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Welcome to another episode of LDS Discussions! We are joined again by Bryan Buchanan to discuss the William Clayton Diaries.The William Clayton Diaries are among the most important firsthand records from Joseph Smith's final years in Nauvoo. Few individuals stood closer to Joseph Smith than William Clayton, who served as clerk, confidant, and participant in many of the most controversial events of Mormon history. In this episode, we dive directly into the diaries themselves. We examine what Clayton recorded, what historians can learn from his daily entries, and why these journals have become central to discussions about Joseph Smith's plural marriages, the Council of Fifty, the Quorum of the Anointed, the Kinderhook Plates, Nauvoo politics, and the final months leading up to Joseph Smith's death. Along the way, we explore the lives of Joseph and Emma Smith, Margaret Moon, Sarah Whitney, Lucy Walker, Flora Woodworth, Eliza R. Snow, and many of the other figures who appear throughout these remarkable journals. We also address modern claims that the diaries were altered, fabricated, or created after the fact, and compare those claims to the evidence available to historians who have studied the original manuscript. Topics include William Clayton's relationship with Joseph Smith, evidence for Joseph Smith's polygamy, Emma's reactions and resistance to the “P” or “priesthood,” the Moon sister's involvement in polygamy, the strengths and limitations of Clayton as a source and why historians consider these diaries indispensable. The William Clayton journals offer an unparalleled window into the inner workings of Nauvoo Mormonism. Whether you are a believer, skeptic, historian, or simply curious about early Mormon history, these records provide some of the most revealing evidence available from the period. ___________________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

Welcome to another episode of LDS Discussions! Today we are joined by Brian Buchanan to discuss the William Clayton Diaries.For decades, the William Clayton Diaries have occupied a near-mythical place in Mormon history. Hidden away in the First Presidency vault, copied in secret, fought over in court, leaked to researchers, and cited in some of the most controversial debates surrounding Joseph Smith and plural marriage, these journals have one of the most fascinating histories of any historical document in the Latter-day Saint tradition. In this episode, we trace the remarkable journey of William Clatyon's Nauvoo journals from the 1840s to the present day. We explore how historians such as James Allen, Dean Jessee, Leonard Arrington, Thomas Alexander, Andrew Ehat, Scott Faulring, and others gained access to these records, why the Church restricted them for so many years, and how copies eventually found their way into the hands of independent researchers and critics. We also examine the legal battle surrounding the journals, the role of Jerald and Sandra Tanner in publishing portions of them, the impact of the Mark Hofmann era, and the ongoing debates over access, transparency, and historical scholarship within Mormonism. With Yale University Press preparing the first complete scholarly edition of the William Clayton Diaries, this is the perfect time to revisit one of the most important archival stories in Mormon history. We discuss the discovery and preservation of Clayton's journals, the First Presidency vault and restricted documents, specific transcripts that were created for the Clayton diaries, how those transcriptions leaked out into the public and the lawsuit on these leaked transcripts. We also lightly discuss the recent news that additional parts of Clayton's diaries have been released to the public and the debate around whether Joseph Smith was actually a polygamist. Whether you're interested in Mormon history, archival controversies, historiography, or the debate over Joseph Smith's polygamy, this episode provides the essential backstory behind one of the most important historical sources from Nauvoo. Be sure to join us for the next episode where we share some of the most controversial and exciting entries from William Clayton's journals!___________________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

On today's episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.This week we take a closer look at the 2026 Seminar for New Mission Leaders, where Church leaders doubled down on claims of exclusive authority, the "only true church," and what they describe as "true doctrine." We'll discuss what was taught and why it matters.Links:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14idTXmfqam/https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2026/06/18/read-summaries-photos-2026-seminar-new-mission-leaders/https://youtu.be/FIKqJVU63Pk?si=d3bNWHUMYK8Uc2APhttps://youtu.be/bshDxxlcMu0?si=COTdwPlTv6l87PYOWe'll also cover the disturbing allegations against an Orem dentist accused of abusing a high school intern, along with his connections to the LDS community.Links:https://www.ksl.com/article/51540804/orem-dentist-accused-of-abusing-high-school-internhttp://www.youtube.com/@r.brucehowell2847Next a discussion about bishop interviews, trust, and boundaries after the Church's official Young Women Worldwide page encouraged girls ages 12 to 17 to participate in a "How Well Do You Know Your Bishop?" activity designed to help them feel more comfortable with their bishop. We'll examine why some are raising concerns about normalizing close relationships between young girls and adult male ecclesiastical leaders, particularly in light of one-on-one worthiness interviews and the growing number of bishops listed in the Floodlit database.Links:https://www.instagram.com/p/DZdSd4mifYC/https://floodlit.org/lpe/ever-bishop/We'll also discuss reports that the temple naming system has changed and what could be behind the change.Link:https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/s/BHjrL95u1eWe'll examine the case of an Orem man accused of stealing two valuable Minerva Teichert paintings from his elderly mother, replacing them with copies, and selling the originals to help finance a new restaurant.Link:https://www.fox13now.com/news/fox-13-investigates/man-accused-of-stealing-paintings-by-famous-utah-artist-replacing-them-with-copiesFinally, we'll discuss BYU-Idaho's new ecclesiastical endorsement policy, which changes what happens when students allow their endorsements to expire, and what that says about accountability and institutional oversight.Links:https://byuiscroll.org/changes-to-ecclesiastical-endorsement-process-are-coming-to-byui/https://web.byui.edu/policylibrary/policy/bf4987db-aa02-4437-be12-54fc93eeb185Join us live as we provide context behind the headlines, separate fact from speculation, and discuss what these stories reveal about Mormonism 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

For years, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were taught that violations of the law of chastity were “next to murder” in seriousness. Recently, Jasmin Rappleye defended that teaching (and maybe changed its interpretation) in a viral video, sparking widespread discussion both inside and otuside Mormonism.In this somehat impromptu epsiode in our LDS Discussiones series, we will examine the historical record and ask an important question: Has this doctrine actually been taught by LDS leaders?Using General Conference addresses, First Presidency messages, Journal of Discourse sermons, and passages from Spencer W. Kimball's The Miracle of Forgiveness, we trace more than a century of statements who repeatedly taught that sexual sin was second only to murder in seriousness.Was this merely cultural rhetoric? A misunderstanding of scripture? Or was it a consistent teaching passed from one generation of church leaders to the next?Join us as we examine the sources, read the original quotations, explore the history behind one of Mormonism's most controversial teachings, and even share some of the reactions to Jasmin's new video!___________________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

In this episode, Chris Powers sits down with Chris Koerner, a serial entrepreneur and host of The Koerner Office - one of the fastest-growing business podcasts in the world. Koerner has gone all-in on media: 1.4M on Instagram, a 270k newsletter, and a YouTube channel he grew to 600k subscribers in a year. They get into how he cracked short-form, why he thinks attention is the only moat left once AI makes any business easy to build, and the filters he uses to decide what's actually worth starting. Then they go somewhere completely different - they talk in great detail about his experience as a missionary for the LDS Church. Koerner spent two years in Hungary, knocked on roughly 25,000 doors as a self-described introvert, and discusses the skills it taught him that made him a better businessman. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:08) From Mobile Home Parks Tweeter to Business Media Juggernaut (09:38) Why Audio Builds More Loyal Followers Than Anything Else (12:21) Facebook's Hidden Creator Payouts — and Getting Shut Down Overnight (17:11) The Two-Pizza Company: Building a Lean Content Machine (23:36) From Impulse to Publication: How Content Moves Through the Factory (28:13) The YouTube Split That Unlocked the Algorithm (33:52) The Real Mission: Inspiring Strangers to Start a Business (37:37) Why People Don't Act Until They Hit Rock Bottom (40:03) Selling Religion Door to Door: The LDS Mission in Hungary (50:01) 25,000 Doors, 11 Baptisms: What Mass Rejection Really Teaches (56:53) Homecoming: The Most Depressing Day of His (1:06:53) Violence and Death in the Missionary Life Find our sponsors: Collateral Partners - https://collateral.com/fort Relay Human Cloud - https://www.relayhumancloud.com/powers/ Chris on Social Media: X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispowersjr/ Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO

