Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel

Sherri Dew recently gave a Devotional Talk titled “Prophets Can See Around Corners” at BYU Hawaii on Nov 1st 2022. Bill and RFM take a deep look into this talk to see if what sort of apologetic tricks and absurd claims Sherri Dew makes this time around. Make some hot chocolate, grab a slice of… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 107: Sherri Dew You Know – A Not So Christmas Special The post Mormonism LIVE: 107: Sherri Dew You Know – A Not So Christmas Special appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

This week we explore DezNat or a loosely connected group of folks who claim to be Deseret Nationals. We explore their violent rhetoric and their problematic ideology and we even have a former DezNat follower to help us add context to this story. #DezNat RESOURCES: Wiki DezNat – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DezNat DezNat Twitter – https://twitter.com/DeseretNation DezNat Exposed… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 106: DezNat Exposed The post Mormonism LIVE: 106: DezNat Exposed appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Since 1830 Mormonism has, as likely a part of it's persecution complex, used violent rhetoric and has taught its members to use violent means. That rhetoric either leads to further violence or at least creates safer spaces for violence to occur. Today we look into Mormonism Past and Present to expose a history wide pattern… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 105: When Mormon Leaders Encourage Violence The post Mormonism LIVE: 105: When Mormon Leaders Encourage Violence appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

What happens when a Member of the LDS Church stands opposed in a sustaining vote of Church leaders, follows the process the Church has laid out around “common consent”, and shows conclusively that current LDS Prophets, Seers, and Revelators have lied to the members. Well, you are about to find out, because Nemo does just… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 104: Captain Nemo VS The LDS Church The post Mormonism LIVE: 104: Captain Nemo VS The LDS Church appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

As a follow-up to episode 101 on the Third Convention, Thomas Murphy joins us to add clarity and context to all the ground we covered and to add details that make this story even more interesting. RESOURCES: The First Part – Video Version – https://youtu.be/Gmjk3Kht0S8 Slide Show used by Prof Murphy in this episode –… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 103: Thomas Murphy on the Third Convention The post Mormonism LIVE: 103: Thomas Murphy on the Third Convention appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

What is the greatest problem in the LDS Church? That question is at the heart of this week's episode. Jim Bennett is our guest this week on Mormonism LIVE, as we explore this question and some of the territory surrounding it. The post Mormonism LIVE: 102: The Greatest Problem In The LDS Church appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Apostasy is something the LDS Church show serious concern over. And why shouldn't they knowing James Strang, Lorin C. Wooley, Denver Snuffer, Julie Rowe all have led Splinter Factions of one sort or another that have had influence over segments of Latter-day Saints. The idea that a few voices or even a single voice can… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 101: The Third Convention The post Mormonism LIVE: 101: The Third Convention appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Just a quick lesson on how rational thinking works. If anyone views/listens to this and would like to debate a problematic issue in Mormonism or disagree with my approach to rational thinking, please email me at MormonDiscussionsPodcasts AT Gamil DOT Com as I would love to continue the conversation The post Mormon Discussion: 377: Quick Lesson in Rational Thinking appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

To celebrate our 100th episode, we invite all of you to join us as we take a look back at the past 99 episodes and share which have been most meaningful and which are our favorites and we will be taking calls from you our listeners and letting you share with us which ones meant… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 100: 100th Episode Super Show The post Mormonism LIVE: 100: 100th Episode Super Show appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

On this week's episode we take a deeper look at the 1826 trial in Bainbridge, NY. We examine what led to the trial, what witnesses claimed, what we know about the trial proceedings, how Smith and Stowell got introduced to each other, and a few other interesting facts along the way that make this such… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 099: The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith The Glass Looker The post Mormonism LIVE: 099: The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith The Glass Looker appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

