Podcasts about gospel topics

Mormonism is changing and the version of it a Latter-day Saint holds today may look almost nothing like the version their parents held. I sat down with Aaron Shafovaloff and Brandi Bronson to map what's actually happening. Aaron has done evangelism in Utah for two decades and volunteers with Mormonism Research Ministry. Brandy was LDS for 27 years before leaving. Aaron lays out seven distinct streams within the movement today and Brandy describes the Mormonism she was raised in divine nature, eternal progression, creating worlds, and what made her start to question it. CHECK OUT: Logos Bible 60 Day Free Trial (https://logos.com/mcdowell) *Get a MASTERS IN APOLOGETICS or SCIENCE AND RELIGION at BIOLA (https://bit.ly/3LdNqKf) *USE Discount Code [smdcertdisc] for 25% off the BIOLA APOLOGETICS CERTIFICATE program (https://bit.ly/3AzfPFM) *See our fully online UNDERGRAD DEGREE in Bible, Theology, and Apologetics: (https://bit.ly/448STKK) FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter: https://x.com/Sean_McDowell TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sean_mcdowell?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmcdowell/ Website: https://seanmcdowell.org Timestamps 0:00 — What is "the new Mormonism"? 0:27 — Brandy: 27 years as a Latter-day Saint 1:08 — Aaron: two decades of evangelism in Utah 2:05 — The eras: early, pioneer, correlation, neo-orthodoxy 4:54 — Is it changing faster now? 5:42 — Ships at sea with no anchor 6:51 — Brandy's 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 7:16 — The great apostasy and the exclusivity claim 9:16 — When the cracks appeared for her 11:09 — The seven streams 12:37 — Correlated Mormonism 13:24 — Neo-orthodoxy and "a crush on evangelical grace" 15:08 — Revisionism 16:21 — Primitive Mormonism 17:23 — Progressive Mormonism 18:29 — Cultural Mormonism 19:13 — Which streams are actually biggest 21:26 — Why the apologist and the stake president sounded so different 22:22 — Why Mormons are forced to be more nuanced now 24:19 — "I even considered staying" 27:15 — The Gospel Topics essays 30:06 — Who is Blake Ostler? 31:14 — The regress of deities 32:24 — Ostler's reinterpretation 35:02 — Is any stream moving genuinely orthodox? 36:38 — "More rhetorical than structural" 41:17 — What used to make something essentially Mormon 45:13 — What holds it together now 46:45 — Do you have to believe in Jesus to stay a member? 50:32 — Why orthopraxy over orthodoxy 52:23 — Universalism and "we're all going to make it" 55:18 — 2 Nephi 25:23, before and after 59:07 — Are more people coming to Christ? 1:03:32 — The one change Aaron celebrates without reservation 1:04:25 — If you're LDS, I want to hear from you 1:05:03 — Where to follow Brandy and Aaron Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send us Fan MailJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Exodus 35-40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19; Numbers 11-14; 20-24; 27 through the Queer Perspective of PATHS!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (April 27-May 10).Join the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us Fan MailJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Exodus 19-20; 24; 31-34 through the Queer Perspective of IMPATIENCE!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (April 20-26).SHOW NOTES:The Ten CommandmentsThe Japanese art form of kintsugi: embracing the imperfections of lifeJoin the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us Fan MailJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Exodus 14-18 through the Queer Perspective of COMING OUT!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (April 13-19).SHOW NOTES:Scripture Helps: Exodus 14-18Join the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us Fan MailTRIGGER WARNING: This episode has discussions about coercive control and other forms of domestic abuse. If any of our conversations feel difficult, are triggering, or you're affected by anything we discuss in this episode, you'll find links below to resources and support organizations.Join Dustin and René as they discuss Exodus 7-13 through the Queer Perspective of CAPTIVITY!