Mormon Stories - LDS (Unofficial - MormonThink.com)

I served an LDS mission in Guatemala in the late 1980s. As my mission progressed, we began to average over 700 baptisms per month, with some companionships baptizing over 40 in one month. When I tried to talk with my mission president about the issue--it got messy. Today we claim 12+ million members in the Church, but truth be told, less than 1/2 of them actually attend church -- and 1/3 of them are nowhere to be found.

David O. McKay presented a dramatic contrast to his predecessors: an athletic, movie-star-handsome, clean-shaven figure who often wore a white double-breasted suit; contrasted to the dark-suited, bearded polygamists (or, in the case of George Albert Smith, son of a polygamist) who preceded him as Church President ever since Joseph Smith. In an age prior to professional image-makers, he instinctively grasped the importance of appearance, and coupled it to the substance of a professional educator to become an icon of Mormonism whose persona did much to change the negative image of the Church in much of the world.

In this podcast, we interview Gregory Prince, author of "David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism", as he discusses President McKay's involvement in the Blacks/Priesthood issue.

Inside the Mind of an Anti-Mormon

The Mason/Mormon connection consistently ranks as a top 10 issues for those who are struggling with, or who have left the LDS Church. Greg Kearney, a lifelong, multi-generational Mormon and Master Mason, discusses the history of Masonry, how it became associated with the LDS Church, and why this association is a positive, and not a negative one.

Over the past 2-3 years, LDS-themed blogs have literally erupted with activity. Today, there is an entire ecosystem of LDS bloggers, and literally hundreds of LDS blogs in the Internet. In this 2005 Sunstone Seattle presentation (to which I was invited to speak), I review the LDS Bloggernacle (past and present), and then discuss my vision for what might be possible in the future, including podcasts, wikis, screencasts, and multimedia content. I also discuss the importance of Sunstone and Dialogue reaching out to these communities.

In part 1 of a 3 part series, we interview John Lynch, Chairman of the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), a volunteer group dedicated to Mormon Apologetics. In this episode, John Lynch discusses his conversion to the church, his journey into apologetics, and some of the basics about FAIR.

In part 2 of this 3 part series, we continue our interview with John Lynch, Chairman of the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), a volunteer group dedicated to Mormon Apologetics. In this episode, John Lynch discusses the top issues bubbling up to FAIR these days, the realities of LDS leadership, the distinction between "good" and "bad" apologetics, the growing problem of "Internet Mormonism", and answers the question as to whether or not Mormon apologetics is a gateway to apostacy.

In this concluding episode (part 3 of 3), we interview with John Lynch, Chairman of FAIR–-the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research. Within the segement, John Lynch discusses the most common issues faced by FAIR, and assesses (in his view) which issues do and do not have merit. John also discusses how members of the Church should treat those struggling in their faith. Finally, John Lynch provides some thoughts/insight into some of President Hinckley’s more controversial responses in his media interviews over the past several years (including Larry King Live, L.A. Times, etc.).

Over the past few months, I’ve developed a friendship with several members of the LDS Bloggernacle-including a young couple known as Serenity Valley and Roasted Tomatoes. This husband/wife pair live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and run a blog called, Latter-Day Saint Liberation Front. Serenity and RT are interesting and inspirational for many reasons one of which being the spiritual journeys that each of them traveled on their way towards being sealed in the LDS Temple (RT being a former atheist turned LDS missionary, and Serenity having left the church to become an Episcopalian, only to return later). In part 1 of this 2 part series, we learn about their early years within the LDS church, and their journeys away from, and back to, faith.

In part 2 of this interview, we continue our conversation with Serenity Valley and Roasted Tomatoes-a young LDS couple living in the San Francisco Bay area, and creators of the LDS Blog Latter-Day Saint Liberation Front. In this episode, Serenity and RT discuss her ultimate return to Mormonism, the impact it has had on their marriage and family, and conclude with a very candid and somewhat courageous discussion of their testimonies-some of which can safely be considered non-mainstream or alternative within the LDS paradigm.

In part 1 of a 3 part series, we interview Todd Compton about the basics of polygamy in the Mormon church. Todd Compton is the author of the book In Sacred Loneliness.

In part 2 of a 3 part series, we interview Todd Compton about the basics of polygamy in the Mormon church. Todd Compton is the author of the book In Sacred Loneliness.

