Shows
Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusSinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Pt. 2 (Things LDS Hate Series: Hell)This episode, we kicked off our “Things Mormons Hate” series, in which Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul discuss Jonathan Edwards’ important sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” There are two parts to our discussion. In this second part, we discuss our thoughts about Edwards’ sermon and include a reading of the sermon. We hope you enjoy this conversation and presentation of “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” If you are outside of Christ, flee to the mountain!
2021-11-2152 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusSinners in the Hands of an Angry God, Pt. 1 (Things LDS Hate Series: Hell)This episode, we kick off our short, “Things Mormons Hate” series. Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul discuss Jonathan Edwards’ important sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” There are two parts to our discussion. In this first part, we talk about our understanding of God’s wrath when we were LDS, passages in LDS canon that reference the wrath of God, how we understand the wrath of God juxtaposed with the love of God, the danger of a theology that focuses solely on the love of God, people in church history who have attempted to create th...
2021-11-2153 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusProof Texting the LDS Testimony (The Testimonium, Pt. 1)In this episode, Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul discuss the proof texts that are used within Latter-day Saint teachings regarding the LDS testimony. They ask questions of the texts, such as:
Are they being used in context?
What might they mean if they mean something different than how they are used in LDS teachings?
Come along with us for the ride.
2021-11-071h 13Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusUnderstanding the Mormon Journey: Do Theology Interview, Pt. 2Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul were invited by our friend Jeremy Howard to go on the Do Theology Podcast to answer some blunt questions. This is the second part of that interview.
2021-10-2558 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusUnderstanding the Mormon Journey: Do Theology Interview, Pt. 1Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul were invited by our friend Jeremy Howard to go on the Do Theology Podcast to answer some blunt questions. This is the first part of that interview. In this installment, Jeremy asks us to revisit our transitions out of the LDS Church, and then asks us if we really experienced a burning in the bosom in our efforts to gain a testimony of the LDS Church and the Book of Mormon.
2021-10-0454 min
Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMore Mormon Exaltation Dilemmas, Pt. 3 (w/ Aaron Shafovaloff)In this episode, Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul wrap up their conversation with Aaron Shafovaloff. Here they discuss a number of dilemmas that Aaron has documented but not yet written into article form. Our goal here is to think through LDS theology, taking it out to its logical conclusions. We hope you enjoy this episode.
2021-09-2655 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMormon Exaltation Dilemmas, Pt. 2 (w/ Aaron Shafovaloff)This week we continue our discussion with Aaron Shafovaloff about his article Dilemmas of Mormon Exaltation. We cover wrap up a dicussion of his second dilemma, "2. Expanding Godhead vs. overlapping godheads" and cover his fourth dilemma "4. Exhaustible vs. infinite pool of coeternal intelligences," and wrap up with his thrid dilemma "3. Shared vs. independent dominion between gods."
2021-09-1949 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMormon Exaltation Dilemmas, Pt. 1 (w/ Aaron Shafovaloff)This week Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul welcome Aaron Shafovaloff to Outer Brightness. He joined us to discuss his article “Dilemmas of Mormon Exaltation.” Aaron spent nearly three hours with us, and we’re excited to share these with you. In this first installment, we introduce Aaron and his article and discuss the first dilemma he enumerates and begin a discussion of the second.
2021-09-1455 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusThe Divinity and Humanity ofJesus Christ (w/ Jaxon Washburn)In this episode, The Apostate Paul and Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist welcome Latter-day Saint, Jaxon Washburn, back to Outer Brightness. They discuss Episode 37 "The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus Christ" from Y Religion, the podcast of the BYU Religion Department. In that episode, Professor Jason Combs is interviewed about an article he wrote. Jaxon sent us the podcast episode and we thought it would be a good opportunity to discuss the differences and similarities between LDS and Christian views on this topic. We hope you enjoy this conversation!
2021-09-061h 49Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusIs Compatibilism Compatible with Mormonism? Pt. 2 (w/ Tarik D. LaCour)In this episode, we welcome a Latter-day Saint guest to Outer Brightness. Tarik D. LaCour is a PhD candidate in Philosophy at Texas A&M University. In this second installment of our conversation with Tarik, we discuss the LDS view of eternal laws that are external to God, and ask Tarik what he thinks about the Christian view that morality is rooted in God’s perfect nature. We also discuss the Trinity and ask Tarik what other moral or philosophical questions about non-LDS Christian beliefs he thinks are the most difficult for LDS to understand or make it difficult fo...
2021-08-3050 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusIs Compatibilism Compatible with Mormonism? Pt. 1 (w/ Tarik D. LaCour)In this episode, we welcome a Latter-day Saint guest to Outer Brightness. Tarik D. LaCour is a PhD candidate in Philosophy at Texas A&M University. The topic of free-will (or moral agency) is deeply intertwined with LDS theology. Philosophically, Tarik holds to the position of soft determinism. That position is often called Compatibilism, and is the view that human free-will is compatible with God's omniscience. Compatibilism is the position often taken by Calvinists. Latter-day Saints are typically Libertarian when it comes to the concept of free-will, and some even adopt the Open Theist view, which holds that God...
