Podcasts about lds church

Dr. Julie Hanks joins us to share both her professional expertise as a marriage and family therapist who has worked with women across the Mormon and ex-Mormon spectrum for over 30 years, and her personal experience of entering a new era after leaving the LDS Church, going through divorce, and embracing her true self even more. Topics we cover include: the final straw in her Mormon journey, navigating mixed-faith dynamics, finding identity after high-demand religion, and why women need more support. Join the Girlscamp: After Dark Patreon account ⁠⁠here.⁠⁠ For more Girlscamp content follow along on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. For ad inquiries please email girlscamppodcast@gmail.com. Dr. Julie Hanks instagram Dr. Julie Hanks coaching services Wasatch Family Therapy To The Mothers in Zion talk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In tonight's episode, we take a close look at how the LDS Church has navigated the delicate situation of acknowledging that Charlie Kirk's accused assassin was a member of their faith. We'll walk through what the Church has said, what it hasn't said, and how this event is being framed both inside and outside of… Read More »LDS Church acknowledges Assassin as Member? The post LDS Church acknowledges Assassin as Member? appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

This week, we're sitting down with Benson Lawson, who made the bold decision to decline his Mormon mission call. In the LDS community, serving a mission is often seen as non-negotiable—an expectation placed on nearly every young man. For those who choose differently, the backlash can be overwhelming.Benson is bravely sharing his story with us, opening up about the pressure, the stigma, and why a mission wasn't the right path for him.Join us as we explore the  reasons why a mission is not right for everyone, and what affect this choice can have on a Mormon man in particular. View the documentary ⁠here⁠.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

Today marks 168 years since the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Following last year's JWHA conference in St George, Utah, I drove by the 4 monuments to the tragedy. Here is an in-depth account of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, an "unspeakable tragedy" that occurred on September 11, 1857. This episode is a somber reflection on this event, along with a condemnation of political and gun violence. https://youtu.be/5MQbBi2zhwI Don't miss our other Tangent Trips! https://gospeltangents.com/mormon_history/gt-trips/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Context and Causes of Mountain Meadows Massacre: In 1857, Utah was considered in rebellion by President James Buchanan, who sent the U.S. Army to put down the "Mormon rebellion". Mormons, having previously been expelled from Kirtland, Missouri, and Nauvoo, were on edge, determined not to be driven out again. Brigham Young, then a former governor, had directed Mormons not to sell supplies to immigrants because they were preparing for war. He also warned the federal government about the dangers on the immigration road if Mormons were attacked and had told Native Americans that it was "okay to steal from any immigrants". The victims were the Fancher- Baker party, a group of about 100-120 men, women, and children from Arkansas, traveling to California with many cattle. They were denied supplies in Utah and were in the "wrong place at the wrong time". Mountain Meadows Massacre Events: The conflict began around September 7th when Mormons, who had enlisted Native Americans, attempted to raid the immigrants' cattle. An initial scuffle resulted in a Mormon shooting and killing one immigrant. The Baker-Fancher party circled their wagons, forming a defensive fortification. To cover up the initial murder and prevent witnesses, local Mormon leaders decided to kill everyone. The party was under siege for several days, running low on ammunition and food, and being shot at when they tried to get water from a spring. John D. Lee, a Mormon, pretended to be a negotiator and came under a white flag of truce. He persuaded the immigrants to surrender their guns, promising safe passage. The men were separated from the women, children, and sick. A signal, possibly "halt" followed by "do your duty," was given. Mormon men shot the Fancher men next to them. The women and children were also killed, as they didn't want any witnesses. Approximately 96 to 120 men, women, and children were killed. Seventeen small children survived because they were deemed too young to "tell tales". Aftermath and Memorials: The Mountain Meadows Massacre is considered the "worst chapter in LDS history". John D. Lee was the only person convicted (and executed) for his role in the massacre. He was tried in Beaver, Utah, in two trials (1875 and 1876), with the second resulting in his conviction by an all-Mormon jury. He was executed by firing squad at the massacre site on March 23, 1877, almost 20 years after the event. The LDS Church later purchased the land and worked with the federal government to establish it as a National Historic Landmark. The site includes several memorials:     ◦ The Overlook Monument: The monument features a wall with the names of many victims. It also has lookout points to identify the Men and Boys' Memorial, Women & Children's Memorial, and the immigration campsite.     ◦ The Gravesite Memorial: Patterned after an 1859 cairn built by U.S. Army soldiers. It contains stones from the original cairn and crypts where the bones of 29 victims were reinterred in 1999, wrapped in shrouds and placed in oak ossuaries on a thin layer of Arkansas soil. A child's skull, removed by the U.S. Army in 1879, was reinterred by relatives in 2017. The memorial was dedicated on September 11, 1999, with a statement of regret from Henry B. Eyring on September 11, 2007.     ◦ Memorial for Men and Older Boys: A smaller monument about two-thirds of a mile from...

