Pastor Busts BIGGEST MYTHS About Mormon Beliefs

[@HelloSaints]

Did I do a sufficient job busting these myths? What other misunderstandings need to be cleared up?

[@kevinl1299]

Thanks Pastor Jeff, you explained it all so well! I'm looking forward to hearing what misconceptions latter-day saints have towards protestant-evangelicals. By the way, you explained the whole polygamy and caffeine thing better than most latter-day saints would.

[@hammettgirl]

You said it perfectly!!

[@IJN-33]

@@kevinl1299 This would be a great video. I've learned a lot from talking to my evangelical friends that I was mistaken on.

[@jessekoeven3757]

Another excellent video, Pastor Jeff. Concerning the different "kingdoms," they are not separate places but differing glories that resurrected bodies may be raised to. The direct presence of the various members of the Godhead is determined by the purity of the individuals in the eternities.

[@pamelawilkinson]

Great job Jeff!!!

[@pvtpaulafmj]

Dude, you are a huge blessing. Thanks for your work, man. This is what Christianity is about - no one wants to take anything from anyone, but let us get together and see how we can edify each other with the right spirit based on the common beliefs. All the best from an LDS member from Germany.

[@camronbrewer8994]

Amen

[@ChristineMcCarthy-s4z]

King David was never held under condemnation even with all His wives and Concubines; it was not until He desired a married man's wife and sent the man out into the heat of the front of Battle in hopes to be slain to take Her to wife that caused the High Priest to declare God's justice to King David that He would loose His first born child by Her because God knew David's son and it would not go unpunished. Because David was so grieved in Spirit for His sin that God forgave Him after loosing His first child that David had a son named Solomon in which was His successor and was a righteous King. Because things changed it was hard for people to accept multiple wives and this was done away by the people. For a time it was reinstituted into practice and because of the rejection of the people of such practices it was discontinued to go forward with the practices of ancient times in Temples. See 1 Corinthian's chapter 15:29, 30. It reads " Else what shall they do who are Baptized for the dead if the dead rise not at all, why then do they do Baptism's for the dead then and why stand we in jeopardy every hour?" This Ordinance was in fact practiced in Paul's time. He wrote Corinthian's of the New Testament. This work was rejected by those who hated truth and stopped this practice and martyring Steven, John The Baptist, other Apostles such as Peter, and even Paul. Many prescious truth's were taken from the scripts but they missed grabbing that section. It even speaks of the Celestial Bodies, Terrestrial, but left out the Celestial name but gave the example of as one star differs from another in glory after the Celestial being like the sun and the Terrestrial being like the moon in glory. The Doctrine and Covenant's explains that the Terrestrial is the lowest Glory and differs like one star does from another in glory. I have no problem believing these truths. It is not hard for me to believe that a young lad prayed for the truth because He wanted His babtism to be just as valid as when John The Baptist Baptized Christ so he prayed in a private Grove for answer's on which Church to join after all there were different names of Churches and groups forming opinions on what they believed. I believe that God The Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith as He humbled Himself in that grove. He was told that He would be given The Lord's true Gospel and He would be an instrument in The Lord's hands in Restoring The Gospel Truth's to The Earth once again. Morman was a ten year old boy chosen by God through the Historian keeper of ancient records of History prior to Morman's birth and through his childhood as the Historian was no longer going to be alive to take care of the plates and Morman was to go to the Hill where these plates were kept when He became a man. Morman was now in charge of preserving them. He was chosen by the King at 15 to be the leader of the Nephite Army because of His Faithfulness in following The Lord in righteousness. His son Maroni succeeded Him in death after the Nephite were being killed off by the Lamanite Army because of Prophecy being fulfilled because some of the Nephite were becoming even more wicked than the Nephite. Maroni had to leave Morman as He was old when the final battle irritated because Morman taught His son to run and take the remaining plates in their charge to hide them away from those who would use the gold and brass plates for personal gain instead of important history kept even many years before they were born. Maroni was alone twenty years and the last of all the Nephite heritage as the Lamanite hunted down and killed every Nephite found alive. He carried the plates in Ancient America in 421 AD. They were brought by ship by Lehi and His family who had son's bed Nephite and Lamanite and other family as well. This is where the Nephites and Lamanite genes came from to Ancient America from Ancient Jerusalem. God allowed Maroni to visit Joseph Smith as a Angelic Messenger in vision.numerous times throughout the night until morning and went about to His regular chores to meet His father and was told to go back and retire to rest as He appear lethargic and weak that morning and Joseph became unconscious heading home and Moroni came and regressed all He had shown Joseph the night prior including where the plates were hidden so that Joseph would recognize the place when He arrived to that very place. Joseph was told to go and tell His father working in the field and His father told Joseph it was of God and to go and obey. He was told to go to that place one time each year for four years to make sure other's would not follow and make sure He was prepared in all things concerning the matter including not using the gold for His family's needs. Joseph suffered a chipped tooth because people wanted the plates for wealth purposes and because of not wanting to believe Joseph was bringing to pass The Lord's Restoration of His Gospel in a latter day dispensation. Maroni appeared to Joseph in vision in His room on September 22, 1823. He was told to name the Church, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." He was hot tarred and feathered for causing the book to become published. The First Book of Morman was published in March of 2830. Joseph was against Black Slavery as well and this angered those who had slaves or miss treated the black race. I am against slavery as well. I saw the movie "Root's" and cried even as a very young teen. Maybe I was even younger even younger.tgan that. I was heartbroken for we are all God's children. No one should have gone through what they went through. The reason why the Priesthood was held off was because Society was very much into Slavery for a long time and treated the black race as less than's and some still do. This brings sadness to the ❤️.of all who love all races. Joseph had enemies because He was for the Black Race having freedom and Rightfully so to establish equality in gaining Human Rights. He was hated for His religious claims of seeing God and Jesus Christ and His visions. The reason The Church excommunicates those commiting Polygamy is to assure the Temple Work other Ordinances are not interrupted as Society in latter times would never accept Polygamy as in King times even when it was once accepted in those times. I hope this assists those seeking The Truth. In I say these things as accurately as possible and state The Lord is calling and gathering Israel for The Last Time in these last day's prior to The Ushering in of The Second Coming of Jesus Christ and do so in the name of The Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

[@ChristineMcCarthy-s4z]

Why has someone deleted my comments? You want truth but stop it from happening when some facts are given. I took the time and saw one of my post and no longer see that nor the second. Why is this being deleted as I no longer see it posted? All answer's should be allowed if no vulgarity or hate crimes are pushed here.

[@jmegarry]

In the Word of Wisdom it refers to hot drinks not caffeine. When teaching science to blind high schoolers we had a teacher die from cancer in her digestive system and they wanted to know why. We learned that caffeine can be habit forming and that when someone drinks hot fluids they become used to the temperature and increase the heat of their drinks. Cancer is caused by exposing the mouth, throat and stomach repeatedly to excessive heat. Could this be the connection to caffeine?

[@jeanniedymond2064]

@@jmegarrycaffeine is good for keeping someone energized for a short time but when consumed regularly becomes a hobbit that is physically painful to stop. It is addictive. Hot d drinks as stated are harmful and can cause cancer.

[@danishamericanwarrior5202]

I am LDS, and I really appreciate the fact that you research what the doctrine is. So much hatred towards the church. If we can all have an open dialog, how much we would gain from each other and come closer to our Savior. To see folks monetizing off of the hatred. Thanx for being Christ like in your approach.

[@TheDustinExperience]

Well said.

[@vigorousboredom7016]

You seem like the absolute kindest person ever, who is not a member of the LDS church, to have a calm level-headed conversation about the LDS church and its beliefs and teachings. I can't tell you how many times I was yelled at, chewed out, verbally assaulted, and, in a few rare occasions, actually physically assaulted, while I was a missionary in a Latin-American country. There have been numerous times in the past several decades since my mission when conversations about the LDS church cause others to become rude and nasty towards me. I don't understand why people get angry over a conversation about religion. I have never become angry or even felt the need to "set someone straight" when conversing about the LDS church with someone who belongs to another religion. I have never attacked someone else's church or religion to their face like others have done to me.

[@draetonbybee9307]

It really strengthens your testimony if you think about it. If all this wasn't true, why would satan be trying so hard to get people to be hostile toward it? I often wonder the same thing, like why do we just hear anti against our church? Why not others? Not saying there should be more hate out there but you get the point 😂

[@tarabates7088]

@@draetonbybee9307 If the only thing you can imagine that would cause hostility to the institution of the LDS church is satan, I would like to gently suggest that you keep your eyes and your ears open. People have been hurt -- badly -- by local LDS authorities put in positions of power by the church who have gone against church teachings and church policy. This should make all of us absolutely angry, and sympathetic to those who have been hurt. People have also been hurt -- badly -- by authorities following exactly church policy to the letter. Understanding this pain doesn't mean that members should leave the institution, but it should be enough to cause a good deal of introspection by devout believers.

[@katharinedodson9330]

My experience as well. Some people are heck bent on proving us wrong as if our beliefs affect them personally.

[@janeth2337]

I so appreciate the time you and Joy have taken to understand the Latter day Saint faith. I have also loved learning about your faith and beliefs. Thank you for creating content that I am excited to share with friends and family.

