1. Premortal Existence (Preexistence of Souls)

• Biblical Viewpoint:
  • Investigate passages explicitly discussing the origin of the soul (e.g., Genesis 2:7, Zechariah 12:1).
  • Analyze biblical silence on premortal existence; explore implications of Hebrews 9:27 (death, then judgment).
• Historical and Theological Context:
  • Understand historical origin (Platonic philosophy) influencing preexistence beliefs.
  • Examine early Christian heresies related to preexistence and why mainstream Christianity rejected them.

2. Nature of God: Trinity vs. Mormon Godhead

• Trinitarian Doctrine:
  • Study core biblical texts supporting the Trinity (John 1:1-14, John 10:30, Matthew 28:19, Colossians 1:15-20).
  • Research historical formation of Trinitarian belief through councils (Nicaea, Constantinople).
• Mormon Distinctions:
  • Understand clearly Mormonism’s belief in separate divine beings.
  • Research historical context of Mormon development on Godhead (Joseph Smith’s evolving theology).
• Philosophical/Theological Implications:
  • Explore theological consequences of a physical-bodied deity versus an infinite, eternal Spirit God.

3. Satan and Jesus as Spirit Brothers

• Biblical Perspective on Christ’s Deity and Uniqueness:
  • Colossians 1:16 (Christ as creator, not a created spirit sibling).
  • Hebrews 1:5-8 (unique sonship and deity of Christ).
• Logical Implications:
  • Analyze theological implications if Jesus and Satan are fundamentally the same class of beings.
  • Evaluate early church and historical Christian views opposing this idea.

4. Doctrine of the Fall: Good or Evil?

• Biblical Perspective on the Fall:
  • Study passages that explicitly define the Fall as rebellion (Genesis 3, Romans 5:12-21).
  • Evaluate Mormon claim that Fall was necessary, comparing it to Romans 6:23, which frames sin unequivocally as evil, causing death.
• Historical Christian Theology:
  • Contrast traditional Christian view (Fall as tragic and sinful rebellion) with LDS view (Fall as beneficial, necessary step).

5. Ongoing Revelation and Modern Prophets

• Closed vs. Open Canon:
  • Investigate Protestant historical position on the canon (closed after apostolic era).
  • Research criteria used historically by the church for accepting prophets (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).
• Assessing Joseph Smith’s Prophecies:
  • Research documented prophecies by Joseph Smith and subsequent prophets; identify fulfilled/unfulfilled prophecies.
  • Apply biblical tests for a prophet’s authenticity.

6. Structure and Authority of the Church

• Biblical Ecclesiology (Church Government):
  • Investigate models of church governance in the New Testament (Ephesians 4, Acts 15).
  • Evaluate scriptural support or contradiction to Mormon hierarchical structure (Prophet, Apostles, Bishops, etc.).
• Apostolic Succession vs. Priesthood Restoration:
  • Examine Mormon claims about priesthood restoration through Joseph Smith; contrast with Protestant and historical Christian views on authority (Hebrews 7-10, priesthood of all believers).