Mormon Stories Podcast

A thought-provoking quiz encourages discussions about LDS Church history and transparency. It dives into Joseph Smith's credibility, highlighting contrasting narratives around his leadership and the Book of Mormon. Personal anecdotes shed light on how church teachings impact individual faith journeys. The varying accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision spark vibrant debate, urging listeners to reflect on their beliefs. The call to engage in conversations about church history fosters community support and invites shared experiences.

Anna Schreyer, who grew up in a Pentecostal family in Utah and spent time as a missionary in Mozambique, shares her transformative journey of faith. She discusses navigating the complexities of high-demand religious environments, detailing her questioning of beliefs as she was shaped by both Assemblies of God and the pervasive influence of Mormon culture. Anna reflects on the emotional challenges of leaving a strict faith, exploring themes of healing, identity, and the quest for authenticity in the aftermath.

The podcast dives into the controversial topic of Joseph Smith's polygamous relationships. It explores whether he engaged in sexual relations with his plural wives, ranging from underage women to those already married. The discussion critically evaluates historical evidence, societal implications, and the emotional struggles faced by those involved. Listeners are invited to consider the complexities behind polygamy in early Mormonism and its lingering effects on modern narratives. Expect thought-provoking insights and rich analysis as the speakers tackle this sensitive subject.

We sit down with the attorneys behind the explosive lawsuits filed against LDS Church, alleging decades of systemic child sexual abuse and institutional cover-up. These lawsuits include shocking claims of abuse facilitated by Church leaders across multiple states and even international borders, with some cases framed under federal trafficking statutes.The attorneys reveal how these cases aim to hold the Church accountable, explain the legal strategy behind the state and federal coordination efforts, and share the stories of survivors fighting for justice.Show NotesYouTube00:05:30 Anne Andrews00:06:55 Kimberly DeGonia00:08:55 Kolby Reddish00:16:38 The human trafficking statute and how we define human trafficking00:36:50 The Atonement and the church protecting itself00:41:25 Describing the events in the way that lawyers do - High Level and what that means00:42:43 Importance of the victim’s age00:52:17 Discussion of the American criminal justice system01:08:25 Charges are filed against Payton01:19:50 Was Payton ever disciplined by the church?01:32:50 Movement to consolidate the cases in Los Angeles01:52:18 Dispelling myths on mandatory reporting laws01:55:52 Rough timeline of proceedings ahead02:17:00 Issues of Church and State laws?02:24:00 What suggestions do they have for the LDS church to handle these situations better?02:33:32 What is their motivation in defending these cases?02:52:11 Final thoughtsMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal VenmoOur Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord

In this discussion, historian Keith Erekson, who oversees historical research for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addresses sensitive topics in Mormon history alongside researcher Sandra Tanner. They delve into polygamy, including Joseph Smith's controversial marriages, and the church's historical transparency regarding events like the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The duo debates the church's narratives, the consequences of unveiling hidden histories, and the ongoing challenges of reconciling faith with historical accountability.

Join immigration attorney Justin Sweeney, who grew up in the LDS community and held various leadership roles, as he candidly shares his faith crisis journey. He dives deep into questioning church history, including the controversial topics of Joseph Smith's polygamy and the authenticity of church rituals. Justin discusses the emotional turmoil of reconciling personal beliefs with institutional truths and the importance of transparency in faith journeys. His story underscores the connection between professional inquiry and spiritual exploration.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously rejected James Huntsman's fraud lawsuit against the LDS/Mormon Church, which claimed that the church misled the membership over its tithing usage.Join John, Gerardo, and attorney Kolby Reddish to break down the decision.Show NotesYouTube00:04:26 Initial reactions to the news 00:13:00 Huntsman Procedure Explained00:15:45 Where the Three Tithing Cases started00:21:55 False statements made by the Church saying it would NOT use tithing funds00:48:22 What is the definition of fraud?01:01:05 The Church omitted half of the statement that changed the meaning01:10:50 “Reserve funds” come from tithing for a “rainy day”01:31:00 Why we should all become churches01:34:47 More from the Majority Decision01:42:55 Closing thoughts - we need to be accurate on how we talk about it01:45:10 Judge Bress’ Concurrence02:06:55 Bumatay’s Concurrence02:20:55 Summary of the judicial breakdownMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal VenmoOur Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord

Austin Wheeler, a U.S. Army veteran with over six years of service, shares his transformative journey through Mormonism and military culture. He discusses the trauma of navigating the toxic elements of both the military and the church, particularly the influences of violence and masculinity. Austin reflects on the emotional struggles of identity and purpose shaped by these experiences. He also addresses the implications of faith loss and the impact of militarism within religious contexts, ultimately seeking personal meaning beyond disillusionment.

Join Paul Martinez, a courageous Mormon convert with high-functioning autism and ADHD, as he shares his deeply personal journey. He discusses how neurodivergence can lead to vulnerabilities in abusive relationships and the emotional complexities of faith in a high-demand religious context. Paul reflects on childhood challenges, family dynamics, and the transformative impact of embracing his identity. With insightful anecdotes, he navigates the intersection of mental health and spirituality, celebrating resilience and self-discovery in the face of adversity.

BYU Professor Anthony Sweat brings art to life, exploring troubling truths about church history as outlined in the CES Letter. The discussion delves into Joseph Smith's controversial practices, including treasure digging and polygamy. Sweat's artwork reveals the discrepancies in traditional narratives, challenging accepted church teachings. The conversations also reflect on transparency in church history and the evolving perceptions of significant figures, all while highlighting the emotional turmoil created by past practices.