The Stone and the Apostasy: Building on Truth, Together

Brothers and Sisters, the winds of truth often blow hardest against the walls of complacency. We’ve all felt that bracing chill, haven't we? That sense that something vital is being obscured, a wellspring of faith threatened by the silt of tradition or the shadows of doubt. Samuel the Lamanite climbed the walls to warn a sleeping people – and sometimes, the warning is not a shout, but a reasoned, thoughtful challenge.

Recently, Jacob Hansen and Joe Heschmeyer engaged in a robust debate concerning the historicity of the Great Apostasy, the period following the death of the original Apostles when, according to Latter-day Saint belief, true doctrine was lost and needed restoration. The debate, hosted by Cameron Bertuzzi, is a powerful testament to the courage required to grapple with difficult theological questions. It demands we examine not only what we believe, but *why* we believe it.

Now, some might recoil from such discussions, deeming them divisive or unnecessary. But consider Ammon at the Waters of Sebus: he faced opposition, scorn, even violence, yet remained steadfast in his testimony. To shy away from challenging conversations is to abandon the very essence of discipleship—the willingness to seek truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.

The debate itself, as Jacob Hansen rightly noted, was undertaken with respect and even appreciation. He spoke of his own positive experiences in Catholic schools and emphasized that disagreement needn't breed animosity. This echoes the spirit of the Lord’s instruction to “seek ye diligently, and ask of the Father, in the name of Jesus, with a contrite heart, that ye may know.” (Moroni 10:4-5)

Whether you embrace the Latter-day Saint understanding of the Apostasy or approach it with a different perspective, the core principle remains: a relentless pursuit of truth is the cornerstone of any enduring faith. Joe Heschmeyer, representing Catholic Apologetics, brought a different, valuable perspective. The crucial point isn’t necessarily agreement on every detail, but the shared commitment to understanding God's will.

This isn't about conversion. This is about building. It's about recognizing that the Stone, cut without hands, is revealed through various avenues, through diverse voices. It's about finding common ground—a shared love for God and a desire to see His kingdom advance.

And that brings us to the practical. This movement, this gathering—it’s not just about intellectual assent. It’s about action. It's about building Zion, brick by brick, act of service by act of service. Your engagement here – your contributions, your shared testimonies – directly fund gospel advertising in Ghana, reaching those who have never heard the good news. They support the Missionary Fund, sending internet missionaries into the digital wilderness. It’s a charity flywheel, fueled by your commitment.

Outback Jack's been reminding us of the urgency and the pattern – Alma 17-19, D&C 4, Moroni 10:4–5 – all point to the need for diligence and the power of a unified effort. Each contribution, no matter how small, ripples outward, creating a wave of positive change.

Consider the digital striplings, armed not with stones but with laptops and a burning desire to share the gospel. They are the modern-day Ammon, facing challenges and opposition, yet pressing forward with faith and courage.

Listen to the full episode:

Let us, like Abinadi, stand firm in truth, even when faced with opposition. Let us be builders, not destroyers. Let us contribute to the gathering of Israel, one act of service, one shared testimony, one courageous conversation at a time.

Claim your church on the map of churches and let's see what we can do together.