He must be man like all others, distinguished only 'by the constant potency of His God-consciousness, which was a veritable existence of God in Him.' Christ's God-consciousness should not be confused with divine self-knowledge, for that it is not. Yet the ideal God-consciousness that Christ possessed and exhibited suffices for what Christians have called his 'divinity'. Moreover, Christ's ability to model his fully realized God-consciousness for others, and summon forth the latent God-consciousness of others, constitutes his redemptive activity. Schleiermacher's Christ signals the prospect of human ascent without the paradox of divine descent, man's coming of age without God's coming in the flesh." (The Incarnation of God by John Clark and Macus Peter Johnson, p. 108)
see here and here for this influence today
see Contemplating God with the Great Tradition by Craig Carter

35. CFM: Acts 6-9

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Jesus Standing *as* the Right Hand of the One God

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twenty-ninth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (July 10-16) is titled "What Wilt Thou Have Me Do?" and covers Acts 6-9.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Salt Lake School of Theology
For a concise summary of what Christians would mean when we say "the real Jesus" - see, e.g., The Person of Jesus: Radio Addresses on the Deity of the Savior by J. Gresham Machen
If the kai is epexegetical, it would read: '[Stephen] saw the glory of God, that is, Jesus standing at the right hand of God."

Seminary Manual: here, here, and here

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Guide to the Scriptures (also here); Topical Guide (also here)

Gospel Principles: here and here

"The Light of Christ" (Boyd Packer)

The Words of Joseph Smith; e.g.: "[Stephen] says that Jesus Christ sat on the right hand of God. Any person that has seen the heavens opened knows that there are three personages in the heavens holding the keys of power." (pp.214); also here, and here

"The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent" (Jeffrey Holland) - wherein he states: "We declare it is self-evident from the scriptures that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are separate persons, three divine beings, noting such unequivocal illustrations as the Savior’s great Intercessory Prayer just mentioned, His baptism at the hands of John, the experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, and the martyrdom of Stephen—to name just four."

A Rational Theology by John A. Widtsoe

"His Grace Is Sufficient" (Brad Wilcox); also here

Joseph Smith told Alexander Neibaur that he saw Jesus with a light complexion (white skin) and blue eyes (A.N. Journal, May 24,1844) - thus, looking a lot like...Joseph Smith. This is related to some racial issues in LDS history and has clearly impacted LDS art to this day, as should be obvious throughout any official sources, including the painting of the martyrdom included in the manual for this week. Whiteness is also true of Mary in 1 Nephi 11.13-15, who is even claimed by some LDS to actually be from England, based on legend. (Also see Mormonism - Shadow or Reality by Jerald and Sandra Tanner, ch. 21.)

An Insider's View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer; specifically, he outlines ten points that, when considered, make it clear that Paul is the "model" by which Joseph Smith wrote the story about Alma the Younger. (see An Insider's View of Mormon Origins, pp. 50-55f) The evidence is striking, especially if the verses cited are gone through point-by-point.

None Greater; Simply Trinity; God's Word Alone; and The Reformation as Renewal by Matthew Barrett

We Become What We Worship; The Temple and the Church's Mission; God Dwells Among Us by G.K. Beale

on pp. 216-232 of The Temple and the Church's Mission, Beale has an excellent analysis of Stephen's sermon. Even the headings alone are helpful: Stephen's defence of Christ as the true temple in contrast to the old temple, Stephen's appeal to Isaiah 66 in defence of Christ as the true temple, Stephen's contention that God's eternal end-time temple cannot be 'handmade', Early Christian evidence confirming the above interpretation of Isaiah 66 in Stephen's speech, Paul's contention that a permanent temple for God's presence cannot be 'handmade'.

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

All That Is In God by James Dolezal

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Who Is God? by Richard Bauckham

The Hope of Israel by Brandon Crowe

Temple of Presence by Andrea Robinson

The Angel of the Lord by Douglas van Dorn and Matthew Foreman

The Ascension of Christ by Patrick Schreiner

Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1.16-3.26: Discovering A New Approach to Paul's Argument by Marcus Mininger

Scholar Murray Harris makes a fascinating point when discussing "at the right hand of God": "To be or sit at someone's right hand is to be in the position of unparalleled honor and privilege (1 Ki 2.19). In the case of Christ this meant sharing God's throne (Rev. 3. 21; 22.1, 3) or occupying the second throne alluded to in Da 7.9 and Mk 14.62 (cf. Heb 1.8). When Paul speaks of Christians' spiritual identification with Christ, he can say, 'God has enthroned us with him [Jesus] in the heavenly realms' (Eph. 2.6), but significantly he does not add 'at his right hand [and greek equivalent]' a phrase that is applied to Christ in a comparable statement in Eph 1.20. Christ's exalted status cannot be shared. Angels stand or fall down in worship in God's presence (1 Ki. 22.19; Rev. 4.10); the enthroned Son sits." (Prepositions and Theology by Murray Harris, pp. 106-107)

34. CFM: Acts 1-5

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Restoration as Surrealism; precise past-event, or vague forward-focus?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twenty-eighth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (July 3-9) is titled "Ye Shall Be Witnesses unto Me" and covers Acts 1-5.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Sunday School: here, here, here and here

Gospel Principles: here, here, here

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

History of the Church 1.297 - wherein Brigham Young speaks in tongues (twice), a little controversy ensues, and then Joseph Smith calls it "the pure Adamic language" and "of God". It also speaks of the spread of the "gift of tongues". Also see HC 1.323

The Words of Joseph Smith, compiled and edited by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook - under Franklin D. Richards "Scriptural Items":

"Joseph also said that the Holy Ghost is now in a state of Probation which if he should perform in righteousness he may pass through the same or a similar course of things that the Son has." (p. 245) Footnote 26 in the cited quotation states: "George Laub's report of the 16 June 1844 discourse includes the following similar statement: 'But the Holy Ghost is yet a Spiritual body and waiting to take to himself a body, as the Savior did or as God did, or the gods before them took bodies.' Franklin D. Richards's account is less vague and represents the clearest statement on the personal identity of the Holy Ghost." (p. 305)

See here and here; also here

Lectures on Faith

"The Light of Christ" (Boyd Packer)

"Stand As True Millennials" (Russell Nelson); also here, and here

"The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner" (Ezra Taft Benson)

"Socialism and the United Order" (Marion Romney)

The Inevitable Apostasy and the Promised Restoration by Ted R. Callister

The Great Apostasy; Jesus the Christ by James Talmage

Statements of the LDS First Presidency (compiled by Gary Bergera)

"In His birth, His ministry and glorious Resurrection, and His ascension into heaven, He symbolized the story of our own lives. He taught us that those mortal bodies of ours shall put on immortality, and that we shall rise as He rose, to inherit the glory of everlasting life. This was the purpose for which He came to earth." (Deseret News, Dec. 17, 1932) on pg. 377

Brigham Young:JD 2. 310 JD 3.247

Heber C. Kimball: JD 6.38, 125-126

Jedediah M. Grant: JD 4.49-51

The Gospel Trilogy by Cleon Skousen

"His Grace Is Sufficient" (Brad Wilcox); also here

The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil by H. Verlan Andersen

World and Prophets; Mormonism and Early Christianity; Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley

Nibley's teaching that the gnostic texts are a deposit of what Christ taught during the 40-days may sound intriguing to those already gnostically-inclined, like LDS. Morover, as an example, Nibley's assertion that Apocryphon of John was written by John might be usefully confronted by the treatment of Moses in (the actual) John's writings in the NT, versus this gnostic text wherein "the Savior" teaches "John" that "It is not as Moses wrote and you heard". Perhaps it may be more practical to simply invite the Nibley-disciple to publicly read aloud the pages and pages of esoteric names contained therein and see if they can keep a straight face.

Joseph Smith and World Government by Hyrum Andrus (e.g. on p.9 - he includes a quote from President George Q. Cannon stating: "We are asked, Is the Church of God, and the Kingdom of God the same organization? And we are informed that some of the brethren hold that they are separate. This is the correct view to take. The Kingdom of God is a separate organization from the Church of God.")

Conflict In the Quorum by Gary Bergera; note esp. his coverage of the disputes over the power and place of the First Presidency, and the power-move to shift the order of the Quorum of the Twelve.

The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power; The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn

In Sacred Loneliness by Todd Compton

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner; this scholar does a great job of emphasizing the dedication of the Kirtland Temple as what was seen as a kind of "new pentecost" (e.g., pp. 73-77). This was a topic not addressed in the episode.

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner; they usefully note the change to the fourth Article of Faith. Originally, in the 1851 edition, it read:

"We believe that these ordinances are: 1st, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2d, Repentance; 3d, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 4th, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost."

"Later Mormon historians could see that Joseph Smith had failed to mention Temple Work (Temple Work is taught to be essential for the highest exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom), so they altered Joseph Smith's words to read that Faith, Repentance, Baptism and Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost are only the "first principles and ordinances of the gospel." (p.8) Even something as simple as this has implications for the restoration narrative, and then how that narrative is superimposed upon "past dispensations".

You can find a transcript of even the more tame mention of "penalties" - as well as the "oath of vengeance" here.

As the Tanners, cited above (pp.470, 474-475), documented - the oaths were already softened before the penalties were removed. For example:

"We, and each of us, covenant and promise that we will not reveal any of the secrets of this, the first token of the Aaronic priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign or penalty. Should we do so; we agree that our throats be cut from ear to ear and our tongues torn out by their roots." (Temple Mormonism, p. 18)

This was changed to, in the 1968 version:

"I, __(think of the new name) do covenant and promise that I will never reveal the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, together with its accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so I would suffer that my life be taken."

the second oath:

"We and each of us do covenant and promise that we will not reveal the secrets of this, the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, grip or penalty. Should we do so, we agree to have our breasts cut open and our hearts and vitals torn from our bodies and given to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field." (Temple Mormonism, p. 20)

This was changed to, in the 1968 version:

"I, __(think of the new name) do covenant and promise that I will never reveal the second token of the Aaronic Priesthood, together with its accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so I would suffer my life to be taken."

the third oath:

"We and each of us do covenant and promise that we will not reveal any of the secrets of this, the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign or penalty. Should we do so, we agree that our bodies be cut asunder in the midst and all our bowels gush out." (ibid., p. 20)

This was changed to, in the 1968 version:

"I covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or sign of the nail, with its accompanying name, sign or penalty. Rather than do so I would suffer my life to be taken."

On just one page, Michael Reed summarizes well (and quickly) some of the basics of the succession crisis following the assassination of Joseph Smith: "Joseph Smith's death was unexpected and was a terrible blow. The founding prophet had left no clear successor appointed to unify and, in the words of historian Steven L. Shields, 'the church simply blew apart at the seams.' Rival claimants soon emerged, assumed the mantle, and eventually severed into distinct groups of competing organizations. For example, James J. Strang insisted that he was ordained through angelic ministry immediately at the time of Smith's death. Strang also distributed a 'Letter of Appointment' allegedly written by Joseph Smith, assigning him to gather the faithful to a new center of the church in Voree, Wisconsin.

Sidney Rigdon led a group of Mormons to Pennsylvania and Lyman Wight brought another to Texas. William Smith came forward as the last surviving brother of the fallen prophet, Alpheus Cutler claimed leadership through his membership in Joseph Smith's elite 'Council of Seven,' and David Whitmer claimed leadership based on an 1834 appointment as Smith's successor. After some successes, the movements of all of these successors effectively faltered and most of the Mormons who remained in the Midwest were eventually gathered into the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints under the leadership of the deceased prophet's eldest son, Joseph Smith III.

As president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1844, Brigham Young was also a strong candidate for succession as church president. Beyond his rank, as a polygamist, Brigham Young appealed to the core of Mormon leaders in Nauvoo, who were also engaged in the practice. As historian D. Michael Quinn noted, Brigham Young's followers naturally did not want 'a new church president who would brand polygamist wives as whores.'" (Banishing the Cross, pg.24)

Jason Wallace: here, here, and here

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Grace and Glory by Geerhardus Vos

The City of God by St. Augustine; also, e.g.:

"What was more proud than for me to have asserted - wondrous madness! - that I was something naturally that you [God] are? For although I am changeable and this was manifest to me by my very desire to be wise - so that from a worse state I could become better - I was nevertheless preferring even to suppose that you were changeable rather than that I was not what you are." (Confessions 4.15.26)

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity; Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Michael Horton (also here, here, and here)

Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray

The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

The Forgotten Trinity by James White

Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

The Triune God by Fred Sanders

The Holy Spirit by Christopher Holmes

The Ascension of Christ by Patrick Schreiner

Perspectives on Pentecost by Richard Gaffin

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God; Concise Theology by J.I. Packer

Union with the Resurrected Christ by G.K. Beale

One with Christ by Marcus Peter Johnson

Divine Government: God's Kingship in the Gospel of Mark by R.T. France

The Kingdom of God and the Church by Geerhardus Vos

The Coming of the Kingdom by Herman Ridderbos

Kingdom Through Covenant by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum

Property and Riches in the Early Church by Martin Hengel

Francis of Assissi and His World by Mark Galli

Poverty in the Theology of John Calvin by Bonnie Pattison

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen

The Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark

Religion and the Rise of Capitalism by Benjamin Friedman

The Bourgeois Trilogy by Deirdre McCloskey

Idols of Nations by Roland Boer

God and Mammon by Mark Noll

The Enchantment of Mammon by Eugene McCarraher

33. CFM: Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20-21

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Resurrection

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twenty-seventh lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (June 25-July 2) is titled "He Is Risen" and covers Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20-21.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Seminary: here, here, and here

Mosiah 11, 16, Alma 11

D&C 19, 29, 45, 63, 76. 77, 88, 93, 101, 132; Moses 3

"The Resurrection of Jesus Christ" (D. Todd Christofferson)

"The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent" (Holland)

"What Has Our Savior Done for Us?" (Dallin Oaks)

"Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains" (Russell Nelson)

True To the Faith; Gospel Principles; The Lectures on Faith

Statements of the LDS First Presidency (compiled by Gary Bergera);

"The Lord's Resurrection completed the process of the Atonement that included His sinless life, His suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, and His death on the cross. The Resurrection assured immortality for all, and the blessed Atonement provided a pathway to exaltation for those who will adhere to His gospel principles." (Church News, Apr. 3, 1993)
"When we speak of Jesus being resurrected, we mean that His premortal spirit, which animated His mortal body from His birth in the manger until He died on the cross, reentered that body; and the two, His spirit body and His physical body, inseparably welded together, arose from the tomb an immortal soul. Our belief is, and we so testify, that Jesus not only conquered death for Himself and brought forth His own glorious resurrected body, but that in so doing He also brought about a universal resurrection. This was the end and purpose of the mission for which He was set apart and ordained in the great council in heaven, when He was chosen to be our Savior and Redeemer." (Marion G. Romney, "First Presidency Message", Ensign, Apr. 1985)
"In His birth, His ministry and glorious Resurrection, and His ascension into heaven, He symbolized the story of our lives. He taught us that those mortal bodies of ours shall put on immortality, and that we shall rise as He rose, to inherit the glory of everlasting life. This was the purpose for which He came to earth." (Deseret News, Dec. 17, 1932)
"The certainty of the persistence of man's spirit when the body has finished its earthly mission and the progress of the 'better part' in worlds eternal, with the fond assurance of an actual resurrection and a reunion of family associations ordered under divine laws and covenants, robs death of its terrors and sheds light upon the darkness of sorrow or doubt." (Deseret News, Dec. 16, 1916)

The Words of Joseph Smith (also here, and here)

Jesus The Christ by James Talmage

"The Blessing of Scripture" (D. Todd Christofferson); wherein he states: "...faith in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, which animates this plan of happiness..."

