Mormon Discussion Podcast

Today we talk about a strange scripture.  John 16:7. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. This scripture always seemed odd till a few days ago when it struck what at least one potential meaning could be.  This episode is short but hopefully full of insight as...

With The Church releasing photos of the Seer Stone it seems to beg the question what really is at the root of our discomfort with this narrative.  For me the answer is obvious….. Treasure Digging and Folk Magic and the depth of the details of how all the characters involved are just that……. involved. We hit on the Chase family, magic circles, guardian spirits, throat slit Spaniar...

Can skeptics debunk faith healing and priesthood blessings as mere placebo effect?  What can people from strong faith and cultural backgrounds learn about their healing practices from scientific and secular sources? In this episode, guest host Jon Young discusses social and faithful healing practices, modern medicine, and how they relate to the placebo effect with cultural anthropologist and TED f...

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...

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 feedbac...

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 M...

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 a...

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...

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 A...

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 hi...

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...

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...

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 Di...

Today we sit down with Community of Christ Assistant Pastor Seth Bryant.  We talk about the common faith tradition, the shift from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Community of Christ (CoC).  We hit on the Priesthood, Women’s ordination, LGBT inclusiveness, their view of scripture, Mormon myths of the CoC, and talk about the flexibility that is found today i...

Today I want to talk about why I take the stance I do on the LGBT issue.  Why do I insist on a “Leading With Faith” effort to dissent with Church stances and cultural values?  Why can’t I just let this issue go and move on?  Today I explain and as often is the case personal experience is just the eye opener we all need at times.  God bless and Warm Shoulders!!! Article on Homeles...

Today I sit down with Michael Reed, author of “Banishing the Cross: The Emergence of  a Mormon Taboo” .  We talk about How the cross was portrayed early in Church History, Why it becomes a problem, and Where are we at today.  We also hint at where we might be going. This issue is a microcosm of false assumptions and getting off track at large. I apologize for the sound quality (clickin...

Why do I believe you ask? What keeps me in when I am aware of so many issues? Well besides my deep faith in the Savior and deep love and testimony of his gospel, I also have many other items in my bucket of faith. Today We talk about one of those. Today we talk about the Nag Hammadi texts and specifically the “Apocalypse of Adam” We discuss the abundance of parallels and coincidences a...

        This is a direct link from LeadingLDS.com  .  A friend of mine, Kurt Francom runs this enlightening podcast that strives to give resources to LDS leaders including the tools and insight they need to be better at their callings.  Please visit Kurt’s podcast and consider making this a regular part of your listening! This is linked directly from his site and all cred...

Today we sit with LDS author Neylan McBaine.  We talk about her book “Women at Church” .  We talk about How the Church handled Women’s roles early in the Church’s onset.  We talk about why she wrote the book, some of the variation that has come into our culture and policies, and the impact of those changes.  We finish talking about what things we could easily change without...

            Today is a short episode (12 minutes to be exact), but has some important information. 1.) We are starting a “Lead with Faith” support group in Southern Utah. We already have some interest expressed and I am very excited to get this off the ground and be a part of this in my new home area (I now live in Southern Utah if you have’t heard)....

Today I sit down with Annie Hall.  She discusses her husband’s pornography addiction and their journey to recovery.  We talk about the pain, the frustration and the hurt.  We speak at length about what her assumptions were and how Priesthood leaders are unequipped in some ways to handle such issues but the cultural idea that Bishops can solve any problem as the mouthpiece of God in a Ward ca...

Today we talk about when we get it wrong!  Can we speak out when we get it wrong or is criticism of any kind uncalled for.   What if what a leader says does unreconcilable, irrevocable, unrepairable damage?  What if young people are living alone in tents in the winter and some who becoming so depressed and seeing no hope because of what others do, say, and behave towards them; they eventually take...

Today we sit down with Movie Director T.C. Christensen and talk about his newest production, “The Cokeville Miracle”.  We talk about the movie, the research that went into it, his thoughts on the event and proposed miracles, and how movies have affected his life.  The movie releases June 5th to selected theaters and should be a inspiring movie to see! T.C. Christensen’s cinema wo...

We tackle a article from Meridian Magazine How Will Children Know the Truth About Marriage If We Don’t Teach Them? By Wendy Asay · May 10, 2015 http://ldsmag.com/how-will-children-know-the-truth-about-marriage-if-we-dont-teach-them/ she syas this – “We can help our youth discern the truth regarding those claims by giving them solid information and reasoned arguments from secular as wel...

Today we sit down with LDS author David Barker and discuss his book “Religion and Science: Reconciling the Conflicts”.  We talk about seeking truth, trusting prophets, Evolution, and the Flood.  This episode goes to show that we all see the the gospel and the world differently and that just when we think we have the answers, paradigm shifts occur. His book “Science and Religion:...