Part 1 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a cult whose membership is twice the size of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. As of December 2024, the official membership of the LDS Church stands at 17.5 million. By far, the largest proportion of this amount – nearly 7 million (40%) is located in the founding country of the United States of America, with some 2.2 million living in the State of Utah. Excluding the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the second-largest Christian cult in the world with a global presence in more than 160 countries. It has 80,000 active missionaries on every mission field of the planet. It boasts more than 200 Temples worldwide, with a further 60 currently under construction and 114 more announced for future building. According to the independent research group, The Widow's Mite, the Mormon Church received an estimated $8 billion in tithes and offerings in 2024. It is estimated that over the course of the same year, its wealth increased by $28 billion, with a significant portion of this growth coming from investments. This took the total assets in 2024 to an estimated $293 billion, making the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints one of the richest religious organisations in the world. In this introductory teaching part, we begin to examine the core teachings and practices of Mormonism. What you shall discover will shock you.   

We are back today for part two of our examination of the CES Letter vs. the Book of Mormon. The CES Letter is perhaps one of the most influential documents in Mormon studies, and for years the LDS Church has criticized it and its author, Jeremy Runnells. Is this a fair treatment by the Church, or are Jeremy's questions on church doctrine valid?In this series, we are going point by point through the questions raised in the CES Letter to discuss how they line up with the Book of Mormon, as well as the responses the Church has provided thus far.Some of the questions we'll cover include:-Why is there no archaeological evidence for the Book of Mormon?-Where did the events of the Book of Mormon actually take place?-Why does the Book of Mormon share so many similarities with other books from Joseph Smith's time?-Does the Book of Mormon reflect a Trinitarian view of God?Join us today as we attempt to answer these questions—and more.___________________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

Tonight on The Mormon Newscast, we're diving into the growing spotlight on ex-Mormon voices in the media. The Wall Street Journal recently covered social media influencers critiquing Mormonism, sparking a rebuttal from the Deseret News and a statement from Senator Mike Lee. We'll unpack what this means for the public conversation around the Church, truth… Read More »LDS Church vs The Wall Street Journal The post LDS Church vs The Wall Street Journal appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Send us a Positive Review!In this eye-opening episode Valerie is a guest on the Inside Out Podcast with Ian Wilkes and Jim Bennett, where they dive deep into the complexities of women's roles within the LDS Church, locking in on the recent garment policy shifts. You might be surprised to learn Valerie's take on this topic. A hint: adding women leaders to these policy-making gatherings is NOT the answer to this conundrum where it seems that thousands of LDS women across the belief & practice spectrum are frustrated.  Tune in to explore a thought-provoking discussion on equality, institutional overreach, and the beauty (and simplicity) that unfolds when humans are given the dignity to manage their own underwear drawers. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:31 Jim's Experience in Argentina01:47 Special Guest: Valerie Hamaker02:16 Valerie's Background and Podcast04:50 Challenges of Patriarchy in the Church06:18 Authority and Decision Making in the Church16:35 Impact of Patriarchy on Men and Women22:17 Garment Controversy and Gender Equality30:21 Church Surveys and Member Feedback35:38 The Problems with Fundamentalism36:38 Controlling Dress and UnderwearSupport 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