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

Doctrines of Salvation by Joseph Fielding Smith

Brigham Young: JD 1.118, 9.149, 15.137

David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism by Gregory Prince; in a section dealing with McKay's gift for teaching, he provides an example: "With his spirituality came a profound appreciation of the role of earthly life as but one step in the ongoing process. Death is not to be feared, for it is the transition from one step to the next. One general authority stated, 'I talked to President McKay one time in one my question sessions, and I asked him: What is it like to die? He said, 'Oh, that's easy! It's like going from this room to that room.'" He used different, yet equally simple symbolism to explain resurrection to one of his sons...'I don't understand this resurrection-business.' So his father would plan to go to the mountains so he could explain it to him. He would go in the early spring when the flowers were just coming up, and he would say 'We were here in the fall and those flowers were all dead. It's springtime and they are all back.' That is how he would explain the resurrection to his little children and his grandchildren."

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

"This Is My Doctrine": The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell: "The only contemporary recorded teaching of the Prophet on the subject was that resurrected children would be enthroned with their childhood stature throughout all eternity...Mormon parents may have found it disconcerting that their children would never grow, possibly explaining why Joseph reportedly later stated that they could raise their children in the hereafter...According to Wilford Woodruff, Brigham Young 'herd Joseph Smith say that children would not Grow after death & at another time that they would grow[,] & he hardly knew how to reconcile it.' Wilford Woodruff's Journal, 1833-1898 6:363" (p. 470)

Temples Made With Hands? (Jason Wallace)

The God of Brigham Young (Jason Wallace)

Resources:

God Dwells Among Us: Expanding Eden to the Ends of the Earth; God Dwells Among Us: A Biblical Theology of the Temple by G.K. Beale

The Temple and the Church's Mission by G.K. Beale

The Doctrine of the Word of God by John Frame

Matthew: The Expositor's Bible Commentary; The Gospel According to John (PNTC) by D. A. Carson

Was the Burning in Your Bosom From God? (Jason Wallace)

Christian Apologetics by Cornelius Van Til

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

WHI: here, here, and here

Unmasking the Pagan Christ by Stanley Porter and Stephen Bedard

The Bible v. Bart Ehrman (Jason Wallace)

Jesus and the Eyewitnesses by Richard Bauckham

The Historical Jesus of the Gospels by Craig Keener

The Jesus Legend by Paul Rhodes Eddy and Gregory Boyd

Jesus and the Logic of History by Paul Barnett

Who Moved the Stone? by Frank Morison

The Bedrock of Christianity by Justin Bass

The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus by Gary Habermas and Michael Licona; The Resurrection of Jesus by Michael Licona

Raised on the Third Day: Defending the Historicity of the Resurrection of Jesus by David W. Beck and Michael Licona

The Resurrection of the Son of God by N.T. Wright

Resurrection and Redemption by Richard Gaffin

"Resurrection, Proof, and Presuppositionalism: Acts 17:30-31" by Lane Tipton, found in Revelation and Reason: New Essays in Reformed Aopologetics, edited by K. Scott Oliphant and Lane Tipton

Union with the Resurrected Christ by G.K. Beale

The Hope of Israel: The Resurrection of Christ in the Acts of the Apostles by Brandon Crowe

Note: One point that I wish had been emphasized more was how the Christology links with Resurrection. Mormonism has no distinction between God(s) and man, and thus - the idea that what God assumed in his humanity is essential and necessary for the redemption of humanity is not an obvious equation in the Mormon worldview. This is then shown in how they extend the doctrine of resurrection to all animal and plant life, and even the earth.

32. CFM: Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: The Cross: Repugnant and Taboo, or Definitive Symbol?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twenty-sixth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (June 19-25) is titled "It Is Finished" and covers Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Brendon's sermon series can be found here; and here's one on Ezra 4.

Sources:

D&C 19, D&C 93, D&C 132

Sunday School: here, here and here

Gospel Principles; True To the Faith

King Follett Discourse; Sermon in the Grove (Joseph Smith)

Mediation and the Atonement by John Taylor

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Answers to Gospel Questions by Joseph Fielding Smith

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

Jesus the Christ; The Great Apostasy by James Talmage

First 2,000 Years; The Gospel Trilogy by Cleon Skousen

The Symbol of Our Faith (Gordon Hinckley)

Mormon Doctrine; The Purifying Power of Gethsemane (Bruce R. McConkie)

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner; wherein, the author documents that for some "'since the law of procreation [is] just as binding' as that of baptism or marriage, Jesus must have had children, which helps explain his agony in Gethsemane." (pp. 241-242)

Banishing the Cross by Michael Reed

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

"A Gauge of the Times: Ensign Peak in the Twentieth Century" by Ronald Walker

"Park At Ensign Peak Dedicated" by R. Scott Lloyd; notice Hinckley stated that he's "glad that none of that has ever happened."

"The Garden Atonement and the Mormon Cross Taboo" by Jeremy Christiansen

"The Use of Gethsemane by Church leaders, 1859-2018" by John Hilton III and Joshua Barringer

One example of an early Mormon leader teaching not only that Jesus was a polygamist - but that he was crucified for polygamy is: "The grand reason of the burst of public sentiment in anathemas upon Christ and his disciples, causing his crucifixion, was evidently based upon polygamy, according to the testimony of the philosophers who rose in that age. A belief in the doctrine of a plurality of wives caused the persecution of Jesus and his followers. We might almost think they were 'Mormons.'" (Jedediah Grant, JD 1:346 )

Brigham Young also claimed that the Lord was a polygamist. (JD 13:309)

Compare President Wilford Woodruff and Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the question of eternal progression:

"If there was a point where man in his progression could not proceed any further, the very idea would throw a gloom over every intelligent and reflecting mind. God himself is increasing and progressing in knowledge, power, and dominion, and will do so, worlds without end. It is just so with us. We are in a probation, which is a school of experience." (Wilford Woodruff, JD 6.120)
"Now may I suggest the list of heresies. Heresy one: There are those who say that God is progressing in knowledge and is learning new truths. This is false - utterly, totally, and completely. There is not one sliver of truth in it." (Bruce R. McConkie; Seven Deadly Heresies; Notice the condemnation of earlier men of higher church-rank then himself - including but not limited to Presidents/Prophets Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff.)

Joseph Smith told Alexander Neibaur that he saw Jesus with a light complexion (white skin) and blue eyes (A.N. Journal, May 24,1844). Yes, Jesus is a white man, according to the founding Mormon/LDS prophet. This is related to some racial issues in LDS history and has clearly impacted LDS art to this day, as should be obvious throughout any official sources. (Whiteness is also true of Mary in 1 Nephi 11.13-15, who is even claimed by some LDS to actually be from England, based on legend.) Also see Mormonism - Shadow or Reality by Jerald and Sandra Tanner, ch. 21.

Christianity and Liberalism; Things Unseen; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

Crucifixion by Martin Hengel

Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus by D.A. Carson

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

"The Power and Message of the Cross" by Alistair Begg

The Cross Before Constantine; The Crosses of Pompeii by Bruce Longenecker

On pp. 106-110 of the first book listed, Longnecker shows that there are even 5 uses of the staurogram on just one section of John 19 (the very chapter of this lesson) in P.66 - an early manuscript dating from, perhaps, even as early as the middle to late second century. That's long before Constantine was even born.

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado (also here)

Gothic Arches, Latin Crosses: Anti-Catholicism and American Church Designs in the Nineteenth Century; also "The Cross: Church Symbol and Contest in Nineteenth-Century America" by Ryan K. Smith

Michael Reed (cited above, based largely on the work of Ryan Smith) includes examples of Protestant churches being violated because of the public display of the cross: "Protestants were unwilling to risk the threat of mob violence and internal dissent, and so they generally avoided crosses that would have otherwise made their churches appear Catholic...For example, the St. Augustine's Church was destroyed in the Philadelphia riots of 1844, and the Boston chapel was attacked by mobs in 1854, having its cross pulled down from the steeple and set ablaze." (pp. 28-29)

31. CFM: Luke 22 and John 18

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Christ in the Garden - and you should, too!

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twenty-fifth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (June 12-18) is titled "Not My Will, but Thine, Be Done" and covers Luke 22, and John 18.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Brendon's sermon series can be found here; and here's one on Ezra 4.

Sources:

D&C 19, D&C 93, D&C 132

Sunday School: here, here, and here

Lectures on Faith (lecture 7)

King Follett Discourse; Sermon in the Grove (Joseph Smith)

Mediation and the Atonement by John Taylor

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Answers to Gospel Questions by Joseph Fielding Smith

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

Jesus the Christ by James Talmage

First 2,000 Years; The Gospel Trilogy by Cleon Skousen

The Symbol of Our Faith (Gordon Hinckley)

The Sacrament - and the Sacrifice (David Haight)

The Purifying Power of Gethsemane (Bruce R. McConkie)

Banishing the Cross by Michael Reed

"The Garden Atonement and the Mormon Cross Taboo" by Jeremy Christiansen

"The Use of Gethsemane by Church leaders, 1859-2018" by John Hilton III and Joshua Barringer

Hosea Ballou and his Treatise on Atonement

Jacob Arminius (also see: Saving the Reformation by Robert Godfrey and For Calvinism by Michael Horton; also here and here)

Simply Put: here, here, here, and here

The Consequences of Ideas by R.C. Sproul

"Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato's View of the Soul" by William Dennsion; found in In Defense of the Eschaton: Essays in Reformed Apologetics

God's Time For Us: Barth's Reconciliation of Eternity and Time in Jesus Christ by James J. Cassidy; see also Christianity and Barthianism by Cornelius Van Til; also here and here

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

The Attributes of God: An Introduction by Gerald Bray

The Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen Wellum

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

All That Is In God by James Dolezal

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

The Structure of Biblical Authority by Meredith Kline

The Heresy of Orthodoxy; The Question of Canon by Michael Kruger

The Cross Before Constantine by Bruce Longenecker

Against Heresies by Irenaeus

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

30. CFM: John 14-17

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: One means One, Way means Way, and the Gospel is not Law

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twenty-fourth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Jun 5-11) is titled "Continue Ye in My Love" and covers John 14-17.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Seminary Manual: here, here, and here

D&C 76, 88, 130 and 131; John 14 (and here)

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 149-151, 366

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Gospel Principles: here and here

The Light of Christ (Packer)

The Way (Lawrence Corbridge)

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

The Second Comforter by Denver Snuffer (also here)

Resources:

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

The Forgotten Trinity by James White

The Attributes of God: An Introduction by Gerald Bray

The Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen Wellum

The Holy Spirit: An Introduction by Fred Sanders

WHI on Law and Gospel: here and here

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Calvin's Letter to Cardinal Sadoleto

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

Who Is the Holy Spirit? by Sinclair Ferguson

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity; Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Michael Horton (also here and here)

The Gospel According to John (PNTC) by D.A. Carson

Who Is God?; The Testimony of the Beloved Disciple by Richard Bauckham (also here)

The Gospel of John by F.F. Bruce

The Eye of the Beholder by Lydia McGrew (also here and here)

Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John's Gospel (NSBT) by Andreas Kostenberger and Scott Swain

Living in Union with Christ by Grant Macaskill

One With Christ by Marcus Peter Johnson

Thanksgiving (NSBT) by David Pao

Union with the Resurrected Christ by G.K. Beale

The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan (also here)

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri (translated by Anthony Esolen)

29. CFM: Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 13

Mon, 29 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Is there One Signified? Wine vs. "Liquid"

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twenty-third lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (May 29-Jun 4) is titled "In Remembrance" and covers Matthew 26, Mark 14, and John 13.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

CORRECTION: Dante's The Divine Comedy has three major sections called canticles - Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise. These are made up of, respectively, 34, 33, and 33 cantos. The best English translation is by Anthony Esolen (also here). Dante started writing c. 1306 - and finished it shortly before his death in September 1321, which would be around 700 years ago (that is, to be exact, 702 years), not 800 years ago.

Also, Skyler misstated a point toward the end. He fears that the gap between the views of John Calvin and Thomas Aquinas is actually less that either of their views are to most modern (at least, American) Christians today in modern times.

A World on the Wing by Scott Weidensaul

The Temple by George Herbert

Sources:

D&C 20; D&C 89; 3 Ne 18; Moroni 4; Moroni 5

Sunday School Manual: John 13, "The Sacrament"

Gospel Principles: The Sacrament; Sacrament Prayers

"The Living Bread" (Christofferson)

"This Do In Remembrance of Me" (Jeffrey Holland; notice: here they connect the white shirts that the priesthood holders wear to the sacred clothing of the temple.)

"Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament" (Dallin Oaks); "the most important meeting of the church"...??... except for all the meetings so sacred they are secret, maybe?)

Joseph F. Smith: JD 15.324-328

Resources:

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

God Has Spoken; The Attributes of God: An Introduction by Gerald Bray

The Person of Christ: An Introduction by Stephen Wellum

Heresies: The Image of Christ in the Mirror of Heresy and Orthodoxy by Harold O.J. Brown

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Matthew (The Expositor's Bible Commentary) by D.A. Carson

Simply Put (and here), Credo, WHI, and Reformed Forum

Desiring God by John Piper

The Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism and the Road to Sexual Revolution by Carl Trueman

Jacques Derrida by Christopher Watkin (also here)

Dialogue on the Two Natures In Christ by Peter Martyr Vermigli

Transubstantiation: Theology, History, and Christian Unity by Brett Salkeld

Calvin and the Anabaptist Radicals by William Balke

Zwingli: God's Armed Prophet by Bruce Gordon

The Flesh of the Word by K.J. Drake

Thanksgiving (NSBT) by David Pao

28. CFM: JS-Matthew 1, Mark 12-13, and Luke 21

Mon, 22 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: ...And there are also False Prophecies!

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twenty-second lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (May 22-28) is titled "The Son of Man Shall Come" and covers Joseph Smith-Matthew 1, Mark 12-13, and Luke 21.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

CORRECTION: The JST, when compared with his KJV equivalent - has only 118 changes in Romans. There were 1,554 changes to the Gospels. (Mormons and the Bible, p. 54; also see this issue in the context of ch.'s 1-3 of An Insider's View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer.)

It should be noted that in Mark 12 - Jesus, when asked what the greatest commandment is, begins with the Shema and thus, the monotheism denied in Mormon and/or LDS theology.

Contrary to what seems to be popular understanding among LDS, the Trinity is a monotheistic doctrine, and to claim that the Godhead are "three separate beings and persons" is to be polytheistic, no matter the aesthetic preference of someone like Jeffrey Holland. (also see here, and here to see how Joseph Smith spoke about the Trinity; also see The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain for a short introduction to the foundational Christian doctrine.)

