One of the thought-provoking questions Bill uses to encourage Mormons to re-examine their faith is: “How heavy were Joseph Smith’s gold plates?” Imagine trying to run through the woods, jump over logs, and avoid being caught, all while carrying hundreds of pounds of metal plates. The practical difficulties of this story highlight the implausibility of Joseph Smith’s claims.
Challenging LDS members to carefully consider these inconsistencies can be an important step in helping them recognize that Mormonism does not align with the truth of God’s Word. As the Bible warns, false teachings can be persuasive but ultimately lead people astray: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13) and “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8).
Christian believers are called to lovingly speak the truth in order to guide others to Christ: “But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Hebrews 3:13). By asking thoughtful questions like this, you can help your Mormon friends think critically about the foundations of their faith and open the door to discussions about the Bible’s clear message of salvation through Jesus Christ alone: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).
For more resources and questions designed to start meaningful conversations with your Mormon friends, visit mrm.org and explore their books.
