Podcasts about lds church

Welcome to another episode with Dr. John Turner as we cover his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” Today we are covering chapter thirteen titled “Zion is Fled” that covers 1833-1834 in Kirtland, Ohio.We answer important questions like: What is the importance of scriptures and what does that mean for this religious movement? Is Joseph Smith credible as a prophet, seer, and revelator? Even the Mormon church today is calling the Book of Mormon a “revelation” not a translation. Is the Book of Mormon a work of genius or is it from God?We also cover topics such as the School of the Prophets, how the Word of Wisdom came to be and Joseph Smith's vision of the grand Zion Community in Independence, Missouri.Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

We are super excited to announce that a new docuseries entitled "Ruby & Jodi: A Cult of Sin and Influence" is set to be released on September 1st and 2nd on Investigation Discovery and HBO Max.  This four part series provides unparalleled context behind the Ruby Franke / 8 Passengers / Jodi Hildebrandt saga.Several Ex-Mormon influencers were included in the series including Lauren and Dr. John Mathias (Hidden True Crime), Jordan and McKay Forsyth, Dr. Julie De Azevedo, and Natasha Helfer.  Former Mormon Stories Podcast interviewees Jessi Hildebrant and Adam Paul Steed.In this panel, John Dehlin will interview several of the creators of the series including Olivia Crist, Rachel Bozich, and Lauren Andrade.___________________Show NotesYouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Tonight on Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon take on the brand-new video series “An Inconvenient Faith” — a polished production where scholars, researchers, and familiar voices inside and outside the LDS Church confront the most problematic issues in Mormonism.  We'll break down the claims, highlight what the so-called “Experts” gets right (and… Read More »An Inconvenient Fraud

Tonight on Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon take on the brand-new video series “An Inconvenient Faith” — a polished production where scholars, researchers, and familiar voices inside and outside the LDS Church confront the most problematic issues in Mormonism.  We'll break down the claims, highlight what the so-called “Experts” gets right (and… Read More »An Inconvenient Fraud The post An Inconvenient Fraud appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Tonight on Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon take on the brand-new video series “An Inconvenient Faith” — a polished production where scholars, researchers, and familiar voices inside and outside the LDS Church confront the most problematic issues in Mormonism.  We'll break down the claims, highlight what the so-called “Experts” gets right (and… Read More »An Inconvenient Fraud

Changes by Pope Leo - Would They Apply to the LDS Church? Cardio Miracle, Learn More! - https://cwic.qwkcheckout.com Alive and Intelligent Substack - https://aliveandintelligent.substack.com Gospel On The Nile Cruise - https://www.cwicmedia.com/gospel-on-the-nile Pope Leo immediately made sweeping changes to the Catholic Church. Bruce Porter and Greg pick ten of these changes and discuss how these would or would not apply to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cwic Media Website: http://www.cwicmedia.com  

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie is the guest on the podcast Black & White & Gold hosted by Carly and Rob Allred where they engage in a compelling conversation on gender and faith. Valerie is becoming the prominent voice for the LDS Church advocating for educating men around the harms of patriarchal indoctrination on male development. This work is yielding good results as more and more LDS men are becoming feminists in their own right and are declining traditional attitudes and roles of male privilege while speaking up for the equality needed to create a truly healthy community.Tune in to hear a narrative that merges deep love for tradition with a call for transformative change.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Self-Trust and Patriarchal Systems00:42 Exploring Patriarchy in Season Three01:29 Defining Patriarchy and Its Impact03:08 Introducing Valerie Hamaker03:35 Valerie Hamaker's Background and Work06:34 Challenges and Resignation from the LDS Church09:06 The Aftermath and Community Support12:21 Understanding Patriarchal and Dominator Models23:37 The Harmful Effects of Patriarchy on Men24:13 Personal Experiences with Patriarchy25:33 The Impact of Patriarchy on Men28:52 Exploring Masculine and Feminine Energies32:04 Patriarchy and Gender Norms34:57 The Fragility of Patriarchal Structures40:55 Hope for Egalitarianism in Church Structures46:05 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website

From celebrating Holy Week and Palm Sunday, to wearing cross jewelry, using mainstream Christian terminology, listening to Christian rock music, old Christian hymns in the new LDS hymn book, a cross replacing the Moroni icon on Google Maps, talking about grace, and more, the LDS church seems to be moving in a direction that our grandparents and even parents wouldn't recognize.Mormonish sits down with our favorite Evangelical, Steve Pynakker to discuss this apparent shift closer to mainstream Christianity and what it means for the LDS membership. We also discuss the "hard stops" that exist in the LDS church when it comes to reframing or replacing existing doctrines. Are there some things they just won't or can't give up even if it means never fully being considered Christian?