Sources:

Joseph Smith - Matthew (in the 1968 version, the heading above says "Writings of Joseph Smith")

Sunday school manual: here

Why the King James Version by J. Reuben Clark

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Gospel Principles manual: here, here, here

JST Revelation; Sermon in the Grove (Joseph Smith)

A Voice of Warning by Parley Pratt; The Seer by Orson Pratt

The Culture of Christ (William Jackson)

The Office of Patriarch (Boyd K. Packer); also here and here

The Words of Joseph Smith, ed. by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook; wherein it documents Joseph Smith stating: "I prophesy in the name of the Lord God - and let it be written - that the Son of Man will not come in the heavens till I am 85 years old, 48 years hence or about 1890." (p.180)

Brigham Young (JD 13.309); Jedediah Grant (JD 1.346);

Orson Hyde (JD 4.259); Wilford Woodruff (JD 18.37, 21.195)

Brigham Young also taught this in regard to the title "Son of Man", connected to his teaching that Michael is god:"[I]t is most significant that in the Hebrew language the word for man is Adam, hence in the some-odd 84 passages in the gospels when Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man, it can be taken quite literally as a claim on Jesus' part that he was the son of Adam." (Teachings of President Brigham Young, 3:327)

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Power From On High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood by Gregory Prince

Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

As A Thief In the Night by Dan Erickson

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

Joseph Smith claimed: "I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam...Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet..." (HC 6:408; here)

D&C 84 (false prophecy about New Jerusalem)

JD 9.71 (George A. Smith)
JD 10.344 (George Q. Cannon)
JD 13. 360,362; JD 14.276 (Orson Pratt)

D&C 114 (false prophecy about apostle David W. Patten - who would die Oct. 25, 1838 in the Battle of Crooked River; also see DHC 3.170-175)

Parley Pratt - the "Apostle Paul of Mormonism" wrote and published: “Now, Mr. Sunderland, you have something definite and tangible, the time, the manner, the means, the names, the dates; and I will state as a prophesy, that there will not be an unbelieving Gentile upon this continent 50 years hence; and if they are not greatly scourged, and in a great measure overthrown, within five or ten years from this date, then the Book of Mormon will have proved itself false.” (Mormonism Unveiled, 1838; found in The Essential Parley Pratt, p. 24)

D&C 130 (expectation that Jesus would come back in around 1890)

Prophet/President Wilford Woodruff, alone, predicted British LDS would remain on earth "until the coming of Christ" (Jan. 26, 1840); told the LDS in northern Arizona "There will be no United States in the year 1890" (June 28, 1879); stated (by revelation) that the second coming was "nigh at the door" (Jan. 26, 1880); promised LDS in Manti "that thousands of the children...would not die but would live to see the Saviour come" (Aug. 14, 1881); told LDS in St. George that "there were thousands living in [the] mountains at [that] time that would see the son of God come and many would not taste death" (Mar. 20, 1881) - and similar predictions on Dec. 31, 1885, and then on Feb. 16, 1886. And that is just one of the early apostles/prophets! (As a Thief in the Night by Dan Erickson, pp. 83, 187-88, 190-191, 197)

It should be noted that this is the context for the Manifesto on polygamy - esp. in light of Wilford Woodruff (then senior apostle!) even prophesying in the Manti Temple that "we are not going to stop the practice of plural marriage until the coming of the Son of man." (ibid., p.200, also here)

Moreover, "in 1879-1880 the church published a new edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, edited by Apostle Orson Pratt and containing footnotes and references for the first time. Canonized at October 1880 general conference, it officially endorsed lay member millennial expectation. Pratt's footnotes for Section 130 highlighted Joseph Smith's 85-year millennial prophecy, adding in the commentary section confirmation of the fateful time frame 'near the end of the year 1890.' Pratt also cross-referenced the revelation to "See prophecy of Joseph, uttered 14 March 1835...'Even 56 years should wind up the scene.'" To many there was no doubt the Son of Man would make his appearance in 1890-91." (ibid., pp.188-189)

On April 28, 1842 - Joseph Smith delivered instruction to the "Female Relief Society of Nauvoo" in which he stated: "This Society shall have power to command Queens in their midst— I now deliver it as a prophecy that before ten years shall roll round, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this Society— they shall come with their millions and shall contribute of their abundance for the relief of the poor— If you will be pure, nothing can hinder. After this instruction, you will be responsible for your own sins. It is an honor to save yourself yourselves— all are responsible to save themselves."

Also see Religion of a Different Color by W. Paul Reeve for many of the ironies in both American and Mormon history on racial issues and race-relations.

On the JST:

The Joseph Smith Translation and Ancient Texts of the Bible by Kevin Barney; "In short, the JST phrasing is apparently Joseph Smith's way of getting his theological point across...No parallel ancient variants exist for the majority of JST readings. This lack of textual support suggests that the JST does not restore actual textual material. Some scriptural exegetes have hypothesized deliberate and widespread textual corruptions early enough to be incorporated into biblical manuscripts which have survived. Since the original autographs are irrecoverable, this assertion cannot be completely disproven, but it has been weakened with the discovery of Hebrew texts from the Old Testament as early as the second century B.C. which support the basic integrity of the later manuscripts. Some New Testament manuscripts date to the fourth, third, and even second centuries A.D., leaving an increasingly small frame of time in which the hypothesized textual corruptions could have occurred." (p.86) In his conclusion, he states: "We have seen that the majority of JST changes lack ancient textual support. Although we cannot say with complete assurance what stood in the original text, manuscript discoveries have made the argument that there could have been massive early deletions from the text untenable, at least for the New Testament." (p.100)

Thomas Wayment, who did the translation that even the Interpreter was whole-heartedly promoting on their podcast, did some of the more recent work on the connection of the JST to Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary - which explains even some of the things Smith supposedly did correctly. RFM covers the subject well here, and here. (The main source being a chapter in the book Producing Ancient Scripture: Joseph Smith's Translation Projects in the Development of Mormon Christianity)

Utah Depression Rate

When Prophecy Fails by Leon Festinger

Fundamentalism and American Culture by George Marsden

Turning Points by Mark Noll

God's Strange Work: William Miller and the End of the World by David Rowe

Crucible of the Millennium by Michael Barkun

An Earnest Plea to Charismatics; An Earnest Plea to Seventh-day Adventists (Jason Wallace)

The War for Righteousness: Progressive Christianity, the Great War, and the Rise of the Messianic Nation by Richard Gamble

Woodrow Wilson and the Roots of Modern Liberalism by Ronald Pestritto

Paradise Now: The Story of American Utopianism by Chris Jennings

American Jesus by Stephen Prothero

The Doctrine of the Word of God by John Frame

Matthew (The Expositor's Bible Commentary); The King James Version Debate: A Plea For Realism by D.A. Carson

The King James Only Controversy by James White

Scribes and Scripture by John Meade and Peter Gurry

In the Beginning by Alister McGrath

God's Secretaries by Adam Nicolson

Three Views on the Millennium and Beyond, ed. Darrell Bock (also here)

A Case For Amillennialism: Understanding the End Time; The Man of Sin: Uncovering the Truth about the Antichrist by Kim Riddlebarger

Victory in Jesus: The Bright Hope of Postmillennialism by Greg Bahnsen

The Bible vs. Don Preston; The Church Impotent (Jason Wallace)

The Returning King: A Guide to the Book of Revelation by Vern Poythress

Triumph of the Lamb by Dennis Johnson

The Temple and the Church's Mission; The Book of Revelation (NIGTC); God Dwells Among Us by G. K. Beale

All Things New (NSBT) by Brian Tabb

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

No Place For Truth; Above All Earthy Pow'rs by David Wells

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

Hearing God's Words: Exploring Biblical Spirituality (NSBT) by Peter Adam

The Word is Worth a Thousand Pictures by Gregory Reynolds

Reformed Forum: here and here

Michael Horton: here and here

War Against the Idols by Carlos Eire

From Icons to Idols, ed. by David Davis

27. CFM: Matthew 21-23, Mark 11, Luke 19-20, and John 12

Mon, 15 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: No Shema - No Christianity; and King means King

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twenty-first lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (May 15-21) is titled "Behold, Thy King Cometh", and covers Matthew 21-23, Mark 11, Luke 19-20, and John 12.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Sources:

D&C 98; D&C 132; Abraham 2

Seminary Manual: Matthew 21:1-11; Matthew 22:34-40

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

"Wrong Roads and Revelation" (Holland; and here)

"The Second Great Commandment" (Russell Nelson)

"The Light of Christ" (Boyd Packer)

"Two Great Commandments" (Dallin Oaks)

"The Constitution: A Glorious Standard" ; God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties; and This Nation Shall Endure by Ezra Taft Benson (here)

"The True, Pure, and Simple Gospel of Jesus Christ" (M. Russell Ballard)

Brigham Young: JD 7.8; JD 10.254; Joseph F. Smith; George Albert Smith

True Meaning of the Atonement; The 5000 Year Leap by Cleon Skousen (also: The Real Thomas Jefferson)

The Life of John Taylor by B. H. Roberts

"How To Love Yourself Like God Loves You"

Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen; The Book of Mormon and the Constitution by H. Verlan Andersen

Approaching Zion by Hugh Nibley

It should be noted that there are political anarchists, both of the libertarian variety and the socialist variety who both claim Mormon principles and are members of the LDS church.

Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right by Matthew L. Harris; Thunder From Right, ed. by Matthew L. Harris

In Sacred Loneliness by Todd Compton

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? Sandra and Jerald Tanner

Miscellaneous:

John Locke (also, on British empiricism: here, here)

Thomas Jefferson - e.g. here and here (original letters)

Thomas Jefferson: Revolutionary by Kevin Gutzman

The Americanization of Benjamin Franklin by Gordon Wood

Did America Have a Christian Founding? by Mark David Hall (also here); also see One Nation Under God? by John Wilsey

The Myth of American Individualism by Barry Alan Shain; also see The Constitutional Origins of the American Revolution by Jack Greene

Lenin: The Man, the Dictator, and the Master of Terror by Victor Sebestyen; see also The Harvest of Sorrow by Robert Conquest

Resources:

The Triumphal Entry; and City of God (WHI)

The Gospel of Matthew (TNICNT) by R.T. France

The Gospel According to John (PNTC) by D.A. Carson

On Christian Doctrine by St. Augustine

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

Slave of Christ: A New Testament metaphor for total devotion to Christ by Murray J. Harris

Christ Is King by Joshua Jipp

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution; Strange New World; Republocrat by Carl Trueman

Five Proofs of the Existence of God by Edward Feser; see also Christian Theistic Evidences by Cornelius Van Til

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

In Defense of the Eschaton by William Dennison

New Testament History by F.F. Bruce

OT afterlife: here, and here

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

"The Family: A Proclamation to the World"

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

Active and Passive Obedience of Christ (Simply Put)

Grace and Glory by Geerhadus Vos (also here)

The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D.A. Carson

How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age by Jonathan Leeman

Political Gospel: Public Witness in a Politically Crazy World by Patrick Schreiner

American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time by Joshua Mitchell

In Search of the City on a Hill by Richard Gamble

Augustine and the Limits of Politics by Jean Bethike Elshtain

26. CFM: Matthew 19-20, Mark 10, and Luke 18

Mon, 08 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: The Family - A Proclamation: Ambiguity, Idolatry, and Eunuchs

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twentieth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (May 8-14) is titled "What Lack I Yet?", and covers Matthew 19-20, Mark 10, and Luke 18.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

*Fanny Alger was seventeen years old! It was Helen Mar Kimball who was fourteen years old.

Sources:

D&C 132; original D&C 101; D&C 26.2; D&C 28.13

The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith by Lyndon W. Cook

Seminary Manual: Matt 19.1-12; Matt 19:16-30

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Gospel Topics Essay: Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo, where in it states that one of his wives, Helen Mar Kimball, was "sealed to Joseph several months before her fifteenth birthday". That must be the LDS church's way of saying that she was fourteen. (See also HC 6.411)

"The Love and Laws of God" (Russell Nelson)

"Two Great Commandments" (Dallin Oaks)

Compare audio and text: "Cleansing the Inner Vessel" (Boyd Packer)

LDS Living Article - note: Nelson sealed to more than one wife

Gordon B. Hinckley on Larry King Live

"Obedience, Consecration, and Sacrifice" (Bruce R. McConkie)

Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie

"Monogamy, or restrictions by law to one wife, is no part of the economy of heaven among men. Such a system was commenced by the founders of the Roman empire...Rome became the mistress of the world, and introduced monogamy wherever her sway was acknowledged. Thus this monogamic order of marriage, so esteemed by modern Christians as a holy sacrament and divine institution, is nothing but a system established by set of robbers...Why do we believe in and practice polygamy? Because the Lord introduced it to his servants in a revelation given to Joseph Smith, and the Lord's servants have always practised it. 'And is that religion popular in heaven?' It is the only popular religion there,..." (The Deseret News, August 6, 1842)

"The one-wife system not only degenerates the human family, both physically and intellectually, but it is entirely incompatible with philosophical notions of immortality..." (Millennial Star, vol. 15, p. 227)

The Pratt-Newman Debate: "Does the Bible Sanction Polygamy?" (here)

The Seer by Orson Pratt (pp. 12, 124-125, 178; also JD 13.195)

Brigham Young: "The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy." (JD 11. 269); see also JD 13.317

John Taylor: JD 11.221

Heber C. Kimball: "You might as well deny 'Mormonism,' and turn away from it, as to oppose the plurality of wives. Let the Presidency of this Church, and the Twelve Apostles, and all the authorities unite and say with one voice that they will oppose that doctrine, and the whole of them would be damned." (JD 5.203); see also JD 23.278

Joseph F. Smith: JD 20.28-31

D&C 130 (expectation that Jesus would come back in around 1890)

Prophet/President Wilford Woodruff, alone, predicted British LDS would remain on earth "until the coming of Christ" (Jan. 26, 1840); told the LDS in northern Arizona "There will be no United States in the year 1890" (June 28, 1879); stated (by revelation) that the second coming was "nigh at the door" (Jan. 26, 1880); promised LDS in Manti "that thousands of the children...would not die but would live to see the Saviour come" (Aug. 14, 1881); told LDS in St. George that "there were thousands living in [the] mountains at [that] time that would see the son of God come and many would not taste death" (Mar. 20, 1881) - and similar predictions on Dec. 31, 1885, and then on Feb. 16, 1886. And that is just one of the early apostles/prophets! (As a Thief in the Night by Dan Erickson, pp. 83, 187-88, 190-191, 197)

In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith by Todd Compton

Junius and Joseph by Robert Wicks and Fred Foister

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

"LDS Church Authority and New Plural Marriages, 1890-1904" by D. Michael Quinn

"The Art of Scripture and Scripture as Art: The Proclamation on the Family and the Expanding Canon" by Boyd J. Petersen and David W. Scott (found in The Expanded Canon, ed. by Blair G. Van Dyke et al.)

Gay Rights and the Mormon Church by Gregory A. Prince (esp. ch.'s 4-6, 19, 28); also here

No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

An Earnest Plea to LDS; Magical Mormon Scriptures (Jason Wallace)

Resources:

Paradise Now: The Story of American Utopianism by Chris Jennings

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self; Strange New World by Carl Trueman

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

From Sacrament to Contract by John Witte

Envy by Helmut Shoeck

Matthew: A Mentor Commentary (2 vols.) by Knox Chamblin

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

Stories with Intent by Klyne Snodgrass

They Also Taught in Parables by Harvey McArthur and Robert Johnston

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

Active and Passive Obedience of Christ (Simply Put)

Grace and Glory by Geerhadus Vos (also here)

You Are Not Your Sexuality (Sam Allberry)

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield

God & Sex (Reality SF)

Washed and Waiting by Wesley Hill

25. CFM: Luke 12-17 and John 11

Mon, 01 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Does man seek God? or does God seek man?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the nineteenth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (May 1-7) is titled "Rejoice with Me; for I Have Found My Sheep Which Was Lost", and covers Luke 12-17 and John 11.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Kyler T. Wakefield; Native American Voting Rights in Utah: Federal Policy, Citizenship, and Voter Suppression. Utah Historical Quarterly 1 January 2023; 91 (1): 4–22. doi: https://doi.org/10.5406/26428652.91.1.01

*The paper, specific to Utah - does speak of broader issues that have affected Native Americans throughout the continental US and Alaska. Utah was the last state in the union to lift restrictions on voting for Native Americans in 1957 - though barriers have persisted in ways the article documents and discusses.