What role does the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit) really play in a believer's life? In this episode, Bryan and Layne explore how Mormonism, the Book of Mormon, and the Bible describe the work of the Spirit—and why those descriptions matter.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --What We Talk About in This EpisodeThe LDS view of the Holy Ghost – As Layne shares from his own experience, many Mormons grow up seeing the Holy Ghost primarily as a “burning in the bosom,” a feeling that validates the truth of the LDS Church. But in practice, that “confirmation” is not enough—modern Mormonism teaches you also need prophets, temples, ordinances, and authority.The contrast in the Book of Mormon – Interestingly, passages like 2 Nephi 32:5 and Moroni 10:4-5 describe the Holy Ghost much more like the Bible does: as sufficient to lead believers into all truth, without extra rituals or institutions.The biblical picture of the Holy Spirit – The Bible consistently teaches that the Spirit is given when we believe (Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 3). He permanently indwells every believer, guiding us into truth, glorifying Jesus, and assuring us of salvation. The Spirit is a He, not an it, the third Person of the Trinity.How modern LDS doctrine complicates things – Later revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants change the role of the Spirit. Instead of being sufficient on His own, the Spirit is portrayed as temporary, conditional, and dependent on temple ordinances and priesthood authority. This shift points believers back to an institution rather than to Christ.Why the simplicity of Christ matters – Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon highlight the “plain and precious” truth: the Holy Spirit Himself is enough to guide and teach. Jesus promised that the Spirit would never leave believers (John 14:26, John 16:13). Mormonism adds layers of requirements that move away from that simplicity.Key TakeawaysThe Holy Spirit's role is to glorify Jesus and point us to Him—not to a prophet, a church, or an institution.According to both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the Spirit is sufficient to guide believers into all truth.Modern Mormonism shifts the focus, teaching that prophets, temples, and ordinances are necessary for the fullness of the Spirit.The Bible teaches that the Spirit permanently indwells every believer at the moment of faith—no rituals, worthiness interviews, or temple covenants required.True freedom and assurance come when we embrace the simplicity of Christ and the sufficiency of His Spirit.Why This MattersIf you're LDS, former LDS, or just curious, this conversation raises an important question: Is the Holy Ghost enough, or do we need more than the Spirit to truly connect with God? Bryan and Layne show how the answer you give will shape your entire understanding of salvation, faith, and your relationship with...

Come along with me on a walking tour of Independence, Missouri! We'll explore the historic Temple Lot Church (Hedrickites) and look at rare photographs from the Great Depression, when attempts were made to build the Jackson County Temple on the very cornerstones Joseph Smith laid in 1831. We'll also stop by the Stone Church, the oldest church in Missouri, built by Joseph Smith III, and visit the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. As we walk, we'll trace the same steps once taken by Harry Truman, stopping at the United Nations Peace Plaza and the Auditorium he frequented after returning home from the presidency. Our journey will also take us to the Cutlerite Church and Temple. It's a unique chance to experience history, faith, and legacy all in one walk—you won't want to miss it! https://youtu.be/E-z1dRBPzqw Don't miss our other Tangent Trips! https://gospeltangents.com/mormon_history/gt-trips/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved From Zion to Truman Join us on an extended walking tour through Independence, Missouri, a city rich with pivotal moments in both the Restoration movement and American political history. From the foundational sites of early Mormonism to the stomping grounds of President Harry S. Truman, Independence offers a unique blend of historical insights. The Sacred Ground: Temple Lot Our journey begins at the Temple Lot, a site dedicated by the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith and other Mormon leaders on August 3, 1831. This area was envisioned as the center of Zion, a grand temple complex. Today, it's surrounded by several significant structures, including the Community of Christ Auditorium and Temple, the LDS Stake Center, and LDS Visitor Center. The Temple Lot Church, sometimes known as the Hedrick-ites, stands prominently. This site has seen its share of trials; the first and second churches built here were both tragically destroyed by fire. A particularly heartbreaking incident in 1990 saw a former member reportedly burn down a church with the misguided belief that it would expedite the rebuilding of the temple. Plans for a larger temple with groundbreaking and footings were halted by the Great Depression, leaving a famous foundation hole. Interestingly, artifacts like stones, found by Otto Fetting, are on display, hinting at the never-realized Greek-style design. The envisioned temple's footprint was surprisingly small, especially compared to later temples like Nauvoo or Salt Lake. Inside the Temple Lot Visitor Center, you can see photographs of early leaders and even a display of the Book of Commandments, a precursor to the Doctrine and Covenants, which is apparently being phased out of print and may be de-canonized. Architectural and Spiritual Diversity: Other Churches of Independence Just a short distance away, we visit the Stone Church, which stands as the oldest church in Missouri built by Joseph Smith III. Its interior, with its large pipe organ, impressive stained-glass windows, and wooden pillars, might remind visitors of the Salt Lake Tabernacle, albeit on a smaller scale. The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has its headquarters in the former Chrisman High School, a building that also operates a lunch program for the homeless. A particularly unique stop is the Cutlerite Church, established by Alpheus Cutler in 1853. This small denomination, with fewer than a dozen members (most over 70), maintains a distinctive practice: they are one of the few churches outside the LDS Church and some polygamous groups that practice baptisms for the dead and endowments. Their building serves a dual purpose, with a chapel on the first floor and a "temple area" on the second, where sacred" temple work is conducted. Early Mormon Footprints and Conflicts Independence also holds the memory of early Mormon settlers and the tensions they faced. We visit the site of Edward Partridge's home and the relocated Jones Flournoy Home,...