2021-08-3046 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusExploring Biblical Inerrancy, Pt. 3 (w/ Steve James)In this episode, Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul continue the conversation with Steve James. In this final installment, we continue the dialogue around the definitions of “inspiration” and “revelation,” the idea that the use of Ancient Near Eastern texts by Old Testament writers is “polemical,” the Divine Council Worldview of Dr. Michael S. Heiser. We also begin discussing the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and questions Steve posed regarding several if it’s articles, and the perspicuity of scripture. Is revelation from God to prophets and apostles needed today? We discuss several ideas that Steve posed as areas where...
2021-08-2258 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusExploring Biblical Inerrancy, Pt. 2 (w/ Steve James)In this episode, Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul continue the conversation with Steve James. In this second installment, we continue the conversation of the eighth LDS Article of Faith as it relates to the claim in 1 Nephi Chapter 8 in the Book of Mormon that plain and precious truths were removed from the Bible after the Early Church received the Hebrew Bible from the Jewish people, we talk about translations (JST vs. ESV), other modern books that claim to be revealed Scripture, proper definitions for the terms “inspiration” and “revelation,” and the concept of Biblical authors “borrowing” from source...
2021-08-2259 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusExploring Biblical Inerrancy, Pt. 1 (w/ Steve James)In this episode, Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul welcome Steve James to Outer Brightness. Steve is a Latter-day Saint that we have dialogued with in various Facebook groups. Steve and Paul were having a spirited dialogue about the doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy in one of the groups and we decided to invite him on the program to continue the conversation. In this first installment, we introduce ourselves to each other to give context to the topic, and begin the discussion of Biblical Inerrancy with a conversation about the eighth LDS Article of Faith and a proper...
2021-08-2259 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusAre Mormons Christian?, Pt. 1 (LDS Gospel Topics Essays Series)In this episode, Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul read and respond to the LDS Gospel Topics Essay titled, Are Mormons Christian? Covered here are the "Introduction" and first main section, "Latter-day Saints Do Not Accept the Creeds of Post-New Testament Christianity". We hope you enjoy this conversation.
2021-08-1546 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusAre Mormons Christian?, Pt. 2 (LDS Gospel Topics Essays Series)In this episode, Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul read and respond to the LDS Gospel Topics Essay titled, Are Mormons Christian? Covered here in Part 2 are the other two main sections of the article "Latter-day Saints Believe in a Restored Christianity" and "Latter-day Saints Believe in an Open Canon," as well as the "Conclusion." We hope you enjoy this conversation.
2021-08-151h 20Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhy We Study TheologyIn this bonus episode, Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul sit down to discuss why we study theology.
2021-08-081h 08Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusThe Iron Rod and The Escalator of GodIn this final episode of Season 5 of the Outer Brightness podcast, Michael & Briana join Matthew and Paul to discuss Michael’s article “The Iron Rod and the Escalator of God.” In this article, Michael focused on the topic of sanctification and how that plays out in the Christian’s life. We hope you enjoy this conversation!
Michael’s article can be found here:
https://fromwatertowine.org/the-iron-rod-and-the-escalator-of-god/
2021-08-011h 13Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusBye, FlourniciaIt's the end of an era, the beginning of something new. Bye, Flournicia.
2021-08-0119 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMormon Charismatics (w/ Steven Pynakker), Pt. 1This week the Apostate Paul and Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist welcome Steven Pynakker to Outer Brightness. Steven is a charismatic Christian whose YouTube channel, Mormon Book Reviews, has taken off over the past few months. Steven has an interest in Mormon history and is very well read. He reviews books about Mormonism on his channel and interviews Mormon authors and historians, as well as others interested in Mormon history. He has shown that it is possible for Christians and Mormons to dialogue in respectful ways. We hope you enjoy this conversation.
Link to our episode on Steven's...
2021-07-251h 04Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMormon Charismatics (w/ Steven Pynakker), Pt. 2This week the Apostate Paul and Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist welcome Steven Pynakker to Outer Brightness. Steven is a charismatic Christian whose YouTube channel, Mormon Book Reviews, has taken off over the past few months. Steven has an interest in Mormon history and is very well read. He reviews books about Mormonism on his channel and interviews Mormon authors and historians, as well as others interested in Mormon history. He has shown that it is possible for Christians and Mormons to dialogue in respectful ways. We hope you enjoy this conversation.
Link to our episode on Steven's...
2021-07-251h 14Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusHaving Effective Family Conversations, Pt. 2This week, you get to join me (The Apostate Paul) as a (fire)fly on the wall for a conversation between Michael the Ex-Mormon Apologist and his brother David, a Latter-day Saint. They talk most days during their commutes, and we think that this models how to how to have effective conversations about the gospel and doctrine with family, while maintaining those important relationships.