Also see A History of Utah's American Indians, ed. by Forrest Cuch

1984 by George Orwell

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Amusing Ourselves To Death by Neil Postman

The Age of AI by Jason Thacker

LDS Sources:

D&C 131.20-21

Sunday School Manual: Luke 17.11-19 (wherein Nelson states: "As a doctor I know the value of good therapy..."); Luke 15

Your Best Year Ever: A 5-Step Plan For Achieving Your Most Important Goals by Michael Hyatt

Faith In Him Will Move Mountains; Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives (Russell Nelson)

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner (Ezra Taft Benson)

Many Mansions: The Edgar Cayce Story on Reincarnation by Gina Cerminara

Brigham Young: JD 1.93; JD 4. 218; JD 10.5; 10.355; JD 18.260

Heber C. Kimball: JD 1. 355-357; JD 3.108; JD 4.329

Wilford Woodruff: JD 6.120

Note 1: Charles Harrell points out the shift in Mormon/LDS theology in the Nauvoo Period: "In the book of Abraham, the basis of foreordination shifts from God's knowledge of a person's future righteousness in mortality to a knowledge of that person's premortal righteousness...(cites Abraham 3.22-23) Thus, foreordination is explained as being based on premortal nobility...Today, Mormons generally follow Joseph Smith's later teaching that the foreordination of prophets and other individuals called to fill special missions is based on premortal worthiness." ("This Is My Doctrine": The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles R. Harrell); This was the foundation of the famous racial priesthood and temple restrictions. (see pp. 388-391; also here and here) In the Gospel Principles manual it states: "the prophets prepared themselves to become leaders on earth while they were still spirits in heaven."

Note 2: On a "plausible example of how Joseph may have used his biblical knowledge" to write the Book of Mormon - using a comparison of John 11 and Alma 19 as the example, see An Insider's View of Mormon Origins by Grant Palmer, p. 48f

Religion of a Different Color by W. Paul Reeve

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne

Resources:

"Yes, and if oxen and horses or lions had hands, and could paint with their hands, and produce works of art as men do, horses would paint the forms of the gods like horses, and oxen like oxen, and make their bodies in the image of their several kinds." Xenophon, Fragment 15; see Classical Philosophy by Peter Adamson, pp.16-22 and Twelve Greeks and Romans Who Changed the World by Carl Richard, p. 20

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Thanksgiving (NSBT) by David Pao

Stories with Intent by Klyne Snodgrass

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes; The Cross and the Prodigal; Poet and Peasant and through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth Bailey (also here)

Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here, here)

The Attributes of God: An Introduction by Gerald Bray

All that is in God by James Dolezal (also here, here)

WHI on Hell (here and here)

The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D.A. Carson

On David Alexander (Aaron Shafovaloff)

24. CFM: John 7-10

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Is Jesus the Way - or an example of one who followed it?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the eighteenth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Apr. 24-30) is titled "I Am the Good Shepard", and covers John 7-10.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Sources:

JSH 1; D&C 88; D&C 89; D&C 93; Moses 1.39; Articles of Faith

Seminary Manual: John 7, John 7.17, John 8 (JST 8:11), John 10

Gospel Principles, ch. 3; ch. 7; "Plain and Precious Things" (1 Ne 13)

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

King Follett Discourse (Joseph Smith)

The Light of Christ (Boyd K. Packer)

Thanks Be To God (Russell Nelson)

Learn of Me (Thomas Monson)

Is should be noted that James E. Talmage did take note of the textual critical issue in a footnote, though he dismisses the idea that the pericope is not authentic to John. (see footnote 5; here)

A Rational Theology by John Widtsoe

Gospel Trilogy by W. Cleon Skousen

Doctrinal New Testament Commentary by Bruce R. McConkie

Brigham Young: JD 1.93; JD 4. 218; JD 10.5; 10.355; JD 18.260

Heber C. Kimball: JD 1. 355-357; JD 3.108; JD 4.329

Wilford Woodruff: JD 6.120

It is worth including section from footnote 9 (in WPJS, p. 83-84 - though I have changed the format), discussing Joseph Smith's theology:

"This is the first mention by the Prophet Joseph Smith of the extremely important concept in Mormon theology that God the Father once had a mortal probation and was resurrected with a body of flesh and bones...The following syllogistic argument used today for Mormonism's concept that God the Father once lived on an earth was not used or understood by the early Saints. The basic reasoning used today is as follows:

All men are raised with their physical bodies in the resurrection (Alma 40:23, printed in 1830)
Jesus, the Son of God and the great prototype (John 14.6-9), was the express image of his Father (Hebrews 1:3) and was resurrected with his corporeal body.
In the celestial resurrection men can become gods (D&C 76:58 [51-58], 1832 revelation)
Therefore, God the Father must have a body of resurrected flesh and bones that he obtained following his own earth life."

The character at the veil through whom one seek admission beyond it is labelled "Lord" - though it should be noted it isn't specifically Elohim or Jehovah. (See here) Most interpret this character as Jesus and that should've been said in the episode. However, even assuming that fact - notice - this character is there to test how far the person has progressed, as he (the Lord) himself progressed before. In other words, he isn't really the door - but someone who has passed through the door (like all gods before him), and is there for when we progress to such a point, to test us - and then, based on our grade in that test, is then allowed to bring individuals through the veil who have themselves progressed to that point and pass the test. (also here, and here - if different format is preferred.)

Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

The Vanishing Lamanites; The Magical Mormon Scriptures; Was the Burning in Your Bosom From God? (Jason Wallace)

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

The Mound Builder Myth: Fake History and the Hunt for a "Lost White Race" by Jason Colavito

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus by Charles Larson (also here and here)

Resources:

The Consequences of Ideas by R.C. Sproul

Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen Meyer

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John's Gospel by Scott Swain and Andreas Kostenberger

Testimony of the Beloved Disciple by Richard Bauckham

The Gospel According To John (PNTC) by D. A. Carson

The Gospel of John by F.F. Bruce

The Gospel According To John (I-XII) by Raymond Brown

The King James Only Controversy by James White

Scribes and Scriptures by John Meade and Peter Gurry

Jesus and the Manuscripts by Craig Evans

Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism, ed. by Elijah Hixson and Peter Gurry

The Text of the New Testament by Bruce Metzger (also here)

Revisiting the Corruption of the New Testament, ed. by Dan Wallace

To Cast the First Stone by Jennifer Knust and Tommy Wasserman

Active and Passive Obedience of Christ ; Adiaphora (Simply Put)

Modern Spirituality and Your Mind; What Is the Gospel (Voddie Baucham)

TCI article; TGC article

The Gospel of Pragmatism; American Spirituality (WHI)

Robert Barron: Christ as "privileged path for salvation" (here)

Second Vatican Council; to cite a kind-of parallel to the ecumenism mentioned was in a First Presidency statement of February 15, 1978.

Revolution in Rome by David Wells

Note: Here is an extended quotation from scholar Scott Swain:

"As God's being and works are common to all three persons of the Trinity, so too is God's authority. As the Father is "Lord of heaven and earth" (Matt. 11:25), so he has granted the Son "all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18; so 11:27). Indeed, according to the author of Hebrews, 'the Holy Spirit is the selfsame Lord who utters the divine warning published in Psalm 95:7-11...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share one divine sovereignty, one divine authority over all creatures.

The point is further confirmed in John 10:22-30. This passage echoes many of the themes that appear in Psalm 95. The relationship between Jesus and his people is portrayed as a relationship between a shepherd and his 'sheep' (John 10:27; Psalm 95:7) who are in his 'hand' (John 10:28-29); see Ps. 95:7). The language of 'greatness' is used as well, with Jesus declaring, 'My Father...is greater than all' (John 10:29; see Ps. 95:3). Finally, John 10 emphasizes that Jesus' sheep will 'hear' his 'voice' and enter into eternal life (John 10:27-28; see Ps. 95:7,11). With respect to the present discussion, the important thing to note is that Jesus claims to be 'one' with his Father who is 'greater than all' (John 10:29-30), a clear echo of Deuteronomy 6:4 ('the Lord is one') and elicits the charge of blasphemy of Jesus' opponents (John 10:31-39).

Jesus, the Good Shepard, is 'one' with his Father, who is 'greater than all'. All that the Father has, Jesus has (John 16:14-15). One Lord with his Father (Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:6), he is a great God and great King above all gods (1 Cor. 8:5), the shepherd of his flock, the voice that gives eternal life to all who hear and follow his voice (Ps. 95)." (The Trinity: An Introduction, pp. 116-117)

23. Less Recap and Many Things

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler flies solo and covers a bunch of things that could've been covered in the lesson material for three past episodes, and yet could be covered in much more detail than even in this episode.

Please bear with the lack of editing on this one!

1) Seminary Manual: Matt 8; Luke 7:11-17

Words of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 59-60; compare with Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.180 -181 - where, for example, Joseph Fielding Smith leaves out the fact that Joseph Smith said that John C. Bennett was "a superior orator" than the apostle Paul.

It is worth including section from footnote 9 (in WPJS, p. 83-84 - though I have changed the format), discussing the theology in this material from Smith which is still being included the above-linked seminary manual:

All men are raised with their physical bodies in the resurrection (Alma 40:23, printed in 1830)
Jesus, the Son of God and the great prototype (John 14.6-9), was the express image of his Father (Hebrews 1:3) and was resurrected with his corporeal body.
In the celestial resurrection men can become gods (D&C 76:58 [51-58], 1832 revelation)
Therefore, God the Father must have a body of resurrected flesh and bones that he obtained following his own earth life."

2) Seminary Manual: Matt. 8:23-27; Mark 4.35-41

Recovering Our Sanity: How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears that Divide Us by Michael Horton

Rejoice and Tremble: The Surprising Good News of the Fear of the Lord by Michael Reeves

What Is Faith? by J. Gresham Machen

3) The Parable of the Sower (Dallin Oaks)

Faith - The Choice Is Yours (Richard Edgley)

D&C 6.7; Jacob 2.18-19

1 Ne. 8:19-34; Alma 32:26-43

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

Terry Johnson (here)

Mark 1-8 by Joel Marcus

4) Seminary Manual: Matt. 13:3-8, 18-23

"Huldah's Long Shadow" by Julie M. Smith (footnote 13), found in A Dream, a Rock, and a Pillar of Fire, ed. Adam Miller

Temple Theology: An Introduction by Margaret Barker

The Nag Hammadi Scriptures, ed. Marvin Meyer (specifically On the Origin of the World, also here)

No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie (pp. 58-59)

History of Joseph Smith by His Mother by Lucy Mack Smith

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

The Mound Builder Myth: Fake History and the Hunt for a "Lost White Race" by Jason Colavito

When Prophecy Fails by Leon Festinger

D&C 130 (expectation that Jesus would come back in around 1890)

Prophet/President Wilford Woodruff, alone, predicted British LDS would remain on earth "until the coming of Christ" (Jan. 26, 1840); told the LDS in northern Arizona "There will be no United States in the year 1890" (June 28, 1879); stated (by revelation) that the second coming was "nigh at the door" (Jan. 26, 1880); promised LDS in Manti "that thousands of the children...would not die but would live to see the Saviour come" (Aug. 14, 1881); told LDS in St. George that "there were thousands living in [the] mountains at [that] time that would see the son of God come and many would not taste death" (Mar. 20, 1881) - and similar predictions on Dec. 31, 1885, and then on Feb. 16, 1886. And that is just one of the early apostles/prophets! (As a Thief in the Night by Dan Erickson, pp. 83, 187-88, 190-191, 197)

Against Heresies by Irenaeus

Confessions by St. Augustine

What Is Faith? by J. Gresham Machen (also here)

The Territories of Science and Religion by Peter Harrison

The Origins of Science and the Science of its Origins by Stanley Jaki

The Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen Meyer

Greg Bahnsen v. Gordon Stein debate

Moses warns against false prophets who lead people after other gods (Deut. 13.1-5; 18.20-22); and Paul warns in Galatians that "even if we or an angel from heaven" preach a different gospel, let him/her be anathema, as well as warning against false apostles, men who preach "another Christ" - saying that "even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (Gal. 1.7, 2 Cor. 11.4,13-14) And of course, the apostle John warns against "false prophets" and commands we "test the spirits". (1John 4.1-3)

5) Seminary Manual: Matt 13:24-30, 36-43

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 97-99; where Joseph Smith teaches that "the Church is in its infancy, and if you take this rash step, you will destroy the wheat, or the Church, with the tares; therefore, it is better to let them grow together until the harvest, or the end of the world..." Yet, if that is the case, where is the basis for this including the notion of the disappearance of the Church, as in the Great Apostasy?

Words of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 13

Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible, pp. 95-97

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

D&C 86; D&C 88.96

Terry Johnson (here, here, here and here)

Stories With Intent by Klyne Snodgrass

The Challenge of Jesus' Parables by Richard Longenecker

A Case for Amillenialism: Understanding the End Times by Kim Riddlebarger

6) Seminary Manual: Matt 13; Matt 13: 24-30, 36-43 (also here)

Brigham Young: JD 2. 310

The Council of Fifty (also here)

The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil by H. Verlan Andersen

This is very different than the view taken by James Talmage in his book Jesus the Christ

And all of this is different than the Kingdom of God, biblically understood:

Divine Government: God's Kingship in the Gospel of Mark by R.T. France

The Kingdom of God and the Church by Geerhardus Vos

The Coming of the Kingdom by Herman Ridderbos

Kingdom Through Covenant by Peter Gentry and Stephen Wellum

An Earnest Plea to LDS (Jason Wallace)

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

7) Bearing Up Their Burdens With Ease (David Bednar)

"Today is April 6. We know by revelation that today is the actual and accurate date of the Savior’s birth. April 6 also is the day on which The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized."

D&C 20.1; Messages of the First Presidency 4.28; No mention here

Jesus the Christ by James Talmage

"Dating the Birth of Christ" by Jeffrey Chadwick

The Origins of the Liturgical Year by Thomas J. Talley

Calendar and Chronology by Roger T. Beckwith

"Calculating Christmas" by William Tighe

"Sol Invictus, The Winter Solstice, and the Origins of Christmas" by Steven Hijmans

"Calculating December 25 as the Birth of Jesus in Hippolytus' Canon and Chronicon" by Thomas C. Schmidt

Reversing Hermon by Michael Heiser

Stations of the Sun by Ronald Hutton (though, in response to his dismissal - here and here; also New Testament History by F.F. Bruce)

The specific example of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" was inspired, in part, by "The Art of Scripture and Scripture as Art" by Boyd J. Petersen and David W. Scott, found in the book The Expanded Canon.

8) Interpreter Show

Preface to JD 8 states: "The Journal of Discourses deservedly ranks as one of the standard works of the Church, and every rightminded Saint will certainly welcome with joy every Number as it comes forth from the press as an additional reflector of 'the light that shines from Zion's hill.'"

Brigham Young stated:

"I have never yet preached a sermon and sent it out to the children of men, that they may not call Scripture." (JD 13.95)
"when they are copied and approved by me they are as good scripture as is couched in this Bible" (JD 13.264)

Michael as Adam is agreed upon by all sides of Mormonism.

Joseph Smith: Sermon in the Grove; JST Rev. 1; Moses 6.8

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 157, 167

A must-read is this Brigham Young sermon: JD 1.50f (And notice to whom he is addressing, where he is addressing them and the obvious lack of words like "my opinion" or any sense of this being a mere hypothesis, policy, or guess.)

Brigham Young even calls him "Yahovah Michael" several times (October 8, 1854 Conference Report, also The Essential Brigham Young, p. 94)

He stated in a "Discourse on Marriage" that: "Some years ago I advanced a doctrine with regard to Adam being our Father and our God. That will be a curse to many of the elders of Israel because of their folly with regard to it...It is one of the most glorious revealments of the economy of heaven, yet the world hold it in derision. Had I revealed the doctrine of the baptism for the dead instead [of] Joseph Smith, there are men around me who would have ridiculed the idea until doomsday, but they are ignorant and stupid, like the dumb ass."

Brigham Young stated that "Joseph said that Adam was our Father and our God." (Journal History, May 14,1876) He also stated that "[I]t is most significant that in the Hebrew language the word for man is Adam, hence in the some-odd 84 passages in the gospels when Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man, it can be taken quite literally as a claim on Jesus' part that he was the son of Adam." (Teachings of President Brigham Young, 3:327)

The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship by David John Buerger

Conflict In the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

The God of Brigham Young (Jason Wallace)

22. CFM: Matthew 18 and Luke 10

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: What Shall I do to Inherit Eternal Life?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the seventeenth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Apr. 17-23) is titled "What Shall I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?", and covers Matthew 18 and Luke 10.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Correction: Not KSL, but Fox 13.