The struggle for leadership of the LDS Church between Sidney Rigdon and Brigham Young still echoes today. One lasting outcome is the practice of dissolving the First Presidency at the prophet's death—a move meant to underscore that Rigdon was never recognized as Joseph Smith's rightful successor. Historian John Hamer of the Community of Christ joins us to examine Rigdon's claims, even arguing that Sidney may have had the strongest case for leadership. We'll also explore the church Rigdon established, now the third-largest “Mormon” denomination. Don't miss this fascinating discussion! https://youtu.be/jWzGoa9LXXQ Don't miss our other episodes with John Hamer! https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-hamer/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved We delve deep into the complexities of LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and RLDS (Community of Christ) succession after the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, and how this crisis shaped the leadership structures and beliefs of both churches. LDS Succession after Joseph Smith's Death (1844) Lack of a Defined System: There was no pre-existing system for succession written in the Doctrine and Covenants. The process that unfolded was largely shaped by the personalities and power dynamics of the time. Sidney Rigdon's Claim: Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith's counselor in the First Presidency, claimed the role of "guardian" of the church. This was akin to a regent in a monarchy, intended to lead until Joseph Smith III, who was then a child, could assume leadership. Brigham Young's Maneuver: Brigham Young argued that following the martyrdom, a prophet in the flesh was no longer needed, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles should act as the First Presidency. This led to the group initially being called "Twelve-ites" by other branches. Timeframe to Leadership: It took three years for Brigham Young to transition from the president of the Quorum of the Twelve to the official prophet of the church. During this period, he acted as "acting president". Elimination of Rivals and Decentralization of Power: ◦ William Marks and the Standing High Council: William Marks, president of the Standing High Council, was seen as a rival to Brigham Young. The Standing High Council, which had previously held equal or even superior authority to the traveling Quorum of the Twelve, particularly in organized stakes, was effectively demoted into stake high councils. This move eliminated an institutional rival and concentrated power. ◦ Presiding Bishopric: Similarly, the powerful role of the Presiding Bishop, who controlled temporalities and could act as a leadership rival, was demoted by Brigham Young, who created numerous bishops, reducing the role to a congregational position. Retroactive Legitimacy: The LDS Church's practice of dissolving the First Presidency upon the prophet's death and the automatic succession of the senior-most apostle were established to retroactively delegitimize Sidney Rigdon's claim and ensure the legitimacy of subsequent LDS presidents. This automatic succession became rapid over time, especially after Joseph F. Smith, as leaders realized the difficulty of running the church without a quick transition. Non-Apostolic First Presidency: In the early church, the First Presidency (including Hyrum Smith and Sidney Rigdon) was distinct from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Sidney Rigdon's Church and the Bickertonites Rigdon's Failed Efforts: After excommunicating each other, Sidney Rigdon started his own church in Pittsburgh, which eventually atomized.. John Hamer's ancestor, William Winchester, briefly served as one of Rigdon's apostles. Emergence of the Bickertonites: The Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonites) originated from a branch in Pittsburgh led by William Bickerton, who had been Rigdon's last apostle. This group reorganized after William Bickerton and his followers broke with Brigham Young's church when poly...

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit wisdomofcrowds.liveAmerican Primeval on Netflix. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives on Hulu. Ballerina Farm on Instagram. American culture is living through a Mormon moment. It is a sign that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is growing in confidence and strength. But what are the drawbacks to becoming mainstream? What are the trade-offs involved in American liberalism? What can those of us who are not part of the LDS Church learn from the Mormon moment?Here to discuss this and more is Zachary Davis, the Executive Director of Faith Matters and Editor of the LDS magazine Wayfare. Zach is also a veteran podcaster, having hosted the podcasts Ministry of Ideas and Writ Large.The discussion begins with Santiago Ramos asking Zach for an account of LDS history, contrasting it with its depiction in American Primeval, the Netflix show. Christine Emba then asks about the various pop culture phenomena that have emerged within LDS culture. The conversation covers recent LDS history, as well as reflections on the costs of assimilation and how American liberalism can benefit from the growth of the LDS Church.In our bonus section for paid subscribers, Christina and Zach discuss Ballerina Farm; Zach explains LDS attitudes toward Trump; Santiago asks Zach whether he has hope for the future of America; Zach explains that Mormons believe the American Constitution is a sacred document; why Mormons love Muslims; rethinking first (theological) principles; and more!Required Reading:* Wayfare magazine.* McCay Coppins, Romney: A Reckoning (Amazon).* Jonathan Rausch, Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy (Amazon).* Jon Krakauer, Under the Banner of Heaven (Amazon). * Public polling re: LDS (Pew Research).* American Primeval (Netflix).* Ballerina Farm (official website).* Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Hulu).* The Soloists (Substack).* Romney's 47 percent comment (MSNBC).* Utah rankings (U.S. News and World Report).Free preview video:Full video for paid subscribers below:

