Pastor's HONEST Reaction to Joe Rogan: Is the LDS Church a Cult?

[@douglasd353]

"The one thing they all had in common: they were showing up and pressing in. They were climbing trees to see him; they were crawling in the dirt to touch the hem of his robe; they were sitting on hills, famished and not eating just so they could hear what He had to teach." This is so beautiful and so profound and so perfect. This is precisely the kind of grace that we should show towards each other as we seek, with our imperfections and limited knowledge, to understand and follow our Lord.

[@charlesdiaz476]

As a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I appreciate the respect you show to those who are still members even when you have been clear that you disagree regarding doctrine. I think disagreement does not need to result in hostility or ridicule, that we are all God's children, and that everyone deserves respect, and that you have done a very good job in demonstrating a willingness to be civil and respectful. May all who see your work be inspired to turn to God to help them be more open and respectful of each other.

[@dingo_463]

As an in active member of the LDS church for over 20 years. I will say 1 thing about the Mormons. They are the most obedient law abiding citizens you will meet.

[@itsamindgame9198]

"we are all God's children," I think you will find that that is not a Biblical idea. All we who are SAVED are God's children. This is because it is by adoption that God saves us.

[@GrandmaKnightLife]

@@itsamindgame9198 I agree

[@GrandmaKnightLife]

@@itsamindgame9198 I agree that is not biblical but the LDS only believe in the Bible as far as it was translated correctly so that might not mean much to them when the founding prophet said differently and perhaps their other scriptures

[@GrandmaKnightLife]

@@itsamindgame9198 The adoption that is talked about in the Bible is the redemption of our bodies, and some won’t be redeemed, by their own choice. They will be adopted by the devil.

[@maryfrankralls9985]

Thank you so much Pastor Jeff for being so kind to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!!!!

[@klassymom4118]

He’s not being kind to you,do people realize the kind of money he’s starting to generate over this façade that he’s making that he’s looking to understand you and your religion? it’s a brilliant concept and I give him kudos

[@iconacy]

@@klassymom4118 except you can feel his sincerity while he is expressing his feelings. you can't fake this aspect. he is being honest he doesn't agree with the teachings. but his love is coming from Christ. who cares if he is making some money for his family.

[@klassymom4118]

@ so what is his motivation? I’ve never seen the LDS church show generosity and wanting to understand another faith say Catholics or Lutherans? He admits the LDS church teaches another doctrine outside Christianity and he is not worth of celestial exhalation yet wants to understand? His JOB is to teach and preach the good news of Christ NOT to be a KZbinr promoting another faith. If he was a Pastor he would debate falsehoods not placate them. Nope…this is about the money.

[@ProdigalSonMatt]

I always make this point when we are called a cult. My local branch is working with the local Baptist church to provide Samaritan boxes. We are also working with the local Methodist church to provide shoes for the community. We are hosting a blood drive in 2 weeks. Our stake had an interfaith service and local Christian pastors, Muslim Imams, and Jewish priests attended. Cults do not do interfaith work. The church has a robust educational system and encourages members to further their education. Cults discourage higher education. When a natural disaster happens, we are one of the first on the scene with aid. We do not shun. When I left the church in 2020, I was not harassed or followed or shunned. I was even invited to the yearly cook off each year. When I returned and was rebaptized, I was welcomed with open arms. There is nothing “cultish” about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[@TripletGmission]

Amen!

[@joesimpson9230]

I think better to call out very specific concerns....like the teaching to "follow the prophet" rather than only follow Jesus Christ, the requirement to pay 10% of income to qualify going to an elaborate temple in order to perform secret rituals while wearing certain outfits including Lucifer's apron. Better to have specific conversation and discuss why one believes certain things are contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

[@jimloftus171]

@@joesimpson9230your ignorance is showing. You obviously don’t know what the temple clothing represents

[@joesimpson9230]

@@jimloftus171 LUCIFER: Yes. You are beginning to see already. ADAM: What is that apron you have on? LUCIFER: It is an emblem of my power and priesthoods. ADAM: Priesthoods? LUCIFER: Yes, priesthoods. ADAM: I am looking for Father to come down to give us further instructions. LUCIFER: Oh, you are looking for Father to come down, are you? [Elohim and Jehovah are heard speaking outside the Garden Room.] ELOHIM: Jehovah, we promised Adam that we would visit him and give him further instructions. Come, let us go down. JEHOVAH: We will go down, Elohim. ADAM: I hear their voices; they are coming. LUCIFER: See-you are naked. Take some fig leaves and make you aprons. Father will see your nakedness. Quick! Hide! [Lucifer withdraws from view.] ADAM: Brethren and sisters, put on your aprons. [He waits until they have done so.]

[@jessicabeadle342]

I love this! Thank you for your comment, and you are right! There is nothing about the church that is like a cult. Some of it may seem that way, if you are under informed.

[@glennaolsen9765]

I was sitting on my porch talking to two LDS missionaries. After they left a woman riding her bicycle stoped and came up to me. She told me that I should'nt talk to those "people" because they don't believe the right things. This is what I said to her. "I don't care what their doctrine is. They do believe in Jesus Christ and that's the important thing and as Christians we should stick together despite differences in do trine. There are dark, evil forces in the world that are trying to destroy Christianity". We need to respect each other because we all believe in the atonement and we are all beneficiaries of His great gift. Arguments over differences only separates us from each other.

[@tkc3742]

Once there was a travelling Jewish teacher who said you shouldn't listen to other Jews who claimed to believe in God. He called them vipers, white washed tombs and hypocrites and told them they were headed to hell. This was seen as incredibly unkind. That Jew was Jesus.

[@Mr-Thou]

@tkc3742 Those Jews were not sincere believers in a different religion. They actively persecuted Christ and his followers. Other religions that live and let live, like the Samaritans and even Pagans, didn't get any negative attention from Jesus.

[@stevenmonson4620]

LDS aren't Christian because they believe in a Jesus that was created by God and his goddess wife. The Bible states there is one God alone.

[@walkingdad506]

@ Not all Jews did they believed in Christ who do you think the first Christians were?

[@GrandmaKnightLife]

@@glennaolsen9765 yes, we are all the body of Christ

[@Noccyboy]

I joined the LDS church not long ago because I learned that it’s actual practices were the exact opposite of everything I had heard about it growing up. I was genuinely shocked to see what the church actually teaches and practices. Its interesting that Christianity itself is the most mocked religion in current society, and the LDS are the most mocked of the Christians. I honestly can’t make heads or tails of it once I consciously decided to learn more about the church, the hate isn’t deserved

[@alfonsobarreda2105]

The LDS Church is criticized because they believe allot of heresies. It isn't to make fun of or insult them, but to make clear that these beliefs are a deception.

[@sama.scraps]

@@alfonsobarreda2105. Who defines heresy? Perhaps it’s your definition of heresy that is wrong? Open your mind and learn what they believe.

[@alfonsobarreda2105]

@@sama.scraps If you don't believe the LDS church believes heresies then you don't understand the Christian faith, And I don't mean that as an insult. A heresy is a doctrinal believe that is opposed to the Orthodox Christian doctrine.

[@thomascarpenter5434]

I recently joined the church too and I use to mock the church all the time but when I found out that my wife's great great grandfather was healed by Joseph Smith and showed me documented proof only then did I realize that it is all true. If the book is blue, the book is true.❤

[@alfonsobarreda2105]

@@thomascarpenter5434 I'm not mocking them btw just because I say they are wrong. I have literally seen people get healed, my own mother in fact, and not 100 years ago but in today's day. Jesus Christ still heals, he is God. God loves you brother the true God not the one that the LDS church has presented to you.

[@charlenecastaldo3602]

I always, always appreciate your kind heart and respect for others as Christ teaches. That's Charity, the pure love of Christ. Thank you, Pastor Jeff. Prayers for you, Joy and your family.

[@JonathanMoore-k1k]

I was homeless, got into drugs, went into prisons, then i got to know Jesus, He changed my life.. Now i make 22k weekly. have a home, a wife, a lovely daughter... A child of God. HALLELUJAH!

[@carmen1087]

How did you do it? Do explain please 😯 My family have been into series of sufferings lately.

[@JonathanMoore-k1k]

It's Anna Kathleen Sanford doing she's changed my life. A BROKER- like her is what you need.

[@JonathanMoore-k1k]

After I raised up to 325k trading with her I bought a new House and a car here in the states 🇺🇸🇺🇸 also paid for my daughter's surgery (Joey). Glory to God.shalom.

[@Karl-v9r]

I do know Anna K. Sanford, I also have even become successful....

[@Lamb-x1m]

Absolutely! I've heard stories of people who started with little to no knowledge but made it out victoriously thanks to Anna Kathleen Sanford.

[@JermeyLyles]

Thanks Jeff, appreciate the channel. I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 2019 at 45 years old. I was raised Pentecostal and was a Southern Baptist children’s pastor in my 20’s. I had a very spiritual experience over several months and the Holy Spirit revealed the truth of the LDS Church to me the first Sunday of May 2019. It’s truthfulness and we love the Savior

[@Borkybaby]

Welcome brother :)

[@elizabethroberts6169]

Looooove this post. God bless You 🙏🏻

[@tkc3742]

How do you know your spiritual experiences were from God?