[@Tim_Burden]

Wonderfully done, Jeff. Thank you for this! I can tell the content in this video is a summation of your time researching, interviewing, reading, and learning on this journey of Hello Saints thus far. - As a fellow evangelical Christian living in Utah, this really helped me understand my LDS friends better and makes me want to continue to help them be heard and understood. I feel encouraged to dive into constructive, kind, and thoughtful faith conversations because of your channel. Keep up the good work fighting criticism with curiosity!

[@dukeblockington1179]

Thank you for this video, and also for using our name correctly. It shows a lot of respect for us.

[@steppingawaytogether]

I guess President Hinckley didn’t have respect for you ….

[@dfuller3423]

We are often accused of worshipping Joseph Smith. This myth could have made your list as well. We worship God the father, through his Son Jesus Christ and not any other Prophet or church leader.

[@CGall_]

Then why would you have pictures if old Joe in your homes? I have seen them many times.

[@gwengold8154]

​@@CGall_I have paintings of the apostle and prophet Peter in my home. I really love and admire him. I hope to get to meet him in heaven. But having a painting of him doesn't mean that I worship him. I have pictures of my family up. I don't worship them. I worship God, the eternal Father.

[@SREprep]

@@CGall_I have a picture of George Washington in my home. That doesn’t mean I worship him.

[@Osashes]

@@CGall_ I have photos of my parents and grandparents in my home. That doesn't mean that I worship them.

[@BddJnr]

@@CGall_your argument is just a picture of someone? I have a picture of my mom in my mom, according to your logic I worship her?

[@germanmarine6582]

Thank you for this. I feel very well seen. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so seen and understood by a Protestant before. Thank you.

[@huntersmith5525]

This was a great video! I had my reservations about this channel for a long time but after having been subscribed for a year now and watching multiple videos, I can really tell that Pastor Jeff is just a sincere seeker of truth. On all accounts, he seems to be a very Christ-like individual. Thanks for helping to bridge understandings and sow truth!

[@kennethharrison4847]

This guy is actually better than most pastors.

[@briancrismonpetersen7885]

For sure! Much appreciated. “Where do these myths come from?” Good question.

[@mgeuleinstsear]

He is better than most LDS bishops 🤪 I think his examples shows how important it is to have received some professional education in religion, psychology, finances, current topics like LGBTQ issues, etc. So much bad advice has been given by bishops because they are simply overwhelmed with some situations. Bishops-roulette is real. The Church likes to be proud of the fact that bishops are not paid (while General Authorities receive quite a nice salary and many unnecessary perks), but I think it’s not something to be so proud of because it has done a lot of harm to some.

[@mgeuleinstsear]

@@briancrismonpetersen7885 probably because doctrines keep changing and even current doctrines are taught differently by Church leaders, for example, some teach that God‘s love is unconditional, then some apostle recently taught that God‘s love is conditional. It’s confusing even to members.

[@rachelleherle1178]

​@@mgeuleinstsearDoctrine never does & never has changed. Only policies change. God's love is 100% unconditional. There are consequences to our actions that cause us to separate ourselves from God, but the Atonement is still there for everyone no matter how far we've straued. His arm is stretched out in love to us all day, every day without strings attached.

[@mylielaing970]

Better than a large chunk of members too, as far as knowing their religion and the beliefs of the Church they belong to.

[@67polara]

Such a wonderful and kind review! Thank you very much ! We are disciples of Christ who are trying our best the end !

[@bluebell4123]

I’d love to see some myth busting about Protestant Evangelical beliefs. 👍🏻

[@jessicaloveridge2759]

Yes! Especially as you have already cleared up some things I was taught. For example the idea that works aren’t important at all was something I was taught and it never made any sense to me and you explained that true faith results in good works (fruits) which made a lot more sense to me.

[@blackjay5338]

This would be helpful to protestants and others alike, as the previous response seems to indicate!

[@margemacdonald6921]

Scripture says that in the afterlife, or in heaven, there will be no marriage is between anyone. Look it up.

[@bdphourde]

@@margemacdonald6921 It refers to the Spirit World before there are any resurrections, and likely to the Millennial world before the final judgment of eternal life, which is the only judgment that permits the continuation of the marriage covenant. (My understanding.)

[@margemacdonald6921]

@ The words of Jesus I’m Matthew 22:30. Look it up.

[@beccas-mess]

I’m so grateful for your persistent and consistent effort to lovingly understand and give heed to correction on these topics. It is a world changing and mature position to be in and I’m so grateful for the new foundation you’re helping to restore

[@montebyram9977]

Thank you! As a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint I think your video was fair and accurate!

[@blackjay5338]

I like pastor Jeff. He got most things right. However, I would never characterize LDS doctrine as "progressive" at all. In fact, we're much more like strict constitutionalists and hold the scripture Canon to be interpreted as the original authors intended it, meaning as God revealed it. But we need prophets to help us with that interpretation. Believing in on-going revelation doesn't mean doctrines can change. But it does mean that new light may be shed on mysteries of heaven, and certainly that prophets can give guidance and commandments as directed by Jesus Christ.

[@SimplyAlign]

Hey, thanks! I think this might be my favorite video of yours. When I talk to people who have misconceptions about LDS beliefs or practices, and I ask where those ideas come from, they most often say, “My pastor taught us that.” It’s always interesting how things can be taught or passed along over time, even if they’re not accurate. Then it keeps getting repeated as if it's true. I really appreciate your thoughtful approach to these topics-it makes such a difference!

[@jenneferc8768]

You've learned so much from our faith. It's so cool to see you grow in knowledge since I've been a subscriber since the beginning of your channel. Great job!!!

[@PeopleAreBeautifulbyChris]

@@jenneferc8768 this strikes me a little condescending. He’s learned so much about our faith. And we’ve learned so much from him about mutual respect and loving our neighbors

[@GlenMcbride-s6l]

I like being LDS! Life is tough for everybody. I don't drink or smoke at 85 I have lived longer. My 5 kids survive well. They think well, are tough as nails, go to Church with thier kids, and work successfully hard. They have strong marriages and love thier kids! What more could a father hope for!

[@juliannehess8631]

Thank you so much for your thoughts at the end!! I served my LDS mission in the South, and found myself trying to explain the paradigm difference to so many of my Evangelical friends! It often turned into “bible bashing,” which became SO frustrating for me because I wanted to have healthy and respectful dialogues and it rarely went that way. You articulated the key belief in ongoing revelation so nicely! One thing I would add is that a fundamental belief can be found in Moses 1:39, where the Lord says “this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” This is such a beautiful and crucial fact about God, that His entire purpose right now is to save and exalt us! So we believe that when more revelation is received, such as instituting or abolishing polygamy, it all fits into God’s great purpose to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. We may not understand how it works, but that is where faith comes in, and as we study and pray and seek to understand, He’ll often reveal a truth to us that helps things make more sense. So incredible!! Thank you again for your respect and care, God bless you!

[@juliebaldi1083]

A long time ago when I was 5 or 6 yrs old I had a conversation with a neighbor that was a Christian but not LDS and me in my little brain mentioned he wasn't a Christian because he didn't believe like I did. He educated me about what a Christian is and since then I have had respect for all Christ and Bible based religions. I like what is said at the end of this video about the maybe the type of conversations we should be having with others not of our faith. There is so much truth to be learned from all the perspectives. In the end when Jesus returns I truly believe he will embrace all of us that accepted him regardless of which Christian based church we belong to. In the end we will all be united in the church of Jesus Christ and that all our questions will be answered and clarified. The important thing is to Love Jesus and our neighbors. Respect goes a long way. I appreciate the respect and caring shown by Jeff in this video and others.

[@rachelkoplin8943]

Hey Pastor, respectfully I feel like polygamy is still practiced in the church. My ex-husbands bishop reached put to me when my ex got engaged and asked me to write a letter to either approve or disapprove of his secondary sealing to another spouse. This brought me a whole lot of uncomfortable feelings as I felt it was completely unfair that he could be sealed to more than one wife since I'm still living but if I wanted to be sealed to another man I would have to go through hoops to cancel my first sealing in order to be sealed to a different spouse. It seems to me there aren't equal rights for men and woman and that men are given more options than women are.

[@CameronVanTassell]

That technically isn't polygamy, though. That is multiple sealings but not multiple marriages. I realize that a sealing can often be used for both a religious ceremony and a temporal ceremony (marriage), but in the case you outline, it was not actual polygamy. As far as things not being equal between a man and a woman, they never will be. We are different not only in physical terms, but in God's eyes (spiritually) as well.

[@BrendonKing]

@@CameronVanTassell This is attempting to avoid the issue with semantics.

[@pacman-zu3sp]

Wow! ...how gracious of you! Very, VERY well presented, accurate, and kind 🙂

[@mattdroneon58]

As an old LDS guy that’s been around a bit. I would say outstanding job explaining our religion. I don’t think I could do any better. I would say though with a little history in mind you might find that your own religion has probably had some changes over time as well. All be it, probably nothing as extreme as polygamy. I would definitely say that my beliefs have changed over my lifetime in a very extreme manner. I lean way over on the side of saved by grace now. When I was younger I was way to far on the works side. I’m a better person now for sure. As I know that grace is the only way I will make it back to God. I also have to extend that grace to everyone. I’m trying the best I can but still learning. Grace is the only way.

[@marlenehaigler6603]

❤

[@jbeththompson]

I’m right there with you! To the point of feeling that if we want to live in the celestial kingdom we will. Those who don’t want to won’t have to. That is what I gleaned from Pres Oaks Oct 2023 talk.

