Mormon Stories Podcast

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Unveiling Mormon Myths w/ Sandra Tanner | Ep. 1979 Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Sandra Tanner and Chris delve into key figures and moments in Mormon historical scholarship. They discuss individuals like Dee Jay Nelson, Mark Hofman, and Wesley Walters, highlighting their contributions to uncovering evidence that challenges official LDS narratives, including the Palmyra revivals and the 1826 trial of Joseph Smith.The conversation touches on the work of scholars like Dan Vogel, Stan Larson, and D. Michael Quinn, as well as influential writers such as Fawn Brodie. Topics include changes in the Book of Mormon, early Mormon controversies, and the deeper complexities of Mormon history. This episode provides a compelling exploration of the intersection between faith, evidence, and critical analysis.

Show Notes

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00:00:00 Brief review of key points from the previous episode

00:01:23 Discussion about the alias of Steven Mayfield/Stan Fields

00:11:10 Scholar Dee Jay Nelson’s false claim of having a PhD, Tanners losing some credibility

00:21:27 Joseph Smith’s mistakes in the Book of Abraham translation using heretic and hieroglyphics simultaneously

00:22:56 Insights into Mark Hofman’s forgery activities

00:28:10 Kerry Ross Boren exploring efforts to dig into Tanner-related controversies

00:35:40 Profiling Wesley Walters and his evidence against the Palmyra revivals and his discovery of the 1826 trial for Joseph Smith

01:06:00 Discussing M.T. Lamb and Mike Marquardt’s scholarly works

01:22:55 Stan Larson and the thousands of changes made to the Book of Mormon text

01:31:20 Key Figures in Mormon Studies like D. Michael Quinn, Fawn Brodie, Curt Bench, etc.

02:00:36 Insights into Sterling McMurrin’s perspectives and the New Mormon Thesis

02:06:30 Addressing the number of wives Joseph Smith had relationships with

02:14:00 Reflections on Christianity and Jesus Christ’s Atonement

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Unraveling the Threads of Mormon History w/ Sandra Tanner | Ep. 1978 Jan 01, 2025

Show notes

This video features Sandra Tanner, a descendant of Brigham Young, sharing insights into her family history and involvement in Mormon history. From Brigham Young's legal wife, Mary Ann Angell, to descendants of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Sandra delves into the complexities of her heritage and polygamy's impact on her upbringing.The discussion explores Sandra's journey into Mormon historical research with her late husband, Jerald, encounters with figures like Ogden Kraut and Ervil LeBaron, and her work with notable journalists and podcasters, including Wallace Turner, Peggy Fletcher Stack, and John Dehlin. This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersections of faith, history, and media.

Show Notes

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00:01:00 Oh the People You’ll Know: Exploring the connections and relationships in Sandra’s journey.

00:02:20 Sandra’s Relations to Brigham Young

00:06:40 A look at Brigham Young’s life and the locations associated with him

00:18:20 Sandra’s upbringing surrounded by stories of Brigham Young

00:20:50 Exploring the descendants of the Mountain Meadows Massacre

00:31:00 The Church's acknowledgment of the role Mormons played in the massacre

00:33:15 Introduction to James Wardell and his connection to Sandra's work

00:42:20 The LaBaron family and their impact on Sandra’s life and work

00:52:10 Exploring the figure of the Parowan Prophet and their role in history

00:57:36 A look at Ogden Kraut and his contributions to Sandra's understanding

01:04:08 Insights into Lamar Peterson and his influence on Sandra’s journey

01:16:40 Exploring the connection between the Law of Moses and the Book of Mormon

01:23:55 The role of Francis Kirkham in Sandra’s journey

01:28:40 The Tanner's decision to leave behind belief in the Book of Mormon

01:33:46 Insights into Wallace Turner and his impact on Sandra’s life

01:38:35 The role of Peggy Fletcher Stack in Sandra’s journey

01:45:00 The influence of John Dehlin on Sandra's path

01:48:15 John Dehlin Relaunched Her Career

01:51:48 How Quickly We Forget About the People Who Have Helped

02:08:00 Final thoughts and conclusion of the video.

