You don’t have to travel across the world to encounter worldviews that challenge Christianity. You can find them right in your own community.

Sarah and Rich sit down again with special guest Robby Lashua, and he kicks things off by sharing why he’s so passionate about apologetics today. As a young boy, Robby wrestled deeply with questions about faith, and one truth shaped his journey: if God is real, He’s big enough to be examined and questioned.

This week, Robby helps unpack what Mormons believe about God and Jesus and why those beliefs are fundamentally different from historic Christianity. He explains how Mormonism teaches a polytheistic view, including the idea that Jesus was not always God but became God, and that humans can one day become gods themselves through obedience and effort. He also breaks down the Mormon view of salvation, which includes multiple levels of heaven based on personal merit, as well as their understanding of hell, family relationships in eternity, and why these beliefs can make it especially difficult for someone to leave the Mormon faith.

Robby also briefly touches on the history of polygamy and how Mormon theology is ultimately male centric.

At the heart of it all is a simple reminder: it’s so important to know what you believe and why, so you can engage thoughtfully and lovingly with people who see the world differently. And the good news? You don’t need multiple degrees to do that.

Resources on Mormonism Robby recommends:

Mormonism Research Ministry

Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever & Eric Johnson

Sharing the Good News with Mormons by Eric Johnson & Sean McDowell

Tri Grace Ministries

Witness to Mormons in Love by Daniel G. Thompson

Check out all 195 episodes of Christ, Culture & Coffee wherever you listen to podcasts

*Episodes 3, 30, 32, 42, 58 & 139 cover topics related to Mormonism

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Are Christians and Mormons essentially the same? Robby Lashua joins Sarah and Rich for a focused and insightful conversation on Mormonism. Robby, a longtime friend with a background in apologetics and the Lead Pastor of Palmcroft Church in Phoenix, brings years of knowledge and firsthand experience from living in a region where interactions with Mormons are common.

As Mormonism becomes more visible in culture through media, politics, and social platforms it can seem like Mormons and Christians believe the same things, especially since similar language is often used. But as Robby explains, while there may be moral similarities, the theological differences are extremely significant.

The conversation explores the origins of Mormonism, including Joseph Smith’s claimed vision in the 1800s, the role of the Book of Mormon, and why many followers are unfamiliar with what their own writings teach. This episode is packed with tons of important information, so be sure to listen and come back next week as the deep dive continues!

Check out all 195 episodes of Christ, Culture & Coffee wherever you listen to podcasts — Episodes 3, 30, 32, 42, 58 & 139 cover topics related to Mormonism

Palmcroft Church

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.

Last week, Steve and Rich clarified which parts of Scripture are considered doctrine. This week, they explore what it looks like when a follower of Christ feels convicted to observe Old Hebrew practices. Steve introduces this as the Hebrew Roots Movement, which teaches that modern Christianity has drifted from Jesus’ original teachings and that the Torah should be restored to prominence. This can include rejecting Christian holidays, observing ceremonial laws, and using original Hebrew names for God.

They note that many drawn to this movement are seeking deeper meaning or “greater knowledge,” especially in response to areas where Christianity can feel superficial. While not everyone involved is part of a cult, Steve and Rich explain that the movement can create a pathway toward legalism, pride, and spiritual elitism. They also clarify that the Hebrew Roots Movement is distinct from Messianic Judaism and Black Hebrew Israelite beliefs.

The discussion highlights 1 John 3 as a key passage often used to support these views, particularly the phrase “lawlessness is sin,” which some interpret as a call to follow Old Testament law. Steve and Rich point out how this and other scriptures can be taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings about salvation in Christ. They close by offering practical wisdom for having loving, thoughtful conversations with someone who may be heading in this direction.

Watch Resident Strangers on YouTube 🎥

Sign up for the Resident Strangers email list

Questions or comments? Email residentstrangers@dscchurch.com

If you’ve enjoyed today’s episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d subscribe and leave a review as it really helps us reach more people with this message. We’d also love it if you’d share the podcast with your friends, on social media, or anywhere you connect with others. Join us again next Tuesday as we continue the discussion on how to think like a Christian in this foreign world.