[@backyardwanderer16]

In Protestant Christianity there's a phrase "Root vs Fruit." We believe that grace through faith is the root. Works are the fruit. Meaning that one leads to the other. The freedom that comes from trusting God entirely for the forgiveness of sins and reconciling ourselves completely to himself is a life-changing thing. It has completely revolutionized how I think and act. Knowing how helpless I am and surrendering all my good deeds as if they were filthy rags makes me love God all the more and entirely dependent on Him. I see the good works developing as fruit all the more naturally as a byproduct of that faith/grace. There is nothing that I can do to make God love me more or improve my standing in his presence. It is all about Him!

[@marlenehaigler6603]

@ thank you I love this

[@Vetionarian]

Love it Jeff! SOOO grateful to have a voice like yours in our space because you truly are practicing exactly what you preach and it's helping the world so much right now. Building bridges rather than burning them is certainly how we heal the world.

[@stevenchild5822]

I served my mission in the Bible belt in the early 2000s. As a missionary knocking on doors, you can always tell immediately when the person answering the door wants to have a gotcha moment. We were told not to engage because those people aren’t really looking to have a conversation or learn anything. Sometimes it was hard not to though. 😂

[@nickdial8528]

My brother served a mission in alabama in the 90s, and he said, people would run out of their house with bible in hand, after him, just to have an argument.

[@MoonmanSpacejam]

Exactly. When I learned he was going to be reading the book of Mormon. I knew it was just to make a video at the end just to try and disprove it for content

[@austinnajar]

@@nickdial8528I served in the Bible Belt as well. Your brother is lying. That never happens ever.

[@Wolfie254]

The reason for the gotcha arguments is LDS missionaries are telling people everything they believe is wrong and they have to switch teams or they will go to hell. That’s the reason for the defensiveness or the “thanks but no thanks” response.

[@alanlambson828]

@@Wolfie254 With all due respect, as an LDS missionary I would NEVER tell someone that they had to switch teams or "go to hell". Such a statement would be a gross violation of both the spirit and practice of our missionary work, 50 years ago when I served and now as well. I will admit that in my era there were some very argumentative LDS missionaries who wanted to "bash". The Church has gone to great lengths to purge our missionary efforts of anything like that.

[@anoriginalcreationx]

Myth #2- How can you "know" what is done in temples when you visit with the public in an open house? I took an entire class called "Temple Prep" and was wholly unprepared for what happened when I went through. At one point they tell you that you can leave if you don't want to participate, but that's before you even know what you are doing and HALFWAY through the process. I don't think you can KNOW anything until you attend an initiatory, endowment and sealing for yourself.. but to do that, you have to commit to paying 10% of your income whether or not you can afford to feed your family or pay your bills. You will also be expected to pay fast offerings, hold volunteer positions that take up your time, and pay out of pocket for activities if you have kids involved. Oh, and you'll also be expected to wear garments (underwear) that you purchase from the church for the rest of your life. So, I don't think you can KNOW anything.

[@micheleh3851]

@anoriginalcreationx- Hello. For the past several years, the endowment now says the covenants up front and you can leave at the beginning if you don't want to proceed. If you can't live on 90% of your income because you pay tithing, please talk to your bishop and I am positive the Church will be very generous and more than make up the difference. I know of no other religion that pays for mortgages, rent, car payments, utilities, food, clothing, etc. Gather up your bills and go talk with your bishop if finances are the reason you are upset about tithing. The Church will spring for the $5 bucks to buy your temple garments too if you're really in a dire situation. And they'll help you find ways to build self-sufficiency to eventually not need their assistance.

[@hdhenderson5784]

If polygamy is banned- why does the church allow men to be sealed to multiple women?

[@Flybynight9465]

As a member of the Church, I really appreciate your dedication to learning, understanding and communicating these nuances and doing so in respect. I hope along the way, you have received an equal measure of respect and an effort to be understood from members of my faith that you have come into contact with. Thank you for the video!

[@sallgood0117]

Just got home from my younger brother getting set apart to serve as a missionary. He's going to peru, I served in the Philippines. This Gospel and the Savior is everything to us. Love our Lord Jesus Christ.

[@StefKomGeekru]

I'm from Peru!, I hope he loves food! (Peru has been the World's Leading Culinary Destination for almost 12 years, there was a year with Covid and Italy won.)

[@samuelpike1248]

@sallgood,that's cool,and I was going to add,speaking of missionaries,there was a kid from my ward who served his mission in Bentonville,Arkansas,but he was assigned in an area to speak a Polynesian dialect(Arkansas of all places,right?)I think I learned more in 2 years than at any given point in time up until then. Now as for me,I served in Carlsbad,California,English speaking.

[@davidwilliams4460]

You are awesome! I - quite literally - thank God you exist. Living in Utah, I keep hoping I bump into you so I can personally thank you for being not just informed, but so very kind. Until then, thank you!

[@TheMotoRockers]

I bumped into him this morning... he's every bit as nice in person as you see in his videos. Jeff is a very kind, respectful pastor.

[@JonathanDecker]

Spot on! I would love a reverse video on this. What do Latter-day Saints get wrong about evangelical beliefs?

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"What do Latter-day Saints get wrong about evangelical beliefs?" That would be challenging since there is no world authority on what exactly ARE evangelical beliefs. They will say "the bible" is the authority but that has led to thousands of rival Christian denominations. Mike Winger is probably a reasonable authority on such things. Where they differ most is a disregard for ecclesiastical authority (no global authority); The Bible (which one?) is the sole authority. Why exactly this is so is part of the problem. The bible does not itself claim there will be no more bible; and in fact, most of the New Testament seems not intended to be part of a "bible" but were letters sent to various congregations.

[@michaeldouglass8592]

@@thomasmaughan4798 No sarcasm intended. You make a good point Thomas. I'd happy with General Orthodox Christian Beliefs ... say the Apostles or Nicene Creed. Triune God, Virgin Birth, Salvation by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ not by works, Rev 22:18-19 and 'additional revelations' ?? After two overseas deployments in the US Army, both with rather zealous yet polite LDS roommates, I can say with certainty that while there is some common threads, our core beliefs are miles apart. If in the end, the glorified LDS member and spouse may attain 'godhood', than it flat out is not Christian. It's heresy. It's a false teaching. Nicely dressed, pretty bow but not of God.

[@JenM-nc3qj]

Unlike other religions, the LDS church never talks about others' beliefs.

[@Civil_Maniac]

A sad thing for me is that I have a really hard time separating the angry hateful evangelical pastors/bashers from the general members.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@JenM-nc3qj "the LDS church never talks about others' beliefs." Not from the pulpit, anyway. If you are looking to God and Jesus, you aren't looking at your friendly neighborhood rival churches.

[@BrendonKing]

The problem with "ongoing revelation" as understood by the LDS context is that there is no definite standard of truth, even though they'll use that phrase all the time. I have no assurance that something prophetic is indeed prophetic. It can be changed in the future and simply waved off as the opinion of the time or a flawed understanding of the brethren. There's no value to ongoing revelation when it is consistently discredited and devalued by its own church.

[@DiscoDumpTruck]

Thanks Pastor Jeff! This video seems like a "progress report" and it's fun to see how much you've learned about our faith. As I've continued to watch your videos, I also really appreciate you taking the time to articulate your own beliefs. You've already busted numerous myths that I've believed about evangelical beliefs and it has helped me better understand my own beliefs. Sincere interfaith dialogue does real, tangible good for both sides even if there is no "convincing" taking place. So thank you!

[@tonyawhaley1781]

I was a Mormon for a little over 50 years and left the church in 2018 to attend a Christian church. To this day I’m still active as a Christian. If you want more information about Mormons and their beliefs follow Alyssa Grenfell. She was a stonch Mormon all her life and even served an LDS mission, later she left the church.

[@littlelego]

Hi there! I am not Mormon anymore, but thank you for this! I couldn't have explained it better. My wife now, has asked about polygamy in the Mormon church & I have tried over & over to explain it, but she just says something like "Well I heard differently so you're wrong" (She also thinks Mormons are NOT Christian, which you briefly cleared up here too). I'm thinking of having her watch this video from a paster and maybe she'll understand it better? Also one other reason "Mormons" USED to practice polygamy was because at the time woman couldn't own land, so they would marry (sometimes even for a short time) to be able to be "given" land and own it. Another reason was because a lot of men had died during their pioneering to Utah, so there were more woman then men at the time. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.... Thank you for this video!

[@nicoleterry5105]

Some marriages were likely not ever consummated. There were many widows who needed to be cared for and had no one. And like you said at the time, it was a harsh world for single women. Polygamy was also a choice, it wasn’t like people were forcing women to marry, or forcing men to take on another wife…and the majority of men who actually did were more well off 💵 and had the means to take on more family members. It wasn’t a requirement, and a lot of early saints didn’t participate in it. I have ancestors who never did, and I have ancestors who did. And honestly, if the ones who did participate refused I might not be here. So, it’s not something I hold my nose at. 🤷‍♀️

[@thomasmaughan4798]

"so there were more woman then men at the time" That was the principle reason during Brigham Young's leadership. He writes about it in Journal of Discourses. A young widowed mother with children; what is she going to do? There were no government services back then (it isn't all that great right now). But more importantly he writes about her affections; her desires, that can only be fulfilled in the married state. There's more to it but that was a principle reason. Scripture talks about 7 women taking hold of one man; it appears to be a time of tribulation when there weren't very many men.