In this episode, Marie shares her powerful story of how God transformed her life—from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and hopelessness to a completely new life in Jesus Christ. She is a new creation. After years of feeling like her prayers went unheard and struggling to find God within the LDS Church, everything changed when God met her in an unexpected moment on a raft in the middle of a lake. Hear how God relentlessly pursued her and her family, revealed His grace, and led her into a life-changing relationship with Jesus.--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 happens when a trusted Mormon leader learns about child sexual abuse –and choses not to report it? In this powerful and heartbreaking episode, Rebecca Gooden and her son Matthew share their family's story of abuse, betrayal, and institutional failure within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Years after discovering that her husband, Shawn Gooden, had sexually abused two of her younger brothers, Rebecca found herself confronting a devastating reality: church leaders had known about the abuse and failed to act. Despite allegations involving child sexual abuse, Shawn continued to receive leadership callings, serving in bishoprics, high councils, and eventually as a bishop and stake presidency counselor. The story becomes even more troubling when Pennsylvania Stake President Rhett Hintze learned of the abuse in 2020. As a mandatory reporter under Pennsylvania law, Hintze was later charged with failure to report child abuse. Although the charges were ultimately dropped, many questions remain about how church leaders handled the case, why victims received little to no support, and why Hintze was later promoted to an Area Seventy. Throughout this interview Rebecca and Matthew discuss Shawn Gooden's abuse and eventual excommunication, the impact of abuse on victims and families, mandatory reporting laws and clergy responsibilities, how the Church handles abuse allegations, the doctrine of discernment, and institutional cover-ups. They also discuss why they ultimately stepped away from the Mormon church and Rebecca shares how she has now moved closer to healing, self-discovering (now calling herself Eloise), and greater empowerment. This episode explores difficult but important questions about accountability, victim protection, and whether religious institutions truly prioritize the vulnerable when abuse is reported. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, we encourage you to contact local authorities, licensed therapists, and survivor support organizations. ___________________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

Priesthood Restoration, Priesthood Restriction, and Revelation June was the month of the priesthood restoration, priesthood restriction, and revelation in LDS Church history. It serves as a month of profound historical significance for Latter-day Saints, marking both the commemoration of the priesthood restoration and the anniversary of the 1978 revelation ending the priesthood and temple ban. Rick Bennett of Gospel Tangents explores the complex history of how priesthood authority was first established and how it evolved over nearly two centuries. https://youtu.be/Tkc1j6r23s0 Don't miss our other conversations on LDS Faith Journeys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pQpKe9CEk&list=PLLhI8GMw9sJ7WQNTJCyCO3U5D2fn7d0JF Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Restoration Shrouded in Mystery While the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood has a clear date—May 15, 1829—the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood is far more mysterious. Historians have identified three primary hypotheses for when this authority was conferred by Peter, James, and John: June 1829: The traditional narrative, though it lacks contemporary evidence. July 1830: An account involving a nighttime escape from persecution between Colesville and Harmony. June 1831: Records from a special church conference suggest the high priesthood was manifested and conferred “for the first time” over a year after the Church was organized. This presentation relies heavily on Michael Quinn‘s research in his book Origins of Power. Forgotten Black Pioneers Contrary to popular belief, the early Church under Joseph Smith featured a “flat” authority structure where Black men were ordained to the priesthood. Pioneers like Elijah Abel, a faithful member of the Seventy, and Joseph Ball, who served as a branch president in 1844, prove that the “one-drop rule” did not exist in the Church’s earliest days. These men served missions and received temple ordinances decades before the restriction was codified. 1852 Pivot The priesthood ban was not a founding tenet but a mid-19th-century shift. In 1852, amid a legislative struggle in the Utah Territory regarding slavery, Brigham Young declared that “a man who has the African blood in him cannot hold one jot nor tit of priesthood.” This declaration marked the formal beginning of a century of restriction, often justified by theories—now officially disavowed—such as the “Curse of Cain” or the idea that Black members were “less valiant” in the premortal life. Brazil Temple: A Tipping Point The path to the 1978 revelation (Official Declaration 2) was heavily influenced by the Church’s global expansion. The construction of the Sao Paulo Brazil Temple in 1975 created a “dilemma”: faithful Black and mixed-race members were funding and building a temple they would be barred from entering. This reality, combined with years of prayerful supplication by President Spencer W. Kimball, led to the “hallowed and sanctified” moment in the Salt Lake Temple that finally extended priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy members. Moving Toward Unity Today, the Church unequivocally condemns all racism and rejects the past explanations used to justify the ban. The goal of the restoration remains one of redemption and connection, inviting all of God’s children—regardless of race or gender—to walk the covenant path together. Rick shares his theory as to why leaders reacted with hostility to interracial marriage as the primary motivation for Brigham Young to implement the ban. Don't miss our other conversations on LDS Faith Journeys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pQpKe9CEk&list=PLLhI8GMw9sJ7WQNTJCyCO3U5D2fn7d0JF Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

In this episode, we revisit the 2015 LDS Church policy that restricted children from baptism and confirmation if they had a parent in a same-sex relationship. Church leaders later described the policy as revelation and doctrinally consistent, but it was quietly reversed just a few years later.We walk through key public statements and interviews from senior LDS leadership, including Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, Todd Christofferson, and Sheri Dew, placing their explanations in sequence to examine how the policy was framed publicly over time.The video then contrasts those explanations with the policy's later withdrawal, raising questions about institutional messaging, hindsight framing, and how doctrinal justification is constructed in real time.This is a structured, documentary-style breakdown of the language used, the timeline of statements, and how the narrative around the policy evolved.Based on: https://tinyurl.com/2sey66k7Please consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This week on Mormon Stories News, we take a closer look at the people, controversies, and events making waves across Mormonism.We begin with the story of a disturbing abuse case involving a former LDS Priest Quorum Specialist accused of sexually abusing his nephew. The case has prompted conversations about trust, access to youth, safeguarding policies, and whether church members are adequately trained to recognize and prevent abuse within families and congregations.We also examine a rare public apology from General Authority Seventy Kyle McKay. McKay recently acknowledged that previous statements he made regarding Church history were offensive and offered a correction. We discuss what was said and why the apology matters.Can AI replace God? That's the question Elder Gerrit W. Gong recently addressed in a viral Church-produced video. We break down his comments, the Church's growing concern over artificial intelligence, and whether AI is becoming a competing source of information, guidance, and authority for members navigating faith questions.Next, we turn to the appointment of Jay Jorgensen to the Utah Supreme Court. Jorgensen's nomination has sparked discussion because of his employment with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his statements regarding whether he would recuse himself from Church-related cases. We examine the concerns surrounding judicial independence, conflicts of interest, and public confidence in the courts.We dive into the growing controversy surrounding Jeff Strong's book Torn. Strong's work has generated significant discussion among Latter-day Saints by examining why many members become disaffected or leave the Church. Recent responses from prominent LDS commentators argue that Strong's research methodology is flawed and that he misrepresents faithful members' experiences.We finish with a brief snippet from Rebecca Bibliotecca about the ongoing temple drama in Fairview Texas. What are your thoughts on this week's stories? Join the conversation in the comments.___________________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

