Distinctive Christianity

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) 

• Darwinian Racism: How Darwinism Influenced Hitler, Nazism, and White Nationalism 
• Unnatural Death: Medicine’s Descent from Healing to Killing 

Also mentioned: 

“Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Review Article” by Cornelius Van Til 

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 

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) 

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 

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 

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 

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) 

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/

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/

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/