[@Tom_From_Alpharetta]

Pastor Jeff nails it perfectly. I was raised Baptist and joined the Church 52 years ago at age 18. Jeff is the most excellent interfaith authority.

[@genealogystepbystep5690]

Land ownership for the wife may have been an advantage, but it was not a purpose for going into polygamy.

[@austinnajar]

@@Tom_From_Alpharettawhy would you leave Christianity for Mormonism? Is Jesus somehow not enough for you?

[@PeopleAreBeautifulbyChris]

I send this guy to anyone who doesn’t know anything about the church. Can there be a better source than someone who respectfully disagrees and is outside of our faith, but understands us perfectly? He is a mighty man doing a great work.

[@blackjay5338]

I like pastor Jeff. But be careful. He doesn't know everything, and he got a few things slightly askew of how I would describe the LDS faith. But he has good intentions (I think).

[@PeopleAreBeautifulbyChris]

@ I’d challenge you to show me someone better

[@blackjay5338]

@@PeopleAreBeautifulbyChris how about an active faithful member of the Church?

[@dansherwood9851]

Pastor, Jeff…thanks for your sincere efforts to understand the LDS church. You’ve got a lot of the facts correct. Great job!

[@DavidAllanBRZ]

It's always great to follow and watch the videos on this channel. Thank you, Pastor Jeff! You are a person with clarity of mind and honesty.

[@laurynem5665]

This is a really great explanation that obviously comes from a place of love and respect. Thank you so much for this.

[@neilsharp4989]

So...be careful when a Mormon tells you they don't believe something. It's usually that they do but 1. don't want to admit it 2. Don't understand their beliefs or 3. It's always been a belief but the advent of the internet doesn't allow them to hide it so they just gaslight instead. Their current belief is that Polygamy is an eternal and practiced doctrine. If a man is sealed to a second woman after his first died, per their belief system, that is a polygamist marriage. If any Mormon that says they don't practice polygamy...in this case, it's all three. Myth is NOT busted. Their current prophet is a practicing polygamist.

[@theQiwiMan]

Thank you for your constant tone of Christlike love and sincere seeking for mutual understanding. Grateful KZbin recommended your channel, you are a wonderful man Pastor Jeff.

[@charlenecastaldo3602]

Pastor Jeff you are right on! Even some members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints don't understand these things. Yes we abstain from coffee and tea(actual tea, not herbal infusions, tea the ingredient.) Thanks again for clarification! Happy New Year to you, Joy and your family. ❤

[@stevenodell7662]

Thank you for your faithful understanding of our beliefs. You have a kind heart and are an honorable man. May the Lord bless you for your honesty and goodness. Continue to bring others to Christ. We show our faith NY our works. We are saved by the grace of God, it is true. But we are expected to do all we can to take up our cross and follow Jesus Christ. We do not diminish the unworthiness of man, no matter our efforts to be perfect; we know without doubt that it is only by the grace of God that we are saved or exalted. We also believe that it is important that all good men should work together to prepare a people ready and worthy to receive the Lord at his coming. A true Christian will love God AND his brother.

[@backyardwanderer16]

Protestant Christian here with lots of lds friends! Some common myths/misconceptions I've heard from latter day saints are: "Cheap grace" (that's my friends words... not mine) that we believe that we can pray a prayer and just keep on sinning and we are good with God. The nature of the trinity. Most lds people I've spoken with believe that the doctrine of the trinity is modalistic. Believing that all Christians don't believe in modern day prophecy. Believing that we don't get to be with our believing family members after we die. This is a little obscure and I'm not sure how common it is... but an lds friend stated that he believed that we worship the cross. Also that paid pastors are in it to get rich. Obviously I don't think all lds people believe all this... but I have heard them all coming from lds members.

[@bonniebeaumier2919]

My understanding as a member of the church is that we are 100% saved by grace into one of the 3 degrees of glory, and the kingdom we end up in will be consistent with where we are most comfortable based on who and how much truth we have accepted. None of us earns our way into any kingdom of glory. Outer darkness is reserved for the devil, his angels and those who fully know and reject the Lord outright. However, the vilest of sinners are generously given a kingdom of glory in which they can enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit. This kingdom surpasses all human imagination in its beauty and telestial glory. The good people of the earth who did not accept the testimony of Christ but lived good lives will be given an even more glorious terrestrial kingdom, where they will enjoy the presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The third and highest kingdom, the celestial kingdom, is reserved for those who were valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ while on the Earth. This has less to do with WORKS than it has to do with relationship and testimony. Even the celestial Kingdom will contain 3 levels of relative glory: 2 levels containing ministering angels and eternal exaltation, which includes becoming as God and creating worlds of our own with endless posterity. All 3 levels of the Celestial Kingdom will be in the presence of God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The trait that stands apart for exaltation is being sealed for eternity with our spouse. Again, the temple ordinances are a gift from God, not something we earn; only we believe that to enter the temple, we must be living at a level of cleanliness that makes us worthy to be in His presence, as we consider the temple to be a sacred house of God which we do not want to defile. I don't know if I explained that very well and I don't remember what the distinction between the two lesser levels of the celestial kingdom, but this is my understanding as a life long member 🤗

[@DFord-nx6oe]

Krister Stendahl: Three rules when comparing religions: 1. When you are trying to understand another religion, you should ask the adherents of that religion and not its enemies. 2. Don't compare your best to their worst. And 3. Leave room for "holy envy". Stendahl's rules are a Christ-like way to compare other religions that brings Christians together.

[@wolandbegemotazazello]

Of course, the obvious problem with this binary and manichean approach is that not everyone lives in the love em or hate em camps. There are scholars and intellectuals who lie somewhere between these two apologetic and polemical groups. Frankly, they are the best equipped to study groups because they have no dog or pony in the show.

[@joeljorgensen9657]

Thank you Brother for your curiosity, seeking to understand, respect, and really good example of friendship among God's Children. As an LDS church member I appreciate all that you do!.. and your beautiful wife too!

[@Kai__kiz]

im 23 lds member and hes videos help me stay stronger in the church . we neeed stuff like this in the church

[@gwvest]

the 'works' in works based salvation is this: following the commandments of the Lord. You keep and live by the teaching and commandments of the Lord, your good. You need to do or 'work' to keep the commandments of the Lord. It's that simple.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

Very good. The gospel is a gospel of ACTION and the example given was the parable of the Good Samaritan.

[@leestokes6761]

Spot on! As a life-long Church member whose maternal ancestors were friends and associates of Joseph Smith, and in one instance, a brother of Brigham Young; this is perhaps the most thoughtful and respectful approach to my beliefs and experience that I’ve heard from someone outside my faith. Sharing an “in” joke here on the caffeinated soft drink vs Tea and Coffee debate: “What’s the difference between a good and bad Latter-day Saint? The temperature of the caffeine.” It is not helpful, nor even Christlike, when someone tries to tell another what he or she believes. Especially when the explanation is rejected as dishonest or disingenuous. I’ve read the writings of a number of Evangelical Pastors who insist that when Latter-day Saints say certain things, they are lying. The religion I grew up, and try to practice to my best imperfect, mortal ability, regards lying (bearing false witness) as a grievous sin. So hurtful? Yes.

[@jbeththompson]

Well Done! I think my favorite part was the invitation to not try and catch us in a gotcha but just have a conversation! I think the majority of us would completely love that! I know that is what I appreciate most from my friends from other faiths. God Bless!

[@gms5089]

Thank you Pastor Jeff. You are a breath of fresh air. I remember growing up in southern Alberta Canada. My friend saw a flyer advertising an event at a local evangelical church that was doing a presentation on the evils of modern music. It sounded interesting so we decided to go. The presenter spoke about and showed images and lyrics from various really diabolical death metal bands in a PowerPoint presentation, interspersed with pictures of the local LDS temple and the LDS church’s logo at the time, and trying to make some sort of bizarre connection between the two. It was my first experience with very direct anti-Mormon propaganda. Myth #6: Church members do not listen to or sing along to death metal in the temple.

[@cmarie9940]

😂first time I've heard that myth, but my brother would appreciate it!

[@terrinielson7461]

Thank you. You did an amazing job busting these myths. I know for myself it would be refreshing to have questions asked and not trying to convince us we are wrong in our beliefs. Keep up the wonderful work.

[@johnlott518]

I like how you are approaching the continuing revelation. I've had these types of discussions in the past and people have really gotten heated accusing me of believing in a changeable God. God is the same, it's us humans who are different from one day to the next thus necessitating a change in what He feels we need at any given time. He did this with the Children of Israel as they came out of Egypt. Their lack of faith after 400 years of slavery led Him to creating a strict adherence law to guide them on their path, rather than the higher law that Jesus then tried to institute during His ministry. God is giving us what we need most at the point in history in which we are living. People in general do not think or behave in the same way now as they did in any other moment in history. Just like us, as parents, cannot raise each of our children exactly the same, God has a plan for His children no matter what era we were born into.

[@alisontrouse6941]

Can't wait till we see the first transgender Bishop. Society changes after all.

[@EternallyRound]

A conversation with a church member on the Word of Wisdom would be a great video. There tend to be several nuances in individual understanding and practice.

