Social Media Gainsayers: The Anti-Mormon Playbook Has Not Changed—Only the Platforms Have

June 12, 2026June 15, 2026 Timothy R. Berman1 Comment

How Ex-Mormon Influencers, Evangelical Critics, and Online Ministries Repackage the Same Arguments for YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Podcasts, and Livestreams

In 1989, anti-Latter-day Saint ministries, often referred to as Counter-cult or Anti-Mormon groups, relied heavily on printed tracts, cassette tapes, books, traveling seminars, church presentations, and controversial films—most notably, The Godmakers. Pastors would announce special meetings from their pulpits, offering “classes” on how to witness to Mormons. If you strolled into any brick-and-mortar Christian bookstore, you’d find a substantial collection of books specifically discussing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Among the more notable titles were Kingdom of the Cults by the late Walter Martin, Letters to a Mormon Elder by James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries, Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson, and Mormons Answered Verse by Verse by David A. Reed and John R. Farkas. In addition to these apologist works, you’d also discover a range of small group and individual study guides about the LDS faith.

As if that weren’t enough, it wasn’t uncommon for members of the faith to be invited over to a family friend’s or relative’s home for dinner, only to be introduced to a friendly couple. The gentleman would often start the conversation with, “I used to be a Mormon, but I’ve found Jesus.” This felt like a kind of religious intervention aimed at coaxing you to leave the church. I experienced this firsthand in my early twenties when my mother-in-law invited my then-wife and me over for dinner. That evening plunged me into the world of Anti-Mormonism and apologetics. I had already purchased They Lie in Wait to Deceive by the Browns (I had all four volumes at that time), The Truth About the Godmakers by Gilbert Scharff, and The Gainsayers: A Converted Anti-Mormon Responds to the Critics of the LDS Church by Derrick T. Evenson—this last book serving as the foundation for my Social Media Gainsayers series.

This atmosphere left minimal opportunity for individuals to hear a meaningful response from Latter-day Saints. The urgency of the message was unmistakable: “They are stealing your people. They must be stopped,” as Ed Decker wrote in his letter to pastors, promoting his book and film, The Godmakers. Fast forward more than three decades, and we see that the media landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. Pamphlets have turned into Facebook posts, and cassette tapes have been replaced by podcasts. Traveling seminars have morphed into YouTube livestreams and channels, while the controversial film The Godmakers has resurfaced on social media platforms, mainly appearing as “The Mormon Banned Cartoon.” Church basement presentations have transitioned into TikTok debates and live discussions. The once-printed quotations, often stripped of context, have been condensed into fifteen-second video clips and responses. What used to be the anti-Mormon bookstore shelf has now become algorithmically generated playlists.

The technology has changed, distribution has accelerated, and the audience is now global. Yet, the underlying playbook remains startlingly familiar. Today’s social media gainsayers might identify themselves as Ex-Mormons, evangelical Christian pastors, Christian apologists, cult experts, deconstruction coaches, religious commentators, or former “insiders.” Though they use differing methods, it’s crucial to note that not every critic of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is manipulative, dishonest, or deceptive.

Legitimate criticisms deserve legitimate responses. Difficult historical questions should never be ignored, and former members have every right to share their personal experiences. Likewise, Christians have every right to express their disagreements with Latter-day Saint theology. The challenge arises when personal experiences are framed as universal facts, theological disagreements are marketed as scandals, and mockery and insults take the place of honest discussions. Unfortunately, algorithms often amplify the most hostile narratives.

That’s when criticism turns into gainsaying. As Latter-day Saints, we bear the responsibility to stand firm in our faith and testimony, for it is through “sound doctrine that we both exhort and convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9, KJV).

Set the Sail for Recovery & Sobriety — The Urge to Share

June 7, 2026June 13, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

In my own life, I’ve learned that the most powerful ministry moments are never scripted—they are Spirit‑led. They happen when we are sensitive to the still small voice, when our hearts are open, and when we allow God to interrupt our day for the sake of someone else’s pain.