2021-07-181h 09Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusHaving Effective Family Conversations, Pt. 1This week, you get to join me (The Apostate Paul) as a (fire)fly on the wall for a conversation between Michael the Ex-Mormon Apologist and his brother David, a Latter-day Saint. They talk most days during their commutes, and we think that this models how to how to have effective conversations about the gospel and doctrine with family, while maintaining those important relationships.
2021-07-181h 10Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusBecoming Like God, Pt. 3 (LDS Gospel Topics Essay Series)Hey Fireflies! Welcome to this bonus episode of Outer Brightness: From Mormon to Jesus. The Apostate Paul here. I’m recording a new intro for this episode, because since Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and I recorded this episode on July 1, the state of affairs has changed. So in this intro, I’m going to provide a quick timeline.
In 2012 or 2013, the LDS Church began publishing Gospel Topics Essays designed to allow church members to learn about difficult topics in LDS Church history and doctrine directly from the Church’s official website, rather than other online sources. These essays...
2021-07-1159 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusBecoming Like God, Pt. 2 (Gospel Topics Essay Series)Hey Fireflies! Welcome to this bonus episode of Outer Brightness: From Mormon to Jesus. The Apostate Paul here. I’m recording a new intro for this episode, because since Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and I recorded this episode on July 1, the state of affairs has changed. So in this intro, I’m going to provide a quick timeline.
In 2012 or 2013, the LDS Church began publishing Gospel Topics Essays designed to allow church members to learn about difficult topics in LDS Church history and doctrine directly from the Church’s official website, rather than other online sources. These essays...
2021-07-111h 03Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusBecoming Like God, Pt. 1 (Gospel Topics Essay Series)Hey Fireflies! Welcome to this bonus episode of Outer Brightness: From Mormon to Jesus. The Apostate Paul here. I’m recording a new intro for this episode, because since Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and I recorded this episode on July 1, the state of affairs has changed. So in this intro, I’m going to provide a quick timeline.
In 2012 or 2013, the LDS Church began publishing Gospel Topics Essays designed to allow church members to learn about difficult topics in LDS Church history and doctrine directly from the Church’s official website, rather than other online sources. These essays...
2021-07-111h 09Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWho‘s Herman? Hermeneutics: The Art and Science of Biblical InterpretationIn this episode, Matthew the Nuclear Calvinist and the Apostate Paul deal the dirt, and talk about your friend and our friend, Herman. Who’s Herman? Hermeneutics: The Art and Science of Biblical Interpretation. How should we read and understand the Bible. If a passage is difficult to understand, what are the steps to unpacking the author's intent? We tackle these questions and more in this episode.
Check out these other resources:
What Is Biblical Hermeneutics?
Hermeneutics: Principles and Processes of Biblical Interpretation by Henry Virkler and Karelynne Ayayo
2021-07-041h 54Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusFrom Nothing: Creatio Ex Nihilo, Pt. 2In this episode, the scions of light wrap up conversation on a topic that an LDS missionary listener named Jeremy asked them to discuss. The doctrine of creation, and whether God created ex materia (from existing materials) or ex nihilo (from nothing), is a key point of departure between Mormonism and Christianity. Here we discuss how it affects other doctrines and practices and dig into some of the Biblical support for creatio ex nihilo.
If you're interested in reading some of the discussion of this topic that we had with some latter-day saints, check out these FB...
2021-06-2752 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusIn the Beginning: Creatio Ex Nihilo, Pt. 1In this episode, the scions of light tackle a topic that an LDS missionary listener named Jeremy asked them to discuss. The doctrine of creation, and whether God created ex materia (from existing materials) or ex nihilo (from nothing), is a key point of departure between Mormonism and Christianity. Here we discuss how it affects other doctrines and practices.
You can read Paul Copan's (Christian) defense of the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo against the claim that it was a later development in church history here.
William Lane Craig's (Christian) article "Creation ex nihilo: Theology...
2021-06-2053 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusThe Importance of Christian Apologetics (w/ Rich Hoyer)In this episode, Michael and Paul welcome Rich Hoyer to the program. Rich is a pastor of a church in the Louisville, Kentucky area. He’s also heavily involved in apologetics, planning and hosting the annual Reveal Conference, which brings Christian apologists to the Louisville and Indianapolis areas. Rich dropped by to share his thoughts on why Christian apologetics is important.
Check out Rich's blog Damming Pop Religion.
Watch an onlinea sermon he preached for for Lyndon Christian Church on Ephesians 2:8-9 titled "The Beauty of Grace."
2021-06-1344 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusOvercoming Shame and the Life of a Beggar, Pt. 2 (w/ Fred Anson)In this episode, we bring you part two of an interview we conducted with Fred Anson.