In a recent episode on the YouTube channel Hello Saints, Jeff McCullough interviewed Jasmin Rappleye (who got her degree from BYU in Ancient Near Eastern Studies) about one of Mormonism's most controversial scriptures: the Book of Mormon. During the discussion, several apologetic approaches to the Book of Abraham was presented. In this episode, we examine three of the most common theories used to defend Joseph Smith's translation:-The Missing Scroll Theory-The Long Scroll Theory-The Catalyst TheoryDrawing heavily from Dan Vogel's groundbreaking book Book of Abraham Apologetics, we carefully review the historical evidence surrounding these claims, including the eyewitness accounts frequently cited by defenders of the Long Scroll Theory. Do these accounts actually support the evidence of a lengthy missing papyrus containing the Book of Abraham? Or have they been selectively interpreted to fit a predetermined conclusion? Along the way, we examine the work of prominent Egyptologists, discuss the relationship between Joseph Smith's translation claims and the surviving papyri, and explore why even faithful scholars have increasingly moved away from defending the Book of Abraham as a literal translation of the existing Egyptian texts. Join Kolby, Nemo, and Julia as they work through the evidence, compare competing apologetic arguments, and ask what explanation best fits the historical record.In our next episode, we'll examine a fourth and increasingly popular theory: that the Book of Abraham preserves authentic ancient Jewish traditions about Abraham and may contain an ancient core despite not being a direct translation of the surviving papyri. ___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt 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

Ladies and gentlemen and whoever else is listening, welcome back to the show. CONTENT WARNING - The opinions of the host and our guests have not been sanitized or scientifically tested so please consume at your own risk. Forty percent. That's roughly how many once-active Latter-day Saints have quietly slipped out the back of the chapel over the past quarter century according to one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted on Latter-day Saint disaffiliation, which surveyed more than 20,000 current and former members. It's the kind of statistic that turns Sunday dinners into minefields and makes "how's the family" a loaded question. A few days after his son entered MTC (Missionary Training Center), he'd gotten an unusually timed email from him. Before reading past the first paragraph, he knew that his son was coming home and that the church he'd raised him in was coming home with him. That's the moment that cracked open everything for he and his family. My guest is Jeff Strong, a former LDS (Mormon) bishop, mission president, BYU professor, and a man who spent thousands of hours turning his own family's "tectonic plate shift" into one of the most data-driven looks we have at why faithful Latter-day Saints walk away from the Church, in his book "Torn." He's not here to hand you a five-step plan to bring anyone back into the fold. In fact, the plan itself might be the problem. Jeff makes the case that what's missing in a lot of these conversations isn't more certainty or better answers, it's curiosity. Somewhere along the way we traded asking questions for managing outcomes, and a perfectly manicured lawn of matching blades of grass, he says, was never the goal. The mess is. So stick around, because by the end of this one, you may walk away wanting to make curiosity great again.  CONTACT JEFF Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tornbyjeffstrong/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeff.strong.522678 BOOKS, WEBSITES AND RESOURCES Website - https://www.tornbyjeffstrong.com/ . . #TornBook #JeffStrong #FaithJourney #LeavingTheChurch #LDSFaith #CuriosityOverCertainty #FaithAndFamily #ParrishTheThoughtPodcast #MakeCuriosityGreatAgain #ChurchAndCulture #Mormons #ExMormons

The LDS Church has reportedly filed a trademark lawsuit against Mormon Stories and John Dehlin. But what exactly are the damages?Can a church claim it lost tithing revenue because members listened to a podcast? Can it argue that people were "led astray" by long-form interviews featuring believing Mormons, former Mormons, scholars, historians, and everyday members sharing their experiences?In this video, an ex-Mormon lawyer breaks down the legal claims, explores the strengths and weaknesses of the case, and examines what trademark law is actually designed to protect.We'll discuss:⚖️ What trademark law covers—and what it doesn't⚖️ Whether "lost tithing" could ever qualify as damages⚖️ Free speech concerns and religious criticism⚖️ Mormon Stories' role in the Mormon and ex-Mormon community⚖️ What this lawsuit could mean for content creators and critics of powerful institutionsWhether you're an active Latter-day Saint, former Mormon, nuanced believer, or simply interested in religious freedom and free speech, this analysis offers a legal perspective on one of the most talked-about disputes in the Mormon world.Original video from the SOBER MORMON TikTok channel:https://www.tiktok.com/@sober.mormon#MormonStories #JohnDehlin #LDSChurch #Mormon #ExMormon #TrademarkLaw #ReligiousFreedom #FreeSpeech #MormonNews #Mormonism #LatterDaySaints #LegalAnalysis #ExMormonLawyer #SoberMormon #MormonStoriesPodcastPlease consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tonight on A Mormon Newscast, we’re covering another packed week of stories from inside and around the LDS Church and the greater Mormon space. Radio Free Mormon takes a closer look at the growing fallout from LDS Church Historian Kyle McKay’s recent remarks and subsequent public apology, as well as the excommunication of Shane Baldwin… Read More »The Kyle McKay Apology Aftermath ! The post The Kyle McKay Apology Aftermath ! appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Roadshows, Boy Scouts, MIA, basketball leagues, potlucks—the LDS Church was once buzzing with community activities. But most of that has disappeared. How did it happen? In this episode, Mithryn (a.k.a. Kenneth Lines) presents a fast-paced history of the rise and fall of community activities in the Church.  

What happens when the son of a Pentecostal megachurch pastor decides to become Mormon?In this episode of Mormon Stories Podcast, we sit down with Lance Kennedy to discuss his unique religious journey from evangelical Christianity to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Raised in Texas as the son of a prominent pastor, Lance grew up behind the scenes of one of the fastest-growing church movements in America, watching firsthand as churches evolved from small congregations into large-scale organizations.Drawing from that experience, Lance offers a fascinating perspective on Mormonism as both an insider and an outsider. He shares what initially attracted him to the LDS Church, why Mormonism felt like a better fit than the religious tradition he was raised in, and how his background shaped the way he approached questions of belief, culture, and church growth.Throughout the conversation, we explore the similarities and differences between evangelical Christianity and Mormonism, the challenges facing the modern LDS Church, and the tension between preserving a distinct religious identity and adapting to a changing world. Lance also discusses his experiences as a branch president in rural Texas, his thoughts on church history and transparency, and why he remains an active member despite his willingness to publicly discuss difficult issues.___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt 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

Roadshows, Boy Scouts, MIA, basketball leagues, potlucks—the LDS Church was once buzzing with community activities. But most of that has disappeared. How did it happen? In this episode, Mithryn (a.k.a. Kenneth Lines) presents a fast-paced history of the rise and fall of community activities in the Church. https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SLP-212.mp3

