Francis Schaeffer’s apologetics combined intellectual rigor with personal compassion. He believed that non-Christian worldviews were “roofless”—unable to provide adequate answers to life’s most basic questions. Schaeffer would listen carefully, affirm areas of truth, and then press into the inconsistencies. By showing how unbelieving systems ultimately collapse under their own weight, he would guide others to the true foundation: God’s revelation in Scripture, fulfilled in Christ.
Summary of Mormonism
Mormonism teaches that God the Father was once a man who progressed to godhood. Jesus is the firstborn of God’s spirit children. The goal of salvation is not merely forgiveness, but eventual exaltation to godhood through ordinances, good works, and temple rituals. Modern prophets guide the church, and additional scriptures supplement the Bible.
A Fictional Dialogue Between Francis Schaeffer and a Mormon
Mormon: I believe that God has a plan for us to return to Him, and that we’re here to prove our worthiness to progress. Jesus’ atonement makes that possible if we obey the commandments and follow the prophets.
Schaeffer: That’s very interesting. Can I ask—how do you know when you’ve done enough to be worthy?
Mormon: Well, we strive. God knows our hearts. We follow the teachings of our leaders and keep improving.
Schaeffer: Improvement is admirable. But suppose your heart tells you you’ve failed—do you have assurance of salvation at that point?
Mormon: Not really. That’s why we have repentance and the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide us.
Schaeffer: What if the real problem is not just our mistakes, but that we are spiritually dead and need new life—not improvement, but resurrection?
Mormon: I think we’re born with potential. That’s why we were sent here.
Schaeffer: You know, that reminds me of Genesis 3—when the serpent told Eve, “You shall be like God.” Could it be that the idea of becoming gods is the oldest temptation?
Mormon: That’s not how we see it. We believe it’s our destiny.
Schaeffer: Yet Scripture says, “There is no God besides Me” (Isaiah 45:5). Isn’t it dangerous to want what only God possesses?
Mormon: Then why would Jesus say, “Be ye perfect”?
Schaeffer: Because He is the standard—and we fall short. But the gospel isn’t that we become gods. It’s that God became man to rescue us. You don’t need to become divine. You need to be saved by the One who is.
Mormon: That’s a different perspective.
Schaeffer: It’s the only one that brings peace. Not by your work, but His. Have you ever read what Jesus said: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”?
Post-Dialogue Reflection
The strength of Schaeffer’s method is in honest, probing questions that lead the other person to confront contradictions within their own worldview. He respected people while gently revealing their system’s inability to offer real answers. In contrast, the gospel offers grace, truth, and assurance.
Christians today can learn from this approach—listen, love, and lead people to the truth found in Jesus Christ alone.
S.D.G.,
Robert Sparkman
rob@christiannewsjunkie.com
RELATED CONTENT
Concerning the Related Content section, I encourage everyone to evaluate the content carefully.
If I have listed the content, I think it is worthwhile viewing to educate yourself on the topic, but it may contain coarse language or some opinions I don’t agree with.
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It should be noted that on some matters, I am expressing my convictions or opinions on the matter. My convictions and opinions are strongly influenced by a conservative, Christian (biblical) worldview.
At times, like any other human being, my remarks will reflect my own intuition and bias. I am subject to error, although I speak from a clean concience, knowing that I will ultimately be held accountable for my words.
If you have evidence that I am wrong about a material statement of fact, provide the evidence and I will gladly review it and make revisions if merited. Obviously, there are some assertions that are matters of opinion that I will not change, but I always strive to be truthful.
I will continue to add videos and other items to the Related Content section as opportunities present themselves.
I recommend these Youtube channels and commentators for good content on politics and news from a Christian and/or conservative worldview: Albert Mohler, Allie Beth Stuckey, Bill O’Reilly, CBN News, Hugh Hewitt, John Anderson Media (Australia), Nick Freitas, Ruthless Podcast (language warning), Scott Jennings, The Hot Zone with Chuck Holton, Vince Dao, and Verdict with Ted Cruz.
Albert Mohler’s channel on Youtube has a daily episode called The Briefing with Albert Mohler that I highly recommend. Allie Beth Stuckey’s channel is top-notch, too.
For livestreaming of political protests and riots by conservative commentators, check out Nate Friedman, Cam Higby, James Klug, and Nick Shirley. I don’t agree with the perspectives of all these commentators and the language of protesters is often obscene. Most news outlets will not cover these illegal assemblies, though, because it doesn’t promote their narrative.
Depictions of Jesus Christ are used in some illustrations. I realize that some including conservative Presbyterians consider this to be idolatry. I respectfully disagree with their position on this matter as the commandment forbids worshiping such depictions, and I do not worship these illustrations.