[@mtgreengarden]

Yes, might be a good video! My dear mother (father went along, too) taught me as a very young child that caffeinated soda is bad, and here I am now at 69 years old and having honored my mom for my whole life by not partaking of the caffeinated drinks. I can truly say this practice of mine, instilled upon me since my early childhood, has done me no harm. I am faced with an opportunity to drink these drinks on a weekly, if not daily, basis, and it is easy for me to keep honoring my mom by choosing not to. But, I don't proclaim it as "doctrine." Even my own spouse, and half of my own children, drink of the "Cokes and Dr. Peppers" without receiving any judgment at all from me.

[@blackjay5338]

And it should be noted, that while we do hold the word of wisdom to be very important, it is not an eternal law. It is given for us in this dispensation for God's wise purposes.

[@marlenehaigler6603]

Yes, they've started to change certain questions to enter the temple based on these observations instead of do you obey the word of wisdom it is do you understand the word of wisdom thank goodness I wouldn't make it back to the temple if it were the way it used to be so I think they're starting to realize through time people change things change, ideas change, and I'm grateful that our father in heaven does not change and loves us all

[@marlenehaigler6603]

Yes, they've started to change certain questions to enter the temple based on these observations instead of do you obey the word of wisdom it is do you understand the word of wisdom thank goodness I wouldn't make it back to the temple if it were the way it used to be so I think they're starting to realize through time people change things change, ideas change, and I'm grateful that our father in heaven does not change and loves us all also on the ceiling if a woman is divorced like myself I am able to remove the ceiling with proper authority. I just sent a letter and they discern that I've done my best to be a good wife and they look at all the facts, the judge has put on things in my feelings towards what I went through and are able to absolve that ceiling if you will ? so that these men can't be sealed to several people. Unless the wife prohibits them from that, then if they pass then, yes, it will still be up to God later to discern what to do with those ceilings. We just know that it's something special that we couldn't possibly understand right now on earth if that makes sense. Love you guys.

[@dallasjolley1]

Thank you Jeff. I was a member if a scripture study group with evangelicals, and when I pointed out Biblical scriptures thar support LDS doctrine, they eventually threw me our of the group. The teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith have been annotated to the Bible, and it is very hard to say that our doctrine is not based in the Holy Bible.

[@UnknownAliasUK]

i am sure that is not why they kicked you out, and why wouldn't you go to an LDS study group? why spread your division?

[@taylorhart4342]

Hey Jeff, I have nothing but respect and gratitude for your respectful and delicate approach to understanding our faith. One question for you, and I think I speak for a lot of your Latter-Day Saint followers when I ask this-- What is your personal hypothesis about the Book of Mormon? I've heard you talk about your questions about it, things you agree and disagree with, and why you ultimately can't get behind it. I'd love to know though your explanation for where it came from and how we have it in our hands today if it isn't inspired of God. Hopefully that makes sense, I'd love to hear your answer!

[@greyman1k]

Well done. You still have a journey of learning and understanding ahead, but your approach to get to the truth is commendable. Thank you, from one servant of God to another.

[@emmahocking2095]

Love you for being you!

[@sureman1964]

Well done. As a Mormon, I will say that we respect all people of all religions. Thank you for giving that back.

[@sillyolryan]

3:56 President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the governing First Presidency of the church, said this in Oct 2023: “We have a loving Heavenly Father who will see that we receive every blessing and every advantage that our own desires and choices allow. We also know that He will force no one into a sealing relationship against his or her will. The blessings of a sealed relationship are assured for all who keep their covenants but never by forcing a sealed relationship on another person who is unworthy or unwilling.”

[@UTBanjo]

Jesus stated that in the afterlife, people will "neither marry nor be given in marriage, but will be like the angels in heaven," indicating that marriage as we know it will not exist in heaven; this is found in Matthew 22:30

[@sillyolryan]

@UTBanjo That marriage is not performed in the afterlife makes it all the more important to understand that the ordinance must be performed here on earth. Jesus gave to Peter sealing authority (“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19 KJV) and similarly has bestowed that authority on the authorized prophet in the latter-days.

[@UTBanjo]

​@@sillyolryan You and I read the same passage, and interpret it way differently. You read, it can't happen in the afterlife so it has to happen on earth. To me, "will be like angels in heaven" says there will be no marriage at all and it's unnecessary. That scares many people, because they can't fathom not needing that relationship while in these incomplete and imperfect bodies.

[@scottbryner3]

@@UTBanjo Do you interpret these verses in Matt 22 to mean that the relationships cease, or that marriage as instituted by God for the purpose of creating families will not be necessary? That makes more sense to me because family relationships will clearly continue in the resurrection (see story of David reuniting with his deceased son in 2 Samuel 12), and I don't know why my family relationship with my wife would be an exception when God declared us one flesh. I believe that the primary relationship that we were created for is with God, but that's doesn't mean that we wont joyfully worship him in heaven along side of the people we love here in this life, and I don't think Jesus saying we will be like angels contradicts that idea. I agree that marriages won't be happening and will be unnecessary because we won't be creating families in heaven, but will all be part of the family of God. That is a shift for me though because I used to be LDS and believed that my ultimate relationship with God and how far I was able to progress with Him was dependent on my eternal marriage.

[@UTBanjo]

​@@scottbryner3 Marriage won't be needed. You are one flesh with your spouse now, but will be made complete and whole in a perfected body during the resurrection. We just won't have a need for that relationship. I don't think we stop knowing those we loved in this life. I do believe that the relationship will be so pale in comparison to the presence of the Father, that it won't matter much. It'll be about as important as your junior high girlfriend/boyfriend after having been married to your spouse for 50 years.

[@briddle1978]

Thank you so much for your honesty and your fellowship in Christ. Pastors like you are rare and are certainly working towards ALL to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. I count you as a fellow Saint and Disciple of Jesus Christ.

[@Charistoph]

I would add that some of the sources of these myths are from jealous pastors who have no qualms about lying about other people, or just simply not doing any research to correct misconceptions which they then spread. In addition, there are those who were asked to leave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints due to a burden of sin (or leave of their own accord), and carry a hatred in their heart for The Church, and then spread lies, which quite a few pastors are more than willing to lap up and spread about as truth. The Godmakers program is a good example of this.

[@daniellevivion4696]

Thank you so much for taking the time to dispel these myths.

[@shaunarobinson3472]

Awesome job busting those myths as it is great that someone (you) are seeking to really understand and explain to the world the Basis of our LDS religion in ways other religions have not understood. Then we can all relate to what we have in common more than different which is actually all of our belief in Jesus Christ. We are all going the same direction, we are just sitting in a different boat! Your channel is helping us share seats in both boats and be friends while seeking and understanding Jesus through our own understanding. In reality we are more alike than different: Thank you for what you are doing. 😊 I love your show.

[@Pablo--fb3lk]

You should read through the Doctrine and Covenants next since you finished the Book of Mormon please!

[@tylerhensley726]

Myth #3 - what do you do though about The Articles of Faith, pt3 “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” & 2 Nephi 25:23 - “For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” We have been meeting with two Mormon sisters in our neighborhood that are on mission and they said yes Jesus saves us but we also have a lot to do in covenants and “all that you do” for it to “count” or “stick.” They also sent us a message from a BYU chapel where the man teaching said the same thing. We told them we believe that we are a new creation in Christ and the old is gone because of Jesus and our surrendering to him as our Savior through baptism. But the good fruit we bear doesn’t save us, Jesus saved us. I’m an evangelical pastor trying to do a similar thing that you’re doing in our own community. Thank you for the work you’re doing!

[@ceecee-differentinhappyway6228]

There is a fantastic talk by Brad Wilcox called His Grace is Sufficient - I think it will answer your question. It is one of my absolute favourite talks. So beautiful.

[@gwengold8154]

@tylerhensley726 I think it might be helpful for you to understand what we believe about the Lord Jesus Christ being BOTH our Savior and our Redeemer. Those are not synonymous. It might also help you to understand what we mean about immortality AND eternal life. Those are not synonymous. We believe that immortality is a completely free gift provided by our Lord Jesus Christ to anyone who ever lived. Regardless of works, regardless of beliefs, everyone will have victory over physical death, rise in a resurrection, and have our bodies restored to us. If people don't accept the gift of forgiveness of sins that the Lord Jesus Christ offers, evangelicals believe that they will suffer torment in hell. We essentially agree. In our view, they won't be in this state forever, but they will have to pay the price for their sins themselves. Thus, the gift of being saved from the cost of our sins is conditional upon receiving the Lord Jesus Christ and repenting before Him. This salvation is applicable to many. There is a further salvation that restores us to the presence of God, the eternal Father. It is salvation from spiritual death. It is still not the same thing as eternal life. This salvation requires what evangelicals would consider "works" as well as grace. I've heard other denominations talk about imputed righteousness. I think it's a little bit like that. Salvation comes in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Period. On that point, we both agree. Please be assured of that.

[@UTBanjo]

Evangelicals believe the gospel was delivered in the first 4 books of the New Testament by those who actually walked with Christ. There aren't too many "ordinances" in there. LDS thinks BoM is gospel, snd that even ordinances most of us see as blasphemous(baptism for the dead) must be performed.

[@ceecee-differentinhappyway6228]

@UTBanjo Paul says what is the point in doing baptisms for the dead if Christ wasn't resurrected....so Christ taught them to do baptisms for the dead back then...

