Podcast
Unveiling Mormonism
Hosted by PursueGOD · EN
Join Ross Anderson and Bryan Dwyer, pastors with over 50 years of combined ministry experience in Utah, as they take a deep dive on everything Mormon – from theology to history to culture. New topic every Monday.
40episodes
Episodes
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Francis Chan’s Approach to LDS Missionaries
4d ago00:30:27Tap to summarizeIf you sat down with nothing but a Bible, would you ever actually come up with your current belief system? In this episode, Bryan reacts to a classic sermon clip from Francis Chan detailing his front-door encounter with LDS missionaries. But stick around for the twist at the end—because Francis doesn't just challenge LDS theology; he turns the mirror directly on modern evangelical church culture.--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.Donate Now--What happens when one of the most famous modern preachers gets a knock on his door from LDS missionaries?In this episode of Unveiling Mormonism, Pastor Bryan reacts to a powerful sermon clip from Francis Chan. We dive into Chan's incredibly gracious, question-based approach to Mormon theology, compare "traditional" LDS doctrines (like eternal progression and the pre-existence) with modern LDS branding, and tackle a massive challenge that every evangelical Christian needs to hear.Key TakeawaysThe Power of Asking Questions: Why Francis Chan’s gentle, curious approach to LDS missionaries is far more effective than getting "fired up" or preachy.The "Two Mormonisms": The difference between the front-page, Jesus-centric marketing of modern Mormonism and the actual, traditional doctrines of eternal progression and grandfather gods.A High View of Scripture: Why starting and ending with the Bible changes the entire conversation—and why we must encourage our LDS friends to read it without any external "filters."The Twist Challenge for Christians: If you only read the Bible from cover to cover, would you actually come up with the consumer-driven, mega-church programs we see today?
Transcribe →What Can Christians Learn from the Mormon Church?
2w ago00:21:30Tap to summarizeWhat Can Christians Learn from the Mormon Church?It might seem strange to ask this on a podcast usually dedicated to exposing the doctrinal and historical flaws of Mormonism. But while we remain uncompromising on biblical truth, we have to ask: Are there things the LDS Church simply does better than many Christian churches?Drawing from 27 years of ministry in Utah, pastor and host Bryan breaks down 4 powerful principles that ministry leaders and churchgoers can glean from their Mormon neighbors. From creating a "high bar" culture to relentlessly prioritizing the family, we explore how to elevate our commitment to Christ without falling into the trap of legalism.In this episode, we discuss:The High Bar Culture: Why lowering the bar makes it too easy for people to walk away from the church.Prioritizing the Family: Shifting the spiritual burden from church programs back to the home.Proactive Community Support: Building a structural safety net so no one falls through the cracks.Shared Identity: Overcoming Christian infighting to build a unified front for the gospel.Read the full article and get the group discussion guide at pursueGOD.org: What Can Christians Learn from the Mormon Church?--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.Donate Now--
Transcribe →Are Mormons Christians?
2w ago00:48:28Tap to summarizeAre Mormons Christians? In a recent viral interview, Christian and cultural commentator Allie Beth Stuckey sat down with Latter-day Saint (LDS) apologist Jacob Hansen to answer that exact question. While the conversation used a lot of shared vocabulary, a deeper dive reveals that historic biblical Christianity and Mormon theology are built on completely different foundations. In this episode, Bryan breaks down the interview, defines the terms, and untangles the crucial, unbridgeable gaps between the LDS worldview and the biblical gospel. Whether you are a Christian wanting to understand your faith better or a Mormon evaluating your own traditions, this episode will help you look past the vocabulary to see the actual theology. --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.Donate Now--ARE MORMONS CHRISTIANS? In a recent viral episode, cultural commentator Allie Beth Stuckey hosted Jacob Hansen, a prominent Latter-day Saint (LDS) apologist, to tackle a question that has long puzzled many believers and observers alike: Are Mormons Christians? While the conversational surface appeared agreeable, a deeper exploration reveals that beneath shared terminology lies a radically different foundation.For listeners on