The Role of Apologetics in Witnessing to Mormons

Abstract

Over the last two years, Apologia Church, led by reformed pastor and apologist Jeff Durbin, has posted a number of videos on YouTube of Durbin witnessing to Latter-Day Saints on the streets of Tempe, AZ. Thousands of people have watched these videos. His approach is apologetic in nature as he uses a reasoned argument to prove that LDS teaching is not in line with what Scripture teaches. In these videos one will see Durbin talking at the Mormon temple about the nature of God, the divinity of Christ, and the authority of Scripture. At first glance, this may seem like a worthwhile approach in witnessing to Mormons. However, a closer evaluation of this reformed apologetic approach is necessary as many within Lutheran circles would not endorse such an approach. Why is that? Is there a role for apologetics in witnessing to Mormons? This thesis will explain the reasons why apologetics, as used in Durbin’s reformed apologetic approach, should be secondary to the proclamation of sin and grace.