Mormon Discussion Podcast

Today I sit down with Patrick Mason, LDS scholar and author of the new book “Planted” .  We talk about doubt, the struggle that a faith transition is.  We talk about the messiness of issues and what is needed for us to better support our struggling brothers and sisters.  Patrick takes on all questions and pulls no punches.  This is as honest and authentic as anyone I have had on the po...

Today I sit down with LDS Author Gerald Smith.  He has written the book “Schooling The Prophet”.   Often among scholars is the discussion of just how little Joseph uses The Book of Mormon in his sermons, his theology, and in the restoration movement generally.  Jerry helps us see that the Book of Mormon played a much larger role than generally thought.  He helps us see that within our...

This is the audio from a Gospel Essentials Class I taught on “Prophets”.  This lesson gives some insight into how to approach a nuanced lesson in a faithful way that also hits on the reality of the messiness of such topics. I hope you enjoy. It should be noted in my ward the Gospel Essentials class does not have investigators or recent converts.  If the class had those I would have app...

Today we begin a series that examines Stages of Faith from the perspective of other Religious denominations and their religious leaders.  I tried to find every audio discussion of “Faith Transitions” based in some way on a Fowler “Faith Stage Theory”.  Heads up some of these religious leaders are still biased and imposing their conclusion on what this journey looks like but...

Guest host Suzette Smith sits down today to interview Rachel Hunt Steenblik about Heavenly Mother, The LDS Gospel Topics Essay on Mother in Heaven , and Mormon Feminism in general.  This is a great discussion that embraces that Mormonism has so much potential to expand in various directions including conversation of the feminine divine. https://www.lds.org/topics/mother-in-heaven?lang=eng http://e...

In today’s episode two women Annikka and Charlene who are the believing spouses in a marriage where one side has serious doubts and went through a serious faith transition.  They share their thoughts and stories on what it means to be the believing spouse in a what becomes a mixed-faith marriage, the difficulties that arise, and how to support one another within them. The post 215: Supportin...

Today I sit down with Alex Koritz.  We talk about his archaeologist general authority Grandfather, Mormon Archaeology, his Faith Journey, and his stint as the host of a Mormon Archaeology podcast. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_R._Hunter https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newark_Holy_Stones https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Lunas_Decalogue_Stone The post 214: Alex Koritz: Faith Journey and Mormon...

Today we begin a series that examines Stages of Faith from the perspective of other Religious denominations and their religious leaders.  I tried to find every audio discussion of “Faith Transitions” based in some way on a Fowler “Faith Stage Theory”.  Heads up some of these religious leaders are still biased and imposing their conclusion on what this journey looks like but...

Today’s episode deals with Stewardship.  This word is very strictly defined in Mormonism and it is used to draw lots of lines in the sand separating the faithful from the unfaithful, the righteous from the unrighteous.  Yet While leaders have drawn very direct lines, we look today to see if scripture upholds such definitive lines.   I hope you enjoy! The post 212: Rethinking Stewardship appe...

The Book of Mormon is a fraud you say?  Joseph Made it up or stole the ideas from someone else?  If only it were that simple.  Today I sit down with two friends, Chris and Clay.  We talk about ways in which to corroborate a fraudulent narrative of the Book of Mormon.  Who could have been involved and how the narrative would have to flow based on who is in on it and who is being duped along with wh...

Today we begin a series that examines Stages of Faith from the perspective of other Religious denominations and their religious leaders.  I tried to find every audio discussion of “Faith Transitions” based in some way on a Fowler “Faith Stage Theory”.  Heads up some of these religious leaders are still biased and imposing their conclusion on what this journey looks like but...

This is the Sacrament talk I delivered on April 24, 2016 in my home ward.  I tried to show that testimony is more than knowing and in all its forms it should be honored.  I end bearing my testimony to show this nuance in action. Outline of the Talk In our faith we value our testimonies.  We value them so much that we set aside 1 week a month as sacred time to express those testimonies. How do we d...