In part 3 of a 3 part series, we interview Todd Compton about the basics of polygamy in the Mormon church. Todd Compton is the author of the book In Sacred Loneliness.

In part 1 of a 3-part series, we interview Dan Wotherspoon (Editor of Sunstone Magazine) and Tom Kimball (head of sales and marketing for Signature Books), as they discuss James Fowler's work entitled, "Stages of faith." In episode 1, Dan Wotherspoon outlines the basics of Fowler's "Stages of Faith."

In part 2 of this 3-part series, Tom Kimball, with the help of Dan Wotherspoon, takes us through Fowler's "Stages of Faith" from an LDS perspective.

In part 3 of a 3-part series, Tom Kimball and Dan Wotherspoon tell us a bit about their journeys into stage 4 of Fowler's "Stages of Faith" as Mormons, and describe their respective experiences of attempting to baptize (Tom) and ordain (Dan) their sons while in stage 4.

In part 1 of a 3 part interview, we interview Buckley Jeppson. Buckley, 57, says he's been informed verbally by a senior church leader that his life is incompatible with the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that a disciplinary council will soon address the matter. Jeppson, of Washington, D.C., married Mike Kessler in Toronto on Aug. 27, 2004. It is believed that if Jeppson is excommunicated, it would be the first time a Mormon in a legal, same-sex marriage was punished by the church. Jeppson claims that over the past five months Nolan Archibald, his Stake President and CEO of Black and Decker, has encouraged him to resign his church membership, which would avoid disciplinary action.

In part 2 of a 3 part interview, we interview Buckley Jeppson. Buckley, 57, says he's been informed verbally by a senior church leader that his life is incompatible with the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that a disciplinary council will soon address the matter. Jeppson, of Washington, D.C., married Mike Kessler in Toronto on Aug. 27, 2004. It is believed that if Jeppson is excommunicated, it would be the first time a Mormon in a legal, same-sex marriage was punished by the church. Jeppson claims that over the past five months Nolan Archibald, his Stake President and CEO of Black and Decker, has encouraged him to resign his church membership, which would avoid disciplinary action.

In part 3 of a 3 part interview, we interview Buckley Jeppson. Buckley, 57, says he's been informed verbally by a senior church leader that his life is incompatible with the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that a disciplinary council will soon address the matter. Jeppson, of Washington, D.C., married Mike Kessler in Toronto on Aug. 27, 2004. It is believed that if Jeppson is excommunicated, it would be the first time a Mormon in a legal, same-sex marriage was punished by the church. Jeppson claims that over the past five months Nolan Archibald, his Stake President and CEO of Black and Decker, has encouraged him to resign his church membership, which would avoid disciplinary action.

In part 1 of a 3 part series, we interview Darron Smith--a black man who joined the LDS church as a teenager in Tennessee. After serving a mission for the LDS Church and graduating from the University of Utah, Darron began a 10 year teaching career at church-owned Brigham Young University. After 10 years of teaching at BYU, Darron's employment was terminated in response to (according to Darron) his public writings and speaking--wherein Darron openly called for the LDS Church to apologize for, and renounce the racists statements of past Church leaders. In this series, Darron discusses his upbringing in the Church, provides a brief history of Blacks within the Church, discusses his termination from BYU, and his hopes for the LDS Church in the future with regard to these issues.

In part 2 of a 3 part series, we interview Darron Smith--a black man who joined the LDS church as a teenager in Tennessee. After serving a mission for the LDS Church and graduating from the University of Utah, Darron began a 10 year teaching career at church-owned Brigham Young University. After 10 years of teaching at BYU, Darron's employment was terminated in response to (according to Darron) his public writings and speaking--wherein Darron openly called for the LDS Church to apologize for, and renounce the racists statements of past Church leaders. In this series, Darron discusses his upbringing in the Church, provides a brief history of Blacks within the Church, discusses his termination from BYU, and his hopes for the LDS Church in the future with regard to these issues.

In part 3 of a 3 part series, we interview Darron Smith--a black man who joined the LDS church as a teenager in Tennessee. After serving a mission for the LDS Church and graduating from the University of Utah, Darron began a 10 year teaching career at church-owned Brigham Young University. After 10 years of teaching at BYU, Darron's employment was terminated in response to (according to Darron) his public writings and speaking--wherein Darron openly called for the LDS Church to apologize for, and renounce the racists statements of past Church leaders. In this series, Darron discusses his upbringing in the Church, provides a brief history of Blacks within the Church, discusses his termination from BYU, and his hopes for the LDS Church in the future with regard to these issues.