Fred is the driving force behind Beggar’s Bread, a Christian blog where Beggars share the bread that they’ve so freely and graciously received.
Before Fred converted to Christianity in the 1970’s he was an atheist.
Early in his life as a Christian, he became enmeshed in a high-demand, Christian cult called the Shepherding Movement.
Fred visited Outer Brightness to share his story, and what he learned about mind-control from his time in the Shephe...
2021-06-0656 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusOvercoming Shame and the Life of a Beggar (w/ Fred Anson), Pt. 1In this episode and the next, we bring you an interview we conducted with Fred Anson.
Fred is the driving force behind Beggar’s Bread, a Christian blog where Beggars share the bread that they’ve so freely and graciously received.
Before Fred converted to Christianity in the 1970’s he was an atheist.
Early in his life as a Christian, he became enmeshed in a high-demand, Christian cult called the Shepherding Movement.
Fred visited Outer Brightness to share his story, and what he learned about mind-control from his time in the Shephe...
2021-05-3058 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusAdam‘s Road Piano (w/ Matt Wilder of Adam‘s Road Ministry)In this episode, two of the scions of light (Briana and Matthew) interview Matt Wilder of Adam's Road Ministry. Matt composes beautiful original piano pieces and adds to them spoken word readings from Scripture. Adam's Road Piano is one of his creative outlets. He visited Outer Brightness to discuss his journey from Mormon to Jesus and what he's currently doing with the Adam's Road Ministry. We hope you enjoy this interview.
Learn more about Adam's Road Ministry here.
Check out Adam's Road Piano here.
Subscribe to Adam's Road Piano on YouTube here.
2021-05-2347 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusPassport to Heaven (w/ Micah Wilder of Adam‘s Road Ministry)In this episode, two of the scions of light (Michael and Paul) interview Micah Wilder of Adam's Road Ministry. Micah's book Passport to Heaven will be released on June 1, 2021. He dropped by Outer Brightness to talk about his story, his ministry and his book. We hope you enjoy this interview.
2021-05-1647 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusArticles of Faith Series RecapIn this episode, the scions of light look back on the series of episodes they've done on the LDS Articles of Faith. They each share and discuss some of their favorite moments from that series.
2021-05-091h 04Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusOB Year 1 RetrospectiveIn this bonus episode, the scions of light announce the addition of Bri the Christ-Warrior Princess to the Outer Brightness. They also look back on Year 1 of the podcast and share some of their favorite moments that made it into episodes, as well as some that didn't. Finally, they share some exciting news about current developments related to distribution.
2021-05-0929 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Morality? (Articles of Faith Series)In this episode, two of the scions (Matthew & Paul) get together to discuss the 13th LDS Article of Faith and discuss the question: "What about morality?"
2021-05-021h 28Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusIt‘s Not Magic: The Gathering, Pt. 2 (Articles of Faith Series)The scions of light continue and wrap up their discussion of LDS Article of Faith #10 related to the gathering of Israel. Last episode they talked about some LDS folk doctrines related to the lost 10 tribes. Listen to this episode to find out if our intrepid podcasters can locate the money quote from Joseph Smith about a literal changing of blood to make one a descendant of Abraham.
2021-04-2551 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About the Gathering? Pt. 1 (Articles of Faith Series)The scions of light have discuss LDS Article of Faith #10 related to the gathering of Israel. They discuss some of the unique LDS teachings and folk doctrines surrounding this topic and juxtapose those ideas with what they now believe as Christians about the gathering of Israel.
2021-04-1843 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusThe Vicarious AtonementThe scions of light discuss an article by Michael titled "The Vicarious Atonement: A Proclamation to Latter-day Saints." Read the article here: https://fromwatertowine.org/the-vicarious-atonement-a-proclamation-to-latter-day-saints/
2021-04-111h 33Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusThe ResurrectionThe Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event in human history. Romans, chapter 1, verse 4 states that Jesus was “declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” In other words, the Resurrection was God’s powerful declaration of Jesus as His Son. As we celebrate Resurrection day today, our topic is the Resurrection. We hope you enjoy this discussion!
2021-04-0459 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusDo They Continue? The Gifts, Pt. 2 (Articles of Faith SeriesIn this episode, the sons of light continue their discussion of the Gifts of the Spirit. They tackle questions about whether the gifts were evident in Old Testament believers, what the gifts are, if there are different categories of gifts, and whether or not the gifts (all of them) continue. We hope you enjoy this conversation!
2021-03-2851 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About the Gifts of the Spirit, Pt. 1 (Articles of Faith Series)In this episode the sons of light discuss the Gifts of the Spirit. They kick off by sharing their experiences as Mormons, the continuationist position that the LDS Church takes, and they begin to discuss the biblical data regarding spiritual gifts.