LDS Sources:

Matthew 18:11-14; Luke 10:25-37 (Seminary Manual)

To Acquire Spiritual Guidance (Richard G. Scott; word "impression/s" used 12x; cites the BOM 2x, D&C 1x - the Bible, never.)

The Light of Christ (Boyd K. Packer)

D&C 93; D&C 131; Gospel Principles

Mar. 13-19 in manual: "Why are principles more effective than lists of rules as we strive to develop spiritual self-reliance?"

Be Ye Therefore Perfect - Eventually (Jeffrey Holland)

The Only True God (Jeffrey Holland)

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball (also here, here, here)

As Clay in the Potter's Hand: The Healing Power of Forgiveness by April Aaron Dodd Bardsley (also here)

Note: Many early Mormon leaders (who were polygamists), taught that Jesus was a polygamist. Indeed, given the story of Mary and Martha in this lesson - it is worth pointing out this quote by early Mormon apostle Orson Pratt: "One thing is certain, that there were several holy women that greatly loved Jesus - such as Mary, and Martha her sister, and Mary Magdalene; and Jesus greatly loved them, and associated with them much; and when He arose from the dead, instead of first showing Himself to His chosen witnesses, the Apostles, He first appeared to these women, or at least to one of them - namely Mary Magdalene. Now, it would be very natural for a husband in the resurrection to appear first to his own dear wives, and afterwards show himself to his other friends. If all the acts Jesus were written, we no doubt should learn that these beloved women were his wives." (The Seer, p.159)

Resources:

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

An Earnest Plea to LDS (Jason Wallace)

Transfiguration; JST Mark 9

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

No Place For Truth: Or Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology? by David F. Wells

Spiritual Gifts: What they Are and Why They Matter by Thomas Schreiner

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

D.A. Carson (here)

Stories with Intent by Klyne Snodgrass

Confessions by St. Augustine

Augustine and the Pelagian Controversy by B.B. Warfield

Unpacking Forgiveness by Chris Brauns

Embodying Forgiveness by L. Gregory Jones

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity; Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Michael Horton (also here, here, here)

Inventing the Flat Earth by Jeffrey Burton Russell

Columbus and the Crisis of the West by Robert Royal

American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell

The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

21. Antithesis, Common Grace, and Joseph Smith's "Jesus"

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Skyler is flying solo today, based on the essay "Antithesis, Common Grace, and Plato's View of the Soul" by William D. Dennison. The essay can be found in the book In Defense of the Eschaton: Essays in Reformed Apologetics. Bill is a great scholar and always worth reading! (also here)

20. CFM: Matthew 15-17 and Mark 7-9

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Keys to the Kingdom, Priesthood

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the sixteenth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Apr. 10-16) is titled "Thou Art the Christ", and covers Matthew 15-17 and Mark 7-9.

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Note 1: in the official LDS church e-mail for this Holy Week (2023) literally has as the subject line - "Rise above your challenges". (Beware: "Moralistic Therapeutic Deism")

Note 2: Notice - the official position of the LDS church in the manual is that "this rock" (v. 18) is - "the bedrock of revelation". Yet, they don't even mention (even once) the next part of the same verse (also v. 18) which states that "the gates of hades will not prevail against" the church due to their claims of the Great Apostasy - i.e. the early church completely disappearing (or at least, the authority of the Christian church completely disappearing), only to then be restored to the earth through the prophet, Joseph Smith.

Yet, even on their own terms - if "the rock" (as they interpret it) failed the first time, why should it be a model for the latter-day church? Is it just that their latter-day prophets are just that much more faithful than Peter or Paul? Joseph Smith claimed just this kind of thing when he claimed that: "I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam...Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet..." (HC 6:408; here)

This is to not even mention the fact that the LDS position, even on their own terms, must mean that either Jesus was wrong, or failed to mention that the gates of hades would succeed - but only for 1,500-1,800 years or so (depending on where one would date the apostasy), which would seem to entail Jesus being de facto wrong, anyway. If there was ever a place for Jesus to warn of a great apostasy, and Matthew to document it - this would indeed be the passage.

Note 3: The Canons of the Council of Orange (AD 529) - Canon 3 states: "If anyone says that the grace of God can be conferred as a result of human prayer, but that it is not grace itself which makes us pray to God, he contradicts the prophet Isaiah, or the Apostle who says the same thing, 'I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me' (Rom 10:20, quoting Isa. 65:1)." (here) Note that these doctrinal statements received even official approval from pope Boniface II in 531.

LDS Sources:

Hear Him videos

Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood? (Gary Stevensen)

The Holy Temple (Boyd Packer)

Gospel Principles (quoted the 2009 ed.); D&C 20; D&C 107

Matthew 16.13-18; Matthew 16.18-19, 17.1-7 (Seminary Manual)

D&C 110; D&C 130; D&C 131; D&C 132 (original context: polygamy)

Jesus the Christ; The Great Apostasy by James Talmage

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 158, 310, 312, 335-338

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Why did Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear in the Kirtland Temple? (Notice the footnotes on Elias)

D&C 6; D&C 8(also here; see footnotes 5,7); D&C 9

Note 3: The Sunday School manual asks: "What do you think Peter or Alma or Oliver Cowdery might have said if someone asked them how they know the gospel is true?" Historian D. Michael Quinn points out the context of D&C 6, 8, and 9 (among other places) is found in divining rods and the magic worldview with indeed, the "rod of aaron" of current wording historically referring to a divining rod. Quinn also notes a time when Oliver Cowdery was asked about the "treasure" (the golden plates) and "[a]s part of his answer, Cowdery wrote that one evidence of the truthfulness of the angel's visit in 1823 was that 'the vision was renewed twice before morning,' a reference to the importance of thrice-repeated dreams in folk magic's treasure-quest." (Mormonism and the Magic World View, pp. 141, 259) Is this truly comparable to the context of Peter's confession?

Note 4: "The Book of Mormon says nothing regarding the restoration of priesthood authority or its importance in the latter-day work of the Lord. The first recorded reference to restorations of their respective priesthoods by John the Baptist and by Peter, James, and John wasn't until 1834, some five years after these events reportedly occurred. The original sixty-five sections of the Doctrine and Covenants published as the Book of Commandments in 1833 make no mention at all of Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods, much less their restoration. Section 13, which references 'the priesthood of Aaron,' wasn't recorded until Joseph Smith wrote his history in 1838 (JS-H 1:69). The references to John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John in section 27 of the current Doctrine and Covenants were added in 1835. David Whitmer and William E. McLellin, who at the time were close associates of the Prophet, later alleged that they knew nothing of any priesthood restoration taking place. Their understanding was that Joseph and Oliver's authority to ordain each other, and others, to ministerial office (e.g., elder, priest, teacher) was received by commandment, and not by angelic administration. Initially, these offices had no connection to Aaronic or Melchizedek priesthoods..." ("This Is My Doctrine": The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell; also here and here)

Power from on High: The Development of Mormon Priesthood by Gregory Prince

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (also here)

The Mound Builder Myth: Fake History and the Hunt for a "Lost White Race" by Jason Colavito

Temples Made With Hands? ; The Vanishing Lamanites (Jason Wallace)

Approaching the Book of Mormon (Bill McKeever)

The Secret Mormon Meetings of 1922

The Nag Hammadi Scriptures (ed. Marvin Meyer); specifically, The Testimony of Truth. Scholar Birger Pearson, describing one of the key messages of this gnostic text writes: "True Christianity consists in renunciation of the world and in gnosis, i.e. self-knowledge as divine knowledge." The "author's polemics" were "obviously the ecclesiastical Church".

Note 5: The point is not that every particular of Gnosticism has a parallel in Mormonism - but rather, a point about category. In terms of epistemology, religious emphasis and priority, history and eschatology, and even hermeneutics - Mormonism has been in a category much more akin to Gnosticism than to that of Christianity. Anyone who has attended an LDS testimony meeting will immediately see the emphasis on "knowing" truth via immediate spiritual experience. One would think it is fair to build an analysis of a religion based on the very patterns emphasized in/through the rhetoric of the membership to the membership, at least monthly.

Resources:

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus; and What is Faith? by J. Gresham Machen

Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado (also here)

Dominion by Tom Holland

Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here, here, here, and here)

The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT); Matthew: Evangelist and Teacher by R.T. France

Matthew (The Expositor's Bible Commentary) by D. A. Carson

The Justification Reader by Thomas Oden

Luther's Theology of the Cross by Alister McGrath

Christianity at the Crossroads; The Question of Canon; Canon Revisited by Michael J. Kruger (also here and here)

The Battle for the Keys by Justin Bass

The Book of Revelation (NIGTC); The Temple and the Church's Mission by G. K. Beale

Temple of Presence by Andrea Robinson

The Infallibility of the Church by George Salmon

Does the NT teach that Peter was the first pope? (Debate, James White)

Christianity and Classical Culture by Jaroslav Pelikan

The Origins of the Liturgical Year by Thomas Talley

Note 6: On the Transfiguration, R.T. France points out: "the reappearance of Moses in this scene further links the two mountain experiences [Exod. 24.9-18 and this one in Matt. 17.1-8], while the echo of Deut. 18.15-19 in v. 5 identifies Jesus as a new Moses is a factor in Matthew's account, though it is important to note that whereas at Sinai Moses was the recipient of revelation, here Jesus is its subject, and it is the disciples rather than Jesus who are in the position of Moses, seeing the heavenly glory and hearing the voice of God..."

"The visual 'transformation' is not so much a physical alteration as an added dimension of glory; it is the same Jesus, but now with an awesome brightness 'like the sun' and 'like light'. Or, one might better say, with the dullness of earthly conditions temporarily stripped away, so that the true nature of God's 'beloved Son' (v. 5) can for once be seen." In footnote 26: "It should also be noted that the account of Moses' face shining relates to his coming down from the mountain, whereas Jesus shone on the mountain but is not said to be visibly different when coming down from it."..."Moses shone for a time with a reflection of the divine glory he had seen; Jesus shone with his own heavenly glory. Moses' radiance was derivative, Jesus' essential." (pp. 644-645, 647)

19. CFM: Easter

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Easter, Fall and Atonement

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the fifteenth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Apr. 3-9) is titled "Easter: O Grave, Where is Thy Victory?"

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Note: in the official LDS church e-mail for this Holy Week (2023) literally has as the subject line - "Rise above your challenges".

LDS Sources:

2 Nephi 2, 2 Ne 25.23, Moroni 10.32, D&C 93 (also here), D&C 29, Moses 1.39; Moses 5.10-11; Articles of Faith; also The Articles of Faith by James E. Talmage, wherein he states: "Adam found himself in a position that made it impossible for him to obey both of the specific commandments given by the Lord...He deliberately and wisely decided to stand by the first and greater commandment."

JST Rom. 4 (Smith changes "justifies the ungodly" to justifies NOT the ungodly"; This is clearly a rejection of Paul's actual teaching, yet through the means of "inspired translation".)

Gospel Principles (manual quoted is 2009 edition)

Jesus Christ Chosen as Savior; also The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner

The Gift of Grace (Dieter Uchtdorf)

The Healing Power of Jesus Christ (Cristina Franco)

Zion and the Spirit of At-one-ment (M. Catherine Thomas)

Christ: The Light that Shines in Darkness (Sharon Eubank)

Good Shepard, Lamb of God (Gerrit Gong)

The Mediator (Boyd Packer)

Personal Search for the Meaning of the Atonement; The First 2,000 Years; A Gospel Trilogy by W. Cleon Skousen

Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage

A Rational Theology; Evidences and Reconciliations by John A. Widtsoe; he states: "Adam and Eve, in view of the great sacrifices they made to make the Great Plan a reality, are the great hero and heroine of human history." (p. 52)

King Follett Discourse; Sermon in the Grove (Joseph Smith)

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (ed. Joseph Fielding Smith), pp. 346-348, 369-376

Brigham Young: JD 1.50f; JD 1.83; JD 3.247; JD 4.53-54; JD 4. 219-220; JD 7.2; 9.305; JD 10.110; 14.71f; 17.143; also here

Heber C. Kimball: JD 6.38; JD 6.125-126; JD 7.19-20

J.M. Grant: JD 4.49-51

The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball

For the concept of "multiple saviors", see "The Doctrine of the Firstborn and Only Begotten" by Rodney Turner - wherein he states about the theology of Joseph Smith: "These and the Prophet’s earlier remarks are believed by some to infer that our God and his father once sacrificed their lives in a manner similar to the atonement of Jesus Christ...Therefore, in Christ’s atonement and subsequent resurrection, he was repeating ordinances his Father and his father’s father had performed." Later he states that "[s]tatements of Brigham Young indicate that he believed in the concept of multiple saviors."

The Mediation and Atonement by John Taylor (wherein he states: "Why did it need an infinite atonement?...For the simple reason that a stream can never rise higher than its fountain...A man, as a man, could arrive at all the dignity that a man is capable of obtaining or receiving; but it needed a God to raise him to the dignity of a God."

"LDS Teachings are rather unique in depicting Adam and Eve's transgression not only as a wise noble act, but one performed with full cognizance that they were furthering God's purposes in the salvation of humankind. Apostle Dallin H. Oaks praised the 'wisdom and courage [of Adam and Eve] in the great episode called the Fall." ("This is My Doctrine": The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell, p. 252)

Exploring Mormon Thought: The Problems of Theism and the Love of God by Blake Ostler

Temple and Cosmos by Hugh Nibley (esp. ch. 1)

"...the founders of Utah incorporated in the laws of the Territory provisions for the capital punishment of those who willfully shed the blood of their fellow men. This law, which is now the law of the States, granted unto the condemned murderer the privilege of choosing for himself whether he die by hanging, or whether he be shot, and thus have his blood shed in harmony with the law of God; and thus atone, so far as it is in his power to atone, for the death of his victim. Almost without exception the condemned party chooses the latter death." (Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation 1.136)

Mormonism and the Magic World View; The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn

Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right by Matthew Harris; Thunder from the Right: Ezra Taft Benson in Mormonism and Politics (ed. Matthew Harris)

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

Resources:

The Holiness of God by R.C. Sproul

God in the Whirlwind by David Wells

Confessions by St. Augustine

The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris

Core Christianity; Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray

Jesus Christ Chosen as Savior

D.A. Carson (here and here)

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

Temple Made With Hands? (Jason Wallace)

Another Gospel? by Alisa Childers (also here and here)

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Can We Trust the Gospels? by Peter Williams

Unmasking the Pagan Christ by Stanley Porter and Stephen Bedard

Who Moved the Stone? by Frank Morison

The Bedrock of Christianity by Justin Bass (also here, here, here)

"Revelation, Proof, and Presuppositionalism: Acts 17.30-31" by Lane Tipton (found in Revelation and Reason, ed. K. Scott Oliphant)

The Book of Isaiah (vol. 1) by Edward J. Young (also here)

Contemplating God with the Great Tradition: Recovering Trinitarian Classical Theism by Craig Carter (also here and here)

To See and Perceive Not by Craig Evans

The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson; Kingdom Through Covenant by Peter Gentry

Who is God? by Richard Bauckham

American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell

All that is in God by James Dolezal

18. CFM: Matthew 14, Mark 6, and John 5-6

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Dealing with Doubt

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the fourteenth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Mar. 27-Apr. 2) covers Matthew 14, Mark 6, and John 5-6 - and is titled "Be Not Afraid".

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Note the difference: The LDS seminary manual asks: "How can focusing on your faith in Jesus Christ and His power and love for you during difficult situations help you?"; Focus on your faith.

Compare that with the simple sentence out of V. Poythress' book (cited below) commenting on the same NT passage: "Faith here was not faith in faith, but faith in Jesus...[and] Faith in Jesus needs to be generated by who Jesus is." (p.185) Or Machen (cited below) stating, similarly: "think not about your faith, but about the Person who is the object of your faith."