We'll discuss controversial RLDS beliefs with John Hamer, a Seventy with the Community of Christ. We're focusing on the 1844 succession crisis, its lasting impact on both the LDS and Community of Christ (formerly RLDS) churches. He's the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism. Don't miss this fascinating discussion! https://youtu.be/mscrLYLKZs0 00:00 How 1844 Succession Affects Us Today 8:15 How Baptism For Dead Was De-canonized 14:22 Will Book of Mormon Be De-canonized? 24:10 Black Priesthood in Community of Christ 36:37 3 Official Languages in CoC Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Succession Crisis and its Legacy: ◦ The 1844 schism "froze" both churches into peculiar systems, as each justified its own succession to assert legitimacy. ◦ LDS Church Succession: Brigham Young's claim relied on his position as the senior-most apostle, a concept that was not established doctrine in 1844 but emerged from the crisis. ◦ Community of Christ (RLDS) Succession: Joseph Smith III's claim was supported by patriarchal blessings and prophecies. His acceptance of the prophet role in 1860 solidified the General Conference's (legislative) authority to choose the prophet. Sidney Rigdon also made a claim to leadership, presenting himself as a "guardian of the church.” ◦ The Mark Hofmann forgery of Joseph Smith Jr.'s blessing to Joseph Smith III is discussed, noting its incorrect date caused dissonance Jerald & Sandra Tanner. It was acquired by the LDS Church, which then traded it to the RLDS Church for a copy of the Book of Commandments. The RLDS Church put it in the appendix of their version of the Doctrine & Covenants & then later removed this forgery from its historical appendix through a "historical appendectomy.” RLDS Doctrine and Covenants and De-canonization: ◦ The Community of Christ's Doctrine and Covenants is an active scripture, with new sections added through votes by elected representatives at World Conferences. The conference also has the power to remove sections, which it has done several times. ◦ Baptism for the Dead: This practice was removed from the RLDS Doctrine and Covenants, largely due to the church's desire to distance itself from associations with LDS temples and practices, particularly those perceived as "secret" or "embarrassing.” John Hamer expresses a nuanced view, considering it meaningless as a necessary saving ordinance for random names but "incredibly valid and amazing" as a spiritual practice for connecting with cherished ancestors (e.g., Jane Manning James). ◦ Blacks in the Priesthood (RLDS): Joseph Smith III's 1860s revelation allowed black men to hold the priesthood but included a racist caveat to "be not hasty" in ordaining them, reflecting the prevailing societal racism of the 1860s. A recent World Conference resolution to remove this section was voted down, with John Hamer arguing against removal to avoid setting a precedent of "Jefferson Bible" editing scripture. ◦ De-canonization of the Book of Mormon: There's a "dig" (and potential validity) that the Community of Christ "doesn't believe in the Book of Mormon" in the same way other groups do. Some leaders and members, traumatized by the "New Mormon History" and historical-literary criticism suggesting the Book of Mormon is a 19th-century construct, have proposed to "jettison all of this stuff.” However, others, especially older members, find it essential to their identity. John Hamer "firmly anticipates" a resolution to remove the Book of Mormon from the canon, though he personally opposes it. Understanding Scripture: ◦ John Hamer advocates for viewing scripture as "errant, not inerrant.” He believes scripture is a "human response to God's revelation," filled with the "biases and limitations of every prophet.” ◦ He argues against treating scripture as a "perfect idol" or a "literalistic rule book," emphasizing that doing so misses its true meaning and preve...

Social media loves to tell women in the Church what their experience is supposed to be, and it's rarely positive. In this episode I'm pushing back. While acknowledging the major concerns critics of our Church have, I'm sharing why I believe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is actually the best place for women, and how our doctrine gives us divine identity, equal partnership, and direct access to God.The Doctrine on Eve: https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/august-2010/the-two-treesGender Equality in the Church:https://www.deseret.com/faith/2025/08/07/a-broader-vision-of-gender-equality/President Nelson on Revelation: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/revelation-for-the-church-revelation-for-our-lives?lang=eng&id=p16-p17#p16Uchtdorf Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiiadnMvm20Sherri Dew: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2001/10/are-we-not-all-mothers?lang=engArdith Kapp: https://www.churchhistorianspress.org/at-the-pulpit/part-4/chapter-41?lang=eng

In September 1993, six scholars—called the September Six—were disciplined by the LDS Church. Lynne Kanavel Whitesides was the first. For the next ten years, she went on an extraordinary spiritual journey. Sadly, she passed away July 7, 2025. In her memory, this episode features a recording of the speech she gave about her spiritual journey at the 2003 Salt Lake Sunstone Symposium.

In September 1993, six scholars—called the September Six—were disciplined by the LDS Church. Lynne Kanavel Whitesides was the first. For the next ten years, she went on an extraordinary spiritual journey. Sadly, she passed away July 7, 2025. In her memory, this episode features a recording of the speech she gave about her spiritual journey …

