How Would Jesus Relate to Mormons?

The entire LDS church rests on one foundational claim: that God sent a real divine messenger named Moroni to Joseph Smith in 1823. So the question “Was the angel Moroni actually a demon?” isn’t provocative for its own sake — it’s unavoidable. In this episode, we work through exactly three options Scripture gives us for evaluating that claim, guided by Paul’s pointed warning in Galatians 1 that even an angel from heaven can deliver a cursed gospel. We examine how LDS theology’s view of God, Jesus, and salvation compares to the biblical record, what history reveals about Joseph Smith before the Book of Mormon, and why 2 Corinthians 11:14 may be the most important verse for understanding what actually happened on that hill in upstate New York.Key Scripture ReferencesGalatians 1:8-9 (NIV) — Paul’s double warning that even an angel from heaven preaching a different gospel is under God’s curse (anathema)2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV) — Satan masquerades as an angel of light, making sophisticated deception look divineIsaiah 43:10 (NIV) — “Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me” — the eternal, uncreated God of the BibleEphesians 2:8-9 (NIV) — Salvation is by grace through faith, not from yourselves, not by works — a free gift1 John 4:1-2 (NIV) — Test the spirits; every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from GodDeuteronomy 13:1-3 (NIV) — Even if the sign works, don’t follow a messenger who leads you toward a different godMatthew 7:16 (NIV) — By their fruit you will recognize themEpisode Takeaways & HighlightsThe Galatians Test: Paul repeats his warning twice in back-to-back sentences — a biblical signal that this is non-negotiable. The test isn’t about the messenger’s appearance; it’s about whether the message matches the apostolic gospel.Three options, not more: Moroni was a real angel from God (fails the theological test), Joseph invented it (historically coherent but possibly incomplete), or something supernatural appeared and deceived him (the option Scripture most clearly prepares us for).A fundamentally different foundation: LDS theology presents a God who was once a man, a Jesus who is the spirit-brother of Lucifer, and a salvation requiring ordinances and lifelong institutional obedience — all incompatible with the biblical record.Sincerity doesn’t equal truth: LDS members are often genuinely kind, morally serious, and spiritually sincere — and can still be building on a foundation that cannot save. The question is never about the people; it’s about the foundation.The 99% counterfeit: The most dangerous deception uses Christian vocabulary, invokes the name of Jesus, and looks nearly identical to the real thing. The only defense is knowing the genuine gospel so thoroughly that the one wrong thing registers as wrong.The gospel was never lost: The biblical gospel doesn’t ask for ordinances or institutional loyalty. It offers salvation completely, freely, by grace alone through faith alone in the Jesus who is the eternal Word — and it never needed to be restored.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now

Do shared words mean shared beliefs? When Christians and Latter-day Saints talk about grace, salvation, or eternal life, they often assume they're on the same page—but the meanings beneath those words can be worlds apart. In this episode, we unpack Mormonism's language barrier: why familiar vocabulary can mask significant theological differences, and how to have more honest, more fruitful conversations with the LDS people in your life.Key Scripture ReferencesColossians 2:8 (NIV) — Paul's warning that deceptive philosophy often arrives wrapped in familiar words rather than unfamiliar onesEphesians 2:8-9 (NIV) — Salvation is entirely a gift, received by grace through faith, not by works or ritualJohn 17:3 (NIV) — Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ—a relational gift, not a destination to earnJohn 18:20 (NIV) — Jesus spoke openly and said nothing in secret, in striking contrast to restricted temple ceremonies1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV) — Be prepared to give a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and respectEpisode Takeaways & HighlightsShared Words ≠ Shared Theology: Mormons and evangelical Christians share a vocabulary full of familiar terms—grace, salvation, eternal life—but those words carry very different definitions in LDS teaching vs. the Bible.LDS Grace vs. Biblical Grace: In LDS theology, grace primarily guarantees resurrection for nearly everyone; full "exaltation" requires ongoing obedience and sacred temple ordinances—it is worked toward, not freely received.Eternal Life as Relationship: While LDS theology ties eternal life to divine progression toward godhood, Jesus defined it simply as knowing the Father and Son—a gift of relationship that begins right now.Sacred Functions Like Secret: Latter-day Saints describe temple ceremonies as "sacred" rather than "secret," but in practice the ceremonies are withheld from outsiders and even from believing members without a current recommend.Ask, Don't Accuse: The best approach in conversations with LDS friends is a curious question—"What do you mean by that?"—rather than confrontation, opening honest dialogue about what each person actually believes.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now

