225. CFM: Numbers

225. CFM: Numbers

In this episode, Casey and Skyler discuss and critique the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual’s coverage of Numbers. Please read (and even listen [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-4ukdNJERw]) to Numbers [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers+1&version=esv] (ESV [https://www.esv.org/Numbers+1/], KJV [https://www.kingjamesbible.me/Numbers-Chapter-1/]) Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual) [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-old-testament-2026/19?lang=eng] Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-seminary-manual-2026/18-numbers-11-14-21/180-overview?lang=eng] “Two Lines of Communication” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/two-lines-of-communication?lang=eng]by President Dallin H. Oaks "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent" [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/the-only-true-god-and-jesus-christ-whom-he-hath-sent?lang=eng] by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland “Light of Christ” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/two-lines-of-communication?lang=eng] by Elder Boyd K. Packer “Becoming Like God” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/becoming-like-god?lang=eng] (Gospel Topics Essays) Connecting Scripture New Testament [https://www.amazon.com/Connecting-Single-Column-Cross-Reference-Color-Coded-Introductions/dp/B0DT8KQK6C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XZZMH09GMO1P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4Phc2U-ZbFdWvbBaM3LarkG_0_cqmE_9gBEQNQCQ_DxB9e3BmR6f7QQ8H8TG3L5fJYoXaO8hWrgW6dd-mNEa6e0ye6y5Q23KHTXjLi7uoBGAWD5rYvv7Uxvr_ZPHPJag5hpEdkfgxCPxYNnaeW3IPQ7NmTPsj6vA7kksQSDCnO1GFPYxHpeGMz3ubl61Olgzh1jlR-er2dU50zJG3hwyJ4mt-AE8znb51LxoYOVw-H8.2TV8jYvVp9miaKUFXPG5mZ5c5E7YKb7JiSt3CwiH8zo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Connecting+Scripture+New+Testament&qid=1778733524&sprefix=connecting+scripture%2Caps%2C1190&sr=8-1] Christ and the Bible by John Wenham The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/29ee91f5-3018-494f-b969-357f3d5a1ee5] (also, here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/e064a30c-c0cb-429f-957a-d46098ded1b2]) When Grace Transforms by Terry Johnson [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/b3ac91e8-d94f-4800-b65d-8878767bc8f0] “Indicative and Imperative: The Basic Structure of Pauline Ethics” [https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/ctj/27/] by William Dennison [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/5ccefae3-d51d-4b19-be2f-915a1cb6d2ae] God's Mediators: A Biblical Theology of Priesthood by Andrew Malone The Royal Priest: Psalm 110 in Biblical Theology by Matthew Emadi [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/32bd5fbb-1b1a-4d4a-b326-7728e5cfea66] The Pentateuch; From Every People and Nation by J. Daniel Hays [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/2b48fb76-ab15-445d-993f-f332be6931a7] God Spake By Moses by Oswald T. Allis An Introduction to the Old Testament by Edward J. Young Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos The Pentateuch as Narrative by John Sailhammer Numbers 1-19; Numbers 20-36 by L. Michael Morales “You Shall Be Clean”: A Biblical Theology of Defilement and Cleansing by G. Geoffrey Harper “The Leper’s Cleansing and Our Salvation” [https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/lepers-cleansing-our-salvation/]by Matthew Emadi [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/0fd5aa64-e913-41ca-b11a-2687c72490bd] Uncovering the Theme of Revelation in Romans 1:16-3:26 by Marcus Mininger [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/d6ae7332-58ed-4619-af87-9bb94c64f425]