LDS Sources:

Lucifer; JST John 6; J. Smith quote in the manual; "self-reliance"; LDS hermeneutics (exegesis or eisegesis?); D&C 131

John 6 (here and here; notice the equation of following Jesus and being a member of the LDS church, or believing Jesus' teachings and questioning the policies and doctrines of the LDS church)

Diagram, from the current year - 2023, for explaining the LDS "virgin birth" is on this page

New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

The Power of the Priesthood (Boyd K. Packer)

The Living Bread (D. Todd Christofferson)

Stay in the Boat and Hold On! (M. Russell Ballard)

To Whom Shall We Go? (M. Russell Ballard)

Brad Wilcox Fireside

The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner (Ezra Taft Benson)

The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil by H. Verlan Andersen

King Follett Discourse (KD) and Sermon in the Grove (Joseph Smith)

E.g., from KD: "'I do the things I saw my Father do before worlds came rolling into existence. I saw my Father work out his kingdom with fear and trembling and I must do the same. [Then] I shall give my kingdom to the Father so that he obtains kingdom rolling upon kingdom,' so that Jesus treads the tracks as he had gone before...What did Jesus Christ do? 'The same thing as I saw the Father do.' Saw the Father do what? 'Work out a kingdom. When I do so, too, I will give [it] to the Father, which will add to his glory. He will take a higher exaltation, and I will take his place and be also exalted."

The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith ed. by Joseph Fielding Smith; The Words of Joseph Smith ed. by Andrew Ehat and Lyndon Cook; Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible ed. by Kent Jackson

Brigham Young: JD 1: 46-53 ; JD 4:218; JD 8:206-207; JD 10:5; JD 11:268; JD 18:260

"[I]t is most significant that in the Hebrew language the word for man is Adam, hence in the some-odd 84 passages in the gospels when Jesus referred to himself as the Son of Man, it can be taken quite literally as a claim on Jesus' part that he was the son of Adam." (Teachings of President Brigham Young, 3:327)

Heber C. Kimball: JD 1:355-357; JD 3:108; JD 4:329

The Mormon Hierarchy: Wealth and Corporate Power by D. Michael Quinn (also here)

Resources:

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (also here)

The Mound Builder Myth: Fake History and the Hunt for a "Lost White Race" by Jason Colavito

The Vanishing Lamanites (Jason Wallace; also here)

Approaching the Book of Mormon (Bill McKeever)

The Secret Mormon Meetings of 1922

Christianity at the Crossroads; The Question of Canon; Canon Revisited by Michael J. Kruger (also here and here)

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus; and What is Faith? by J. Gresham Machen

Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

Confessions by St. Augustine

None Greater by Matthew Barrett

James White on John 6

Biblical Words and Their Meaning by Moises Silva

Exegetical Fallacies by D.A. Carson

Jesus and His World by Craig Evans

Jesus and the Eyewitnesses by Richard Bauckham

Evidence for the Bible (Mike Winger)

The Modern Search for the Real Jesus by Robert Strimple

The Gospel Code by Ben Witherington III

Divine Government: God's Kingship in the Gospel of Mark by R.T. France

The Coming of the Kingdom by Herman Ridderbos

The Miracles of Jesus by Vern Poythress

Can You Believe It's True? by John S. Feinberg

Was the Burning in Your Bosom From God? (Jason Wallace)

Christian Apologetics; The Defense of the Faith; Christian Theistic Evidences by Cornelius Van Til

Greg Bahnsen debate (also here, and here)

R.C. Sproul's Blueprint for Thinking (also here)

The Last Superstition; Five Proofs by Ed Feser (also here and here)

Redeeming Philosophy; Logic: A God-centered Approach by Vern Poythress (also here)

The Atheist Illusion (Jason Wallace)

The Territories of Science and Religion; Science Without God? Rethinking the History of Scientific Naturalism; The Fall of Man and the Foundations of Science by Peter Harrison

The Savior of Science; The Origin of Science and the Science of Its Origin by Stanley Jaki

The Victory of Reason by Rodney Stark

The Politically Incorrect Guide to Western Civilization by Anthony Esolen (also here, here and here)

Return of the God Hypothesis by Stephen Meyer

David Hume by James N. Anderson

Jacques Derrida by Christopher Watkin

The Power and Message of the Cross (Alistair Begg)

Monothelitism

The disappearance of the "mushy middle"

Roman Catholic Priest as "Alter Christus"

Aurelius Clemens Prudentius

17. CFM: Matthew 13 and Luke 8, 13

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: Parables

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the thirteenth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Mar. 20-26) covers Matthew 13, Luke 8 and 13 - and is titled "Who Hath Ears, Let Him Hear".

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

LDS Sources:

Individuals and Families; Sunday School

The Parable of the Sower (Dallin Oaks)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (ed. Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr.)

Resources:

Rule of Faith (Irenaeus)

Westminster Shorter Catechism, ch.'s 23-26

Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray

American Gospel (also here)

Jesus and His World by Craig Evans (also here, here and here)

New Testament History by F.F. Bruce

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner

Why Does Jesus Tell Stories? (D. A. Carson)

Terry Johnson sermons on Matthew 13 (here, here, and here)

The Coming of the Kingdom by Herman Ridderbos

Stories with Intent by Klyne Snodgrass

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes; Poet and Peasant and Through Peasant Eyes by Kenneth Bailey (and here)

The Challenge of Jesus' Parables ed. Richard Longenecker

The Mysterious Parable by Madeleine Boucher

The Evidence For Jesus; The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT); The Gospel of Mark (NIGTC) by R. T. France

Matthew (The Expositor's Bible Commentary) by D. A. Carson (also here, here, here, and here)

Mark 1-8 (AYBC) by Joel Marcus

Paul's Two-Age Construction and Apologetics by William Dennison

Grace and Glory by Geerhadus Vos (also here)

What Is Faith? by J. Gresham Machen (also here)

Who Is God? by Richard Bauckham (also here)

16. CFM: Matthew 11-12 and Luke 11

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Original title: "I will give you"...more work!; Self-reliance or Christ-reliance?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the twelfth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Mar. 13-19) covers Matthew 11-12, and Luke 11 - and is titled "I Will Give You Rest".

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Note 1: Scholar R.T. France notes that animal yokes are to be distinguished from human yokes, "which are worn by a single person" - and argues (though some disagree) that "it is more likely the single human yoke which is in view." Later on, he points out that the "beneficial effects of Jesus' yoke derives from the character of the one who offers it." (pp. 449-450; more below.)

LDS Sources:

Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 2:23-3:6 (Sunday School Manual)

Bear Up Their Burdens With Ease (David Bednar)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

A Rational Theology by John A. Widtsoe

Brigham Young: JD 8.206-207

D&C 130:20-21

Note: D&C 130 was also a source of the expectation among LDS leaders that Jesus would come back in around 1890:

Prophet/President Wilford Woodruff, alone, predicted British LDS would remain on earth "until the coming of Christ" (Jan. 26, 1840); told the LDS in northern Arizona "There will be no United States in the year 1890" (June 28, 1879); stated (by revelation) that the second coming was "nigh at the door" (Jan. 26, 1880); promised LDS in Manti "that thousands of the children...would not die but would live to see the Saviour come" (Aug. 14, 1881); told LDS in St. George that "there were thousands living in [the] mountains at [that] time that would see the son of God come and many would not taste death" (Mar. 20, 1881) - and similar predictions on Dec. 31, 1885, and then on Feb. 16, 1886. And that is just one of the early apostles/prophets! (As a Thief in the Night by Dan Erickson, pp. 83, 187-88, 190-191, 197)

The Vanishing Lamanites (Jason Wallace)

The Mound Builder Myth: Fake History and the Hunt for a "Lost White Race" by Jason Colavito

Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (esp. ch.'s 5-6,13, and 24)

Temple Made With Hands? (Jason Wallace)

Divinity School Address (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

The American Religion by Harold Bloom

Resources:

Definition of Chalcedon (Sinclair Ferguson)

The Defense of the Faith (esp. pp.37-39); or Christian Apologetics (esp. pp. 46-51) by Cornelius Van Til
The Incarnation of God by John Clark and Marcus Johnson (ch. 1)

Saved By Grace Through Faith (White Horse Inn; also here)

What is the Gospel? (Voddie Baucham)

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

Another Gospel? by Alisa Childers (also here and here)

The Ten Commandments of Progressive Christianity by Michael Kruger

Matthew (The Expositor's Bible Commentary) by D.A. Carson (also here)

Cultish: Debunking the Cosmic Christ of the New Age (Part 1, Part 2)

Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT) by R.T. France

Kenneth Bailey on Luke 15.11-24

Note 2: A pattern we have consistently noticed is the stating of a sentence with Jesus mentioned - and then the repeating of the thought in a more honest way without Jesus being mentioned (whether consciously or unconsciously). Here are three examples:

"'Is the load I am carrying producing the spiritual traction that will enable me to press forward with faith in Christ on the straight and narrow path and avoid getting stuck? Is the load I am carrying creating sufficient spiritual traction so I ultimately can return home to Heavenly Father?'" (Elder Bednar)

Notice: it is the load one is carrying that produces the traction - with apparently not even a desire to try to articulate how faith is any part of that process. The second sentence is more honest in that way, since Bednar doesn't even try to shoehorn "faith in Christ" into the middle of it. His teaching more naturally flows without those three words, anyway.

"The Lord loves effort, and effort brings rewards. We keep practicing. We are always progressing as long as we are striving to follow the Lord. We keep climbing our personal Mount Sinai. As in times past, our journey does indeed take effort, hard work, and study, but our commitment to progress brings eternal rewards..." (President Joy D. Jones)

Notice: it is ultimately a commitment to "progress" which brings the rewards, and in the third sentence - it is more honest in not trying to shoehorn "follow the Lord" into the sentence. The concept truly doesn't even need those three words, anyway.

"By cleaving to the Lord of hosts, who is mighty to save, and by cleaving to those holy principles of life and power which he has revealed. The more the floods of iniquity surge up against us, the closer let us cling to those principles, for they will bear us off victoriously to exaltation and glory in this world and in the worlds to come. The same principles have exalted out Father and our God to his present state of glory and power, and they will exalt you and me and all who will abide them in the scale of human existence and eternal progression." (President Daniel H. Wells)

Notice: it is by "cleaving" to "those principles" that one is progressing and exalting. The second subsequent sentences are more honest that way, since those principles are the necessary part of the teaching, without trying to shoehorn "cleaving to the Lord of hosts" into the sentence. The concept truly doesn't even need those six words, anyway, let alone that bit about him being "mighty to save". Save from what? It's by applying the principles that one is exalted.

Note 3: This R.T. France comment deserves to be quoted in full: "'You will find rest for your souls' echoes the Hebrew text of Jer. 6.16..., where it is the reward Yahweh offers those who find and walk in the good way. That Jesus now issues the same promise under his own authority says much for the christology underlying this extraordinary pericope. As in the beatitudes of 5.3-10, there is no doubt an eschatological dimension to the rest which Jesus offers, but that does not mean that the offer has no relevance to the problems encountered by disciples in this life, it is for the present as well as for the future, just as the 'sabbath rest which still remains for the people of God' in Heb. 4.1-11 is nonetheless one which its readers are exhorted to enter 'today'." (p. 450)

15. CFM: Matthew 9-10, Mark 5, and Luke 9

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: Modern Day Apostles and Prophets?

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the eleventh lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Mar. 6-12) covers Matthew 9-10, Mark 5, and Luke 9 - and is titled "These Twelve Jesus Sent Forth".

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Note 1: There are two prophet-presidents of the LDS church named Joseph Fielding Smith; one (Sr.) is typically called Joseph F. Smith (1838-1918), and the other (Jr.) is typically called Joseph Fielding Smith (1876-1972). They are father-son, and indeed - were Hyrum Smith's son and grandson, respectively. When the Reed Smoot Hearings are mentioned, it is Joseph F. Smith (or Joseph Fielding Smith, Sr.) who is being referred to.

Note 2: Moses warns against false prophets who lead people after other gods (Deut. 13.1-5; 18.20-22); and Paul warns in Galatians that "even if we or an angel from heaven" preach a different gospel, let him/her be anathema, as well as warning against false apostles, men who preach "another Christ" - saying that "even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (Gal. 1.7, 2 Cor. 11.4,13-14) And of course, the apostle John warns against "false prophets" and commands we "test the spirits". (1John 4.1-3)

Sources:

Seminary Manual (here and here)

Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony (Gary Stevenson); some of this emphasis, though less emotion-based, came from Joseph Smith himself who taught that: "Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it...Whenever salvation has been administered, it has been by testimony." (TPJS, p. 160)

The Ongoing Restoration (LeGrand Curtis); also here. Does this actually sound like a conservative religion? Don't mistake the mere value for decorum for the conservative mind toward preservation.

D&C 84 (false prophecy about New Jerusalem)

JD 9.71 (George A. Smith)
JD 10.344 (George Q. Cannon)
JD 13. 360,362 (Orson Pratt)

D&C 114 (false prophecy about apostle David W. Patten - who would die Oct. 25, 1838 in the Battle of Crooked River; also see DHC 3.170-175)

D&C 130 (expectation that Jesus would come back in around 1890)

Prophet/President Wilford Woodruff, alone, predicted British LDS would remain on earth "until the coming of Christ" (Jan. 26, 1840); told the LDS in northern Arizona "There will be no United States in the year 1890" (June 28, 1879); stated (by revelation) that the second coming was "nigh at the door" (Jan. 26, 1880); promised LDS in Manti "that thousands of the children...would not die but would live to see the Saviour come" (Aug. 14, 1881); told LDS in St. George that "there were thousands living in [the] mountains at [that] time that would see the son of God come and many would not taste death" (Mar. 20, 1881) - and similar predictions on Dec. 31, 1885, and then on Feb. 16, 1886. And that is just one of the early apostles/prophets! (As a Thief in the Night by Dan Erickson, pp. 83, 187-88, 190-191, 197)

Joseph Smith's Instructions to the Twelve Apostles (TPJS, pp. 155-163; given on July 2,1839 to those "who were about to depart on their mission to Great Britain".)

Oliver Cowdery Commission

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

Jesus the Christ by James Talmage (ch. 16, under Disciples and Apostles, and footnote 2 - where the reason and precedent is given as to why they are addressed as "Elder so-and-so", and not as "Apostle so-and-so"; also, notice Talmage's claim that it was only "knowledge" that was requisite - when Peter, in the Acts passage Talmage himself cites - actually requires "men who have accompanied us during all the time...beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us." The number 12 was actually fixed to those historical twelve, Judas was replaced not for death but for betrayal/apostasy, and the requirement was one of someone being an historical eyewitness to the entire earthly ministry of Jesus. Talmage himself would not qualify, as he himself should've understood from the citations he himself presents.)