2021-03-2140 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusBalancing Scriptural Truth with Spiritual WorshipHow do Christians balance their worship of God in spirit and in truth? That is the topic that the sons of light take up this week. They discuss questions surrounding this topic and share how their understanding has grown through their journeys. Hang around to the end because they discuss the way James 1:5 is used in Joseph Smith’s first vision account and by Latter-day Saints as well as other questions.
2021-03-141h 41Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusBook of Abraham Debate RecapMatthew and Paul recap the Book of Abraham debate Paul had with LDS Apologist Brett Dennis. They discuss feedback provided by Jeremy Howard, Robert Boylan, and a listener named Richard, who recommended a YouTube video by another LDS apologist, Paul Gregersen. Matthew and Paul take time to respond to Gregersen's overall argument. We hope you enjoy this bonus episode.
2021-03-101h 22Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusDebate: Is the Book of Abraham Ancient Scripture?LDS Apologist Brett Dennis joined Outer Brightness for a formal debate with Paul. The topic was "Is the Book of Abraham Ancient Scripture?"
2021-03-072h 32Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Continuing Revelation? (Articles of Faith Series)In this episode the sons of light discuss the ninth LDS article of faith and the concept of continuing revelation. This topic has a lot to unpack, branching out into topics related to additional scripture and canon and modern day prophets and apostles. We hope you enjoy this discussion.
2021-02-281h 02Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusReformed Covenant Theology (w/ Darren Colwell & Ben Hyink)The sons of light are joined by Darren Colwel and Ben Hyink. Both are church planting pastors at Covenant Grace Church in Syracuse, Utah. They joined us to discuss Covenant Theology. We think our conversation will be helpful to Latter-day Saints or post-Latter-day Saints seeking to understand the Bible and theology more fully. You can find out more information about Covenant Grace Church at: https://www.covenantgraceutah.org/
2021-02-212h 10Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Priesthood and Church Structure?, Pt. 3 (Articles of Faith Series)This episode wraps the discussion the sons of light had on priesthood. Here they cover questions around placing oneself under the authority of local church leaders, whether or not they have more confidence without the LDS priesthood, what they would say to a Latter-day Saint who claims that exclusive LDS priesthood authority is necessary for ordinances to be effectual, and finally, they dig into some of the common proof texts Latter-day Saints use to argue for the necessity of their priesthood.
2021-02-141h 00Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Priesthood and Church Structure? Pt. 2 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light continue their discussion of the LDS and Christian views of priesthood. The questions this time cover topics of worthiness, the perception that Latter-day Saints have that Christians lack authority, local church leadership in the churches Paul, Matthew, and Michael attend, and trusting church leadership after Mormonism.
2021-02-071h 06Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Priesthood and Church Structure?, Pt. 1 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light begin a discussion of the LDS view of priesthood. Here they tackle questions about their experiences in the LDS Church with priesthood, what it meant to them and their families, as well as the LDS Church hierarchy. Trigger Warning: The last twenty minutes or so of this episode contain discussion of sensitive topics. We’ll let you know when you bow out should you so desire.
2021-01-311h 26Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Sacraments?, Redux: The Lord‘s Supper, Pt. 3 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light wrap up their deep dive discussion of the Lord's Supper. Here they finish their discussion of 1 Corinthians 11:17-29, and then tackle two questions related to what post-Mormons should know about the blessings of baptism and the Lord’s Supper as given in the Bible compared with what they were taught as latter-day saints, and what advice they have for post-Mormons who are hesitant to “take the plunge.”
2021-01-241h 02Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Sacraments?, Redux: The Lord‘s Supper, Pt. 2 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light continue their deep dive discussion of the Lord's Supper. They begin to look closely at the relevant New Testament passages related to this sacrament, and discuss their meaning and application. Here they cover Luke 22:17-21, 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, and begin their discussion of 1 Corinthians 11:17-29.
2021-01-171h 05Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Sacraments?, Redux: The Lord‘s Supper, Pt. 1 (Articles of Faith Series)In this episode the sons of light continue their discussion of the sacraments with a deep dive on the Lord's Supper. They kick it off with a question about comparing and contrasting their experience with the "sacrament" as latter-day saints and their experience with the Lord's Supper as Christians.
2021-01-101h 18Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusBecoming Perfect: A Response to Book of Mormon Central‘s Come Follow Me InsightsThe sons of light respond to a YouTube video that one of Paul’s sisters sent to him as an example of what the LDS Church teaches about grace. The video is by Book of Mormon Central's Come Follow Me Insights YouTube channel, is instructive. We thought it would be helpful to our listeners to do a response episode.
Come Follow Me Insights Video 3 Nephi 12-14
2021-01-032h 02Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusThe Mormon Chameleon, Pt. 2 (Matthew‘s Article)In this episode, we finish our discussion of an article that Matthew wrote for Beggar’s Bread. The article was published in two parts, and here we focus on Part 2. We discuss the challenges LDS have integrating what past leaders have taught about perfectionism with the more recent focus on grace within LDS discourse, and how the lingering teachings and practices related to exaltation challenge their ability to so integrate.
