Unveiling Mormonism

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.

1. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV) — God's prohibition of divination, sorcery, mediumship, and consulting the dead in the land of Canaan
2. Hebrews 1:14 (NIV) — Confirms that angels are real, active ministering spirits—the spirit world is not fiction
3. Leviticus 19:31 (NIV) — A direct warning that engaging with mediums and spiritists causes spiritual defilement
4. 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV) — Satan masquerades as an angel of light, explaining why New Age spiritual experiences feel genuinely positive
5. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) — Describes the structured hierarchy of spiritual powers actively opposing God's purposes in the unseen realm
6. Philippians 2:10 (NIV) — Every spiritual being in heaven, earth, and under the earth bows to the name of Jesus
7. Colossians 2:15 (NIV) — The cross was a cosmic disarming of spiritual powers, not just a human redemption event

1. The 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

1. Luke 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 different
2. John 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 grace
3. John 4:10 (NLT) — Jesus redirects the conversation toward "living water," steering naturally from everyday life to the gift of eternal life
4. John 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 truth
5. John 4:25-26 (NLT) — Jesus identifies himself openly as the Messiah, making his own identity the center and the goal of the conversation
6. John 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 conversations

1. Don'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.
2. Take the risk: Jesus crossed into Samaritan territory and started talking. Meaningful relationships require someone to go first, and Jesus modeled exactly that.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

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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].

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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.

• The 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.

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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].

Donate Now

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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.

God's Unchanging Character

Malachi 3:6

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 Cross

Hebrews 10:19–23

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.

On 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.

Historians 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.

While 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.

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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].

Donate Now

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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.

• Testing 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).

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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].

Donate Now

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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.

• The 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).

• 2 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.

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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].

Donate Now

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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.

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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].

Donate Now

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Understanding the shift from receiving God's grace through faith to actively walking out a life that honors Him. While salvation is entirely a free gift, the very first step of obedience Jesus commands is a strange, ancient, wet ritual: baptism. This episode wrestles with the tension between grace and works, explores the rich 1st-century cultural backdrop of baptizo, and explains why getting wet in front of a crowd is the essential "early win" for every follower of Christ.

Key Takeaways

• Baptism Does Not Save You: Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Physical water cannot wash away moral guilt—only the Holy Spirit brings spiritual rebirth (Titus 3:5). The thief on the cross is the ultimate proof that baptism is not required to enter heaven.
• The Shift from Mikva'ot to Baptizo: Unlike Jewish ritual purification baths (mikva'ot) which were self-administered, repeatable maintenance routines, Christian baptism is passive (done to you) and a once-and-for-all declaration of permanent identity change—much like fabric fully saturated and recolored in dye (baptizo).
• The "Early Win" of Obedience: Just as military recruits practice making their beds at 0500 to build the muscle of immediate obedience, baptism serves as a simple, low-stakes step of faith. It trains believers to say "yes" to Jesus before facing harder, high-stakes sacrifices.
• The Wedding Ring of Faith: Baptism functions like a wedding band. Losing the ring doesn't make you single, but refusing to wear it reveals a heart issue. It is the outward, physical sign of an inward, relational covenant.

Scripture References

• Matthew 28:19 — The command to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• Titus 3:5 — Salvation comes through God's mercy and spiritual regeneration, not righteous human deeds.
• Acts 8:36 — The Ethiopian eunuch's urgent response to be baptized immediately upon believing.
• Romans 6:3–4 — Being buried with Christ through baptism into death, and raised to walk in newness of life.

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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].

Donate Now

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"A sourdough breadcrumb trail led me right out of Mormonism and straight into the arms of the Bread of Life! It’s the hardest thing I've ever done, and it is without a doubt worth it. Take the time, do the research, and ask the questions. The truth will hold up to criticism. God wants our hard questions, and He is good and faithful, provides ample evidence, and doesn't expect blind faith. He knows everything we're struggling with, and when we truly surrender to Him, He changes everything."

In this episode, Bryan interviews Audrianna as they unpack her journey out of Mormonism and into a relationship with the Jesus of the Bible.

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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].

Donate Now

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What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and actually being saved by Him? In this comprehensive episode of the PursueGOD Truth Podcast, Pastor Bryan tackles the single most defining question of human existence: What is saving faith? Many sincere people confuse historical awareness and intellectual agreement with true spiritual rebirth, remaining on the "sinking ship" of self-sovereignty despite knowing about the "lifeboat" of Christ. Moving through core biblical principles, this single-host deep dive dismantles religious myths, explores the primal motivation of God's love, unpacks the true heart of repentance, highlights the power of public confession, and celebrates the radical gift of pure grace—proving that no past is too dark and no faith is too fragile for God’s saving power.

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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].

Donate Now

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• Mental Assent is NOT Saving Faith: Agreeing that Jesus existed or died on a cross doesn't save you; you must move from intellectual agreement to active, personal trust.
• God’s Love is the Primal Motivation: Salvation originates in God’s unprompted love , not in human performance or transactional religious rituals.
• Repentance is a Mind Shift (Metanoia): Biblical repentance is not merely feeling guilty or regretful; it is a complete $180 degree turn away from self-sovereignty toward God.
• Confession Means Agreement (Homologeō): Declaring "Jesus is Lord" means saying the same thing God says about Jesus and yielding absolute allegiance to Him over every worldly power.
• Salvation is 100% Grace (Charis): Because humanity is spiritually dead in sin, salvation cannot be earned or partially paid for; it is an unmerited gift received through faith alone.
• Object Over Intensity: The safety of your salvation rests on the solid rock of Jesus—the object of your faith—not the emotional strength or intellectual perfection of your belief.