Distinctive Christianity

Brendon Scoggin and Skyler Hamilton
  • 4.8 (32)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Comparing Mormon and Creedal Christian Thought

  1. 211. Stephen Presley on Irenaeus of Lyons

    3D AGO

    211. Stephen Presley on Irenaeus of Lyons

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Stephen Presley to discuss his book Irenaeus of Lyons: His Life and Impact. Who was Irenaeus (c. AD130-200), and why does he matter? From a deep engagement with the Bible, to a key figure in the development in both Biblical Theology and Apologetics – Irenaeus combines both the desire for rigorous analysis and pastoral care. What was his apologetic method, and how did he view the relationship between faith and reason, Scripture and philosophy? What was the “rule of faith”, and did he subordinate Scripture to tradition? Who was the God Irenaeus worshipped, and is it valid to call him “Trinitarian”? Dr. Presley takes us through some highlights from the gnostics – and how their errors are relevant to issues faced by Christians today, and how Irenaeus can aid us in understanding how to approach both the gnosticism being identified, and how the essentials of the Christian faith contrast and respond to him. How do Christians, on one hand, balance the unity and diversity of Christianity – and yet know where the line is between Christianity and what can fairly be deemed non-christian? Listen in as Dr. Presley takes us through this, as well as some basics of his anthropology, Christology and addresses the claims the Irenaeus believed men can become gods. Book: Irenaeus of Lyons: His Life and Impact Other books by Dr. Presley: Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World Like the Early Church Biblical Theology in the Life of the Early Church Irenaues: Against Heresies, The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching Other resources: LDS Gospel Topics Essay: “Becoming Like God” Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens The Gnostic New Age by April DeConick Early Christian Doctrines by J.N.D. Kelly Veritas by Ariel Sabar A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Mary: Mother of God? by Leonardo De Chirico (and here) Scourby: The Gospel of John

    1h 54m
  2. 210. Jason Wallace on Critiquing the Influence of John Henry Newman

    MAR 9

    210. Jason Wallace on Critiquing the Influence of John Henry Newman

    In this episode, we welcome back Pastor Jason Wallace of Ancient Paths TV to discuss some of his recent video “The Patristic Roots of the Reformed Faith”. Who was John Henry Newman and what does he represent to so many who likewise seek certainty in the midst of a chaotic and fallen world? What was his actual argument on the development of doctrine, and what are some reasons Protestants should be skeptical? What is really at stake in this moment in regard to the perfect storm of perfectionism, mysticism, distorted ecclesiology – and the activism that dominates so much of the frustration today? Listen in as Pastor Wallace takes us through the mess of history, and how Protestants should adhere to the standard that should be the basis upon which developments should be determined as legitimate and faithful, or innovative and destructive. Far from “ceasing to be Protestant” as we are “deep in history” – perhaps, the opposite is the case: To accept the truth of a messy history is to begin to be Protestant. Moreover, actually dealing with history exposes the twin errors of the fantasy of imagined unanimity and the false claim of apostasy and the need for restoration. Reform, not revolution, should be the Protestant cry - with the clear recognition about the necessary and fallible church being subject to the infallible Word of God. Far from needing a personal “burning of the bosom”, or prioritizing some ecclesiastic authority’s equivalent – the Apostolic authority is not found within one’s own heart, subjectively, nor is it found in a continuing (or restored) office, charismatically; rather, Christ and the Apostles’ authority are to be found in what we have that has truly and historically come from them in Scripture. Listen in as Pastor Wallace gives his earnest plea that the Christian message continues to be Christ and Him Crucified rather than either the hollow mysticism of a new monasticism, or a new Caesar and the tyranny of a “new Christendom”. Video: “The Patristic Roots of the Reformed Faith” Channel: Ancient Paths TV “An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine” by John Henry Newman declared a “saint” by Pope Francis (Oct. 13, 2019)declared a “doctor” by Pope Leo XIV (Nov. 1, 2025) Also mentioned: “The Failure of Eastern Orthodoxy” (also here and here) “Cyril Lucaris: Calvinist Patriarch/Orthodox Saint” (also here and here) Also check out a previous interview here. Other resources: The Courage to Be Protestant by David Wells The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship by Hughes Oliphant Old Justified in Christ: The Doctrines of Peter Martyr Vermigli and John Henry Newman and Their Ecumenical Implications by Chris Castaldo “No Longer Accretions. The Problem of Roman Catholicism in Dialogue with Gavin Ortlund”; Engaging Thomas Aquinas by Leonardo De Chirico

