Mormon Discussion Podcast

Today we revisit our episode from a short time ago, “Handshakes and Drawn Swords”.  We talk about the discussion that has ensued and rebuttals apologists have made that has come about because of it.  While apologists argue this perspective is absurd, I argue that it still has a seat at the table. The post 166: Handshakes and Drawn Swords II appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today Ryan Boothe sits down with me and we rehash the “Our Bad Days” episode to delve deeper into some of the emotion that was being shared.  Ryan is asking the questions today and he leads the conversation like a master interviewer.  We discuss my frustration and why I in part blame the church.  We talk about how we as people can do better and how the church can improve.  Your feedback is always welcome and we hope to hear from you.  Buckle your sea belts, sit back…. and enjoy the ride! The post 165: Revisiting Our Bad Days appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today we sit down with LDS philosopher Blake Ostler.  His is the author of many books including his newest “Fire On The Horizon” Blake Ostler has published widely on Mormon philosophy in professional academic philosophy journals such as Religious Studies (Oxford, England), International Journal for the Philosophy of Religion (Netherlands), and Element: The Journal of the Society for Mormon Philosophy and Theology, as well as Mormon scholarly publications Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, Sunstone, BYU Studies, and FARMS Review of Books. He is the author of the multi-volume series Exploring Mormon Thought, published by Kofford Books. He has also taught Philosophy at Brigham Young University as an Adjunct Instructor. Mr. Ostler is fluent in Italian and French, conversant in Swedish and Spanish, and conducts scholarly research in German, Egyptian, Hebrew, Greek and Latin. He loves spending his time with his wife and five children, and (to a qualitative lesser extent) fly fishing, playing racquetball, four wheeling and watching BYU Football. http://www.blakeostler.com/ The post 164: Blake Ostler: Wise Pearls appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today we sit down with Randal Wright and discuss his book “The Book Of Mormon Miracle: 25 Reasons to Believe”.  We talk about the miracle that is the Book of Mormon.  Bro. Wright gives plenty of reason to have faith and hold faithful ground. Randal A. Wright obtained a PhD in Family Studies from Brigham Young University. He worked with the Church Educational System for many years as an institute Director and taught in the religion department at BYU. He is the founder of lifemission4u.com. He has been a frequent speaker to adults at Know Your Religion and Campus Education Week and has spoken regularly to the youth at Especially for Youth and youth conferences throughout the United States, Canada and England. He and his Wife Wendy are the parents of five married children and have sixteen grandchildren. Randal A. Wright is a fifth generation Texan. AchieveYourLifeMission.com The Book Of Mormon Miracle RandalWrightBookstore.com   The post 163: Randal Wright: The Book of Mormon Miracle appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today Jon Young sits down with LDS politician A.J. Balukoff.  A.J. Balukoff was a Democratic candidate for Governor of Idaho in the 2014 elections.  In today’s episode Jon navigates between the world of LDS faith and politics. He hits on the following about being a Mormon Democrat – Abortion law and social solutions – Gay marriage and non discrimination rights – Approach to historical issues in the church – The proper role of Government – Civic responsibility – Educating civic responsibility – Political smear campaigning and satire – Confrontational political techniques The post 162: AJ Balukoff: Mormon Democrat appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today I sit down with Mormon Historian, D. Michael Quinn.  We talk about his excommunication, his still powerful belief in the Mormonism and the Restoration.  He explains his literal belief in Gold Plates, an angel Moroni, and in Joseph Smith as a actual prophet.  We also hit on Revelatory Walking Sticks, Magic in the Mormon World, his blessing from Spencer W. Kimball that he would someday be an Apostle, and various other interesting stops along the way.  This is a can’t Miss episode. The post 161: D Michael Quinn: Special Witness appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today I sit down with two great friends of mine: Suzette Smith and Chris Bloxham. We talk about the possibility of female ordination. What would it look like? Why is ordination important to some sisters in the Church? Would female ordination be the same as male ordination – or something different? We take a look at how LDS women have accessed Priesthood power throughout the church’s history – and how they might access it today. Finally, what about Heavenly Mother and how might she be connected to the Godhead? All this in less than an hour so buckle up and hold on tight!!! Suzette also has agreed to begin a podcast series (as part of Mormon Discussions) that will discuss these different aspects of ordination in depth. So, be looking forward to future contributions from her. Resources Daughters In My Kingdom A Gift Given and a Gift Taken Away Women giving Blessings in Early Church history Relationship of Women and Priesthood Wheat and Tares Post on Women’s Blessings     The post 160: Female Ordination? appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today we sit down with Steven Garff, a listener to the podcast, and discuss why people leave the Church.  We examine the age old reasons and dismiss them one by one as unsatisfactory as a overarching explanation.  We then delve into a theory that does explain the whole and how it impacts the question of why some leave and why some stay in the Church?  Please take a listen as I think Steve has hit on the truth of the matter.  It may require our letting go of a false assumption or two but it’s affects will be worth their weight in gold. Steven Garff’s paper on Gottman’s Ratio and Mormonism The post 159: Steven Garff: Gottman’s Ratio appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

This is the audio from Religious speaker Jon Paulien.  This is his expounding on his ideas on the stages of faith.  The audio while not great quality is very informative and helpful.  My goal is is to support LDS who are deconstructing and then reconstructing their faith and this audio will be a help to that end.  While not LDS Mr. Paulien emphasizes the reality of God and this faith journey being part of God’s plan.  I hope you enjoy.   If you wish to read his awesome article on this idea please CLICK HERE   The post Bonus: Stages of Faith: Paulien appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.

Today we sit down with Tony Fieldson.  We discuss his paper “Compelling Reasons to Believe”  We discuss reasons like witnesses, prophecies, fruits, and of course a spiritual witnesses.  Looking for reasons to have faith…. then don’t miss this episode! http://testingmormonism.blogspot.com/ The post 158: Tony Fieldson: Compelling Reasons to Believe appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.