Apostasy

LDS Church’s Belief in Apostasy and Its Biblical Counterarguments

In the heart of Salt Lake City, where Mormonism and Biblical Christianity intersect, Heart of the Matter continues to challenge and explore the teachings of the LDS Church. Hosted by Shawn McCraney, the show delves into the concept of apostasy, a cornerstone of Mormon belief that claims a complete worldwide apostasy necessitated the restoration of the true church by Joseph Smith.

The LDS Church teaches that the original church established by Jesus Christ fell into total apostasy, losing its priesthood authority and necessitating a restoration. However, McCraney argues that this belief is contrary to biblical teachings. The Bible, he asserts, speaks of partial apostasies but assures that the church will prevail against them, with the gates of hell never overcoming it.

McCraney highlights the historical context that influenced Joseph Smith’s claims, noting that the idea of restoring the primitive church was prevalent even before Smith’s time. His family, particularly his grandfather and father, held strong beliefs about the need for a restored church, setting the stage for Smith’s later assertions.

The show also addresses the misuse of biblical passages by the LDS Church to support their claims of apostasy and restoration. McCraney emphasizes that these scriptures, when read in context, do not support the idea of a complete apostasy. Instead, they speak to specific issues within early Christian communities or future events, not a total collapse of the church.

Heart of the Matter invites viewers to critically examine the foundations of Mormonism and encourages a return to the biblical gospel, which has endured through faithful believers throughout history. As the show approaches its 200th episode, McCraney invites viewers to celebrate this milestone and continue exploring these important theological discussions.