[@sillyolryan]

@@tylerhensley726 My personal interpretation of the 2 Nephi verse is this: modern verse numbers and punctuation make it easy to look at in isolation, but read it in context of the verses around it. Nephi is writing about 550BC and lives the law of Moses with its outward laws and practices, and he talks about that in those verses. We live in the new covenant, offering a broken heart and contrite spirit. But in either case, “all we can do” is have faith, repent, and obey the gospel and receive the ordinances that God offers to us in our time of history.

[@lynnem1948]

Been following your kind, open-minded, open-hearted search for true understanding for a long time now. I REALLY appreciate your respect and attitude. Keep going. You're a blessing to us all x x

[@JonDonald-z9n]

Jeff next year we will be studying the Doctorin and Covenants and Church history in our Sunday school class. Do you want to read along with us? And make some more videos?

[@victoriabrown4852]

I think one of the problems with any discussion about salvation is that, and I could be wrong, we believe that salvation is not the same as exaltation. EVERYONE is saved by Jesus Christ's sacrifice, except maybe the sons of peperdition, which is so rare we don't need to go there. But exaltation is reserved for those who do the necessary requirements, as in faith without works is dead. That is why there are three degrees of glory, based on the life we lived here on earth. I had a missionary companion that taught that we are creating the life here on earth that we will be comfortable with for eternity, whether we lie and steal, live a "good" life or go above and beyond.

[@JodiOrgillBrown]

One of my favorite videos yet! (And I've been watching since the VERY beginning.) I love how as your understanding has increased, you share information in a way that members of your faith will be able to relate too and understand. Ultimately, we all love and want to follow and obey Jesus! He is our Savior, and we will be sharing time and space together in the next life, so I'm grateful you are helping clear up misconceptions here. God bless!

[@slwin6363]

I've heard from ex LDS people that there definitely are secretive things that take place in the sealing ceremonies. Secret names to recognize your spouse in the afterlife, secret handshakes (which are eerily similar to Masonic handshakes), etc.

[@CarlosWashingtonMercado]

When I was a kiddo here in Argentina, Evangelicals were considered a cult. So, I know I have to refrain my words when judging people, mainly Christian religions. And that's something I would recommend to any Protestant to do as well.

[@mormonguy89]

Great work Pastor Jeff. I served my Mission in the “Bible belt” and ran into people asking things about these type of things. It was always funny when people would bring these things up

[@thomasmaughan4798]

5:40 Works based salvation: Well, yes, but it depends on what one means by "works". Faith, hope and charity are works; they require some sort of action. Baptism is a work. But charity is the big one, the Second Great Commandment. Suppose a person has *works* ; has been charitable with neighbors, honest, kind in all respects a wonderful example of a human being BUT is one of the *billions of humans* that has never learned of Jesus Christ. God will judge them with his perfect knowledge; and if baptism is actually required, which apparently it is, ALL humans will have opportunity to be baptized or accept it on their behalf. But suppose a person says all the right magic words, accepts Jesus as his personal savior, but *does nothing* ; no charity, did not clothe the naked for feel the hungry. Well, we probably all know what the scripture says about THAT. SO: The gospel of Jesus Christ is an ACTION gospel. Do not be "hearers only" but "doers of the word". And when you are doing the word, well, that's "works".

[@charlybucket2691]

Well said

[@ceecee-differentinhappyway6228]

Exactly

[@Charistoph]

How is a baptism a work the person can do for their salvation? The person being baptized does nothing but prepare to be underwater in the actual act of baptism. The actual work is performed by 2 others, the baptist and Jesus. The baptist in performing the rite, and Jesus for taking on your sins so that the person being baptized may be cleansed. The person accepting baptism doesn't really do much of anything. I can't say charity is a work, but it does take work to build up charity. One has to work in giving up those things which hold charity back. Letting go of those burdens can be a challenge. Faith is similar, however, faith is something that needs to be developed to be truly notable. This is something that James addresses in the second chapter of his epistle. Works are needed in order for faith to grow, otherwise it just dies due to stagnation. I think the best example in The Bible in action being needed is from Jesus Himself, both in the same chapter, Matthew 25, in the parables of the Talents, and the Sheep and the Goats. Those who profess being servants, but did nothing, were cast out just as readily as the sinners. The actions needed, though, are the ones which develop faith and charity, which the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats readily outlines.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@Charistoph "The person accepting baptism doesn't really do much of anything." The person being baptized is making a covenant.

[@Charistoph]

@@thomasmaughan4798, the person being baptized is agreeing to a covenant. The originator of the covenant is with Jesus and The Father. They are the ones who wrote it. They are the ones presenting it. They are the ones fulfilling it. There is no work on the part of the person accepting baptism for the baptism itself. What work that can be done by them has already been done. They have developed their faith in Jesus sufficient for baptism. They have repented of their sins sufficient for baptism. However, for the baptism itself, they simply follow the directions of the officiator and agree to the covenant presented by God.

[@StevenBCooley]

I’m all for being kind. I’m a former member of the LDS church and a pastor for more than 20 years. I think this video misses the mark. For example, if caffeine is not a sin, drinking coffee is. Coffee keeps you out of the Temple. In a not too long ago conference, a woman of some stature (I’ve forgotten her name) bemoaned a woman who was exemplary . . . except for her coffee drinking. Another example: the Book of Mormon is not another testament of Christ. In fact, it was written (some believe plagiarized) by a documented fraud. Ultimately, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints teaches a different Gospel, which is no gospel at all. The biggest issue: the Jesus of the LDS church is a created being, thus He is not eternal God.

[@nicoleterry5105]

A side note on the coffee thing, because I could see people feeling a bit judged by Latter Day Saints when they choose to drink coffee, we have made a covenant with god to stay away from tea and coffee. We’re not going to (or if someone does they shouldn’t) stick their noses up at you, or scold you for drinking it. I had a friend who felt uncomfortable when he drank coffee around me, and it genuinely made me feel bad, because I don’t want anyone feel uncomfortable around me.

[@Zez88]

I’ll be honest I have heard members scoff at people that drink coffee or alcohol and say things like “we choose to not be alcoholics and love our family so we don’t drink” I remember whispering to my wife who is a convert saying sorry. She was like they do know that’s now how that works right?

[@thomasmaughan4798]

It is not compulsory. Many things you should do, and many things you should not do, that are not compulsory. My wife needs a cup of coffee pretty much daily; just one; the alkaloid substances keep her digestive tract functioning. I drink hot chocolate which is dang near the same thing but not "forbidden".

[@Zez88]

@@thomasmaughan4798 I thought so too until I heard at coffee that one cup of coffee can keep you from being with your family. I remember I thought that was odd and I know each of the talks are approved by the presidency.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@Zez88 At times, people engage in what Bruce McConkie called "gospel hobbies" or placing great emphasis on this or that; usually things the person is doing well and thus can act holier than you. It is the attitude that counts. If you are DEFIANT and go to the steps of the temple and there in front of cameras pour yourself an espresso, well, the coffee is harmless but your defiance will be noticed. It is defiance that ousted John Dehlin and "Nemo the Mormon". It is not clear why anyone wants to be a member of a church they do not sustain, embrace or endorse; acknowledging that it isn't always a package deal; there may be some aspect not to your liking, at times there may be things not to God's liking. It is what you *do about it* that reveals your character.

[@UTBanjo]

Doctrine and Covenants 89:9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly. I purpose that at the time of writing, "hot drinks", meant hard liquor. It burns the mouth, throat and stomach.

[@barbarabailey6833]

What a thoughtful way of busting myths about my church. You really have taken the time to understand our faith and doctrine! This is how we bring people and churches together for good. Thank you so much.

[@diegor6957]

1 Corinthians 15:41-50 41 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. 42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead.

[@Ihayden]

Not talking about 3 heavens

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@Ihayden "Not talking about 3 heavens" So you say. Perhaps we can just leave it as three "splendors" rather than three heavens.

[@Ihayden]

@@thomasmaughan4798 even if that is correct, there would be more than three as it says even the stars differ from each other.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

@@Ihayden "even if that is correct, there would be more than three" Yes. These divisions are somewhat arbitrary; just as the division between heaven and hell is a bit arbitrary. The Celestial Kingdom is itself divided between those who are sealed in the marriage covenant, and those who are not. Within each kingdom people will sort themselves out and find associations in the next life just as they do in this one.

[@Ihayden]

@@thomasmaughan4798 a few things here. There is going to be no distinction in heaven, everyone who is in Christ will be in the presence of God, (to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord) there is no marriage in heaven (they will neither marry nor be given to marriage) lastly heaven and hell is not an arbitrary division because then if it's arbitrary then it doesn't matter when it does matter, enough for Christ to teach it and for us to warn non believers about it

[@Adamoji]

Thank you for the fair and honest attempt to clarify some of the misconceptions that have been points of contention between LDS and other Christians for decades. I sincerely hope lots of Protestants are able to watch this and it will spark more conversations about LDS belief and doctrine. If all Protestants could be as educated and open-minded about our beliefs as Pastor Jeff, the "Christian World" would be such a much better place! For future "LDS Mythbusters" episodes, I'd be dying for you to tackle the myth that "Mormons aren't Christians" and/or "Mormons believe in a different Jesus". To me, out of all the misconceptions I think those are the most hurtful and offensive to Latter-day Saint Christians. So if you could please clarify that in a future video, I think many people would indeed grateful!

