Episode Summary: "Are Mormons ACTUALLY Christian?!"

Podcast: Live Free with Josh Howerton
Host: Lakepointe Church
Date: February 2, 2026

Overview

In this episode of Live Free with Josh Howerton, the hosts (Pastor Josh Howerton, Carlos Erazo, and Pastor Paul Cunningham) tackle a crucial and often misunderstood question: "Are Mormons actually Christians?" The conversation explores the origins and doctrines of Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LDS), the significant theological differences between historic Christianity and Mormonism, and practical guidance for engaging in respectful, truth-driven conversations with Mormons. The episode dives into how issues of spiritual authority, scriptural revelation, and doctrinal boundaries shape Christian identity—emphasizing the importance of discernment, loving service, and gospel clarity.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Theme – Selflessness, Service, and Greatness

[00:00–04:00, 20:48–41:36]

• The episode begins with reflections on Mark 10 and Jesus’ revolutionary teaching on greatness through service, countering self-obsession.
• Key point: True greatness in God’s kingdom is found in humility and serving others, not self-promotion or authority.
• Quote (A, Josh Howerton, 37:18):
  “Do you know why your life feels dead? Because everybody's pouring into you and you're not pouring into anybody else. Nothing's flowing.”
• Discusses practical ways families and individuals can foster servanthood, including serving in church and community, and modeling this for children.

2. Navigating Propaganda and Critical Thinking in the Christian Life

[06:37–20:48]

• Pastor Josh launches into a detailed, rapid-fire critique of contemporary propaganda and misinformation—using ICE controversies as a case study.
• Christians are urged to "think, not feel" through cultural narratives, seek truth, and resist manipulation.
• Quote (A, Josh Howerton, 18:09):
  “Christians have to become people who wait, learn and reflect instead of just emotionally reacting and getting caught up in mass hysteria. Why? Proverbs 18:17. Whoever states his case first seems right until another comes and examines him.”
• Discussion underscores the need for Christians to be wise, discerning, and charitable in both belief and action.

3. Deep Dive on Mark 10 – The Path to True Greatness

[20:48–47:00]

• The hosts explore Mark 10:42-45, where Jesus redefines greatness and addresses James and John’s request for glory.
• The “cup” metaphor is traced back to the Old Testament, symbolizing God’s wrath and linking to Jesus’ substitutionary sacrifice.
• Rich insights are offered on the transformative power of serving others, both spiritually and in practical family discipleship.
• Quote (A, Josh Howerton, 30:24):
  “Do you know why Mike Bro has been elevated to greatness? Because he lowered himself to service. That is greatness in the kingdom of God.”

4. Introduction to Mormonism – “Is Mormonism Just Another Denomination?”

[47:00–52:00]

• Background: Mormonism was founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, claims to restore original Christianity, and has over 17 million global adherents.
• The hosts use humor and cultural references to make the content accessible (e.g., Captain Planet, fast food analogies).

5. Origins and Foundational Claims of Mormonism

[52:00–63:17]

• Joseph Smith’s background in “treasure digging” and spiritism is described as a prelude to his angelic visions and new revelations.
• Scriptural warnings (2 Corinthians 11:14; Galatians 1:8) are cited as prescient about Mormonism:
  • Quote (A, Josh Howerton, 54:37):
    “Spiritism in the equation. Difficult. Opening doors to unholy spirits. Yeah. A different Jesus and another gospel presented by an angel from heaven masquerading as an angel of light. And that is how you got the birth of Mormonism right there.”
• Parallels drawn with the origins of Islam (private angelic revelation, exclusive truth claims).

6. Doctrinal Distinctions: Christianity vs. Mormonism

[63:17–86:09]

• Crucial insight: Mormons use the same terms (God, Jesus, salvation) but mean fundamentally different things—“the same glossary, different dictionaries.”
• Core differences:
  • God:
    • Christianity: One God in three persons (Trinity); God has always been God.
    • Mormonism: God the Father was once a man on another planet, became God; polytheistic framework.
    • Quote (C, Paul Cunningham, 65:36):
      “In the same way that my wife wants to be known and loved for who she really is, God wants to be known, loved, and worshiped for who he truly is as well.”
  • Jesus:
    • Christianity: Eternally begotten Son, fully God.
    • Mormonism: Spirit child of Heavenly Father and mother, sibling to Lucifer, achieved godhood post-resurrection.
  • Salvation:
    • Christianity: By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
    • Mormonism: General resurrection for all, but “exaltation” (becoming a god) requires faith + extensive works, temple rituals, and obedience.
  • Scripture & Authority:
    • Christianity: The Bible as the final, unchangeable Word.
    • Mormonism: Four scriptures (Bible “as translated correctly,” Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price); plus ongoing revelation via LDS president.
  • Afterlife:
    • Christianity: Eternal life or separation based on Christ.
    • Mormonism: Multiple levels of heaven; all eventually saved; no eternal hell.

