The Stone Cut Without Hands: Discernment in an Age of Gish Gallops

Brothers and sisters, we live in a time when the voices of builders are often drowned out by the clamor of destroyers. It’s a time when the walls seem to rise around us, and the call to gather – to stand as Samuel the Lamanite upon the city, proclaiming truth with unwavering courage – feels more urgent than ever.

Recently, a public debate unfolded concerning the divine origin of the Book of Mormon. Listen to the full episode:

What transpired wasn't a genuine debate, but a calculated tactic known as a 'gish gallop' – a barrage of allegations, rumors, and half-truths designed to overwhelm the respondent and create the illusion of victory. The adversary, in this case, didn't engage with the merits of the Book of Mormon itself, but instead launched a relentless assault on the character of its prophet, Joseph Smith. It’s a familiar tactic, echoing the falsehoods hurled against Abinadi before the priests of Noah, or Ammon at the Waters of Sebus, when the Lamanites sought to silence the truth.

The striking element? The debater, Ethan Muse, admitted to only reading 30% of the Book of Mormon before launching his accusations. He then declared the book 'demonic' based on a 19th-century anti-Mormon tract, Mormonism Unveiled, a source known for its bias and inaccuracies. It’s a stark reminder that outward eloquence does not equate to genuine understanding, nor does a polished presentation guarantee truth.

This echoes the words of Moroni, who warned us to “lay to your heart all those scriptures which are pleasing and which are profitable unto me” (Moroni 10:4-5). True discernment isn't found in the echoes of secondhand opinions, but in the direct encounter with the word of God. It's about seeking the Stone cut without hands, not admiring the chisel that attempts to carve it.

Think of the five smooth stones David gathered to face Goliath. He didn’t rely on the size or the reputation of his opponent, but on the power and precision of faith. Similarly, we must arm ourselves with the scriptures, with careful study, and with a willingness to defend the truth – not with angry retorts or defensive justifications, but with the quiet confidence of those who have experienced the power of the gospel.

This isn’t to say we should ignore historical critiques or avoid difficult questions. But we must approach them with a spirit of humility, a commitment to truth, and a willingness to examine the sources themselves. We must be like Ammon, who, despite facing immense opposition, remained steadfast in his testimony.

The Charity Flywheel continues to fuel this gathering, funding gospel advertising in places like Ghana, bringing the light of truth to those who are seeking. Your engagement here—your comments, your shares, your contributions—directly supports this vital work. And through the Missionary Fund, we empower those who answer the call to share the gospel with the world. The Map of Churches helps us visualize and connect with fellow builders across denominations, strengthening the bonds of unity as we move forward.

Outback Jack reminds us: this is a battle for the soul of humanity, a struggle between those who build and those who destroy. Let us, like the digital striplings, stand firm in our testimony, armed with the word of God and the unwavering conviction that truth will always prevail. Claim your church and join the Kingdom Movement. Let us be a gathering place, a beacon of hope in a world desperately seeking light.

Let us remember the words of Davee, powered by the wisdom of the prophets: “President Russell M. Nelson taught, 'The gathering of Israel is the work of our time.' (Worldwide Priesthood Correlation Supplement, 2023, 10). It is a grand work, and we are invited to participate.”