[@ericchase5045]

Yep. Truth is there is no permanent hell in LDS doctrine. It’s one of the biggest differences between LDS doctrine and mainstream Christianity, with the minuscule exception noted by Pastor Jeff.

[@Charistoph]

That's a falsehood. There is a place where those who will deny The Father is God while standing in His presence will go, along with Lucifer and his rebellious angels when the Final Judgement is done. To differentiate it from the temporary space between Death and the Final Judgment, this is called Outer Darkness. Both are conditions of hell, though.

[@ericchase5045]

@@Charistoph No disagreement, but you are into the nitty gritty. As to those who accepted mortality, there are only a handful of sons of perdition. The rest will either accept Christ's atonement, or pay for their own sins. That is their "hell". However, once all debt for sin is paid, each will be assigned to a kingdom of glory. In the protestant/evangelical world, only those who accept the Christ of the Counsel of Nicaea will go to "heaven". Everyone else burns for eternity in hell. Again, the depth of Christ's love and his plan is poorly understood by the mainstream world.

[@Charistoph]

@@ericchase5045, not saying there wouldn't be many, but they will exist. No one can pay for their own sins and obtain a kingdom of glory. I don't see how this is "into the nitty gritty." All sin that can be paid for and still allow for a kingdom of glory has already been paid. What is needed is for the person to accept that someone else has. Those sons of perdition are those who will reject Jesus' payment even while standing at the Final Judgement, even as Lucifer rejected the Father while standing in front of His throne. It is to deny any Light.

[@douglaswilkinson5700]

There would be less animosity toward the LDS would stop forcing towns to allow huge temples with uber-tall steeples.

[@worthyofzion]

Nice work Pastor Jeff. I think you explained it well. If you were unaware, for many years you could not buy a caffeinated soda on BYU campus. All the vending machines had “caffeine free” versions of your favorite sodas. Things like that also reinforced the idea of caffeine being against the Word of Wisdom.

[@ambermorris6353]

I tend to lean against caffeine because it is or can be an addictive substance... it honestly depends on the amount of caffeine consumed and or the addictive nature of the person drinking it. Mtn Dew caffeine is now not enough so they keep making new drinks with more caffeine... as much is legally allowed. Why does caffeine need to be regulated if is not dangerous in high amounts??? Just my thoughts

[@KaiqueMenegondeSouza]

Thank you for your video, I am so happy. I was so tired of all these attacks against the Church, and your video brought me some peace. Thank you!

[@jenwagner5913]

As an LDS thank you for your respect and you did a great job

[@mindlesslyhannah]

I know the church website claims we don’t practice polygamy but sealing men to multiple women is still very much polygamy. Even the current prophet is sealed to multiple women. Also the “main stream” Mormon church is a break off itself. It wasn’t formed until 20 years after Joseph smith died and many sects that are still around were formed much earlier. The RLDS or community of Christ would probably be the closest thing we have to a true branch of Mormonism and it was formed with Jospeh’s descendants continuing his version of the gospel longer than the rest.

[@damionhunter314]

Love ya Jeff. Thanks for your work!

[@xMilkManDanx]

Thank you for this! From a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

[@VickiRasmussen]

It's a Jesus based salvation. 😊

[@Andrew171067]

Sorry it isn't Vicki.It's a cult built on the lies and deception of convicted fraudster Joseph Smith in the early 1830s, which amassed Smith great wealth and power, but ironically led to his untimely violent death in Carthage Jail at the age of just 38 in 1844 .Unbeknown to many people,Smith lived violently as well as dying a violent death.

[@genealogystepbystep5690]

One more thing. I want to complement you again for the constructive way you are building bridges between Latter Day Saints and other churches. It is refreshing. Thank you.

[@Eric-y4x5n]

Very helpful episode. When I was an LDS missionary in the midwest, I was most hurt by the evangelical comments that "You don't believe in the same Jesus we do." Attitudes like that are more likely to close doors and dialogs and friendships.

[@davehammock5256]

Jehovah Witness likes to say that we worship a false God. They refuse to Pray with us.

[@backyardwanderer16]

I think a lot of that belief comes from the fact that the LDS perspective of who Jesus is is very very different in significant ways from traditional Christianity. Although there are a lot of similarities, the differences can be glaring. I guess it becomes a question of is it similar enough to be believing in the same Jesus but one group has significant misconceptions about his nature, or are the differences so irreconcilable that there is merit to the belief that it is a different Jesus?

[@jrforman60]

What do they do when the Book of Mormon counters what the Bible says?

[@nickdial8528]

The word of wisdom dating back to the eighteen hundreds actually has nothing to do with coffee, caffeine or tea. In fact, mormons in 1800s used tobacco, drank coffee and also drank alcohol when they dedicated the Temple in salt lake, they celebrated with alcohol. If you do the research, hot drink was an alcoholic drink known as "hot drinks" in tje 1800s, I can't remember how it was made, but that was regarded as unhealthy. The church didn't outlaw alcohol until prohibition, because it was the law of the land and then it never reverted back. Something of which, I am actually in disagreement of. The belief in hot drinks, being referred to as coffee or tea is simply based on nothing more than ignorance. Especially when they try to tie caffeine to it. Coffe and tea has nothing to do with it. This ignorance is even prevalent among mormon society as well. The word of wisdom was also just a suggestion of guidance, and it was not hard set law hat had to be followed. That was something that evolved later on.

[@sj2179]

After reading, pondering and praying about the Book of Mormon, I am so happy to see the fruit of the Spirit working on you Pastor Jeff. I know that you were enlightened many times in your search of its truthfulness. Hoping and Praying to see and hear from you one day that the Book of Mormon is indeed the word of God and that Joseph Smith was truely called as a prophet of restoration.Thank you!

[@Zez88]

Member for 30+ years. Yes we believe in a works-based salvation. D&C 82:10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. Also we believe faith without works is dead and only through keeping our covenants in the temple can we be enter the highest kingdom of glory.

[@thomasmaughan4798]

The dispute seems to revolve on what one means by "works" and by "salvation". It is common among certain flavors of Evangelical Christians to believe all you need do is say some magic words, accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior (I have one in my backpack!) and that's it, you are DONE, saved! They can even tell you the exact date they were SAVED. Well, I and all other humans were saved 2000 years ago. But if you want something more than the bare minimum, well then some *works* are needed; Faith, hope and charity! And baptism. But what about.... yeah, well God has plans for the whatabouts. Baptism for the dead.

[@igobyandrew]

Not entirely. Like Jeff says, it is nuanced. We believe in 3 kingdoms of glory. Evangelicals don’t. So to them, saying that we have to “work for” the celestial kingdom sounds like we believe you have to work to be saved and that Jesus dying on the cross wasn’t sufficient to save all men.

[@Zez88]

@igobyandrew however, we do believe that we have to work for the celestial kingdom. Evangelicals believe that being “saved” is not going to hell and being with Christ / their family in the afterlife. For us that is the Celestial Kingdom. Yes, hell or outer darkness is not the terrestrial or telestial kingdom however being in God’s presence and being with our families forever is in the Celestial kingdom. The atonement of Christ gave us the path to return to our father again and to be like him. Yes this makes us different and that’s the point. We don’t need to conform to other beliefs.

[@alightinthestorm]

Pastor Jeff, as a youth seminary teacher, and returned missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints… You’re a better member of our faith than many members of our faith. You’re doing the Lord’s work,. May God bless you for it 🙏🏼

[@avtekvalves]

In the video about finishing the Book of Mormon there was something that really got me thinking, Jeff says at about 29 minutes and 20 seconds in, what if I find that the Book of Mormon is not true. What am I missing. Tyler gave a few answers specifically in regard to the Book of Mormon, but I would have answered it a bit differently and I've thought about that for a long time! Here is what you are missing Pastor Jeff: A living Prophet who guides us in these last days, Living Apostles, the opportunity to hear from them every 6 months in General Conference, the same church all over the world, meaning, when I move I don't have to go and "find a church" where I allign with the pastor, Priesthood blessings, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Temple Endowment, and other Temple Blessings, the ability to be Sealed to my wife for eternity, a moral standard to live by that is clearly defined, a health code to keep my body healthy, the opptunity to baptize my ancestors who never had the oppertunity to know Jesus Christ, my Patriarichal Blessing, the oppertunity to serve a mission, the words of the Book of Mormon, the Doctorine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, the oppertunity to be a ministering Brother to people in my congregation, the ability to take the sacrament each week, the knowlege of personal and continuing revelation, the knowlege of the Godhead, my temple garments, three degrees of glory rather than just Heaven/Hell, the plan of salvation and the comfort that brings me when a loved one passes, knowledge that children are innocent and if a young child dies they are saved in the Kingdom of God, the blessing of having a calling and serving in the church and the expansive knowledge of the infinate attonement. So my question is, if I were to stop believing in the Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, what can mainstream christianity offer me that I DO NOT have here? That is my genuine question. I sincerly do not know.