1. Charlie Bird Wants a Child – https://thecougarchronicle.com/article/charlie-bird-surrogacy-why-children-need-a-mother 2. A new hour-long, gospel workshop video – https://www.abc4.com/news/religion/lds-church-ai-use-god-relationships/ 3. Andy Reid and America 250 – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/tabernacle-choir-to-mark-us-250th-anniversary 4. Opinion: Moving from a deficit-oriented to a data-driven perspective on Latter-day Saints – https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2026/06/05/from-deficit-oriented-to-data-driven-latter-day-saint-public-discourse/ 5. Latter-day Saints continue to demonstrate uniquely high religiosity, according to a new BYU report – https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/05/latter-day-saint-faith-retention-united-states/?shem=rimspwouoe 6. Does LDS culture tolerate members with doubts and questions? – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/06/08/does-lds-culture-welcome-members/ 7. 12 Dad-approved gifts for Father's Day – https://www.ldsliving.com/12-dad-approved-gifts-for-fathers-day/s/13283 8. Ground Broken for Springfield Missouri and Missoula Montana Temples – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/groundbreaking-held-for-the-missoula-montana-temple-and-the-springfield-missouri-temple 9. President Christofferson Dedicates the Yorba Linda California Temple – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-christofferson-dedicates-yorba-linda-california-temple 10. President Uchtdorf Dedicates the Willamette Valley Oregon Temple – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-uchtdorf-dedicates-the-willamette-valley-oregon-temple 11. Utah State University has received approval to sell land north of the USU Eastern campus in Price to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – https://etvnews.com/articles/community/board-approves-usu-eastern-property-sale-to-lds-church-in-price/ 12. Church of Jesus Christ releases guide for new Sunday meeting schedule – https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/11/church-of-jesus-christ-announces-guide-for-new-sunday-schedule/ 13. Remember that purported photo of LDS Church founder Joseph Smith? See who owns it now – https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/06/05/lds-church-acquires-photo-believed/ 14. LDS returned missionary just won two Tony Awards for his adaptation of Schmigadoon – https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2026/06/10/cinco-paul-won-tony-awards-for-work-on-schmigadoon/ 15. Latter-day Saint convert and retired U.S. Marine gears up for 2026 Warrior Games – https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2026/06/11/latter-day-saint-woman-marines-2026-warrior-games/ 16. How the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is helping Americans get Canadian citizenship – https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/community/faith/how-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-is-helping-americans-get-canadian/collection_41418ca2-833b-5d9a-9207-f5c9923158a0.html 17. Massive food donation by LDS church arrives in Tooele – https://www.tooeleonline.com/articles/news/massive-food-donation-by-lds-church-arrives-in-tooele/ 18. President Uchtdorf Unites Latter-day Saints in Central Europe – https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/president-uchtdorf-unites-latter-day-saints-in-central-europe 19. What the Church is doing to help after 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines – https://www.thechurchnews.com/living-faith/2026/06/11/church-lds-coordinate-mindanao-earthquake-humanitarian-relief-efforts/ 20. 115 years ago – Jun 9, 1911 – https://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/06/115-years-ago-today-jun-9-1911.html 21. 185 years ago – Jun 4, 1841 – https://www.todayinmormonhistory.com/2026/06/185-years-ago-today-jun-4-1841.html

Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? tells the story of Gloriavale, a closed religious community in New Zealand that was founded on promises of faith, unity, and a better way of life. As former members of Mormon communities, we couldn't help but notice some striking similarities to our own experiences growing up in the FLDS and mainstream Mormon culture.In this reaction and discussion, we explore the origins of Gloriavale, the appeal of religious utopias, and why so many isolated groups seem to develop similar rules, expectations, and power structures over time. We discuss the role of obedience, patriarchal leadership, separation from the outside world, and how sincere beliefs can sometimes create environments where abuse and control are able to flourish.While Gloriavale, the FLDS, and the LDS Church are very different in many ways, this documentary raises important questions about authority, devotion, loyalty, and what happens when questioning leadership is seen as betrayal.What did you think of Devotion: Obedience or Betrayal? Did you notice similarities to other religious communities or high-demand groups? Let us know in the comments.

Sen Lee of Utah took exception with the Pentagon's labelling. NYT announces a new era of gene editing. John talks to Professor Robbie George about Fidelity Month. HelloFresh promotes perversion, A YouTuber is criticized for aborting a preborn baby diagnosed with Down Syndrome, but Bethany Christian Services makes a welcome change.     Segment 1 – Are Mormons Christian? Gene Editing is Back  Breakpoint article  NY Times article on gene editing  Andrew Walker article  Segment 2 – Fidelity Month  Fidelity Month website  Segment 3 – YouTuber Kills Preborn Baby after Down Syndrome Diagnosis  YouTuber article  Spectator Hello Fresh article  Bethany Christian Services statement  Resolve Conflict and Find Peace and Hope with Adult Children: Strategies and Conversations That Work by Kathy Koch       

This week on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin along with Julia, and Brooklyn of the OSF team, break down some of the biggest stories making headlines in Mormonism.President Nelson announced the Springfield, Missouri temple on April 2, 2023, yet ground was just broken for it on June 6, 2026. Why the delay? Have other temples been delayed? What is the average amount of time for a temple to be finished between its first announcement to dedication? What are the membership numbers that will fill these temples?On June 7, 2026 General Authority Seventy Kyle S. McKay spoke at a Stake Conference in Yukon, Oklahoma. Shortly after the video was posted, however, Mormon church leaders quickly removed it. Join us as we go over the most controversial parts of his talk!June has been dubbed “Fidelity Month” by Governor Cox. Cox did not announce the declaration with a news release, nor did he post it on social media as he has done at the beginning of June in the past years. But does Utah WANT this change? Is Cox trying to replace Pride Month?On June 4th the Department of Defense made some changes to the recognized list of religions. The list included several “Christian” denominations such as Lutheran, Jehovah's Witnesses, Methodists, etc. However, The LDS Church was not listed among the “Christian” denominations.On June 6th Edward Smart, the father of well-known Elizabeth Smart, shared a public Instagram Post about his current status with the LDS Church. The LDS Church is making changes to the Sacrament Meeting rooms! This story first broke with Rebecca Bibliotheca of Mormonish Podcast who shared that architectural plans for two LDS meeting house remodels reveal that the sacrament altar is now to be placed front and center under the pulpit. The plans will be in place by 2028 and this will be the new structure going forward. In 2026, BYU Football player Parker Kingston was charged with first-degree felony rape in Utah. The incident was reported by a 20-year-old woman in February 2025. Kingston has pleaded not guilty and the case is proceeding through the Utah court system. News has been released concerning the request for a new judge for the case.An invested citizen was able to attend a Utah City Council Meeting in which someone shared their concerns about the American Fork Police department in their handling of Reckless Ben (previously covered on Mormon Stories). This insider video gives a closer look at the concerned citizens of American Fork.The Great Salt Lake is in critical condition with historically low water levels due to long-term drought and heavy water diversion for agriculture and urban use. These changes threaten key ecosystems and create toxic dust storms that impact air quality across the Wasatch Front. Governor Cox said he discussed with President Trump a potential federal funding around $1 billion.___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt 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 A Mormon Newscast, a church leader’s playing on stereotypes about speech and singing style among people of color sparks discussion and controversy as members debate intent, history, and whether Church leaders should be held to a higher standard when engaging with material carrying a troubling past. We also examine the latest developments in… Read More »LDS Church Historian Sparks Racism Controversy ! The post LDS Church Historian Sparks Racism Controversy ! appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

The Defense Department recently created a controversy by revising its list of religious affiliation codes for service members and failing to designate the LDS Church as Christian. After objections, DOD removed the Christian designation from the list altogether. In this Legal Spirits Short Take, Center Director Mark Movsesian explains how the episode reveals a deeper problem of liberalism in a religiously diverse society: government must frequently classify religion, but no classification can be completely neutral. Listen in! The post Legal Spirits 078: A Short Take on Religion in the Military appeared first on LAW AND RELIGION FORUM.