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (April 6-12).SHOW NOTES:George Lucas Reveals Why Yoda Talks Backwards At 'Empire Strikes Back' Anniversary ScreeningHow To Recognize Coercive ControlThe Trauma and Mental Health Impacts of Coercive Control: A Systemic Review and Meta-AnalysisNational Domestic Violence HotlineJoin the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Dr Ugo Perego tests the most pressing Mormon DNA claims. Did Joseph Smith have secret children from his plural marriages? What really triggered the Mountain Meadows Massacre? And does Native American DNA align with the Book of Mormon? https://youtu.be/ni5d6D90VoU Don’t miss our other conversations with Ugo! https://gospeltangents.com/people/ugo-perego/ Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved   In this fascinating throwback episode of Gospel Tangents, we sit down with Dr. Ugo Perego, a leading expert in population genetics and Mormon DNA. Dr. Perego shares the incredible results of his decades-long research, including the reconstruction of Joseph Smith’s Y-chromosome which revealed his unexpected Irish ancestry. He also details the massive 15-year scientific quest to solve the 150-year-old mystery of whether Josephine Lyon was Joseph’s biological daughter. The conversation then dives into the dark history of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Dr. Perego explores the chilling theory that an anthrax outbreak from infected cattle may have escalated the tragic violence. He also shares how mitochondrial DNA testing finally identified the true parentage of a rumored secret “18th surviving child” of the massacre. Finally, Dr. Perego breaks down the science of Native American DNA, explaining the ancient Bering Strait migration and debunking the genetic claims of “Heartland” Book of Mormon geography theorists. 0:00 Chapter 1: Introduction & Meet Dr. Ugo Perego Dr. Perego discusses his background, his 12 years of work building genetic databases, and his PhD research on Native American DNA origins. 14:10 Chapter 2: DNA Basics: Why Siblings Have Different Ancestry Results A brief dive into how genetics work, explaining why siblings can take DNA tests and receive different ancestral percentage breakdowns. 22:31 Chapter 3: Did Joseph Smith Have Children with Plural Wives? Dr. Perego introduces his efforts to use Y-chromosome testing to determine if Joseph Smith had any children from his polygamous marriages, finding no genetic matches among suspected sons. Chapter 4: The Shocking Irish Connection While attempting to reconstruct Joseph Smith’s Y-chromosome, Dr. Perego discovers that Joseph Smith’s early American ancestor carried an indigenous Irish Y-chromosome, not English. 44:56 Chapter 5: Solving the Josephine Lyon Mystery Dr. Perego details the massive $20,000 project to test the DNA of Josephine Lyon, finally proving she was the biological daughter of Windsor Lyon, not Joseph Smith. 1:00:22 Chapter 6: Mountain Meadows Massacre: The Secret “18th Child” The conversation shifts to a 150-year-old rumor about a secret 18th surviving child of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a mystery finally solved using maternal DNA. 1:11:09 Chapter 7: Did Anthrax Escalate the Mountain Meadows Massacre? Dr. Perego explores the theory that local cattle given to Native Americans were actually infected with anthrax, sparking deadly tensions just days before the massacre. Chapter 8: Biblical Literalism, Pre-Adamites, & Evolution A discussion on the Church’s neutral stance regarding evolution and the literal interpretation of Genesis, including how incoming populations genetically mix with older, established populations. 1:29:41 Chapter 9: Book of Mormon DNA & The Bering Strait Migration Dr. Perego breaks down the science of Native American DNA, explaining why Lehi’s small group of Middle Eastern immigrants would have seen their DNA “swallowed up” after intermarrying with indigenous people. 1:58:21 Chapter 10: The Lemba Tribe, European DNA, & The “Heartland” Theory An examination of how isolated genes behave and a heavy critique of “Heartland” geography theorists who misuse “X2a” DNA lineages to claim proof of Middle Eastern Book of Mormon DNA. 2:14:56 Chapter 11: The Gospel Topics Essays & Book of Mormon Geography Dr. Perego shares his experience acting as the lead author behind the LDS Church’s Gospel Topics essay on DNA and concludes by sharing his personal thoughts on a Central American Book of Mormon geography model. Don’t miss our other conversations with Ugo! https://gospeltangents.com/people/ugo-perego/ Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved What do you think of all these DNA tests?

