Dr. James White vs. Jacob Hansen | Debate Reaction with Aaron Shafovaloff and Craig Schmall

This live episode of Cultish features a deep analysis of the recent debate between Dr. James White and Jacob Hansen from Thoughtful Faith, hosted by Jeremiah Roberts, Aaron Shafovaloff, Craig Schmall, and Andrew Stupas. The discussion centers on the controversial question of whether the God of Calvinism is morally reprehensible, but quickly expands into a broader critique of modern Mormon apologetics. The hosts argue that Jacob Hansen’s approach exemplifies a new, postmodern strain of Mormonism—what they term 'neo-Mormonism' or 'Oslerianism'—that selectively rejects traditional LDS teachings while relying on the reconstructed theology of Blake Osler. They highlight Hansen’s evasiveness on core doctrines like the nature of God, divine foreknowledge, and the exaltation of children, accusing him of intellectual dishonesty, lack of preparation, and a performative, emotionally detached style that undermines genuine theological engagement. The hosts contrast this with the historical clarity of past Mormonism and emphasize the danger of apologetics becoming a 'middle school cafeteria' of mockery and rhetorical games rather than a serious pursuit of truth. Ultimately, they stress that true apologetics must be rooted in the authority of Scripture and the gospel, not in persuasive arguments or cultural accommodation.