What role does the Holy Ghost (or Holy Spirit) really play in a believer's life? In this episode, Bryan and Layne explore how Mormonism, the Book of Mormon, and the Bible describe the work of the Spirit—and why those descriptions matter.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --What We Talk About in This EpisodeThe LDS view of the Holy Ghost – As Layne shares from his own experience, many Mormons grow up seeing the Holy Ghost primarily as a “burning in the bosom,” a feeling that validates the truth of the LDS Church. But in practice, that “confirmation” is not enough—modern Mormonism teaches you also need prophets, temples, ordinances, and authority.The contrast in the Book of Mormon – Interestingly, passages like 2 Nephi 32:5 and Moroni 10:4-5 describe the Holy Ghost much more like the Bible does: as sufficient to lead believers into all truth, without extra rituals or institutions.The biblical picture of the Holy Spirit – The Bible consistently teaches that the Spirit is given when we believe (Ephesians 1:13, Galatians 3). He permanently indwells every believer, guiding us into truth, glorifying Jesus, and assuring us of salvation. The Spirit is a He, not an it, the third Person of the Trinity.How modern LDS doctrine complicates things – Later revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants change the role of the Spirit. Instead of being sufficient on His own, the Spirit is portrayed as temporary, conditional, and dependent on temple ordinances and priesthood authority. This shift points believers back to an institution rather than to Christ.Why the simplicity of Christ matters – Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon highlight the “plain and precious” truth: the Holy Spirit Himself is enough to guide and teach. Jesus promised that the Spirit would never leave believers (John 14:26, John 16:13). Mormonism adds layers of requirements that move away from that simplicity.Key TakeawaysThe Holy Spirit's role is to glorify Jesus and point us to Him—not to a prophet, a church, or an institution.According to both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the Spirit is sufficient to guide believers into all truth.Modern Mormonism shifts the focus, teaching that prophets, temples, and ordinances are necessary for the fullness of the Spirit.The Bible teaches that the Spirit permanently indwells every believer at the moment of faith—no rituals, worthiness interviews, or temple covenants required.True freedom and assurance come when we embrace the simplicity of Christ and the sufficiency of His Spirit.Why This MattersIf you're LDS, former LDS, or just curious, this conversation raises an important question: Is the Holy Ghost enough, or do we need more than the Spirit to truly connect with God? Bryan and Layne show how the answer you give will shape your entire understanding of salvation, faith, and your relationship with...