Jonathan Roumie — the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen — posted a video this week showing skull rings on every finger and calling it "memento mori." The Christian internet reacted with everything from enthusiasm to accusations of occultism. But the practice of deliberately reflecting on your mortality isn't Catholic, Stoic, or medieval — it runs straight through Moses, the Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the letters of Paul. In this episode, Bryan unpacks what it means to number your days, why sitting with death actually makes you wiser, and how the resurrection changes what death even is for the person who follows Jesus.Key Scripture ReferencesPsalm 90:12 (NIV) — Moses's prayer for a heart shaped by the reality that life is finiteJames 4:14 (NIV) — Life compared to a mist that appears briefly, then vanishesEcclesiastes 7:2 (NIV) — Why a house of mourning produces more wisdom than a house of feasting1 Corinthians 15:55–57 (NIV) — Paul's declaration that death's sting has been stripped by Christ's resurrectionPhilippians 1:21 (NIV) — "To live is Christ and to die is gain"Episode Takeaways & HighlightsNumber your days: Moses didn't pray for more time — he prayed for wisdom to use the days he had wellLet death be a clarifier: A funeral asks questions a party never does — don't wait for a terminal diagnosis to start living with clarityThe resurrection changes everything: The Christian meditates on death not as a wall but as a doorway — Jesus already walked through it ahead of you. Learn more here: How can I become a Christian?Angels and Demons SeriesMemento Mori: What the Bible Says About Death

What happens when someone leaves Mormonism? For most ex-Latter-day Saints, the destination isn't atheism—it's crystals, tarot cards, and New Age spirituality. In this episode, we trace the theological roots of that pattern, showing how LDS doctrine's detailed vision of the spirit world creates spiritual habits that don't disappear when the doctrine does. Along the way, we examine what Deuteronomy 18 reveals about unauthorized access to the spiritual realm, how LDS practices around proxy temple work create specific vulnerabilities, and why the New Age is a spiritually coherent—and dangerous—next step for someone formed in that system. This isn't only a Mormon story. It's a story about what happens when the church leaves people spiritually underprepared.Key Scripture ReferencesDeuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV) — God's prohibition of divination, sorcery, mediumship, and consulting the dead in the land of CanaanHebrews 1:14 (NIV) — Confirms that angels are real, active ministering spirits—the spirit world is not fictionLeviticus 19:31 (NIV) — A direct warning that engaging with mediums and spiritists causes spiritual defilement2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV) — Satan masquerades as an angel of light, explaining why New Age spiritual experiences feel genuinely positiveEphesians 6:12 (NIV) — Describes the structured hierarchy of spiritual powers actively opposing God's purposes in the unseen realmPhilippians 2:10 (NIV) — Every spiritual being in heaven, earth, and under the earth bows to the name of JesusColossians 2:15 (NIV) — The cross was a cosmic disarming of spiritual powers, not just a human redemption eventEpisode Takeaways & HighlightsThe universe you grew up in shapes your spiritual expectations: LDS theology places the spirit world at the center of everything—from pre-mortal life to proxy temple work—creating deep spiritual attentiveness that outlasts the doctrine itself.Connection with the dead creates lasting spiritual vulnerabilities: Institutionalized practices around deceased ancestors train a lived sense that the boundary between the living and the dead is permeable—and that orientation doesn't reset when someone leaves the church.The New Age is a spiritually coherent next step: For someone whose spiritual imagination was formed in LDS theology, New Age spirituality offers the same personal and accessible spirit world without the institutional demands—but Scripture is clear about what's waiting on the other side of those doors.The answer is better-anchored spiritual engagement: The biblical response isn't spiritual retreat but full engagement through Christ's authority—equipped with the clarity of Scripture and the armor Paul describes in Ephesians 6.