[@Firefly017]

@@tkc3742that is a great question. How do you?

[@JermeyLyles]

@@tkc3742 because I have had prior experiences with the Holy Spirit. And I know what I felt was truth revealed

[@cherstinane]

From an LDS member. Thank you for your respectful treatment of our religions and others. Your contribution to interfaith dialogue is a great example we should all follow. I hope one day we can all come together in unity and love, despite our doctrinal differences. 😊

[@FreeSpirit5150]

We all love the same Jesus, you'd think we could come together based on that if nothing else. 😢

[@neilsharp4989]

Could you explain this to Russel? He's the one that told my mom I'm lazy and just not willing to do the work to stay in the religion. She literally cries herself to sleep knowing that her eldest son can't be with her forever. Let's focus on the beam, then go for the mote.

[@cherstinane]

@@neilsharp4989 that is more than a post on KZbin comments 😀…

[@Comm.DavidPorter]

@@neilsharp4989 Russel who? Sorry about your Mom, but she needs to let go of the anxiety with regard to an issue that won't be decided for a very long time in the future. You still have your free agency to square things away with God when the time is right. In any event, all of the kingdoms in the resurrection are kingdoms of glory, so it's not likely that you will be in some miserable state such that she should have to feel sorry for you.

[@otallono]

Jesus warn against religion.

[@michaelbennett7561]

Cult is just a term for a religion you dislike. The early Christian church was considered a cult by those who were opposed to it.

[@worldkeyvideo9080]

I really appreciate this video. It expresses how I believe we should treat one another. We don't have to agree on beliefs but we shouldn't be making fun of anyone. We should seek to talk about others the way we would want to be talked about. Thanks for promoting civility.

[@zionmama150]

Exactly. “Cult” is often used as oppressor language.

[@byuftbl]

That’s how people use it yes, but that’s not what it is defined as. Cults can be (and often are) religious but they also might have nothing to do with religion. A cult is something people are often tricked into and then controlled and often isolated and not allowed to leave. Which doesn’t describe most religions because they will freely just let you leave. You can just not go to church. Or you can take your name off the records. They won’t force you to stay or manipulate you into it.

[@squirrelicis]

Anyone who's ever met an NFL fan with season tickets knows what a cult is.

[@squirrelicis]

@@byuftbl - fun fact: the first cult of the United States was the USMC. ;)

[@dalecash2236]

By their fruits ye shall know them, not by what others say about them. It is about the heart of each individual. Jeff has a kind and truly Christ-like heart.

[@asinatefotu5436]

AMEN ❤❤❤

[@emilyriboldi8421]

Two things... not only calling us "cult members" degrading on members of the Church of Jesus Christ, but also degrading to people that have survived or are still in actual cults. Also I am in a leadership position for my Ward. And let me tell you... we do not all think the same....

[@mitchhancock]

But Emily how could you be in a leadership position when the church is just a patriarchal system designed to keep women down? Oh wait . . . That narrative pushed by supposed pro-women people isn’t true? Sarcastic jokes aside, thank you for serving, and thank you for leading. I’m amazed by the wonderful Sisters who I get to serve with.

[@otallono]

The truth isn't always what you want to hear. But anyway, it's not degrading. Cult: a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object. Contrary to what you may think, the word doesn't mean you follow Satan, a human figure or something like that. It depends on what the truth is. And you getting offended by it says a lot. If someone called Christianity a cult, no one would take offense to it. Because what we believe is the truth. And we do not claim we will be gods, like you guys do.

[@anitakathleenpierce4420]

Exactly! I was once told by a pastor that my Jesus (in The Church Of Jesus Christ) was different from the “Christian” Jesus... I responded by saying there is only one man named Jesus who was and is The Christ on earth and you don’t get to decide what I know and believe about “my” Jesus … who btw is bigger than all man made religions .. and I also said, I believe in the literal coming of Jesus Christ to this earth, and I believe in protecting the proclamation of the family to the world …and any church who denies two sexes is an abomination of God. I also said that MY Jesus doesn’t judge others for their love of God and for loving the Jews who were Gods chosen people on earth to bring his word to us … and for those who kept records of their genealogy and scriptures that show us a small remnant of some of our ancient ancestors from Israel… how can anyone say they are Christian and be against Israel? Christianity would not exist without the Jews and the Torah or our ancestors or roots. And all the lies that we as Americans have been told about our history is wrong and they want to tell me that native Americans came to America from all over the world except from Israel?!😂 So ridiculous to deny that Jews could have been here before Columbus … but it doesn’t matter what people think bc they can’t change the fact that there are 16 million Jews in the world and 16 million LDS members in the world… remember, the least among us will be exalted and the high will be humbled. I personally love this amazing and true church that is the only church on earth that is literally gathering the 12 tribes of Israel for the end times and that teaches us how to make covenants with our Heavenly Father. Most Christians or people that criticize our faith have never read the Old Testament or the Book of Mormon. I love asking people who the Gadianton robbers are and see what they say. And also about Captain Moroni and the title of Liberty! They have no clue what freedom means because they have never had to stand up for their faith. Sending light and love to all my brothers and sisters from GA, USA🙏🇮🇱🇺🇸🙏 MAGA❤

[@princessadora]

@@otallono steve hassan is the expert on cults and it isn't a cult according to him.

[@masternit]

​@@otallonothe problem isn't in the definition but the intent. Joey Rogan was making an attacking statement for no reason and with little understanding. Intent is what true communication is about. That includes words, tones, expressions... The works. Your definition, though accurate, is not correct based on what he was saying.

[@classicalgas8297]

People in cults no longer have any choice to think freely or even leave. We are members of our faith by choice, no one forces us and we can leave at any time. If people would sit down and actually learn who we are, rather than believe Hollywood, anti-Mormons, gossip and the ignorance and untruths they judge us all by…they would see we are just normal people and our beliefs aren’t even as crazy as everyone says.

[@tkc3742]

There is more than one definition of cult. From a Christian perspective, a cult is any religious group that denies core tenants of Biblical teachings about God and salvation. Joseph Smith claimed that God told him that all the Christian creeds were an abomination, that sure sounds like the LDS church has set itself apart from core Christian doctrine, doesn't it?

[@allincollin]

@@tkc3742 So do you believe every religion or belief system in the world that isn’t mainstream Christianity is a cult?

[@AdamThygerson-lm1gt]

@@tkc3742 Alright, then what about the great apostasy as mention in 2nd Thessalonians 2:3 KJV it reads "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;" the power of god was taken from the earth once the last apostle

[@tarabates7088]

"We are members of our faith by choice, no one forces us..." Many become members of record at birth. Many make a life-long covenant to follow all of the commandments at age 8, including commandments we do not yet have the maturity to understand. "...we can leave at any time." For years, getting your records voluntarily removed used to require a formal church trial and excommunication. Even now, leaving can involve multiple interviews, multiple phone calls home visits, and months-long waiting periods. After you leave, you can lose your marriage, your friends, and your job. According to the belief system, you lose access to your family for eternity. I heard Jeremy Runnels comment in an interview once that a cult is an organization where you're not able to leave with your dignity intact. In many cases, that's still true of the LDS church. It's a spectrum. Paying a high social price for leaving is not exactly "not allowed to leave" but it's on that spectrum.

[@johndill6594]

So every practice is open to anyone who wishes to observe?

[@jesuschristlives2724]

I investigated many churches and religions. I found the truth in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Jesus Christ is Lord. He is alive. He is coming back

[@tkc3742]

How did you come to know that the LDS church was true?

[@Luvtallhorses]

Me too. Best thing that ever happened to me

[@jwinfrey6298]

In all your research, how did you come to believe the mormon religion to be true?

[@AdamThygerson-lm1gt]

@@tkc3742 I cant speak for him/her but i came to know the truth of this church by a lot prayer, promptings from the holy ghost, and angelic witnesses, as Joseph Smith Jr once said, i knew and i knew god knew it and i could not deny it

[@catherinegordon8374]

When I was being taught about the church many years ago The thing or should I say 1 off the things that mad me very comfortable was I was advised to find out for my self if the church was true . Which I did by prayer and study I know the church is true and jesus christ is indeed the head off our church .

[@longfellowmarketing4192]

Pastor McCullough - As a “never-Mo” non-member who has great love and respect for the LDS church, I respect you so much for this vid. I know how much heat this will bring you from some of your “own” (some of whom often remind me of the Pharisees who “gnashed their teeth” at Steven in Acts 7 when they discuss the LDS). This was a very brave move on your part, and one that could negatively affect your career. But you were fair and said what was in your heart. God bless you!!

[@niki_99]

We’re honestly used to it, bro. I’m just owning the cult thing. I go to cult every Sunday and pay them 10% of my money. Join us, we have funeral potatoes.

