Newer YouTube called: Hello Saints

[Tacenda]

I really enjoyed this YouTube with an Evangelical Pastor. He spends time with the LDS missionaries in Texas. I was impressed with the missionaries, and impressed how well they prepared for their mission, and their grasp on the Spanish language they learned in such a short time. I think a lot of people think it's by divine intervention, can't think of a better way to say it. It sure is uncanny how fluid they are with the languages.

This video reflects well on the LDS members, and I give it a year before this Pastor and his wife join the LDS church.  They even live in Utah. He went all the way to Texas to interview the missionaries. I bet this is a good YouTube to follow or watch.

 

[filovirus]

Pastor Jeff has been doing this for quite some time. He sees the church and its members as more of a curiosity. He is the consummate Nicodemus. Always questions. He’s been known to “like” some anti-LDS recently on X. He seems very nice and cordial. 

[Pyreaux]

There are more cynical LDS youtubers, like David Alexander and Travis Anderson, that have experience with evangelical counter-cult ministries, notice that while Pastor Jeff doesn’t openly attack LDS beliefs, many of his subtleties, omissions, and framing suggest he's not saying what he really thinks: Jeff had said people knew of, or seen videos of, him before as a raving anti-Mormon, and he has never stated that he's changed his opinion that LDS theology is heretical. That the Latter-day Saints are not Christian by Evangelical standards, in spiritual danger and in need of “truth”. He still believes we’re deceived and going to hell - but he just avoids saying it now.

The concern is that he’s not transparent about his ultimate position, while appearing neutral or open-minded. Even when we see Pastor Jeff "listen", he's not actually learning, he's just gathering materials. His “questions” often lead toward Evangelical conclusions. Typically seen in “I’m just trying to understand” questions which are really setups for a rebuke.

Edited July 4, 2025 by Pyreaux

[bluebell]

I'm pretty sure he moved to Utah because he feels a 'call' to try to save us.  But I appreciate his efforts to get to know us first at least.   Even though I do agree with those who think he's not being completely sincere in saying what he really thinks (or in actually wanting to understand our beliefs).

But he goes to GC often, so that's a plus.  And he's moved his kids here so we're going to have as much influence on them as he has on our kids.  Seems fair.   

[teddyaware]

12 hours ago, Pyreaux said:

There are more cynical LDS youtubers like David Alexander and Travis Anderson that have experience with evangelical counter-cult ministries that notice that while Pastor Jeff doesn’t openly attack LDS beliefs, many of his subtleties, omissions, and framing suggest he's not saying what he really thinks: Jeff had said people knew or seen videos of him before as a raving anti-Mormon, and he has not stated that he's changed his opinion that LDS theology is heretical. That the Latter-day Saints are not Christian by Evangelical standards, in spiritual danger and in need of “truth”. He still believes we’re deceived and going to hell - but he just avoids saying it now.

The concern is that he’s not transparent about his ultimate position, while appearing neutral or open-minded. Even when we see Pastor Jeff "listen", he's not actually learning, he's just gathering materials. His “questions” often lead toward Evangelical conclusions. Typical of “I’m just trying to understand” questions which are really setups for a rebuke.

And from my observations it appears that virtually every one of his video thumbnails feature him wearing the same skeptical, squinty eyed expression on his face (see above). Could it be that without realizing it his body language is revealing a hint of his true motives?

Edited July 3, 2025 by teddyaware

[The Nehor]

1 hour ago, teddyaware said:

And from my observations it appears that virtually every one of his video thumbnails feature him wearing the same skeptical, squinty eyed expression on his face (see above). Could it be that without realizing it his body language is revealing a hint of his true motives?

That is deliberate. He is going for the ‘I’m objective and skeptical and disinterested’ thing. He isn’t accidentally revealing anything. He knows exactly what he is doing and that appearance is part of the game he is playing.

A lot of anti-Mormons don’t like him because they wish he would be as skeptical and dubious about his own faith. I at least partially agree with them.

[Rain]

7 hours ago, teddyaware said:

And from my observations it appears

This is the key.  It appears to you, but different expressions and body movements shouldn't be used as proof of how the person doing it meant it.  The same expression or movement can be meant in many ways.  So while it is good to know how those who see you might view you as Nehor describes, it isn't always correct that the person is viewing you right.

7 hours ago, teddyaware said:

that virtually every one of his video thumbnails feature him wearing the same skeptical, squinty eyed expression on his face (see above). Could it be that without realizing it his body language is revealing a hint of his true motives?

 

Edited July 4, 2025 by Rain

[teddyaware]

2 hours ago, Rain said:

This is the key.  It appears to you, but different expressions and body movements shouldn't be used as proof of how the person doing it meant it.  The same expression or movement can be meant in many ways.  So while it is good to know how those who see you might view you as Nehor describes, it isn't always correct that the person is viewing you right.

 

After forcing myself to watch several of Pastor Jeff’s presentations, and also scanning through a number of others, I believe he isn’t nearly as intelligent, discerning and insightful as he’d like to think he is. My observations of Pastor Jeff in action have also left me with the clear impression that he’s largely disingenuous and insincere. The reason why I focused on Pastor Jeff’s body language in my previous post is because the negative impressions I receive from his body language are consistent with my other reasons for being unimpressed with the man.

[Pyreaux]

8 hours ago, teddyaware said:

And from my observations it appears that virtually every one of his video thumbnails feature him wearing the same skeptical, squinty eyed expression on his face (see above). Could it be that without realizing it his body language is revealing a hint of his true motives?

Well, I see what you're saying. I see Pastor Jeff’s video thumbnails and tone is carefully constructed to convey a persona: the "Evangelical Everyman" - friendly, a bit puzzled, innocently curious, skeptical but in the right place. He is rebranding himself as not a firebrand preacher. Into your average Evangelical who’s "curious about LDS beliefs"

The face tells Evangelical viewers, “I’m not sure I'm buying what they’re selling.” but “Let’s be civil while confirming our beliefs are right.”

To LDS viewers, though, might read it as “Look at how strange this stuff is” - without saying it directly.

This creates plausible deniability, “I’m just asking questions... I’m just exploring...”

It is also subtle framing. He pretends this is an open-minded journey of discovery when it’s really a slow, polished rebuttal dressed as a reaction video.

[Robert F. Smith]

Pastor Jeff is a wonderful guy, and I enjoy all his productions.