Apologia Radio: "Bad Mormon Arguments and Q&A!"
Date: January 30, 2026
Host: Jeff Durbin (with guests Hayden Carroll and Austin)
Theme: Critiquing Mormon Apologetics, Defending Sola Scriptura, & Biblical Canon
Episode Overview
This episode features Jeff Durbin engaging with arguments presented by a Mormon apologist (Hayden Carroll), focusing on typical Latter-day Saint (LDS/Mormon) objections to historic, biblical Christianity. The primary discussion centers on the authority of Scripture (sola scriptura), the historicity and inspiration of the biblical canon, and common "bad arguments" used in Mormon apologetics against orthodox Christian doctrine (especially the Trinity and the Bible's reliability). The latter part includes a Q&A segment from listeners, as well as commentary on contemporary Christian controversies and cultural issues.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Public Square & the Power of the Gospel
- Christian Involvement in Public Life: Jeff opens with a stirring assertion on Christians' responsibility to engage in culture and politics as a natural outworking of the gospel:
"If the authorities didn't want us involved in the public square, they ought not to have crucified Jesus." (01:19)
- Jesus as Powerful Savior:
"I am tired of seeing Jesus presented as a weak beggar. He is a powerful Savior. And the Gospel is not a suggestion. It is a command." (01:54)
2. Updates on Pro-Life Legislative Efforts
- Illinois & South Dakota: Jeff shares progress on abolitionist bills and calls for pastoral participation. (05:00–09:00)
3. Engaging Mormon Apologetics: Sola Scriptura vs LDS Claims
a. What is Sola Scriptura?
- Definition:
"Sola scriptura, the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments being given by divine inspiration, are the sole infallible rule of faith and practice for the church." (10:30)
- Epistemology of Truth: Jeff stresses that Christian certainty comes from God's revelation, not human tradition or councils (13:00).
- Scripture as the Standard:
"Jesus identifies in the high priestly prayer ... 'Your word is truth.' It's the plumb line. It's the standard." (16:15)
b. Problem with Mormon Apologetics
- Argumentation Style: Jeff critiques Hayden's approach for frequently making sweeping, unsupported statements and misusing technical terminology (21:26).
- Trinity & Consubstantiality:
"[It’s] suspicious reasoning ... The Christian church has developed terminology to express what is taught in the Bible." (21:26) "If you say, 'well, the Bible doesn’t teach that,'—yes, it does." (24:38)
- Biblical Monotheism vs. Mormon Polytheism: Mormon belief in multiple gods is contrasted with biblical affirmations of one true God (Isaiah 43–45, Deuteronomy 4), which, Jeff argues, are fundamentally incompatible with LDS theology (24:45).
c. Defense of the Trinity from Scripture
- Proof Texts:
- John 1:1, Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:15–17, and Philippians 2:6 are cited as explicit and implicit references to the deity of Christ and consubstantiality with the Father (27:20–29:25).
"The Bible does teach these things ... Jesus is by nature God." (27:45)
- Hayden's Accusations of 'Proof-Texting':
- Jeff rebuts the charge:
"That’s the sort of just, I’m sorry, despicable kind of interaction that just—look, Hayden, do better, all right, friend?" (30:51)
- Jeff underscores the legitimacy of synthesizing the whole of Scripture, as the Bible is one unified message despite its many human authors (32:13).
- Jeff rebuts the charge:
d. Attacks on the Reliability of Scripture
- Mormon Critique of Canon and Transmission: Hayden challenges the authorship and canonization process behind books of the Bible, pressing on traditional attributions (34:40–37:13).