Spotify or viewers over on our YouTube channel, this breakdown is designed to untangle the terminology and clarify the crucial, unbridgeable gaps between biblical, classical Christianity and Mormon theology.1. The Context of Wisdom: Joseph Smith and James 1:5The foundational story of the LDS movement begins in 1820 with a 14-year-old Joseph Smith who, confused by denominational infighting, read James 1:5: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..." Smith went into a grove of trees to pray, leading to what Mormons call the "First Vision," where he claimed God the Father and Jesus Christ told him all existing churches were corrupt and lacked ecclesiastical authority.However, extracting James 1:5 to validate a brand-new revelation takes the text entirely out of context. James was writing to persecuted Jewish Christians scattered abroad, encouraging them to seek God’s wisdom to endure trials—not establishing a formula to discover a new gospel. Furthermore, if we look just two chapters later, James 3:13 tells us that true godly wisdom is proven by "living an honorable life."When examining the life of Joseph Smith, the historical reality is deeply troubling. The LDS church has openly admitted over the last decade that Smith practiced polygamy, marrying multiple women, including a 14-year-old girl. From a biblical perspective, this lifestyle fundamentally contradicts the honorable fruit of divine wisdom described by James.2. The Ontological Gap: Same Species or Creator and Creation?During the interview, Hansen noted that while Mormons consider themselves Christians, they are not "creedal Christians." Creedal Christians adhere to historical, biblical summaries like the Nicene Creed, which outline the biblical nature of God.While the official LDS website uses deeply Christian-sounding language—stating that Jesus is our Savior and God loves us—digging deeper reveals a completely different ontology (the study of being):Biblical Christianity teaches an infinite, unbridgeable gap between God and humanity. God is the eternal, uncreated Creator; we are His finite creation.Mormon Theology teaches that God and men are the same species. They believe God the Father was once a man who progressed to Godhood, and that human beings can undergo "eternal progression" to eventually become gods themselves.To call this a minor difference is to miss the entire point of biblical revelation. This is not a secondary issue; it is a fundamentally different view of who God is.3. The Gospel: Simple Grace vs. Priesthood KeysOn paper, an LDS person might agree with a basic definition of the gospel: that Jesus died for our sins to rescue us. But the deception lies in how terms are defined.In biblical Christianity, salvation is a straight line: we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is a free gift, entirely independent of institutional alignment.In Mormonism, a distinction is made between "general salvation" (resurrection) and exaltation (reaching the highest level of heaven to become a god). To get the "fullness" of relationship with God and achieve exaltation, Hansen explained that an individual must participate in specific ordinances (like temple marriages and secret rituals) that can only be performed by someone holding the "priesthood keys" of the LDS church.When you tell people that Jesus's sacrifice isn't enough on its own, and that they must add a checklist of institutional works and ordinances to be fully reconciled to God, you are no longer preaching the biblical gospel. As Paul strictly warned in Galatians 1:8, anyone preaching a altered, different gospel is under a divine curse.4. Universalism vs. The Reality of JudgmentFinally, the interview exposed a strong current of modern universalism within modern LDS thinking. Hansen argued that the traditional Christian view of a binary Heaven and Hell is too rigid, preferring a "spectrum" of three celestial kingdoms where almost everyone ends up happy. He downplayed the concept of "Outer Darkness" (the LDS version of Hell), claiming it's tough to know who actually goes there.Yet, historical Mormonism is quite clear. Second LDS President Brigham Young explicitly stated in the Journal of Discourses that apostate Mormons—those who leave the LDS faith—are the ones destined for Outer Darkness.More importantly, Jesus Himself repeatedly warned of a definitive, binary reality regarding eternity: those who are in Christ inherit eternal life, and those who reject Him face eternal separation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). True love doesn't rewrite the blueprint of eternity to sound pleasant; it tells the truth about the cancer of sin and points faithfully to the only True Doctor, Jesus Christ.
