Tag: Covenant Theology

The “All or Nothing” Fallacy: Why Tyson Guess’s Logic Fails the Scriptural and Historical Test

Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

If there is any given reason for someone to question and leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tyson Guess has built a shiny logical-looking exit ramp. However, if you are willing to take a moment and slow down to breathe, the architecture of his argument is built on a very sandy foundation – specifically, a fundamental misunderstanding of how God interacts with fallible mortals.

It is in his recent article over at Medium – “One False Revelation Collapses Mormonism” – where he attempts to use the Book of Abraham as a silver bullet to take down the entire Latter-day Saint Faith. He proposes that because the surviving Egyptian papyri does not match the Book of Abraham linguistically, one ought to conclude that Prophet Joseph Smith was a fraud. By extension, he claims that this means the Book of Mormon is a lie perpetuated upon the 19th-Century American populace—and by many individuals today.

What Guess seems to overlook is that faith and belief systems are complex, multifaceted experiences that often transcend mere textual analysis. Having immersed myself in the scriptures and extensively researched various scholarly articles on the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Abraham, I am not one to shy away from the hard questions that arise. Indeed, grappling with difficult topics is an integral part of faith development.

Moreover, it is important to remember that neither the Church nor its members need to hide from the papyri or the so-called “missing scroll” theories. These subjects, when approached with integrity and a commitment to truth, can lead to a deepened understanding of the faith. Once we apply proper scriptural exegesis and peer-reviewed scholarship to the questions surrounding these texts, Guess’s assertion of an “inescapable conclusion” begins to look more like a desperate reach rather than a definitive argument against the faith.

Ultimately, it’s essential to recognize the broader context in which these discussions occur. Many who leave or reconsider their faith do so not only based on intellectual arguments but also due to personal experiences, feelings, and the intricate tapestry of their spiritual lives. Engaging with such matters requires not only scholarly rigor but also compassion and understanding for individual journeys. The dialogue around faith and doubt can be rich and illuminating, offering avenues for personal growth and deeper connections with God and each other.

If the Book of Mormon is true, the Book of Abraham must be true.

The Book of Abraham is demonstrably false.

Therefore the Book of Mormon is false.

That is not a rhetorical flourish. It is a logical necessity rooted in the nature of God himself. God does not put his name on lies. God does not commission a prophet and then authorize that prophet to deliver falsehood as scripture. A divine commission that produces falsehood is not divine. Which means the two books stand or fall together. They claim the same origin: the gift and power of God through Joseph Smith. That origin is either reliable, or it is not. It cannot be selectively reliable. If one product of that commission is demonstrably false, the commission itself is false, and everything resting on it falls with it.

This article proves each premise. By the end, the conclusion is inescapable.

Tyson Guess’s argument rests upon presuppositional apologetics and is quite a rigid syllogism where he makes the first point regarding how the Book of Abraham stand or fall together. The second point is how he views the Book of Abraham as “demonstrably false” because it is not a literal linguistic translation of the surviving papyri. And third, he concludes that because the Book of Abraham and the Book of Mormon are false, Joseph Smith, therefore, is a false prophet under the presupposed interpretative understanding of Deuteronomy 18. His argument leads to the conclusion that the entire Latter-day Saint belief system collapses under scrutiny.

Steelmanning Tyson Guess’s Assertions

The strongest point he makes is the physical evidence: the Sensen papyri (the fragments recovered in 1967)1 do indeed contain standard Egyptian funerary texts (The Book of Breathings) and do not contain the text of the Book of Abraham. This mismatch is acknowledged by the Church in the Gospel Topics Essays, which lends credibility to his claim. If one’s definition of “translation” is strictly limited to a 21st-century academic decoding of hieroglyphs, Guess’s point feels quite weighty and compelling.

However, to thoroughly engage with Guess’s perspective, it is essential to steelman his position—articulating it in its strongest form—before launching into a counter-argument. A steelman approach involves understanding the nuances of his claims, thus allowing for a more productive discourse. From there, one can examine the logical fallacies that underlie his assertions, such as potential fallacies of composition—implying that the failure of one work invalidates the entirety of a belief system—or false dilemmas that oversimplify complex theological concepts.

In addressing the primary contention regarding translations, scholars advocate for a broader understanding of the term “translation.” The restoration of the Book of Abraham is often viewed not merely as a linguistic exercise but as a theological endeavor. Thus, one might argue that the translation in question relies on Divine inspiration rather than strict linguistic fidelity. An exegetical interpretation of the text could highlight its contextual significance within the framework of Latter-day Saint theology, countering Guess’s assertion of its demonstrable falsehood.