In this Episode Bill and RFM will go into a story few members know about in regards to the Prophet Joseph Smith and one of his young plural wives. It involves some re-gifting, a land deal, and Harsh Measures T-Shirt Contest Voting takes place here – https://forms.gle/MzBroWzRvk7EFEpQ9 A.) Lucien Woodworth born April 3rd 1799  … Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 098: Gold Gifts, Deeds, & Harsh Measures The post Mormonism LIVE: 098: Gold Gifts, Deeds, & Harsh Measures appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

I can think of no better way to help believing and post Mormons best understand their religion than through the lens of another High Demand Fundamentalist religion. So here it is the Jehovah's Witnesses The post Mormon Discussion: 376: Utilizing the Jehovah's Witnesses to Understand Mormonism appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Critics accuse the Prophets Joseph Smith of plagiarizing multiple sources in order to create the standard works and Mormon Theology. Today we take a deep look into these accusations to see if there is any merit to their claims. You won't want to miss this.  Below is the outline for the video podcast that covers… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 375: Plagiarism In Joseph Smith's Mormonism The post Mormon Discussion: 375: Plagiarism In Joseph Smith's Mormonism appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

A listener was able to have a candid chat with Elder Bednar recently and agreed to share with us how it went! This is part 2 of that conversation. Join us live! The post Mormonism LIVE: 097: A Chat w/ Elder Bednar Part 2 appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

RFM and Bill Reel will sit down with author Cheryl Bruno to discuss her book “Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration”. Synopsis of her book – “While no one thing can entirely explain the rise of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the historical influence of Freemasonry on this religious tradition cannot… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 096: Mormonism & Masonry The post Mormonism LIVE: 096: Mormonism & Masonry appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Please consider donating today. Visit https://mormondiscussions.org/ or https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/ and Click the Donate Button and select your favorite podcast or donate to the entity generally by selecting “Mormon Discussion Inc.” Please help us help the next wave of folks who will need support OTHER WAYS TO SUPORT US Donorbox – Simply visit https://donorbox.org/umbrella-entity and simply fill… Read More »Join Our Team & Help Us Support Those Navigating a Faith and Belief Transition The post Join Our Team & Help Us Support Those Navigating a Faith and Belief Transition appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

A listener was able to have a candid chat with Elder Bednar recently and agreed to share with us how it went! Join us live! The post Mormonism LIVE: 095: A Chat w/Elder Bednar appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Dan Vogel joins RFM to discuss the Occult in the Life of Joseph Smith and his family. The post Mormonism LIVE: 094: Joseph Smith & The Occult appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

In Mormon parlance, the Tar and Feathering of Joseph Smith is a faith promoting story about a mob of mean men punishing Joseph Smith for being a prophet. But it doesn't take one long when their ears are to the ground in non-correlated circles to hear rumblings that the tar and feathering is connected to… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 093: The Tar and Feathering of Joseph Smith The post Mormonism LIVE: 093: The Tar and Feathering of Joseph Smith appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

We continue our series exploring specific issues and asking if “Is Mormonism Absurd?” with this episode examining the bible. RESOURCES:  3rd Isaiah or Deutero-Isaiah https://www.timesandseasons.org/harchive/2017/03/deutero-isaiah-in-the-book-of-mormon/index.html 3rd Isaiah or Deutero-Isaiah https://bycommonconsent.com/2016/02/12/2-nephi-and-the-deutero-isaiah-problem-in-the-book-of-mormon-bom2016/ Haley Lemmon on the Adam Clarke Commentary and LDS Inspired Bible https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/2018/05/haley-lemmon-joseph-smith-translation-revelation-plagiarism/ BYU's acknowledgement of Joseph Smith's Plagarism of Adam Clarke's Commentary http://jur.byu.edu/?p=21296 Book of… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 374: Is Mormonism Absurd? – The Bible The post Mormon Discussion: 374: Is Mormonism Absurd? – The Bible appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

In today's episode of Mormon Discussion, Bill Reel runs through some of the memorable moments from his life. Some of them funny, some of them entertaining, some of them serious all in a effort to help those who follow Mormon Discussion's work to know Bill better. The post Mormon Discussion: 373: Bill Reel – Stories from My Life appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

