228. Richard Weikart on From Darwin to Hitler

228. Richard Weikart on From Darwin to Hitler

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Richard Weikart to discuss his book From Darwin to Hitler: Evolutionary Ethics, Eugenics, and Racism in Germany [https://www.amazon.com/Darwin-Hitler-Evolutionary-Eugenics-Germany/dp/140397201X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TSE382VMZBVQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vK6p6ZNjLi0rbrUdXnMZrl4WQbTRmTi11GbUT-sbk0rbWBlKqrmroS193QbbFlw2BgTGS0dXWAhcARKC7cujBZqJd_ycOSYyyzdpI7VdKJ095NKa_3AgfYWDdYyBiEOb4kJNQZMMVIkpFuFNcrTgk0wsRMjEX4DWIirLE0XcEXtcezgeNzIDL5EuAXb5VE9QnxJp6FLNs2FdXFSB-t1rrT_nmUv3kt_zuc2xXwgHRrs.wWeHeVcnqX8lPPP69D_3-kBSu0SlsD4VcTBWdibloMI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Richard+Weikart&qid=1774613311&sprefix=richa%2Caps%2C1408&sr=8-3]. We begin the interview with the question of methodology, and hear about the nuances needed to understand what is, and is not, being argued in the book. How does the historian accurately and responsibly track the impact of ideas, texts, and thinkers over time? From Darwin’s On the Origin of Species being published in 1859 to Adolf Hitler’s appointment as Chancellor of Germany in 1933 – how did Darwinists, themselves, promote and develop these ideas? Was was “the gospel of Darwinism”, and what was the type of rhetoric so many Darwinists used to describe their “conversion”, in addition to promoting a “new morality” in the form of some version of “social gospel”? Listen in as Dr. Weikart covers this and more, including an oft-forgotten genocide of the Hereros during the Herero Revolt (1904-06) - annihilating around 81% of the people, being justified explicitly using Darwinian concepts and thus, using scientific sanction long before Hitler did the same. Demonstrating that Darwin – and those he influenced undermined the sanctity and value of human life, we underscore that the ideas utilized by the Nazis were often mainstream, “scientific”, academic, and indeed promoted as rooted in “natural law”. Though the trail is somewhat crooked at points - in the end, perhaps Hitler demonstrated the true horror entailed by the ideas of the Darwinist worldview when a tyrant is sincerely dedicated to applying them. Book: From Darwin to Hitler: Evolutionary Ethics, Eugenics, and Racism in Germany [https://www.amazon.com/Darwin-Hitler-Evolutionary-Eugenics-Germany/dp/140397201X/ref=sr_1_3?crid=TSE382VMZBVQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vK6p6ZNjLi0rbrUdXnMZrl4WQbTRmTi11GbUT-sbk0rbWBlKqrmroS193QbbFlw2BgTGS0dXWAhcARKC7cujBZqJd_ycOSYyyzdpI7VdKJ095NKa_3AgfYWDdYyBiEOb4kJNQZMMVIkpFuFNcrTgk0wsRMjEX4DWIirLE0XcEXtcezgeNzIDL5EuAXb5VE9QnxJp6FLNs2FdXFSB-t1rrT_nmUv3kt_zuc2xXwgHRrs.wWeHeVcnqX8lPPP69D_3-kBSu0SlsD4VcTBWdibloMI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Richard+Weikart&qid=1774613311&sprefix=richa%2Caps%2C1408&sr=8-3] Other books by Dr. Weikart: - Hitler’s Ethic: The Nazi Pursuit of Evolutionary Progress - Hitler’s Religion: The Twisted Beliefs that Drove the Third Reich - hear past interview on this book here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/8a8cf434-45ac-455b-a1ea-d0bda9cbe43e] - Darwinian Racism: How Darwinism Influenced Hitler, Nazism, and White Nationalism - The Myth of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Is His Theology Evangelical? - hear past interview on this book here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/6f13a1f4-2bfc-402e-8ff8-9dd6b838670c] - Unnatural Death: Medicine’s Descent from Healing to Killing Unbelievable Debate with Peter Singer [https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/unbelievable-is-human-life-intrinsically-valuable-peter-singer-richard-weikart-and-susan-blackmore/11536.article] Other resources: The Aryan Myth by Leon Poliakov Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn by Christopher Cox The Presbyterian Controversy by Bradley Longfield Process and Providence: The Evolution Question at Princeton, 1845-1929 by Bradley Gundlach - also, interview about B.B. Warfield here [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/7d7e7e16-140b-47c2-90b4-d32dfbc02c93] Darwinian Fairytales by David Stove Forgotten Science by S. D. Tucker Scientific Mythologies by James Herrick Admirable Evasions by Theodore Dalrymple On the point of LDS Disaffiliation and politics, there is some nuance that could’ve been said: - Check out our interview with Jeff Strong [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/0f139dff-5324-4d1e-a33b-0708eaf60b5b] - “Why Latter-day Saints appear to be politically shifting to the Left” [https://www.kuer.org/race-religion-social-justice/2026-04-21/why-latter-day-saints-appear-to-be-politically-shifting-to-the-left] by Ciara Hulet (KUER 90.1) - “Ex-Mormons Are the Most Republican Religious Leavers in America” [https://mormonmetrics.com/p/ex-mormons-are-the-most-republican] by Alex Bass (also, check out part two [https://mormonmetrics.com/p/pt2-which-ex-mormons-are-moving-right]) The American Religious Landscape; The Nones; The Vanishing Church by Ryan Burge