Engaging with peer-reviewed literature reveals diverse scholarly opinions on ancient texts, translations, and the role of revelatory processes in religious contexts. Numerous Latter-day Saint scholars and Egyptologists have contributed rigorous analyses of the Book of Abraham, arguing that the text retains spiritual truths even if its historical and linguistic basis is complex.

While it is necessary to acknowledge the weight of Tyson Guess’s arguments, it is equally important to invite readers to examine the evidence for themselves rigorously. The discourse surrounding the Book of Abraham is multifaceted, integrating historical, linguistic, and theological dimensions. Encouraging critical thought fosters a more robust conversation, allowing individuals to explore the nuances of faith, history, and evidence as they pertain to the Latter-day Saint belief system. Through this lens, one can engage not only with the arguments presented but also with the broader implications for understanding religious texts in a modern context.

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The Architecture of Grace: A Systematic Analysis of the Everlasting Covenant

Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Jacob’s story is not the tale of a man who finally got his act together. It is the story of a God who refused to let go. From the well where Rebekah ran to serve a stranger, to the night Jacob wrestled until dawn, Genesis 24–33 reveals a God who enters the grit of human weakness and patiently reshapes a people who learn—slowly, painfully, beautifully—to let Him prevail. This is not ancient history; it is the architecture of grace still unfolding in every disciple who dares to surrender.

Every scene in this week’s Come, Follow Me block is a doorway into covenant transformation. A servant prays at a well and finds a woman whose kindness alters the future. Two brothers clash over a birthright that neither fully understands. A fugitive dreams of a ladder where heaven touches earth. A deceiver becomes Israel. A wounded family becomes whole again. These are not disconnected stories; they are covenant threads woven by a God who meets His children in deserts, dreams, and wrestles—and invites them into a life only He can build.

The New Testament echoes these moments at every turn: Christ offering living water at Jacob’s well, the Father running to embrace a prodigal son, the Savior calling His disciples to leave lesser things for eternal ones. The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price amplify the same truth: God prevails when His children yield.

This study follows an expository and exegetical method—tracing themes of covenant, surrender, revelation, reconciliation, and divine guidance across the Old Testament, New Testament, Restoration scripture, and the teachings of modern prophets. It is expository, exegetical, devotional, and practical. It is written for individuals who want more than information—they want transformation.

If you’ve ever wrestled with God, waited for answers, feared reconciliation, or wondered whether He remembers you, Genesis 24–33 is your story. And the God who prevailed in Jacob’s life is ready to prevail in yours.

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5 Solid Reasons the Abrahamic Covenant Makes the Trinity Impossible: The Father and Son Revealed in Scripture

Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

For centuries, Christians have read Genesis 22 as a foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice. But when you slow down and actually study the text — the covenant structure, the typology, the roles of Abraham, Isaac, and the Angel of the Lord — something startling emerges:

The story only makes sense if the Father and the Son are separate, distinct divine beings. Not one being in three manifestations. Not “without body, parts, or passions.” Not the metaphysics of the 4th‑century creeds.

Genesis 22 quietly dismantles the classical Trinity — not through argument, but through narrative logic. The intricate details within the text draw attention to the unique roles played by each character involved, suggesting a profound relationship rather than a singularity of essence. The distinct actions and motivations of Abraham and Isaac, coupled with the divine intervention of the Angel of the Lord, create a rich tapestry of covenantal dynamics that aligns with the understanding of a separate Father and Son.

And once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

The text itself tells us that Abraham’s offering of Isaac was “a similitude of God and His Only Begotten Son” (Jacob 4:5). That means the story is not merely symbolic — it is covenantal drama. A reenactment. A prophetic preview. It sets up a scenario where the identity of God is not just established by abstract definitions, but by tangible actions and relationships that unfold throughout the narrative, reinforcing the need for distinct divine entities within the story.

  • Abraham = the Father (El Elyon)
  • Isaac = the Son (YHWH / Jesus Christ)
  • The Angel of the Lord = YHWH intervening
  • The Ram = the substitute sacrifice provided by the Son Himself

But here’s the problem for classical Trinitarian theology:

A being cannot covenant with Himself. A being cannot offer Himself to Himself. A being cannot substitute for Himself.

Yet that is exactly what the Abrahamic narrative requires if the Father and the Son are not distinct beings. The narrative requires a sacrificial offering that conveys deep relational significance. The act of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son not only serves as a test of faith, but also as a prelude to a much greater divine act of love and sacrifice. The intricacies presented in Genesis 22 reflect the essence of divine relationships that contradict the notion of a singular being.

