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Send us a text! Episode 25 concludes the season Challenges by exploring the concept of material non-disclosure in religious contexts, focusing specifically on the Mormon faith crisis experience. We examine the Church's Correlation system, Elder Packer's "not all truths are useful" philosophy, and how discovering hidden historical information impacts believers. Through insights...

Send us a text! Episode 13 of Challenges explores of the most fundamental questions about Mormonism in this debate-style episode: Was Joseph Smith primarily motivated by worldly desires or a true prophetic calling? We present evidence from historical records, Joseph's own writings, and testimonies from his contemporaries. We analyze key aspects including treasure seeking, translation claims,...

Send us a text! Episode 14 of Challenges explores how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has managed its historical narrative over time, from Joseph Smith's era of polygamy through the Mormon underground to modern correlation efforts. We examine how practices that began as protective measures during periods of persecution evolved into institutional approaches for maintaining unit...

Send us a text! Episode 15 of Challenges explores the complex history of race and priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We examine the origins of the priesthood ban under Brigham Young, the theological justifications that developed over time, and the 1978 revelation that ended the restrictions. We discuss how racial teachings evolved, from early conflicting accounts to the...

Send us a text! Episode 16 of Challenges explores the complex relationship between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the LGBTQ community in this episode. We examine theological foundations around marriage, family, and eternal identity, as well as how Church policies have evolved over time. We discuss the 2015 policy changes, BYU honor code controversies, and recent developments a...

Send us a text! Episode 17 of Challenges explores the complex challenges facing modern Mormon men, examining tensions between traditional religious roles and changing societal expectations. We analyze how the provider role pressure, Church leadership responsibilities, and emotional expression expectations create unique stresses. Through examining personal accounts and theological perspectives, we...

Send us a text! Episode 18 of Challenges examines the complex realities facing modern Mormon women within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Drawing from various sources including academic research, Church publications, and personal accounts, we explore three key areas: navigating gender roles against modern expectations, accessing leadership within Church structure, and balancing fa...

Send us a text! Episode 19 of Challenges explores parenting approaches within Mormonism and for those who've left the Church. We examine how Mormon parents focus on guiding children along the "covenant path" while post-Mormon parents often emphasize critical thinking and broader humanistic values. Despite different frameworks for teaching morality, we find common ground in the unive...

Send us a text! Episode 20 of Challenges examines child abuse within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints using survivor accounts, legal documents, and policy discussions. We analyze the Church's involvement with Boy Scouts of America, the helpline reporting system, and leadership responses to abuse allegations. Our exploration covers background checks, tracking systems, and Sam Yo...

Send us a text! Episode 21 of Challenges explores perfectionism and religious scrupulosity within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We examine theological concepts like "Be ye therefore perfect," cultural pressures around appearance and achievement, and the tension between works and grace. Drawing from Mormon Stories interviews and BYU Studies research, we look at both hea...

Send us a text! Episode 7 of Challenges explores Joseph Smith's financial activities throughout his religious career, from early treasure hunting to complex land dealings in Nauvoo. We explore how his economic endeavors intertwined with spiritual leadership, including the Law of Consecration, the failed Kirtland Safety Society bank, tithing reforms, and property management. Our analysis revea...

Send us a text! Episode 8 of Challenges explores the complex relationship between violence and early Mormonism in 19th century America. We examine how the broader violent American culture influenced Mormon-non-Mormon conflicts, analyze Joseph Smith's personal approach to conflict, and discuss theological justifications for violence. We investigate key events like the Danites, Mountain Meadows...

Send us a text! Episode 9 of Challenges examines the 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, exploring how tensions escalated from early settlement frictions to violence and state-sanctioned expulsion.  Sources Video_Mormon Leaders Encourage Violence_105_Mormonish Lesson_Church History_LDS.org Podcast_Bloody Missouri_Sunstone Podcast_Violence Among Mormons_199_Mormon.ish Essay: Culture of Violence in JS Morm...

Send us a text! Episode 10 of Challenges explores the controversial Danites, a paramilitary group formed by Latter-day Saints in Missouri during 1838. We examine their origins, structure, and activities against both Church dissenters and non-Mormon neighbors. The episode investigates Joseph Smith's complicated relationship with the group and how their actions reflect on his prophetic leadersh...