7. Implications: Are Mormons Christians?

[80:06–94:12]

• The hosts clarify denominational boundaries:
  • Denominations differ on secondary matters (baptism, church government, etc.) but agree on “first-order” essentials (nature of God, Jesus, salvation).
  • Mormonism diverges on essentials; thus, not a form of Christianity but a separate religion.
• Quote (A, Josh Howerton, 81:46):
  “There is a certain set of doctrines that are so important that if you do not believe those things, you are no longer, in a meaningful sense, a Christian.”
• Old Testament warning (Golden Calf, Exodus 32) applied: Using the “right name” but meaning a different reality is unacceptable to God.

8. Tough Questions: Common Objections and Pastoral Responses

• “But Mormons are good people and their faith helps them!”
  • The hosts affirm that moral improvement is not the same as saving faith; sincerity or positive fruit does not validate false doctrine.
  • Quote (A, Josh Howerton, 89:05):
    “Satan is fine with you becoming a more moral, happier person on your way to hell. He’s totally great with that, totally good with that.”
• “But I felt a burning in my bosom.”
  • Emotional or mystical experience is not a test for truth; feelings can be manipulated or misleading.
  • Quote (A, Josh Howerton, 91:21):
    “Do you know who else can give you a burning in your heart? Satan.”
• “Isn’t it just another denomination?”
  • “No. Because they differ on first-order, central doctrines, not secondary issues. That makes it a different faith.” (See [80:06])

9. Special Doctrines and Practices

• Baptism for the Dead: Mormons perform proxy rituals for deceased ancestors, believing the dead can accept this in the afterlife ([84:04], B: Carlos Erazo).
• Historical exclusion of Black people: The LDS church barred Black membership until the 1970s, often justified by the “curse of Ham”; later changed by a new revelation ([87:51]).

10. Engagement Principles for Christians

• Speak with both truth and gentleness, seeking to win people, not just arguments ([86:09], C: Paul).
• Best practice for discernment is to “know the real thing”: deep dive into the Bible and historic Christian doctrine, so counterfeits are more easily identified ([93:20], C: Paul).
• Recommended book for those seeking to help or engage: Unveiling Grace by Lynn K. Wilder ([94:12]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On serving:
  “The happiest people in the world are the most servant-oriented people in the world.”
  — A, Josh Howerton ([36:57])

• On Mormonism’s core distinctives:
  “We share the same vocabulary, but not the same dictionary…Mormonism has more in common with Greek pagan polytheism than it does with Christianity.”
  — C, Paul Cunningham ([65:18],[67:21])

• On feeling vs. truth:
  “Just because a car accident helped you, that doesn’t mean I’m starting a car accident ministry, you know.”
  — A, Josh Howerton ([89:38])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Propaganda and Critical Thinking: 06:37–20:48
• Mark 10 and the Path to Greatness: 20:48–47:00
• Mormonism Background and Humor: 47:00–52:00
• Origins and Doctrinal Differences: 52:00–66:00
• Major Mormon/Christian Contrasts: 66:00–86:09
• Denominational vs. Doctrinal Boundaries: 80:06–84:04, 81:46
• Practical Guidance and Resources: 86:09–end

Conclusion & Resources

• Christians are urged to respond to Mormon claims with biblical truth, clarity about core doctrines, and loving engagement.
• Deep familiarity with the Bible and historical theology is the best preparation for discernment.
• Recommended resource for further study:
  • Unveiling Grace: The Story of How We Found Our Way out of the Mormon Church by Lynn K. Wilder ([94:12])
• Encouragement: Serve others, pursue true greatness in Christ, and be ready to share your faith “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

For more resources or to join a serve team at Lakepointe, text SERVE to 20411 or download the Lakepointe Church app.

End of Summary