RFM and Bill sit down with Movie Director Richard Dutcher to explore his career directing the movies God's Army, Brigham City, & States of Grace. We take a look at these films through the perspective of Richard's faith journey and take an evening to get to know the man who kicked of Mormon cinema. RESOURCES:… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 092: Mormon Movie Maker The post Mormonism LIVE: 092: Mormon Movie Maker appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Throughout multiple talks including one released just a few days ago, Sister Bonnie Cordon, Young Women general president, has spoke about the loss of her Grandson, Derek within Church approved channels. What she doesn't say is that the death of this child is surrounded by horrific details that contradict witness statements that involve allegations of… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 091: Bonnie Cordon & The Breath of Life #HearHim The post Mormonism LIVE: 091: Bonnie Cordon & The Breath of Life #HearHim appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

This week RFM and Bill sit down with the creator and musical artist known as Weird Alma. Weird Alma has brought us musical parodies such as Gaslighting, S.C.M.C., Tapirback Rider, You're (Several Months Shy of) Fifteen, and many more. Weird Alma shows us firsthand that humor and music can play a role in our processing… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 090: Weird Alma Strikes Again The post Mormonism LIVE: 090: Weird Alma Strikes Again appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

In the this installment of our series “Is Mormonism Absurd” we cover the chapter on Angels and the chapter on animals. We explore whether why John the Baptist didn't baptize Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. We hit on Joseph Smith referring to the angel who visited him as Nephi instead of Moroni. We look at… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 372: Is Mormonism Absurd – Angels & Animals The post Mormon Discussion: 372: Is Mormonism Absurd – Angels & Animals appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Mormonism LIVE: 089: Manipulation, Money, & Mormon Sex Abuse On this Episode Bill 7 RFM take a look at the recent Sex Abuse Scandal trying to explore the legal process and try to better understand the LDS Church's perspective. We look at the Arizona Law, talk about the when , how, and why about the… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 089: Manipulation, Money, & Mormon Sex Abuse The post Mormonism LIVE: 089: Manipulation, Money, & Mormon Sex Abuse appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

We continue our series walking out the logic of Mormon Claims. In this fourth segment we dive into the Native Americans as Lamanites. We talk about skin curses of color change, of whether the Nephites came to an empty Americas, the non success of missionary work to the Lamanites, and how the Book of Mormon… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 371: Is Mormonism Absurd – Native Americans & Lamanites The post Mormon Discussion: 371: Is Mormonism Absurd – Native Americans & Lamanites appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

We continue our series walking out the logic of Mormon Claims. In this third installment we tackle the role America plays in the restoration. From a Land of Promise to being the home of the Nephites and Lamanites, to Christ's visit, to being where Noah set sail as a Global Flood took place. We talk… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 370: Is Mormonism Absurd – America The Land of Promise The post Mormon Discussion: 370: Is Mormonism Absurd – America The Land of Promise appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

A USAF sergeant explains how the strict demands of Mormonism broke him as a young man, making him feel completely alone and unaccepted by God, even causing eating disorders. After every solution the Church offered failed, he finally found healing through secular means. The post Mormonism LIVE: 088: LDS FORCE appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

In 2016 David A Bednar, Apostle in the LDS Church taught the doctrine of Moral or Representative Agency. This perspective seemed to be different than the type of Agency that Mormonism had taught up to that moment. “Free Agency” was officially gone and something less free was being created. On today's episode we look at… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 369: The Death of Free Agency in Mormonism The post Mormon Discussion: 369: The Death of Free Agency in Mormonism appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today we dive deep into the idea that Mormonism grooms compliance. We start by showing it is the baseline of our theology and belief system. We show how it is reinforced by our stories and songs, show all the pervasive ways it shows up in our faith system. And even how the Leaders impose such… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 087: Mormonism Grooms Compliance The post Mormonism LIVE: 087: Mormonism Grooms Compliance appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

