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Send us a text! Episode 8 of Changes examines prophetic pressures surrounding priesthood ban on Black members and its 1978 removal.  Sources Video_Hugh B Brown End Priesthood Ban_1969_MS Essay: Race and Priesthood_Gospel Topics_LDS.org Video : The Real Story of the Priesthood Temple Ban_FaithMatters Essay: Discussing Difficult Topics__BYU RSC Video: From Policy to Doctrine: MS 1910 Video: Revelati...

Send us a text! Episode 6 of Changes explores the pivotal development of correlation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which eventually became the "follow the handbook" religious society of today. We examine how this intentional push for doctrinal and organizational unity transformed the Church's structure, curriculum, and global reach. We discuss the motivations b...

Send us a text! Episode 10 of Changes explores the evolving theology and practice of Latter-day Saint temple sealings. We trace the three distinct phases: kingdom theology (1840s-1894) focused on priesthood networks, lineage theology (1894-1955) centered on genealogical connections, and family theology (1955-present) emphasizing nuclear families. We examine theological complexities including multi...

Send us a text! Episode 11 of Changes explores how Mormon missionary work has transformed over time. We contrast the historical model driven by urgency and baptism numbers with today's more service-oriented approach.  Sources Essay: Back in My Day Mission_Third Hour Blog Video: What Changed? Discussion 1_PD Video: What Changed? Discussion 2_PD Video: What Changed? Discussion 3_PD Video: Missi...

Send us a text! Episode 6 of Changes explores the complex topic of prophetic infallibility in Mormon theology. Sources Essay_Infalllibility_FAIR Esay_Infallibility_RW Essay: Infallibility Timeline_RW Essay: Role of Prophets_LDS Essay: Mormon Infallibility_RD Essay: Problem with Infallibility_BCC Essay: Infallibity_Mormon Think Essay: Prophets are Not Perfect_MRM Video: Infalliable_FAIR Essay: Not...

Send us a text! Episode 7 of Changes explores the complex transition away from mainstream Mormon polygamy. Our discussion covers the 1890 Manifesto, the government pressure that led to it, ongoing resistance within the church, and the rise of fundamentalist groups. We examine how this profound change affected Mormon identity and how doctrinal elements of eternal plural marriage persist today.  Sou...

Send us a text! Episode 5 of Changes explores how commandments within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have evolved while core principles remain constant.   Sources Essay_Word of Wisdom_MS Video_Word of Wisdom_MS 1659 Essay_2 Great Commandments_BYU RSC Essay_The Laws of God_LDS.org Essay_Polygamy Essay_LDS.org Essay_Tithing Nauvoo Times Essay_Law of Consecration, Stewardship, and Ti...

Send us a text! Episode 3 of Changes explores the concept of "chosen people" across different religious traditions, with a focus on the Abrahamic covenant in Mormonism. We examine how this idea manifests differently in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, highlighting unique Mormon perspectives. We consider important critiques about exclusivity while discussing how Mormonism attempts to bal...

Send us a text! Episode 4 of Changes explores the Mormon doctrine of dispensations, apostasy, and restoration in this episode. We examine how God reveals his plan through chosen messengers in distinct time periods, from Adam to Joseph Smith, and how each dispensation carries the same core message about Christ. We discuss the concept of the Great Apostasy following Christ's original apostles a...

Send us a text! In this Prologue to Season 9: Changes , Brother Buzz explores the concept of change within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He reflects on recent policy shifts including the replacement of Scouting, the transition from Home Teaching to Ministering, changes in missionary work, and temple ordinance modifications. He asks whether these changes strengthen or weaken the...

Send us a text! Episode 2 of Changes explores the theological question of God's perfection in LDS theology. We examine whether God's perfection means He's unchanging or if He experiences growth. Looking at scripture and historical teachings from figures like Brigham Young and Orson Pratt, we discuss eternal progression, human potential for godhood, and how understanding these concep...

Send us a text! Episode 16 of Polygamy dives deep into how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has shaped public memory of plural marriage over 150 years. We examine the competing narratives that emerged after Joseph Smith's death, with Brigham Young emphasizing polygamy's importance while the RLDS Church (led by Joseph Smith III and Emma Smith) denied Joseph's involveme...