Author Jeff Strong details the “tectonic plate shifting moment” when his son, while serving in the Missionary Training Center (MTC), suddenly wrote him about leaving the faith: both his mission and the LDS Church. At the time, Strong was serving as a Bishop. He admits that he and his wife initially handled the situation poorly by assuming their son had committed a serious sin. This personal crisis spurred Strong to conduct extensive research into disaffiliation, including qualitative work in 40 cities across 20 countries to understand the real reasons people step away from faith. https://youtu.be/10KAQH-RTck Don't miss our other conversations Jeff: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jeff-strong Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Leaving the Faith Strong challenges the “lazy learner” stereotype, revealing that faith transitions are often deeply serious, intentional, and painful processes. Research cited by Strong shows that 49% of individuals experiencing a faith transition spend more hours than they can count over five or more years researching their decision, often likening the experience to the “death of a loved one.” Strong describes his family’s initial communication as “cavemen grunting at each other” because they were “talking under the influence” of intense fear, anger, and anxiety. To help other families avoid these “unwise mistakes,” Strong provides several key insights: Examine Your Motives: Parents often feel anger not because of the child’s choices, but because those choices threaten the parent’s own need for social validation and the “perfect family” image. Avoid “Talking Under the Influence”: High-stakes conversations should not happen when the amygdala is firing; parents must step back to ensure they are motivated by love rather than a desire to control. Understand the Data: While conversations with siblings and friends typically go well, talking to Church leaders is four and a half times more likely to go badly, and talking to devout parents is twice as likely to result in a negative outcome. Strong concludes that by being informed and rejecting false stereotypes, families can move toward “healthy trust-building conversations” and maintain strong relationships even when religious paths diverge. 00:00 Son Left His Mission & Church 4:29 Jeff Helped LDS Church Research Disbelief 5:57 Don’t Assume Sin 9:10 How to Handle Faith Journeys Better Don't miss our other conversations Jeff: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jeff-strong Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

The Rod and Greg Show Daily Rundown – Tuesday, June 9, 20264:20 pm: Senator Mike Lee joins the show for his weekly conversation with Rod and Greg about what's happening in Washington, D.C., and today they'll discuss his thoughts on the LDS Church, at least initially, not being recognized as being of Christian denomination. Plus, they'll discuss why what's happening in the California primary election is why it's necessary to pass the SAVE Act.4:38 pm: Jack Tomczak, Vice President of Outreach for Americans for Citizen Voting, joins the program to discuss the question of how the idea of citizen-only voting could be controversial.6:05 pm: Anthony Iafrate, Associate Editor for The Daily Caller, joins Rod and Greg for a conversation about his piece on which party won the gerrymandering war.6:38 pm: James Thorne, Chief Market Strategist for Wellington-Altus Private Wealth, joins Rod and Greg to discuss his piece for Real Clear Politics on how Scott Bessent could be the most consequential Secretary of the Treasury since Alexander Hamilton. 

The Evidence of Vote Fraud is The Absence Believable Math. OMG. President Trump CUTS OFF and WALKS OUT of a Kristen Welker interview He looks her in the eyes and tells her SHE'S A LIAR, then storms off! "The elections are like a 3rd world country. YOU'RE CROOKED...let's call it QUITS. I've HAD ENOUGH." U.S. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt: “I'm happy to provide you all of the evidence.”Gov. Gavin Newscum is under criminal review for signing up illegal aliens to vote through his criminal conspiracy—AB 37, universal mail-in ballots. Los Angeles Election Fraud Caught on Hidden Camera. LA election petitioners were caught on tape giving homeless individuals other voters' information, instructing them to forge voter names and signatures, and offering cash and drugs as incentives to register to vote.HOLY SMOKES. Governor candidate Steve Hilton just revealed the stunning reality of California fraud: They ALLOW mail-in ballots to BACKDATE by HAND so they can be counted late, and not invalid. "It's NOT just the postmark. YOU CAN HAND-WRITE THE DATE!" "Just to be really clear: you can BACKDATE YOUR BALLOT."Fired 60 Minutes actor, Scott Pelley lives in his own Truman ShowScott Pelley says Bari Weiss asked 60 Minutes staffers: “Why do you think the country thinks you're biased?"Pelley: "Why do you think so? Do you have a poll? Is there market research? What are you talking about?" "Because we certainly didn't believe that."Incredible.“And there's a subtle political bias that I have never seen at ‘60 Minutes” before  or at CBS News before.”   Scott Pelley spews nonsense with confidence.  He has so thoroughly imbibed progressive dogmas that he may actually believe he is politically neutral..Pete Hegseth Vs Mormons and LDS Beliefs Compared to the BibleDOD Officially Drops 180 Faiths From Military's Recognized Religion List; Defense Secretary Hegseth previously announced the change due to an "impractical" system."There is a Mother in heaven who is with [God]. They're married & they have this perfect marriage, and we know that because... men can become Gods and women can become Goddesses."From Saints Unscripted, one of the biggest Mormon channels on YouTube.Notes on the key differences between the LDS Church and Biblical Christianity 

Thank you For Listening. Click here to Send us a comment if you have any thoughts on the episode! The word “Mormon” can end a conversation before it even starts, especially in the Bible Belt where labels often come loaded. We sit down with Frank Sikes (our Baptist friend) alongside Kenny O'bara and Joey Cornette to talk plainly about what people mean when they say “Mormon,” why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has pushed back on the nickname in recent years, and how identity language can either build a bridge or throw up a wall. If you've ever wondered whether Latter-day Saints see themselves as Christian, or why the name matters so much, you'll get a clear answer from local Latter-Day Saints living in the south.From there we go deeper than vocabulary. We talk about the difference between sincere questions and “gotcha” debates, how to stay calm when someone attacks your faith, and why judging by “fruits” (love, service, sacrifice, integrity) is a better test than rumor. We also unpack why the LDS Church can look “too organized” to outsiders, how ministering and priesthood blessings work in real life, and why that structure often shows up as practical care when someone is struggling.We also tackle a common flashpoint: Galatians 1:8. We discuss context, what Paul is correcting, what “another gospel” means, and why ongoing revelation is part of the New Testament world Paul lived in. And we spend time on missionaries: not as online debate objects, but as young people making a serious sacrifice for Jesus Christ and learning life skills through constant rejection and service.If you enjoy thoughtful interfaith dialogue, Christian unity conversations, and real-world discussions about LDS beliefs and misconceptions, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it. What's your experience with the term “Mormon,” and has it ever changed how you saw someone's faith?Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Beyond The BeaconJoin Bishop Kevin Sweeney for inspired interviews with Catholics living out our faith!Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showThanks for listening!  Keep on Striving!Don't Forget to leave a review and rating.  Let us know your thoughts about the episode.  You can also follow on the following:YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@thejacksonhowellpodcastFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/TheJacksonHowellPodcastTik Tokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@thejacksonhowellpodcastInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/jacksonhowell5/

The Department of War changed our classification! Is this a Good or a Bad thing?The Department of Defense recently updated its religious preference list for military chaplains and removed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the generic “Christian” category, giving it its own separate designation.In this episode, Cardon Ellis is joined by Kwaku L and Luke Hansen to break down what actually happened and whether this is an insult or a positive development.They discuss:Why the LDS Church was separated while groups like Jehovah's Witnesses remained under “Christian”How this change could actually help secure dedicated LDS chaplainsReactions from Michael Knowles and Senator Mike LeeWhether Latter-day Saints should even want to be grouped under the broad “Christian” labelThe deeper question of religious identity in government systemsCHAPTERS:0:00 - Intro with Kwaku L and Luke Hansen3:30 - The DoD Removes LDS from Christian List9:00 - Why Are Jehovah's Witnesses Still Listed as Christian?14:00 - The Real Benefit: Dedicated LDS Chaplains20:30 - Is This an Insult or Recognition of Our Identity?27:00 - Michael Knowles & Senator Mike Lee React33:00 - “We're Not Protestant 2.0”40:00 - Tangent: William Clayton Journals Leak48:00 - Super Chats Begin58:00 - Should We Even Want to Be Called “Christian”?1:08:00 - Going on the Offensive with Religious Identity1:18:00 - Final Thoughts & Closing

Today on Mormon Stories Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Brad Reedy, therapist, author, and founder of “Finding You Intensives”, to discuss his remarkable journey through faith, spirituality, addiction, and personal growth. We are also very glad to be joined by Samantha Shelly (from Zelph on the Shelf) for this uplifting conversation. Raised outside of religion, Brad spent much of his youth searching for meaning and belonging. After struggling with substance abuse as a teenager and surviving a near-fatal overdose, he encountered Mormonism and found the structure, community, and spiritual direction  had been missing from his life.As his understanding of faith evolved, Brad found himself wrestling with questions about spirituality, identity, parenting, relationships, and what it means to live authentically. Together, we explore the tension between religion and spirituality, the challenges of faith transitions, and why something that once helped a person thrive may no longer fit later in life.Brad shares his experience as a passionate convert, missionary, BYU student, and later a marriage and family therapist. Along the way, he reflects on the strengths and limitations of high-demand religions, the role that structure can play in healing and growth, and the difference between living from guilt versus living from love.This conversation is a thoughtful exploration of transformation, self-discovery, and the ongoing search for meaning beyond certainty.___________________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