Years ago, I was at a local church, carrying more than I could handle. A phone call from my father had shaken me, and a careless comment from someone nearby only deepened the wound. I stepped outside, sat on the front steps, and honestly—I wasn’t praying. I was stewing. Hurting. Lost in the swirl of emotion.

Then a young man walked up, sat beside me, and wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “I was driving by,” he said quietly, “and the Holy Spirit told me to turn around. Anything I can pray for?” He didn’t preach. He didn’t correct. He didn’t offer advice. He simply sat with me and prayed.

That moment has stayed with me for years because it revealed something essential about the heart of Christ: To share the light of Jesus is to sit with people in their mess without judgment. This is not merely an act of companionship but a profound demonstration of love and solidarity. It challenges us to look beyond our own struggles and step into the vulnerability of another, reflecting the grace we have received in our own times of need.

This is the heart of today’s message. In an age where everyone seems to be vying for attention, it can be exceedingly rare to find someone who is willing to pause, listen, and simply be present. Yet, it is in these unassuming moments that we often see the clearest reflection of Christ’s love. When we allow ourselves to connect with another’s sorrow, we become vessels of hope.

Anchor verse: Romans 10:10 — “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” This verse serves as a reminder that our faith is rooted in a heart-to-heart connection with God, which in turn shapes how we connect with others. The Lord looks upon the heart of a person (1 Samuel 16:7) because it is within the heart where we struggle with identity and purpose, grappling with understanding how God loves those who are so broken and distraught. To have the heart of the Father (Psalm 103:13) means we have a deep and compassionate concern for those suffering.

Our ministry efforts, our outreach, and our words should mirror this heart of compassion. How we minister—how we share—and the urge and desire to comfort those in distress are accomplished through the ministering of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Holy Spirit that we find the strength to empathize, listen, and provide solace. This is how we build up the Kingdom of God, by fulfilling the call to truly mourn with those who mourn and walk alongside them, carrying their burden as Christ carried our burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Today, we are going to look at the Urge to share the message of hope and how we minister as the light of Christ and the Glory of the Father. We are set upon the hill, shining as a beacon for all who are struggling in their own despair. More than just an act of faith, sharing our hope involves actively engaging with those around us, bringing the light of Christ to their darkness. We must be vigilant and willing to heed the call when the Holy Spirit nudges us, reminding us that even the smallest actions can lead to significant transformations in the lives of others. Let us embrace our roles as conduits of God’s love, ensuring that the light we shine is a reflection of His unconditional love and grace.

Full Post Moved to Sacred Sobriety | Set the Sail for Recovery – Urgency to Share

From Surviving to Thriving: The Spiritual Awakening Every Christian in Recovery Needs

June 1, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

If you’re not familiar with the early story of Alcoholics Anonymous, it’s often said that the ideas behind the Twelve Steps were shaped by the Oxford Group—a gathering of Christian men committed to honesty, confession, restitution, and surrender. Bill Wilson, one of AA’s founders, was deeply influenced by them. But today’s devotional isn’t about the origins of AA. It’s about a man named Rowland Hazard, whose struggle with alcoholism led him to seek help from the famed psychiatrist Carl Jung in the early 1930s.

After extensive treatment, Jung told Hazard something that sounds harsh but is deeply honest: his condition was hopeless from a medical standpoint. His only hope, Jung said, was a spiritual experience—a profound awakening that would transform him from the inside out. That realization eventually shaped the foundation of AA itself. Hazard’s spiritual awakening, experienced through the Oxford Group, was shared with Bill Wilson, and from that encounter the Twelve Steps were born.

Let’s sit with that for a moment. Because in my own journey—through recovery, sobriety, homelessness, fear, doubt, and a faith crisis—I had to face the same truth: everything was utterly hopeless until I had a spiritual awakening. Some call it “hitting bottom.” But I’ve come to see it as the moment the Holy Spirit reveals Christ to us in a way the intellect alone could never reach.

Today, many try to think their way into faith. They know about God but never come to know God Himself. And that brings us to the heart of today’s message: What does it mean to truly know God—and Jesus Christ whom He has sent? (John 17:3)

Our anchor verse is Isaiah 1:18–20, where God invites us to “come and reason together.”

Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord: if your sins are like scarlet, will they become like snow? If they are red like crimson, will they become like wool? If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land, but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

This is not an intellectual debate—it is an invitation to examine our hearts, our wounds, our failures, and our inability to save ourselves. It is a call to return, to be still, and to know that He is God.

Today, we explore what it means to know Christ, to know the Father, and to know who we truly are through a genuine spiritual awakening.

Not “Another Gospel”: A False Accusation Against Christ

May 30, 2026May 30, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

It really never fails that someone who has issues, without tissues, against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recycle the same accusation and anti-LDS tropes. And typically, the go to Evangelical eisegesis “gotcha” verse is Galatians 1:8. A weaponized verse used to bludgeon Joseph Smith into the status of being accursed, preaching a different gospel and the case is closed. It sounds bold and confident. However, it is mere haughty arrogance posturing from a place of one being completely illiterate of properly interpreting the scriptures. Evidence of another gainsayer who is ever learning and never understanding:

You must understand this, that in the last days distressing times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unfeeling, implacable, slanderers, profligates, brutes, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the outward form of godliness but denying its power. Avoid them! For among them are those who make their way into households and captivate immature women, overwhelmed by their sins and swayed by all kinds of desires, who are always studying yet never able to recognize truth. As Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these people, of corrupt mind and counterfeit faith, also oppose the truth. But they will not make much progress because, as in the case of those two men, their folly will become plain to everyone. … Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have known sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:1- 9, 12-17).

Yet, such arguments consistently collapse the moment we examine the text, the history, and the logic.

The claim is simple: Because Paul warned about another gospel and because Joseph Smith reported an angelic visitation, therefore the Restoration must be a demonic deception. An arrogant and boastful claim. One that appears to sound quite powerful – until you take the time to read Paul, understand his context, and compare it to what Latter-day Saints actually teach. Yet, these internet gainsayers are mere lazy learners who do not want to test their claims against truth. They want to sound loud and proud screaming into the Social Media landscape to deceive people. And they don’t want their claims challenged.

Therefore, I am not here to dodge the passage. In fact, the only person that appears to dodge a real discussion is the gainsayer refusing to have a livestream discussion on whether or not the Book of Mormon is demonic. As such is the individual’s claim. Neither am I here to soften Paul. I am here to take the claim seriously, steelman it, and then show how it fails on every textual, historical, and theological level.

Today, let’s examine Jarrod Cochran’s claims regarding Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and an unfolding dialogue regarding whether or not this gentleman is speaking truth – or perpetuating ongoing lies and deceptions.

Book of Mormon Contradictions? A Latter-day Saint Responds to Paul Gee on “Baptism” and “Church” in Mosiah 18

May 29, 2026May 29, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

We are going to look at a very specific claim: that the Book of Mormon story of baptism in Mosiah is just Joseph Smith copying Acts 2 – and that baptism for the remission of sins could not have existed before Jesus Christ, therefore the Book of Mormon contradicts the Bible. If this is true, Latter-day Saint scripture definitely collapses. If it is not, then this criticism is built on a very sandy foundation. Let’s actually examine to see if such a claim has any credibility and validity to truth or if it is a false claim.

Now, I am not asking you to take my own word for it. I am asking that we open up the scriptures, open up our hearts and minds because we are going to walk through Paul Gee’s argument, steelman it, and then test it against scripture, history, and essential logic. By doing this, we can critically assess the merits of his claims and their implications for the understanding of both the Book of Mormon and biblical texts.

This is not an attack on Paul. In fact, he reached out and asked me to read it as it will supposedly prove that the Book of Mormon is false. And I will quote him fairly, present his argument in its strongest form, and will show how I believe it fails – scripturally, historically, and logically. By carefully dissecting the specifics of his argument, we can delve deeper into the theological and historical context of baptism and its significance within both texts.

Understanding that baptism as a practice existed in various forms before Christ and that the concept of a remission of sins is not exclusively tied to any one scripture, we must analyze whether the Old Testament precedents and the teachings of Christ later broaden our comprehension of baptism. This exploration will hopefully shed new light on claims made against the Book of Mormon, fostering a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the narrative within its pages.

