When the Hard Questions Arrive: How to Be a Disciple in the Age of Skepticism

Do you ever feel like you’re standing in the middle of a missionary discussion, and suddenly, the question isn't about Nephi's journey or the covenant path—it's about archaeology, naturalism, and the sheer mechanics of how the Book of Mormon came to be?

If you've been out in the field, or if you're prepping for your own mission, you know those questions can hit hard. They can feel overwhelming, like a tidal wave of academic critique washing over the simple, beautiful truth of the gospel. It can make you wonder if you've prepared enough, or if you're equipped to talk to the most educated, skeptical minds.

But here’s the secret I want to share, something I learned the hard way: When the questions get complicated, we have to remember what we are doing. We are not running a seminary debate; we are participating in the work. We are inviting people into the relationship with Christ.

Recently, I came across some content—specifically an interview with Steven Pynakker on The Stick of Joseph—that dives deep into the academic critiques of the Book of Mormon. It covers the naturalistic view, the historical arguments, and the rigorous scrutiny that can be applied to any ancient text. It’s a deep dive, and it’s designed to make you think. You can watch the full discussion here:

If you're a lifelong disciple, or if you’re preparing to serve, you know that the questions are constant. They are part of the culture we live in. And while it’s absolutely vital to be informed—and I encourage you to keep learning—we must also remember the core skill of the disciple: how to respond with the Spirit.

The Difference Between Defending and Discipling

The natural tendency when faced with a challenge like this is to get defensive. We feel the need to prove, cite scripture, and win the argument. But the Savior taught us that the gospel is not a series of facts we can memorize and recite; it is a life we can live. The goal of a missionary discussion is not to convince someone of our intelligence; it’s to invite them to consider the possibility of Christ.

When you encounter a challenge that feels purely academic, remember the pivot. Instead of getting stuck in the weeds of archaeological theories, pivot back to the personal experience. Pivot back to the testimony. Pivot back to the power of the gospel in their life.

A Mission-Prep Skill: The Gentle Redirect

Here is a skill I want to pass along to the next wave of disciples: the gentle redirect. If an investigator corner you with a highly technical question about the origin of the record, acknowledge the depth of their research, validate their curiosity, and then gently redirect the conversation back to the central covenant theme. Something like: “That’s a fascinating point, and I appreciate your deep research. While the academic discussion is important, for me, the most profound part of the Book of Mormon isn't its provenance—it's the story of how it taught people how to overcome the messiness of humanity and become one in Christ.”

This doesn't mean ignoring the intellectual challenge; it means refusing to let the challenge become the *defining* point of the conversation. The defining point must always be the Savior.

Your Daily Disciple Challenge

The most powerful resource we have isn't a book or a debate strategy; it's the Holy Ghost. If you feel yourself getting stuck on a difficult question, take a breath. Pray. Ask for guidance. And then, use your tools. If you’re struggling to formulate a response to a difficult question, remember that Davee is there for you. He specializes in the AI Investigator role, walking you through the hard questions and helping you craft an answer rooted in grace and truth.

Furthermore, I encourage you to deepen your understanding of the scriptures in ways that transcend the classroom. Check out HolyPlaces for a Book Club or Bible Study Group. Learning the scriptures in a community setting helps us build the spiritual resilience we need when the world throws tough questions at us.

We are all disciples anywhere, all the time. We are ambassadors, and our primary message is simple: Come unto Christ. Let’s keep building Zion, one conversation and one testimony at a time!