In this new Visibly Unseen teaser, Rene Steelman discusses the cultural impact of recent LDS garment shifts and what they may signal about the future of Mormonism.How are younger members reacting differently than Baby Boomers?Why do garment changes feel symbolic to so many lifelong members?And what happens when a practice once treated as sacred and unchangeable suddenly evolves?Rene shares her perspective as a Boomer watching the LDS Church adapt to modern pressures, changing social expectations, and a younger generation that increasingly views Mormonism through a very different lens.This is a preview clip from a larger upcoming conversation exploring faith, identity, tradition, and change inside modern Mormonism.#Mormonism #LDS #TempleGarments #ExMormon #FaithCrisis #MormonNews #LDSChurch #VisiblyUnseen #religionmongering Original Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNKgn_9dNzsPlease consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What started as a dispute over a massive LEGO Star Wars collection has exploded into one of the strangest stories on YouTube.Join Dr. John Dehlin, Julia Sanders of Analyzing Mormonism, and never-Mormon commentator Matt Gillespie of Matt's Kustom Kreations, as they investigate the viral controversy surrounding a LEGO collection reportedly worth more than $200,000. Together, they examine the timeline of events, the competing claims, the lawsuits, the corporate takeover of a Bricks & Minifigs franchise, and the investigation that brought national attention to the story.A family consigned a collection reportedly worth more than $200,000 to a Bricks & Minifigs franchise in Oregon. After a corporate takeover of the store, the collection allegedly disappeared, leading to lawsuits, public accusations, competing narratives, and an ongoing battle over who is responsible.In this episode, we break down the timeline of Bricks & Minifigs controversy, the key players involved, and the investigations that brought national attention to the case. We examine the reporting and videos released by Reckless Ben and others, the responses from Bricks & Minifigs leadership, and the legal questions that remain unresolved.We also explore a lesser-discussed aspect of the story: the surprising number of individuals connected to the dispute who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From Bricks & Minifigs executives to figures invovled in post-takeover operation of the store, Mormon connections repeatedly emerge throughout the story. We discuss what those connections are, what can be documented, and how Mormon culture, business networks, and personal relationships may have intersected with the events surrounding the case.The matters discussed in this episode involve ongoing legal and public disputes. Unless otherwise stated, references to misconduct, wrongdoing, concealment, theft, fraud, corruption, or similar claims are allegations made by third parties and should not be understood as statements of proven fact. We encourage viewers to review the underlying sources, court filings, public statements, and responses from all parties discussed. Nothing in this episode should be interpreted as an assertion that any individual or organization is guilty of criminal or civil wrongdoing.___________________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 Mormon Church keeps telling us it is growing. And not only is it growing, they say it is growing faster than it has ever grown in history! And yet faithful Mormon researcher Jeff Strong says the LDS Church has lost 40 % of its active membership in the last twenty-five years. How will the… Read More »LDS Church Membership Tanks!

The Mormon Church keeps telling us it is growing. And not only is it growing, they say it is growing faster than it has ever grown in history! And yet faithful Mormon researcher Jeff Strong says the LDS Church has lost 40 % of its active membership in the last twenty-five years. How will the… Read More »LDS Church Membership Tanks! The post LDS Church Membership Tanks! appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

The Mormon Church keeps telling us it is growing. And not only is it growing, they say it is growing faster than it has ever grown in history! And yet faithful Mormon researcher Jeff Strong says the LDS Church has lost 40 % of its active membership in the last twenty-five years. How will the Church react now that its generation-long deception is being revealed? And what will the Mormon influences do who have repeated and championed the lies told them by the Church they seek to defend? Time will tell. In the meanwhile, Bill and RFM are going to take a victory lap on this issue, because they have been calling out the Church on this deception for as long as they have been podcasting. Finally RFM and Bill Reel are vindicated!!! Quinton Cook & Marin Hospital – https://wasmormon.org/quentin-l-cooks-privatization-of-marin-hospital/ Please consider donating to support our work – https://donorbox.org/mormonism-live

In this episode, we expand on ideas presented by Nate Oman during a discussion on Faith Matters and trace the complicated, evolving history of Mormon sealings from Joseph Smith through the 20th century.Today, “eternal families” are often presented as the central purpose of temple sealings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But historically, the story is much messier.In this conversation, we explore how early sealings were not originally centered on the modern concept of nuclear families being together forever. Instead, sealing theology developed gradually during the Nauvoo period and often functioned as a way to create dynastic networks, priesthood connections, and systems of authority –what some critics compare to an MLM-style hierarchy of spiritual relationships. We discuss the evolution of sealing theology from Joseph Smith to Brigham Young, baptisms for the dead and the trauma surrounding Alvin Smith's death, the rise of dynastic sealings and the “Law of Adoption” where men were sealed to other men. We also discuss the relationship between sealings and plural marriage, how the sealing language changed over time, why Joseph Smith never initially sealed himself to Emma, the story of Jane Manning James and how she was “attached” to Joseph Smith instead of sealed. We also discuss the racial restrictions for Black Mormons, questions of informed consent, authority, and prophetic consistency, and whether the modern LDS concept of “forever families” would have been recognizable to Joseph Smith himself. We also examine how doctrines once treated as essential and eternal –including the Law of Adoption –were later abandoned entirely, raising larger questions about revelation, institutional change, and the development of Mormon theology. Whether you're believing, questioning, post-Mormon, or simply interested in religious history, this episode offers a deep dive into one of the most controversial and misunderstood developments in Mormon history.___________________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

Ten years after the LDS Church's 2015 exclusion policy, its effects continue to shape conversations about faith, belonging, and community among LGBTQ Latter-day Saints. In this episode of Dialogue Out Loud, Dialogue art editor Margaret… The post The Invisible Church: Belonging Ten Years After the Exclusion Policy: A Conversation with Nathan Kitchen and Makoto Hunter appeared first on Dialogue Journal.

We have a very special guest on Mormon Stories today, who some of our live audience may know as "TrevAnon" on YouTube. He has helped out for many years as a moderator for Mormon Stories livestreams, and he is here today to tell us why a Never-Mormon from the Netherlands would find interest in Mormonism. This episode will begin with Trev's story, and how he developed his interest in cults and other high-demand religions--especially Scientology. Additionally, he has prepared a presentation that will compare and contrast Scientology to Mormonism. Join along as we hash out all the similarities and differences point by point. We are grateful to TrevAnon (Corry) for sharing his story and expertise with our audience, and hope you find it as interesting as we did. ___________________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 on Mormon Stories News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down some of the biggest stories making headlines in Mormonism.We begin with the growing scandal surrounding former Pinal County Sheriff and congressional candidate Mark Lamb. Recent reporting from The Arizona Republic details allegations involving explicit messages, secret relationships, and accusations that raise serious questions about image management, accountability, and whether Mormon leaders around Lamb have helped to protect him from consequences. We also examine the case of former LDS stake president Patrick Bucknum, who has been accused by federal authorities of orchestrating a years-long fraud scheme involving millions of dollars.We take a look at the newest reports from Ensign Peak Advisors, the investment arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With the church's investment portfolio recently losing billions, we discuss what the latest filings reveal, where the money is being invested, and why church finances remain one of the most debated topics among members and former members alike.We also cover the arrest of William Scott Messer at BYU-Idaho. The case has generated significant attention in the Rexburg community and raises questions about discernment and how William obtained an ecclesiastical endorsement.Next, we discuss Auckland YSA and visiting General Authority Peter Meurs and his challenge encouraging young single adults to go on 26 dates in 2026. While some see the initiative as a fun way to encourage social interaction, others view it as another example of the intense cultural pressure many Latter-day Saints experience surrounding dating, marriage, and family formation.Finally, we break down the latest reporting from The Salt Lake Tribune regarding church annotations. The article shines a light on a little-understood system used by church leaders to place confidential notes on member records. The story has sparked fresh concerns about how abuse is handled in the church and the lack of training given to the leaders who are tasked with making and keeping annotations.From leadership scandals and financial disclosures to dating culture, criminal investigations, and church transparency, this week's Mormon Stories News covers the stories shaping conversations throughout the Mormon world.Show notes can be found on the Mormon Stories blog 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