2020-12-271h 08Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusChristmas Music & MemoriesIn this episode the sons of light discuss some of their favorite Christmas music and memories of celebrating Christmas as young latter-day saints. Because this is The Outer Brightness Podcast, they discuss their journeys related to Christmas, and what new traditions they enjoy now as Christians. We hope you enjoy this episode and may the peace of Christ be with you in this wonderful season!
2020-12-201h 42Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusThe Mormon Chameleon, Pt. 1 (Matthew‘s Article)In this episode, we focus in on an article that Matthew wrote for Beggar’s Bread. The article was published in two parts, and here we focus on Part 1 (our discussion of the concluding part of his article will follow in two weeks). In Part 1, we discuss how the LDS conception of God affects their view of the gospel, as well as how perfectionism flows out from that.
2020-12-131h 16Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Sacraments?, Redux: Baptism, Pt. 3 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light wrap up a focused conversation on topics and questions around the first of the two main Protestant sacraments/ordinances: baptism. We hope you enjoy this deep dive.
2020-12-061h 10Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Sacraments? Redux: Baptism, Pt.2 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light continue a focused conversation on topics and questions around the first of the two main Protestant sacraments/ordinances: baptism. We hope you enjoy this deep dive!
2020-11-291h 08Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Sacraments? Redux: Baptism, Pt. 1 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light begin a focused conversation on topics and questions around the first of the two main Protestant sacraments/ordinances: baptism. We hope you enjoy this deep dive!
2020-11-2347 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusAdvice for the Post-Mormon, New ChristianThe sons of light are joined by Briana Flournoy and Dan Nurnberg for a roundtable discussion. The five post-Mormon Christians look back on their journeys and offer advice to others coming to Biblical Christianity from Mormonism. Lessons learned and laughter abound. We pray this conversation blesses your life.
2020-11-152h 16Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusNew Life with Paul CardallThe sons of light are joined by Michael's wife Briana Flournoy to interview Dove Award winning pianist and composer, Paul Cardall. He has a fascinating story of God working in his life to bring him through severe health challenges and through a journey from Mormonism to Jesus Christ. We hope you enjoy this episode! You can learn more about Paul Cardall and his music at https://www.paulcardall.com/
2020-11-112h 07Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Politics? (Articles of Faith Series)In this episode the sons of light attempt to tackle a subject that always creates more heat than light and may be more contentious even than religion: politics. What does the Bible say about political involvement and activism? More than one might think. Let's take a look together.
2020-11-0249 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Religious Freedom and Respect? with Jeremy Howard (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light are joined by Jeremy Howard, staff pastor at Orchard Hills Bible Church in Payson, Utah and co-host of the Do Theology podcast. He joined us for our discussion of the eleventh LDS Article of Faith to talk about religious freedom and respect. Jeremy developed a chart delineating Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary doctrines of the Christian faith. We discuss all of that with him. If you’re interested in better understanding where Mormonism differs from historic Christianity on primary doctrines like the nature of God and Salvation, this is a great episode for that.
If...
2020-10-281h 07Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Sacraments?, Pt. 2 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light continue their discussion of the sacraments of the Christian faith. This is the second in an introductory series on sacraments and here the focus is largely on the experiential differences between how the sons of light received and experienced the sacraments in the LDS Church versus in their various Christian churches.
2020-10-251h 19Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusTaking it to the Streets with Vocab MaloneThe sons of light are joined by "The Street Apologist" a.k.a. Vocab Malone. Vocab recently debated Mormon apologist Kwaku El on Marlon Wilson's The Gospel Truth YouTube channel. Vocab came on The Outer Brightness Podcast to debrief the debate. You can watch the full debate between Vocab and Kwaku here:
https://youtu.be/bJRf7683Vew
You can connect with Vocab's channel Street Apologist Live here:
https://www.youtube.com/c/VocabMalone/
2020-10-211h 44Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Sacraments?, Pt. 1 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light begin a discussion about the ordinances, or sacraments, of the Christian faith. They begin by reflecting on the views they held as Latter-day Saints and comparing and contrasting those with the views they now hold. The first part of this discussion wraps up with their comments on the difference in terminology (ordinances vs. sacraments).
2020-10-181h 07Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Original Sin?, Pt. 2 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light wrap up their discussion of Original Sin, a topic that represents a stark contrast between Mormonism and Christianity. Here they talk about what the Bible says about the effects that sin has on the human will, Augustine’s analogies about the effects of sin (with a detour into the humor of sleep deprived minds, the effect of recording late on Friday nights), whether this doctrine was a hard one for them to accept as they transitioned to Christianity, and LDS objections the doctrine of Original Sin.
2020-10-1146 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Original Sin?, Pt. 1 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light discuss a doctrine that often places Latter-day Saints at odds with orthodox Christians. Original Sin is the doctrine that humanity's fallen nature prohibits individuals from coming to God and salvation on their own. Mormons have a strong doctrine of free will. The questions we discuss here tease out the theological and scriptural differences.