Today we begin a series that examines Stages of Faith from the perspective of other Religious denominations and their religious leaders.  I tried to find every audio discussion of “Faith Transitions” based in some way on a Fowler “Faith Stage Theory”.  Heads up some of these religious leaders are still biased and imposing their conclusion on what this journey looks like but...

Today we jump back into the Book of Mormon, right to the beginning….. with Nephi.  We use his story to demonstrate that even men of God shift in their faith and beliefs, scriptural characters are not stagnant, the story is not always what we think it is, and most importantly the scriptures truly do point to Christ and his Grace & Mercy. The post 207: Nephi’s Faith Transition appeared first on...

Today we talk about the quote from Conference from Elder Oaks Some of this opposition even comes from Church members. Some who use personal reasoning or wisdom to resist prophetic direction give themselves a label borrowed from elected bodies—“the loyal opposition.” However appropriate for a democracy, there is no warrant for this concept in the government of God’s kingdom, where questions are hon...

Today we had hoped to start a 3 part series on tithing.  In this first part we focus on validating 12 reasons why SURPLUS is the most valid interpretation of “What income should I pay 10% on?” (Surplus, Net, or Gross).  We had planned to do two more parts where in part two we defend NET and in part three defend GROSS but that was cut short.  Please Stay till the very end to see why thi...

Today we start a new series hosted by Alex Koritz former podcast host for “Mormon Archaeology”.  Today he discusses the Michigan Relics.  Alex discusses their discovery, the debate over their authenticity, and the impact this item has had in both within archaeology generally and specifically within Mormonism.  We are so excited to have Alex take us through this series and hope you enjo...

Today we talk about an episode few in the Church know about… the life and Disciplinary trial of former Apostle John W. Taylor. Brother Taylor continued polygamy after the 1890 manifesto and even after the 1904 second manifesto and today we talk about his trial searching for insights into this episode in Church history of “Curious Workmanship” https://mormonpolygamydocuments.org/wp-content/uploads/...

Today I read from my favorite “Faith Stage Theory” books and end by talking about what to look for in a “safe” person.  These books are so helpful that I would recommend them to anyone going through a faith transition.. Faith Shift by Kathy Escobar The Critical Journey by Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich Faith Beyond Belief by Margaret Placentra Johnston Navigating a Mormon...

Today we sit down with LDS author Robert Reynolds.  He has written the book “Unstuck”  – How The Savior Frees Us From Our Favorite Sins .  We talk about letting go of trying to “work our way to heaven” and instead focus on reliance on Christ and his grace.  We talk about willingness to be on the path and how to maintain this grace centered connection. Purchase the Boo...

Today I wanted to reach out to the listener in the dark part of their faith transition.  I wanted to share with you things I have found helpful and things I think you would benefit from thinking about.  I hope these are helpful and welcome your feedback.  God bless you and may the Lord warm your shoulders.   The post 200: Finding Your Truth in your Transition appeared first on Mormon Discussi...

Today I wrestle with the recent commentary of Elder Bednar on Homosexuality. I am sorry if I am too harsh or if my criticisms are unfair. I welcome anyone in Church authority to sit down with me and others and work through the data and questions that are out there that no one in leadership is addressing. These are begging to be asked. The Church’s answers and commentary are insufficient on this is...

Today I share my perspective on various elements of my testimony…… Joseph Smith, Prophets, Scripture, Truth, Temples, Priesthood, Ordinances, as well as God and Christ and then I finish bearing my testimony as it stands today. The post 198: My Testimony appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel .

Today I join Seth Bryant, Community of Christ Pastor and Seventy, to talk about Faithful Listening.  We talk today about how to communicate to those who either hold different perspectives within the same faith or a completely different faith altogether.   What is helpful and what isn’t.  Thanks for listening.     The post 197: Talking Faithfully: Seth Bryant & Bill Reel appear...

Today I sit down with Daniel Parkinson MD to discuss the biology of Homosexuality.  Daniel is a psychiatrist and is well informed on the biological research on homosexuality.  Today we talk about what happens during the development of the fetus that leads to atypical results.  We also visit the outward biological signs that show us that being gay is not a choice and almost assuredly is decided by...