The entire story collapses under Nicene metaphysics — but it becomes beautifully coherent in a Latter‑day Saint reading of the Godhead. This perspective not only makes sense of the narrative but also invites readers to engage with the text in a way that reveals a more nuanced understanding of who God is in a relationship with humanity.

This isn’t sensationalism. It’s careful, text‑driven theology supported by biblical scholarship and restored scripture. Scholars widely recognize Genesis 22 as a covenantal test and a typology of divine sacrifice. The events leading to the sacrificial act have a resonance throughout scripture, inviting further exploration of God’s nature and His intentions toward His children.

The Book of Mormon explicitly identifies the event as a similitude of the Father and the Son (Jacob 4:5), strengthening the argument for distinct divine persons within the Abrahamic narrative. Classical creeds describe God as “without body, parts, or passions” (Westminster Confession). That metaphysical framework cannot sustain the relational, embodied, covenantal drama of Genesis 22. It lacks the relational depth that is essential to understanding the interactions within the story.

In this article, we’ll walk through:

  • Why the Abraham–Isaac narrative presupposes two divine persons in real covenantal relationship.
  • How the cut covenant (Genesis 15) requires two parties who can engage in meaningful interaction.
  • Why the Angel of the Lord is best understood as YHWH, the premortal Christ, intervening in history with divine purpose.
  • Why the ram, not a lamb, matters significantly as a symbol of substitutionary sacrifice.
  • And how all of this aligns seamlessly with Latter‑day Saint theology while exposing the weaknesses of post‑biblical Trinitarian formulations.

If you’ve ever sensed that the God of the creeds feels abstract, distant, or philosophically over‑engineered, Genesis 22 offers a different vision — one rooted in relationship, embodiment, covenant, and divine love that is anything but passionless. Through this lens, one can find a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, crafting a narrative of redemption that resonates with both ancient and modern believers.

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CFM Feb 9-15: Genesis 6-11; Moses 8 – “Noah Found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord”

Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Every generation eventually reaches a moment when it looks around and whispers, “Something is wrong with the world.” In these times, violence feels all too normal, permeating the fabric of society and influencing our daily lives. The mockery of faith becomes a fashionable trend, with belief systems ridiculed and disregarded as obsolete or irrelevant. Covenant identity, once held as sacred and unbreakable, is now treated as merely optional, leading many to question their values and commitments.

Amidst this unsettling atmosphere, the quiet, steady voice of God seems drowned out by the cacophony of a culture sprinting toward self-destruction. The distractions and temptations of the modern world are many, each vying for our attention and allegiance, leaving little room for genuine reflection on our spiritual existence.

Genesis 6–11 is not ancient history. It’s a mirror reflecting our current realities. Within these verses, we can find resonating truths about the human condition and the inherent struggles we face in a world rife with chaos. The narratives captured in these chapters hold profound relevance today, illustrating the timeless nature of our challenges and the critical need for divine intervention amidst suffering and despair.

Moses 8 is not merely a prelude to the Flood; it functions as a prophetic commentary on what true discipleship can look like when the world is collapsing around you. This text invites readers to consider their own paths and the steadfastness required to remain faithful in the face of overwhelming adversity. The examples set forth serve as reminders that unwavering dedication to one’s beliefs can be both a source of strength and a beacon of hope in dark times.

Noah’s story is not merely a story about a simple boat; it is an embodiment of a God who passionately refuses to give up on His children. The narrative illustrates the depths of divine love and commitment, showing that even when humanity falters, God’s covenant remains steadfast. It’s about a covenant that refuses to die despite the floods of life that threaten to engulf us. It’s about grace that finds us, even when the world is drowning in despair, offering a lifeline steeped in hope, redemption, and the promise of a new beginning. This grace reminds us that no matter how far we stray, we are never beyond the reach of divine mercy and love.

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Truth to Mormons Exposed: Deconstructing Bill Young’s “Idol” Claim

Timothy R. Berman1 Comment

Latter-day Saints are often exposed to someone who attempts to tell them who their God really is. Not by seeking understanding, but by speaking over them—loudly, confidently, and often inaccurately. When that happens, the question isn’t just, “How do I respond?” It’s, “How do I stay grounded in truth without losing my peace?”

Bill Young’s recent Truth to Mormons episode, “Watch Mormon God Idol Worship,” is the latest in a long line of videos that claim to “expose” Latter-day Saint belief. But beneath the sensational title lies something deeper: a pattern of misrepresentation that doesn’t just distort doctrine—it wounds real people. Many who watch these videos aren’t looking for a fight; they’re looking for clarity, stability, and a faith that can withstand scrutiny without collapsing into fear.