As we navigate through this intricate discussion, I invite all readers to remain open-minded and reflect critically on the scriptures, drawing personal insights even as we engage with challenging interpretations. A sincere examination can lead us to a deeper faith and understanding of these profound spiritual texts.

Does the LDS Faith Have 3 Kinds of God?

May 28, 2026May 28, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Are there three Gods within the LDS Faith, or is Matt Slick of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry making three specific category errors? He appears to contend that Latter-day Saint theology contains three types of gods. Yet, his conclusion seems to depend entirely on misunderstandings, inaccuracies in reading LDS sources, and the imposition of post-Nicene metaphysics onto texts that do not utilize them.

When we scrutinize Slick’s assertions, it becomes apparent that they stem from misrepresentations of key doctrinal points. The Latter-day Saint understanding of God emphasizes a singular divine nature, with a clear distinction between God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, who are unified in purpose but distinct in being. This understanding challenges Slick’s insistence on a concept of multiple gods existing in separate categories, which does not align with LDS beliefs as how we interpret our scriptures and teachings.

By examining the categories he uses and applying a proper lens through which to analyze LDS doctrine, one may ultimately see that Slick’s arguments significantly falter. His framework seems to force the doctrine into a misunderstanding of the term ‘God,’ failing to account for the context and nuances within Latter-day Saint theology.

His claims not only misrepresent what Latter-day Saints uphold but also create contradictions within his argumentation regarding what he purports they teach. This is not merely a disagreement over religious interpretation; it represents a profound mischaracterization that undermines genuine discourse.

Today, I wish to respond to this critique with clarity, doctrinal precision, and integrity, standing firm in the belief that the truth of Latter-day Saint doctrine deserves to be presented honestly. It is vital that we engage with those who misunderstand or misrepresent our beliefs with a spirit of boldness and respect—exhorting and convincing the gainsayer (Titus 1:9) through proper correction and thoughtful rebuke (2 Timothy 3:16). By addressing these misunderstandings directly, we can foster a more accurate understanding of Latter-day Saint teachings and encourage meaningful dialogue that respects differences while seeking common ground.

Learning to Love Myself Through God’s Eyes

May 27, 2026May 27, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

Learning to love myself was the first mountain I ever had to climb in recovery. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength—and the second is like it: to love our neighbor as ourselves. I thought I loved God. I thought I loved others. But I had never learned how to love me. And when I finally faced that truth, I realized I didn’t just “not love myself”—I despised myself.

When I was drunk and alone, I’d curse myself. I’d repeat the harsh words spoken over me by others—especially family. Emotional abuse, degradation, bullying, name‑calling… all of it became the internal script I lived by. I believed I was worthless, stupid, manipulative, selfish, unlovable. And because I believed it, I lived it.

So I kept God at arm’s length. I kept people at arm’s length. I feared abandonment, rejection, and judgment. I feared giving God my whole heart because I assumed He would eventually reject me too. Shame became the lens through which I saw myself, others, and God.

But recovery forced me to confront the lies. It forced me to ask: Who does God say I am? And in that painful, holy unraveling, I began to learn to love God with what little I had. I began to see myself through His eyes. And only then could I begin to love others with sincerity, depth, and courage.

Anchor verse – Hebrews 1:3 – “He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

Christ is the exact imprint of God’s being—and through Him, we learn who God is, who we are, and how deeply we are loved.

From Rockpiles to Cathedrals

May 26, 2026May 28, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

I never realized how many various rock-piles I’ve carried with me. And I also realized I was not alone because every one of us carries rock-piles – a place in our lives that feels heavy, unfinished, unlovely, or overwhelming. In the throes of our addiction, codependency, fear, shame – a relationship may feel stuck. A past feels immovable. A future feels uncertain.

However, scripture insists that God sees more in us than the rubble we carry. He sees the cathedral hidden inside the stones.

Anchor verse – Isaiah 61:3: “…to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.”

God does not merely remove the ashes – He transforms them. He does not simply clear the rubble – He builds something enduring, beautiful, and strong.