Send us a text! Episode 17 of Polygamy examines whether one lesson from polygamy is to obey religous authority even when it clashes with our inner moral compass. We explore parallels between Mormon polygamy and the biblical Abraham/Isaac story through Steven Carter's "Scared Sacred" article, both testing conventional morality through divine commands. We discuss how these narratives...

Send us a text! Episode 18 of Polygamy debates the controversial question of whether Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy was a divine commandment from God. Through a structured debate format, we present arguments from both perspectives, examining historical documentation, personal accounts, and theological justifications. We discuss Emma Smith's opposition, concerns about consent and pow...

Send us a text! Episode 13 of Polygamy explores the apologetic defenses surrounding the complex history of Joseph Smith's polygamous relationships. We discuss early hints of plural marriage, spiritual justifications including angelic commands, power dynamics in relationships with young women, and the doctrine of eternal marriage. We analyze primary sources from the Nauvoo period, conflicting...

Send us a text! Episode 14 of Polygamy critically examines common apologetic defenses of Joseph Smith's polygamous practices, challenging narratives that minimize his agency or downplay problematic aspects. We analyze historical evidence suggesting Smith practiced polygamy in secret before receiving divine sanction, used coercive tactics with potential wives, and violated his own revealed gui...

Send us a text! Episode 15 of Polygamy explores how the practice evolved within the Latter-day Saint movement after Joseph Smith's death. We examine how Brigham Young transformed plural marriage from a private practice to a public doctrine tied to salvation, and trace the subsequent legal battles with the U.S. government. We discuss the 1890 Manifesto ending the practice and the emergence of...

Send us a text! Episode 12 of Polygamy dives into the controversial topic of whether Joseph Smith practiced polygamy through a structured debate format. One host presents evidence from the Nauvoo Expositor suggesting Joseph Smith practiced polygamy, while the other argues these claims lack solid foundation. Both sides examine primary sources like sworn affidavits, public statements, and possible h...

Send us a text! Episode 9 of Polygamy investigates the controversial relationship between Joseph Smith and Fanny Alger in the 1830s, examining whether it was a legitimate plural marriage or an affair. We analyze conflicting historical accounts, including Emma Smith's furious reaction upon discovering the relationship and Oliver Cowdery's condemnation of it as a "dirty, nasty, filthy...

Send us a text! Episode 10 of Polygamy examines women's experiences with polygamy in early Mormonism through personal accounts and historical records. We explore the complex stories of women like Patty Sessions, Lucy Walker, and Helen Mar Kimball who became Joseph Smith's plural wives, as well as Emma Smith's struggle with the practice. We discuss the power dynamics at play, the pra...

Send us a text! Episode 11 of Polygamy examines how men in early Mormonism responded to polygamy.   Sources Essay: JS and Plural Marriage_LDS Essay: Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo_LDS Lesson: Plural Marriage_LDS Essay: Discussing Difficult Topics_BYU RSC Video: An Intro to Mormon Polygamy_1673_MS Essay: CES Letter Essay: Letter for my wife Video: Top Apologist Admits_1950_MS Essay: Polygam...

Send us a text! Episode 8 of Polygamy examines Emma Smith's complex relationship with polygamy, from her early collaboration with Joseph Smith to her opposition to plural marriage after his death. We explore how Emma initially unknowingly denounced the very practice her husband secretly engaged in, and how she maintained her faith in Joseph's prophetic calling while rejecting polygamy. H...

Send us a text! Episode 4 of Polygamy explores the LDS Church's official essays on plural marriage, focusing on how they help members understand this complex historical practice. We discuss the importance of seeking personal revelation, viewing historical figures with empathy, and recognizing the agency of women who participated. We recommend scholarly resources for deeper study and emphasize...

Send us a text! Episode 5 of Polygamy critically examines Doctrine and Covenants Section 132, which contains the revelation on eternal and plural marriage. We explore troubling aspects of the text, including its contradictions with earlier teachings, questionable timing after Joseph Smith had already entered plural marriages, and problematic language about women. We discuss power dynamics, consent...

Send us a text! Episode 6 of Polygamy examines critical perspectives on Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy, focusing on ethical concerns and historical inconsistencies. We discuss his relationships with women like Fanny Alger, Helen Mar Kimball, and Miranda Nancy Johnson Hyde, highlighting issues of secrecy, consent, and polyandry. We explore how polygamy created divisions within the early c...