Send me a DM here (it doesn't let me respond), OR email me: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.comToday I'm honored to have back on the show: Operational CIA MONARCH mind slave survivor, overcomer and whistleblower, devoted husband and loving father, blogger and content creator, published book writer and author, podcast regular, and a bright light in the darkness, J.R SweetA little bit about JR if you missed his other episodes episodes discussing his harrowing and inspiring testimony: Raised in a family steeped in the occult, J.R.'s childhood was a labyrinth of abuse orchestrated by the CIA's MK ULTRA and MONARCH programs - designed to create dissociative identity disorder through trauma-based mind control. From birth, he was subjected to incestuous ritual abuse intended to fracture his psyche and mold him into a programmable “mind slave.” The abuse, cloaked in the guise of religious and familial tradition, was perpetuated by a network that included the LDS Church and Disney, which J.R. identifies as a hub for programming and child exploitation. His family's lineage, intertwined with elite bloodlines, ensured secrecy through generations, with orchestrated ritualistic abuse designed to manufacture terror and loyalty to the group's ideology. J.R.'s memories of these atrocities were buried under layers of dissociation until he was in his 30's, when the truth began to surface like fragments of a long-forgotten nightmare. The awakening was agonizing - confronting the reality of his family's involvement in MK ULTRA, the cover-ups within religious institutions, and the betrayal of those he trusted.J.R.'s advocacy extends beyond storytelling. As a published author of his new memoir named after his blog's namesake, “The Mormon Monarch” - his book further amplifies his message, offering hope to survivors of ritual abuse and mind control. His work challenges the stigma surrounding DID and PTSD, emphasizing that healing is possible through acknowledgment and community. He confronts the societal denial that dismisses survivors as “conspiracy theorists,” drawing parallels to the ‘satanic panic' of the 1980s, which, just like with MK ULTRA, contained kernels of truth obscured by disinformation. J.R.'s story is a triumph of the strength of the human spirit and a narrative of breaking free from the chains of mind control to become a beacon of hope. His courage in naming the unnamable - Disney, the LDS Church, and the CIA - challenges the fabric of secrecy that protects abusers. To survivors, he offers a powerful message: “You are not your abuse. Your voice can dismantle the darkness.”CONNECT WITH JR:Website: Mormon Monarch – I am a Survivor of the CIA's Trauma Based Mind Control Program, Mk-Ultra, and a CIA Sleeper Assassin who is now Awake. I am Blowing the Whistle.Purchase NEW Memoir from Website: …Purchase Book… – Mormon MonarchPurchase NEW Memoir from Lulu.com: Mormon MonarchCONNECT WITH THE IMAGINATION: EMAIL: imagineabetterworld2020@gmail.comSubstack: https://emmakatherine.substack.com/BUY ME A COFFEE: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theimaginationAll links: https://direct.me/theimaginationpodcastRIFE TECHNOLOGIES:https://realrifetechnology.com/15% Code: 420Support the show

Alex Bass studies the numbers on members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint. Here's what they say. Mormon Metrics - https://mormonmetrics.substack.com/ Cwic Media Website: http://www.cwicmedia.com

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we're diving into a disturbing and heartbreaking headline: A former Mormon missionary has been arrested in Pittsburgh, accused of sexually abusing multiple minors. We'll break down the details of the case, how he allegedly used his church affiliation to gain trust, and what this means for the LDS Church's ongoing… Read More »When LDS Missionaries Go Bad The post When LDS Missionaries Go Bad appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

On this explosive July 27, 2025 edition of the Mormon News Roundup (Ep. 171), we cover:

Did David O. McKay lose his testimony of the Book of Mormon? Not as a kid or young man, but while serving as the ninth president of the LDS Church? Incredibly, the evidence actually seems to support the idea! Join Radio Free Mormon as he sets forth the case that David O. McKay, the most… Read More »Did David O. McKay Lose His Testimony? : RFM: 409

Did David O. McKay lose his testimony of the Book of Mormon? Not as a kid or young man, but while serving as the ninth president of the LDS Church? Incredibly, the evidence actually seems to support the idea! Join Radio Free Mormon as he sets forth the case that David O. McKay, the most… Read More »Did David O. McKay Lose His Testimony? : RFM: 409 The post Did David O. McKay Lose His Testimony? : RFM: 409 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

In a surprising turn, the LDS Church has quietly validated the long-disputed 1886 Revelation given to John Taylor, a document that fundamentalists have clung to for over a century as divine proof that plural marriage was never meant to end. In this episode, Lindsay and Bryan dig into the origins of the revelation, the secret …

The LDS Church has changed its name several times in its history. It appears the most recent version will drop the "of Latter-day Saints." Rebecca and Landon are joined by Dr. Randy Bell to discuss the history of rebranding in the LDS church and what it means.

In a surprising turn, the LDS Church has quietly validated the long-disputed 1886 Revelation given to John Taylor, a document that fundamentalists have clung to for over a century as divine proof that plural marriage was never meant to end. In this episode, Lindsay and Bryan dig into the origins of the revelation, the secret …

Tonight on Mormon Newscast: LDS Temple Training Raises Eyebrows Over Possible LGBTQ Targeting In our lead story, we dive into concerning reports about recent temple worker training in the LDS Church—allegedly singling out LGBTQ members in ways that raise serious questions about inclusion and policy enforcement. What exactly is being taught behind closed temple doors?… Read More »LDS Apostle Targets LGBT Temple Goers? The post LDS Apostle Targets LGBT Temple Goers? appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

What happens when faith, culture, and conscience collide?In this gripping full-length interview, Sara (American) and Mitja (Slovenian) share their deeply personal Mormon journeys—from conversion, missions, marriage, and cultural clashes to faith crises, public dissent in Utah church meetings, and ultimately, excommunication.With raw honesty, they open up about the emotional toll of leaving the LDS Church, the pressure to conform, navigating belief in a mixed-faith marriage, and the high cost of asking difficult questions. Featuring moments of courage, heartbreak, and awakening, this episode explores what it means to choose integrity over silence.Key Moments Include:-Serving a missions in Croatia-Struggles with identity, marriage, and belief-Mitja's public opposition in sacrament meeting-Facing church discipline and excommunication-Sara's emotional departure from the LDS ChurchA powerful story of love, loss, disruption—and starting over.___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

After 34 years inside the LDS Church, Heidi made a powerful decision to walk away—and she's not staying silent. On her podcast Unfiltered Rise, she's fearlessly exposing the lesser-known, often hidden roots of Mormonism, from temple rituals to its connections with Freemasonry and ancient esoteric traditions.In this episode, we dive into Heidi's personal journey out of Mormonism and uncover the symbols, secrets, and spiritual agendas she encountered along the way.