2020-10-0455 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWitnessing to Latter-day Saints: A Discussion From the Front LinesThe sons of light are joined by a special guest. Jordan Rittmeyer is a full-time Christian missionary to the Latter-day Saint people with Trigrace Ministries in Ephraim, Utah. We discussed Jordan’s ministry and picked his brain for tips on witnessing in love to Latter-day Saints.
2020-10-011h 45Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWisdom for the LDS MissionaryIn this episode the sons of light set up a hypothetical situation. We ask the question, "What if our younger missionary selves knocked at our door? What would we say to them now that we've crossed over to the other side?"
2020-09-272h 22Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusIdentity: Mormon or In Christ?, Pt.3The sons of light round out a discussion on how the concept of identity relates to their faith journeys. In this first part, they discuss how their sense of self has changed since going through their faith transition, if they would say they are still “Mormon” in any sense, and what the Bible has to say about identity.
2020-09-2052 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusIdentity: Mormon or In Christ?, Pt. 2The sons of light continue a discussion on how the concept of identity relates to their faith journeys. In this first part, they discuss whether or not they had internalized an identity as Mormon by the time they were adults, whether or not tribal mentality affects Christians, and if their transition to Protestant Christianity resulted in a disturbance in their sense of self.
2020-09-141h 05Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusIdentity: Mormon or In Christ?, Pt. 1The sons of light begin a discussion on how the concept of identity relates to their faith journeys. In this first part, they discuss when they first recall having a sense of self, what role their religion played in their sense of self as a child, and how the LDS Church specifically shaped their sense of self during their adolescent years.
2020-09-061h 00Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusThe Three LDS ConversionsIn this episode, the sons of light discuss an article by Michael titled, "The Three LDS Conversions: A Primer for the Befuddled." While the intended audience of this article is Christians witnessing to Latter-day Saints, the discussion here could be helpful to an LDS or post-LDS seeking to understand their own interactions with the LDS Church. We hope you find our conversation helpful.
2020-08-301h 55Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusFalling Into Grace (Michael‘s New Book)In this episode, Michael the Ex-Mormon Apologist takes some time out from his universe-wide book tour to stop in at the Outer Brightness studio. He talks with Matthew and Paul about his new book, Falling Into Grace: How A Mormon Apologist Stumbled Into Christianity.
Pick up your copy here:
Amazon Link
2020-08-2342 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Salvation? Pt. 3 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light wrap up their discussion of topics related to salvation, covering questions about how works play into salvation, real talk on whether they ever doubt their salvation, what gives them hope in those moments, and how their view of Christ has changed after leaving the LDS faith. They're also introduced to Mr. Pibb.
2020-08-1648 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Salvation?, Pt. 2 (Articles of Faith Series)The one in which the sons of light actually discuss Flournoy's Wager, as well as Christian liberty, how justice plays into salvation, and which passages of Scripture led them to change their views.
2020-08-091h 10Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Salvation?, Pt. 1 (Articles of Faith Series)The sons of light begin a discussion of topics related to salvation. In this episode they discuss the importance of having a correct understanding of the gospel, forensic justification, deathbed repentance, and Flournoy's Wager.
2020-08-0357 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMormonism: Impossible Gospel or Gospel of Grace? (w/ Jaxon Washburn)The sons of light welcome Jaxon Washburn to the podcast. Jaxon is an aspiring LDS scholar who wrote a blog article defending the idea that Moroni 10:32-33 in the Book of Mormon teaches salvation by grace. We invited him on to discuss that article and topics related to LDS teachings on salvation more broadly.
2020-07-262h 52Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusBehind Enemy Lines: Born Again Book of Mormon? (w/ Radio Free Mormon)Matthew the Knucklier Calvinist and Paul Bunyan go "behind enemy lines" on the Radio Free Mormon podcast to chat about an article he wrote on born again experiences in the Book of Mormon.
2020-07-192h 19Outer Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About The Trinity?, Pt. 3 (Articles of Faith Series)In this episode, the sons of light tackle questions that Michael, The Ex-Mormon Apologist, used to toss at Christians to try to undermine the Doctrine of the Trinity. They talk about their own struggles with understanding this doctrine and what ultimately convinced them that it is a biblical doctrine, and led them to accept it. The questions here stem from LDS Article of Faith #1.
2020-07-1237 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About The Trinity?, Pt. 2 (Articles of Faith Series)In this episode, the sons of light tackle questions that Michael, The Ex-Mormon Apologist, used to toss at Christians to try to undermine the Doctrine of the Trinity. They talk about their own struggles with understanding this doctrine and what ultimately convinced them that it is a biblical doctrine, and led them to accept it. The questions here stem from LDS Article of Faith #1.
