Really enjoyed this conversation with Greg! What other topics would be good for us to touch on in future conversations with each other?

My father is a protestant. My mother is a mormon. There was a lot of tension and pain in my home over religion. I was then called to the Bible Belt on my mission. With every ounce of courage in me I sought to bring peace and understanding to every person that I met, believing that the greatest gift I could give was honor. After a long day, and a pastor shaming and condemning me, telling me I was going to Hell, (after I had peaceably listened to the sermon he gave at the old folks home we served in, ironically seeking to honor him), I asked God if He would someday send a pastor to my door, bringing an equal level of peaceable honor to me as I had brought to that pastor that day though he did not see it, and to many others there in florida for 18 months. It has been 10 years. Well Pastor Jeff, the saratoga springs temple is right up the street from me, and the building you attended church in in St. Louis was where my singles ward met when I was in St. Louis for work in 2016, while the fallout from Ferguson was still being discussed. St. Louis was my home away from home. I believe you are that pastor, bringing honor to my door. And I thank you for the gift. Know that none of the genuine respect you give is wasted, and that it means a lot.

It’s refreshing to listen to an honest and civil conversation about differing views without bashing the others beliefs. Hard to find nowadays.

Greg is a great representative of our faith. Thanks for having him on, Jeff. And thanks for promoting conversation over contention.

This was the most beautiful display of love and support for both religious groups. As a strong LDS member I enjoyed watching this. Good job!

Pastor Jeff, you really live up to "fight criticism with curiosity." I love it, and thank you!

This is by far the BEST and most enjoyable conversation examining the differences between our two belief systems.. I was raised a Baptist and converted to the LDS at age 18 51 years ago. Over the years I’ve brought my understanding of mainstream Christian doctrine as I was taught and as I’ve discussed it over the years with Evangelical friends. The two of you by far had the most revealing conversation that honestly discussed the very differences I’ve summed up in my years… and your respectful, dignified, loving manner that you guys exchanged the those items was very touching… I felt the Spirit with both of you as I’m sure everyone of us who love the Savior felt it. You could not have chosen a more precise list to discuss… I think that you were able to do that because of your exhaustive efforts to understand the differences with love, devotion, and respect… My hat is off to both of you and to you Pastor Jeff for stepping forward with such courage to begin this journey… You have a lot of Latter-day Saints praying for you and your ministry… because we have faith you are a chosen bridge builder in a time that the Lord has need to martial all of His believers together for the events that are headed our way… You have given substance to the belief that as follows of Jesus Christ, we are brothers and sisters in Jesus…. God bless your work.. And thanks for having chosen such a qualified representative of our faith…

Wow! Greg Matsen, A+ at articulating structured beliefs from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

If the world could communicate like the two of you, with less ego and less judgement we would be so much better off. So impressive. This makes me want to improve my communication and judgement.

Thank you”PEACEMAKERS”…The world would be a better place to live, in and outside of religion if ALL conversations could be civil and clear as this.🙏🏼❤️🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

Jeff, this was a lot of fun! Dialogue is always the ideal approach. Looking forward to more!

I enjoyed this dialogue. While I am not LDS, I like President Nelson's message of April 2023 "Peacemakers Needed".

As a Latter-day Saint....I love love love this exchange!!! Thank you, Pastor Jeff and Greg!! Much love and respect from Cleveland, Tennessee ❤

It is so inspiring to hear both Greg and Jeff. I love the simplicity of how they lay out the differences in our beliefs in a respectful way. Listening to Jeff's videos has given me so much respect for all Christian denominations and encourages me to seek Truth and become a better person. Thank you so much, Jeff and Greg!

I love listening to Jeff talking to Greg and others about differences in belief. It really helps me to learn. Thank you so much guys👍💖💖

This is one of the best explanations give by both sides videos I’ve ever seen! And I’m excited to share it when others ask me these questions . Thanks to both of you

I appreciated how civil and respectful this discussion was. I didn’t see any animosity towards each others beliefs or even trying to convince the other person or the viewer. Just a pleasant informative discussion comparing and contrasting the differences in tenets. Well done.

27:21 it is important to note that when we say “true church”, we don’t believe all those Christians who were during the middle ages are just lost in hell. We believe they will be judged on their works as it says in the Bible, but knowing the truth in their spirit they can accept the truth after this life, and then ordinances who others do on behalf of them will count. HOW MERCIFUL IS OUR GOD! 💟🙏 Great are His mercies and plain are His ways!

