With The Perrys – “Best of WTP: Mormonism, Homosexuality, Parenting Tips & More”

Release Date: January 13, 2025
Hosts: Preston & Jackie Hill Perry
Summary by Segment

Overview

In this episode, the Perrys respond to questions from their Patreon community, tackling topics like Mormon beliefs, homosexuality and biblical identity, communication dynamics between introverts and extroverts, and practical parenting strategies. True to their style, Preston and Jackie balance theological depth and honesty with humor and relatable stories from their own family.

Key Discussion Points

1. Opening: Playful Banter & Relationship Dynamics

00:00–03:40

• The Perrys open with their usual humorous back-and-forth, riffing about Preston complimenting Jackie’s looks and her tongue-in-cheek responses.
• Jackie shares how YouTube commenters have opinions about how she acknowledges compliments, prompting a candid discussion about expectations in marriage.
• Quote – Jackie (00:38): “I’m so grateful that you like my face. Thank you so much.”

2. Patreon Q&A Introduction

03:40–04:44

• Jackie explains that this episode responds to questions from their Patreon supporters, who receive exclusive content and perks.

3. Mormonism, “The Chosen,” & Gospel Conversations

04:44–21:09

Preston’s Encounter with a Mormon on a Flight

04:44–08:41

• Preston recounts a significant conversation with a Mormon man he met on a plane after noticing the man watching “The Chosen.”
• The discussion delved into core Mormon beliefs, especially Joseph Smith’s authority and the concept of celestial marriage.

Mormonism’s View of Joseph Smith & Scriptural Authority

06:34–11:24

• Preston outlines that Mormons see Joseph Smith as a latter-day prophet who restored lost truth with the Book of Mormon, believed to have the same authority as the Bible.

• Preston probes the Mormon man about the rationale for believing Joseph Smith is a prophet, leading to a nuanced discussion of faith versus objective truth.

  Quote – Jackie (11:29): “It isn’t faith for faith’s sake… but rather I believe in something that is legitimate, objectively true, sincere, and provable.”

Testing Prophets Biblically

11:24–13:39

• Preston respectfully challenges the standard Mormon method for discerning Joseph Smith’s authenticity (prayer for personal spiritual confirmation), contrasting it with biblical analysis found in Deuteronomy.

  Quote – Preston (13:35): “Why don’t you guys measure Joseph Smith being a prophet with the word of God?”

Grace Versus Works: Core Differences

13:39–18:23

• The conversation shifts to salvation, highlighting differences between grace (Christianity) and works-based righteousness (as interpreted in Mormonism).

• Preston stresses that in biblical Christianity, works follow as evidence of received grace, not as a means to earn salvation.

  Quote – Preston (17:03): “Our works are not proof that we are right in the eyes of God. It’s proof that we have been justified… Jesus Christ’s finished work on the cross is what saves us.”

Impact of the Discussion

18:23–21:09

• The exchange ends respectfully, with the Mormon participant left pondering new questions. The Perrys reflect on how God can use unexpected messengers.

  Quote – Jackie (20:03): “You are a very unexpected package, but you actually have studied and done the work that met that man where he needed to be.”

4. Addressing Homosexuality, Identity, and the Bible

21:20–30:32

Question: Are Christians Unfair to LGBTQ+ People?

21:20–25:25

• Jackie responds to how to kindly discuss sexuality with Christians who see homosexuality as a sin but feel Christians are unfair to LGBTQ+ individuals.

• She explains that the Bible addresses homosexual behavior, not identity, noting that seeing sexuality as core to personal identity is a modern development.

• Temptation is not equivalent to condemnation; being tempted signals the need for a Savior (Adam’s legacy), not one’s intrinsic “sinful identity.”

  Quote – Jackie (24:31): “To be tempted actually signals that you are born after Adam and therefore you need a savior.”

The Role of Empathy and Biblical Authority

27:25–30:32

• Jackie underscores the difference between God’s compassion and human empathy, warning against people-pleasing in biblical interpretation.

• Maintaining God as the central focus enables loving others without compromising biblical convictions.

  Quote – Jackie (29:57): “Whatever you do, you do to the glory of God. He has to be the central focus.”

5. Communication: Extroverts and Introverts in Relationships

30:34–40:37

Practical Tips for Extroverts with Introverts

32:59–39:00

• The Perrys explore relationship dynamics between extroverts and introverts, using their marriage as an example.

• Preston and Jackie discuss respecting differences, not forcing conversation, and learning to be comfortable with silence.

  Quote – Preston (36:05): “You have to walk in a certain level of understanding and empathy to somebody who’s wired different than you.”

• Jackie notes: “How does love show up in my personality? ... If my burden is, however I’m made… how do I love through that?” (40:00)

6. Parenting: Discerning & Cultivating Kids’ Gifts

41:09–53:51

Question: How Do You Discern and Prepare Your Children’s Gifts?

41:09–49:20

• The Perrys share strategies for identifying and nurturing their four children’s unique personalities and strengths—especially leadership, creativity, and communication.

• They recount specific methods: encouraging dialogue, fostering leadership through practical household scenarios, and affirming each child’s value.

  Quote – Jackie (49:22): “We not only want to identify, discern, cultivate the giftedness of our children, but we also need to discern the underlying temptations and sins that coincide with their particular personality.”

Addressing Children’s Flaws and Emotional Development

50:13–53:51

• They emphasize guiding not just children’s gifts, but also their weaknesses or “underlying temptations and sins.” Examples include teaching humility to a dominant child and encouraging focus in a creative child.

• Preston shares a touching moment of comforting their son August during a tantrum, reflecting on how affectionate parenting can interrupt cycles of anger or emotional suppression.

• Jackie links this to her own experience and biblical models of nurturing.

  Quote – Preston (53:51): “I just grabbed him and brought him to the couch and laid him on my chest and said, it’s okay. And he just was… and I thought to myself… what if I had that?”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Demons be writing too. They got pencils, too. What you mean?”
  — Jackie, humorously interjecting on supernatural claims (10:07)

• “You was able to do that, Eden, because you’re a leader… you don’t understand… and so, now trying to grow her up and teach her humility in being a leader…”
  — Preston on parenting (45:44)

• “If my burden is, however I’m made… how do I love through that?”
  — Jackie, rethinking personality theories in light of Scripture (40:00)

Episode Timestamps at a Glance

• Opening Banter & YouTube Comments: 00:00–03:40
• Patreon Q&A Setup: 03:40–04:44
• Mormonism Discussion: 04:44–21:09
• Homosexuality and Christian Identity: 21:20–30:32
• Extrovert-Introvert Relationship Tips: 30:34–40:37
• Parenting & Discerning Gifts: 41:09–53:51

Tone & Style

Lighthearted, conversational, honest, and biblically grounded. The Perrys blend humor and real-life examples with deep scriptural discussion, remaining relatable and transparent throughout.

Summary Conclusion

Listeners walk away from this episode with actionable wisdom on difficult spiritual conversations, navigating modern identity issues, relating well to different personalities, and parenting in a way that fosters both giftings and character. The blend of humor and humility makes complex issues accessible for a broad Christian audience.