227. Robert Bowman on Jesus' Resurrection and Joseph's Visions

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Robert Bowman to discuss his book Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism [https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Resurrection-Josephs-Visions-Christianity/dp/1947929119/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SSZ4EZ1LPOPG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XAPsB6-qkmwS8zDxt30vzHiOnOo3N1ZBMs7wtd9VCAzVXI45BmW8cEcj4uUUFBsyKIWaj_s72TJUKuTW8vOTNdkucmnoj8QAZVWaggxAhZ291M4zvWKcTJ3In4NXjAWjIvlut0jXrY6XubWCBiKaw5ONEWfsPXj-j4rE532VvolzNpVQlzFA0pL4IsXj-VrgmSIL45HYfZma7qMJ7wmaKNSqYYw76VrkqAkjrJlp4rc.sdWGFyfH-vj821tcolQ2y2JLlaKCcAzaEH3KwNwuY3k&dib_tag=se&keywords=Jesus%26%2339%3B+Resurrection+and+Joseph%26%2339%3Bs+Visions&qid=1777517389&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=jesus%26%2339%3B+resurrection+and+joseph%26%2339%3Bs+vision%2Caps%2C1580&sr=8-1]. How comparable, both in terms of content and credibility, are the visions of Joseph Smith and the apostle Paul? How fitting are the methods analyzing harmonies, differences and potential contradictions between the New Testament accounts of the Resurrection of Christ, and the “First Vision” of Joseph Smith? Listen in as Dr. Bowman takes us into how to think about analyzing the credibility of miracle claims, and how accepting the historical reality of Jesus’ Resurrection does not logically open the Christian to the criticism that they should then accept all claims of the miraculous and the visionary. Starting with the appearance of Jesus to Paul, we ask about how to carefully think through how to understand what Paul saw and what that means – both historically and theologically. How does this compare to the LDS canonical account by Joseph Smith of his own “First Vision”? Is there a way to test the credibility of Joseph Smith’s claims in a way that is not guilty of a double-standard? Are the differences between Joseph Smith’s first vision accounts of the same category and quality as the differences we find in the New Testament accounts of the Risen Lord Jesus? We then ask Dr. Bowman why this matters – and why all people should care about what a thorough side-by-side comparison reveals about the credibility of the foundational claims of Christianity and of Mormonism. Book: Jesus’ Resurrection and Joseph’s Visions: Examining the Foundations of Christianity and Mormonism [https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Resurrection-Josephs-Visions-Christianity/dp/1947929119/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SSZ4EZ1LPOPG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XAPsB6-qkmwS8zDxt30vzHiOnOo3N1ZBMs7wtd9VCAzVXI45BmW8cEcj4uUUFBsyKIWaj_s72TJUKuTW8vOTNdkucmnoj8QAZVWaggxAhZ291M4zvWKcTJ3In4NXjAWjIvlut0jXrY6XubWCBiKaw5ONEWfsPXj-j4rE532VvolzNpVQlzFA0pL4IsXj-VrgmSIL45HYfZma7qMJ7wmaKNSqYYw76VrkqAkjrJlp4rc.sdWGFyfH-vj821tcolQ2y2JLlaKCcAzaEH3KwNwuY3k&dib_tag=se&keywords=Jesus%26%2339%3B+Resurrection+and+Joseph%26%2339%3Bs+Visions&qid=1777517389&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=jesus%26%2339%3B+resurrection+and+joseph%26%2339%3Bs+vision%2Caps%2C1580&sr=8-1] Check out website: RobertBowman.net [https://robertbowman.net/] Some other resources by Dr. Bowman [https://robertbowman.net/robs-books/]: —“Jacob Hansen’s False Version of Joseph Smith’s First Vision” [https://robertbowman.net/2026/05/25/jacob-hansens-false-version-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/] - The Incarnate Christ and His Critics [https://www.amazon.com/Incarnate-Christ-His-Critics-Biblical/dp/0825445795/ref=sr_1_1?crid=16LMGBHMAIRBQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MF2lsgv6f8UUSBtIWd7M9V-46jFRETooSFAZjvxMZOzLfpRBUjD5jJbyWJP8towz4vidxU4gts_OkGxGiwHop5-R96_b9M7_QCWjjux33NPxoTwFp464criQRV9-GbQWzx_Cm4XobDV_Xmq02GPkxoZfWchycAxmPGtrgDPmYX9nIftfFzlLgRwNRZqT4l6_5VR2s8C4EthNkiTkhvU0Gvt_icpqx3LyQ09ZHDovls4.Shf-2wNBsXOynlYWWAnFcOHQZb7c7IUiWbVOAYyPgcw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Robert+Bowman&qid=1777517612&s=books&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=robert+bowman%2C+j%2Cstripbooks%2C314&sr=1-1] - Faith