"I'm a feminist theologian who was excommunicated and I'd been a Gnostic Christian for 15 years. I didn't know where to start. We let Christ, the living bridge be the bridge between us. We didn't presume to come from our own perspectives. You know, I was saying things like. "Well, you know, I was excommunicated. Do we need to go back and revisit all of that?" And they said, "No, no. All we care about is your relationship with Christ. Tell us about your faith and your relationship with Christ and with God." And so I did and we just turned it over to God and prayed and then it was beautiful. This is what's hard for a lot of my friends and a lot of feminists to understand. Like, was I recapitulating? Was I surrendering? Was I giving up my feminism? No. They never asked me to recant or give up anything. We were exploring a new relationship between feminists and church leaders. I saw them as my brothers. They were like pillars. They were so loving and so kind, and it was just utterly healing." 00:00 Excommunicated over Women's Studies04:39 Maxine's Historical and Theological Journey15:00 Excommunication and Its Impact20:26 Exploring Other Faiths and Gnostic Christianity32:10 Divine Feminine in LDS Doctrine35:03 Returning to the Church38:09 Feminism and Healing46:58 Experiencing the Body of ChristLatter day MatchMaker Serve Clothing code COMEBACK for 15% offhttps://serveclothing.com/memor jewelry - 10% Discount code: COMEBACKhttps://memorjewelry.com/Serve Clothing code COMEBACK for 15% offhttps://serveclothing.com/If you have a story to share please contact ashly.comebackpodcast@gmail.comFor inquiries contact info.comebackpodcast@gmail.comCome Back Team:Director, Founder, & Host: Ashly StoneEditor: Cara ReedOutreach Manager: Jenna CarlsonAssistant Editor: Michelle BergerAssistant Editor: Britt SmallzeArt Director: Jeremy GarciaProduction Director: Trent Wardwell

We are here today with part fourteen of our Joseph Smith: The Podcast series with Dr. John Turner. Today we are continuing on with chapter thirteen of his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” The chapter is titled “Zion is Fled” and covers the years 1883-1834 in Missouri. In this episode we explore one of the most turbulent periods in early Mormon history. We dive into the Missouri conflict of the 1830s, the Saints' rising tensions with their neighbors, and the violent clashes that shaped both Mormon identity and leadership.We also discuss:-The growing resentment of Non-Mormons-The destruction of a Mormon printing press by mob violence-Slavery in Missouri and how that related to the Saints-Doctor Philastus Hurlbut affidavits-The Solomon Spaulding Manuscript -The 1833 Meteor shower-How persecution shaped and influenced the Saints' identityThis conversation wrestles with big questions: Why did violence erupt? How did Joseph Smith and the Saints respond to failed prophecies? And what do these early struggles reveal about faith, leadership, and survival in a hostile America?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

The phrase “inclusive and genuine faith community” ought to be synonymous with church.  It ought to be a given.  However, as MaryAnn Scott shares with host, Robin Linkhart, in this Fair Trade episode, that is not always the case. Here, MaryAnn shares her faith transition story, detailing her upbringing in a large LDS family, her struggles with balancing faith and personal identity, and her eventual departure from the LDS Church. Driven by a desire for a supportive faith environment, she describes her transition to Community of Christ and the incredibly welcoming community she found there. MaryAnn emphasizes the importance of community, acceptance, and the freedom to explore faith without judgment.  Download TranscriptThanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey. NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

Recently a documentary series entitled "An Inconvenient Faith" appeared on YouTube, produced by Robert Reynolds and Jim Bennett (among others). The documentary seeks to promote progressive Mormonism within LDS church membership. The documentary is groundbreaking in the sense that it includes both Ex-Mormons (e.g. Jeremy Runnells, Sandra Tanner, John Dehlin, Bill Reel) and faithful Mormon scholars (e.g. Richard Bushman, Terryl & Fiona Givens, Patrick Mason). The series has also received a considerable amount of excitement and critique on the Internet.Please join Mormon Stories for a livestream as a panel (John Dehlin, Bishop Beau Oyler, Julie Hanks, and Jana Spangler) react to the documentary. We welcome your participation as well!View the documentary ⁠here⁠.___________________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

This week we continue our series of non-Mormon stories with Camille Lewis. Raised as an Independent Fundamental Baptist, Camille attended and later taught at Bob Jones University—an Evangelical college in Greenville, NC, known for its strict rules and staunch conservatism. The university also has a troubling history of discrimination, including once forbidding interracial dating. While serving as a professor at BJU, Camille was reprimanded for refusing to allow the school's daycare to physically discipline her children, and was ultimately asked to resign.Join us as we explore the teachings of Evangelicalism, the legacy of Bob Jones University and its founders, and where Camille stands in her faith today.___________________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

Does the LDS church collect data on members who have left the church? You might be surprised at the lengths they go to.