[@Nicole-en1km]

😂 🙌🏼

[@GrandmaKnightLife]

😂

[@anne.self506]

😂

[@savagepeacemaker]

🤣

[@sharenhansen7508]

🤣😂, and we have great sense of humors!!

[@BecciBuck]

Thanks Pastor Jeff! We don’t need everyone to agree on every point of theology, but the call for respectful dialogue means a lot! ❤

[@elizabethroberts6169]

Well said!

[@tkc3742]

If Mormonism has a false gospel that cannot save (Galatians 1:6-9), then the most loving thing for a Christian to do would be to warn Mormons to believe in the true gospel, whether they believed this warning was respectful or not. Jesus will only save those who trust in Him and not in their own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). This is in direct contrast to the LDS teaching that all mankind may be saved by OBEDIENCE to the laws and ordinances of the gospel (3rd Article of Faith)

[@cantdance9786]

@@tkc3742We don’t trust in our own works. We trust in the grace of the Savior. But can you honestly say that he requires nothing other than belief? The whole Biblical context needs to be taken as a whole. For instance, why does Christ himself say “if ye love me, keep my commandments”? Why does James put so much emphasis on works of righteousness? Why does Christ describe it as a straight and narrow path which few there he that find it? How do you square all of that? Christ’s grace is real, but we do need to take action in turning to Him and following him. Why couldn’t the Bible be just one verse? “Just believe and you are saved” Why do we have the beatitudes and the sermon on the mount? The only thing that will save us is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. Simple enough for a child to understand yet challenging enough for a lifetime of growth and progression.

[@BecciBuck]

@@tkc3742 I appreciate where your heart is and your concern for us. You’re misunderstanding our beliefs a little. Please believe me when I say we absolutely believe in the necessary grace of Jesus’s atonement. If you read the next article of faith, it says, “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.” So we believe the laws and ordinances of the gospel Article 3 refers to are faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. That’s what we believe is necessary. This is not so very different from what you’re saying. I believe even Pastor Jeff has articulated that it’s the Evangelical belief that relationship with Jesus and faith in Him is all we need to be saved…so, in other words, faith and repentance. A desire to change and follow Him. We do believe baptism is necessary, but it’s not some magic in the ordinance itself but the covenant that we believe baptism represents where the power of Christ’s atonement then comes in to do the actual cleansing. We believe that’s how we signal to God that we want to repent and follow Him, taking His name upon ourselves. As we promise that, God promises to cleanse us, which is only possible because of Christ’s atonement. Without Him and His sacrifice, baptism would do nothing, and there would be nothing we could do to save ourselves, because we all sin. We do believe that just accepting Christ once does not absolve us from continuing to keep His commandments and repenting again and again when we fall short. But I believe most Christians believe this also, though they may nitpick words and prefer saying that comes naturally as a result of a sincere relationship with Christ. I’d agree with that too. Anyway, I don’t have much energy to debate people in comment sections these days, but I just want to say Pastor Jeff once did a video explaining why Evangelicals don’t believe baptism is actually necessary. That was wild to me to hear. I didn’t know before that video that any Christian felt that way. But I understand and respect where he’s coming from and even agree with how he said it to a certain extent. There are nuances of difference in our belief, but I don’t think those differences will matter much in the grand scheme of things. If you’re curious, you can go watch that video. I or others may have commented about those nuances. I honestly don’t remember. But that’s a point where we will just have to agree to disagree if you feel that way, because I don’t think anyone could explain that stance better than Pastor Jeff did in that video, and I do get where people come from who have that belief. Again, thank you so much for your concern for human kind (myself included). I really, sincerely appreciate it and celebrate our common belief in Christ and the imperative gift of his great atoning sacrifice. ❤️ I’m so grateful to Him. I know without Him I could never be saved. Oh, I will add we believe ALL people will be resurrected because of Jesus and most everyone (except sons of perdition, which is a sin most people can’t commit) will receive a degree of glory and at least some measure of the presence of God, living in what any Christian would, I think, consider heaven for eternity. So we also quite literally believe (more so than most other Christians, actually) that there’s very little one NEEDS to do to be “saved”.

[@BecciBuck]

@@tkc3742 I appreciate where your heart is and your concern for us. You’re misunderstanding our beliefs a little, though. Please believe me when I say we absolutely believe in the saving grace of Christ’s atonement. If you read Article 4, it says, “4 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.” So the laws and ordinances of the gospel that article 3 is referring to are just faith, repentance, baptism and confirmation. That’s not so very different from what you’re saying. I think Pastor Jeff has explained (if I understood him and remember correctly) that Evangelicals believe faith in Christ and relationship with Him is all that’s necessary to save. That would be our concept of faith and repentance. He did say in a video once that Evangelicals don’t actually believe baptism is necessary. That was wild for me to hear, considering Matthew 3, but Pastor Jeff explained that stance very well, and I even largely agree with everything he said about that. There are a few minor nuances, but I don’t think those will be very important in the grand scheme of things. But even though I still believe baptism is a necessary ordinance, it’s not some magic in the ordinance itself that saves. It’s the covenant the ordinance represents, which unlocks the power of Christ’s atonement to cleanse us. So it’s still Christ and His grace through the atonement that is “saving” and cleansing us. At baptism, we believe we covenant to repent and follow Him, and in return, God promises to cleanse us and send His spirit to be with us. We do believe we must strive to keep His commandments thereafter and repent again when we fall short, a pattern that will continue throughout our lives, as we are all weak and imperfect beings. I believe most Christians would agree that repentance would be continually necessary for the remainder of a person’s life, that once having a testimony of Jesus and a relationship with Him doesn’t absolve someone from continuing to strive to keep the commandments and repent when they fall short. They may nitpick words and prefer to say that is a natural result of a sincere relationship with Christ. I’d agree with that too. I don’t have much energy these days to debate people in comment sections. If you’re curious, that video where Pastor Jeff discusses if baptism is a necessary ordinance to be “saved” is a good one. I think some of us discussed some of the nuances of our beliefs about that there. But I will add that we believe ALL people will be resurrected because of Christ. So ALL people, even if they don’t believe in or accept Christ or repent, will be saved from temporal death. And we believe that most everyone (except sons of perdition, which is a sin most people can’t even commit) will receive some degree of glory and God’s presence in an eternal paradise that even the lowest degree of which I believe most people would consider “heaven”. So we also quite literally believe, even more so than most Christians, that there’s very little anyone NEEDS to do to be “saved” and enter a restful, glorious, eternal paradise. But again, I really, truly appreciate your concern and celebrate our shared belief in Christ and the imperative gift of His great, atoning sacrifice. ❤️ I’m so grateful to Him. I know without Him and His atonement, there is no way I could be saved.

[@alexandermestre5208]

Thank you for defending religious freedom and civil discourse

[@tkc3742]

Having a different opinion doesn't mean someone is against "religious freedom and discourse."

[@KnightFel]

God isn’t for religious freedom. He doesn’t tolerate people worshiping false gods. That includes the LDS.

[@TamiMiller-cw2hu]

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The moral views have enriched my life. I don't care if you belong to a labeled religion. I care how my relationship with Jesus is.

[@darwest8833]

So agree, I am a lifelong member and served a mission as well. I am not perfect neither is anyone in the church. I have never been swayed by the hatred or judgement of others as my testimony has come not from man but from the Holy Spirit and love of my Savior Jesus Christ.

[@tkc3742]

But which Jesus do you have a relationship with? The Jesus that saves us not by our own obedience or works, but by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) or the Jesus that saves by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel (A of F #3). Only the true Jesus will save, false Christs cannot save.

[@janellehoward7873]

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments." James 2:17-18 "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."

[@jwinfrey6298]

As long as it is the right Jesus. You know we were warned by Jesus that in the latter days there would arrive many false jesus's. If you dont believe he is who he said he was, he said we would die in our sins

[@josephine79]

​@@tkc3742Hello tkc, I know you mean well, but to help answer your question, we believe in the Jesus in the Bible who taught us to love one another and to keep God's commandments and that we should repent when we don't. And that, because of the sacrafice of Jesus Christ, our sins will be forgiven every time we repent. To further answer your question to help you understand what we believe, Jesus said in the Bible not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter into His father's Kingdom, but he who does the will of his Father who is in heaven (Matthew 7:21). So how do we reconcile the next two verses? Because when we do good it shouldn't be to glorify ourselves, but to glorify God - Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, *and glorify your Father which is in heaven*." This is why Jesus said the works in Matthew 7:22-23 were not accepted - because they were doing them for their own glory, not God's. In the end it is what is in our hearts. If we love God then we will try to keep his commandments (John 14:15) and repent when we don't with faith in Jesus Christ that our sins will be forgiven. And keep trying to overcome our weaknesses with the Lord's help. With this we will have increased joy and this is God's purpose. I hope this helps clarify a few things about what we believe and thank you.

[@rallyl7053]

But they did say we were very nice. So I’m grateful for all the good examples they were in contact with.

[@ValerieFulmer]

That was kind of Joe to call us nice. We’re certainly not perfect, but striving to be more like Jesus Christ.

