This episode exposes how Joseph Smith’s view of God shifted dramatically between the Book of Mormon and his later teachings—raising big questions about the nature of God and the foundations of Mormon theology.
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Podcast Shownotes: Who Is God According to the Book of Mormon?
Episode Overview
In this episode, we take a deep dive into how Joseph Smith’s view of God evolved from the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830 to his famous King Follett Discourse in 1844—just months before his death. Layne and Bryan explore the stark contrast between the eternal, unchanging God of the Book of Mormon and the progressive, exalted man described in later Mormon scriptures.
Whether you’re LDS, a former Mormon, or simply curious about church history, this episode will challenge assumptions and invite you to ask critical questions about the nature of God, the reliability of scripture, and what it all means for faith today.
What You’ll Learn
- Joseph Smith’s Changing Theology
- How his earliest writings portray God as eternal and unchanging—while later teachings suggest God was once a man who progressed to godhood.
- The Book of Mormon vs. Later Mormon Scriptures
- Why the God described in the Book of Mormon looks much more like the God of the Bible than the God of the Doctrine and Covenants or Pearl of Great Price.
- The King Follett Discourse
- What Joseph Smith taught about God just three months before his death—and why it marked a major theological shift.
- Contradictions and Questions
- How LDS leaders respond when members raise concerns about conflicting teachings across Mormon scripture.
- A Call to “Test Everything”
- Why the Bible encourages believers to examine claims critically instead of blindly following authority.
Why It Matters
Your view of God shapes everything—your faith, your worship, and ultimately, your eternal hope. If the God of the Book of Mormon and the Bible is eternal, unchanging, and unique, what does that mean for the progressive, exalted man described in later LDS teachings?
This episode invites you to wrestle honestly with these questions and discover why your view of God matters more than you might think.