224. Philip Barlow on Mormons and the Bible

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Philip Barlow to discuss his book Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion [https://www.amazon.com/Mormons-Bible-Latter-day-American-Religion/dp/019973903X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oY-aaTJUNOpym32P3Nn2dGz749is8a-isjpr7m_Wq9VsjFxOW8JGV2cTU3o6JqDQkpRMsjPA8oUA5CQhxWNWXfooMnr-tQAv8dQIFIUAY_v9JPdGjvar4H6dr8zIxNwztjPdDekn1hQf0omtgKvtZpOjf0frM9TbTSu9ycTfrRlhxi5_hVAYP_l3LE5KZnfoofS_nU707ajIiSJgOapbfDnEwJKOLrkgQZ8PLrgQZ5s.rDx38ON-Wnpvxqv_UznZfA4Oyquc8NtzrPINxV81FiM&dib_tag=se&qid=1771333575&sr=8-1]. We start with diving into founding Prophet Joseph Smith’s relationship to and with the KJV Bible, and how we see it’s place in his prophetic project. From D&C 3 to the Book of Mormon to the “Inspired Translation” of the (KJV) Bible – how should we view Joseph Smith’s view of the authority of the Bible within the broader American context in which he lived? How does Moses 1:39 [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/moses/1?lang=eng] fundamentally shift the theological project and the goal of the religious life? Continuing the story, Dr. Barlow takes us into the broad unity and diversity in approaching the Bible by important figures such as President Brigham Young, Elders Orson Pratt and Joseph Fielding Smith, as well as B. H. Roberts and an important BYU educator William Chamberlin. How did this spectrum of development and engagement connect to the larger picture of higher criticism of the Bible and its introduction into more of the mainstream of American life? Moreover, why did the King James Version of the Bible become the semi-official and then official Bible in English for the LDS Church? We also get the opportunity to ask Dr. Barlow about his thoughts of the recent policy change regarding Bible translations for Latter-day Saints, and how that continues the story of the book. Book: Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion [https://www.amazon.com/Mormons-Bible-Latter-day-American-Religion/dp/019973903X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oY-aaTJUNOpym32P3Nn2dGz749is8a-isjpr7m_Wq9VsjFxOW8JGV2cTU3o6JqDQkpRMsjPA8oUA5CQhxWNWXfooMnr-tQAv8dQIFIUAY_v9JPdGjvar4H6dr8zIxNwztjPdDekn1hQf0omtgKvtZpOjf0frM9TbTSu9ycTfrRlhxi5_hVAYP_l3LE5KZnfoofS_nU707ajIiSJgOapbfDnEwJKOLrkgQZ8PLrgQZ5s.rDx38ON-Wnpvxqv_UznZfA4Oyquc8NtzrPINxV81FiM&dib_tag=se&qid=1771333575&sr=8-1] Also, check out: “New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints” [https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/holy-bible-translations-editions-church-of-jesus-christ] (December 16, 2025) -“First Presidency Statement on the King James Translation of the Bible” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1992/08/news-of-the-church/first-presidency-statement-on-the-king-james-version-of-the-bible?lang=eng] (August 1992 Ensign) Other resources by Dr. Barlow: “To Mend a Fractured Reality: Joseph Smith’s Project” [https://www.academia.edu/104128940/To_Mend_A_Fractured_Reality_Joseph_Smith_s_Project] New Historical Atlas of Religion in America [https://www.amazon.com/New-Historical-Atlas-Religion-America/dp/019509168X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=24HKSHXID2VS7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NGDt1PxH5pw444mDiAr1x_Czr-kbKfIPTmcXXrdUl7U_FsKHtztvQKVizPteRKkACbr3QOABTfxh69_ZuOPf6bHqEKSOkHxfSYPQsyRsF2KT7DmKBAoB1dFo5xYEzfsCg9NLpWQec6wsW9nd4uxNvQs05kROtvNDpp5RxPa4oMqKEOmwmlR_9HL4mdmWE0CORM5UmvBaAzEiT-wezb8INwHPh2faYbjmNBK3gz5qshs.dspHRc_9Dd4CL7SX0lIJfW2pTprrADGz-9DN-fzsWOo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Philip+Barlow&qid=1771560815&sprefix=philip+b%2Caps%2C945&sr=8-3] D&C 3 [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/3?lang=eng]; JSH-1 [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng]; Moses 1 [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/moses/1?lang=eng]; Abraham 4 [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/abr/4?lang=eng]; JST John [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/jst/jst-john/1?lang=eng]; JST Romans [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/jst/jst-rom/4?lang=eng] Why the King James Version [https://archive.org/details/whykingjamesvers0000jreu] by Elder J. Reuben Clark President Brigham Young: JD 14.226-227 [https://jod.mrm.org/14/223] President John Taylor: JD 1.25 [https://jod.mrm.org/1/16] Elder Orson Pratt: JD 7:23ff [https://jod.mrm.org/7/22], 14.257-260 [https://jod.mrm.org/14/253], 15.247-249 [https://jod.mrm.org/15/241], 16.218 [https://jod.mrm.org/16/209], 17.269 [https://jod.mrm.org/17/264] Elder George A. Smith: JD 12.264 [https://jod.mrm.org/12/263] Joseph Fielding Smith: A Mormon Theologian by Matthew Bowman [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/c4b73572-730b-49c2-ac5c-241ae58fcc4d] - Seek Ye Earnestly; Man: His Origin and Destiny by President Joseph Fielding Smith Harold B. Lee: Life and Thought, 1899-1973 by Newell Bringhurst [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/663d8e69-959f-465a-9ba0-525c65a1d661] Bruce R. McConkie: Apostle and Polemicist, 1915-1985 by Devery Anderson [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/90709ef5-8159-4bbe-b015-3c0bc0ae0374] (and here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/a5f3f80b-8cc2-428b-a456-27cf686dd6bc]) - “Joseph Smith Translation: The Doctrinal Restoration” [https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie/joseph-smith-translation-doctrinal-restoration/] by Elder Bruce R. McConkie Conflict in the Quorum by Gary Bergera The Next Mormons by Jana Reiss Other resources: WCF chapter 1 [https://wts.edu/wcf#chapter-1] The Works of Benjamin B. Warfield, Volume 1: Revelation and Inspiration (also here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/7d7e7e16-140b-47c2-90b4-d32dfbc02c93]) The Pauline Eschatology; Biblical Theology by Geerhardus Vos Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen (also here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/a7174969-2dfb-4884-86b5-ca104c1d77ac] and here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/9a1da0cb-dd64-4a00-8024-0eaacdbbb0bc]) In The Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible and How It Changed a Nation, a Language, and a Culture by Alister McGrath The King James Debate: A Plea for Realism by D.A. Carson The King James Only Controversy by James White Scribes and Scripture by John Meade and Peter Gurry Biblical Words and Their Meaning; God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva [https://wm.wts.edu/courses/new-testament-introduction]