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A Mormon Military Story w/ Army Ranger Ross “Marty” Martin | Ep. 1977 Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

This powerful and emotional story takes you through Marty’s life journey—from his upbringing in Mormonism, his experiences in high school and seminary, to his time in the military and beyond. Marty reflects on growing up in a trailer park, his mission to Jamaica, his struggles with faith, and his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. He candidly shares deeply personal moments: battling depression, losing loved ones, questioning his beliefs, and finding peace through family, a farm, and humanism.Explore topics of resilience, transformation, and healing as Marty recounts leaving Mormonism, confronting the trauma of war, and redefining his spiritual beliefs. A heartfelt account of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning.

Show Notes

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00:02:30 Intentions for Marty

00:10:20 Growing up in Mormonism

00:24:00 The dynamic of his mother working and his dad being abusive

00:30:50 Interests in High School

00:50:30 Meeting his wife

00:51:20 Getting called to serve his mission in Jamaica

01:23:40 He joined the army without talking to his wife

02:04:45 Going to Afghanistan

02:22:00 Having their first daughter

02:34:35 Feeling the Spirit of Darkness while fighting in Iraq and questioning God

02:54:20 Catching Saddam Hussein and understanding why he did what he did

03:06:00 Reading the book Rough Stone Rolling changed his life

03:09:10 He delivered his daughter in their van by himself

03:14:40 Doing the Lord’s work at finding better ways to kill bad guys

03:24:10 Feeling unworthy to baptize his daughter due to his involvement in war violence

03:36:40 Finding Mormon Stories

03:41:46 Reading The CES Letter and discovering that it was not true

03:58:12 Leaving Mormonism helped him to not be so judgmental

04:18:20 Living a farm life has helped him find peace and connect better to himself and others

04:32:00 How he felt about the Mormon church and being in the military

04:49:56 Story of his father's death while in hospice and his belief in a higher power

05:43:20 Living his life by this new code

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Mormon Historian Admits Joseph Smith First Vision Problems Raised in CES Letter - Dr. Steven Harper | Ep. 1976 Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

Join us for a discussion with Sandra Tanner and Dan Vogel as we explore a remarkable video featuring BYU Professor and leading Mormon historian Steven C. Harper. In this video, Harper addresses key issues with the First Vision narrative and acknowledges several challenges raised by the CES Letter.

Show Notes

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00:07:40 Wesley Walters

00:13:45 Clip - Fawn Brodie

00:26:09 Clip - Steven Harper on Joseph changing his story

00:27:37 Summary of the 1838 Account of the First Vision

00:39:42 Hermeneutics of doubt and trust

00:42:55 Clip - Bushman taking a charitable approach

00:50:02 Clip - publishing through Oxford

00:56:12 Clip - Memory studies nature of memory

01:00:38 John calling BS on Joseph Smith’s vision

01:19:15 Joseph Smith believed that God and Jesus were one being in 1832

01:30:50 The problem with Mormon apologetics with the First Vision

01:37:50 Clip - Critics not trusting Joseph Smith

01:45:32 Clip - How can you know without the Spirit?

01:55:45 Faith is a matter of choice?

02:01:19 Clip - BYU responding to Wes Walters

02:18:12 Clip - How many accounts of the First Vision?

02:36:20 Who visited him changes from 1832 to 1838

02:38:55 Clip - There will always be doubt

02:54:00 Clip - I might not have seen what Joseph saw

02:56:55 Distinguishing features of modern Mormonism

03:03:46 Mental gymnastics

03:13:50 Clip - Who does Joseph tell?

03:19:00 Joseph Smith’s name on the Methodist Sunday School

03:24:55 Clip - Ask Joseph Smith

03:34:25 Final thoughts

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Reporter Exposes Mormon Abuse Cover-Ups in Denmark | Ep. 1975 Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

This video exposes a shocking case of abuse within the Mormon Church in Denmark, featuring former Bishop Lasse Meilsoe and journalist Michael Teschl. They discuss the Church’s mishandling of a rape case where a husband drugged and assaulted his wife, Kiran, over several years, confessing repeatedly to Church leaders. The Church’s actions to protect its image over victims, discouragement of reporting abuse to authorities, and their systemic prioritization of abusers are critically examined.