And the sad reality: Like most critics – Bill Young holds himself above any form of teaching, correction, rebuke, or refutation (2 Timothy 3:16).

This article steps into that space—not to trade blows, but to offer light. I am not here to defend God as if He were fragile. I am here to defend the conversation—to show that faith can be examined without being caricatured, and that discipleship grows stronger when we refuse to let someone else narrate our beliefs for us.

I write this as someone who has spent years in recovery, scripture study, apologetics, and theological study—someone who understands how spiritual distortion can harm the soul just as deeply as addiction harms the body. My goal isn’t to “win” against Bill Young or anyone else. My goal is to create a safe, honest, intellectually rigorous space where readers can breathe again, reclaim their spiritual footing, and see their faith through the lens of scripture, history, and lived discipleship—not through the lens of someone else’s outrage.

If you’ve ever felt shaken by videos like this, or if you’re simply seeking clarity in a noisy world, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through this together with calm minds, open scriptures, and a commitment to truth that doesn’t need to shout to be strong.

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Exaltation, Eternal Life, and the Biblical Promise: A Response to Common Misreadings of Scripture

Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Every so often, a post circulates on Facebook claiming to “defend biblical truth” while warning Christians about supposed “Mormon distortions” of Scripture. These posts often sound confident, even authoritative—but confidence is not the same as accuracy. And when Scripture is handled carelessly, God’s people are left with fear instead of clarity, suspicion instead of understanding, and slogans instead of Scripture.

You deserve better than that. You deserve context, exegesis, and the whole counsel of God. Engaging with Scripture requires a dedication to understanding its original intent, cultural background, and the intricate layers of meaning that inform its teachings. It is crucial that we approach biblical texts with a framework that seeks the truth, not merely to validate preconceived notions or biases.

This article is not about defending a denomination. It’s about defending the Bible from misuse, the gospel from reduction, and the promises of God from being shrunk down to fit someone’s theological anxieties. When individuals take snippets of Scripture out of context, or rely on misinterpretations to make sweeping claims about others, it creates a barrier to genuine dialogue and understanding. Instead of fostering unity and exploring our shared beliefs in a respectful manner, it often leads to division and an atmosphere of mistrust.

In exploring differing theological perspectives, we must strive for empathy and open-mindedness. By learning to articulate our own beliefs while honestly engaging with the beliefs of others, we can cultivate a deeper comprehension of the richness of Christian doctrine. This journey is not merely academic; it is a spiritual pursuit that invites us to reflect on our convictions and be willing to grow in our faith.

Ultimately, a robust understanding of Scripture encourages believers to embrace the fullness of God’s word, appreciate the diversity within the body of Christ, and engage with one another as fellow travelers seeking truth, rather than adversaries in a theological battleground. We are called to love and uplift one another, striving for a deep-seated comprehension of the message that binds us together.

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Deconstructing the Narrative of Theft: A Historical Refutation of Lilith Helstrom’s Claims on Christianity and Genocide

Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Is a person who identifies as a Christian possess stolen faith? If you have read Lilith Helstrom’s recent feature article, Jesus Caused The Palestinian Genocide, in Deconstructing Christianity, you’ve likely felt the sting of her central accusation: That Christianity is nothing more than a “religion of thievery” — a theological kleptomania that stole its holidays from pagans, its God from the Jews, and now, she claims, fuels the fires of genocide in Gaza.

Christians will say that the major theme of their religion is forgiveness and second chance.

I disagree. The most prominent theme in all of Christianity is thievery.

So many gods died and rose again before Christianity existed, including Osiris, Adonis, Attis, and Dionysus. The Sumerian goddess, Inna, was even dead three days and three nights before she was resurrected.

So how did Christians get their forgiveness story of Jesus dying on the cross and rising again? Through theological thievery.

Our culture is in a moment where people seem to be deconstructing from everything — gender, institutions, government, and now even the foundations of history itself. Helstrom’s argument strikes quite a nerve. It is a polemic weave of a terrifying narrative that connects the resurrection of Jesus to the so‑called “Jewish Problem” and the horrors of modern antisemitism.

Is the viral “history” actually historical? Or is it a dangerous distortion that conflates ancient myth with eyewitness reality?

Helstrom’s article is not a mere atheistic critique; it is a sweeping cultural indictment. She argues that because Christianity supposedly “stole” its resurrection story from myths like Osiris and Dionysus, it created a subconscious crisis — a Jewish Problem — that forces Christians either to assimilate Jews (under the guise of Christian Nationalism) or annihilate them (Nazism) to cover up the theft. In her telling, the Christian God becomes the architect of genocide, with a straight line drawn from the empty tomb to the current violence in Palestine.