Wonderful discussion. I think that the one thing we as LDS don’t make clear enough is that we believe that it is only through what Christ did for us that we are saved. The ordinances and covenants are indications and commitments we must make to fully give our will to God. God, giving us our agency will always protect that gift and we must show it is us with our whole heart that desires to make those commitments. Nothing we actually do saves us. That was done by Christ. But, if we don’t desire to live in the manner he exemplified, we can make that choice. In my heart, I want to follow him because I know that is the only way I can feel happy and peaceful. I help others, not because I think I need to earn my salvation but because I love God and if service or good works need to be done that I can do, something inside me just feels compelled to take action. If I didn’t live that way, I would question my love of my Savior. I think people who love God try their best to follow his example. None of the things we do will save us though.

This conversation is amazing. I know some LDS church members, but none that could speak to the theology of the church (as I know many mainstream Christians who can’t either). Dennis Prager always talks about clarity when discussing differences rather than winning over the other person. This is a great example of this in practice. Oh if more of us could do this with each other even in matters other than religion.

For those who might want to review a particular topic without having to spend time hunting: 2:28 Bibliology (topic: the Bible) 5:50 Theology Proper (topic: God) 11:23 Anthropology (topic: mankind) 14:46 Christology (topic: Jesus Christ) 23:30 Ecclesiology (topic: the Church) 32:35 Eschatology (topic: end times)

I really enjoyed this. I see no contention or condemnation. Only mutual respect and even a mutual appreciation for each other. Two friends explaining and appreciating each others beliefs that don’t always align with a genuine interest.

What beautiful dialogue. I’ve waited my whole life to link arms with my Christian brothers and sisters, putting our differences aside, in friendship and Christian love. As we await His return to earth we are coming together. Amazing thank you brothers great video

What a beautiful job you are doing here, Jeff. Thank you for showing all of us that there is no need for contention when there are disagreements in beliefs and doctrine. I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and I enjoyed this discussion a lot. I'll continue to watch your videos. God bless you in your efforts to bring Christians together in our common goal to become better disciples of our Savior Jesus Christ.

The statement of LDS belief is in The Articles of Faith. All inquirers should read it.

Interesting educational conversation. It’s helping me understand the perspectives of my evangelical brothers and sisters better. Thank you!

such a healthy conversation to have. you are both class acts.

What an incredibly respectful conversation. It wouldn’t surprise me if before filming these two gentleman said something along the lines of “you are my friend. It doesn’t matter what you say, I will respect your opinion.” So refreshing to see.

I'm so happy that a KZfaqr teaches about us and doesn't insult or lie about us. Actually, You are the only one I could find.

Thank you for being respectful on both sides of the conversation. Respect is the key to unlocking doors to friendships.

Great conversation. Very helpful to many to hear the similarities and differences without getting into technical debate

This was a good conversation. Thank you, Greg, for representing the doctrines of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ so beautifully. And thank you, Jeff, for being a friend.

Thank you so much for this. This was so incredibly insightful and helpful! I have watched you both separately (I am LDS) and was super excited to see you discussing together!

This is fascinating… one of my best friends is nondenominational and we agree on so much that I have often wondered what differences are actually there with other types of Christians. Thanks for this video!

Great video Greg and Jeff! Perfect kind of conversation to have 💟🙏 I would say that it is important to understand that our understanding of other religions is that they are all part of God’s design. By scattering seeds he gathered them in full again. Some people need truth presented a certain way before they can progress, so many religions have been inspired (though we do believe not all have authority) to help God’s children rise above the natural man. The important thing is that they do what the Spirit of the Lord prompts them to do.

Nice discussion between Jeff and Greg. I think you really do a good job of explaining and respecting each others position.

When Jesus comes again, LDS and Evangelicals will run to him. Building this bridge feels right. Thanks Pastor Jeff.

LDS are taught that all truth can be circumscribed into one great whole. If there is truth in the world it is part of our belief. We don't feel us vs them when thinking about the Gentile world.

Beautiful exchange of contrasting and shared beliefs. Articulate, thoughtful, and informative.

I am so glad that you two are doing this interview!!!! I know with my whole heart that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s church and I’ve been watching Paster Jeff’s journey and I will continue to enjoy watching!

Thank you for doing these videos. It’s helped me learn so much and challenges me to consider my beliefs more deeply. These videos have strengthened my testimony and softened my heart in many ways. ❤

Perfect example of what it looks like to “agree to disagree”. Refreshing to see.

Great, my testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church in these latter-days is strong in these truths and I'm working to make it stronger every day. We are so blessed!