Send us Fan MailJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Exodus 1-6 through the Queer Perspective of ABANDONMENT!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (March 23-March 29).Join the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us Fan MailJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Genesis 42-50 through the Queer Perspective of EMPATHY!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (March 16-March 22).SHOW NOTES:15 Signs You Might Be An Empath and How You Can Protect Your EnergyPsychology's Tall TalesJoin the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us Fan MailJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Genesis 37-41 through the Queer Perspective of HARDSHIP!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (March 9-March 15).SHOW NOTES:Dylan Mulvaney - Reclaimg with Monica LewisnkyJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatWhy Donny Osmond Has Held on to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamcoatJoin the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us Fan MailJoin Dustin and René as they discuss EASTER through their Queer Perspectives!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (March 30-April 5).Join the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us Fan MailJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Genesis 24-33 through the Queer Perspective of PROVING!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (February 23-March 1).SHOW NOTES:Scripture Help: Genesis 24-33Join the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

On September 13, 2020, Elder and Sister Rasband spoke to youth in a Face-to-Face event hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When asked by a young member named Harry about serious doubts regarding the church's truth claims, Elder Rasband avoided providing a direct answer.Instead, the Rasbands:Encouraged reframing questions toward reasons to stay in the churchShowed a highly emotional video connecting leaving the church with suicidal strugglesEmphasized generational consequences and eternal family obligationsWarned against engaging with “anti-church literature” onlineThis response mirrors a broader LDS pattern of discouraging doubt and minimizing historical or doctrinal concerns, seen in other devotionals by leaders such as Elder Renlund, Elder Corbridge, Elder Soares, Elder Christensen, and Elder Eyring.In this analysis, we explore how the Rasbands' approach:Avoids substantive answers to historical or doctrinal questionsRelies on emotion and spiritual manipulation rather than evidenceFails to acknowledge that youth today have access to church history, Gospel Topics essays, and critical resources like LDS Discussions, Mormon Stories, and Radio Free MormonWatch to understand what leaders say—and don't say—when addressing doubts, and why emotional appeals cannot replace honest engagement with tough questions.

Send a textJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Genesis 18-23 through the Queer Perspective of PROVING!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (February 23-March 1).SHOW NOTES:Guide to the Scriptures: SarahWomen in Scripture: SarahGuide to the Scriptures: HagarWomen in Scripture: HagarGuide to the Scriptures: Lot/Lot's WifeLot's WifeScripture Help: Genesis 18-23Unshaken Youtube ChannelJoin the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send a textJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Genesis 12-17 and Abraham 1-2 through the Queer Perspective of INFLUENCE!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (February 16-February 22).SHOW NOTES:Executive DysfunctionADHD ParalysisThe Wind and the SunJoin the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send a textJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Genesis 6-11 and Moses 8 through the Queer Perspective of SAFETY!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (February 9-February 15).SHOW NOTES:Trump admin removes Pride Flag from Stonewall National MonumentNew Yorkers return Pride Flag to Stonewall after Trump administration removed itScripture Helps: Genesis 6-11; Moses 8Join the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send a textJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Moses 7 through the Queer Perspective of CONDITION!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (February 2-February 8).SHOW NOTES:The 'age of selfishness' is making us sick, single, and miserable. It's because our brains are hardwired for both self-interest and altruismConditioning Strategies for Peak Athletic PerformanceBrothers and Sisters in Christ By Elder Ulisses Soares Of the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesOne in Christ By Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve ApostlesThe Price of Peace By President Marion G. Romney First Counselor in the First Presidency October 1983World Events of 1983Scripture Helps (Moses 7)FlowJoin the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us a textJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Genesis 5 and Moses 6 through the Queer Perspective of INSECURITY!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (January 26-February 1).SHOW NOTES:Self-Esteem vs. Self-RespectJoin the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us a textJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Genesis 3-4 and Moses 4-5 through the Queer Perspective of FAILURE!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (January 19-January 25).SHOW NOTES:Repentance Isn't Only About Overcoming Sin By Madelyn MaxfieldDating Someone with ADHD: How To Make It WorkScripture Helps: Genesis 3-4;Moses 4-5Join the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us a textJoin Dustin and René as they discuss Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; and Abraham 4-5 through the Queer Perspective of LABELS!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (January 12-January 18).SHOW NOTES:Choices for Eternity Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults with President NelsonTextile, Wool, Fur, Apparel and Leather MattersScripture Helps: Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; Abraham 4-5Jerry (From Soul)Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love 1850s-1950sJoin the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