In part 1 of a 2 part series, we interview Ann--a pleasant, yet forceful presence in the bloggernacle, and leader within New Order Mormonism. According to the New Order Mormon Website, "New Order Mormons are those who no longer believe some (or much) of the dogma or doctrines of the LDS church, but who want to maintain membership for cultural and social reasons."

In part 2 of a 2 part series, we interview Ann--a pleasant, yet forceful presence in the bloggernacle, and leader within New Order Mormonism. According to the New Order Mormon Website, "New Order Mormons are those who no longer believe some (or much) of the dogma or doctrines of the LDS church, but who want to maintain membership for cultural and social reasons."

Recently, Brigham Young University invited Darius Gray--one of the founders of the LDS Genesis Group, and a black Mormon for over 30 years--to make a presentation entitled, "Blacks and the LDS Priesthood." In this interview, Darius re-delivers this presentation, along with Margaret Young. Darius and Margaret are co-authors of a trilogy dealing with black Mormon history entitled: Standing on the Promises.

Recently, Brigham Young University invited Darius Gray--one of the founders of the LDS Genesis Group, and a black Mormon for over 30 years--to make a presentation entitled, "Blacks and the LDS Priesthood." In this interview, Darius re-delivers this presentation, along with Margaret Young. Darius and Margaret are co-authors of a trilogy dealing with black Mormon history entitled: Standing on the Promises.

At least once each week a listener will ask me (John Dehlin) about my testimony in the LDS Church. Liberals or ex-Mormons call me an apologist. Conservatives accuse me of being a "wolf in sheep's clothing." So, to dispel the speculation--and in response to lots and lots of requests, I reluctantly share my story within the Mormon context. In this episode, I discuss my childhood, youth, and missionary experiences within the Mormon church, through the end of my university years at BYU.

At least once each week a listener will ask me (John Dehlin) about my testimony in the LDS Church. Liberals or ex-Mormons call me an apologist. Conservatives accuse me of being a "wolf in sheep's clothing." So, to dispel the speculation--and in response to lots and lots of requests, I reluctantly share my story within the Mormon context. In this episode, I discuss my marriage, the importance of the church to my family, and the experiences I had as a seminary teacher in Seattle that led to the dissolution of my testimony in the LDS Church (as I knew it). I also discuss how the writings of Eugene England, Lowell Bennion, T. Edgar Lyon, Leonard Arrington, and others (in Sunstone and Dialogue) helped me to reconstruct my faith.

At least once each week a listener will ask me (John Dehlin) about my testimony in the LDS Church. Liberals or ex-Mormons call me an apologist. Conservatives accuse me of being a "wolf in sheep's clothing." So, to dispel the speculation--and in response to lots and lots of requests, I reluctantly share my story within the Mormon context. In this episode, I discuss aspects of the LDS Faith that I do and don't believe. I also provide around 13 reasons for why I choose to remain a Mormon.

Grant Palmer served as a CES Institute Director and Seminary/Institute Teacher for over 30 years. In part 1 of this 4 part series, Grant talks about his childhood (growing up in Salt Lake City), his mission experience in Virginia, and his early years with the Church Education System.

Grant Palmer served as a CES Institute Director and Seminary/Institute Teacher for over 30 years. In part 2 of this 4 part series, Grant talks about his move from California to Salt Lake City, how the Mark Hofman bombings affected him and his colleagues, and his subsequent deep dive into LDS History. Grant also discusses his arrival at the decision to write his book--An Insider's View of Mormon Origins.

Grant Palmer served as a CES Institute Director and Seminary/Institute Teacher for over 30 years. In part 3 of this 4 part series, Grant takes us through a deep dive into his 1st book--An Insider's View of Mormon Origins. During this episode we cover Joseph Smith's treasure seeking and usage of peep stones, the actual mechanics of the Book of Mormon Process, the actual accounts of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon, the multiple versions of Joseph Smith's First Vision story, and the evolution of the LDS Priesthood accounts.

Grant Palmer served as a CES Institute Director and Seminary/Institute Teacher for over 30 years. In part 4 of this 4 part series, Grant discusses the early reactions to his book, his trial with the LDS Church for apostacy (which ultimately led to his disfellowship), his thoughts about how the LDS Church might constructively deal with these tough historical issues, and his testimony of how focusing on Christ could benefit all sides of these issues.