    1h 55m
  3. 209. Matthew Johnston on The Person of Jesus Christ

    MAR 2

    209. Matthew Johnston on The Person of Jesus Christ

    In this episode, we welcome Pastor Matthew Johnston to discuss his chapter in the recent book The Nicene Creed titled: “The Person of Jesus Christ”. What does the Nicene Creed teach about Jesus of Nazareth, and how does it aid us in terms of both grammar and guardrails? At the same time, what does it mean over time as both heresies and orthodoxy develops, and how should one understand the place of the creed over time? What was the main points at issue in the Christological debates between the Reformed, with their emphasis on the distinction of the two natures of Christ – and Roman Catholicism, with their emphasis on the unity of the two natures of Christ. Given texts like Mark 13.32 and Matthew 24.36, how should one understand the knowledge of Jesus – and what is the place of suffering given Christ’s divine (impassible) nature? Pastor Johnston takes us into this now-oft-forgotten debate between Calvin and Turretin and Robert Bellarmine which includes a Roman Catholic emphasis on “the doctrine of the beatific vision in Christ’s soul from conception”, and a Protestant emphasis on “the doctrine of Christ’s two states (status duplex) – humiliation and exaltation”. Moreover, these distinctions lead into differing conceptions of the sacraments and the church. Ultimately, we ask about whether Roman Catholics and Evangelicals truly confess and worship the same Jesus. Book: The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words edited by Mark Gilbert and Leonardo De Chirico Support Pastor Matthew Johnston here Also check out the Reformanda Initiative: - “Claiming Catholicity: What Does It Mean to Be Catholic?” - “Is Rome a True Church? Wrestling with History, Reformers, and Rome Today” Other resources: “Robert Bellarmine and His Controversies with the Reformers: A Window on Post-Tridentine Roman Catholic Apologetics”; Engaging Thomas Aquinas; A Christian’s Pocket Guide to the Papacy by Leonardo De Chirico “The Catholicity of Christianity and the Church” by Herman Bavinck Nicaea and Its Legacy by Lewis Ayres The Apostles’ Creed by Albert Mohler Historical Theology (2 vol.) by William Cunningham Union with Christ and the Life of Faith by Fred Sanders Roman Catholic Theology and Practice: An Evangelical Assessment by Gregg Allison

    1h 7m

  4. FEB 25

    208. CFM: Genesis (Part 2/2)

    In this episode, Casey and Skyler continue their discussion about, and critique of, the 2026 official LDS Come, Follow Me manual's coverage of Genesis. Please read (and even listen) to Genesis (ESV, KJV) Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual) Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual Messages of the First Presidency compiled by James Clark A Rational Theology by Elder John Widtsoe Doctrines of Salvation by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith Pearl of Great Price Commentary by Milton R. Hunter Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens; The Pearl of Greatest Price: Mormonism’s Most Controversial Scripture by Terryl Givens with Brian Hauglid “This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles R. Harrell Book of Abraham Apologetics: A Review and Critique by Dan Vogel Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow The Pentateuch: Life in the Presence of God by J. Daniel Hays The Meaning of the Pentateuch by John Sailhamer The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt Interpreting Eden by Vern Poythress An Introduction to the Old Testament by E.J. Young Rethinking Genesis by Duane Garrett Thinking Through Creation by Christopher Watkin Against the Gods by John Currid The Royal Priest by Matthew Emadi From Prisoner to Prince by Samuel Emadi Adam in the New Testament by J.P. Versteeg The Imputation of Adam’s Sin by John Murray Original Sin by Henri Blocher God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva Genesis 1 Through the Ages by Stanely Jaki Biblical Theology; Reformed Dogmatics by Geerhardus Vos The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton An Introduction to Systematic Theology; Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck

    2h 48m

  5. FEB 23

    207. CFM: Genesis (Part 1/2)

    In this episode, Casey and Skyler begin their discussion about, and critique of, the official 2026 LDS Come, Follow Me manual's coverage of Genesis. Please read (and even listen) to Genesis (ESV, KJV) Come, Follow Me – Home and Church (Old Testament Manual) Old Testament Seminary Teacher Manual Messages of the First Presidency compiled by James Clark A Rational Theology by Elder John Widtsoe Doctrines of Salvation by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith Pearl of Great Price Commentary by Milton R. Hunter Wrestling the Angel by Terryl Givens; The Pearl of Greatest Price: Mormonism’s Most Controversial Scripture by Terryl Givens with Brian Hauglid “This Is My Doctrine”: The Development of Mormon Theology by Charles R. Harrell Book of Abraham Apologetics: A Review and Critique by Dan Vogel Mormons and the Bible by Philip Barlow The Pentateuch: Life in the Presence of God by J. Daniel Hays The Meaning of the Pentateuch by John Sailhamer The Bible Among the Myths by John Oswalt Interpreting Eden by Vern Poythress An Introduction to the Old Testament by E.J. Young Rethinking Genesis by Duane Garrett Thinking Through Creation by Christopher Watkin Against the Gods by John Currid The Royal Priest by Matthew Emadi From Prisoner to Prince by Samuel Emadi Adam in the New Testament by J.P. Versteeg The Imputation of Adam’s Sin by John Murray Original Sin by Henri Blocher God, Language and Scripture by Moises Silva Genesis 1 Through the Ages by Stanely Jaki Biblical Theology; Reformed Dogmatics by Geerhardus Vos The Trinitarian Theology of Cornelius Van Til by Lane Tipton An Introduction to Systematic Theology; Defense of the Faith by Cornelius Van Til Reformed Dogmatics (4 vol.’s) by Herman Bavinck

    3h 4m
  6. 206. Newell Bringhurst on President Harold B. Lee

    FEB 16

    206. Newell Bringhurst on President Harold B. Lee

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Newell G. Bringhurst to discuss his book Harold B. Lee: Life and Thought, 1899-1973. Master administrator and one who helped shape a new generation of orthodox LDS thought and leadership, Harold B. Lee served as the 11th President of the LDS Church. Though only serving as President officially from July 1972-December 1973, the influence of President Lee far outweighs his official tenure. From founding the church-wide Church Welfare Program, serving as an LDS apostle from 1941-1972, to centralizing all church programs under the Priesthood leadership in Correlation (sometimes called “the Lee Revolution”) – Dr. Bringhurst calls Harold B. Lee “the major architect of modern Mormonism”. Given his origins in rural Idaho riding on horseback, one may not have expected President Lee to be the key figure in streamlining and orchestrating the administrative framework that helped facilitate the LDS church in becoming a global institution. Having been President J. Reuben Clark’s protege, Dr. Bringhurst takes us into how this helped shape Lee into one who would himself run the LDS church - as a kind of de facto church president behind the scenes - even long before he became the public head of the institution. With an emphasis on worthiness and obedience in the theology he taught, Harold B. Lee also had a significant impact on maintaining and handing on the LDS church’s longstanding temple and priesthood ban on black people. Listen in as Dr. Bringhurst takes us through some highlights and big picture analysis of the legacy of President Harold B. Lee, including his battle between personalities like Elder Hugh B. Brown and future church President Ezra Taft Benson. From his administrative changes, to those whom he mentored and tutored – one can truly say that the legacy of Lee is has not yet ended, as we continue to see his influence throughout the LDS church today. Book: Harold B. Lee: Life and Thought, 1899-1973 Other resources by Dr. Bringhurst: - Saints, Slaves, and Blacks: The Changing Place of Blacks People within Mormonism - Brigham Young and the Expanding American Frontier - Fawn McKay Brodie: A Biographer’s Life - The Persistence of Polygamy: Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormon Polygamy - The Mormon Church and Blacks: A Documentary History - Thunder from the Right: Ezra Taft Benson in Mormonism and Politics - Reconsidering No Man Knows My History Also, some important resources by Dr. Matthew Harris: - Watchman on the Tower: Ezra Taft Benson and the Making of the Mormon Right (also check out our interview about the book here and here) - Second-Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality President Harold B. Lee resources: Official Manual Youth and the Church (1945) Decisions for Successful Living (1973) Stand Ye in Holy Places (1974) Ye are the Light of the World (1974) "The Iron Rod” (April 1971) “’Watch That Ye May Be Ready’” (October 1971) “Responsibilities of the Priesthood” (October 1971) “The Strength of the Priesthood” (April 1972) “A Time of Decision” (April 1972) “’May the Kingdom of God Go Forth’” (October 1972) “Teach the Gospel of Salvation” (October 1972) “Admonitions for the Priesthood of God” (October 1972) “A Blessing for the Saints” (October 1972) “Strengthen the Stakes of Zion” (April 1973) “Follow the Leadership of the Church” (April 1973) “’Stand Ye in Holy Places’” (April 1973) “Understanding Who We Are Brings Self-Respect” (October 1973) “General Priesthood Address” (October 1973) “Closing Remarks” (October 1973) BYU Devotionals

