Keystone

He was a poorly-educated guy who was visited by an angel, produced a new work of scripture, and became the leader of a world religion. I'm not talking about Joseph Smith — I'm talking about Muhammad, the prophet of Islam. Many critics claim that Joseph Smith's truth claims really aren't that special, because Muhammad did something similar (and *nobody* in their right mind believes that Muhammad was inspired... right? ... right guys?). In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Dan Peterson to investigate just how similar Joseph and Muhammad actually are. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keystoneldsInsta: https://www.instagram.com/keystonelds/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keystoneldsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/keystonelds/Website: https://www.keystonelds.com

The witnesses of the Book of Mormon "golden plates" either lied, were tricked, or were telling the truth. In this episode, David sits down with long-time scholar Daniel C. Peterson to talk about the different theories, and whether or not they align with the available evidence. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keystoneldsInsta: https://www.instagram.com/keystonelds/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keystoneldsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/keystonelds/Website: https://www.keystonelds.com

Terryl Givens, a renowned Latter-day Saint scholar and author, joins David Snell to dive into the provocative differences between Latter-day Saint beliefs and mainstream Christianity, particularly regarding the nature of God. They explore the theological shifts in early Christianity and the implications of concepts like divine love and atonement. Givens discusses the complexities of the Trinity and God's embodiment, encouraging a rethinking of traditional views while emphasizing relationships shaped by love and forgiveness.

Kristen Walker Smith, co-host of the One Minute Scripture Study podcast and best-selling author, dives into the surprising results of a recent PEW Research survey that finds the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be the least-liked religious group in the U.S. She discusses the importance of empathy in navigating perceptions and encourages thoughtful responses to criticism. Kristen also addresses the unique challenges Latter-day Saints face in the digital age, advocating for kindness and resilience while sharing personal beliefs online.

Joining me today is Joshua Miller, a former patient of Jodi Hildebrandt and faithful Latter-day Saint, sharing his story of recovery from Jodi's "therapy" through the gospel of Jesus Christ. As you know, Hulu recently released "Devil in the Family: The Story of Ruby Franke," a documentary chronicling LDS vlogger Ruby Franke's interactions with the former mental health counselor, Jodi Hildebrandt, another Latter-day Saint, and how they both wound up in prison for child abuse. Critics claim that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is responsible for "creating" people like Ruby and Jodi through it's doctrine. By dissecting his personal experiences with Jodi and responding to a few clips, Joshua and I will explore exactly what role (if any) the Church's doctrine played in his abuse, as well as the role it played in his recovery and redemption. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keystoneldsInsta: https://www.instagram.com/keystonelds/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keystoneldsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/keystonelds/Website: https://www.keystonelds.comMusic by Zach Sundwall

In this episode, David sits down with BYU law professor Shima Baughman to talk about Hell, criminal justice, divine punishment, and the Latter-day Saint conception of the afterlife. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keystoneldsInsta: https://www.instagram.com/keystonelds/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keystoneldsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/keystonelds/Website: https://www.keystonelds.comMusic by Zach Sundwall

For almost 200 years now, skeptics have been trying to come up with how Joseph Smith could have possibly come up with the Book of Mormon on his own. One of the most popular theories today is that Joseph Smith used information or was inspired by another book called View of the Hebrews, by Ethan Smith (no relation). In this episode of Keystone, David Snell sits down with Latter-day Saint scholar Stephen Smoot to talk about what the evidence tells us, and what it doesn't tell us.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keystoneldsInsta: https://www.instagram.com/keystonelds/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@keystoneldsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/keystonelds/Website: https://www.keystonelds.comMusic by Zach Sundwall

W. Paul Reeve, a prominent scholar specializing in Mormon studies, joins the conversation to unravel the complex history of slavery in Utah Territory. He discusses Joseph Smith's changing views and Brigham Young's nuanced stance on the subject. Listeners will learn about the experiences of enslaved individuals in the Latter-day Saints community and the legislative decisions made in the 1850s. Additionally, Reeve highlights the moral dilemmas faced by church leaders and the broader implications of these historical perspectives on race and justice.

In this engaging discussion, BYU professor Casey Paul Griffiths, an expert in church history and co-host of the Church History Matters podcast, unpacks the controversial King Follett Discourse. Listeners dive into Joseph Smith's radical claims about God's humanity and the implications for Latter-day Saint beliefs. Griffiths also explores the relationship between divine nature and humanity, the impact of fatherhood on spiritual understanding, and challenges to traditional doctrines. Prepare for thought-provoking insights that challenge preconceived notions of faith!

Brad Wilcox, a professor at BYU and a counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, delves into the nuances of grace and ordinances. He highlights grace as a proactive gift, akin to a scholarship, and its vital role in spiritual transformation. Wilcox examines the significance of ordinances as meaningful covenants, advocating for a deeper connection with God. He also emphasizes mental health and continuous growth in faith, portraying salvation as a transformational journey towards becoming more Christlike rather than merely gaining entry to heaven.