In episode 1 of a 3 part series, we meet James W. Parkinson--a high profile personal injury lawyer, and a member of the LDS Church. In this episode we discuss Jim's early years in Indio, CA, his early career as a law student and lawyer, his involvement in the "Big Tobacco" settlement, and his introduction to Harold Poole--LDS member and survivor of the Bataan Death March.

In episode 2 of a 3 part series, Jim tells us about Harold Poole--member of the LDS church, and survivor of the Bataan Death March. This episode discusses in detail how Mr. Poole survived one of the most infamous historical events of the 20th century.

In episode 3 of a 3 part series, Jim Parkinson tells us the story of how he and his colleagues initiated a law suit on behalf of the Bataan Death March survivors, and took the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, and then to the U.S. Congress.

Deseret Book recently decided to acquire Seagull Book and Tape and Covenant Communications — 2 of Deseret Book’s top competitors in the LDS book publishing and retail market. In part 1 of a series on this topic, LDS book publisher Kent Larsen discusses the history of the LDS book industry, and his views on the implications of this acquisition.

Deseret Book recently decided to acquire Seagull Book and Tape and Covenant Communications — 2 of Deseret Book’s top competitors in the LDS book publishing and retail market. In part 2 in a series on this topic, LDS book publisher Kent Larsen discusses the history of the LDS book industry, and his views on the implications of this acquisition.

Lowell Bennion is without a doubt one of the most important Mormon figures in the 20th century. Along with T. Edgar Lyon, Lowell Bennion founded the University of Utah LDS Institute, and taught and inspired many of the great Mormon minds of the 20th century, including Eugene England, and many of the founders of Dialogue and Sunstone. Lowell Bennion was also commissioned to author several sunday school and priesthood manuals for the church in the 1950s. His ability to combine spirituality with intellect has been, in many ways, unsurpassed to this day. This interview was produced by Stirling Adams of Provo, UT--and centers around Mary Lythgoe Bradford--a close friend of Brother Bennion, as well as his biographer.

What's it like to actually try to publish a Mormon-themed book? As an author, how many copies are you likely to sell, and how much money do you stand to make? And how do Mormon authors view the implications of the recent acquisition of Seagull Book and Tapes and Covenant communications by Deseret Book? As we continue part 3 in our series on this acquisition, we interview Christopher Bigelow, president of Zarahemlabooks.com, and author of multiple Mormon themed books, including Mormonism For Dummies and The Mormon Tabernacle Inquirer. Also, while this episode covers Christopher's journey as an author of of Mormon themed books, check out the blog entry for this interview on Mormon Stories.org, for an extended discussion, including more on Christophers early years, and his time as a writer for Ensign magazine.

In this episode, Mormon author Christopher Bigelow discusses his early years--from his days as a teenage Dungeons and Dragons publisher, to his 6 years of service as a writer for the Ensign.

In part 1 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses the early practice of polygamy within the LDS Church.

In part 1 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses the early practice of polygamy within the LDS Church.

In part 2 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses the rise of Mormon Fundamentalism after the LDS Church decided to stop teaching plural marriage as an official church doctrine. She also discusses the schism within Mormon Fundamentalism, resulting in the various sects that exist today, in the 21st century.

In part 2 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses the rise of Mormon Fundamentalism after the LDS Church decided to stop teaching plural marriage as an official church doctrine. She also discusses the schism within Mormon Fundamentalism, resulting in the various sects that exist today, in the 21st century.

In part 3 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses her story--recounting how she went from being a traditional member of the LDS Church, BYU graduate, married in the temple, and mother of 3 children--to becoming a practicing Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist--all while remaining active in the LDS church, and raising her children therein.

In part 3 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses her story--recounting how she went from being a traditional member of the LDS Church, BYU graduate, married in the temple, and mother of 3 children--to becoming a practicing Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist--all while remaining active in the LDS church, and raising her children therein.

In part 4 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses modern polygamy gone wrong and right.

In part 4 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses modern polygamy gone wrong and right.

In part 5 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses her Mormon Fundamentalist beliefs in depth, talks abou the future of Mormon Fundamentalism, and concludes by sharing her testimony with us.