Ian Wilks was a high-ranking leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a former bishop, a former branch president, and a member of the stake presidency in British Columbia, with responsibility for shepherding twelve congregations and thousands of members. Then-apostle Dallin H. Oaks, now the 18th president and living prophet of the LDS Church, personally recruited him, interviewed him, called him, set him apart, and trained him into that role.¹ For 37 years, Ian devoted his entire life to his church. He paid tithing on his gross income. He sealed his marriage in the London Temple. He conducted hundreds of worthiness interviews. He trained bishops. He stood at pulpits and at altars. He made sacred covenants in the temple to give all he had, including his own life if required, for the building up of the kingdom on earth. In a snowstorm, the cost of those 37 years lands all at once. The thing he wanted most to be true, he learned was untrue. I spoke with Ian on my podcast Cults, Culture & Coercion and in a recent livestream. He is the co-host of the Inside Out podcast with Jim Bennett, son of the late US Senator Bob Bennett. What he told me confirms what former members of the LDS Church have been describing to me since my first book was published in 1988. The Mormon Church meets every criterion of an authoritarian cult under my BITE Model of Authoritarian Control™ and sits on the destructive end of my Influence Continuum©. Ian himself took the BITE Model self-test based on his decades of experience and scored the church at roughly 85 to 90 percent across the four dimensions of behavior, information, thought, and emotion. This group is one of the wealthiest, most influential groups in politics and its believers are over represented (compared to all other faith groups) in our FBI, CIA, Homeland security and faithful people will follow the direction of the Prophet over the Constitution (even though they swear an oath to uphold the Constitution) which should make all Americans worry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why are people really leaving the LDS Church? In Part 2 of our deep dive into LDS disaffiliation, we continue our conversation with Jeff Strong, author of the groundbreaking book “Torn: Why People We Love Are Leaving the Church and What We Can Learn from Them.” This episode moves beyond the statistics to explore the complex, personal “waves” of modern faith loss. https://youtu.be/AkKkxe5sOP8 Don't miss our other conversations Jeff: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jeff-strong Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Key topics covered in this episode include: * The Church History Bombshell: Jeff reveals that 42% of his survey respondents cited church history as their primary reason for leaving, a finding that contrasts with earlier research focusing more on lifestyle factors. * Massive Scale & Methodology: Learn how the study captured the voices of 15,000 participants who cared so deeply about these issues that they spent an average of 90 minutes completing a 71-question survey. *AI and “10,000 Pages of Heartache”: To understand the nuance of the “verbatim” stories provided by respondents, Jeff's team utilized artificial intelligence to query over 10,000 pages of personal responses. *Is 40% Too Low? Jeff explains why he landed on a conservative 40% figure, despite other data sets like the General Social Survey (GSS) suggesting disaffiliation could be closer to 50%. The “Four Waves” of Disaffiliation: A look at how the reasons for leaving have shifted over time and why traditional “internet Mormon” stereotypes may not tell the whole story. Whether you are a leader, a family member, or someone navigating your own faith journey, this episode offers a data-driven yet deeply empathetic look at how hot the “fire” of disaffiliation is burning today. Watch Part 1 to see the initial breakdown of the 40% disaffiliation statistic and the “leaky bucket” math of church growth. Chapters 0:00 Looking at other Surveys 2:56 Leaving Over Church History 10:18 How were Participants Selected? Don't miss our other conversations Jeff: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jeff-strongCopyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved  

Welcome to Episode 73 in our LDS Discussions series!In this episode, we explore the long history of fraud, forgery, and "discernment" within Mormon history –from Joseph Smith's treasure digging and the Kinderhook Plates to the Salamander Letter, Paul Dunn, Tim Ballard, and Jodi Hildebrandt.We discuss why people believe extraordinary claims, the role of critical thinking and skepticism, and whether church leaders who claim divine guidance have actually demonstrated the “Gift of Discernment” they preach about. Along the way, we examine the Book of Abraham, the Kinderhook Plates controversy, Mark Hofmann's forged documents, hidden church history, and modern scandals that continue to raise difficult questions for believers and critics alike.The episode also looks at how faith can remain resilient even after exposure to false claims, and why many argue that institutional dishonesty –rather than belief itself –is the deeper issue.Topics include: Joseph Smith's treasure digging, the Book of Abraham facsimiles, how Elder Oaks defended the Salamander Letter, and the hiding of early Mormon documents. This discussion asks a central question: If church leaders claim special spiritual discernment, why were so many frauds, forgeries, and harmful figures embraced or defended for so long?If you enjoy long-form Mormon history and analysis, consider subscribing and supporting the channel.If you have thoughts on other topics you wish for us to cover, please leave them in the comments!___________________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

Much Of Christianity Also Gained New Members, And Much Of Christianity Is Also Losing Members, Including the LDS Church. Cardio Miracle, Learn More! - https://cardiomiracle.com/?ref=t4Hpzrm3 Alive and Intelligent Substack - https://aliveandintelligent.substack.com Warriors Of Teancum Men's Retreat - https://www.cwicmedia.com/warriors-of... All the talk about why Latter-day Saints leave the church may be too superficial. There are underlying cultural issues in the US and the West we should be aware of and talking about. Even to our youth. Cwic Media Website: http://www.cwicmedia.com  

Welcome to Episode 73 in our LDS Discussions series!In this episode, we explore the long history of fraud, forgery, and "discernment" within Mormon history –from Joseph Smith's treasure digging and the Kinderhook Plates to the Salamander Letter, Paul Dunn, Tim Ballard, and Jodi Hildebrandt.We discuss why people believe extraordinary claims, the role of critical thinking and skepticism, and whether church leaders who claim divine guidance have actually demonstrated the “Gift of Discernment” they preach about. Along the way, we examine the Book of Abraham, the Kinderhook Plates controversy, Mark Hofmann's forged documents, hidden church history, and modern scandals that continue to raise difficult questions for believers and critics alike.The episode also looks at how faith can remain resilient even after exposure to false claims, and why many argue that institutional dishonesty –rather than belief itself –is the deeper issue.Topics include: Joseph Smith's treasure digging, the Book of Abraham facsimiles, how Elder Oaks defended the Salamander Letter, and the hiding of early Mormon documents. This discussion asks a central question: If church leaders claim special spiritual discernment, why were so many frauds, forgeries, and harmful figures embraced or defended for so long?If you enjoy long-form Mormon history and analysis, consider subscribing and supporting the channel.If you have thoughts on other topics you wish for us to cover, please leave them in the comments!Show 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