Transcribe →Rinsley’s Story: Hyrum Smith’s Great Great Granddaughter
4w ago00:47:36Tap to summarizeRinsley grew up with deep roots in Mormonism—even tracing her family line back to Hyrum Smith and Brigham Young’s brother. But despite her devotion, she was overwhelmed by anxiety, guilt, and the crushing pressure of trying to be good enough for God. After becoming involved in a Mormon splinter movement that promised greater truth and spiritual experiences, she eventually discovered that no amount of effort, rituals, or religious devotion could bring the peace she was searching for. In this powerful episode, Rinsley shares how she found true freedom, not through works, but through the grace of Jesus Christ. --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.Donate Now--
Transcribe →Marie’s Story: 100 Pounds Later
Jun 2300:45:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Marie shares her powerful story of how God transformed her life—from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and hopelessness to a completely new life in Jesus Christ. She is a new creation. After years of feeling like her prayers went unheard and struggling to find God within the LDS Church, everything changed when God met her in an unexpected moment on a raft in the middle of a lake. Hear how God relentlessly pursued her and her family, revealed His grace, and led her into a life-changing relationship with Jesus.--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.Donate Now--
Transcribe →"The Mormonism I Was Raised In" Feat. Brandi Bronson
Jun 1601:07:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Bryan and Brandi Bronson take a closer look at the growing divide between “old Mormonism” and “new Mormonism,” exploring how teachings on prophets, scripture, salvation, exaltation, and the Great Apostasy are being reinterpreted today.--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.Donate Now--Brandi's Instagram: _journeytojesus
Transcribe →New Mormonism Feat. Brandi Bronson
Jun 900:55:58Tap to summarizeHas Mormonism changed?That’s the question at the heart of this conversation. For many former Latter-day Saints, the answer is an emphatic yes. What they were taught growing up seems very different from what many younger Mormons believe and teach today.In this episode, Brandi shares her experience growing up in what she calls “old school Mormonism” and contrasts it with what she sees as a rapidly emerging “new Mormonism.”--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.Donate Now--Brandi's Instagram: _journeytojesus
Transcribe →The Truth About Enduring to the End (Hebrews 12)
Jun 200:17:09Tap to summarizeHave you ever felt spiritually exhausted, constantly wondering if you’ve done enough for God? In this episode, we unpack Hebrews 12 and explore the difference between trying to earn God’s approval and resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ. Instead of running a fear-driven treadmill of religious performance, believers are invited to fix their eyes on Jesus and run the race in the freedom, grace, and security He already secured on the cross.--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.Donate Now--Hebrews 12: Getting Off the Treadmill of ReligionHave you ever felt exhausted trying to be “good enough” for God? For many people coming out of Mormonism or other works-based religions, faith can feel like a treadmill that never stops speeding up. You keep trying harder, hoping you’ll finally measure up.But Hebrews 12 gives us a completely different picture.After spending eleven chapters explaining who Jesus is and what He accomplished on the cross, the author says, “Therefore… run the race.” Hebrews 12:1-2. The difference is this: Christians don’t run to earn God’s love. They run because Jesus has already secured it.Jesus already did the work.Hebrews teaches that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for sin. He paid the penalty we could never pay and sat down at the right hand of God because the work was finished. Hebrews 10:11-14. Salvation is not about trying harder—it’s about trusting Jesus.That’s why Hebrews 12 tells believers to “strip off every weight” and run with endurance. Hebrews 12:1. Some weights are obvious sins, but others are things like fear, pressure, perfectionism, or constantly trying to please people. Those burdens can keep us from fully resting in Christ.The chapter also gives practical encouragement for following Jesus:Embrace God’s loving discipline. God trains His children because He loves them, not because He wants to punish them. Hebrews 12:7Pursue peace with others. Christianity calls us to honesty, humility, and reconciliation. Hebrews 12:14Pursue holiness. God changes us from the inside out through His Spirit. Hebrews 12:14Encourage one another. Christians are meant to help each other remember God’s grace. Hebrews 12:15Uproot bitterness. Hurt and anger can poison our hearts if we hold onto them too long. Hebrews 12:15One of the most important verses in the chapter says that Jesus is “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:2. Jesus doesn’t just start salvation and leave us to finish it ourselves. He is both the author and finisher of our faith.That means believers don’t live in fear of losing God’s love every time they fail. Instead, they live in freedom, knowing Jesus already secured victory through the cross.Hebrews 12 ends with an incredible promise: believers are receiving “a kingdom that is unshakable.” Hebrews 12:28. Our hope is not built on our own performance or worthiness. It is built on Jesus.So stop trying to earn what Christ already paid for. Fix your eyes on Jesus and run the race in freedom.