[@pamelaharris9318]

Thanks, Jeff! I love hearing about how you are protective with regard to your LDS friends. ❤❤

[@ValerieFulmer]

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I thank you so very much Pastor Jeff for giving us the benefit of the doubt. There are many who assume the worst about our faith. And I think there are people who genuinely believe we are being misled, and they want better for us. They are truly concerned about us. I am humbled by their love and concern. There are incredible people, like you and your wife, of various faiths & philosophical beliefs who bless our lives abundantly! One of my husband’s best friends is an atheist. He’s a good man. He is a precious son of God who just doesn’t know it yet. Regarding Joe Rogan and others like him, someday they will learn that Latter-day Saints are just trying to be more like Jesus Christ. We are imperfect people who love God and are striving to love all of God’s children as He has commanded us to do. And we are striving to repent of our sins and remain humble and teachable as He has commanded us to be. Again, thank you Pastor Jeff!

[@tkc3742]

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:12) Though all humans are created in the image of God, only those that believe in God are sons of God. This is just another of many things that Joseph changed to his own suiting.

[@ValerieFulmer]

@@tkc3742 I’m sorry you believe that about Joseph Smith. He taught that God loves all His children and wants all of them to come back home to Him. God doesn’t want any of His children to be lost. That is one of the many reasons why Jesus Christ taught us to love one another. We need each other during this sometimes painful life journey. We are not perfect. We need Jesus Christ and His Atonement so we can sincerely repent of our sins and have ways to cope and learn from our trials, and receive joy in life.

[@micheleh3851]

​@tkc3742 - Hello. So are you saying that if an atheist discovers God and becomes a believer they still can't be called a son of God because they don't believe in God now? Sorry, but that doesn't make sense to me. I agree with the person who said that the man who is an atheist is a precious son of God who just doesn't realize it yet. When he realizes it, he is a believer. The issue is with the person, not God. As our Creator, certainly we are all precious in God's eyes.

[@tkc3742]

@ You misunderstand. All humanity is precious to God because we are his crowning act of creation and have been made in his image (Gen 1:27). Though we are all image bearers of God, only those that believe in God and receive him become children of God as John 1:12 states clearly. This sonship is not a physical sonship of flesh and blood as John 1:13 states, but is an adoption into the family of God where we can now cry out to him as father (Romans 8:15). Mormonism teaches the un Biblical doctrine that God is our literal father, rather than our creator and adoptive father through faith.

[@Elmothedemon]

@@tkc3742quick correction: the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints teaches that God is the father and creator of our spirits, not our actual father(hebrews 12 verse 9 briefly mentions this)

[@christinepoe2771]

Pastor Jeff, I have been watching your channel for a while now. I am a convert of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have served a mission for the church. I'm not just a believer, I know it is true. Pastor Jeff, you are a man of God. Thank you for the kind words you said about my church. Personally , this is how I feel. It'd found in Mathew 5: 44, " But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Let me also share my favorite verse from the Book of Mormon, "i glory in plainess, I glory in truth, I glory in my Jesus, for He hath redeemed my soul from hell." Joe Rogan will find for himself the real Jesus one these days..

[@brendataylor4010]

@@christinepoe2771 thank you I felt the holy Spirit when reading that! 😍🥰

[@HarpersSorrow]

Your compassionate words made me cry. Thanks for being so brave and standing up for us. It feels like the hate for our church is everywhere. I can’t get on KZbin without hearing these awful and mean spirited words. It just felt so soothing to have your positive loving attitude shared online.

[@stilllearning1160]

Stay true the light God has awoken in you and by and by, He will lead you to become increasingly strong in the knowledge of your faith and the faith of your (growing) Knowledge.

[@BlackDragon007-y6z]

Thank you so much for this! You are such a breath of fresh air when it comes to evangelical protestants talking about Latter-day Saints. With all the anti-mormon stuff I see, and some members (I would say justifiably) snap back at them with their own social media posts and memes, your videos show how inter-faith dialogue should happen. More protestants should be like you.

[@VandarAlden]

Probably members of the Restored Church should be more like him as well differing beliefs aside

[@sureman1964]

Joe, The church was cautioning against the dark things you can find on the internet. Not against the internet. The LDS church challenges its members to study, read the Bible, and pray about the truthfulness of the tenets of the church. So, we go to the ultimate authority to find truth, never two guys, who, as demonstrated, know very little of what they are talking about. Thanks for calling us nice. That doesn't make up for the insults However. Signed with love, A former fan

[@tkc3742]

But the larger point remains. The LDS church has long discouraged members from investigating anti-Mormon literature. Only once the internet made this information ubiquitous did the church respond with the gospel topics essays to largely confirm much of what was once termed anti-Mormon.

[@sureman1964]

@tkc3742 There is a huge difference between the internet and anti-mormon literature. The point was originally made using the premise that the church discourages using the internet. Considering the number of apps and tools online that we use for many purposes, to say that we've been told not to use the internet is laughable. I respect your opinion and don't wish to start a back and forth with you, but my original point was spot on.

[@alicehansen6905]

⁠@@tkc3742 all you say is true. But the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are called to grow and strengthen member’s testimonies. Hearing “anti-Mormon” rhetoric and then researching it isn’t going to strengthen any individual’s testimony. It can only result in two things: neutral and inconsequential conclusions, or real damage to that individual’s faith and testimony. And this damage could extend to all faith in God, not just in the Gospel taught in the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is a huge risk for members to take, because you never know if your faith is ready until it is tested. And what happens when you fail the test? Researching “Anti-Mormon” rhetoric is not like weight training, doing hard things to get stronger. It’s like knowingly taking poison. It’s insane if your goal is to remain a faithful member of the church and to grow your testimony. Doesn’t change the fact that this knowledge is all over, and thrown into member’s faces. People offhandedly say stuff like Joe and Wes did all the time. And it sucks feeling like other people know more about your church leaders than you do. So yes. The Church responded with their own essays regarding church history, and implemented institute lessons to address this when it was clear all members would certainly encounter this at some point in our technological era. What you are referring to is a feature. Not a bug.

[@Tyler-zi5uc]

@@tkc3742the point has always been to doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. The guidance is don’t go studying anti morning literature before you study your own faith. I would caution the same for anyone with good beliefs. We should all seek Christ and make sure we are on solid ground and know in whom we have trusted. Anti morning literature is all largely taking sentences out of context and presenting falsehoods with a negative tone. Why would you encourage anyone to look at such things? We are always encouraged to explore faith and hear others ideologies. But seeking out those who want to tear down. Well ask yourself what kind of spirit that sounds like? It’s not the information but the evil spirit lurking there that damages the soul.

[@danwoodward1527]

One point of correction to what Wes on Rogan show said that we believe the Father has a body of flesh and blood. We believe He has body of flesh and bone. Not blood. The difference is flesh and blood refers to mortal, imperfect bodies that will one day die. The Father’s body of flesh and bone is in a perfect immortal state, like that of the resurrected Son. Christ’s atoning sacrifice and resurrection gives us now the opportunity to receive a perfect resurrected body one day. A step in becoming like our Heavenly Father. Thank you Jeff for your kind words.

[@zionmama150]

Yeah that bugged me a bit when he said that.

[@Crikey420]

And if God had no body how does He sit on a throne? Why does He have a footstool? Why does Jesus have what the Father doesn’t?

[@cameronschlehuber2678]

Excellent points! I find an interesting relationship between the evangelical trinitarian belief in God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and that Jesus was once mortal with flesh and blood then resurrected with an immortal body fully God. Certainly the Son once was as a man, which makes me think of at least the first part of the famous couplet "as man now is, God once was . . "

[@tkc3742]

@@Crikey420 God's throne and foot stool are not literal, but metaphors used to communicate his majesty to finite creatures. Just as Jesus is not a physical door (John 10:9), but a metaphorical door opening into the presence of God. God is spirit (John 4:24), and invisible (Colossians 1:15). God is not a man, nor an exalted man. He is the eternal God, who was made manifest in the person of Christ (Immanuel or God with us) Come to the real Jesus of scripture and be saved. Do not trust in the false Christ of Mormonism.

[@Anti-Dentite907]

@@cameronschlehuber2678so true, scripture clearly teaches that God desires to give us all that he has!

[@Sunnyreads8]

Proud to love Jesus and worship our Heavenly Father with you, Pastor Jeff. Thank you for defending my church against the word cult.

[@DerGlaetze]

Since the word “cult” was used as a pejorative during the first several centuries, in the Roman era, I consider myself to be in good company.

[@bandosz3218]

Well said!

[@jimjosemusic5325]

I think of this often myself - it’s an ignorant thing to say (and many have). To quote Steely Dan.. “Only A Fool Would Say That”

[@AjaxNixon]

cult is the root word of culture. Everyone is a cult. Indian Shamanism, Buddhism, Materialistic Hedonism, Sex, Money, etc. Its just the center around which a community revolves around as their highest goods and practices.

[@ericnaude8158]

Yes, that is my attitude. The early followers of Jesus would have been labelled a cult and as I strive to do the same I am happy to be considered part of that cult. Of course, the false belief among critics of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that we worship Joseph Smith, etc. And on that basis are labelled part of a cult.

