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On this Episode of Mormon Discussion we lay out the Smoking Gun that imposes that Polygamy be placed at the feet of joseph Smith For those doing research the following resources will allow you to trace my steps PDF used for the Show – https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Smoking-Gun-Land-Deeds.pdf Document containing all the research https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/All-Women-Deeded-Land-Alone.pdf This site contains tons of data on these folks and the deeds https://www.familysearch.org/search/catalog/1388212?availability=Family%20History%20Library Contents: v. 1. A-B http://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idurl/1/298595 v. 2. C-F  http://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idurl/1/325241 v. 3. G-J http://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idurl/1/321604 v. 4. K-M http://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idurl/1/324755 v. 5. N-R http://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idurl/1/325125 v. 6. S http://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idurl/1/296259 v. 7. T-Z. http://www.familysearch.org/library/books/idurl/1/532853 The post The Smoking Gun That Joseph Smith Practiced Polygamy: MD: 388 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Reel and Gabe go for round 2 of looking at the nature of reality. They look at various models of seeing the world, check in on Modern Science such as Quantum Physics, and share insights from their own learning and experience to investigate if the world we all believe we are seeing is in fact reality. The post What Can We Say About the Nature Of Reality: AA: 155 & MD: 387 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Reel and Gabe take a long look at the nature of reality.  They look at various models of seeing the world, check in on Modern Science such as Quantum Physics, and share insights from their own learning and experience to investigate if the world we all believe we are seeing is in fact reality. The post What Can We Say About the Nature Of Reality: MD: 386 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Rarely in Mormonism do people in disagreement sit down to enter conversations about the issues upon which they disagree with understanding and healthy dialogue being at the forefront. But LDS Faithful believer Jacob Hansen and Ex-Mormon atheist Bill Reel sit down to discuss a Mormon Testimony, how one could arrive at a LDS Testimony, and how one derives confidence in it. The goal of this conversation as well as any that may follow or come before is to create a space where both parties seek to best understand the other’s point of view and to have a safe space to add clarity and context to one’s perspective to ensure as little misunderstanding as possible. The hope is that these conversations give listeners a well rounded view of controversial issues so that they might be able to work out their own thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives in a safe environment and to show both sides that healthy disagreement can in fact happen. Jacob Hansen Bio: Jacob is a Life long member of the LDS Church (His Mom is a convert) He served a mission in Argentina 2005-2007 Jacob graduated at BYU Hawaii with a Business Degree He is a Podcaster, Youtuber, Blogger He is the only one of his 8 siblings still active in the church. He has served primarily in the young men’s organization in his ward for the past 10 years including recently serving as 2nd and then 1st counselor in ward bishopric. Primary interests: Philosophy, History, Religion, Sailing, Surfing, JiuJitsu, Hunting, Adventures. He married his college sweetheart in 2010 and they have 4 kids. Bill Reel bio: Bill was a convert to the LDS Church at 17 years old. He served as a Bishop in that same ward from the age of 29 to 34. While a sitting Bishop, Bill had a faith crisis and began deconstructing his beliefs going so far as to deconstruct Christ and God. While Bill is satisfied with the label of Atheist he also considers himself a mystic and drawn to secular Buddhism. Bill is the Executive Director for the Non-Profit Mormon Discussion Inc and host/co-hosts several podcasts including Mormonism LIVE and the Almost Awakened Podcast. Bill and his wife have been married 25 years and they have 4 children and 3 grandkids and they reside in Washington Utah RESOURCES: https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/prophets-and-fallibility/ https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/the-mormon-truth-crisis/ https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/the-mormon-paradox/ https://iep.utm.edu/val-snd/ The post MD: 385: Honest Conversations About Faith: A Testimony of the Restored Gospel: w/ Jacob Hansen & Bill Reel appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Recently Bill Reel had a conversation with a active believer on Morality in Episodes #381 & #382. Today Bill sits down with Spencer Wright to carry that conversation further by talking about how Atheists form Morality and whether such morality can in fact take us into the future. The post Atheist Morality: Mormon Discussion: 384 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Most of us as believers had experiences we would define as spiritual. As we deconstructed our religious world we had to confront those experiences and look at them, sit with what they were and weren’t and attempt to re-define them in a way that allowed us to make sense of them within the lens of our Mormon faith not being true. Today Carah and Bill discuss their past spiritual experiences and discuss ways they have been able to confront and process those in light of deconstruction. The post Spirituality: Now and Then! w/ Carah Burrell & Bill Reel: MD: 383 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Rarely in Mormonism do people in disagreement sit down to enter conversations about the issues