Has Its Reasons: Integrative Approaches to Defending the Christian Faith [https://www.amazon.com/Faith-Has-Its-Reasons-Integrative/dp/083085648X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sQDlaXuqiemJHcmLN4klBV4egsUVc6iHJN1WsnnV0wDiBKt28K8Bd2Cj93nhBCozy5snmJVN84IooAN7yraksGbEylmQPdqokn5mV4sYZ5ZAbCiEus56kGD0eaV3_A94U6scFVZ-95-uljezABMEs66G8vDF6qQmaEPoY8SKg5hHYbFD4mnfMoPEHsTxnAfxmIPk9I1l1nmJmkN4_dV2RgpDYkwUghnoH8g5X0Q7zwg.V4B18MOnniFLXYar0r-3F79SjrzHmA6ZST8QqUp09p4&dib_tag=se&qid=1777519622&sr=1-4] - The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel - “The Historical Jesus and the Biblical Church: Why the Quest Matters” [https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Skepticism-Problem-History-Christian-ebook/dp/B07PSF1K2L/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3HC1AV8F63ZRS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.npST_5Pb7VaKpV-EbzvftFb46vmh_nFSVKyqSVs_Xu77swPbqJQBhHDy10N2WDLZ_wcmr0tdv7VpXpM81xxlrR80lK9X6aBykrYrEfB2st4.cOK0ayYUB93mplfArxOyhFmvwil6HOfpS5C5izRTbQ4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Jesus%2C+Skepticism+and+the+Problem+of+History%5C&qid=1777517704&s=digital-text&sbo=QS21L9be7oZFAGyl4IXR%2Bw%3D%3D&sprefix=jesus%2C+skepticism+and+the+problem+of+hist%2Cdigital-text%2C277&sr=1-1] - “Moroni’s New Testament: Proof that the Author of the Book of Mormon used the King James Version” [https://robertbowman.net/2018/07/30/moronis-new-testament-proof-that-the-author-of-the-book-of-mormon-used-the-king-james-version/] - “‘Temple of Solomon’ and Hebraisms in the Book of Mormon: A Response to Robert Boylan” [https://robertbowman.net/2024/02/15/temple-of-solomon-and-hebraisms-in-the-book-of-mormon-a-response-to-robert-boylan-re-post/] Other resources: D&C 20 [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1998/10/what-are-people-asking-about-us?lang=eng]; JSH-1 [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1?lang=eng] (also here [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrTm-BeWd3w]); “First Vision Accounts” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/first-vision-accounts?lang=eng] “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-restoration-of-the-fulness-of-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ/a-bicentennial-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng] (Q15; read by President Nelson) “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 “Joseph Smith: A Revealer of Christ” [https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie/joseph-smith-revealer-christ/]; “Joseph Smith – The Mighty Prophet of the Restoration” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1976/04/joseph-smith-the-mighty-prophet-of-the-restoration?lang=eng] by Elder Bruce R. McConkie First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins by Steven Harper Dr. Kyle Beshears on 1832 First Vision Account [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/12bb415b-91eb-4de1-b55a-9b0fc9cf8cc4] Inventing Mormonism by H. Michael Marquardt and Wesley Walters (also here [https://etsjets.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/files_JETS-PDFs_10_10-4_BETS_10_4_227-244_Walters.pdf]) Sandra Tanner on the Character of Joseph Smith [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/7b1c12be-a4a1-40b8-9a22-05832b6631be] Core Christianity by Michael Horton Scribes and Scripture by John Meade and Peter Gurry Testimonies to the Truth: Why You Can Trust the Gospels by Lydia McGrew [https://redcircle.com/shows/distinctive-christianity/ep/94c70ffc-4843-4f96-b779-a76f10820cf1] The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Leon Morris Scourby: Galatians [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1mZN4ZBoUQ], 1 Corinthians [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9aK4Rkw7rk], Acts [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDQXqeylVfM]