We continue a series today where we break down specific issues and weigh how much irrational ideas we have to believe in order for Mormonism to be true. Sit with how much allowances and conjecture is required for these small specific topics within Mormonism. For this series we use the book “Obscure Mormon Doctrine” written… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 368: Is Mormonism Absurd – Mormon Heaven & The 3 Kingdoms The post Mormon Discussion: 368: Is Mormonism Absurd – Mormon Heaven & The 3 Kingdoms appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

We start a series today where we break down specific issues and weigh how much irrational ideas we have to believe in order for Mormonism to be true. Sit with how much allowances and conjecture is required for these small specific topics within Mormonism. For this series we use the book “Obscure Mormon Doctrine” written… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 367: Is Mormonism Absurd – Adam Our First Parent The post Mormon Discussion: 367: Is Mormonism Absurd – Adam Our First Parent appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Major News in Mormonism happened this week when a photograph surfaced alleging to be the Prophet Joseph Smith. So Bill and RFM dug into the story and followed the trail examining the Photographs, Portraits, Daguerreotypes, and other depictions both known to be Joseph for certain and also alleged to see if we could get to… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 086: Would the Real Joseph Smith Please Stand Up? The post Mormonism LIVE: 086: Would the Real Joseph Smith Please Stand Up? appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

RFM and Bill sit down with Ronald Huggins, author of the new book “Lighthouse: Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Despised and Beloved Critics of Mormonism” & Sandra Tanner who is featured in the book to discuss some of the interesting stories that went into the published work.  And towards the end of the show we discuss… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 085: Lighthouse – The Story of Tanners The post Mormonism LIVE: 085: Lighthouse – The Story of Tanners appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

When RFM and Bill Reel joined Mormonism, they heard rumors that Early LDS Leaders had taught that Mary was impregnated by Heavenly Father via a sexual act. But the Church and its apologists insisted that such idea was a misconstrued out of context assumption and with a sleight of hand the problem was gone…. Or… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 084: Did God Have Sex With Mary? The post Mormonism LIVE: 084: Did God Have Sex With Mary? appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

If one is finally at a place where they really want to understand both sides, really want to wrestle with their faith, what are the books that best introduce the believer to the complex history, the fallibility of prophets, and the trauma of Mormon influence? Bill and RFM seek to lay out a list of… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 083: The Best Books for Diving into the Messiness of Mormonism The post Mormonism LIVE: 083: The Best Books for Diving into the Messiness of Mormonism appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

We sit down with Former BYU Professor, and author of the book “This Is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology”, Charley Harrell to dive into several important assumptions Mormonism and its leaders and members impose in order to cleanly define doctrine. But do these really hold up? Can the word Doctrine as used within… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 082: Charley Harrell & Contemplating Mormon Doctrine The post Mormonism LIVE: 082: Charley Harrell & Contemplating Mormon Doctrine appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Aleesha Franklin, daughter of Ponzi-scheme magnate Gaylen Rust, returns to Mormonism LIVE to share her personal story of how a catastrophic failure of Priesthood Leadership, both local and general, led to her disaffection from the LDS Church The post Mormonism LIVE: 081: A Failure of the Priesthood appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

RFM and Bill take a look at Patriarchal Blessings looking at what these are and what they are not and even take a look at multiple Patriarchal Blessings from the same patriarchs attempting to untangle inspiration from the rote and mundane. OVERVIEW AND ELDRED G. SMITH   Patriarchal Blessings are to declare lineage, and then… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 080: The Patriarchal Blessing Connection The post Mormonism LIVE: 080: The Patriarchal Blessing Connection appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Bill & RFM take a look at Mormonism's Holy Garments. We look at the history, doctrine, and disavowed theories and spiritual speculation around them. Are they a magical spiritual protection? Were they allowed to have their design changed? Must they be worn all day every day? What super secret sacred details will Bill and RFM… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 079: Mormonism's History of The Holy Garments The post Mormonism LIVE: 079: Mormonism's History of The Holy Garments appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

