The Infinite Regress of Divine Origins A Philosophical Inquiry into the Ontological Problems of Latter-day Saint Theology Questions Worth Asking Series Introduction: The Question That Cannot Be Avoided Among the most distinctive claims of Latter-day Saint theology is the assertion that the God worshiped by Christians was once a mortal man who progressed to godhood,…
Category: Mormonism
Seven Woes: Matthew 23’s Relevance to Modern Mormonism
Whitewashed Tombs: Matthew 23 and the Structural Parallels Between Pharisaic Judaism and Latter-day Saint Religious Culture A Theological and Historical Analysis Introduction: The Enduring Relevance of Jesus’ Prophetic Critique In the twenty-third chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus delivers what stands as perhaps His most sustained and devastating critique of religious leadership recorded in Scripture. The…
A Critical Examination of Joseph Smith Restoration Claims in Light of New Testament Theology
THE SUFFICIENCY OF THE APOSTOLIC GOSPEL: An Academic Theological Analysis Abstract This book conducts a comprehensive theological inquiry into the claims of Joseph Smith’s Restoration Gospel, specifically examining why—if such a restoration was necessary—the original apostles of Jesus Christ were not provided with this purportedly complete Gospel during their ministry. Through careful exegesis of New…
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 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…
Questions Worth Asking: Thoughtful Reflections on Latter-day Saint Claims (2 of 5)
Check out the Series Index to all Five Posts. Part 2: What Makes an Elder an Elder? God commands us to seek answers to our questions and asks only that we seek ‘with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ.’ – Moroni 10:4 Introduction: A Question of Words and Meanings Have you…