Recently, I had the fascinating opportunity to delve into the beliefs practices, and Strangite priesthood views with Gary Weber of the Strangite Church, a lesser-known branch of Mormonism. This discussion sheds light on many intriguing aspects of their faith, highlighting both commonalities and distinct differences from the more widely known LDS (Latter-day Saint) Church. https://youtu.be/GvLjkF8kqms Understanding Strangite Priesthood: A Core Difference One of the most significant distinctions discussed was the Strangite understanding of the priesthood and its associated "keys." While the Melchizedek priesthood holds specific keys related to office, it does not encompass all keys. According to Gary Weber, the Melchizedek priesthood cannot evolve to ordain a prophet. Instead, they believe a prophet can only be ordained by an angel, as was the case for Moses, Joseph Smith, and James J. Strang. The fundamental principle here is that "the lesser cannot ordain the greater". This leads to a critical differentiation of priesthood keys: Keys of Mysteries and Revelations: These keys are associated only with the prophet-lawgiver and can only be held by one person at a time. Gary Weber states that James J. Strang could not have been ordained by angels while Joseph Smith was alive but was ordained the moment Joseph Smith died. Keys of the Kingdom: These keys can be possessed by many people, as seen with the twelve apostles who were given these keys to spread the gospel to nations. They can also confer these keys to others, with hundreds potentially holding them. Gary noted that many members of the LDS Church often don't understand this distinction between the two types of keys. Sacrament Practices: Purity and Purpose The Strangite Church observes the sacrament once a month, rather than weekly like the LDS Church. Their reasoning is that frequent observance could make it "mundane" and cause it to "lose its specialness and sacredness". The elements used for the sacrament also have specific requirements: Juice: Any edible fresh fruit juice is acceptable, as stated in their book of law under the Eucharist. Examples include orange juice, which was used when Gary grew up in Artesia, or fresh processed grape juice from their vineyard. If no juice is available, water can be used, emphasizing the focus on one's "eye singleness to God" and the purpose of remembering Christ's blood. Typically Strangites use some sort of fresh juice (not store-bought) for the sacrament. This assures the juice has not been adulterated. Bread: Must be made of any grain, prepared by the members themselves, not store-bought. This is to ensure its purity and prevent it from being "adulterated". Other Doctrines and Practices: Baptism: They baptize at age eight, aligning with the LDS Church, based on the Doctrine and Covenants and a belief that children at this age have scientifically reached a maturity level to understand right from wrong. Baptism can occur in a church font or natural bodies of water like the White River, depending on personal preference. Priesthood Recognition: The Strangite Church does not recognize the priesthood of other churches, including the LDS priesthood, as they trace their priesthood lineage back through Joseph Smith and James J. Strang. Communion: They practice a closed communion, meaning it is only served to those who have been baptized, taken upon Christ's name, and are deemed worthy, as stated in the Book of Mormon by Jesus to the Nephites. Missionary Work: Unlike the door-to-door approach of many LDS missionaries, Strangites engage in a more limited form of proselytization. They will travel to baptize individuals with whom they've corresponded and who show genuine interest, sometimes over many months. Interestingly, Gary expressed that the wider recognition of the "Mormon" name, largely due to the LDS Church's efforts, has made it easier for Strangites to teach Mormonism,

by Junior Banza and Jeffrey Bradshaw at the 2024 FAIR Conference Introduction to the Session “Faith and Growth of the LDS Church in the DR Congo” – Dan Peterson That's fun to do this, because if you're an academic, if you're a professor, you talk for a living. So, you're glib; you don't have to […] The post Not By Bread Alone: Capturing the Inspirational Stories of the Saints in Africa on Film appeared first on FAIR.

In this powerful and emotional episode, journalist Lauren tells her Mormon story publicly for the first time. Known for covering others' experiences—including the high-profile Lori Vallow Daybell trial—Lauren now opens up about her own journey through faith, trauma, resilience, and healing.She shares her upbringing in the LDS Church, the influence of her legally blind father, and her early fears around death that led to a fascination with true crime. Lauren details her mission to Ohio, her shock upon learning about polygamy, and her love for investigative storytelling.The story takes deeply personal turns as she opens up about receiving a misdiagnosis of Stargardt disease, her father's arrest and trial, her own struggles with mental health, sexual assault, marriage trauma, and the challenges of being a Mormon woman in journalism.From painful experiences to moments of empowerment in her career and community, Lauren's account is raw, inspiring, and unflinchingly honest.Hear about her upcoming memoirStay for the vulnerable reflectionsSupport Lauren's journey by watching to the end___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Send us a Positive Review!In this episode Valerie is the guest on the thought-provoking Inside Out Podcast, one of the first podcasts to interview her following the dramatic events that led up to the Hamakers' decision to resign from the LDS church rather than collude in an excommunication process that they did not endorse as ethical, legitimate, or appropriate.  This episode takes you through Val's early life and path leading to her current work and delves into the challenges she faced with church leadership due to her public mental health work on behalf of thousands of Latter-day Saints through her Latter Day Struggles Platform.Among other things, Valerie discusses the critical tensions between church policies, doctrines, and personal mental health, while providing insights on how the LDS Church can evolve to better support its members.  **In the next several Monday episodes documenting Valerie's and Nathan's experiences connected to their resignation from the LDS church in March of 2025, Valerie represents the couple as Nathan is currently working out of town and unavailable during traditional recording hours.  They apologize as so many of you so deeply benefit from his unique insights and perspectives!  Support the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Subscription $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Subscription $10 Valerie's Support & Processing Groups Donate: ⁠Venmo or Patreon⁠ Visit our Website