223. CFM: Leviticus

In this episode, Casey and Skyler discuss and critique the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual’s coverage (or lack thereof) of Leviticus. Please read (and even listen [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUmk8OCjlqQ]) to Leviticus [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+1&version=esv] (ESV [https://www.esv.org/Leviticus+1/], KJV [https://www.kingjamesbible.me/Leviticus-Chapter-1/]) Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual) [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-old-testament-2026/18?lang=eng] Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-seminary-manual-2026/17-exodus-35-40-leviticus-1-4-16-19/170-overview?lang=eng] “The Law of Sacrifice” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2002/03/the-law-of-sacrifice?lang=eng] by Elder M. Russell Ballard D&C 13 [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/13?lang=eng] Check out: Connecting Scripture New Testament [https://www.amazon.com/Connecting-Single-Column-Cross-Reference-Color-Coded-Introductions/dp/B0DT8KQK6C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XZZMH09GMO1P&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4Phc2U-ZbFdWvbBaM3LarkG_0_cqmE_9gBEQNQCQ_DxB9e3BmR6f7QQ8H8TG3L5fJYoXaO8hWrgW6dd-mNEa6e0ye6y5Q23KHTXjLi7uoBGAWD5rYvv7Uxvr_ZPHPJag5hpEdkfgxCPxYNnaeW3IPQ7NmTPsj6vA7kksQSDCnO1GFPYxHpeGMz3ubl61Olgzh1jlR-er2dU50zJG3hwyJ4mt-AE8znb51LxoYOVw-H8.2TV8jYvVp9miaKUFXPG5mZ5c5E7YKb7JiSt3CwiH8zo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Connecting+Scripture+New+Testament&qid=1778733524&sprefix=connecting+scripture%2Caps%2C1190&sr=8-1] Christ and the Bible by John Wenham Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord?: A Biblical Theology of Leviticus by L. Michael Morales “You Shall Be Clean”: A Biblical Theology of Defilement and Cleansing by G. Geoffrey Harper The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/29ee91f5-3018-494f-b969-357f3d5a1ee5] (also, here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/e064a30c-c0cb-429f-957a-d46098ded1b2]) American Awakening: Identity Politics and Other Afflictions of Our Time by Joshua Mitchell [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/1ec7815e-0476-457e-9d1e-91af2a42be07] (also, here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/e2cfa4a7-07a1-4552-9bbc-47aebc987d3d]) The Pentateuch by J. Daniel Hays [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/2b48fb76-ab15-445d-993f-f332be6931a7] God Spake By Moses by Oswald T. Allis An Introduction to the Old Testament by Edward J. Young Biblical Theology: Old and New Testaments by Geerhardus Vos The Pentateuch as Narrative by John Sailhammer The Book of Leviticus (NICOT) by Gordon Wenham Leviticus by Jacob Milgrom