*NOTE* This episode is best viewed on youtube at https://youtu.be/6KJqj6C-D5E Bill Reel and Spencer Wright sit down to take a look at the Youtube Video “Ancient Temple Rites Restored” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u0l13wX57E ) to see if this apologetic perspective holds up. Did Joseph Smith make connections to the ancient world in ways that impose there must… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 366: Ancient Temple Rites Restored & Critical Thinking Skills The post Mormon Discussion: 366: Ancient Temple Rites Restored & Critical Thinking Skills appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

RFM & Bill take a look at Affinity Fraud in Utah and that which seems to have a root in taking advantage of unhealthy boundaries of trust within Mormonism. Affinity Fraud is a type of investment fraud in which a con artist targets members of an identifiable group based on things such as race, age,… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 078: Mormon Affinity Fraud The post Mormonism LIVE: 078: Mormon Affinity Fraud appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Bill and RFM review a handful of clips from LDS Apologist, Jared Halverson. The discussion revolves around the games apologists play. These often include creating a framework and solutions to problems that to the believer seem tenable but when closely examined often hinge on fallacies or irrational thinking. The Apologist sees creating plausibility as a… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 077: Jared Halverson & The Games Apologists Play The post Mormonism LIVE: 077: Jared Halverson & The Games Apologists Play appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Bill sits down with Carol Hollowell, founder and Executive Director of SwitchPoint. Switchpoint is a non-profit whose goal is to tackle homelessness and poverty throughout the state of Utah. They are doing this in dynamic ways that hitting the issue head on. Today we sit down and talk about the problem of homelessness in the… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 365: Switchpoint -Addressing Homelessness The post Mormon Discussion: 365: Switchpoint -Addressing Homelessness appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Mormon Scholar Dan Vogel comes on the show once more to discuss last week's episode of Mormonism LIVE as well as to discuss other new insights surrounding the Book of Abraham that seem to close the door on the “Missing Scroll Theory” and the Catalyst Theory”. The post Mormonism LIVE: 076: “Get Rid of the Facsimiles!” says Faithful Mormon Scholar appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Bill Reel sits down with Author, Therapist, and friend; Cory Reese, to discuss what people in a Mormon Faith Crisis self report in terms of the struggle they are having and the things they wish their loved one understood. And we try to soften that hurt with some advice and understanding. https://www.brightwaytherapy.com/ RESOURCES: On the… Read More »Mormon Discussion: 364: The Pain & Struggle of a Mormon Faith Crisis The post Mormon Discussion: 364: The Pain & Struggle of a Mormon Faith Crisis appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Bill and RFM tell the story of the Kinderhook Plates episode in Mormon history in Mormonism Live fashion. From original Documents to Conspiracy Theories to a honest transparent conversation around the facts.  We discuss the history, the tests done to attempt to discern their dating and method of inscription, the Church's commentary around them, and… Read More »Mormonism Live: 075: Fugate's Kinderhook Fugazi The post Mormonism Live: 075: Fugate's Kinderhook Fugazi appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

RFM and Bill sit down with Sandra Tanner, a well known writer and researcher, on the critical side of Mormonism. We sit down with Sandra to discuss her impact within Mormonism and to touch on a few stories that viewers may find interesting. The post Mormonism LIVE: 074: Sandra Tanner – Queen of the Anti-Mormons appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

In this week's episode, Bill and RFM take a look at instances in Mormon History where LDS Leadership seem to be giving a stamp of approval to Leaders and Members to be dishonest, to lie, and to deceive. Once we understand the instruction and permissions given to be dishonest we can going forward see their… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 073: Lying For The Lord The post Mormonism LIVE: 073: Lying For The Lord appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

We sit down with American anthropologist and Author, Thomas Murphy to discuss the Book of Mormon within the context of Native American History. We explore the legends and history of the indigenous people to see if there are connections there that help us examine the historicity of the Book of Mormon and the claims of… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 072: Neophytes & Lamanites In The Book of Mormon The post Mormonism LIVE: 072: Neophytes & Lamanites In The Book of Mormon appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.