226. CFM: Deuteronomy

In this episode, Casey and Skyler discuss and critique the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual’s coverage of Deuteronomy. Please read (and even listen [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlIpwsb9hNY]) to Deuteronomy [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+1&version=esv] (ESV [https://www.esv.org/Deuteronomy+1/], KJV [https://www.kingjamesbible.me/Deuteronomy-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-2026/20?lang=eng] Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-seminary-manual-2026/19-deuteronomy-6-34/190-overview?lang=eng] “Becoming Like God” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/becoming-like-god?lang=eng]; “Are ‘Mormons’ Christian?” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/christians?lang=eng]; “Mother in Heaven” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/mother-in-heaven?lang=eng] (Gospel Topics Essays) “Light of Christ” [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/10/two-lines-of-communication?lang=eng] by Elder Boyd K. Packer 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]) Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer “Jesus and the Law” sermon series by Charlie Dennison [https://charliedennisonsermons.com/sermon-archive] 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; The Meaning of the Pentateuch by John Sailhammer “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] Now Choose Life: Theology and Ethics in Deuteronomy by J. Gary Millar The Christ of the Covenants by O. Palmer Robertson Covenant and Commandment by Bradley Green Treaty of the Great King: The Covenant Structure of Deuteronomy by Meredith Kline “Report of the Committee to Study Republication” (OPC) [https://opc.org/GA/republication.html] Is God a Moral Monster?; Did God Really Command Genocide? By Paul Copan Wrestling with the Violence of God, edited by M. Daniel Carroll R. and J. Blair Wilgus

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]