If you live in Utah—or anywhere Mormons are your neighbors—you've probably felt the tension. How do you engage someone whose beliefs look so similar to Christianity but differ at the core? In this episode, we look at how Jesus handled a remarkably parallel situation: his encounter with a Samaritan woman at the well. The Samaritans of Jesus' day are practically a mirror image of modern Latter-day Saints—a community that split from historic Judaism with their own scriptures, priesthood, and temple, and a long history of mutual suspicion. Jesus didn't avoid them, and he didn't attack them. He crossed the line and started a conversation. His approach gives us a powerful blueprint for how to build real, honest relationships with Mormon neighbors, coworkers, and friends—and how to point them toward something only Jesus can offer.Key Scripture ReferencesLuke 9:54-55 (NLT) — Jesus rebukes the disciples who wanted to call down fire on a Samaritan village, resetting the tone for how his followers should respond to those who seem hostile or differentJohn 4:7-9 (NLT) — Jesus initiates a conversation with a Samaritan woman despite major cultural barriers, modeling what it looks like to cross dividing lines with graceJohn 4:10 (NLT) — Jesus redirects the conversation toward "living water," steering naturally from everyday life to the gift of eternal lifeJohn 4:21-24 (NLT) — Jesus cuts through the debate over the right place to worship and goes straight to the heart issue: worshiping God in spirit and in truthJohn 4:25-26 (NLT) — Jesus identifies himself openly as the Messiah, making his own identity the center and the goal of the conversationJohn 4:34-35 (NLT) — Jesus tells his disciples to open their eyes to a harvest that is already ripe—a reminder that Utah is full of people ready for real spiritual conversationsEpisode Takeaways & HighlightsDon't attack: Jesus shut down the impulse to retaliate against the Samaritans—the same impulse many Christians feel toward Mormons. Hostility closes doors; grace opens them.Take the risk: Jesus crossed into Samaritan territory and started talking. Meaningful relationships require someone to go first, and Jesus modeled exactly that.Lead with need, not critique: Jesus asked the woman for water before he offered her anything. A posture of humility and genuine interest gets you further than a posture of correction.Focus on the core: The real dividing questions aren't about temples or priesthood—they're about who Jesus is and how a person finds salvation. Keep conversations anchored there.Stay hopeful about the harvest: Jesus saw a ready harvest where others saw obstacles. Don't write off your Mormon neighbors—see them the way Jesus did.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now

When modern readers open the Old Testament, phrases like "the council of the gods" in Psalm 82 can trigger immediate theological whiplash. In this episode we unpack the Hebrew worldview of the "unseen realm" to resolve the tension between strict biblical monotheism and plural spiritual language. By examining the linguistic context of Elohim, the cosmic rebellion at Babel, and how false religious systems twist these verses to promote human exaltation, this deep dive reveals how Christ ultimately disarmed these corrupt spiritual authorities.Click to read the full article.Key TakeawaysThe Meaning of Elohim: In ancient Hebrew, elohim is a category descriptor for any resident of the spiritual realm (angels, demons, disembodied spirits) rather than a proper name reserved solely for God.Yahweh’s Unique Status: While there are many created elohim, Yahweh is the uncreated, eternal, omnipotent Creator—the Elohim of elohim who stands entirely in a class by Himself.The Divine Council: Psalm 82 portrays Yahweh presiding over a heavenly assembly of created spiritual administrators assigned to oversee the nations after the Tower of Babel (Deuteronomy 32:8).Judgment on Corrupt Spirits: The "gods" in Psalm 82 are not humans achieving godhood, but rebellious spiritual beings sentenced to death for their corruption and injustice.Refuting Eternal Progression: Latter-day Saint (Mormon) theology twists Psalm 82:6 ("You are gods") to argue humans can evolve into literal gods. Passages like Isaiah 43:10 clearly reject the idea that any god was formed before or after Yahweh.The Cosmic Triumph of Christ: Through His death and resurrection, Jesus disarmed these rebellious rulers (Colossians 2:15) and reclaimed the disinherited nations as His personal inheritance.Key Scriptures MentionedPsalm 82:1, 6–7"God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment... I say, 'You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.'"Deuteronomy 32:8Explains how God divided mankind and set borders according to the number of the "sons of God" following the judgment at the Tower of Babel.Isaiah 43:10"'You are my witnesses,' declares the LORD, 'and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.'"Colossians 2:15Demonstrates how Jesus "disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

In this episode we take a thoughtful, deep-dive into the history, theology, and evolution of the Latter-day Saint (LDS) temple endowment ceremony. Framed through the lens of biblical Christianity, the episode examines the tension between claims of an eternal, restored ordinance and the documented historical modifications made to the ceremony from 1842 to the present. By exploring its origins in 19th-century Freemasonry, key structural revisions over time, and the biblical doctrine of access to God through Jesus Christ, this discussion provides clarity for sincere seekers wrestling with the foundational differences between LDS temple theology and historic Christian scripture.Key Biblical ScripturesGod's Unchanging CharacterMalachi 3:6"I am the LORD, I do not change."God's core nature, characterological promises, and redemptive plan remain steady across time, standing firm against shifting cultural tides or human discomfort.Bold Access Through the CrossHebrews 10:19–23"And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldy enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place..."Access to God's holy presence is fully secured through Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross—not earned through human performance, secret signs, or earthly rituals.Historical Context & Masonic InfluencesOn March 15, 1842, Joseph Smith was initiated into the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge and attained the rank of Master Mason the following day. Less than two months later, on May 4, 1842, he introduced the full LDS temple endowment to an elite circle of seven men in the upper room of his Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois.Shared Ritual MechanicsHistorians across traditions document clear structural borrowings from 19th-century Freemasonry, including:Tokens & Passwords: Secret handshakes paired with explicit verbal passwords.Ritual Clothing & Space: Specialized ceremonial clothing and passage through a physical veil.Physical Mechanics: Precise hand signs and physical gestures of secrecy.Old Testament ContrastWhile early LDS leaders posited that Freemasonry was a corrupted remnant of Solomon's Temple restored by Joseph Smith, the Old Testament Levitical priesthood was structurally distinct:Centered on public, blood atonement rather than esoteric secret societies or hidden handshakes.Pointed prophetically toward the complete, visible sacrifice of Jesus Christ.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