These are heavy charges, and they demand more than a defensive shrug. They require forensic examination of history. If Christianity is merely a copycat religion, then its moral authority is indeed bankrupt. But if the similarities between pagan myths and the gospel are not evidence of theft, but of a “Divine Pattern” — echoes of truth scattered throughout time to prepare the world for a reality that actually happened — then her entire house of cards collapses.

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Come Follow Me Old Testament — Dec 29–Jan 4 | First Testament of Jesus Christ: For Our Profit and Learning (Introduction)

Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Patreon Early Access: Come Follow Me (Dec 29–Jan 4)

The First Testament of Jesus Christ — For Our Profit and Learning: Introduction

Thank you for supporting Faith and Reason. Your partnership makes it possible for me to create thoughtful, Christ‑centered teaching resources for Christians in recovery, writers of faith, and anyone seeking a deeper walk with the Savior. I’m grateful you’re here.

This week’s early‑access episode launches our yearlong journey through the Come, Follow Me: Old Testament curriculum. The First Testament of Jesus Christ is designed to help us see the Old Testament the way Jesus Himself taught—recognizing that all scripture testifies of Him. In this introduction, we lay the foundation for how to study, what to look for, and how these ancient writings strengthen our discipleship today.

What’s Included in This Early Access Post

  • ✅ Early Access Video (Unlisted YouTube link)
  • ✅ Episode Summary & Study Focus
  • ✅ PowerPoint Slides (available to mid‑tier patrons and above)
  • ✅ Additional notes for deeper reflection

Become a Patreon Member today and save money on your first month’s tiered membership fee.

Video goes public on December 29, 2026 at 7 am PST on YouTube – Subscribe here

What to Look Forward to in Come Follow Me – Old Testament 2026

Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

I have a question for you – are you ready to experience the Old Testament like never before? 2026 brings us into the study of the Old Testament for Come Follow Me. Be sure to access this resource by clicking the link here – Come Follow Me – Old Testament. This is not your ordinary reading plan – it is a covenantal journey that blends scripture, recovery, and discipleship into a transformative path of resilient faith. Whether you are seeking to deepen and enrich your faith, understanding of the Old Testament, daily devotional, or a framework to thrive in recovery and sobriety – this year will offer a unique resource and opportunity designed to meet you were you are and guide you forward.

Here is what you may look forward to:

  • Weekly Expository Teachings: Study, examine, and apply covenant themes and recovery parallels with clear scripture -anchored expository commentary and teaching. Each message balances faith and reason, showing how the Old Testament speaks spiritually and intellectually to each one of us.
  • Daily Devotionals: Structured readings harmonized with the Beatitudes and traditional twelve steps where it offers insight and empowerment for individuals to make personal and spiritual applications while walking a path of recovery and sobriety through discipleship.
  • Come Follow Me Livestream Panel Discussion: There is a group of Latter-day Saint content creators who get together and have livestream panel discussions weekly. We meet and livestream every Sunday, 8 PM PST/9 PM MST. This is livestreamed to multiple channels and platforms. You can watch on my social media platforms on YouTube, Facebook, and X. Or watch here on WordPress when it is posted.

Watch the Livestream CFM Discussion on the Family Proclamation Sunday, December 21, 2025 – 8 PM PST/ 9 PM PST. If you are interested in joining the livestream chat and interact with other viewers, ask the panelist questions then click through to watch on YouTube.

Anchoring in scripture, offering support, and empowering growth in recovery and sobriety – these resources encourage each person to experience the mysteries of God and understand His tender mercies in their own life.

Download the Google Doc with this link

Responding to Bradley Campbell of God Loves Mormons: “4 Reasons the Great Apostasy is a False Doctrine of Mormonism”

Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Introduction

Four months ago, God Loves Mormons posted a YouTube video with the title 4 Reasons the Great Apostasy is a False Doctrine of Mormonism, in which they explored critical perspectives on a fundamental belief held by the Latter-day Saint Faith. The video purports to delve into how the idea of a falling away (apostasy) of the primitive Christian faith is false biblically, historically, and theologically.

There is a key logical fallacy the speaker approaches in the video. The introduction assumes the conclusion it attempts to prove. It is committing an often-used logical fallacy of begging the question. Evidence for this is the very assertion made: That the Christian Church never fell into apostasy. The speaker of God loves Mormons attempts to frame the discussion with their already established conclusion. The speaker claims that such conclusion is supported by biblical, historical, and theological support.

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