Transcribe →Faith Beyond Feelings and Burning Bosoms (Hebrews 11)
May 2600:10:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we explore Hebrews 11 and discover that real faith is not built on visible proof, emotional experiences, or religious performance—but on trusting the unshakable character of God. Looking at the “Faith Hall of Fame,” we’ll see how biblical faith looks backward at God’s faithfulness, forward to His promises, and trusts Jesus even in the uncertainty of the present moment.--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.Donate Now--Hebrews 11 and Real Biblical FaithWe live in a world that wants visible proof for everything. People trust what they can measure, touch, and verify. But Hebrews 11 teaches that real faith goes beyond what we can physically see.Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) says:“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”The author of Hebrews was writing to people who were tempted to go back to religious systems because following Jesus had become difficult. They were losing comfort, security, and approval. Hebrews reminds them that true faith is not rooted in visible religion or performance—it is rooted in Jesus.Faith Looks BackwardHebrews 11:3 says that by faith we understand God created the universe by His command. Biblical faith begins by trusting God as Creator and believing He is sovereign over all things.If God spoke the universe into existence, then He is powerful enough to sustain us today.Faith Looks ForwardThe chapter then walks through the stories of Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and others who trusted God even when they didn’t receive everything they were promised during their lifetime.Hebrews 11:13 (NLT) says:“All these people died still believing what God had promised them.”Their faith was not based on comfort or earthly success. Their confidence rested in the character of God and the promise of something better ahead.Abraham is a perfect example. God promised him a nation, yet Abraham died owning only a burial plot. Still, he trusted God.Biblical faith is not about getting everything we want right now. It is about trusting God even when life feels uncertain.Faith Is About JesusHebrews 11 points us toward Jesus. The Old Testament believers looked forward to the coming Messiah, but today we live after the cross and resurrection.Faith is not something we manufacture through religious effort or perfect feelings. Faith means trusting the finished work of Jesus and relying on God’s promises even when we cannot fully see the outcome.Hebrews 11 reminds us to:Look backward at God’s faithfulnessLook forward to God’s promisesTrust Jesus in the present momentHebrews 11:6 (NLT) says:“And it is impossible to please God without faith.”Real faith is not about performance—it’s about dependence on God.
Transcribe →Why We Don’t Need Modern Temples (Hebrews 7)
May 1900:08:40Tap to summarizeThe New Covenant isn't a restoration of ancient temple rituals or a performance-based "covenant path," but a relationship with the person of Jesus who already finished the work for us. When He sat down at the right hand of God, He ended the "waiting game" of religious worthiness and opened the veil for everyone to enter His rest. --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.Donate Now--Are We There Yet? Finding Rest in the New CovenantMany of us grew up feeling like we were on a spiritual road trip that never quite reached its destination. In the backseat of faith, we constantly ask, "Are we there yet? Am I worthy enough? Have I done enough?" For those coming from a background in Latter-day Saint (LDS) theology, this feeling is often amplified by the teaching that we live in a "restoration" of ancient patterns—new temples, new rituals, and a "covenant path" that can feel more like a performance-based contract than a relationship.However, the book of Hebrews offers a "game-changer" for anyone exhausted by the waiting game. The Word of God shows us that the destination isn't a future point of perfection we reach through our own effort; the destination has already been reached in the person of Jesus Christ.From Contracts to CovenantsIn our daily lives, we understand contracts: "I do this, you do that, and if one of us fails, the deal is off." It is purely transactional. A covenant, in the biblical sense, is relational—like a marriage. It is God saying, "I will be your God, and you will be my people."While many religious systems turn the "covenant path" into a contract—where blessings are earned through tithing, temple attendance, and dietary codes—the New Covenant flips the script. It isn't about what you do to stay on the path; it’s about what Jesus did to become the path.The Fulfillment of Every PromiseThe Old Testament is a series of layers building toward a climax. Jesus didn't just add another layer; He fulfilled them all:The Noahic Covenant: God promised never to destroy the earth again, symbolized by a "war bow" pointed toward heaven. Jesus took the arrow of that judgment upon Himself.The Abrahamic Covenant: God promised a "seed" to bless all nations. Jesus is that promised seed.The Mosaic Covenant (The Law): This was a conditional covenant that Israel failed to keep. The sacrificial system acted like a "credit card statement"—it showed the debt of sin but could never pay it off.The Sacrifice That Ended All SacrificesHebrews 10:12 provides a direct challenge to the idea that we need to restore ancient temple rituals: "But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down."In the ancient Tabernacle, there were no chairs because a priest's work was never finished. The fact that Jesus sat down is a beautiful, definitive statement. If His sacrifice was good for all time, we no longer need animal sacrifices or modern temples with veils. When Jesus died, the veil was torn, signifyng that the "waiting game" is over.Living in the "Already and Not Yet"We still live in a broken world where we struggle with sin and sickness. Theologians call this the "already and not yet." Our sins are already forgiven and the debt is paid, but the world is not yet fully made new.The difference for a believer is the move from anxiety to assurance. We aren't waiting to see if our check clears at the bank of heaven; the check has already cleared. We are simply waiting for the final statement. You don't need a temple; through the Holy Spirit, you are the temple. You don't need to earn your way; Jesus is the way. It’s time to step out of the car and enter His rest.
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