Welcome back fellow travelers. As we continue our journey through sacred sobriety, we pause today to consider the quiet miracle of imagination – holy imagination. The ability to see what God sees. The courage to believe that the rubble of our lives is not the end of our story.

Set the Sail – Faith Rests Upon God’s Character

May 25, 2026May 23, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

The destiny of one’s recovery is shaped by the idea of God a person carries. Traditional recovery thought teaches that newcomers enter a spiritual program where they are free to identify God “as they understand Him.” For some, this means the fellowship itself becomes a Higher Power; for others, it means any concept of a power greater than themselves.

Over time, a peculiar phrase emerged in recovery culture: “Your Higher Power can be anything — even a doorknob.” It is repeated so often that many assume it comes from the Big Book or the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

It does not.

Neither text suggests that an inanimate object can restore sanity, guide moral change, or receive a surrendered will. The “doorknob god” appears nowhere in AA’s foundational literature.

Anchor verse – Psalm 9:10: “Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

The idea actually surfaced in the treatment centers of the 1970s and 1980s. As addiction treatment became professionalized — especially in secular or state‑funded programs — counselors avoided religious language to prevent the appearance of imposing faith on clients. To lower resistance, some staff used exaggerated examples: “Even a doorknob can be your Higher Power if it helps you get started.”

It was never meant to be literal. It was a strategy to reduce defensiveness.

But like many exaggerated teaching tools, it escaped its context. It became folklore. It became satire. Critics of 12‑step spirituality used it to mock the idea of a non‑religious Higher Power. Newcomers repeated it without understanding its origin. And eventually, it became a kind of shorthand for the early, clumsy attempts to describe surrender without demanding theology.

When Confession Breaks the Illusion: Walking in the Light of Real Recovery

May 25, 2026May 25, 2026 Timothy R. BermanLeave a comment

William James once wrote: “For him who confesses, shams are over and realities have begun; he has exteriorized his rottenness.”

Confession ends the exhausting work of pretending. It pulls what is hidden into the light—not to shame us, but to free us. In recovery, confession is not a one‑time event; it is a rhythm, a posture, a way of walking honestly before God and others. It invites us to step into authenticity, shedding the masks we often wear and revealing the true selves beneath.

When we consider the act of confession, it is crucial to understand that it goes far beyond simply admitting wrongdoings. It encompasses acknowledging our vulnerabilities, our fears, and our shortcomings. It is about facing the parts of ourselves that we might prefer to keep hidden or buried deep within. Confession invites us into a space of liberation, where we can experience the healing power of honesty, not just with ourselves, but with those around us.

Anchor verse – 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

This divine reassurance underscores the importance of confession in our lives. This is never a one-and-done moment. Confessing our sins is an active part of our path and spiritual growth. There is a continuous invitation to engage in this practice, to reflect regularly on our actions and attitudes, and to communicate them with sincerity. The act of confession can take various forms: it might be through prayer, journaling, or discussions with trusted friends and mentors.

There is also a communal aspect to confession; it’s about allowing others to bear witness to our journey of growth. This sharing fosters deeper connections, trust, and support within our communities. Confession can also serve as a catalyst for accountability, encouraging us to maintain our commitments to growth and change.

And there is more to confessing than we may fully understand. What are some of the ways we may confess? And what does it refer to when it says to confess our sins? What exactly are we confessing? Most of us may answer that we are to confess any wrongdoing on our part. And that is definitely an aspect of confessing.

But it may also refer to confessing our failures, our doubts, and our feelings of inadequacy. It may involve voicing the pain we carry and the burdens we bear, creating an opportunity for healing. Confession is a profound act of vulnerability that invites grace and understanding into our lives, not only from God but also from those around us who may offer support and encouragement. Through confession, we can truly experience the freedom that comes with honesty, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of purpose on our spiritual journey.

Today – we are going to take a look at how confession is the very courage to stop pretending. To step out of the idea that we need to fake it till we make it. And to see how this all ties into a twelve-step recovery program for Christians walking a path of recovery, desiring to thrive in their sobriety.