2020-07-0545 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About The Trinity?, Pt. 1 (Articles of Faith Series)In this episode, the sons of light tackle questions that Michael, The Ex-Mormon Apologist, used to toss at Christians to try to undermine the Doctrine of the Trinity. They talk about their own struggles with understanding this doctrine and what ultimately convinced them that it is a biblical doctrine, and led them to accept it. The questions here stem from LDS Article of Faith #1.
2020-06-2843 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusPaul‘s Story, Pt. 1The Sons of Light discuss Paul's story, including his upbringing, his mission, his attempts to share his faith with others after the mission that sent him spiraling and searching. He talks about the importance of online discussion of Mormonism to his journey, his transition out of the LDS Church, and how God drew him to Christ.
2020-06-1446 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusPaul‘s Story, Pt. 2The Sons of Light discuss Paul's story, including his upbringing, his mission, his attempts to share his faith with others after the mission that sent him spiraling and searching. He talks about the importance of online discussion of Mormonism to his journey, his transition out of the LDS Church, and how God drew him to Christ.
2020-06-1456 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMichael‘s Story, Pt. 1The Sons of Light discuss Michael's story, including his attempts at defending Mormonism as a missionary and as an amateur apologist, and his transition out of the LDS Church. He shares details of his journey and where he is now.
2020-05-3145 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMichael‘s Story, Pt. 2The Sons of Light discuss Michael's story, including his attempts at defending Mormonism as a missionary and as an amateur apologist, and his transition out of the LDS Church. He shares details of his journey and where he is now.
2020-05-3152 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMichael‘s Story, Pt. 3The Sons of Light discuss Michael's story, including his attempts at defending Mormonism as a missionary and as an amateur apologist, and his transition out of the LDS Church. He shares details of his journey and where he is now.
2020-05-3144 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMatthew‘s Story, Pt. 1The Sons of Light discuss Matthew's story, including his own personal conversion to Mormonism and his transition out of Mormonism. He shares details of his journey and where he is now.
2020-05-1759 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMatthew‘s Story, Pt. 2The Sons of Light discuss Matthew's story, including his own personal conversion to Mormonism and his transition out of Mormonism. He shares details of his journey and where he is now.
2020-05-1743 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusMatthew‘s Story, Pt. 3The Sons of Light discuss Matthew's story, including his own personal conversion to Mormonism and his transition out of Mormonism. He shares details of his journey and where he is now.
2020-05-1742 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Scripture?, Pt. 2 (Articles of Faith Series)The Sons of Light discuss some questions that all questioning Latter-day Saints or post-Latter-day Saints have to grapple with after they have crawled over, or under, or around the Book of Mormon: What About Scripture? Is there such as thing as a written Word of God? If so, where can it be found? This is part of our Articles of Faith Series. Here we discuss questions for post-Latter-day Saints stemming from LDS Article of Faith #8.
2020-05-0341 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Scripture?, Pt. 4 (Articles of Faith Series)The Sons of Light discuss some questions that all questioning Latter-day Saints or post-Latter-day Saints have to grapple with after they have crawled over, or under, or around the Book of Mormon: What About Scripture? Is there such as thing as a written Word of God? If so, where can it be found? This is part of our Articles of Faith Series. Here we discuss questions for post-Latter-day Saints stemming from LDS Article of Faith #8.
2020-05-0325 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Scripture?, Pt. 3 (Articles of Faith Series)The Sons of Light discuss some questions that all questioning Latter-day Saints or post-Latter-day Saints have to grapple with after they have crawled over, or under, or around the Book of Mormon: What About Scripture? Is there such as thing as a written Word of God? If so, where can it be found? This is part of our Articles of Faith Series. Here we discuss questions for post-Latter-day Saints stemming from LDS Article of Faith #8.
2020-05-0334 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat About Scripture?, Pt. 1 (Articles of Faith Series)The Sons of Light discuss some questions that all questioning Latter-day Saints or post-Latter-day Saints have to grapple with after they have crawled over, or under, or around the Book of Mormon: What About Scripture? Is there such as thing as a written Word of God? If so, where can it be found? This is part of our Articles of Faith Series. Here we discuss questions for post-Latter-day Saints stemming from LDS Article of Faith #8.
2020-05-0342 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhich Church Is True, Then?, Pt. 2The Sons of Light continue to discuss the question, "what church is true, then?" The conversation covers topics related to their transition into Christian churches and the new experiences that came with that. They share some of the challenges, joys, and surprises that came their way during their transitions.
2020-04-1948 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhich Church Is True, Then?, Pt. 1The Sons of Light discuss the question, "which church is true, then?" The conversation covers topics related to their transition into Christian churches and the new experiences that came with that. They share some of the challenges, joys, and surprises that came their way during their transitions.
2020-04-1944 minOuter Brightness: From Mormon to JesusWhat if Mormonism Isn‘t True?, Pt. 2The Sons of Light continue their discussion of the question: "What if Mormonism ins't true?"
2020-04-0526 min