Many faithful Christian families choose The Good and the Beautiful because they want something wholesome, beautiful, and simple to use. Those are good goals. There are a number of Christian homeschool tutorials in Smith County, TN and surrounding areas that lean on this curriculum.
Many parents in historic Trinitarian Protestant churches—including Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, and similar traditions—are not aware that the curriculum was founded by a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because curriculum always reflects worldview—even when doctrine is minimized—this is something thoughtful Christian parents may want to consider carefully.
This guide is offered in that spirit: not criticism, but discernment.
Scripture encourages believers to practice discernment:
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Why the Theological Background of a Curriculum Matters
Education is never neutral.
Every curriculum reflects assumptions about:
- the nature of God
- the authority of Scripture
- salvation
- spiritual formation
- truth itself
Christian parents are called to be intentional about what shapes their children:
“Train up a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6)
And Scripture reminds us that teaching truth to our children is a primary responsibility:
“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)
Differences Between Historic Trinitarian Christianity and LDS Teaching
Most families from historic Trinitarian Protestant churches—including Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, and similar traditions—affirm:
- one eternal God
- salvation by grace through faith
- the sufficiency of Scripture
- no additional revealed scripture beyond the Bible
Teachings of the LDS Church differ in several important areas.
Scripture encourages believers to guard the gospel carefully:
“Contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3)
The Nature of God
Historic Christianity teaches one God in three persons (Matt. 28:19; John 4:24; 2 Cor. 13:14).
Jesus is the second person of the Godhead and is God incarnate (John 1:14).
Scripture affirms both God’s oneness and the distinct persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
“Go therefore and make disciples… baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
“In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
LDS teaching describes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three distinct beings united in purpose rather than one being in essence, and also teaches that faithful believers may ultimately progress toward exaltation.
Christians who read passages such as Isaiah 43:10 often see this as a significant difference:
“Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.”
Scripture teaches nowhere that people become gods.
The Possibility of Humans Becoming Gods
Traditional Christianity teaches that God alone is eternal and uncreated.
“I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no God.” (Isaiah 45:5)
LDS theology includes the doctrine of exaltation—the belief that humans may ultimately become like God.
Many Christians compare this teaching with Scripture’s repeated emphasis on God’s uniqueness:
“Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.” (Isaiah 43:10)
The Role of Works and Religious Ordinances
Scripture teaches salvation by grace through faith:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)
“A person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)
LDS teaching includes covenant obedience, ordinances, and temple participation as essential parts of the path toward exaltation.
Because of this difference, many Protestant Christians conclude the LDS understanding of salvation is not the same as the gospel described in the New Testament.
Paul gave a strong warning about changes to the gospel message:
“If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8)
The Question of Additional Scripture
Historic Christianity has recognized the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God…” (2 Timothy 3:16)
“No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20–21)
Joseph Smith introduced additional books presented as scripture:
- the Book of Mormon
- Doctrine and Covenants
- Pearl of Great Price
Many Christians connect this issue with the warning:
“If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book.” (Revelation 22:18–19)
Scripture also teaches that the faith has already been delivered:
“The faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3)
The Bible teaches that many false prophets will propagate destructive heresies (Matt. 7:15; 24:11, 24; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1).
The Apostle Paul charged believers to be diligent in preserving the truth of the gospel against false gospels proclaimed by men or angels (Gal. 1:8).
Joseph Smith’s Claim That Existing Churches Were Wrong
Joseph Smith taught that existing Protestant churches had departed from true doctrine and required restoration through his prophetic calling.
Scripture warns believers to evaluate claims of new revelation carefully:
“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)
And:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)
Joseph Smith’s Plural Marriages
Historical records—including LDS Church sources—indicate Joseph Smith had approximately 30–40 wives.
Among these marriages:
- several women were already legally married to other living husbands
- some husbands were away on church missions during this time
- at least one wife, Helen Mar Kimball, was 14 years old
Plural marriage was taught within early LDS leadership as a commandment.
Christians who understand Scripture to teach marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman often compare this history with biblical teaching such as:
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife…” (Genesis 2:24)
And the expectation for church leadership:
“The husband of one wife.” (1 Timothy 3:2)
A Stewardship Question Worth Considering
Another important factor for some Christian families is stewardship.
The LDS Church teaches members are expected to give one-tenth of their income (tithing) as part of covenant faithfulness, and temple participation is tied to being a full tithe payer.
Scripture encourages believers to be intentional about where their support is directed:
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart…” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Because The Good and the Beautiful was founded and is owned by an LDS member, some families reasonably ask whether purchasing the curriculum contributes—directly or indirectly—to supporting a religious system whose teachings differ from their own.
This is a conscience decision—but Scripture encourages thoughtful stewardship.
A Final Question for Parents
Many parents assume a curriculum labeled “Christian” reflects the same theological foundation their church teaches.
Before choosing any curriculum, it is wise to ask:
“Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
And:
Does this resource come from the same understanding of God, salvation, and Scripture that we are seeking to pass on to our children?
That question isn’t divisive—it’s part of faithful discipleship.