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Unveiling Mormonism

Unveiling Mormonism

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Join Ross Anderson and Bryan Dwyer, pastors with over 50 years of combined ministry experience in Utah, as they take a deep dive on everything Mormon – from theology to history to culture. New topic every Monday.Copyright 2026 PursueGOD Ciencias Sociales Cristianismo Espiritualidad Ministerio y Evangelismo
Episodios
  • Blood Atonement and the Prophet’s Authority

    Blood Atonement and the Prophet’s Authority
    Mar 31 2026
    In this episode, AJ and Brandi return to the studio to dive into one of the most jarring and controversial chapters of Mormon history: the Doctrine of Blood Atonement. AJ recounts the "shelf-breaking" moment at BYU when he first discovered that early prophets—specifically Brigham Young—taught that certain sins were beyond the reach of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, requiring the sinner to shed their own blood for salvation. The discussion explores the massive disconnect between 19th-century Mormonism and modern LDS teachings, the theological implications of a "prophet who can lead you astray," and how the biblical definition of atonement offers a stark, grace-filled contrast to the works-heavy requirements of the LDS faith.Key Discussion Points1. The Discovery and the "Shelf"The BYU Moment: AJ shares how a simple student question in a Book of Mormon class led to a dismissive response from a professor, sparking a late-night research session that left him "sick to his stomach."The Infallibility Crisis: Growing up with the song "Follow the Prophet," AJ was taught that a prophet could never lead the church astray. Discovering Blood Atonement shattered this belief, as he realized a prophet had taught something he considered the "antithesis of the gospel."2. Defining Blood AtonementThe Core Doctrine: Taught primarily by Brigham Young and Jedediah Grant in the 1850s, it suggested that sins like murder, apostasy, and adultery were so "grievous" that Christ’s blood was insufficient to cover them.Literal vs. Rhetorical: While some modern apologists argue the language was metaphorical, historians (including faithful LDS scholars like Richard Turley) acknowledge instances where the doctrine was taken literally and carried out.The Motivation: Ironically, it was framed as an act of "love"—shedding a person's blood to save their soul from eternal damnation.3. The Changing Narrative at BYUInoculation vs. Secrecy: Brandy and AJ discuss the shift in how the Church handles "difficult" history. While AJ’s generation faced silence and "weirdness" from professors, younger generations are being "properly inoculated" with the information early to prevent future shocks.The Internet Factor: The group agrees that the transparency isn't necessarily a choice but a necessity in the information age; the Church can no longer "cover up" what is easily accessible on Wikipedia or historical archives.4. Biblical Atonement vs. LDS AtonementWhere it Happened: The guests note the cultural Mormon emphasis on Gethsemane as the primary site of atonement, whereas the Bible and traditional Christianity point to the Cross.Sufficiency: The biblical view (e.g., Colossians 1:20, Hebrews 9:22) asserts that Jesus’ sacrifice was "finished" and all-sufficient.The "Ladder" Analogy: Brandy describes the LDS view of Christ providing a "ladder" that the believer must then climb through obedience, whereas the biblical view is that Jesus is the way, not just a provider of the means to work.Notable Quotes"I can no longer in good faith ever say the prophet can't lead you astray because I have a clear example of that happening here." — AJ"Mormonism blinds people to the gospel. When you say things like 'trust alone for Jesus's righteousness,' they're going to go, 'That's too easy.'" — Brandi"If the president of the church should ever lead people astray, God would take him away... So when you learn of something like blood atonement, it is so damaging." — AJResources MentionedBooks: Vengeance is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath by Barbara Brown Jones and Richard Turley.Podcasts: Sunstone Mormon History Podcast, Mormon Stories.Websites: MRM.org (Mormonism Research Ministry), PursueGod.org.Scripture References1 John 1:9: Confession and cleansing from all unrighteousness.Hebrews 9:22: The necessity of the shedding of blood for remission.Colossians 1:20: Peace made through the blood of the cross.John 19:30: "Tetelestai" — It is finished.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate NowMormonism Archives - pursueGOD.orgConnect with Brandi on Instagram
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    46 m
  • American Quran: The Surprising Parallels Between Joseph Smith and Muhammad

    American Quran: The Surprising Parallels Between Joseph Smith and Muhammad
    Mar 24 2026

    In this episode, Bryan unpacks the striking parallels between Mormonism and Islam to show how both systems ultimately shift the focus away from the finished work of Jesus and back onto human effort, contrasting it with the true gospel of grace found in the Bible.

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    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

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    This episode takes a deeper look at the striking parallels between Mormonism and Islam, highlighting how both begin with the claim that the original message of Christianity was corrupted and needed to be restored. Each introduces a new prophet—Joseph Smith and Muhammad—along with new scriptures revealed through angelic encounters, ultimately reshaping core biblical truths about who Jesus is and how salvation works. The conversation walks through how these systems, while different in many ways, both shift the focus away from the finished work of Christ and toward human effort, obedience, and religious performance.

    Grounding the discussion in passages like Galatians 1 and Ephesians 2, this episode challenges listeners to examine the reliability and sufficiency of the Bible and the true gospel message. Rather than needing a restored or updated version of Christianity, Scripture points us back to the once-for-all revelation of Jesus. The takeaway is clear and encouraging: salvation is not something we achieve through striving, but something we receive by grace through faith. In a world full of competing truth claims, this episode helps clarify why the gospel of Jesus stands alone—and why it’s still enough today.
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    16 m
  • Mormon Danites: Secret Society, Blood Oaths

    Mormon Danites: Secret Society, Blood Oaths
    Mar 17 2026

    This episode uncovers the history of the secretive Danite group in early Mormonism and contrasts their use of intimidation and violence with the radically different way of Jesus, whose kingdom advances through truth, not force.

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    The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.

    Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.

    Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.

    Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.

    Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.

    Donate Now

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    In this episode, we explore a little-known chapter of early Mormon history: the rise of the Danites, a secret group formed in 1838 during the Missouri conflict. Recently published historical documents have confirmed that this group existed and operated as a kind of paramilitary society within early Mormonism, using secret oaths and intimidation to silence dissenters—even other Mormons.

    We also examine how religious movements can drift when loyalty to leaders begins to outweigh commitment to truth and biblical principles. Looking at passages like 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 and John 18:36, the episode contrasts the violent methods used by the Danites with the way of Jesus, whose kingdom advances not through force but through truth, humility, and sacrificial love.

    Ultimately, this conversation reminds us that God’s kingdom doesn’t need secrecy, intimidation, or violence to advance. Jesus didn’t ask for secret oaths or blind allegiance—He gave His life so that people could be free and walk in the light of truth.
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    15 m
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