Send us a text! Episode 11 of Challenges explores the fascinating Council of Fifty established by Joseph Smith in 1844. This secretive political body aimed to establish a "Kingdom of God" on earth, blending religious and political ambitions.  Sources Essay: Council of 50_MS Essay: Council of 50_LDS.org Essay: Council of 50_Mormon Think Book_Council of 50_BYU RSC Essay: Deseret Emerging A...

Send us a text! Episode 12 of Challenges explores the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage Jail in 1844. Sources Assassination_BYU RSC John Taylor _BYU RSC A True Martyr_BYU RSC Remember deaths _BYU RSC Aftermath_BYU RSC Nauvoo after_BYU RSC Governor Ford_Dialogue The Law above the Law_Dialogue Political assassination_Dialogue Video: Who Really Killed JS?_116_ML Video: Church History Ma...

Send us a text! In this Prologue to Season 10: Challenges, Brother Buzz explores aspects previously overlooked aspects of Latter-day Saint beliefs, history, and culture that have personally challenged his intellect and spirit. We dive deep into some key theology, early Church history, and modern policies and cultural aspects of the faith. Source Andrea Bocelli_Live from the Duomo di Milano_Easter...

Send us a text! Episode 2 of Challenges explores the a common question posed by non-Mormons. Is there validity in theology? Sources Essay_LDS.org Reddit_Reddit Reddit_Reddit Essay_MRM Video_Mike Winger Talk_Holland Talk_Holland Proclamation_The Living Christ Essay_BYU RSC Talk_Packer Quotes_Mormon Think Essay_LDS.org Essay_MRM Quotes_MormonThink Video_Saints Unscripted AI Prompt Examine the claim...

Send us a text! Episode 3 of Challenges explores the distinctive Mormon understanding of the afterlife.  Sources Thesis_JS Vision _BYU RSC Essay_Six Visions of Eternity_BYU RSC Essay_Process of Salvation_BYU RSC Essay_Plan of Savlation_BYU RSC Lesson_Exaltation_LDS.org Video_Exaltation_BYU RSC Video_Mormon Afterlife_AG Scripture_D&C 76_LDS.org Scripture_D&C 132_LDS.org Video_Mormon Heaven...

Send us a text! Episode 4 of Challenges explores Latter-day Saint theology regarding evil and the devil in this episode. We examine the premortal existence, Lucifer's fall, and the concept of agency as central to LDS understanding of evil. We discuss Satan's nature, powers, and limitations within Mormon belief. We delve into the Mormon view of temptation, consequences, and the afterlife,...

Send us a text! Episode 5 of Challenges explores the complex relationship between Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery during the founding of the Mormon Church. We examine how the early Book of Mormon translation efforts initially focused on treasure-seeking before evolving into a religious movement. We uncover evidence suggesting Cowdery's significant influence on establishing formal church struc...

Send us a text! Episode 6 of Challenges explores Joseph Smith's financial activities in Kirtland, Ohio, especially the rise and fall of the Kirtland Safety Society bank.   Sources Essay: KSS_LDS Essay: A History of JS Financial Malfeasance_Part 1-3 Essay: KSS and Fraud of Grandison Newell_BYU Essay: Cultural Crisis_Church History Essay: Why did it Fail?_Scripture Central Essay_KSS_FAIR Essay:...

Send us a text! Episode 13 of Changes , explores the 200-year journey of Mormonism, from its controversial beginnings to its position as a global faith today. We examine how the Church  navigated persecution, adapted core practices like plural marriage, and gradually integrated into American society while maintaining its distinct identity. We discuss key beliefs including eternal families, temple...

Send us a text! We conclude our season Changes with a formal debate about whether Jesus Christ personally directs his restored church through prophets. We explore this central belief from opposing viewpoints, examining historical shifts, priesthood authority, revelation, and the human element in church leadership. We discuss how divine guidance manifests through prophets while acknowledging human...

Send us a text! Episode 12 of Changes explores eight significant changes in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under President Russell M. Nelson.  Essay_Love and Laws of God_Nelson_LDS.org News_Top 100 Changes_LDS.org Essay_Ministering_BCC Video_New Transgender Policy_1932 MS Video_LGBTQ Policy Reversal_1091_MS Reddi_Top 10 Policy Changes_Reddit Essay_Rebranding Mormonism_LDS DIscussi...