[@Comm.DavidPorter]

Actually the original meaning of the noun is simply "worship," as in a "form of worship." It was not necessarily pejorative, just as in modern French the term "culte" is used for a Protestant worship service, without any pejorative connotation whatsoever.

[@brendataylor4010]

Your amazing. I just wish there were more people like you. I'm an Evangelical turned saint. The visions and revelations I have been given are more real than this world. I testify to you that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's true church and Russel M Nelson is THE TRUE Prophet of God. I testify to you that The book of Mormon is true

[@perttisuorsa4678]

You believe that there are countless gods who were once mortal men like you and me. The Old Testament says very clearly that there is only one God. The LDS church has many doctrines which the disciples of Jesus and the early Christian church knew nothing about.

[@SuttonShimai]

@@perttisuorsa4678 Actually, the early Church members DID know about these doctrines. Scrolls being discovered these days are showing that. It was around 300 AD when church leaders lost sight of many truths, disagreed about the nature of God, and started squabbling about it that many of these truths were lost and some kind of weird, Greek-influenced doctrine came about that gives us the Trinitarian Christianity that we have today that no one can really explain. That's why the Church was *restored* in these latter days in preparation for the Second Coming.

[@perttisuorsa4678]

​@@SuttonShimai Where are those scrolls now and why do so few people know about them ?

[@john-qz3fu]

The three witnesses did the same thing you are doing. All three have denied their original claim.

[@brendataylor4010]

@@perttisuorsa4678 yes the old testament also claims Elohim which meanss GODS PLURAL. ,🥰 Also...it also says God is the God of all Gods...also, Jesus is also God of the world and creation but Jesus teaches that The Father is also God but they are one in purpose. Trinity leads you away from truth So becareful 🥰

[@theDoctorWhoFlygon10]

Thank you, Brother Jeff, for being a bridge-builder.

[@melissapratt3545]

Oh jeff! The Latter-Day Saint community love you so much. We are praying for you and your family and think of you often. Sending love from Provo Utah!

[@BoyNamedKelly]

Thanks for being a friend, Pastor Jeff! Curiosity over criticism.

[@zionmama150]

Jeff. By the way, I mentioned your name and channel while teaching Sunday school today. I said you were an example to the members for how to come together to have discussions so people can realize truth.

[@tkc3742]

But what is truth and where is it found? The Bible and Mormon teaching stand in contrast to each other. The Mormon view of God, the gospel, the after life, all stand in stark contrast to the plain teaching of the Bible. lf this channel is teaching you that Mormonism is a Christian denomination, than you're being done a huge disservice.

[@zionmama150]

@ have you even ever read it? It doesn’t stand in contrast unless you have alternate interpretations.

[@zionmama150]

@ mormonism is and always has been a Christian denomination, but it is not a reformation Christian church. It is a branch of Christianity known as restoration Christianity and there are a few other churches in that category. A Christian is anyone who is a follower of Jesus and His teachings. That’s Jesus‘s definition, not mine. See Matthew 7:19-21

[@hrjosh27]

⁠@@tkc3742can you elaborate on what is the”Mormon” view of God?

[@semiprotacodestroyer3389]

​@@zionmama150it is in contrast to all of Christianity. LDS hold the alternate view.

[@dragonson04]

Never forget, that Christianity itself was once a cult...and the Jews and Romans of Christ's own time said similar words against Him for similar reasons. They would say "This son of a carpenter cannot be our Messiah." Then, they said "This son of a farmer from New York can't possibly be a Prophet" Now they say "Cult" because they have no other argument.

[@ValerieFulmer]

Apparently Joe Rogan is unaware that a number of his loyal listeners are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There’s still time for him to get to know some members & realize we are not in a cult. I personally try not to have any hard feelings towards people who make fun of the Church I am a member of. This is not always easy but we are all a work in progress. I need grace so I’m trying to give others grace. Thank you Pastor Jeff! 🙏

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"realize we are not in a cult." It's just a word with many definitions. Faithful latter-day saints meet *some* of the usual defining aspects of "cult". Of course, so did the followers of Jesus while he was alive.

[@ValerieFulmer]

I appreciate that Pastor Jeff doesn’t believe we are a cult.

[@stilllearning1160]

This 'christian influencer' is at that stage of Christian development where, whilst understanding many things and believing in Christ to the degree that he now does, he very much kikes the pre-eminence of being right (in his mind) and of being seen to be right. This is a phase that we must grow out of, allowing charity to 'have it's perfect work, and that a genuine desire for the well-being of our fellow mortals replaces our immature ego. I don't think any of us will be able to look back on the path we have walked with any vain boasting or pride. All are saved by the path of grace, which grace we learn to allow for others as we too receive grace, by and by.

[@epiphany7573]

I appreciate your perspective Pastor Jeff and I pray that one day you will join us.

[@walkingdad506]

If Wes Huff gets something like this wrong when there is so much information on the subject available, then how can I believe anything else he may have an opinion on? I can't, and I won't give him the time of day.

[@semiprotacodestroyer3389]

What did he get wrong?

[@calblue95482]

Its just typical. Everywhere we see where hearsay of different religion is just alluded to amidst zero knowledge yet kicked on down the road without fact checking themselves.. Meanwhile, inaccurate lies just get told over and over and over..............................and the truly silly people begin to believe these inaccuracies. Welcome to Lucifers methods 101 of stopping the work of the Lord.

[@TheAegis1000]

Wes Huff didn't get it wrong. He knows whereof he speaks ...

[@natedawg2020]

I agree. You can’t be an expert in your own field if you don’t even recognize what you don’t know. That’s the basic difference between true experts and the average schmuck with a 2.5 GPA college degree.

[@walkingdad506]

@@TheAegis1000 Really so you didn't watch the whole video then. Because he stated where the information is and it is not there, he either lied or he got the information from another third party that can't be trusted. Either way I good person checks his information before quoting things he knows nothing about.

[@TheNinjaFam]

Your thoughts on this are very insightful and thoughtful. Rogan, was trying to be funny at the expense of an easy target.

[@vendingguy47]

Thank you for indicating that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are not part of a cult! We believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer

[@lucylandero4601]

Aggree 100 percent

[@tkc3742]

Christian teaching defines a cult as any religious group that denies the core tenants of Christianity. Given that Joseph claimed that all Christian creeds were an abomination, and subsequently taught that the God of scripture is actually a man and that Jesus doesn't save by faith alone, but by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, can you see why Christians call Mormonism a cult?

[@breakfastforyousoul]

@@tkc3742 correct

[@redfearnb]

God Bless you brother. It's exhausting to constantly hear that kind of pejorative language from every corner of the Earth when we're all just trying to do our best to know God better. Your words and support are inspiring and true! We all need to stick together and build each other up. Not tear each other down.

[@AarmOZ84]

The fact that you understand there is lots of nuance within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shows that you understand the faith through speaking to members rather than reading a book and calling yourself an expert.

[@nickgoldsberry4511]

Ran into your KZbin content a few months back. Appreciate how honest and truthful you are with your thoughts & findings - and standing up for good!

[@elizabethroberts6169]

@PastorJeff I’m struggling with our faith (mainstream LDS) over the past year. However- I am so moved and touched by your constant grace and your (God given) gift to empathize with the“others” is absolutely inspiring!!! You do an amazing job at displaying His Love for All. So grateful for your work, your words and most importantly your palpable love for our Savior. Your videos make me want to draw closer to Him. 🙏🏻🤟🏻🎯

[@lubago]

I don’t think there should be any shame in exploring other churches. Ultimately it’s about where you can build a relationship with Jesus because our salvation is through Him alone. If that’s in an LDS church, great but if you need to find another community that resonates better with your faith and helps you build a personal relationship with Christ you should be free to do that in my opinion.

[@Firefly017]

@@lubagoI would consider myself a devout member of the LDS church and I completely agree with this. At 18 my parents suggested I visit and learn about other churches. They said they believed the LDS church was the true church and that I needed to find out for myself. So I visited a bunch of other churches and studied them. And even though I took break from being an active member for about 12 years, my belief and testimony never wavered and I came back. After all, our purpose is to help others learn of, come close to and have a relationship with Christ. If they find that in a different organization, I am just grateful they are seeking Him. Especially with so many people leaving Faith these days.

[@scottbryner3]

Great comment! I’m on the other side of an LDS faith crisis and now worship in a non-denominational church that I love. My relationship with God is better than ever, and I no longer feel the battle inside of what seems right and what I see Jesus taught vs. what my church teaches. That said, I think it’s common for biblical Christians to assume that God’s love and influence is absent from LDS church buildings, and I always tell them that God is much bigger than that. A favorite C.S. Lewis quote from Mere Christianity is “There are people in other religions who are being led by God’s secret influence to concentrate on those parts of their religion which are in agreement with Christianity, and who thus belong to Christ without knowing it (Mere Christianity, pp 209). LDS teaching can be super confusing and even self-contradicting, and I don’t think that’s where God intends us to spiritually live if His aim is for us to know Him. You don’t have to mentally nullify all the good that the church has been in order to keep letting God guide you into more truth. Keep up the good fight. It’s worth it.