Something major just happened to the LDS Church in one of the world's most powerful—and most tightly controlled—nations. A quiet move by a foreign government has suddenly upended worship for hundreds of members and raised serious questions about the future of the Church in a place it’s long tried to operate under the radar. Why… Read More »The Beijing Shutdown: LDS Branches Forced to Close The post The Beijing Shutdown: LDS Branches Forced to Close appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Professor Ralph Hancock of BYU discusses the dilemmas facing the church and the complexities of navigating politics as Latter-day Saints work within a secular world. Ralph's Articles on Alive and Intelligent Substack - https://aliveandintelligent.substack.com Cwic Media Website: http://www.cwicmedia.com

Associate Professor Brent Yergensen has just written the most comprehensive and clarifying work on the Pride movement within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His conclusion? A Shadow Faith has risen in the church! His Paper, Shadow Faith or Organizational Breakoff? Inflection Points and the Symbolic Convergence of Latter-day Saint Subculture was recently published by an academic journal. Here is the paper - https://cdr.creighton.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/8c5efbfa-87d1-4c0f-b037-3ad6a76cdfa5/content Brent Yergensen (Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln) is Department Chair and Associate Professor of Communication at The University of Texas at Tyler. His research focuses on the intersections of religion, science, politics, and history with mass media, especially film. He teaches primarily in media theory and history, rhetorical theory and criticism, research methods, and organizational communication. Cwic Media Website: http://www.cwicmedia.com

Join us on a fascinating journey to Voree/Burlington, Wisconsin, to explore the unique history and beliefs of a Latter-day Saint group often referred to as the Strangites. This isn't the commonly known LDS Church; rather, it's a distinct branch founded by James Strang. He started a rival Mormon Church in Voree/Burlington, Wisconsin back in 1844 and the church still exists! We'll tour around the Trust Farm and see historic sites, including the Hill of Promise & the home where James Strang died. Gary Weber is a Strangite. He's our tour guide and we'll discuss their church and theology. You don't want to miss this conversation... https://youtu.be/vlL_OQ69CEo Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. Genesis of Strangism The Strangite Church, formally known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Strangite), was founded in 1844. James Strang, who had been sent on a mission to Wisconsin by Joseph Smith, claimed that an angel ordained him on June 27, 1844, the very day Joseph Smith died. This divine ordination, he asserted, made him the rightful successor to the church's leadership. Trip to Voree/Burlington The journey to this lesser-known Latter-day Saint community in Wisconsin involved a mix of trains, planes, and automobiles. Landing in Milwaukee, the trip continued towards Burlington, Wisconsin, where the Church is located. The group believes they are the original Mormon Church and refer to themselves as Mormons. The area around Burlington, known as Voree is the setting for much of Strangite history, especially concerning the "Voree record". The weather in Burlington on June 12th was surprisingly mild for summer, with a high of just 63 and low around 56 degrees Fahrenheit, a notable difference from Utah's typical June temperatures. Current Church Building and Surroundings The current Strangite church building, located on Spring Valley Road near what's called "Mormon Road," is smaller than I expected. According to Bill Shepard, a long-time resident & member, this building was constructed around 1965-1967 and marks the first time the Strangites have had a dedicated church building, as they were previously scattered. The lawn around the chapel is nicely manicured, and visitors are always welcome. Inside, or in their collections, the Strangites possess a wealth of historical documents, including 26 volumes of the Journal of Discourses, Times and Seasons, and Millennial Star. They also have Strang Manuscripts, which are copies of letters, and a publication called The Northern Islander, which was published at Beaver Island. Notably, the Strangites do use the Doctrine and Covenants. Sacred Hill of Promise One of the most significant sites for Strangites is the Hill of Promise. This is where James Strang is believed to have found his "Voree plates. The discovery was found under a small tree on the hill, under which Strang claimed a buried record lay. He gathered respected men from the town to witness the excavation, ensuring no prior disturbance of the soil. An angel reportedly appeared to Strang, revealing the record's location. Upon opening the stone casing, the ancient record crumbled due to exposure to air, a common occurrence with ancient artifacts according to Weber. Strang translated this record using the Urim and Thummim, which he said he received from the angel Moroni. The "Voree record" was a short account of a people named "Raja Ramor" who lived in the area and, similar to the Nephites on the Hill Cumorah, were largely destroyed in a great war. The record also depicted the priesthood structure, aligning precisely with the priesthood under Joseph Smith and James Strang, including prophet, viceroy, twelve apostles, and seventies. Beyond its historical significance, the Hill of Promise holds prophetic importance: James Strang's revelations indicate that Daniel from the Bible will someday app...