The Community of Christ has sold the Kirtland Temple and several Nauvoo properties to the LDS Church for a jaw-dropping $200 million. But RLDS finances are still shaky! That money is only expected to keep the church afloat for about five years. Historian John Hamer joins us to explain why he thinks the deal could have been much better, why he's disappointed there are still no openly gay apostles, and to share his brutally honest thoughts on Steven Veazey's leadership. Stick around—this conversation pulls no punches. John is the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism. https://youtu.be/F3sTvJCWD3c Don't miss our other episodes with John Hamer! https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-hamer/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Deep Dive into the Kirtland Temple Sale & Path Forward The recent sale of the Kirtland Temple sent shockwaves through the Latter Day Saint movement, and for the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS). It highlighted significant and ongoing financial challenges. John Hamer, a Community of Christ historian and Seventy, has offered candid insights into the church's financial state, the controversial temple sale, and his hopes for the future. Kirtland Temple Sale: A "Pittance" and a Crisis of Legitimacy The sale of the Kirtland Temple to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) for less than $200 million was a deeply troubling event for many in the Community of Christ. John Hamer describes the price as a "pittance," emphasizing that the property's value, particularly in terms of "legitimacy" for the LDS Church, is "priceless" and far exceeds the sale amount. He provocatively suggests that the LDS Church, with its "hundreds of billions of dollars," would not sell the temple for even $200 billion. A major point of contention was the lack of transparency and consultation surrounding the sale. The decision was made "in secret," without any input from the World Conference, the church's "giant legislature". This went against historical precedent, as a previous General Conference had determined that a revelation would be necessary to sell the Kirtland Temple, which had originally been built by revelation. Hamer views the sale as a missed opportunity, stating that it was sold for "a third of what was necessary" for the church to achieve a "sustainable endowment for operations" (which he estimates would have required $600 million.) He suggested that a wealthy family foundation within the Community of Christ could have acquired the assets for the same price, held them as an investment, and then sold them to the LDS Church for a significantly higher amount later, but this option was not considered. Broader RLDS Financial Woes and Leadership Accountability The Kirtland Temple sale is just one symptom of deeper financial struggles within the Community of Christ: Declining Tithing to Headquarters: Over the 20-year tenure of former prophet-president Steve Veazey, "tithing to headquarters... has gone down so precipitously," with only around 6,000 members in the United States and Canada contributing to the world church. Hamer attributes this partly to members feeling their input is ignored when resolutions from the World Conference are ruled "out of order" by the executive leadership. High Operating Costs: The Community of Christ headquarters apparatus costs approximately $2.5 million annually to operate, while its current income is less than $10 million. Unsustainable Endowment: The endowment established to perpetually fund the Independence Temple was, in Hamer's opinion, "invested not like a responsible investor would do" and became "not worth anything" during Veazey's leadership. Unfunded pension obligations also contributed to the financial crisis. Short-Term Fix: The $200 million from the Kirtland Temple sale is projected to sustain headquarters only until "up through 2030," after which "anything goes".

The LDS Church in Tanzania just went from decades of stagnation to explosive growth.