[@elizabethroberts6169]

@@scottbryner3 Oh. My. Freaking Goodness!! Words I didn’t even know I searching for and craving to hear. Thank you so much for your words and insight. Just beautifully worded- God bless YOU and please know that it is evident in your words that you have a sincere relationship with our Savior 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@Luvtallhorses]

Remember to include Heavenly Father in your struggle. Go to the source for answers.

[@noelleherzig]

THANK YOU Pastor Jeff! Your statement of defending the people and not the belief is such a fair and perfect statement and I really appreciate it and all of the things in this video. Your conversations are so wonderful and have helped me so much in understanding my evangelical friends better as well - close friends I love so much and we can talk and relate better now because you have helped me on both sides. Can you imagine if Joe Rogan was saying these things about our Jewish or Muslim friends - why would it be okay to talk about anyone this way? Thank you thank you thank you!! I don't know what an "apolgetic" is? could you tell me what that is? I know I can trust you to give me a straight answer - on anything for that matter. bunches of love and prayers for you and your ministry! Noelle

[@quaeludes2090]

Any religion can have apologetics. It is basically a defense against critics. There are even apologists within the LDS faith. Read 1Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear”.

[@noelleherzig]

@@quaeludes2090 Thank you! I appreciate your help!

[@AlecSorensen]

13:50 - Cardon Ellis of Ward Radio has made a comment a couple of times that even if Christians think that the LDS church is adulterated and incorrect, the appropriate attitude towards them would have been the one Christ had towards Samaritans instead of the one the Pharisees had towards Samaritans.

[@tkc3742]

But notice that even in the interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, Jesus corrects her false Samaritan beliefs. "You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews." (John 4:22) Jesus was and is full of grace AND truth. It is the supreme act of love to call out a false belief that cannot save.

[@MrGeneric2011]

@@tkc3742 Many people justify their hatred and intolerance claiming their just doing what Jesus asked them to do when correcting others. But rarely does it come from a place love, but rather from a desire to impose their views on others.

[@tkc3742]

@ But since neither of us are omniscient and thus cannot know motives, it is more helpful to stick to the arguments than speculate about one's motivations.

[@AlecSorensen]

@ That's the point. Either 1) LDS church has the truth, and people who act out of hatred are like the Pharisees railing against John the Baptist and the Lord's disciples OR 2) LDS people do not have the truth, but still believe in the Lord in some form or fashion, in which case, people who act out of hatred towards the LDS church are like the Pharisees railing against the Samaritans, which Jesus also repeatedly contradicted in parable and behavior. Either way, acting like a Pharisee is not a good look.

[@austinnajar]

I’d say by and large, Christians do take the John 4 approach to talking with Mormons. But Jesus didn’t treat that woman with kid gloves either. He straight told her she had no idea what she was worshipping and that she was wrong and the Jews were right. Mormons don’t like hearing that just like Samaritans didn’t though.

[@allisonsings]

Pastor Jeff, you are a good egg! I have watched probably all of your videos and they always give great food for thought. As a young mom to 3 and a youth sunday school teacher in my local ward, I've become even more careful with how I talk about our fellow Christian brothers and sisters. Tonight over dinner we were talking about all the good that other churches do because they also love Jesus, like us, and that we are all doing our best to follow His example. While, of course, I want to share my faith with my children, I also want them to love and appreciate other faiths. And if one day they find themselves in another church, I want them to know that is also a good place to be.

[@tkc3742]

The Mormon church teaches that it is the ONLY true church (D&C 1:30) and that one cannot reach heaven (Celestial Kingdom), without being Mormon. Why would you be Ok then, with your children leaving the LDS faith?

[@melindasam]

Once again, thank you for your kindness towards the LDS faith. We appreciate your friendship to all of us.

[@bobettepage4440]

I took a sociology class at U of U in 1980 and it was a class deciding whether the LDS church was a cult by definition. It does NOT fit the criteria or definition of a cult. It is truly offensive and shows how ignorant people are. We need to pray for them. Thanks for standing up for us.

[@tkc3742]

It fits the definition of a cult from a Christian perspective, which is any so called Christian religious group that denies the core tenants of Biblical doctrine. Mormonism teaches salvation is by obedience to laws and ordinances (A of F 3), the Bible teaches salvation is by faith alone (Eph 2:8-9). The Bible also teaches that false gospels that are not the gospel of grace, but of works, will damn the adherents. (Gal 1:6-9). Christians aren't trying to pick fights with LDS people when labelling Mormonism a cult, any more than Jesus was trying to pick a fight with the false religious leaders of his day when calling them vipers and white washed tombs (Matt 23), but truth is important ad has eternal consequences.

[@bobettepage4440]

@ Pride cometh before a fall.

[@tarabates7088]

@@tkc3742 Words can have multiple definitions, in theory it's possible for both of you to use a single word with different meanings and you both can be right... But if LDS don't like to be called "a cult," I don't see how Christians can say they aren't picking a fight by insisting on using that word. Is there any possibility of finding a word that we *can* agree on? Or at least one that causes less offense? One question I would ask about your thinking is: is your main concern that LDS beliefs are "non-Biblical" or that they are psychologically harmful? Or both? I think many LDS (and others) bristle at the word "cult" because totally aside from orthodoxy issues, it has additional connotations of extreme control, violence, and even suicide. Can we negotiate a word or a phrase that would seem accurate for both of us? --If the concern is simply beliefs that you don't accept, or teachings from sources that you don't accept, maybe "Non-traditional"? "Non-Biblical"? "Outside the mainstream"? "Unorthodox"? --If the concern is extreme or unhealthy organization structures, maybe "Authoritarian"? ""Highly-controlling"? High-demand"?

[@NoelFallstrom]

I wasn't bothered by most of it as it was the treatment and reaction that I expected. However, after the praise from Jeff, I am now bothered and disappointed most by the assertion that "Mormon" leaders have told us not to do our own research or look beyond the published works. That is not only false, but an anti-truth. It is the opposite of what church leaders have encouraged us to do. We pursue all truth in all places. We are encouraged to study and we are discouraged from blindly accepting things without seeking our own witness from the spirit. In that context, there have been numerous statements that have been meant to be helpful as we are seeking the truth. We need to vet sources as we seek for truth. That advice is universal in nature and applies to all learning and research. If the person knew as much about "Mormons" as they claimed and actually talked to members, they would have known this.

[@natedawg2020]

Exactly. I think Wes is just referencing John Dehlin, who is also dumb.

[@jamesbroughton7870]

One thing I love about the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day Saints is that when I was looking for a church I went to a lot of different churches and a lot of the other churches were badmouthing and saying bad things about the LDS church but I never heard any discouraging disparaging words about any other church when I was investigating the LDS church and that’s one of the reasons I joined. Now I know that we respect our faith and believe all faiths have a lot of good we don’t put down other people for their face or say bad things about them.

[@tkc3742]

Do you realize how unbiblical that position is? The Bible, especially the New Testament is replete with warnings about false teachers. Read the gospels, or the book of Jude or 2 Peter or Galatians to see how forcefully Jesus and His apostles constantly warned the people about false teachers.

[@popprider4224]

So well articulated Pastor. Thank you

[@sampson1952]

Once again, thank you for your heart and Christlike love. ❤

[@hectorgabrielperezsaavedra4367]

Thank you, I have seen almost all of your videos, thank you, not for defending us, but for defending the true way of growing together in the gospel, God in his right time will give more light to each one of us and we will be able to have the guidance that we require, but today he gives us the command to deliver his message, 1 we are his children, 2 he loves us 3 he sent his Son Jesus Christ to show us what that love is like PS I don't speak English, but I translate your videos, santiago Chile

[@faagalotiafala5598]

Thank you Pastor for protecting The teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! God bless and protect you and your family!

[@NickShigekiyo]

Thank you for being Christlike and understanding Pastor Jeff! Sending much love from Brazil! 🇧🇷

[@EternallyRound]

This is your most important video yet, and speaks to the heart of any interfaith dialog.

[@rosemaryfechser7757]

Thanks! A BIG AMEN … especially to your concluding commentary. You are a Bridge Builder…Repairer of the breech, Restorer of Paths to dwell in… from All sides of varied “Christianity”… and Humanity.

[@damionhunter314]

This is my single favorite video on this channel. As you talked about a diverse crowd, pressing in just for the chance to see and hear Jesus, I could feel the spirit of your purpose and mission. We cannot give heed any longer to those voices that chide and demean. We search for, gather with and commune and serve with all who seek the Savior, who love the Savior, regardless of denomination or creed. Thank you, Jeff. You are being cheered on by angels.

[@2minutetidbits810]

I have watched you from the beginning, harboring great reservation about your intent, YET, still appreciating your journey. But today, you have earned my highest respect. I will stand by anyone who stands by religious freedom and CIVIL, HONEST discourse for anyone and everyone. Here is my first fist bump to you and I have finally let you into my heart. God Bless!

