- 73. Jason Wallace on Cyril Lucaris's Protestant Confession (Part 2/2)
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.
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
1h 44m - May 6, 2024 - 72. Jason Wallace on Cyril Lucaris: Calvinist Patriarch of the East (Part 1/2)
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.
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
1h 5m - Apr 29, 2024 - 71. Kyle Beshears on Mormon Apologist: Wingfield Watson (Part 2/2)
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
1h 7m - Apr 22, 2024 - 70. Kyle Beshears on Mormon Prophet: James Strang (Part 1/2)
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
1h 18m - Apr 15, 2024 - 69. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 3)
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 chapter two: “The Foundations of Creedalism”.
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
1h 25m - Apr 8, 2024 - 68. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 2)
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
1h 30m - Apr 1, 2024 - 67. The Creedal Imperative: Why Creeds? (Part 1)
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
1h 23m - Mar 25, 2024 - 66. Matthew Emadi on the Melchizedek Priesthood
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)
1h 35m - Mar 18, 2024 - 65. Jeffrey Holland: LDS Reject the Trinity and are "Christian", too (Part 2/2)
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
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
1h 42m - Mar 11, 2024 - 64. Jeffrey Holland: LDS Reject the Trinity and are "Christian", too (Part 1/2)
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
1h 28m - Mar 4, 2024 - 63. Joseph Smith's Last Sermon: The "Sermon in the Grove"
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)
1h 25m - Feb 26, 2024 - 62. Can LDS believe Jesus Christ? (Part 3/3)
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!
1h 32m - Feb 19, 2024 - 61. Can LDS believe Jesus Christ? (Part 2/3)
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 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!
54m - Feb 15, 2024 - 60. Can LDS believe Jesus Christ? (Part 1/3)
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 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!
1h 38m - Feb 12, 2024 - 59. The King Follett Discourse: Joseph Smith's "Greatest Sermon" (Part 2/2)
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.
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
57m - Feb 5, 2024 - 58. The King Follett Discourse: Joseph Smith's "Greatest Sermon" (Part 1/2)
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.
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
1h 29m - Jan 29, 2024 - 57. Interview with Colin Hamilton (The Hamilton Boys, Part 2/2)
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:
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
1h 18m - Jan 22, 2024 - 56. Interview with Colin Hamilton (The Hamilton Boys, Part 1/2)
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:
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
1h 30m - Jan 15, 2024 - 55. E. G. Romine on Charles Spurgeon, “The Prince of Preachers” (Part 2/2)
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)
1h 8m - Jan 8, 2024 - 54. E. G. Romine on Charles Spurgeon, “The Prince of Preachers” (Part 1/2)
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)
1h 24m - Jan 1, 2024