In this episode we explain the CES Letter—an 84-page document detailing major historical, textual, and scientific discrepancies within LDS history. For many, reading these facts feels like a sudden punch to the gut, causing their entire identity, family dynamic, and spiritual framework to crumble. Rather than retreating into fear, bitterness, or total secularism, this episode offers a compassionate and intellectually honest path forward. Guided by Paul's command in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to "test everything... hold on to what is good," we examine the actual claims of the CES Letter, contrast the historical reliability of 19th-century Mormon claims with 1st-century biblical Christianity, and point listeners to an unshakeable, grace-filled foundation in the real Jesus of the Bible.Key TakeawaysTesting Truth Claims is a Biblical Mandate: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (dokimazo) commands believers to test claims against verifiable evidence rather than shielding their eyes or relying solely on internal emotional feelings.The CES Letter's Impact: Synthesized existing academic research on Joseph Smith's translation methods (seer stone in a hat), Book of Mormon anachronisms and DNA evidence, the Book of Abraham papyri translations, and hidden polyandrous/teenage polygamy history.Structural Failure vs. Spiritual Reality: The historical breakdown of 19th-century Mormon restoration claims does not mean God has failed or that all religion is a scam.Biblical Testing Stand Up to Scrutiny: Unlike Book of Mormon claims, biblical events, locations, and historical figures are backed by extensive manuscript evidence and archaeological verification.From Transactional Performance to Free Grace: Salvation in Christ is not a ladder climbed through temple ordinances and human effort, but a finished gift (Tetelestai—"paid in full") received by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--

Tired of treating your spiritual life like a doomed New Year's resolution? In this episode, we break down why the "try harder" cycle of spiritual growth always fails and uncover the radical truth behind 2 Peter 1:3: God has already given you everything you need to live a transformed, victorious life. Rather than relying on the fragile battery of human willpower or ancient Stoic self-reliance, true transformation happens when we stop striving in our own strength and step into the divine resources already deposited into our account. We dive deep into the three foundational keys provided by God—His indwelling Spirit, His objective Word, and His intentional Community—showing you how to anchor your faith, navigate internal spiritual battles, and walk out daily victory alongside others.Key TakeawaysThe Willpower Trap: Spiritual growth is not produced by personal stamina or good intentions; trying to power a transformed life with human effort leads directly to exhaustion and guilt.Key 1: God’s Spirit (Internal Power): At salvation, God performs spiritual "open-heart surgery" (Ezekiel 36:26-27), replacing a cold, stubborn heart with a responsive one. Internal conflict with old habits isn't proof of failure—it's proof the Holy Spirit is actively working inside you.Key 2: God’s Word (Objective Anchor): Subjective feelings and impulses can deceive us. The Bible serves as our cockpit instrument panel (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Luke 6:46-48), providing the firm foundation and ultimate truth that keeps us from spiritual disaster.Key 3: God’s People (Communal Strength): Isolation is dangerous. Living out faith requires a community that gently restores, holds accountable, and helps bear life's heavy burdens (Galatians 6:1-2).Scripture References2 Peter 1:3 — "By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life."Ezekiel 36:26–27 — God’s promise of a new heart and an indwelling Spirit.Galatians 5:16–17, 24–25 — Navigating the conflict between the Spirit and the sinful nature.2 Timothy 3:16–17 — The fourfold authority and utility of God’s Word.Luke 6:46–48 — The parable of the wise builder on the solid rock.Galatians 6:1–2 — Restoring others gently and bearing one another's burdens.--The PursueGOD Truth podcast is the “easy button” for making disciples – whether you’re looking for resources to lead a family devotional, a small group at church, or a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Join us for new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--Notes

Growing up Mormon, Jared believed in Jesus—but he describes his relationship with him as feeling more like knowing a celebrity than knowing someone personally. He could read about Jesus, see pictures of him, and hear church leaders talk about him, but he never felt like he had direct access to him for himself. In this episode, Jared shares what it was like growing up deeply involved in the LDS Church and unpacks the journey that eventually led him out of Mormonism and into a personal relationship with Jesus.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at [email protected] Now--