Loved this! I’m a convert of 30 years to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. I was raised Catholic but we didn’t go often so I really had no knowledge or relationship with Jesus Christ. After an ex boyfriend committed suicide in my mid 20’ s I went on a several year quest to understand the meaning of life. My evangelical friends kept telling me my ex boyfriend was lost forever since he hadn’t been “saved” in Jesus Christ. That didn’t make sense to me. If that was true then I certainly wasn’t interested in their church or beliefs. I went to a couple of popular evangelical churches in Southern California for about 6 months. Everyone was nice and church was pretty fun but nothing clicked for me. I came upon the LDS church by happenstance but I started discussions and delved into a year long deep dive of research and church attendance before deciding to join the LDS church. I had a couple of sacred spiritual experiences that confirmed my decision. It changed my life forever and I have never looked back. I have the strongest testimony of my faith and the true principles I’ve learned and lived of the gospel. This was a really pleasant conversation to listen to. It’s not often you hear a mainstream Christian l, even a Pastor be so respectful and kind about the doctrine we believe in. I often hear contentious words and blasting of our beliefs but in 30 years I’ve never heard any LDS person I’ve been associated with blast other faiths let alone other Christian churches. It’s always baffled me. This was refreshing. ❤

Jeff, this discussion is just the tip of the iceberg. More of these would be great. Am looking forward also on your take of the BoM series. More evangelicals should be here to learn.

- Enjoyed the conversation. - Appreciate Jeff for his kindness and respect towards Latter Day Saints. - It strikes me in this video, how complicated Protestant Christianity is. - So grateful for the simplicity of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Great discussion! Where I live I am surronded by Evangelicals. This really helps me in understanding them.

This is a really good conversation about beliefs!! Thanks for sharing with us!

The Cross is His public sacrifice for me, the Garden is His personal sacrifice WITH me.

I really enjoyed this discussion of the similarities and differences between evangelical and latter-day saint doctrine. You both did a wonderful job. ❤️ I think that part of the reason why we don't consider the Bible to be the only necessary and all sufficient word of God is because every word should be established from two or three witnesses. Matthew 18:16 "but if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." It's like you stated, Pastor Jeff. If someone is in error, you said that you would show him/her how the Bible says that he/she is in error. However, what if he will not hear you? You need collaborating witnesses to strengthen your position. 2 Nephi 29:8 echoes this idea. "Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together, the testimony of the two nations shall run together also."

You guys are doing great work! Ultimately I believe that we will all come to a unity of the faith and be one in the body of Christ as the events up to and including His return become closer and closer.

nice to hear a discussion and not an argument. Thanks

I look forward to other discussions you guys might have together, deeper in to those “secondary doctrines” as you call it, as long as it could remain respectful, civil, and reverent, like this was. Thank you both so much for doing this. This is a good thing for all followers of Christ.

God bless you both for your amazing understanding and simple explanations. As a Latter-day Saint who feels that I understand our beliefs well, I don't think I could have explained those core doctrines as well or simply or beautifully! Thank you! Also, thank you pastor Jeff for your explanations of mainstream Christian understanding and belief. It is beautiful. So much of what we believe is the same or so similar.

It’s nice to see someone listen instead of trying to figure out where to land the next blow.

What an amazing conversation that is intentionally focused on exploring differences solely for the purpose of understanding- not convincing- the other. Imagine a world where all dialogue happened this way!

I loved your conversation! Both of you are so well spoken. Thanks!

Im so grateful for the charitable listening rather than so many other conversations I've seen else where that get bogged down in semantics.

Thank you both! I was very impressed by your calm, respectful and informative conversation! It was perfect! I'm going to listen again! God bless! 😊

Outstanding presentation from both sides. I just am enjoying this channel for the good hearted discourse and discussion of our sameness and our divergent thoughts. Nicely done!

Great job Greg of representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And thank you Jeff for being such a good and kind person.

Great Conversation guys! 👍🏻 Agree to Disagree without yelling, screaming, and taking offense, to actually have a conversation of understanding both sides. 👍🏻

What an awesome duo! Great conversation

I love how you both sat together and shared Jesus with us all. The important thing is John 3:16. We all believe that to be true.

Really good video. I'd love to see even longer videos unpacking some of these concepts. You were only able to scratch the surface on different views on the Godhead and the nature of Jesus Christ for instance.

Can’t wait for the conversation about the garden!!

This was a great conversation! Thanks for this.