[@kennunez5927]

With all due respect, this reminds me of that question the Cowardly Lion asked in the Wizard of Oz: "What do they got that I haven't got?" And, naturally, in this case, the answer is biblical Salvation. While I believe there are genuine Christians among the Mormons, Mormonism isn't Christianity. I also see the same among my JW friends. Obviously, from a cultural and social paradigm, as the LDS Church teaches sound biblical values and precepts for its members (just as JW's and other religious faiths), I admire and respect the contributions to our society from this very American religion. I would say if that is what keeps you happy and fulfilled in life, then continue on that path. However, if one is seeking who God is - and who we are in relation to Him - then one needs to study and understand what God has revealed in His Holy Word, the 66 books of the Holy Bible. As a Christian, I can understand the lure of the Wonderful Wizard of Zion... but, as a former LDS member, I can attest to the knowledge that there is no place like home... in God's Word.

[@avtekvalves]

@@kennunez5927 Thank you for the reply. If I am reading this correctly, you feel that there is nothing more than knowing who God is, in what your church/faith can offer. What if I already have that? What if in my core, I know who he is and I worship Him and Love Him. Am I wrong to be living the way that I am, meaning, I go to church each week, I pay my tithes and offerings, I serve my fellow man, I am faithful to my wife and children, I try to love my fellow brother and sisters, I live a clean and wholesome life etc. As I observe mainstream christians, many of them live a similar life, if they are indeed living their religion rather than just professing it. So if I were to denounce my faith, I would continue to live as I live but I would need to stop believing that my family will be together forever, I would need to start believing that God and Jesus Christ are one being and that God no longer speaks through prophets to name a few things, but on the flip side, would a loving God who we learn about in the bible really strike me down or condem me for living the life that I live? I don't think so. But what if I am right? What if there is the possiblity of eternal families and there is a prophet today and temples are restored in our day? I am again grateful for your reply, but to think, there is nothing more than just knowing God as we learn in the bible, seems to leave me feeling a bit empty. There is more to it than that! I can assure you. Again thank you for your reply!

[@kennunez5927]

@@avtekvalves Your wonderful thoughtful questions remind me of Master Nicodemus' questions and doubts regarding the lifelong and devout faith of Jewish leaders... when confronted with what John the Baptist, and what Jesus and His disciples, brought to God's "chosen" people. Other than what the Biblical God has revealed in His Word (found in the Holy Bible), I can only say that if you are genuinely happy for your life, and the lives of your loved ones, then by all means continue on with what you are satisfied with. However, as Christians, we must be honest and true to what God has revealed in His Word. While we genuinely care about the eternal consequences of Salvation for all (due to the great commission), we trust God's ways, through His Spirit, to reach out and save whom He wills... as His ways are not our ways. We have faith that ultimate Salvation is of The Lord. As I mentioned earlier, I have much respect and admiration for any faith that produces good citizens among our society... especially citizens who exhibit the values and precepts of the Christian faith.

[@scottbryner3]

​@@avtekvalves Love this conversation and the respect! As someone who has been down the real version of the hypothetical road you talked about (converting from LDS to protestant Christianity), you would not need to believe your family would be separated in Heaven. That is just not true of Christian teachings. King David talks about looking forward to being with his deceased son in the afterlife, and if Christians believe they won't be with their loved ones in heaven they are just misinformed (2 Samuel 15). Most all Christians I have ever known look forward to being with the people they love in heaven and believe that is part of the everything we receive because of Jesus- not something we buy up to with our own righteousness. This message is so much more hopeful because we know that gift has nothing to do with how well we do or how obedient we are,.. because when we're honest with ourselves we know we're not all that good or deserving. A perfect hope is found in Jesus alone because we know He is enough when we never could be. That said, the primary relationship for which we were created is with God, and to think living in such a relationship would leave us under fulfilled might mean a naive understanding of who and what God is. As for God and the Trinity, knowing that Jesus is part of the three-part eternal Godhead (aka Trinity), and that He is the creator (and not the created), only deepens my love, respect and understanding with a God who entered His own creation to save me from myself. I love that when I pray to God nowadays, Jesus is part of the conversation, because as God and the representation of God on earth that we know best, He is more than a fly on the wall whose name I say at the end. I'm talking to all three persons of the Trinity when I pray, and there is a more real and relational sense to prayer now. As for your questions "would a loving God who we learn about in the bible really strike me down or condemn me for living the life I live?" God didn't send His son to condemn the world but to save it, so no, God is not interested in condemning you or anyone, and the only reason someone ends up condemned is because they insist on trusting themselves more than Him- making themselves or their own idols Lord of their lives. That includes trusting in their own works of righteousness to save themselves rather than His. I appreciate and don't think it wrong at all that you go to church each week, pay tithes, serve, are faithful to your family etc. God is clear that He wants us to do those things. But none of that has anything to do with saving you, and if you think it does then check out these words of the Savior found in Luke 18, (Pharisee speaking here) "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ Speaking of these two, Jesus said "I tell you, this man (the tax collector) went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." LDS prophets have long taught people to do just that- to trust in their own righteous efforts paired with what Jesus did in order to be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances. You have to be good enough, even perfect (eventually). In LDS theology, Jesus made it possible and set the perfect example, but like anything else you earn in life, it's up to you (or a proxy) to do the work. The message of Christianity is that Jesus was the perfect and complete proxy. He became sin so we could become the righteousness of God, and in that way the command to be ye therefore perfect is already satisfied on our behalf. Salvation by grace through faith as a free gift means that we can't do anything to earn or deserve it "lest any man should boast". Our righteous works flow out of us as a consequence of the free gift, not as a payment for it. That is why the gospel is such good news.

[@caroljoywilhelm]

Thank you for bringing up the universalism of the grace of Jesus Christ. We do believe that ALL are saved by the grace of Jesus. Universal grace. ❤️

[@truebloodnz]

Gospel topic essays covering Polygamy states that it was practised well after 1900 and was not completely abandoned in 1890. The concept, or the principle as it was commonly referred to has not been disavowed. President Nelson, President Oaks, President Hunter all remarried when their original spouses passed. Theologically, it is expected by them and members that their second spouse will join them in the afterlife as one of their wives, becoming sister wives with the first spouse.

[@Charistoph]

Pastor Jeff actually did mention those concepts.

[@emmahocking2095]

People choose to do what they want . Polygamy today is continuing even though it is not doctrine. They do not participate in the Church of Jesus Christ of LATTER DAY SAINTS CHURCH

[@truebloodnz]

@ no, that’s not the same. Read the gospel topic and you will see it was Church sanctioned.

[@Charistoph]

@@emmahocking2095, at least, not in good faith. There are some who hide their actions while presenting a clean face. The Daybells who were just convicted this past year to name a pair.

[@briandavis6898]

Polygamy is culturally taboo but clearly God has reasons to condone it.

[@sls86]

@hellosaints a question for you as a Protestant believer. The one aspect of the LDS faith that I find interesting and perhaps more believable is the idea that most people in the world go to heaven of some form when they die rather than only believers of Jesus. What of those who died before Christ or who have earnestly pursued god but have never heard or received the gospel before death? Would love the evangelical view on that.

[@nikan7704]

Great question

[@charlybucket2691]

LDS here. We believe that all will have an opportunity to know and learn of Christ’s Gospel (whether in this life or in the next life), regardless of when God’s children have lived on the Earth.

[@scottbryner3]

Great questions. Here's a video that helped me understand the protestant perspective on that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIWTZaOIlJeSiZIsi=HHogAWbWFaJf3RoT It basically states the biblical position that Hell is a place for people who use their free will to reject God, and so it is God honoring the wishes of those who want nothing to do with him or his attributes like love, joy, relationship, peace, mercy, etc. The message is that the alternative (Heaven) is a free gift purchased when God entered his creation to pay for sin on our behalf and only asked that we place our trust in him as Lord. The bible also supports the idea of varying punishments in hell according to how badly people reacted toward God. Because God is just, the consequence of sin has to be paid for, and if a person is unwilling to let God the Son be their proxy substitute at judgement, Hell is where the demands of the law are exacted against them. As for the people all over the world who don't know about Jesus in the same way we do, the bible teaches that God is just AND merciful. He will not hold someone responsible for not seeing what they cannot see or knowing what they cannot know (John 9:40-41). In fact, the bible is full of examples of people like Abraham who we know were declared saved prior to Jesus's earthly ministry, and so we can safely assume they knew little to nothing of it or His atonement. Apparently, God is an omniscient judge and is able to slide the scale according to the knowledge and opportunity available to anyone and everyone. As for opportunity to know God on some small level (like in countries where Christianity doesn't exist or where people are blinded by false ideas) What the bible says is that " his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse."(Romans 1:20) In other words, Gods invisible attributes like love, joy, peace, etc, as well as his visible creation in nature are enough for all people to know and respond to him on a level that is sufficient for God,... and we don't know and can't judge anyone when it comes to whether they are saved. LDS scripture teaches that honorable people of the earth who didn't accept Jesus in this life because they were blinded by the craftiness of men but accept the gospel after death will be in the Terrestrial kingdom- a heaven that doesn't include God the Father or continued family relationships. (D&C 76:74-75). To me, the biblical message of one heaven that I don't deserve but receive anyway and a hell that I deserve but don't get because of Jesus better represents the love of God than a consolation prize version of heaven that I get because I was confused when the full message of the gospel was presented to me during life.

[@janebaily3758]

I would love for you to ask why women cannot be sealed to more than one husband if they are widowed? Thanks.

[@micheleh3851]

@janebailey3758 - Hello. I am a female Latter-day Saint. I don't know doctrinally why women can't be sealed to more than 1 man, but I wouldn't want to even if it were permitted. Monogamy for me.

[@eunapineda2316]

Thanks!