1 Nephi 12.9; compare D&C 20.38-44 and D&C 107.26,33

Also note the role and authority of the seventy in D&C 107, even stating that they are "equal in authority to that of the Twelve" (v.26); Joseph Smith stated that "[t]he Seventies are to be taken from the quorum of Elders, and are not to be High Priests. They are subject to the direction and dictation of the Twelve, who have the keys of the ministry." (TPJS, p. 112) He also stated that the Council of the Seventy was "ordained to that apostleship." (D.H.C. 2.346)

The Twelve Apostles were/are to be "acknowledged" as "Prophets, Seers, Revelators, and special witnesses to all the nations of the earth." And they were to preach, not preside over churches. (TPJS, p. 109)

"President Smith proposed the following question: 'What importance is there attached to the calling of the Twelve Apostles, different from the other callings of the Church?...President Joseph Smith, Jun., gave the following decision: They are the Twelve Apostles, who are called to the office of the Traveling High Council, who are to preside over the churches of the Saints, among the Gentiles, and where there is no presidency established; and they are to travel and preach among the Gentiles, until the Lord shall command them to go to the Jews. They are to hold the keys of this ministry, to unlock the door of the Kingdom of heaven unto all nations, and to preach the Gospel to every creature. This is the power, authority, and virtue of their apostleship." (TPJS, p.74) Smith also warned: "Be careful about sending boys to preach the Gospel to the world; if they go let them be accompanied by some one who is able to guide them..." (TPJS, p. 43)

JD 19.230-237 (George Q. Cannon)

JD 10.214; JD 24.236 (Wilford Woodruff) (also see D&C 46.2)

JD 13.292 (George A. Smith)

President-Prophet Joseph F. Smith, recalling the last remarks by President-Prophet Lorenzo Snow, stated, in part: "He had been thinking of late whether we were justified in keeping at home the Apostles and Seventies the way we were now doing. They were really ministers to the nations of the earth; their duties were clearly marked out by the Lord, and until the Gospel was preached thoroughly to the world he doubted whether the Savior would come, as the preaching of the Gospel to the world is certainly part of the work that has to be done before He does come. The duties of the high priests were also clearly marked out, their duties being to labor at home...

…the President said he very much regretted that it should have become necessary for him to call attention of the Apostles to their plain duty, that they should have sensed the situation themselves without rendering it necessary for him to point it out to them. Upon this particular occasion he said there was no doubt in his mind that the time was near at hand when the Savior would make His appearance, and he trembled at the thought that the Apostles were spending so much of their time in matters that should be attended to by others, while so little comparatively was being done in their own line of calling."

It is also interesting to note that Brigham Young, several times, referred to himself as "an apostle of Joseph Smith". (JD 3.212, JD 5.296, 5.332, JD 9.364) This connects to other views sometimes held by LDS/Mormons.

Mormonism - Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (esp. ch.'s 2, 7, 11, 13, 17); also here and here.

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera (esp. ch. 3; noting also the interesting point that even Joseph was somewhat ambiguous on the point - stating "The Twelves, and their authority, which is next to the present Presidency", yet that "also the Twelve are not subject to any other than the First Presidency, viz., 'myself,' said the Prophet, 'Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, who are now my Counselors, and where I am not, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve." So, the Twelve is "next to the First Presidency"...unless Joseph is around. TPJS, pp.104-105, 190)

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn (esp. pp.142-144, 167, 223-224)

Power from on High: The Development of the Mormon Priesthood by Gregory A. Prince

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner (esp. pp. 74, 80, 83-88, 110-115,143)

"This Is My Doctrine": The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell (see esp. pp. 79-80, 89)

Dan Vogel (here and here)

An Earnest Plea to LDS (Jason Wallace)

Letters to a Mormon Elder by James White

Simply Put (Barry Cooper)

Article by Nathan Busenitz

Jesus and the Eyewitnesses by Richard Bauckham

Canon Revisited: Establishing the Origins and Authority of the New Testament Canon; The Question of Canon: Challenging the Status Quo in the New Testament Debate by Michael Kruger (also here and here)

John Calvin's Letter to Cardinal Sadoleto

Who Needs the Church? by Terry Johnson

Christianity and Liberalism; The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

14. CFM: Matthew 8, Mark 2-4, and Luke 7

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: Miracles

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the tenth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Feb. 20-26) covers Matthew 8, Mark 2-4, and Luke 7 - and is titled "Thy Faith Hath Saved Thee".

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Correction: Skyler accidentally said "Orson Pratt" when he was actually citing George Q. Cannon (citation below)

LDS Sources:

Joseph Smith: "In knowledge there is power. God has more power than all other beings, because he has greater knowledge; and hence, he knows how to subject all other beings to Him. He has power over all." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.288)

D&C 130; D&C 131; Alma 32; Mormon 9; Moroni 10.24

Miracles; Healing the Sick (Dallin Oaks)

Christ is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains (Russell Nelson)

Waiting On the Lord; and The Only True God (Jeffrey Holland)

How To Invite Miracles Into Your Life (Michael Dunn)

Gospel Principles (2009), in the chapter on Gifts of the Spirit: “Some have the faith to heal, and others have the faith to be healed. We can all exercise the faith to be healed when we are ill (see D&C 42:48)”

Lectures on Faith (what used to be the doctrine of the Doctrine and Covenants, or D&C; here)

True to the Faith (2004) - under "Faith": "Like all blessings from God, faith is obtained and increased through individual obedience and righteous action. If you desire to enrich your faith to the highest possible degree, you must keep the covenants you have made."

JD 13.33 (Brigham Young)

JD 25.150-151 (George Q. Cannon): "And so, if we understood the law by which Jesus operated when He fed the multitude, it would be as simple to us as the law of electricity is today. If we understood the law by which the sick are healed, and sight restored to the blind...they would be simple to us, as all laws are when they are understood."

John A. Widtsoe, A Rational Theology: As Taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

In the chapter "The Priesthood of the Church" - under the heading "Priesthood Defined": "The Church is composed of eternal, intelligent beings, moving onward in eternal progression, who have accepted God's plan of salvation. It is God's church. The Lord directs the work of all his children on earth, and he naturally gives attention to the Church composed of his obedient children. Nevertheless, although the Lord is the directing intelligence, he is not here in person, nor are other superior beings sent to take direct charge of the work, for that would be contrary to the law that through his free-agency and by self-effort, man on earth must move onward and upward. Therefore, that the earth-work may be done authoritatively God has delegated to man the necessary authority to carry out the provisions of the Plan. Priesthood is the name given this authority. The body of the Priesthood consists of the men who have received this authority and who may act for God, on earth, in matters pertaining to the Church or themselves." (p. 99)

In the chapter "The Authority of the Priesthood" - under the heading "The Foundation of Authority": "The power or right to command or act is authority. In the beginning, man, conscious and in possession of a will, reached out for truth and gained new knowledge. Gradually, as his intelligence grew, he learned to control natural forces as he met them on his way. Knowledge, properly used, became power; and intelligent knowledge is the only true foundation of authority. The more intelligence a man possesses the more authority he may exercise. Hence, 'the glory of God is intelligence,' and 'intelligence is the pathway up to the gods.' This should be clear to all who exercise authority." (p.111)

In a later chapter, under the heading "Miracles": "Man is of limited power; whatever he cannot understand or duplicate may be called miraculous; and only in that sense can miracles be allowed. The miracles of the Savior were accomplished by superior knowledge. Nothing is unnatural. All that has been done man may do as he increases in power. The conception of an intelligence guiding the destinies of men, makes it possible that, in our behalf, wonderful things are often done, transcending our understanding, but which are yet in full and complete harmony with the laws of nature. For ourselves we must discover all of nature that we can. In time of need, when our own knowledge does not suffice, the Master may give His help. Thus, after man has used his full knowledge and failed, the sick may be healed, the sorrowing comforted, or wealth or poverty may came, provided we draw heavily enough upon the unseen forces about us. Help so obtained is not unnatural. A miracle is simply that which we can not fully understand or repeat and at which we therefore marvel." (pp. 167-168)

Folk-Mormon stuff (mingled with some official or semi-official material): here, here, here, here, and here.

Resources:

Of Saving Faith (LBC 1689, ch. 14)

American Gospel

Reformed Dogmatics by Herman Bavinck

Miracles: A Philosophical Analysis by Robert Sloan Lee

Miracles by C.S. Lewis

The God of Miracles by C. John Collins

The Christian Faith; and Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (also here and here)

The Miracles of Jesus by Vern Poythress

An Earnest Plea to Charismatics (Jason Wallace)

Justin Peters' plea to Kenneth Copeland

The Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til

What is Faith? by J. Gresham Machen: "salvation does not depend upon the strength of our faith, it depends upon Christ. When you want assurance of salvation, think not about your faith, but about the Person who is the object of your faith. Faith is not a force that does something, but it is a channel by which something is received...Such is the blessed end of the man even of little faith. Weak faith will not remove mountains, but there is one thing at least that it will do; it will bring a sinner into peace with God. Our salvation does not depend upon the strength of our faith; saving faith is a channel not a force. If you are once really committed to Christ, then despite your subsequent doubts and fears you are His forever." (pp. 250-251)

Simply Put (Barry Cooper; here, here and here)

None Greater by Matthew Barrett

13. Recap and Four Things: BOM and the Trinity, Elias and Elijah, Jacob's Ladder, and Faith

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Skyler flies solo and goes over a few things that had stood out to him in the curriculum so far (Jan-Feb) - which had not yet made it into the standard episodes.

The table of contents for the Come, Follow Me manual.

Some resources:

Reformed Dogmatics by Geerhardus Vos

Sermon by Pastor Ed Romine on Mark 1

1) Does the Book of Mormon (BOM) teach the Trinity?

No. Joseph Smith went from teaching the heresy of modalism in the BOM to rejecting that very heresy (which he teaches in the BOM!) during the Nauvoo period (as if it was the Trinity) and transitioned into teaching open polytheism. To my knowledge, there is no source in which Joseph Smith communicates an informed understanding of what the Christian doctrine of the Trinity even is - even if only to then reject it. Smith may never have understood the Trinity - but he wasn't shy about teaching that the Trinity is a "monster".

Though not seeming to see that "modalism" is an outright heresy to creedal Christian thought (w/ the unfortunate use of the expression "lay trinitarianism") - the treatment on the issue (as far as the BOM is concerned) by Charles Harrell was helpful, and included the excellent quotation by Dan Vogel. ("This Is My Doctrine": The Development of Mormon Theology, pp. 109-112, 121)

Mosiah 15:2-5, Mosiah 16:15, Alma 11:38-39, Ether 3:14, Ether 4:12

Dan Vogel: "The Book of Mormon therefore violates a major tenet of Trinitarianism by confusing the persons of the Father and Son and by referring to Jesus as the Father."

Joseph Smith - between the 1830 original (first edition) and the 1837 edition changed several passages that originally said "the Eternal Father" to say "the Son of the Eternal Father" - and Mary from "the mother of God" to "mother of the Son of God". (1 Ne 11. 18, 21, 32, 13.40)

Joseph Smith even changed Luke 10:22 to read: "No man knoweth that the Son is the Father, and the Father is the Son, but him to whom the Son will reveal it." (click footnote b)

In the basics of any articulation of orthodox trinitarianism, the non-negotiables are that 1) God is One - and 2) The Father is not the Son or Holy Spirit, The Son is not the Father or the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit is not the Father or the Son. The Nicene Creed honors the non-negotiable of monotheism, as well as the non-negotiable of the distinctions scripture reveals of the Persons of the Triune God.

Joseph Smith's King Follett Discourse and Sermon in the Grove

Heavenly Mother (here, and here)

Keep in mind, even those who debated and disputed the full-deity of Christ in the early Christian church were doing so thinking they were defending monotheism. Not even the early christian heretics believed God could change at all, let alone was once a man and became god by obedience to self-existent eternal laws - and that all men have that potential just as all the gods before them did. At that time, the reason the full-deity of Christ became an issue (at all) was because of his full humanity, and the changes that occurred by virtue of that human nature. Thus, in some ways, the reasoning of the damnable heretics were still closer to orthodoxy than the overt polytheism of Mormonism/LDSism.

The Forgotten Trinity by James White

Core Christianity by Michael Horton

Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett

None Greater by Matthew Barrett

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

On the Incarnation by Athanasius (also here)

2) Who is Elias? What is the spirit of Elijah? Malachi's Prophecy and John's Fulfillment -

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 335-338; D&C 110

Why did Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear in the Kirtland Temple? (Notice the footnotes on Elias)

Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

Temple Made With Hands? (Jason Wallace)

On the LDS version of the KJV - "Leaders took steps in the early 1970s to produce their own edition of the KJV that would fill such desires, completing the effort in 1979...[Their] new Bible boasts seven major features distinguishing it from other editions of the KJV..." (Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow, pp. 227-228, also here)

God's Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicolson

In the Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible and How it Changed a Nation, a Language, and a Culture by Alister McGrath

3) Jacob's "Ladder", the Heavenly Temple, the Son of Man - and the Gospel of Jesus on the Cross

Kingdom Prologue by Meredith Kline

Who Is God? by Richard Bauckham (also here, and here)

The Jewish Gospels by Daniel Boyarin (also here, and here)

Ziggurats (here, here here)

From pp. 22-23 in Bauckham, on Matthew and the parallel correspondences between the beginning and end of the gospel, and how they should inform each other:

1- Jesus is a ruler: he is king of the Jews (2:1-6) and has authority over all things in heaven and earth (28.18);

2- Jesus is the Messiah for the nations as well as for the Jews (1.1; 2.2-11), and the nations are to be baptized "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (28.19);

3- Jesus is worshipped (2.2,8,11; 28.17);

4- Jesus is "God with us" (1.23; 28.20)

Bauckham then states: "There [1.23] Jesus was said to be 'God with us'; here [28.20] he says, 'I am with you.' God's presence is equated with Jesus's own presence. He speaks as God, giving the assurance of divine presence with God's people that throughout the story of Israel had been given by God. Indeed, careful readers of Genesis might well be reminded of God's promise to Jacob at Bethel ('Behold, I am with you' Gen. 28.15)"

Not only Gen 28.15 linking with Matt. 28.20 (in light of Gen. 48.15-16, identifying that angel with "The God") - but the promise of Gen 28.14 linking with the commission of Matt. 28.19 as well.

4) Faith as a "power" - and prayer a means of "power"?

Matthew 4:1-11, Part 1 (seminary manual for teachers)

"How can these principles help you access the Savior's power to help you and others resist temptation?"

Faith in Him Will Move Mountains (Russell Nelson)

Speaks of faith as a "conduit of power"; and states "It is our faith that unlocks the power of God in our lives." Later: "Faith always increases our access to godly power." Also connects it with "Ordinances unlock the power of God for your life."

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives (Russell Nelson)

"Faith that motivates us to action gives us more access to His power. We also increase the Savior's power in our lives when we make sacred covenants and keep those covenants with precision. Our covenants bind us to Him and give us godly power."

Sweet Power of Prayer (Russell Nelson)

Notice the tendency to de-personalize, to abstract, and to assume the self is the central purpose and the goal, rather than God. Man is not for the glory of God; rather, the gods are there for the glory of man - as long as we just work hard enough. And Christ (as maybe one of those gods) is a means of "godly power" - rather than the unique God who is both the means (who is personal), and the end (who is personal).

For Mormonism - Jesus is ultimately an "example of faith", rather than the object of our faith (regardless of how subjectively "strong" that faith feels at any given moment); Jesus reveals abstract principles (even secret restored "truths") - rather than being the personal savior of even the thief on the nearby cross.

Mormonism, at it's core, is not taking a real God (biblically-defined, classically-understood) - and confusing His nature by adding more persons to it than scripture reveals and reason would demand. Rather, it is atheism - with imagined evolving gods and men being mirrors of the immanent-mundane, an MLM ladder of eternal progression, and the material universe being a theatre for the self-improvement of truly-autonomous agents. Thus, faith is a power - and prayer, a means of power....and Christ, a means of power.

Compare this to the words of J. Gresham Machen, a creedal-Christian professor and pastor who was a NT scholar committed to the scriptures and the historic Christian faith, in his great book What is Faith?:

"Bring even modern men to a real sense of sin, and despite all the prejudice against the gospel story, they will be led to cry at least: 'Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.' That cry of the distressed man in Mark was not the cry of perfect faith. But through it the man was saved. So it will be today. Even very imperfect and weak faith is sufficient for salvation; salvation does not depend upon the strength of our faith, it depends upon Christ. When you want assurance of salvation, think not about your faith, but about the Person who is the object of your faith. Faith is not a force that does something, but it is a channel by which something is received. Once let that channel be opened, and salvation comes in never to depart. It is a great mistake to suppose that Christians win salvation because they maintain themselves by their own efforts in an attitude of faith. On the contrary, saving faith means putting one's trust once for all in Christ. He will never desert those who are committed to Him, but will keep them safe both in this world and in that which is to come...