222. Kyle Beshears on 40 Questions About Mormonism

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Kyle Beshears to discuss his book 40 Questions About Mormonism [https://www.amazon.com/Questions-About-Mormonism-Kyle-Beshears/dp/0825447496/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18QK52G17XSIE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FBTfQ7WLqCPZNH9hPafHhgXgU7GyuRvezQGw4TJoEDTX1gQjOvpI9iTEUHJT2rHZ7ngoejLuQW05jCrFHU0KR1gaoIpZHBLPqVwnJzIGWP8.RJlo0oA1DngjI0_nOQQnrqYWch4Yi6avpBvHFLfgbDU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Kyle+Beshears&qid=1772852330&sprefix=kyle+besh%2Caps%2C832&sr=8-1]. Is Mormonism a “global religion”, and how do we balance the unity and diversity among the various branches of the Restoration Movement? What is some of the history and taxonomy of traditional Christian engagement with the LDS? What is the LDS priesthood, and how does it connect throughout the system of Mormon doctrine and practice? Is the LDS Godhead of “separate beings and persons” a form of “social Trinitarianism”, and how is this a paradigm for understanding fundamental differences amid superficial similarity? Listen in as we ask Dr. Beshears this, and more – including how difficult it is to prioritize sources of authority when discussing LDS doctrine, and whether “Heavenly Mother” is indeed, official doctrine. We also ask about the difference between building temples and temple theology – and ask Kyle about what he thinks is the biggest challenge from Mormonism toward traditional Christianity, and vice versa. Book: 40 Questions About Mormonism [https://www.amazon.com/Questions-About-Mormonism-Kyle-Beshears/dp/0825447496/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18QK52G17XSIE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FBTfQ7WLqCPZNH9hPafHhgXgU7GyuRvezQGw4TJoEDTX1gQjOvpI9iTEUHJT2rHZ7ngoejLuQW05jCrFHU0KR1gaoIpZHBLPqVwnJzIGWP8.RJlo0oA1DngjI0_nOQQnrqYWch4Yi6avpBvHFLfgbDU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Kyle+Beshears&qid=1772852330&sprefix=kyle+besh%2Caps%2C832&sr=8-1] Other resources by Dr. Kyle Beshears [https://www.kylebeshears.com/]: - “Wingfield Scott Watson and His Struggle to Preserve the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) After the Death of Its Founder” [https://repository.sbts.edu/bitstream/handle/10392/6603/Beshears_sbts_0207D_10678.pdf] (Past interview: here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/3b70d1a5-17c6-4bec-9191-4a4ac27351a2] and here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/3bfa1eb3-f66d-4c4b-a890-aa88bf17520b]) - “’That Sacred Depository’: Biblical Content in Joseph Smith’s 1832 First Vision Account” (found here [https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Smith-Visionary-Manifestations-Symposium-ebook/dp/B0DPLCNWTD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30RP0P4XUYGVM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0xGC9GEaNPhu8d6tRDKzvQ.ufdoY0iBoDwBQLHzk8-9EmqcxoRG_wQqev7bJAXFdH8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Joseph+Smith+as+Visionary&qid=1772852396&sprefix=joseph+smith+as+visiona%2Caps%2C622&sr=8-1]; past interview: here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/12bb415b-91eb-4de1-b55a-9b0fc9cf8cc4]) -"The Phrase That Came To Pass" [https://www.kylebeshears.com/p/the-phrase-that-came-to-pass] Other resources: “Approaching Latter-day Saint Doctrine” [https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/approaching-mormon-doctrine] The Family Proclamation [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng]; O My Father [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/hymns/o-my-father?lang=eng] “What Are People Asking about Us?” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1998/10/what-are-people-asking-about-us?lang=eng]; “The Marvelous Foundation of Our Faith” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2002/10/the-marvelous-foundation-of-our-faith?lang=eng] by President Gordon B. Hinckley "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent" [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/the-only-true-god-and-jesus-christ-whom-he-hath-sent?lang=eng] by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "The Light of Christ" [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/10/the-only-true-god-and-jesus-christ-whom-he-hath-sent?lang=eng] by Elder Boyd K. Packer The Miracle of Forgiveness by President Spencer W. Kimball The Great Apostasy by Elder James Talmage [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/jesus-the-christ/chapter-40?lang=eng] A Rational Theology by Elder John Widtsoe [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/91c41ee1-bcaa-4ced-9417-cf2d431ead51] The American Religion by Harold Bloom Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow “This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles Harrell [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/0fc3ed37-db6c-491d-ba23-fcaf309414b5] Latter-day Saint Theology among Christian Theologies by Grant Underwood Scattering of the Saints, edited by Newell G. Bringhurst [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/663d8e69-959f-465a-9ba0-525c65a1d661]and John C. Hamer Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn The Mysteries of Godliness by David Buerger The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, edited by Devery Anderson [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/90709ef5-8159-4bbe-b015-3c0bc0ae0374] The Spirit of Early Christian Thought by Robert Louis Wilken The Temple and the Church’s Mission by G. K. Beale [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/51d36d0a-19f3-4123-8008-d5dea0faa550] Rediscovering the Church Fathers by Michael Haykin [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/faefa450-60ff-4dde-94b9-3dd04cf9e98c] Biblical Theology; Reformed Dogmatics by Geerhardus Vos Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck Simply Trinity by Matthew Barrett The Triune God by Fred Sanders The Trinity by Scott Swain The Person of Christ by Stephen Wellum The Attributes of God by Gerald Bray

