Out of Mormonism's Podcast

Jim and Judy finish their story by explaining why they started the ministry at Concerned Christians. Both believe that the relationship they have with the Biblical Jesus has given them hope that the Mormon Jesus could not give.

Judy believed that the reason why she joined the Mormon faith was because she and Jim did not fully understand Mormonism or the teachings of the Bible. After they joined the church, Jim and Judy began finding teachings within the Bible that contradicted the teachings of Mormonism. Neither Jim or Judy told the other the things they were finding because each believed the other would leave them for questioning the beliefs of Mormonism.

Concerned Christians’ founders, Jim and Judy Robertson, share their testimony of joining the Mormon Church, out of a local Lutheran church in which they were both active. Jim’s Lutheran upbringing and Judy’s Disciples of Christ upbringing were not enough to prepare them for avoiding the pitfall of Mormonism. At the time of their conversion to Mormonism, Jim and Judy were active participants in a Lutheran church in Arkansas, and neither had any intention of joining the LDS church until Jim met some LDS friends and business associates in Arizona. Being impressed with their lifestyle, Jim, and then Judy, became curious about their beliefs.

Scott finishes his story by explaining about how his decision to leave Mormonism proved to be the final step that destroyed his marriage with his Mormon wife. Scott tells how his family reacted to his new Christian beliefs. His brother wanted to know why Scott felt that Mormonism was not Christian. Scott answered his brother by explaining that the gods of Mormonism were not the same as the one God of the Bible.

Scott Bennion explains about the questions he asked were dodged by family members and church leaders. Scott did not have a testimony of the church but wanted to receive one. Although Scott took the actions necessary to prove his faith he found that the answer never came. After years of searching he found that the Bible had answers Mormonism did not have.

Tony’s divorce from his Mormon wife led him to find a Christian roommate. Tony was embarrassed by the divorce and felt like he could hide out at his Christian friend’s apartment from the Mormons in his ward. Tony began attending church with his friend hoping to become a better Mormon. As Tony continued to attend at a Christian church he started to realize that Mormonism was not Biblical.

Tony Amodeo grew up in New York State and was a good Catholic. As he headed to college he was exposed to Evangelical Christians that continued to badger him about saying the sinner’s prayer. Tony obliged them so that they would finally leave him alone. Later his roommate exposed him to Mormonism. The Mormons asked Tony questions about heaven that he could not answer and provided answers that felt good to Tony. Tony was very impressed by the life the Mormons led; they seemed so happy. Tony joined the church and showed fanatical devotion to the faith. Yet God had other plans for Tony.

Justin and Christy finish their story by explaining the best way to witness to those lost within Mormonism. Justin felt that some of the lies told by well meaning Christians only helped Justin to join the LDS church. Christy expresses the hope she gained by embracing Biblical Christianity.

Justin describes how his investigation into early Mormonism uncovered some Mormon doctrines that surprised and troubled him. Justin was greatly troubled by the fact that the Mormon Church appeared to be covering up these doctrines. As Justin became more and more distressed about his discoveries he began sharing these problems with Christy. Christy believed that she would be able to find answers to Justin’s concerns. As she began to investigate further she was surprised to find that Justin’s concerns were valid. Christy began to realize that the LDS church was not true.

This week, Justin and Christy Carlson tell their story. Justin was a convert to Mormonism, though raised by Christian parents in an evangelical church. He describes his curiosity about Mormonism and how friendships made with Mormons caused him to investigate and join the LDS Church. Christy was born and raised Mormon. In Part 2, next week, hear her story of how the light of truth came on in her mind and heart.