Introduction The Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, or communion stands as one of Christianity’s most sacred and defining ordinances, instituted by Jesus Christ on the night of His betrayal. Across nearly two millennia of Christian practice, the elements of this ceremony—bread and wine—have carried profound theological weight, symbolizing the body and blood of Christ given for the…
Category: Christianity
The Christological Divide: Examining Latter-day Saint Theology in Light of Orthodox Christian Doctrine
A Comparative Theological Analysis: “Are Mormons Christian?” Series 1. Introduction: The Question of Christological Orthodoxy Few theological questions carry greater weight than the identity and nature of Jesus Christ. Throughout the history of the Christian church, Christological controversies have generated some of the most significant councils, creeds, and theological treatises in ecclesiastical history. From the…
The Idol of Human Potential: How LDS President Hinckley’s Message Conflicts with “Apart from Me You Can Do Nothing.”
LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “There is no limit to your potential. If you will take control of your lives, the future is filled with opportunity and gladness. You cannot afford to waste your talents or your time. Great opportunities lie ahead of you….
The Divine Purpose in Creation: Why God Made Humanity
The question of why God created humanity, especially knowing humanity would fall into sin, has occupied Christian thinkers since the earliest days of the church. This inquiry touches the very heart of God’s character, His sovereign purposes, and the nature of His glory. The answer reveals not merely an intellectual puzzle to be solved, but…
Joey Sampaga Sermon: Responding to the Kingdom of God, Luke 10:1-16
This Sunday, Pastor Joey Sampaga led us through Luke 10:1-16, “Sent with Urgency: Responding to the Kingdom of God.” As Luke unfolds the story, we find Jesus moving steadily toward Jerusalem, fully aware of the suffering waiting for Him there. The cross looms in the distance, yet His sense of purpose intensifies. With limited time…
The Psychology of Faith Formation: Examining Belief Development of Latter-day Saints.
A PDF is available of this essay to download and read at a later date: The Psychology of LDS Faith. This essay may be the answer to the question: Why are you LDS? Introduction The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints represents one of the fastest-growing religious movements of the modern era, with approximately…
Questions Worth Asking: Thoughtful Reflections on Latter-day Saint Claims (Index)
What happens when sincere questions meet practiced answers? Every year, thousands of Latter-day Saints quietly step away from the faith that shaped their childhood, their marriages, and their understanding of eternity—not because they stopped caring, but because they started asking questions their community couldn’t answer. This five-part series isn’t written to attack or mock; it’s…
Questions Worth Asking: Thoughtful Reflections on Latter-day Saint Claims (5 of 5)
Check out the Series Index to all Five Posts. Part 5: The Space for Doubt How Healthy Communities Handle Hard Questions If we have the truth, it cannot be harmed by investigation. If we have not the truth, it ought to be harmed. – J. Reuben Clark First Counselor in the First Presidency June 12,…
Questions Worth Asking: Thoughtful Reflections on Latter-day Saint Claims (4 of 5)
Check out the Series Index to all Five Posts. Part 4: Reading the Bible on Its Own Terms Let me make sure that you understand this important point. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking questions or investigating our history, doctrine, and practices. – M. Russell Ballard Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve…
Questions Worth Asking: Thoughtful Reflections on Latter-day Saint Claims (3 of 5)
Check out the Series Index to all Five Posts. Part 3: When the Story Changes: Faith, History, and Moving Targets A Careful Examination of How Religious Communities Handle Historical Difficulties One of the key ways that we learn—not only here at BYU but throughout life—is by asking questions. – Cecil O. Samuelson First Quorum of…