Content Warning: Discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation.In this episode of Mormon Stories, Gustavo Hernandez from Mexico City shares his experience growing up Mormon in Mexico, discovering difficult church history as a teenager, and ultimately choosing to remain an active, believing member of the Church while navigating doubt, anxiety, and faith crises. Gustavo opens up about the shame culture surrounding worthiness, pornography confessions, and perfectionism in Mormonism –including how teachings from leaders like Spencer W. Kimball deeply affected his mental health as a young teen. He discusses experiencing panic attacks, existential dread, and suicidal thoughts while trying to reconcile faith, church history, and his desire to feel accepted by God. Along the way, Gustavo encountered the CES Letter, Mormon Stories, exMormon Reddit, temple controversies, Joseph Smith's polygamy, the priesthood ban, Freemasonry, and multiple First Vision accounts. Despite everything, he chose to stay active in the Church, serve a mission in Guatemala, and eventually became an institute teacher in Mexico. The interview includes topics like what it's like being Mormon in Mexico, growing up in a predominantly Catholic culture, p*rnography shame and bishop interviews, faith crisis as a fourteen year old boy, the CES Letter and apologetics, mission burnout, mental health and suicidal ideation, remaining active after losing certainly, as well as current beliefs about Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, polygamy, and LGBTQ issues. Whether you agree with Gustavo's conclusions or not, his story offers an honest and nuanced look at faith, doubt, mental health, and what it means to stay.___________________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

Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: Religion IS Political [Part V of VII]In this episode exploring the intersection of religion and politics, Val & Nathan explore several specific areas where politics and religion are addressing the exact same fundamental questions around human dignity & worth; justice & injustice; and the appropriate use of power.  They then compare how these fundamental issues are confronted in real time on a world stage as Politician Donald Trump and Religious Leader Pope Leo XIV prove powerfully that politics and religion cannot be dissociated but must dialogue in order to find common ground in questions of human value, safety, and basic dignity.  They also each demonstrate (through their respective approaches and value systems) two very different levels of human moral & consciousness development.  Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:33 Religion Meets Politics 02:33 Same Core Questions06:21 Human Dignity and Rights 11:22 Consciousness Development and Political Behavior 13:35 When Laws Protect the Wrong Values14:40 Christian Nationalism and the LDS Church's Silence 20:42 LDS Shadow History and the Epstein Files 22:52 Justice and Accountability 26:07 Power Morality and Resistance 28:18 Rosa Parks and Inner Authority 30:03 Early Faith vs Transformation 33:08 Follow the Leader vs Follow the Divine Within 33:21 Elder Gilbert, ICE Raids, and LDS Silence 35:07 Legitimacy as the Highest Value in Mormonism 41:45 Pope Leo vs Trump 51:33 Episode Wrap and Next StepsSupport the showSupport the showListen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODESFriday Episodes Annual Access $89Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10Valerie's Support & Processing GroupsGift a ScholarshipDownload Free ResourcesVisit our WebsiteJoin Valerie in Italy 2026

In this episode, John and Meggan examine several major stories shaping the current state of Mormonism, including new research on LDS disaffiliation and decline, increasing institutional strain on local leadership, financial fraud tied to prominent Utah business figures, and the continuing controversy surrounding the Fairview Texas temple.•Drawing from research and analysis by Jeff Strong and team of researchers, we discuss what current membership and retention trends may reveal about blind spots devout Latter-day Saints have, the primary reasons for disaffiliation, how LDS trends compare with other denominations, gender differences in the decline, institutional trust, and why many members appear to be quietly disengaging from traditional LDS expectations.•We also examine a recent Salt Lake Tribune report detailing how some Utah County prosecutors notify the church's law firm when LDS bishops submit letters on behalf of criminal defendants, raising questions about ecclesiastical influence, legal systems, and institutional boundaries.Additional topics include:•A Church News livestream acknowledging how overwhelmed many LDS bishops have become while supporting young men•The Noah's Event Centers fraud convictions involving active Latter-day Saints and ongoing questions surrounding discernment• The final public plea from the mayor of Fairview, Texas asking the church to reconsider the height of the proposed temple steeple in an effort to preserve community trust.•The church battling insurers over sex abuse settlement coverage before the 10th Circuit Court•And Charlie Bird and Ryan Clifford announced via social media this week that they have already begun the process to add a child to their family.Together, these stories paint a larger picture of a church navigating growth, decline, public scrutiny, generational change, and increasing tension between institutional authority and individual experience.___________________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

In Part 2 of our series on Seventh-day Adventism, Melissa Spiers shares her personal story of growing up as a fourth-generation Adventist in a deeply religious family shaped by strict lifestyle rules, purity culture, and constant pressure to perform spiritually.Melissa describes her experience navigating SDA education systems, thought control, and the intense expectations placed on young women within the church. She also discusses her eventual move away from Adventism, and the complicated relationship between religion, identity, and personal freedom.Another major focus of this episode is Melissa's discovery of abuse within her own family, the response from Seventh-day Adventist leadership, and the broader systems she believes protect abuse within high-control religious institutions. She shares how these experiences affected her relationships, mental health, and eventual religious deconstruction.Throughout the conversation, Melissa reflects on healing, rebuilding life outside of religion, and the challenges many people face after leaving high-demand faith communities. We also discuss her new memoir, "Holy Disobedience: Sex, Sin, and Secrets in the Biggest Church No One Knows".You can purchase it 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

For the first time on Mormon Stories Podcast, we're diving into the world of Seventh-day Adventism. John sits down with Melissa Spiers, a former Seventh-day Adventist, to explore the history, beliefs, culture, and practices of the SDA Church—and to compare them with Mormonism along the way.In Part 1 of this two-part series, Melissa gives an overview of Seventh-day Adventist origins, theology, lifestyle standards, and church culture, while John and Melissa discuss some of the surprising similarities and key differences between the SDA and LDS traditions.Then later this week in Part 2, Melissa shares her personal story of growing up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, her experiences within the faith, and the reasons she ultimately chose to leave.If this topic interests you, be sure to check out Melissa's book, "Holy Disobedience: Sex, Sin, and Secrets in the Biggest Church No One Knows."You can purchase it here.___________________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

Welcome to our final episode in our Joseph Smith: The Podcast series, where we cover John Turner's new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” In this episode, we explore the immediate aftermath of Joseph Smith's assassination and the profound consequences that followed his family, plural wives, and the early Latter-day Saint movement.The chapter we are covering today is the Epilogue.We look at the chaotic hours and days after his death in Nauvoo, including how his body and Hyrum's were handled, the conditions of their temporary burial, and the secrecy surrounding their remains. The episode also examines Emma Smith's role in the aftermath --her grief, her control over Joseph's body, and the difficult position she found herself in as both widow and critic of polygamy.We also discuss how Joseph's plural wives responded to his death, the emotional and political complexities of their mourning, and the uneasy reality of their realtionships with Brigham Young and other church leaders. From there, we move into the succession crisis that followed --how leadership shifted, why Brigham Young ultimately prevailed over Sidney Rigdon, and how competing visions of the church began to emerge.Finally, we step back to consider Joseph Smith's broader legacy, the scale of opposition he faced, and how his influence continued to shape American religious history long after his death.If you'd like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!Purchase John Turner's book here.Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner's book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.___________________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

In this episode, we dive into the life and legacy of Ernest L. Wilkinson, president of Brigham Young University from 1952 to 1971. Known for rapidly expanding BYU into a major religious university, Wilkinson was also a deeply polarizing figure whose leadership raised serious questions about race, politics, academic freedom, and loyalty within the Church.Joined by historian and longtime Signature Books publisher Gary Bergera, we explore Wilkinson's diary collection and what it reveals about his ambitions, fears, and decisions.From alleged “spy ring”activity among faculty, to clashes with Apostle Boyd K. Packer, to his views on black students, LGBTQ+ students, and the role of capitalism in the gospel, this conversation uncovers a complex portrait of a man who helped shape modern BYU –while leaving behind a legacy still debated today.Gary Bergera has spent decades shaping Mormon historical scholarship and was a key figure in Signature Books. His work has helped bring forward documents and perspectives that continue to challenge and inform conversations today.___________________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