19:00 Hi Jeff! I would like to share these references from Church resources that speak on how the Garden of Eden and the cross of Calvary are important to Latter-day Saints. It seems to me that we as Latter-day Saints ought to believe that both places play integral parts on Christ’s atonement but an unintentional focus on what happened on the Garden of Eden has been made by some over the years which affected the understanding of the importance of both the Garden and the Cross. Latter-day prophets speak on both the importance of these places. Here are some quotations and resources that may help: “Jesus’s atoning sacrifice TOOK PLACE IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE AND ON THE CROSS OF CALVARY. In Gethsemane He submitted to the will of the Father and began to take upon Himself the sins of all people…. The Savior continued to suffer for our sins when He allowed Himself to be crucified-“lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world” (1 Nephi 11:33). On the cross, He allowed Himself to die. His body was then laid in a tomb until He was resurrected and became “the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Through His death and Resurrection, He overcame physical death for us all.” www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/atonement-of-jesus-christ “Some might assume, for example, that we believe Christ’s death on the cross covered only the effects of physical death and that his suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane covered only the effects of spiritual death. But the scriptures make it clear that Christ’s agony in the garden and his suffering and death on the cross were all integral parts of the atoning sacrifice.” - Gerald N. Lund www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1990/01/the-fall-of-man-and-his-redemption?lang=eng&fbclid=IwAR1F-rdcJksvmohLekB2MVpmypFBo9ISjRixvJxMNjlNTAHlEFsjvg43_so rsc.byu.edu/book-mormon-second-nephi-doctrinal-structure/fall-man-and-his-redemption open.spotify.com/episode/2xBo7y6gkWYkDI1drbweXq?si=Tm8ylSwXTniTn2zejDgbtw

When I was in my early twenties I had a roommate who was a born-again Christian. We were roommates for over two years. I loved him like a brother. Even though we had some different beliefs we both believed in our Savior Jesus Christ. Clyde used to go to the jail and minister to the people in jail. We prayed together, we commiserated with each other when we both had a hard day. Clyde is now a Pastor over a church in Florida. Just because our beliefs are a little different we still loved each other like brothers. Clyde was a person of color and I am Caucasian. Where we lived was a very hard place and there were some wicked people there who tried to persecute us. I love that you can have a conversation and discuss beliefs without contention.

With my limited knowledge and study of the scriptures about the atonement I originally thought that the most agonizing part of the atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ was in the Garden of Gethsemane. Elder Talmage said that the agony in Gethsemane returned and intensified upon the cross. Elder Gerald Lund said it is a doctrinal error to bifurcate the atonement. We cannot just talk about Gethsemane, or just the cross, but the whole event and everything in between including, as Isaiah said, the stripes that He bore is part and parcel of the complete and the eternal atonement of Jesus Christ. Elder Maxwell so eloquently referred to the whole process of the atonement of Jesus Christ, from Gethsemane to the cross, as the “awful arithmetic of the atonement.” So much to still learn and try to comprehend, in my finite mind, for such a glorious and infinite act of love; and how I love my Savior Jesus Christ for it.

Thank you for showing people of any faith that we can have love for each other while having difference's.

It is wonderful to see what can be done when contention is absent.

Excellent dialog. As a Latter-day saint, it better helps me understand my christian friends and some of their perspectives on gospel doctrine. Great job!

I truly appreciate what you are doing and especially sitting down with someone like Greg to get a clearer understanding. Y’all are basically doing (in my opinion) GOD’s will and work as the contention between sects or faith groups is from the adversary, discussion is good, but vitriol and hateful rhetoric is not constructive and not of Christ! I also appreciate your discussion of President Nelson’s recent talk on contention! You do a better job than almost anyone I have ever seen in showing ‘the fruits of your labor’ as a follower of Jesus, which (again in my opinion) is critically important as we approach HIS return. Perhaps you are aware of this (20 ish y/o) book … (there was also a follow up … Bridging the Divide: The Continuing Conversation between a Mormon and an Evangelical) “How Wide the Divide is a superb debate between BYU Professor Stephen Robinson, and Evangelical scholar Craig Blomberg concerning Scripture, God & Deification, Christ & the Trinity, and Salvation. Each of these four chapters contains initial statements of belief, comments upon each other's position, and a jointly written conclusion. ... How Wide the Divide" is a superb debate between BYU Professor Stephen Robinson, and Evangelical scholar Craig Blomberg concerning Scripture, God & Deification, Christ & the Trinity, and Salvation. Each of these four chapters contains initial statements of belief, comments upon each other's position, and a jointly written conclusion.” (copied and pasted)

Great conversation! I enjoy watching Hello Saints as much as I enjoy my favorite Come Follow Me Videos. The other day, I was listening to Jared Halverson say never in world history has more people study the scriptures at one time than they do today with Come Follow Me. He also has given us a visual for the cross. Think of it like this: vertically it represents the First Great Commandment (points toward heaven, eternally), to Love God with all our heart, might mind…and laterally, represents the Second Great commandment, to love our neighbor as our self or as we love God.