    2h 24m
  7. 205. Matthew Bowman on President Joseph Fielding Smith

    FEB 8

    205. Matthew Bowman on President Joseph Fielding Smith

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Matthew Bowman to discuss his book Joseph Fielding Smith: A Mormon Theologian. President Joseph Fielding Smith, tenth president of the LDS Church (from January 1970-July 1972), is “without question the most important Latter-day Saint theologian of the twentieth century”. Writing at least twenty-five books and pamphlets that touch upon every doctrinal subject, from the nature of God to eschatology, and debating everyone from Protestants to the RLDS to even fellow General Authorities – it is nearly impossible to measure the influence Fielding Smith had upon the LDS church, laity and general authority alike. From his emphasis on LDS scripture and ritual to his pessimism toward notions of progress based upon science, Dr. Bowman takes us through highlights and paradoxes that define and characterize his work from start to finish. How did Fielding Smith define scripture, given his commitment to essentials beyond the text (such as LDS Temples)? Why did Fielding Smith oppose the work of his fellow general authorities who were much more open to synthesizing modern science with Mormon theology? What was the story behind the publication of Fielding Smith’s “crowning achievement” Man: His Origin and Destiny in 1954? Is there reason to believe that Fielding Smith hid Joseph Smith’s 1832 First Vision account? Listen in, as Dr. Bowman takes us through this and more as we hear about some highlights of one of the most theologically and administratively significant LDS apostles and LDS church President-Prophets. Book: Joseph Fielding Smith: A Mormon Theologian Other resources by Dr. Bowman: - The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith - Christian: The Politics of a Word in America - The Urban Pulpit: New York City and the Fate of Liberal Evangelicalism Check out: Official Manual Some resources by Joseph Fielding Smith: Essentials in Church History Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (edited) The Way to Perfection The Progress of Man Signs of the Times Man: His Origin and Destiny Doctrines of Salvation (3 volumes) Answers to Gospel Questions (5 volumes) Some Talks: “The Law of Divine Witnesses” (October 18, 1949) “The Origin of Man” (April 22, 1953) “The Immutable Laws of God” (June 15, 1953) “The Knowledge that Saves” (June 23, 1954) “The Atonement of Jesus Christ” (January 25, 1955) “The Purpose of Mortal Life” (May 1, 1956) “Seeking Salvation in the Kingdom of God” (January 22, 1961) “Essentials of Faith” (June 24, 1964) “The Blessings of Eternal Glory” (April 23, 1968) “Sealing Power and Salvation” (January 12, 1971) General Conference Talks as President of the Church: “Out of Darkness” “Our Responsibilities as Priesthood Holders” “A Witness and a Blessing” “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth” “Blessings of the Priesthood” “Let the Spirit of Oneness Prevail” “Counsel to the Saints and to the World” “Eternal Keys and the Right to Preside” “A Prophet’s Blessing” Other resources: “Another Look at Joseph Smith’s First Vision” by Stan Larson History of the Idea of Progress by Robert Nisbet Progress and Religion by Christopher Dawson

    2h 24m
  8. 204. Michael Lawrence on Conversion

    FEB 2

    204. Michael Lawrence on Conversion

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Michael Lawrence to discuss his book Conversion: How God Creates a People. What is conversion, and specifically – conversion to Christ Jesus, our unique Lord? Why did Nicodemus think being re-born from the physical womb was more reasonable than what Jesus was teaching? Dr. Lawrence takes us through distinctions between a “gospel” of nice and the true Gospel of new, true and false repentance, true and false assurance – and distinguishing the therapeutic pseudo-gospel of self-fulfillment and the real gospel of being born of God, the Holy Spirit and a calling to joy and sorrow. Was the Reformation based in subjectivity, or do Rome and the East project that onto the Reformers to hide legalism and a deadly subjective mysticism of their own? We also discuss the value of the sacraments, how the church isn’t optional, and discuss how a wrong ecclesiology can lead to confusion about the kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world. Listen in as Dr. Lawrence helps bring clarity in being Bible-based and balanced in our approach into the heart of any true Christian life, both individually and collectively. Book: Conversion: How God Creates a People A few resources by Dr. Lawrence: - “False Repentance Leads to False Conversions” - “The False Gospel of Nice” - The Acts of the Apostles Other resources: The Heart of Christ in Heaven Toward Sinners on Earth by Thomas Goodwin Confessions; The City of God by Saint Augustine (also here) What is the Mission of the Church? by Kevin DeYoung Divine Government: God’s Kingship in the Gospel of Mark by R. T. France In Defense of the Eschaton by William Dennison (also here, here, here) The Witness of the Synoptic Gospels to Christ by Ned Stonehouse Justification (2 vol.’s); Recovering our Sanity by Michael Horton

    1h 24m
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About

Comparing Mormon and Creedal Christian Thought

Information

  • Creator
    Brendon Scoggin and Skyler Hamilton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    211
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Distinctive Christianity

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