Such is the blessed end of the man even of little faith. Weak faith will not remove mountains, but there is one thing at least that it will do; it will bring a sinner into peace with God. Our salvation does not depend upon the strength of our faith; saving faith is a channel not a force. If you are once really committed to Christ, then despite your subsequent doubts and fears you are His forever." (pp. 250-251)

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

When Grace Comes Alive: Living through the Lord's Prayer by Terry Johnson

The Lord's Prayer by Wesley Hill

12. CFM: Matthew 6-7

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: Magic, Manipulating God(?), and The Lord's Prayer

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the ninth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Feb. 20-26) covers Matthew 6-7, and is titled "He taught them as one having authority".

We invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Note: Russell Nelson taught that: "The Lord prefaced His prayer by first asking His followers to avoid 'vain repetitions' and to pray 'after this manner.' Thus, the Lord’s Prayer serves as a pattern to follow and not as a piece to memorize and recite repetitively. The Master simply wants us to pray for God’s help while we strive constantly to resist evil and live righteously." This is why some LDS will even say that the prayer is a "rote incantation" for Christians.

Yet, Nelson doesn't even anticipate the objection about the many prayers, blessings, and ordinances in LDSism in which words must be repeated precisely, or they are considered invalid (including their sacrament prayer) - and none of which actually come from reliable records about the real Jesus. Well, in this episode we dive in to see who actually promotes the worldview of "vain repetition" and "many words"!

Correction: Skyler said "Parley Pratt" when who he meant was Orson Pratt (3x; roughly 51:49, 1:17:10, 1:17:20)

Note: Moses warns against false prophets who lead people after other gods (Deut. 13.1-5); and Paul warns in Galatians that "even if we or an angel from heaven" preach a different gospel, let him/her be anathema, as well as warning against false apostles, men who preach "another Christ" - saying that "even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." (Gal. 1.7, 2 Cor. 11.4,13-14) And of course, the apostle John warns against "false prophets" and commands we "test the spirits". (1 John 4.1-3)

LDS Sources:

JSH 1; JST Matthew 6-7

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

D&C 76 (also here); 93 (also here); 130 (*85 yrs old - 1890);131, 132

D&C 8 (also here; see footnotes 5,7); D&C 82 (also here), D&C 88

2 Nephi 2, Alma 42.13,22,25; Abraham 3, Abraham 5

John A. Widtsoe (1872-1952) - A Rational Theology

James E. Talmage (1862-1933) - Jesus The Christ, The Articles of Faith

Jesus Christ Chosen as Savior (also here)

Achieving a Celestial Marriage (student manual)

Brigham Young: JD 10:5, JD 2:31 (also cited here), JD 7:2, JD 7:57

JD 10:7 (Daniel H. Wells)

God Is The Gardener (Hugh B. Brown)

The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent (Holland)

LDS Leaders like Russell Nelson will really emphasize that the LDS should only prayer to "Heavenly Father", and may even use the Lord's Prayer as a prooftext for this. Keep in mind, they see the Father and the Son as two distinct beings and persons - i.e. two distinct gods. (They also will minimize early Christians praying to Christ, even on His word in John 14.14, if it is acknowledged at all.) There is also controversy behind the anxiety that most Christians will not be aware of - and that is Mormons/LDS (some of whom are) praying to "Heavenly Mother" (see here and here). Notice also that Nelson speaks of prayer (like he talks about faith) - as a means of "power" and things similar - to "achieve our divine potential". (here, here, here)

Picture of seer stone (here and here)

Source on the temple, and polygamy.

Also note that the verse about "not casting pearls before swine" is often used by LDS to be secretive (even deceptive at times) with those who don't accept and/or understand the rituals, signs, tokens, veils, apron (and other attire) and key words of their sacred temple rituals (done for themselves, and vicariously for the dead.) Some will just be simply sensitive about talking about such things; others will even "lie for the lord" if they feel to when talking to some. (LDS scholars will sometimes cite gnostic texts as precedent for this. Christians have had a long history of responding to such groups and their worldviews, e.g. Irenaeus of Lyons.)

The Words of Joseph Smith, p. 247: "He showed that the power of the Melchisek P'd was to have the power of an 'endless lives.'"

President Heber C. Kimball stated: "You might as well deny Mormonism and turn away as to oppose the plurality of wives. Let the presidency of this Church, and the twelve apostles, and all the authorities unite and say with one voice that they will oppose that doctrine, and the whole of them would be damned." (JD 5.203)

Hugh Nibley, in Old Testament and Related Studies, p. 49: "The Latter-day Saints are the only Bible-oriented people who have always been taught that things were happening long, long before Adam appeared on the scene. They have never appreciated just how revolutionary that idea is. It does away with creatio ex nihilo..."

"Salvation" (rather, Exaltation/s) by Knowledge - as taught by Joseph Smith: all quotations are from the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (TPJS, edited by Joseph Fielding Smith):

"God has more power than all other beings, because he has greater knowledge." (p. 288); "The principle of knowledge is the principle of salvation...every one that does not obtain knowledge sufficient to be saved will be condemned. The principle of salvation is given us through the knowledge of Jesus Christ." (p.297) "Now for the secret and grand key...knowledge through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the grand key that unlocks the glories and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven." (p.288) "Knowledge saves a man; and in the world of spirits no man can be exalted but by knowledge...If a man has knowledge, he can be saved." (p. 357) Also: "the keys of the kingdom...consist in the key of knowledge". (D&C 128.14)

Salvation (rather, exaltation/s) via experience:

Jeffrey Holland, in a conference talk, states - in a context of irony (implying the opposite): "In fact, Lord, be careful to keep me from all the experiences that made thee Divine." (here; note also that in this same talk - he uses the term "omniscience" when speaking of God, showing this is not classically or biblically understood. They mean this quantitatively, not qualitatively.) There is precedent in this view as found in Brigham Young. (JD 8.31)

Salvation (rather, exaltation/s) by obedience (or, "covenant path"):

Russell Nelson said in general conference: "Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere...we're speaking to you from a temple. The end for which each of us strives is to be endowed with power in a house of the Lord, sealed as families, faithful to covenants made in a temple that qualify us for the greatest gift of God - that of eternal life." (here; also see here) Also: 2 Ne 25:23, Moroni 10:32. It is common to hear LDS (general authorities, scholars, and laity alike) speak of "covenants and rituals necessary for salvation" (or something similar). This it integrally tied to LDS claims of being the only church with the (restored) priesthood keys necessary to properly perform these "covenants" and "rituals". (here) Joseph Smith taught that "to get salvation we must not only do some things, but everything which God has commanded." (TPJS, p. 332)

"Lightning out of heaven" (Terryl Givens)

The Kolob Theorem by Lynn Hilton

The First 2,000 Years by W. Cleon Skousen

The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil by H. Verlan Andersen

Eternal Man by Truman Madsen

Temple and Cosmos by Hugh Nibley (also here)

No Man Knows My History by Fawn Brodie

Mormonism and The Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn

Fayette Lapham interview with Joseph Smith, Sr. (here) wherein he records "This Joseph Smith, Senior, we soon learned, from his own lips, was a firm believer in witchcraft and other supernatural things; and had brought up his family in the same belief." If a group such as those at the Interpreter would dispute this source, it is interesting to note that they are more than willing to use this same interview if it seems to help a point that they like. (e.g. their publication of an article by Don Bradley). To be clear, we do not think that the context for the BOM is actually ancient, whether among ancient Israel or ancient (white; though some cursed-brown) Native Americans who were supposedly simultaneously practicing the Law of Moses and baptizing in the name of Jesus, who had yet to be born in his humanity. The context, as we see it, was actually Joseph Smith's own time, and the civilization as his own vain imaginings, regardless of his sincerity. (here, here, here, here, here, here)

The Angel and the Sorcerer by Peter Levenda

The Mormon Jesus by John Turner

Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera

The Mormon Hierarchy: Wealth and Corporate Power by D. Michael Quinn (also here)

Standing Apart: Mormon Historical Consciousness and the Concept of Apostasy (edited by Miranda Wilcox and John D. Young)

The Mormon Church On Trial: Transcript of the Reed Smoot Hearings edited by Michael Paulos (also here)

Mormonism - Shadow or Reality? by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (ch.22,24)

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus: A New Look at the Joseph Smith Papyri by Charles Larson (also see here, here, here, here, here)

Joseph Smith said: "Paul saw the third heavens, and I more." (TPJS, p. 301) Elder Orson F. Whitney said later: "Both these men [Paul and Joseph Smith] had looked upon the face of Deity. Paul had been 'caught up to the third heaven' [2 Cor 12.2-5], Joseph to the 'seventh heaven' and there 'heard things unlawful to be uttered.' [D&C 76.115] Each was a divinely commissioned preacher of the gospel at the opening of a new dispensation." (Conference Report, October 1912, p. 70; see also his book Elias: An Epic of the Ages)

Compare President Wilford Woodruff and Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the question of eternal progression:

"If there was a point where man in his progression could not proceed any further, the very idea would throw a gloom over every intelligent and reflecting mind. God himself is increasing and progressing in knowledge, power, and dominion, and will do so, worlds without end. It is just so with us. We are in a probation, which is a school of experience." (Wilford Woodruff, JD 6.120)
"Now may I suggest the list of heresies. Heresy one: There are those who say that God is progressing in knowledge and is learning new truths. This is false - utterly, totally, and completely. There is not one sliver of truth in it." (Bruce R. McConkie; Seven Deadly Heresies; Notice the condemnation of earlier men of higher church-rank then himself - including but not limited to Presidents/Prophets Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff.)

The Search For God In Ancient Egypt by Jan Assman

Knowledge for the Afterlife: The Egyptian Amduat - A Quest for Immortality by Theodor Abt and Erik Hornung

Myth and Symbol In Ancient Egypt by R.T. Rundle Clark

The Gnostics by David Brakke (also here)

The Nag Hammadi Scriptures (edited by Marvin Meyer)

Resources:

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

Matthew: A Mentor Commentary (2 vol.) by Knox Chamblin

When Grace Comes Alive: Living Through the Lord's Prayer by Terry Johnson

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey

The Lord's Prayer by Wesley Hill

Who Is God? by Richard Bauckham

Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi (or roughly - "the law of what is prayed is the law of what is believed" and vice versa; see here)

Jesus and His World by Craig Evans

American Gospel: Christ Alone

An Earnest Plea to Charismatics (Jason Wallace)

Justin Peters' Personal Plea to Kenneth Copeland

Justin Peters (here, here, here; also notice that Jesse Duplantis teaches a somewhat similar view of Isaiah 9 as Brigham Young - JD 10:5 and here)

The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt

Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (here and here)

Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller

The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott Swain

All That Is In God by James Dolezal (also here, here, here, here)

The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton

Al Mohler sermon on John 9 (here)

Jesus's Sermon on the Mount and His Confrontation with the World: A Study of Matthew 5-10; The Sermon on the Mount: An Evangelical Exposition of Matthew 5-7 by D. A. Carson

11. CFM: Matthew 5 and Luke 6

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original title: Be Perfect and the Beatitudes

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the eighth lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Feb. 13-19) covers Matthew 5 and Luke 6 - and is titled "Blessed Are Ye".

If you are in the Provo or Salt Lake City area - we invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

LDS Sources:

Greg Bahnsen v. Gordon Stein

Be Ye Therefore Perfect - Eventually (Jeffrey Holland)

The New Testament Made Easier by David Ridges

The King Follett Discourse (Joseph Smith)

JD 24:259-270 (John Taylor)

JD 24:271 (George Q. Cannon)

D&C 93

D&C 130

Brigham Young: JD 8:206-207, JD 10:5, JD 18:260

John Taylor: JD 11:164, JD 23:176-177

Wilford Woodruff: JD 6:120

Heber C. Kimball: JD 1:355-357, JD 3:108, JD 4:329

Orson Pratt: JD 1:332-333

Erastus Snow: JD 21:23-25

A Rational Theology by John A. Widtsoe

Elias: An Epic of the Ages by Orson F. Whitney

Resources:

When Grace Transforms by Terry Johnson

Who is God?: Key Moments of Biblical Revelation by Richard Bauckham

Jesus's Sermon on the Mount and His Confrontation with the World: A Study of Matthew 5-10; The Sermon on the Mount: An Evangelical Exposition of Matthew 5-7 by D. A. Carson

The Gospel of Matthew (NICNT); Divine Government: God's Kingship in the Gospel of Mark by R.T. France

God's Glory in Salvation through Judgment: A Biblical Theology by James Hamilton, Jr.

WCF ch. 16 (pure motive, right manner, and God-centered goal)

The Person of Jesus by J. Gresham Machen

Christless Christianity by Michael Horton (here and here)

Voddie Baucham (here and here)

Note: The congresswoman's name was Jeanette Rankin. Her reasoning was more based on a general pacifism, as far as I could tell without looking too deeply. However, to be more clear, the point was more aimed at trying to rescue Jesus' teaching from over-familiarity, rather than a blanket endorsement of pacifism, as such. We are in the already-but-not-yet; and although peace should always be the goal, there may be times when fighting is necessary, akin to Jesus' teaching on divorce in this same passage. I try to avoid the extremes of both an under-realized eschatology and an over-realized eschatology.

Just War Theory: e.g. see Augustine's City of God (and here); see the writings of Francisco de Vitoria - and more generally, How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization by Thomas Woods (esp. ch.'s 7, 11). On the precedent that Augustine is interacting with - see here. A Reformed thinker often overlooked is Johannes Althusius. (here, here and here.) See also American Awakening by Joshua Mitchell.

10. Pastor Jason Wallace Interview (Part 2/2)

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

On this episode, we interview Pastor Jason Wallace - an OPC Pastor who will have been evangelizing in Utah for 25 years, as of May 2023.

If you are in the Provo or Salt Lake City area - we invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

Jason's Youtube Channel is Ancient Paths TV

Temples Made With Hands?

Sandra Tanner Playlist; also see the indispensable Mormonism - Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner
An Earnest Plea to Latter-day Saints
The Vanishing Lamanites
After Mormonism...Now What?
After Mormonism...Atheism?
Interview with Alma Allred
Interview with Charles Larson (here and here)
Debate on Homosexuality (See also here)
LDS, Islam, GayChristian, RomanCatholic
Hyper-Preterism
Dispensationalism

Resources:

By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus: A New Look At the Joseph Smith Papyri by Charles Larson (See also here, and here)

Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen

The Courage To Be Protestant by David Wells

"Mormons Approaching Orthodoxy" by Richard Mouw

The Last Superstition by Edward Feser

Christian Theistic Evidences by Cornelius Van Til

The Gospel Code by Ben Witherington III

The Apology of Aristides

Destroyer of the gods by Larry Hurtado

Christianity at the Crossroads by Michael Kruger

Josephus

Temple of Presence by Andrea Robinson (Also here and here)

God Dwells Among Us by Gregory Beale and Mitchell Kim

The Temple and the Church's Mission by Gregory Beale

Sandra Tanner (here and here); also see the indispensable Mormonism - Shadow or Reality? by Sandra and Jerald Tanner

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn (see especially pp. 226-236)

Symbols in the Wilderness: Early Masonic Survivals in Upstate New York by Joscelyn Godwin

Kolob (Abraham 3)

Temple and Cosmos by Hugh Nibley

Development in the Mormon Temple

9. CFM: John 2-4

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Original Title: Marriage and God is Spirit

In this episode, Brendon and Skyler discuss the seventh lesson in the LDS Come, Follow Me sunday school manual. This week (Feb. 6-12) covers John ch.'s 2-4 and is titled "Ye Must Be Born Again".

If you are in the Provo or Salt Lake City area - we invite you to worship with us on any Sunday - either at First Baptist Church of Provo or Christ Presbyterian Church in Magna. We welcome visitors!

LDS Sources: