Debate video pits active members against ex-Mormons on Church origins
November 5, 2026 at 4:03 AM MT · via YouTube / The Way with Brian Davila · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting
"The Way with Brian Davila" posted a debate video titled "2 Mormons Vs 2 Ex-Mormons: Was The LDS Church Started By Con Men?" that drew 22,415 views in 20 hours and 991 comments. The video frames the founding of Mormonism as a question of fraud versus divine restoration, with representatives from both sides arguing their positions.
The video is part of a series where the channel brings Christians and skeptics together for recorded debates. The format reflects ongoing tensions in Mormon communities over how to interpret Joseph Smith's founding of the Church, with faithful members viewing him as a prophet and critics pointing to historical evidence of treasure-digging and other activities they characterize as fraudulent.
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