[@RltnspdEMA]

Jeff I appreciate your honesty and forthrightness to bring forth the truth. I've been watching your channel for many years now. I am LDS return missionary and now I teach the come follow me classes online and I have taught come for me in the church for many years now. I have great respect and love for the Savior Jesus Christ. I have great respect and love for the Saints here in the church and around the world. Not just in the church but out as well. God bless you brother common we appreciate you.

[@tkc3742]

Do you teach the gospel topics essays in your classes?

[@liztrefry3279]

I am LDS and have watched your journey from the beginning. I was able to share some of your ideas on openness and respectfulness with my Sunday school class today. Your example has definitely taught me how to love my religion but also have religious envy for the great thing my Protestant friends do that I admire as well as my Catholic friends. Thank you for standing up and speaking out on this podcast…your example of kindness, thorough research before speaking and eloquent explanation is what keeps us coming back for more…

[@semiprotacodestroyer3389]

Are they no longer considered an abomination?

[@MasonPayne]

Thanks Pastor Jeff for your love and respect. Love you right back brother.

[@MarkGarofalo]

I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I appreciate your kindness when speaking about my faith. Some say I’m going to hell because of my membership in the Church. I had the thought a few days ago; 2:19 So be it, I’ll spend eternity in hell with others who love Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, seek to be followers of Christ, and be with those I love. Sounds like heaven to me.

[@tkc3742]

please don't say that. Hell is not something to trifle about. The reason Bible believing Christians risk sounding unkind and confrontational is because we love you and sincerely want you in Heaven. Please trust only in Christ and His righteousness and not your own.

[@kellykuczak636]

Any religion can be seen as cultlike

[@terrillmel]

Yeah. But there are different degrees. Heaven's Gate for example would be an extreme example.

[@debbieapperson3026]

A quote by Joseph Smith “We teach them (members of the church) CORRECT PRINCIPALS and let them GOVERN THEMSELVES.” That’s exactly what the Gospel teaches. It Doesn’t sound like force, or manipulation, or cohesion to me. Satans plan was to FORCE EVERYONE to go to heaven. (The very reason he was cast out of heaven.) GODS PLAN IS to choose AGENCY for every man, woman and Child. The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints teaches and follows GODS PLAN. 👍❤️🙏🥰😇

[@joesimpson9230]

The Book of Mormon is true, and another witness of the same gospel of Jesus Christ as the Bible. Joseph Smith was a true prophet who worshipped Jesus Christ. The church was infiltrated by wicked men. When Joseph Smith was murdered, Brigham Young usurped control of the church and led some of the saints to SLC, Utah (many refused to follow him). Brigham Young introduced many false doctrines into that denomination including polygamy, men becoming Gods, Adam God, blood atonement of men, penal oath temple rituals, a Heavenly Mother, Lucifer being Jesus' brother, incorrect definition of Christ’s church, etc. None of that is in the Book of Mormon or teachings of Joseph Smith, but Brigham Young and the wicked leaders under and after him have pretended that it came from Joseph Smith in order to gain acceptance for their own evil and lustful desires. The LDS church of today is Brigham Young's denomination and is apostate from the teachings of the church under Joseph Smith.

[@tkc3742]

Is telling people they will burn for all eternity if they don't give 10% to the Mormon church coercion? (D and C 64:23) Is telling a father he cannot see his daughter married in the temple, unless he pays all his back tithing manipulation?

[@rdancranston]

You deceive and lie @tkc3742....D&C 64:23 actually reads that he that is higher will not be burned at his coming(as in the wicked will burn as stubble) not a single word as to burning for all eternity for not paying tithing which makes you a deceiver and liar hoping people won't actually look up and read the scriptures for themselves. Secondly the church never asks for "back tithing" as there is no such thing. Anybody that says they were asked to pay back tithing is either lying or they were told by someone who didn't know what they are talking about. It is wrong that the policy is to pay back tithing. I have heard stories of people who volunteer to pay back tithing but it isnt required and certainly would not or should not be used as leverage over attending a temple sealing. But your credibility is shot. You tried to lie and deceive over a Scripture you "quoted" nice try though...

[@rdancranston]

*tither... Not higher...

[@khall999]

Thank you so much for your validating words and kindness toward Latter Day Saints who really are trying to follow their hearts and what they truly believe and know within themselves-is true. Brought me to tears to have you say these things. Thank you brother and friend.

[@janellehoward7873]

Thank you Jeff for your kind, respectful response and for your defense of us. I really appreciate it! Hate and disrespect are much more common. Your channel is a breath of fresh air! I wish more Evangelicals were like you.

[@zionmama150]

I hope that he will be willing to have a conversation with Jacob Hansen. Perhaps Pastor Jeff and Steve Pynaker can moderate.

[@ValerieFulmer]

That would be amazing.

[@b.j.3729]

Thanks so much for standing up for us😊

[@k.bronson7343]

Why would members of the church do this and yet Jeff millions and millions of members remain faithful when it is so easy to simply walk away from the ridicule and then join those who have left and with them, point fingers back at those who remain just as described in 1 Nephi 8:25-28. I think also of John 6: (67) Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? (68) Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. (69) And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Thank you. You're a good man Jeff.

[@Silivrenwolfie]

As an LDS member, thank you for your words. I wish more would be as respectful as you. Thank you.

[@debbiepenorpencil5896]

thanks man. . .so tired of being told I'm in a cult

[@ck33909]

You are

[@tkc3742]

Why do you think so many think Mormonism is a cult? Can you understand that when a church tries to limit people's access to counter information, compels tithing on threat of being burned, dictates their underwear, and is a church that once practiced polygamy, that many reasonable people would see that as cult like?

[@mycatwould]

I promise, as a Canadian, we do have shirts that fit us better than Wes Huff’s would suggest.

[@Nicole-en1km]

😂😜

[@sallybeesley4170]

Wow, this was so well stated and accurate. As LDS I appreciate all you are doing to help others understand so the bullying and ridicule decrease. You are a true Christian. You live it and you preach it.

[@mattwalters5642]

Not all Christians are Christlike, but Pastor Jeff impresses me as legitimately both.

[@danielmauricio8504]

Your Christian candor is refreshing Jeff! You’re an important voice in this space.

[@JoeNunya-oz1nd]

I always appreciate and value you approaching everything with kindness and honesty. It connects with me. I always enjoy listening to other seekers of truth.

[@carllundberg7073]

Reminds me of what Jesus said the world would say about and how they would treat His disciples. He gave these persecutions and mistreatments as a sign of His true disciples. Jesus and his original disciples were also similarly spoken of.

[@Zeett09]

I’ve been surrounded by my LDS family my whole life. Some are overly zealous and I’d say those LDS people are cult-like. The majority are not. Just my take.

[@natedawg2020]

I consider myself a faithful Latter-Day Saint, and when I first read this comment I was slightly annoyed but then I decided I actually agree. There are a lot of church members who seem to hyperfocus on weird stuff and give me a culty vibe. I’m mostly being judgmental of them being weirdos, but I don’t see that quirk as being inherent to the theology or the church leadership. I think the general authorities are exceptionally business professional. Sometimes I cringe when I hear “relief society voice” in conference, but overall I think it would be ignorant to believe the church is systemically cult-like.

[@tarabates7088]

This is a *very* important point for outsiders to consider. There's absolutely diversity and difference inside the LDS world. I feel like I have personally seen the LDS religion be a bad / harmful belief system for people with certain kinds of mental health issues. And I feel like I have personally seen it be a positive in the lives of others.

[@Zeett09]

@ me too!!

[@rlallas66]

Thank you! I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. I appreciated watching this video. At the end of the day we are all brothers and sisters of a heavenly father who loves us all, which was the point he made it the very end. Hugs

[@The_Mister]

I’m LDS and I’ve honestly never understood the appeal of Joe Rogan. He’s never said anything interesting or compelling - nothing that points me in a direction I want to go or has caused me to think about things in a new or profound way. I don’t say that to denigrate him. Just not interested in that corner of the internet or what their opinions are. There’s a lot of nonsense in this idea that exalted latter days saints “will get their own planet.” These are nothing more than theoretical extrapolations. The doctrine, is just that we can inherit eternal life, like God, like His Son. And if we are like Him in any degree, then it’s hard to place limits on what that might look like. I personally am not concerned at all about whether I have principalities or dominions. My only concern, is living in such a way that I can have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, which gives me peace, helps me to love others in a more Christ-like way, and helps me grow closer to my Heavenly Father.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"I’ve honestly never understood the appeal of Joe Rogan" It is sort of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" kind of thing. Joe Rogan goes against the woke. That's good. Then he goes against Mormonism. That's less good. But who cares? Some do, some don't.