upon which they disagree with understanding and healthy dialogue being at the forefront. But LDS Faithful believer Jacob Hansen and Ex-Mormon atheist Bill Reel sit down to discuss Faith Crises, what they are and what they mean for those going through them. The goal of this conversation as well as any that may follow or come before is to create a space where both parties seek to best understand the other’s point of view and to have a safe space to add clarity and context to one’s perspective to ensure as little misunderstanding as possible. The hope is that these conversations give listeners a well rounded view of controversial issues so that they might be able to work out their own thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives in a safe environment and to show both sides that healthy disagreement can in fact happen. Jacob Hansen Bio: Jacob is a Life long member of the LDS Church (His Mom is a convert) He served a mission in Argentina 2005-2007 Jacob graduated at BYU Hawaii with a Business Degree He is a Podcaster, Youtuber, Blogger He is the only one of his 8 siblings still active in the church. He has served primarily in the young men’s organization in his ward for the past 10 years including recently serving as 2nd and then 1st counselor in ward bishopric. Primary interests: Philosophy, History, Religion, Sailing, Surfing, JiuJitsu, Hunting, Adventures. He married his college sweetheart in 2010 and they have 4 kids. Bill Reel bio: Bill was a convert to the LDS Church at 17 years old. He served as a Bishop in that same ward from the age of 29 to 34. While a sitting Bishop, Bill had a faith crisis and began deconstructing his beliefs going so far as to deconstruct Christ and God. While Bill is satisfied with the label of Atheist he also considers himself a mystic and drawn to secular Buddhism. Bill is the Executive Director for the Non-Profit Mormon Discussion Inc and host/co-hosts several podcasts including Mormonism LIVE and the Almost Awakened Podcast. Bill and his wife have been married 25 years and they have 4 children and 3 grandkids and they reside in Washington Utah RESOURCES: https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/ages-and-stages.pdf https://mormondiscussions.org/discussion/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/12/Perry-Scheme.pdf https://psychologycharts.com/james-fowler-stages-of-faith.html https://mormondiscussions.org/discussion/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/12/IntegralMapBest.jpg http://www.thebattleofarmageddon.com/stages_of_faith.pdf homepage The post Honest Conversations About Faith with Jacob Hansen & Bill Reel – Session 2 – Faith Crises: MD: 382 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Honest Conversations About Faith w/ Jacob Hansen & Bill Reel: Session 1: Morality Rarely in Mormonism do people in disagreement sit down to enter conversations about the issues upon which they disagree with understanding and healthy dialogue being at the forefront. But LDS Faithful believer Jacob Hansen and Ex-Mormon atheist Bill Reel sit down to discuss Morality. The goal of this conversation as well as any that may follow is to create a space where both parties seek to best understand the other’s point of view and to have a safe space to add clarity and context to one’s perspective to ensure as little misunderstanding as possible. The hope is that these conversations give listeners a well rounded view of controversial issues so that they might be able to work out their own thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives in a safe environment and to show both sides that healthy disagreement can in fact happen. Jacob Hansen Bio: Jacob is a Life long member of the LDS Church (His Mom is a convert) He served a mission in Argentina 2005-2007 Jacob graduated at BYU Hawaii with a Business Degree He is a Podcaster, Youtuber, Blogger He is the only one of his 8 siblings still active in the church. He has served primarily in the young men’s organization in his ward for the past 10 years including recently serving as 2nd and then 1st counselor in ward bishopric. Primary interests: Philosophy, History, Religion, Sailing, Surfing, JiuJitsu, Hunting, Adventures. He married his college sweetheart in 2010 and they have 4 kids. Bill Reel bio: Bill was a convert to the LDS Church at 17 years old. He served as a Bishop in that same ward from the age of 29 to 34. While a sitting Bishop, Bill had a faith crisis and began deconstructing his beliefs going so far as to deconstruct Christ and God. While Bill is satisfied with the label of Atheist he also considers himself a mystic and drawn to secular Buddhism. Bill is the Executive Director for the Non-Profit Mormon Discussion Inc and host/co-hosts several podcasts including Mormonism LIVE and the Almost Awakened Podcast. Bill and his wife have been married 25 years and they have 4 children and 3 grandkids and they reside in Washington Utah The post Honest Conversations About Faith with Jacob Hansen & Bill Reel – Session 1 – Morality: MD: 381 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Reel had the pleasure of being interviewed on the “Mormonish” Podcast.  Below are the original links to their Youtube Video and their Podcast Audio of that Interview.  Bill gets really vulnerable discussing his journey, his life and along the way delves into human development, conscious altering tools, sexuality, and spiritual awakening.   If you want to get to know Bill better this interview had him delving into topics and and being vulnerable to a degree that doesn’t always occur. EP31: Bill Reel Gets Real: : Psychedelics, Sexuality, and Discovering Your Authentic Self https://youtu.be/24u4rBis230   RESOURCES: The post Bonus Audio: “Mormonish” Podcast Interviews Bill Reel appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Join us as we expose the shocking story of how a group of 5 white LDS apologists fabricated a black apologist, Richard Nygren, to provide cover for one of their own. Through detailed investigation and interviews with key players, we reveal the disturbing truth behind this deceitful act and its coverup as well as the impact it has on those involved and on the Mormon apologetic community.   