In this conversation, Bryan, Bo, and Katie discuss LDS Article of Faith 8, which states that Mormons believe in the Bible as far as it is translated correctly, as well as the Book of Mormon. They explore the implications of this belief, including the doubt it introduces into Bible study and the emphasis on the Book of Mormon in LDS teachings. They also discuss the Gospel Topics Essays, which address controversial topics in Mormon history, and the impact of leaving the Mormon Church on individuals and families. The conversation highlights the importance of a biblical worldview and the nourishment found in preaching from the Bible. Article of Faith number nine in Mormonism states that continuing revelation is critical to their belief system, with modern-day prophets revealing God's Word today. However, this belief contradicts the Christian view that the Bible is the only complete and final authority in faith and life. Mormons hold the words of a modern prophet above God's revealed word in the Bible, which can be dangerous as it allows modern culture to influence doctrine. The foundation of faith in Christianity is God's Word, which provides a direct relationship with God and serves as the complete and final authority in life.

Takeaways

• Mormons believe in the Bible as far as it is translated correctly, but they also believe in the Book of Mormon.
• The emphasis on the Book of Mormon in LDS teachings can overshadow the importance of the Bible.
• The Gospel Topics Essays address controversial topics in Mormon history and have caused many Mormons to question their faith.
• Leaving the Mormon Church can be a difficult and emotional process, as it challenges deeply held beliefs and can lead to social ostracism.
• A church that preaches from the Bible as the inspired, authoritative, and infallible Word of God can provide a nourishing spiritual experience. Mormons believe in continuing revelation through modern-day prophets, while Christians believe that the Bible is the only complete and final authority in faith and life.
• Mormons prioritize the words of a modern prophet over God's revealed word in the Bible, which can lead to changes in doctrine influenced by culture.
• The foundation of faith in Christianity is God's word, which provides a direct relationship with God and serves as the complete and final authority in life.
• Believing in Jesus and accepting the Bible as the ultimate authority can lead to a transformed life and salvation.

Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here.

LDS:“We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”

• AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).

LDS:“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”

• AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).

Hebrews 1:1-3 (NLT) 1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial for successful relationships, including marriage. EQ is different from IQ and focuses on understanding and managing emotions, as well as understanding others. The five traits of EQ are self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skill. In this episode, Bryan and Tracy discuss the importance of EQ for a healthy marriage.

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The PursueGOD Family podcast helps you think biblically about marriage and parenting. Join Bryan and Tracy Dwyer on Wednesday mornings for new topics every week or two.

Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/family.

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.

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In this bonus episode from the PursueGOD Family Podcast, Bryan and Tracy discuss the importance of understanding personality types in marriage and parenting. They focus on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) as a framework for understanding different personality types. They explain that the purpose of understanding personality types is not to change the other person, but to gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses. They discuss the four main indicators of the MBTI: introvert vs. extrovert, sensor vs. intuitive, thinker vs. feeler, and judger vs. perceiver. They provide examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate how these indicators can impact relationships. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and empathy in building healthy relationships.

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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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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Notes

In this conversation we discuss the topic of spiritual gifts, specifically focusing on the gift of tongues. We explore the differences between the Mormon and Christian perspectives on spiritual gifts and how they are practiced. We also highlight the importance of aligning spiritual experiences with God's Word and the potential dangers of relying solely on feelings. Overall, we encourage listeners to seek a biblical understanding of spiritual gifts and to prioritize love and the edification of the body of Christ.

Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here.

LDS: “We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.”

• AC: We believe in one true universal church, comprised of all who genuinely acknowledge the message of the gospel of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. This church, we believe, has many valid local expressions and denominations. God through the Holy Spirit equips every believer with spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. Mature believers recognize this and participate in God’s work alongside other followers of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 2:19-22; Phil. 1:1; Acts 2:42; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).

Takeaways:

• Mormons view the gift of tongues as the ability to quickly learn a language for missionary work.
• Mormons believe in a wide range of spiritual gifts, but they are more focused on the authority of their leaders.
• There is a spectrum of beliefs among Christians regarding spiritual gifts, ranging from cessationism to pentecostal practices.
• Patriarchal blessings play a significant role in Mormonism, serving as personal scripture and recorded blessings that individuals are expected to live up to.
• A biblical understanding of spiritual gifts emphasizes the importance of love and the edification of the body of Christ.
• Relying solely on feelings can be misleading, and it is crucial to prioritize God's Word and the giver of the gifts over the gifts themselves.

Check out this LDS.org link for more on the Mormon view.

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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.

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Susan Malo grew up in Idaho, which she describes as an extension of Utah in terms of Mormonism. She had very limited exposure to non-Mormons, with only two non-Mormon friends in her childhood. Susan's family and community were deeply rooted in the Mormon faith, and she felt safe and connected in that environment. However, as she grew older, she began to question her beliefs and explore other perspectives. Susan's two older brothers left the Mormon Church, which had a significant impact on her understanding of her own eternal destiny. Susan's journey from Mormonism to Christianity was marked by questioning, doubt, and a search for truth. She found support and guidance from mentors and resources like Faith After Mormonism. Susan's husband played a significant role in helping her navigate her doubts and discover the true Jesus of the Bible. She emphasizes the importance of prayer, seeking out Bible-based churches, and not giving up on the journey. Susan's story is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and the transformative nature of encountering the Triune God.

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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.

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Notes

In this episode, Bryan and Tracy interview their own young adult children on growing up in Utah as non-LDS!

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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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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Mormons believe in one Prophet and 12 Apostles, and they think they've got 'em. And the priesthood is their thing to pass along to boys as young as 12 years old! But what does the Bible say?

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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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here.

LDS:“We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”

• AC: We believe the Bible, composed of the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testaments, is inspired, authoritative, and infallible in its original manuscripts. It is, therefore, the only complete and final authority in faith and life. (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-2; John 17:17; Romans 3:4; John 20:30-31; Matt. 24:35).

LDS:“We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.”

• AC: We believe in one true universal church, comprised of all who genuinely acknowledge the message of the gospel of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. This church, we believe, has many valid local expressions and denominations. God through the Holy Spirit equips every believer with spiritual gifts for the edification of the body of Christ. Mature believers recognize this and participate in God’s work alongside other followers of Christ. (1 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 2:19-22; Phil. 1:1; Acts 2:42; Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).

No need for apostles

• Acts 1 (NLT) 21 “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus—22 from the time he was baptized by John until the day he was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.”
• Judas was replaced not because he died, but because he betrayed Jesus. When James died in chapter 12, the church did not replace him.
• Rev 4 (NLT) 2 And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. 3 The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 4 Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads.
• Rev 21:(NLT) 12 The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. 13 There were three gates on each side—east, north, south, and west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
• (IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition) Jesus had made clear the continuity...

In today's episode, Bryan, Bo and KD talk through the fourth Article of Faith.

Find the official LDS Article of Faith at their website here.

LDS:“We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

• AC: We believe that Scripture affirms two ordinances in the church: water baptism and communion. Mature believers participate in both ordinances. (Matt. 28:19; Acts 8:35-39; Rom. 6:1-5; Luke 22:19-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).

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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 podcast@pursueGOD.org.

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Mentioned in this episode:

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