Send us a textWe're back back back back again! Rejoin Dustin and René as they discuss Moses 1 and Abraham 3 through the Queer Perspective of BEHOLDING!Study along in the "Come, Follow Me" Manual (January 5-January 11).SHOW NOTES:Choices for Eternity Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults with President NelsonScripture Helps: Moses 1⁠; Abraham 3SoulJoin the conversation by sending your own Queer Perspective on Gospel Topics (or Haikulelujah) to: lovespokenqueer@gmail.comor DM us on Social:Instagram: @lovespokenqueerFacebook: Love Is Spoken Queer

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released 3 new Gospel Topics Essays in July. We go through each of them, discuss the information that's missing, chat about the propaganda woven into every line, and speculate as to the impetus behind the new essays. For ease of listening, the Book of Mormon Translation starts at 13:31, the Plural Marriage starts at 1:01:24, and Joseph Smith's Character starts at 1:53:15. After that we chat Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, a post-apocalyptic wasteland movie about two warring cult leaders. Then we wrap with happy news about metalheads fighting bullying in schools! Show Notes:  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/book-of-mormon-translation?lang=eng https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/plural-marriage?lang=eng https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/joseph-smiths-character?lang=eng https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Question:_Why_were_the_gold_plates_needed_at_all_if_they_weren%27t_used_directly_during_the_translation_process%3F https://www.analyzingmormonism.com/changes-to-the-book-of-mormon/ https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/introduction-to-state-of-illinois-v-js-for-assault-and-battery/1 https://www.thechurchnews.com/2012/5/26/23225539/kirtland-safety-society/ https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/kirtland-safety-society-notes-4-january-9-march-1837/1 https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/council-of-fifty-minutes-march-1844-january-1846-volume-1-10-march-1844-1-march-1845/99#full-transcript   MOGP: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12037194/?ref_=hm_rvi_i_12  Where it's streaming: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/furiosa    Happy News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c99mdjp97m0o   Other appearances: Chris Shelton interviewed us in the beginning of a series on Mormonism on his Speaking of Cults series. He has had MANY different fascinating people on so go take a look! Here is the whole playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpGuS7GcsgA&list=PLGrPM1Pg2h72ADIuv8eYmzrJ-ppLOlw_g    Most recent episode: The secret history of the Mormon church: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SJkzxy6Qsg    Email: glassboxpodcast@gmail.com  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GlassBoxPod  Patreon page for documentary: https://www.patreon.com/SeerStonedProductions Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/glassboxpodcast BlueSky: @glassboxpodcast.bsky.social  Other BlueSky: @bryceblankenagel.bsky.social and @shannongrover.bsky.social  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassboxpodcast/  Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/exmoapparel/shop Or find the merch store by clicking on “Store” here: https://glassboxpodcast.com/index.html One time Paypal donation: bryceblankenagel@gmail.com  Venmo: @Shannon-Grover-10  

In this episode of Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon dive headfirst into the Church's newest official Gospel Topics entry on the Book of Abraham, dissecting its language, implications, and apologetic framing. With surgical precision (and just a bit of satire), they explore how the Church attempts to repackage decades of controversy surrounding… Read More »Book of Abraham Apologetics [Mormonism Live 238]