I've visited some temples recently! "Gospel Tangents" recently hosted a surprise live session, a "late night unannounced edition," much to the delight of its "night owl" viewers. I shared a whirlwind of Temples, Travels, updates, upcoming content, and even some breaking news from various Restorationist traditions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw_a2PA5jAU Temples, Travels, & Timely Insights! I've been traveling extensively, leading to a "boatload of pictures" and a significant backlog of videos waiting to be edited. Despite the busy schedule, i'm eager to share my experiences: Community of Christ World Conference in Independence: Rick attended and captured his reactions to Stassi Cramm being ordained the new prophet. While there, he met a man from New Zealand (a "Kiwi") and expressed hope for interviews with people from the Temple Lot Church, including Tom from a fundamentalist group and potentially Stassi Cramm herself. Mormon History Association (MHA): This event also proved fruitful, including tours of LDS churches, such as an old one in Ogden and Joseph Soderberg's church where President Hinckley reportedly gained his testimony. Exploring the Strangites in Wisconsin: This trip was a major highlight. I stayed with Bill Shepard, a former guest, and toured various Strangite sites with Gary Weber and David Boice. ◦ A key stop was the Hill of Promise, which the Strangites consider akin to the Hill Cumorah. It's believed to be where James J. Strang found the Voree record, a "short record of the people of Raja Ramor." This record described a people similar to those in the Book of Mormon, with a priesthood structure mirroring Joseph and James's. The Hill of Promise also holds future significance, as Strangite revelations state that Daniel from the Bible will appear there to announce Christ's approaching second coming. ◦ I also visited the site of the unbuilt Strangite temple in Burlington, which was planned to be "quite significant" in size. ◦ Rick also drove by James Strang's house in Burlington, where Strang died three weeks after his assassination on the dock of Lake Michiga. ◦ A fascinating piece of news is that David Boice is moving to Utah at the end of July. Rick plans to visit Beaver Island (Strangite Island) in July or August, noting that while Gary Weber says there's "not a lot to see," one can rent a golf cart for getting around. He also mentioned Vicki Speek is working on a census of the island. ◦ For those unfamiliar, James J. Strang claimed an angelic ordination on the day Joseph Smith died (June 27, 1844). He translated the Voree plates and later the "plates of Laban" (published as the Book of the Law of the Lord). He settled in Burlington, then moved to Beaver Island, where he was crowned king and even served in the Michigan legislature. His efforts to stop Gentiles from selling liquor to Native Americans reportedly led to his assassination with the help of the U.S. Navy. Upcoming Trip to Calgary and Cardston, Alberta: Rick is flying to Calgary for his son's wedding. He plans to make a video about the Cardston Alberta Temple, which was the first international temple for the LDS Church. Some compare it to the Mesa Temple and notes its "pioneer feel" like the Manti Temple. The Cardston Temple's murals are darker, possibly due to varnish, and hopes for a refurbishment once a new temple opens in Lethbridge. Book Giveaways and Exciting New Releases The live session included a book giveaway for "Joseph Fielding Smith a Mormon Theologian," won by Mark Francis. Looking ahead, the channel is celebrating the release of John Turner's new book, "Joseph Smith The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet," which launched in June on Amazon. (The contest is over now.) Rick gave away an autographed copy of this book. Potentially "Breaking News" from the Temple Lot Church I discovered some surprising news regarding the Temple Lot Church: they are "going to quit selling the Book of Commandme...

MRM's Bill McKeever and Bradley Campbell spend this week talking about the LDS Church's admission that John Taylor really did have a “revelation” on polygamy in 1886 that had been denied by LDS leaders for more than a century. To see an article on this topic, we invite you to visit https://mrm.org/1886-revelation

MRM's Bill McKeever and Bradley Campbell spend this week talking about the LDS Church's admission that John Taylor really did have a “revelation” on polygamy in 1886 that had been denied by LDS leaders for more than a century. To see an article on this topic, we invite you to visit https://mrm.org/1886-revelation

MRM's Bill McKeever and Bradley Campbell spend this week talking about the LDS Church's admission that John Taylor really did have a “revelation” on polygamy in 1886 that had been denied by LDS leaders for more than a century. To see an article on this topic, we invite you to visit https://mrm.org/1886-revelation

The LDS Church just quietly published a long-suppressed 1886 letter from prophet John Taylor—declaring polygamy an eternal commandment. Frank and Dan dig into the implications for Mormon doctrine. Also in this episode: A Catholic diocese in the UK fires an atheist accountant after she adopts a child Pennsylvania considers declaring a “Day of the Bible” A Saudi journalist is executed for tweets criticizing the regime Pew Research shows disturbing levels of support for school prayer in US Rastafarian prisoner's dreadlocks cut by prison guards And the World Humanist Congress ditches Washington, D.C. Stick around for emails, voicemails, and some truly unhinged Christian nationalism.