221. Jeff Strong on LDS Disaffiliation, Why It's Happening - and Why It Matters

In this interview, we welcome Jeff Strong to discuss his book Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them [https://www.amazon.com/Torn-People-Leaving-Church-Learn/dp/B0GWVV4DW9/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fLn6DqXFQHO1qqhngd1j4J3cIjY0WLH5FsJSpQzq7Tj9rBwZc5qFkZf1upV-TShR.FjkxUUgLDW20-XQxymlpW2qkPAGbD-a4C1BTFR4O0vA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Jeff+Strong+Torn&qid=1778731764&sr=8-1]. What is disaffiliation, and how does it differ from inactivity? Drawing on extensive study and experience – as well as qualitative and quantitative research, we seek to understand truly what is happening when it comes to LDS disaffiliation, and why. Do we know how many once active and faithful Latter-Day Saints have disaffiliated and transitioned away from the LDS Church? Taking us through this answer – and seeking to properly understand it against the contextual backdrop of religion in America more generally, we then seek to understand why they have left. Describing the four main reasons as “waves”, we learn about how issues of Lifestyle, Church History, Social Issues and Church Experience have ranked in how people have identified their reasons for leaving. Listen in as Jeff takes us through this and how and why there has been a shift in what people have prioritized when it comes to the “primary pathways” that have “shaped religious conversion and commitment”. Moreover, we discuss some of the cultural tensions that religious communities face today – as well as a discussion of how to evaluate what is and what should be essential shared doctrinal confession and moral behavior at the base of the community. Book: Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn From Them [https://www.amazon.com/Torn-People-Leaving-Church-Learn/dp/B0GWVV4DW9/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fLn6DqXFQHO1qqhngd1j4J3cIjY0WLH5FsJSpQzq7Tj9rBwZc5qFkZf1upV-TShR.FjkxUUgLDW20-XQxymlpW2qkPAGbD-a4C1BTFR4O0vA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Jeff+Strong+Torn&qid=1778731764&sr=8-1] Website: tornbyjeffstrong.com [https://www.tornbyjeffstrong.com/] Any feedback please send to distinctivechristianity@gmail.com Other resources: “LDS Church sees a record rise in converts, but why are fewer babies being added to the rolls?” [https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/04/04/lds-church-reports-record/] by Mark Eddington (The Salt Lake Tribune) The Next Mormons by Jana Riess "Closing Remarks" [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/57nelson?lang=eng] by President Russell M. Nelson Shaman and Sage by Michael Horton Spiritual Marketplace by Wade Clark Roof The American Religious Landscape; The Nones; The Vanishing Church by Ryan Burge Ligonier: The State of Theology Survey [https://thestateoftheology.com/] Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/a7174969-2dfb-4884-86b5-ca104c1d77ac] No Place for Truth; The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells The Westminster Confession of Faith, Ch. 25 [https://thewestminsterstandard.org/the-westminster-confession/#Chapter%20XXV] OPC Book of Church Order [https://opc.org/order.html]