Topics include Danish cultural responses, legal investigations into the Church’s practices, and the broader implications for Church transparency and accountability. A powerful and deeply unsettling look at abuse, complicity, and the fight for justice.

Show Notes

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00:02:17 Church using the same cover-up techniques as in the States

00:07:15 Lasse Meilsoe and Michael Teschl introduced

00:13:50 Lack of attention to Mormon Church in Denmark

00:17:40 How the abuse story came to light

00:22:15 Church court for the abuser

00:30:40 The abuser is sent home to continue marriage

00:35:11 Abuser watches wife take sleeping pills

00:41:10 Abuser’s role on the High Council

00:46:00 Church threatens leaders who report abuse

00:56:20 Detailed timeline of the abuse (6 years)

01:01:00 Church’s four-page email response

01:14:35 Church leaders deny knowledge of abuse

01:20:55 Kiran divorces Peter

01:28:50 Church knowingly keeps abuser in leadership

01:34:11 Church's sole focus on self-preservation

01:41:56 “The Church is more important than the members”

01:49:40 Impact of the scandal on church activity rates in Denmark

01:54:05 Is Bishop Meilsoe worried about excommunication?

01:55:25 Closing remarks

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Mormon Church Now Teaching Polygamy to Children: Is it Grooming? | Ep. 1974 Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Recently the Mormon Church released a new set of storybooks for children. For the storybook entitled "Doctrine and Covenants Stories" it has released a polygamy section that many feel is extremely harmful to children.Please join us as a Mormon Mom (Alyssa Witbeck) and a Mormon Therapist (Natasha Helfer) discuss their feelings about the likely harm that this section will cause to children.

Show Notes

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00:05:30 The background and where to find this

00:13:30 Coming clean of their own volition vs the internet forcing them

00:14:54 Obedience is more important than intuition

00:19:09 God condones prophets to be predators

00:21:46 “The Lord commanded plural marriage”

00:26:45 Nowhere does God command polygamy in the Bible

00:32:21 Joseph is devastated for having to live polygamy

00:37:50 How did this happen if these men were called of God?

00:39:25 To claim that Joseph didn’t want to do this

00:43:15 Emma sometimes helped Joseph decide who to marry

00:46:44 Teaching the Twelve Apostles about polygamy

00:50:15 Brigham Young with his first wife

00:52:02 The laws against polygamy

00:52:52 John Dehlin’s polygamous grandparents

00:59:00 The Manifesto and end of polygamy

01:03:20 How sealings work in the Mormon church

01:10:02 This polygamy lesson teach and normalizes to children

01:26:30 Do they want to believe in a God that was okay with all of this?

01:30:50 Quick quiz

01:40:00 Why does all this matter?

01:47:10 Does this qualify as grooming?

01:52:20 Upcoming lessons on plural marriage for 2025

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Is Mormon Feminism Dead? with Katie Ludlow Rich and Heather Sundahl | Ep. 1973 Dec 15, 2024

Show notes

This video explores the rich history and ongoing journey of Mormon feminism through the lens of Exponent II. Katie Ludlow Rich and Heather Sundahl share their personal stories, including feminist awakenings, experiences with the Church, and their work preserving women’s voices in Mormon history. Topics include women’s roles in the Church, the suppression of women’s spiritual practices, mixed-faith marriages, and the impact of feminist movements like Ordain Women.

Dive into the influence of Exponent II, the challenges faced by Mormon feminists, and the resilience of women seeking to redefine their roles in faith and community.

Show Notes

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00:00:40 Katie Ludlwo Rich and Heather Sundahl

00:03:15 Intentions for coming onto Mormon Stories

00:05:05 What is feminism?

00:06:26 Heather’s awakening to Mormon feminism

00:15:15 Katie’s feminist Mormon story

00:28:45 What the book covers

00:31:40 Suffragists polygamists blow my mind

00:59:44 The founding of Exponent II

01:06:40 What was problematic about women's liberation?