For information, books or if you would like to make a love donation, please visit us at https://www.walkinginpower.orgCondensed Summary of the Critique of MormonismThis text presents a strong critique of Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), arguing that it is not a Christian denomination but a cult that distorts the gospel. The critique highlights several key issues: the origins of the movement, its scriptures and prophets, its teaching on Jesus Christ, its doctrine of salvation, and its ultimate goal of exaltation.Origins and AuthorityMormonism began in the 1800s with Joseph Smith, who claimed revelations restoring the “true church.” The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, along with later prophetic teachings, are treated as scripture. The critique argues that this undermines sola scriptura by elevating human words above the Bible. Because LDS leaders hold ongoing prophetic authority, doctrine can shift with new revelations, creating instability and contradicting God's unchanging Word.The LDS Jesus vs. the Biblical JesusMormonism teaches that Jesus is the firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, making Him a created being and the spirit brother of Lucifer. This stands in sharp contrast to biblical teaching that Jesus is the eternal, uncreated Son of God, fully divine and equal with the Father. The critique warns that the LDS view diminishes Christ's uniqueness and undermines the sufficiency of His atonement.Salvation and WorksA central concern is Mormonism's doctrine of salvation. While claiming belief in grace, LDS theology redefines it as divine power enabling obedience. In practice, salvation requires faith plus works—keeping commandments, temple ordinances, and moral performance. This, the critique argues, denies biblical justification by faith alone (Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8–9). Instead of resting in Christ's finished work, Mormons are left uncertain, striving to prove themselves worthy.Exaltation and the AfterlifeDistinctive to Mormonism is the doctrine of exaltation: faithful Mormons may become gods, ruling over their own creations. The critique condemns this as a revival of the serpent's lie in Genesis 3:5 (“you will be like God”). Scripture affirms that God alone is eternal and sovereign (Isaiah 43:10), and humanity is called to worship Him, not to pursue godhood.Prophets and Continuing RevelationThe LDS Church claims to be led by a living prophet whose revelations guide the church. This places ultimate authority in human leaders rather than Scripture, leading to doctrinal contradictions over time (such as reversals on polygamy or race-based priesthood restrictions). Such changes reveal the instability of a faith grounded in human authority rather than God's Word.ConclusionThe critique acknowledges the sincerity of many Mormons but insists that zeal without truth cannot save. Mormonism presents a counterfeit gospel—adding to Scripture, diminishing Christ, and making salvation dependent on human works. Biblical Christianity proclaims salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. For this reason, the text concludes that Mormonism is not Christianity but a cult, and calls Christians to bring the true gospel of grace to those within it.

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

Cardon and Jonah break down the facts behind the LDS Church's recent $152.5 million real estate purchase in Boca Raton, Florida.Was it tithing money from widows, as critics claim—or investment income fueling long-term humanitarian aid? The hosts cut through the online rumors, examine the numbers, and compare this deal to the Church's $1.5 billion in 2024 humanitarian spending.Along the way, they tackle Reddit debates, highlight overlooked volunteer efforts, and explore why real estate plays such a central role in the Church's financial stewardship.

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...

WARNING NOT FOR CHILDREN!!!! 99.9% of the time I love doing this podcast! I love the guests, the audience, and the topics we cover. But that other 0.01% can be nothing but difficult,this is going to be one of those discussions. On this episode Taylor Smith and I have a conversation about the abuse that is being perpetrated in the LDS Church and its apparent cover up. Now to be fair this is not just an LDS or even Mormon problem, this is a problem across all organized religion that affects all of the religious communities and needs our attention. We start out by covering a few of the stories that have recently been in the news about the topic. Taylor provides amazing insights from his time in the LDS Church as youth which helps to give context around the cultural norms of the LDS Church as well as some incredible doctrinal insights. From There we dive into some of the more problematic ideas that surround this topic in Mormonism that have shown how a culture of “saving face” has made getting victims to safety, and healing for the offended party next to impossible. We talk about our responsibilities as congregants of our various faith communities and finally what should be done to help those who have been hurt by such wicked acts. Video for this episode is going to be really helpful because throughout the conversation we share articles, statistics, and videos that show the problem. Finally all the articles, videos and statistics we show in the podcast are available in the links below.   https://youtube.com/shorts/WfNJFveNYuc?si=SgBGuHaYigJY9_4Ghttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mXR4XiA5eochttps://floodlit.org/failure-to-report/https://www.stlmag.com/news/suit-accuses-mormon-church-leaders-of-facilitating-st-louis-/https://www.ksl.com/article/51355849/elderly-west-jordan-man-charged-with-luring-girl-into-home-sexually-abusing-herhttps://floodlit.org/a/b337/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMLY0ljbGNrAwtii2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEe2shimg9ifEJ8yRlhQz9wqm7nO7riQgGWKo2-v_LIipTCXWcXDG1fUqRhhZQ_aem_4hBOWoCISsOo7oLZTFPlTg&sfnsn=mo

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 this week's Mormon News Roundup (Episode 173 – August 10, 2025), Dives breaks down the top Mormon headlines you need to know:LDS Communications Director Aaron Sherinian speaks out – what he said and why it matters.Sexual abuse cases making waves in and around the LDS Church.Swig Soda – Utah's sugar empire – announces plans to go global!The spiciest hot takes on Mormonism from across the internet this week.We cover the wins, the fails, and the jaw-dropping moments from the world of Mormonism.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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