Great conversation! Love when we can have respectful conversations and try to find common ground

Best part is when Jeff adds bits of LDS theology that he thinks Greg has missed and he's right on the mark. It's getting so that he knows our theology as well or better than we do! Respect man.

I think a big miss here is the distinction between salvation and exaltation. I would hate for any of our Protestant, Catholic or Evangelical brothers and sister to feel that we Latter-Day-Saints don’t believe they are “saved” unless they go through the LDS ordinances. We believe all are Saved by the Grace of Christ regardless of denomination. “Exaltation” is a separate doctoring that focuses on the “progression” referenced in this video. Exaltation does require LDS ordinances.

What a great conversation. Helps me understand those who are not lds.

I admire your demeanor and respect you show others. You are a living example of Christ like love. Thank you for this! The world needs more of these types of discussions.

Pastor Jeff, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I have the deepest love and respect for your tender and kind approach to finding and celebrating the truths that we passionately share. I so hope that every person who calls themselves "Christian" can someday be filled with the Holy Spirit of truth that you have including me. You are more than just a "Christian", you are truly "Christ-like". These should be one and the same however, "we Christians" have made Christianity a competition rather than a loving conversation where we seek to understand and "come to a unity of the faith". Thank you sincerely for your effort and sacrifice.

We really need more of this. Thanks Pastor Jeff.

I honestly believe that you two are changing the world! I love love love this!!!

God's blessing on both these Pastor leadership! Amazing!!!

Thumbs up gentlemen. The more we can have this type of dialogue the closer we are to the Second Coming.

If you are a latter-day-saint, you are watching this to vibe with your truths on display, and your defences. If you are evangelical, you are watching it to feel good where you resonate and the strength you have on your side. Boy, all of our upbringing is, even in a context of love and safety like this wholesome channel where criticism is fought with curiosity, I still have to say, it is difficult to fight what we were brought up and polarized to see. Props to Jeff, who is putting up solid remarks in favor of an evangelical perspective, while also being capable of a genuine approach to a different perspective, full of love and not contention at all. I wish I could be curious enough, intelligent enough and loving enough to allow a different vibe into my heart, like some super difficult debate club but of the soul and mind and heart. It genuinely makes me want to call up a person not of my faith and truly seek to understand what they understand and vibe with it, with no defence, conversion attempt, contention or competition harbored by me whatsoever. You are the coolest Jeff!

I’m not Mormon and I don’t accept the Book of Mormon but I find myself agreeing with them on scripture alone which I find to be ridiculous. As if God is limited to one book.

I enjoyed the conversation… the more both of you talked the less differences I saw. People if they choose gain make the differences as big as the Mt. Everest or as small as an anthill. I selected the latter. When you consider the evil in the world honestly we are in the same page if one has perspective. Thank you both!

Great chat!!!!!!! Respectful

Thank you to both of you. It was wonderful to hear you both. You explained things beautifully.

Thank you for these videos. Would LOVE to see a conversation with Jared Halverson.

These are the kinds of conversations I love to listen to! Keep fighting criticism with curiosity! :)

We are more alike than we are different. Much respect to both of you.

I really liked this collaboration. We have more in common than we realize.

I’m curious to see your thoughts on the CES Letter, you should do a video reviewing that and reacting to it. It’s just a document that goes over potential issues/contradictions that the LDS church may have. Many of the members of the church including myself are unaware of some of the church’s own history so it would be interesting to see your thoughts and opinions on the letter. Not trying to prove or disprove anything, just curious to know your thoughts on it. The document can be found online by just searching for “Mormon CES Letter”

I love these conversations! We are followers of Christ need to join together in our love for Chirst! I know that we have small differences in perspective, but let us all rally around Christ!

This was really helpful to me. Having grown up in the LDS church I never really heard what mainstream Christianity believes about the 2nd coming of Christ and the Resurrection. I just assumed, because it is what is shown in media, that they believed that when you died you went to heaven or hell for eternity. I hadn't heard anyone talk about a resurrection that would occur in there. It is great to see our beliefs are more in line with each other than I had initially believed.

I was stunningly surprised in parts of how clearly I was witnessing the difference between the moon and the sun. I was gobsmacked with the clear difference between the ideas and authority of men compared to the power and authority of God. Incredible.

I love this exchange. It really solidifies my beliefs and why I joined the Church. And reminds me why I left mainstream Christianity.

Great video, great to hear this back and forth. I hope to hear you guys talk more.