[@JanetLong-r9q]

Thank you for this video. One of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." This world would be a better place if we all looked for the common ground between religions instead of debating who is right or wrong. When I was 12 years old, I decided I couldn't be certain my church was true if I didn't know anything about other churches. I started reading books that presented objective information about the beliefs of all the Christian churches and even many non-Christian religions. All had some beliefs in common, and all sought to help people become better. While my belief in the LDS Church was strengthened, I learned to respect and admire the good in all religions. 12

[@tkc3742]

Yes, there are some similarities in religion, but the differences far outweigh the similarities. Jesus claimed that he was the only way to heaven. (John 14:6) Brigham Young, the second prophet of the Mormon church said otherwise. "No man or woman in this dispensation will ever enter into the celestial kingdom of God without the consent of Joseph Smith… He reigns there as supreme a being in his sphere, capacity and calling, as God does in Heaven" - Journal of Discourses, Vol.14, p.203

[@jimloftus171]

I appreciate your offense and defense on our behalf. We are used to people misunderstanding our beliefs and taking shots at the “Mormon beliefs” We believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior. We believe he was crucified, took upon himself our sin that we might be saved. all other tenets of our religion are dependent upon this central belief

[@tkc3742]

Joseph clearly believed he was teaching a different Jesus than the Christian Jesus. After all he stated that all the Christian creeds were an abomination. Joseph taught a Jesus that requires obedience to laws and ordinances to be saved ( A of F 3), not the Jesus of scripture that saves by faith alone (Eph 2:8-9)

[@WesleyQuinton]

I felt the spirit so strong listening to such an amazing man of God speak so kindly about my beliefs. Thank you Pastor for what you said. I used to have a real anger toward some old Protestant friends of mine who have in the recent years started to attack my faith, and in turn I attacked theirs and sought to destabilize it in anger. I have since held a big grudge against them and have always looked to be in the defense. Through your channel I have learned how to have faith promoting conversations and to handle negative comments towards my faith and also negative comments about other faiths in a good manner. We love you Pastor.

[@GlenMcbride-s6l]

Well, here's where we are: My wife and I are LDS. We both have big time cancer. She is 79 and has Pancreatic cancer. We are both dieing. My goal is to live long enough for my Mother & Father to come for her. Then what ever happens with me I don't care! My greatgrand mother came back at least twice after she died to see her son and her husband that ❤ her so. I'm not afraid of death I worked too many years at dangerous jobs. When I die my wife and probably my Parents will come take me back! Then my wife and I will come back and get the kids! It well be so fun to bring them back. Then life will continue with us and the Lord. It's going to be fun!

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"Is the LDS Church a Cult?" No (Betteridge's Law of Headlines) or Yes. It says more about the person making the judgment because it is not a useful or meaningful label.

[@tarabates7088]

It's like "is a hotdog a sandwich?" First, you have to define "sandwich." And you and the person you're talking to have to agree on the same definition of the word or the conversation is meaningless. The conversation takes a turn and is usually much more about the definition of the word "sandwich" than about the nature of a hot dog. But unlike "sandwich," the word "cult" has negative connotations and big emotional charge, so when people start using (and hearing) this word, their thinking is even less clear than usual. Stopping in the middle of one of these conversations and asking someone to define "cult" is kind of like stopping a conversation and asking someone to define a swear word. Why do it? Let's just stop using that word.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@tarabates7088 "Why do it?" It depends on the purpose of the conversation. If it is to share knowledge, then establishing definitions is crucial. How you define "cult" might actually be an accurate description, in which case, use the word! If "woman" describes an adult human female, and that is what you wish to convey, use the word! But if you are simply insulting someone, any word will work nearly as well. Just say it with a sneer and even a compliment becomes an insult.

[@tarabates7088]

@ Agreed that establishing definitions is crucial. I think it's usually possible to find other, less charged words, agree on the definitions of those, and then continue. For example, I've heard Steven Hassan use the phrase "organization that exerts undue influence," and I see quite a bit of value in using that as an alternative to "cult."

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@tarabates7088 I will often accept someone's epithet and proceed with the conversation; something on the order of "Okay, now what?" From Saul Alinsky, Rules for Radicals: Rule 10: The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative. *Avoid being trapped by an opponent or an interviewer who says, "Okay, what would you do?"* .

[@lennym.s5453]

Now you understand, how Jesus felt when he said to the Jews that he was the messiah, now 2000 years later a restoration of the Church of Christ thru a living prophet , people mocked Jesus and we feel the same way, welcome to our club , we just feel compassion that’s all , no hard feelings, justice is the Job of a God not mine, thank you nice reaction by you pastor ❤❤

[@tkc3742]

If the church of Jesus had to be restored to the earth, then the gates of hell prevailed against it, contrary to what Jesus foretold (Matt 16:17-19)

[@derykknowlton508]

I really enjoy how kind you our to us. i can say in all my days, ive never seen a non member who is so kind and understanding to our religion on the internet. I just want to thank you for the support

[@tkc3742]

What if this perceived kindness is really hatred? What if Mormonism is false and will not save you? Would it be kind to make you feel comfortable in a damnable error?

[@toddgalbraith1582]

Thank you, Jeff. Your careful, thoughtful and respectful communication is appreciated.

[@remorrey]

I love you Brother Jeff. I pledge to defend your beliefs, worship and family here in Salt Lake. I certainly feel a reciprocity of that love of faithful believers in Christ. Keep up the wonderful work you're doing.

[@danielclark5586]

I always enjoy your objectivity and I like your approach to looking into things. I have learned that similar to the things said about Jesus from the educated Jewish leaders and others about him and his mission, things being said about followers of Christ ( of which the LDS Church is one) are a bit askew . To listen to what is said and determine for myself that which I want to give credence to or not is something I look forward to all the time. There is opposition in all things and we must all get to our own conclusions about everything. Jesus actually provides the means to do that for those who want to hear. Unfortunately, many do not want to hear. Continue sharing your thoughts and testimony about Jesus and truth. You are a good man whom I hope to meet in person one day. (Maybe on my own planet in the next life heheheheh?)

[@alienwarex51i3]

7:45 that's not where that couplet came from. The Church's fifth president, Lorenzo Snow, coined it: “As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be.”

[@Elpatoloco2011]

So you agree Joseph Smith didn't say it.

[@alienwarex51i3]

​@@Elpatoloco2011 Right. The point is that the couplet isn't just some trope that was made up by some random person as Jeff kind of presents it; rather, the couplet was revealed to Lorenzo Snow in a revelation, and he wasn't paraphrasing Joseph Smith. Anyway, Jeff's correct that people will often misattribute things to the King Follett discourse. It's ironic that he is making the same sort of mistakes, that's all. And we're all human so it happens.

[@matthewcarling6545]

No, that was Commander Adama from Battlestar Galactica. 🤣. [This is a joke...President L. Snow coined the phrase]

[@kellykuczak636]

We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Of course we are all about Jesus Christ, seeing Him, knowing Him, Loving Him and one day returning to be in His presence again!!!

[@tkc3742]

But which Jesus? The one who is a savior who does for us what we can never do for ourselves and saves us through faith alone (Eph 2:8-9), or the Jesus of the LDS faith that saves us by obedience to laws and ordinances (A of F 3)?

[@kellykuczak636]

@ check the 4th article of faith

[@tkc3742]

@ I know it. But surely you're not saying that it cancels out what the 3rd A of F says, are you?

[@AlienCooks]

It is so rare to find someone who will disagree with someone and yet still be so so willing to defend them as people. It is so refreshing to find someone who just listens and doesn’t spew hate. Thank you:)

[@chadswans7623]

Good perspective. I married into an LDS family. I agree that their hearts are in the right place. I would argue that they are misguided Christians. What they believe from LDS theology is wrong, but their love of God and the application of their faith is real. It’s a tough position to attack. The risk is that in loosing one’s faith in the LDS church they have a crisis of faith with God and shut down that relationship with him. It’s a slippery slope. I found that the Holy Spirit is the answer and He will work on all parties in His way.

[@carolynwilcken5351]

So impressed. You really, really, get it!

[@GTGibbs]

Rogan is and always will be a meathead, and an aspiring comedian. And “Mormons” as he refers to Members of the LDS Church, are an easy target for his “Cult Joke’s” to mock and giggle at with his guests. Nothing more, just easy, lazy; joke material. Eventually it brought me, a lapsed member of the Church, to stop following his content for the most part. And his guest seemed to be some kind of biblical scholar, but w/o the humility that comes with belief, more of a seeker of wealth rather than spirituality. Just my .02 cents about detractors of a faith that teaches service, love of their fellow man, and living in a rightous fashion, to share the gospels as they understand it with the entire world. Most practicing members spend some of their time assuring that others, who have passed away without hearing of the Gospels, again as they perceive them, can achieve the highest level of reward in their afterlife. That’s pretty F’n unselfish in my opinion, and the membership occupies a huge part of my heart. My greatgrandfather was held prisoner in a jail, and two of his fellow prisoners were murdered while in jail, his third companion was unscathed, while my GGF was shot 5 times, and survived, I believe, because of the Church’s stance opposing Slavery. One of many reasons for the persecution of the membership, the main one in my opinion. I enjoy this Pastors content quite a bit btw.

[@supersquiby7459]

Thanks i feel the same way as a lds person