Layne, a former Mormon of 40 years, has a deep love for the LDS community and a heart to help them see how the Book of Mormon points to the biblical Jesus.
--
The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.
Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.
Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.
Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.
Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.
--
In this episode, Bryan sits down with Layne to explore his unique approach to sharing Jesus with Latter-day Saints—by starting with the Book of Mormon itself. Layne, a former Mormon of 40 years, has a deep love for the LDS community and a heart to help them see how the Book of Mormon points to the biblical Jesus.
The conversation centers on 3 Nephi 11, where Jesus of the Book of Mormon lays out His doctrine: faith in Him, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit—warning not to add or take away from these essentials. Layne shares how these simple principles in the Book of Mormon contrast sharply with the later, expanded LDS requirements found in other scriptures and modern church teachings.
Along the way, Layne reflects on:
- Why the Book of Mormon sounds more like historic Christianity than modern Mormonism.
- How LDS members are often conditioned to trust the prophet over their own study of scripture.
- Why progressive revelation has allowed doctrines to shift far from the original text.
- His own journey from “all-in Mormon” to “all-in for Jesus.”
This is just the beginning of a multi-part series where Bryan and Layne will examine what the Book of Mormon says about the nature of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and salvation—and compare it with both the Bible and current LDS teaching.
Key Topics in This Episode:
- Layne’s story and heart for the Mormon people.
- Understanding the “testimony wall” and how to lower it.
- Context of 3 Nephi 11 in LDS scripture.
- Jesus’ four unchanging principles—and His warning about adding more.
- The gap between the Book of Mormon and later LDS doctrines.
Quote to Think About:
“You don’t need a system—you need a Savior. Jesus already finished it fully and completely.”