MRM's Bill McKeever and Bradley Campbell spend this week talking about the LDS Church's admission that John Taylor really did have a “revelation” on polygamy in 1886 that had been denied by LDS leaders for more than a century. To see an article on this topic, we invite you to visit https://mrm.org/1886-revelation

In this powerful and emotional interview, voice actor Cam Clarke (known for iconic roles in animation and video games) shares his deeply personal journey growing up in a famous Mormon-Hollywood family. From his early years navigating faith, family expectations, and same-sex attraction, to starring in Saturday's Warrior and undergoing electroshock therapy at BYU, Cam opens up about the emotional toll of trying to reconcile his identity with his religion.He discusses coming out, surviving the AIDS crisis, finding healing through art, and ultimately resigning from the LDS Church. Cam's story is raw, heartfelt, and inspiring—a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of self-love.Topics include:Growing up Mormon in a showbiz familyStruggles with sexuality and faithSaturday's Warrior and mission lifeConversion therapy and coming outVoice acting career and ComicCon lifeReflections on love, loss, and legacyShow NotesYouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

MRM's Bill McKeever and Bradley Campbell spend this week talking about the LDS Church's admission that John Taylor really did have a "revelation" on polygamy in 1886 that had been denied by LDS leaders for more than a century. To see an article on this topic, we invite you to visit https://mrm.org/1886-revelation

Of all the misleading tactics used by Latter-day Saint apologists, this one might just take the crown. It's sneaky, it's calculated—and even after being called out repeatedly, they still keep doing it. Why? Because when it comes to defending Mormonism and the LDS Church, it seems the ends justify any means. But not this time.… Read More »The Sneakiest Mormon Apologetic Of Them All

Of all the misleading tactics used by Latter-day Saint apologists, this one might just take the crown. It's sneaky, it's calculated—and even after being called out repeatedly, they still keep doing it. Why? Because when it comes to defending Mormonism and the LDS Church, it seems the ends justify any means. But not this time.… Read More »The Sneakiest Mormon Apologetic Of Them All The post The Sneakiest Mormon Apologetic Of Them All appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Of all the misleading tactics used by Latter-day Saint apologists, this one might just take the crown. It's sneaky, it's calculated—and even after being called out repeatedly, they still keep doing it. Why? Because when it comes to defending Mormonism and the LDS Church, it seems the ends justify any means. But not this time.… Read More »The Sneakiest Mormon Apologetic Of Them All

Amy is joined by advocate Allison Dayton, founder of Lift & Love, to discuss the god-sized holes left behind when LGBTQIA+ people are forced out of their faith traditions, plus how the LDS Church can be changed through love and role modelling to embrace its gay family.Donate to Breaking Down PatriarchyAllison Dayton started the Lift & Love Foundation to support LGBTQ individuals and their families in the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Allison lost her brother, who was gay, to suicide at the same time her 17-year-old son was coming out. Looking for resources to help her family, she couldn't find anything that embraced her religious beliefs and her son's divine identity. Lift and Love has grown to fill that much-needed space supporting thousands of individuals and families as they navigate their unique journeys of protecting their identity or that of their precious children and integrating their new reality into their devotion to Jesus Christ. Allison is a writer, speaker, including at BYU Women's Conferences. In 2022 she moderated an LGBTQ Conversation Circle at the UN Women's Conference. Allison and her husband, Kenn, live in the foothills of Salt Lake City, Utah, have three grown children, a son-in-law and a granddaughter, Georgia, who rules their world.

Join us today as we rebroadcast the story of the man behind the famous CES Letter: Jeremy Runnells.In February 2012, Jeremy Runnels experienced a crisis of faith, which subsequently led to a faith transition in the summer of 2012. In the spring of 2013, Jeremy was approached and asked by a Church Education System (CES) Director to share his concerns and questions about the LDS Church's origins, history, and current practices. In response, Jeremy wrote what later became publicly known as Letter to a CES Director.Letter to a CES Director very quickly went viral on the internet. The CES Director responded that he read the “very well written” letter and that he would provide Jeremy with a response. No response ever came.From then on, hundreds of Mormons have stumbled across the CES Letter and it has caused them to question their faith. Other believing sites have attacked Jeremy Runnells over the years, saying that he was insincere or that he never believed the church was true. His story clears up all doubt that he was a true-believing Mormon.___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Shocking new breaking news!!!! Did you know that LDS Church prophet John Taylor started Mormon Fundamentalism?The LDS Church History Library just released hi-res scans of the original version of a September 27, 1886, revelation to church president John Taylor that commanded Mormons to “do the works of Abraham.” As the LDS Church was gradually winding down polygamy after 1890, a growing movement believed that polygamy was essential and could not be discarded. The revelation quietly circulated through copies, giving their position some teeth. Then, in the early 1920s, a man named Lorin Woolley began telling the other half of the story: at the time of the revelation, John Taylor had ordained him and other men with the authority to perform plural marriages and ensure “the principle” never died. What is this revelation, what does it say, and how was it used and even denied by church leaders?___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Join John, Britt Hartley, and Kolby Reddish today as we host a live call-in show around the topic: "What caused you to lose your Mormon faith?" We would love to hear from you.___________________At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Lindsay and Todd McCormick, a couple from Knoxville, Tennessee, share their powerful and emotional journey navigating faith, doubt, and community pressure within the LDS Church. From their musical Mormon upbringing and successful business ventures to being threatened twice with excommunication, this interview dives deep into the cost of questioning and choosing authenticity over conformity.They open up about their faith crisis, the controversial City Creek Mall, navigating parenthood in the church, and ultimately, their heartbreaking experience with betrayal from close friends and leaders. Through all of it, their love for each other and desire for truth remained steadfast.Topics include:-Faith deconstruction and polygamy-Church discipline and double standards-Excommunication threats and “apostasy”-Cultural expectations, identity, and healing-Choosing honesty over fear in Mormonism-Watch their raw and courageous story unfold.Contact Information:Lindsay on FacebookLindsay on InstagramTodd on FacebookTodd on InstagramPhotobarnLindsay's Photo Business___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117