- Jeff's Response:
"In order to be a Mormon apologist, you have to attack and denigrate the Bible ... say it's filled with errors ... denigrate and diminish God's providence in history and preserving his word." (33:12)
- Jeff defends the organic, providential transmission of the biblical text, noting the lack of a controlling authority (church or otherwise) and comparing this to the highly controlled evolution of the Book of Mormon (37:14–40:55).
e. The 'Book of Abraham' Debacle
- In a later Q&A, Jeff details the fraudulent origins of the Book of Abraham:
"[The Book of Abraham] is a common pagan funerary text ... Joseph Smith lied to the Mormon people and said it’s the Book of Abraham ... he doesn't get a word right in the translation. The man was a fraud." (73:38–75:00)
4. The Canon of Scripture & Inspiration
- Q&A on Canon Formation:
- Jeff clarifies that God is ultimately responsible for the books in the Bible; the early church did not create canon but received it (71:23).
"It’s not the church that created the Bible. It is the Word of God that created the church." (71:36)
- Community Reception:
- Differences in book reception were sorted as communication expanded, but a universal controlling party never existed—unlike with LDS scripture (73:15).
f. Mormon Appeals to Tradition and "Anonymous" Books
- Hayden insists that, for instance, the Gospel of Matthew’s authorship is merely a tradition, not scriptural fact (60:36).
- Austin affirms, "I take it upon faith," referencing Hebrews 11's definition of faith (60:47).
5. Q&A Segment – Listener Questions
a. Thoughts on Mike Winger’s 'Todd White Roast' (55:00)
- Jeff’s Respect for Mike: He praises Mike’s biblical fidelity and commitment to fair investigation.
- <small>Other questions cover a broad array of Christian living and apologetics issues, such as the comparison of abortion to slavery, and handling family situations and heterodox practices.</small>
b. On Attending Gay Weddings (66:17)
- Jeff:
"I would not go and sit through [a gay wedding ceremony], because ... it is a high-handed sin against God ... I would show no support of it whatsoever." (66:20)
Notable/Memorable Moments & Quotations
- On Religious Authority and Knowledge:
"The Bible's history is incredible because nobody was controlling the process but God." (39:22)
- On the Trinity:
"Since the Bible teaches there is only one God, and then it teaches that Jesus is God ... Christians say ... since there's only one God by nature ... Jesus is by nature God." (27:45)
- On Mormon Apologetics and the Bible:
"Apparently, to be a Mormon apologist, you have to be ready to denigrate the Bible, attack the Bible, say it is filled with errors." (33:12)
- On Faith:
“Faith is the assurance ... of things to come.” (60:49)
- On Canonization:
"It is a divine process ... God not only gives the words to the church, but he also preserves it." (73:19)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Opening Gospel & Public Square Commentary: 01:19–02:39
- Pro-Life Bill Updates: 05:00–09:00
- Defining Sola Scriptura: 09:30–18:00
- Trinity/Biblical Monotheism Argument: 20:00–32:13
- Mormon Critique of Authorship/Canon: 32:13–40:55
- Book of Mormon and Canon Comparison: 37:50–41:00
- Mormon Doubts on Inspiration: 51:03–62:00
- Listener Q&A (Inc. Book of Abraham): 71:23–77:38
Tone & Style
Jeff Durbin's delivery is passionate, confident, and frequently polemical. He uses direct challenges (“do better!”), humor, and sometimes biting sarcasm when addressing opposing arguments. He’s insistent on the centrality of God’s Word, upholds historic Christian doctrine, and is comfortable referencing both detailed theological/philosophical concepts and practical ministry concerns.
Conclusion
This episode equips listeners to spot and dismantle common LDS/Mormon arguments against biblical Christianity, especially regarding the authority and preservation of Scripture and the doctrine of the Trinity. Jeff’s message is ultimately that Christian confidence should rest in God's self-revelation, and any attack on the Bible’s integrity—from Mormonism or otherwise—is both historically and theologically misguided.
Recommended for:
- Christians engaging their Mormon friends
- Anyone seeking clarity on how the Bible came to be and why it is trustworthy
- Listeners wanting real-world apologetics resources and encouragement
For more resources and aftershows:
Visit ApologiaStudios.com