In this episode, we explore practical, biblical ways to share your faith with LDS (Latter-day Saint) friends. Drawing from Scripture, the episode covers:

• The importance of prayer—for your friends’ salvation and for wisdom in your own witness
• Staying grounded in God’s Word so you’re equipped to point people to the real Jesus of the Bible
• Keeping the focus on the goal: introducing people to the biblical Jesus rather than winning arguments or debating secondary issues
• Avoiding “weird” or peripheral topics (polygamy, dietary rules, temple practices) and instead addressing core differences—especially the identity of Jesus, the authority of the Book of Mormon, and the priesthood of every believer
• Using simple, effective questions (“What do you mean by that?” and “How did you come to that conclusion?”) drawn from Greg Koukl’s Tactics
• Planting “pebbles in the shoe”—truth that prompts further thought—while remembering that only God gives the growth
• The freedom to admit “I don’t know” and follow up later with careful study

Whether you’re looking for encouragement, practical conversation tools, or a clearer understanding of how to engage lovingly and effectively, this episode equips you to witness with grace, clarity, and confidence.

This episode of Thinking About Faith critically examines the Book of Mormon in light of Joseph Smith’s claim that it is “the most correct of any book on earth” and the keystone of the religion. It covers the traditional account of how Smith obtained the gold plates from the angel Moroni, the unusual method of “translation” involving seer stones placed in a hat, the absence of linguistic or archaeological evidence for “reformed Egyptian” or major events described in the text (including widespread destruction at the time of Christ’s crucifixion and a massive final battle involving hundreds of thousands of warriors), problems with the proposed locations of the Hill Cumorah, and DNA evidence that prompted the Church to revise its introductory claim about Native American ancestry. The episode concludes that these issues make it difficult to accept the book as uniquely authoritative or as a reliable means of drawing nearer to God.

In this episode, we contrast the biblical understanding of God—particularly the doctrine of the Trinity grounded in Scripture—with the teachings of Joseph Smith and the LDS Church. We examine how Scripture describes Jesus, emphasizing uniqueness and special status rather than a literal birth order or created origin.

We also explore the careful, analogical use of human language (especially the word “Father”) when speaking of the transcendent God. In contrast, Joseph Smith created his god in the image of man—reducing the God to an exalted being who was once mortal, complete with a Heavenly Mother as the literal parent of human spirits.

The episode closes with a call to pray for friends and family in the LDS Church and to lovingly share the truth about the biblical Jesus.

What is the Trinity, and why does the LDS Church reject it? In this episode, we carefully examine this core Christian doctrine with a commitment to Biblical accuracy.

We compare the traditional Christian view of one eternal God existing as three co-equal, co-eternal persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—with the Latter-day Saint understanding of the Godhead. Explore LDS teachings on God the Father (including Heavenly Mother), Jesus as the first spirit child and brother of Satan, and the Holy Ghost, drawing directly from Joseph Smith, Doctrine & Covenants, official church manuals, and LDS.org.

Then, we turn to Scripture for a clear biblical foundation for the Trinity—examining passages that show the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as eternal, Creator, and fully God—while addressing common critiques about the Council of Nicaea.

This episode highlights how the doctrine of the Trinity flows directly from God’s Word, not human philosophy or later invention. A thoughtful, Scripture-centered discussion for anyone exploring these important differences.

In Episode 2 of Thinking About Faith, host Jeffrey Maskrod examines the Latter-day Saints’ claim of a “Great Apostasy”—the idea that the early Christian church fell into total corruption shortly after the apostles, losing priesthood authority and essential gospel truths until Joseph Smith’s restoration. Drawing on LDS scriptures and writings, Jeffrey then presents strong historical and textual evidence showing the New Testament has been faithfully preserved. A thoughtful defense perfect for Christians and those exploring faith. Subscribe and keep thinking about faith!

In the first episode of Thinking About Faith, host Jeffrey Maskrod introduces the podcast’s purpose: helping Christians think more deeply about what they believe and why, so they can clearly articulate it to others, while also helping unbelievers better understand Christianity. Drawing from his chemistry background, work as a quality engineer, and role as a Stand to Reason Outpost director, Jeffrey shares how early questions about science and faith sparked his love for theology and philosophy. Rooted in 1 Peter 3:15-16 and Matthew 22:37, this episode encourages wrestling with hard questions instead of settling for surface-level answers and invites listeners to join the journey—subscribe, share, and keep thinking about faith.