01:16:40 The Church disempowering women

01:25:40 L Tom Perry telling the women to stop the Women’s Exponent

01:36:20 Mormons for ERA

01:53:00 Women and women’s power

02:27:55 Had Exponent II advocated for priesthood?

02:49:00 Has Exponent II addressed truth claims?

03:03:00 Exponent II is not as widely known, it needs to be bigger

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Is Religion Dying in the U.S.? – Goodbye Religion by Ryan T. Cragun and Jesse M. Smith | Ep. 1972 Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

Is religion dying in America? In this episode, we sit down with Ryan T. Cragun and Jesse M. Smith, authors of Goodbye Religion: The Causes and Consequences of Secularization. This groundbreaking book examines the surge in people leaving organized religion and its profound impact on American culture and society. Drawing on extensive data and over a hundred in-depth interviews, Cragun and Smith delve into the social, psychological, and environmental factors behind religious exit. They also address the misconceptions surrounding secularization, revealing that leaving religion is not the crisis it’s often portrayed to be. Instead, they show how nonreligious individuals remain socially engaged and committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

Show Notes

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00:02:20 Background for Ryan and Jesse

00:14:00 This could be really bad on society

00:27:15 Who is leaving?

00:31:25 How is the Mormon church doing with losing members?

00:44:00 Resurgence of interest among the young Mormons?

00:54:30 Polling the audience

00:58:35 The push-pull analysis for what’s pushing people out

01:16:40 How to replace your community

01:20:00 Where are people going?

01:30:40 Where are people finding community?

01:36:45 No meaningful relationship between religiosity and mental health

02:00:00 Use the religion don’t let the religion use you

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Top Scholar Explains How the Book of Mormon Was Created - The Mosiah Priority w/ Brent Metcalfe | Ep. 1971 Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we welcome scholar Brent Metcalfe for the 30th anniversary of his excommunication from the Mormon Church. We cover not only his excommunication but also his famous discovery of the “Mosiah First Priority” in the Book of Mormon translation.

Show Notes

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00:08:00 New Approaches to the Book of Mormon00:10:25 Brent’s background00:16:50 Getting hired by Mark Hoffman00:25:00 Realizing the Book of Mormon was not historical00:31:30 How the Book of Mormon was created?00:34:10 A miracle book from God?00:46:55 Which essay are contained in the book and what they’re about01:01:40 Response to the book01:09:05 Negative review mocking Brent Metcalfe01:16:05 Questions for Brent Metcalfe01:24:30 Members who view the Book of MOrmon as historical? 01:32:50 How people maintain belief01:34:55 The Mosiah Priority01:38:20 The 600 year prophecy of Jesus’s coming01:46:00 The lost 116 pages01:52:29 Wall around Jerusalem02:01:30 Not depending on literary works02:08:55 Four main voices independent of Joseph Smith’s voice02:16:05 The title page to the Book of Mormon, no mention of the replacement text 02:17:55 Who knows the name of Jesus Christ?02:24:30 The writings of Malachi02:36:19 Picturing the golden plates02:44:12 Phone calls

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Church Backtracks on Deceptive Change to Book of Mormon Introduction | Ep. 1970 Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

The LDS Church is quietly but significantly updating the introduction to the Book of Mormon, shifting its focus from historical claims to a broader, more spiritual narrative. In this episode , we dive deep into these changes, exploring what they reveal about the Church's evolving stance on the historicity of its sacred text. Is this an effort to address long-standing critiques about the lack of archaeological and genetic evidence? Or does it reflect a broader shift to make the Book of Mormon more approachable for a global audience? Join us as we unpack the implications of this significant change and discuss what it might mean for the future of Mormonism.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:02:04 Clip from Analyzing Mormonism about the New Introduction

00:03:25 Questions about the new introduction00:08:50 The church backtracked on all of this

00:09:20 The 1981 Book of Mormon Introduction00:19:00 Why these changes were made

00:24:40 Mormon apologetics around the Introduction changes

00:34:28 The Daily Universe article

00:40:00 LDS Living article on the new Introduction

00:48:30 Dan Peterson

00:54:00 Spencer Fluhman

01:04:00 What was NOT mentioned in the new Introduction

01:08:20 The New Introduction to the Book of Mormon