It will be best to watch the video version on YouTube which is here – https://youtu.be/Jhu3TSjDHj0 RESOURCES: Steven Smoot addressing a similar act in the past – https://www.plonialmonimormon.com/2018/05/vicarious-performative-wokeness-the-white-ex-mormons-burden.html#comment-5489 PDF of the evidence – https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/The-Mike-Parker-Richard-Nygren-Affair.pdf Neville Neville Land Blog Post on Nygren – https://www.nevillenevilleland.com/2023/04/richard-nygren-accusations.html Backup Version – https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/nevilleland-nygren-post.pdf Parker Confirming he is Peter Pan – https://www.nevillenevilleland.com/2023/03/questions-and-answers.html Backup of the same – https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/Parker-confirming-he-is-Peter-Pan.pdf Boylan’s First Mention of Nygren (Includes commentary of Spencer Kraus beforehand showing his close relationship with Kraus) – https://youtu.be/zR6bJyjU-bc?t=163 Backup of the same – https://www.dropbox.com/s/zxidrvu80zfj2pz/Kraus%20explaining%20his%20interest%20in%20Neville%20friends%20with%20smoot%20and%20nygren%20again.mp4?dl=0 Parker and Boylan Discussing the Nygren Affair – https://youtu.be/Hl7ym2CjVl0?t=4076 Backup of the same – https://www.dropbox.com/s/snlsce9ezh063s3/Parker%20and%20Boylan%20Discussing%20Nygren%20Invention.mp4?dl=0 Mike Parker in Family Pawn speaking to Bill Reel’s son and a separate employee – https://www.dropbox.com/s/0ssjri9st7c6qvx/MikeParker%20In%20Family%20Pawn.mp3?dl=0   The post LDS Apologists & The Invention And Coverup Of Richard Nygren appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

RFM has received the the video and audio from his second information request and report back regarding what was turned over by law enforcement. Once again we learn new details that both add clarity and complexity to this case. BONUS AUDIO: We inserted the cut up audio clips of all three witnesses that we had audio interviews of focusing only on the moment in the hotel room where the traumatic event likely occurred. Notice Bonnie’s admitting she heard the youngest kid but then struggles to answer finally stating she did not hear Derek or the parents in spite of all the yelling and screaming that both parents acknowledge along the way. After her clip are multiple clips of Hana and Nolan where Nolan stammers about what he awoke to finally imposing over multiple points in the interview that Hana was already awake and out of bed dealing with Derek when he awoke out of his sleep but juxtaposed against Hana who intimates at two different points in the interview that her and Nolan seem to have awoke together to the crying of the child and both in an escalated voice tell him to be quiet. Nolan also at one point claims he yelled at Derek to be quiet but how can such be when Hana in both her interview and her re-enactment indicates she screams at Derek in Bed that “he is not breathing” The post Mormonism LIVE: 119: Cordon Homicide – Epilogue appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims to be led by Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.  That these men are special witnesses of Christ.  That they speak to God and discern his will for us.  Latter-day Saints are taught that these men are like Moses, Noah, and Abraham.  We take a look at these claims to see if in fact there is observable evidence that can help us evaluate if these men are Prophets in deed. RESOURCES: Document exposing problems with LDS Truth Claims – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yzkCZkhjp_WmU9n6xWjqO0-ivX-ppQ0HrRjy4ItZz-U/edit?usp=sharing Document giving context to issues around the Messy issues of Mormonism – http://mormonprimer.com/ Dr. Lowery Nelson Correspondence with the First Presidency – ia903006.us.archive.org/29/items/LowryNelson1stPresidencyExchange/Lowry_Nelson_1st_Presidency_Exchange.pdf Gospel Topic Essay on Race and Priesthood – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/race-and-the-priesthood?lang=eng Stewart Udall’s experience with Church Leadership on the topics of Race – http://thoughtsonthingsandstuff.com/topics/thoughts-on-race-in-mormon-history/the-stewart-udall-sequence/ Document with all changed Doctrines and Beliefs – https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19X4zks7EW_e_TBqj67IZoxEMjqyAi7dtmapXag0s9_8/edit?usp=sharing The post Mormon Discussion: 380: Examining the LDS Prophetic Mantle appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Most faithful Latter-day Saints pay tithing on their gross income with a few paying on net income. But do the historical documents and past teachings of Prophets, Seers, and Revelators support either of those two interpretations? We take a deep dive into the historical context exploring D&C 119, A First Presidency Letter in 1970, old manuals and handbooks, Heber C Kimball, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F Smith, James E Talmage, and even the words of Bishop Edward Partridge who was the very First Bishop in the Church along with getting a modern clarifying statement from Church Historian Steven Harper about how “interest” has been interpreted in Church History. In the end a third interpretation rises to the surface that will allow every believing faithful member to save themselves Thousands of Dollars while still living the law of tithing faithfully. RESOURCES: Outline of this presentation with all documents sourced – https://mormonismlive.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Why-Latter-day-Saints-Pay-Too-Much-Tithing-Outline.pdf PDF of the slide show – https://mormonismlive.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Why-Latter-day-Saints-Pay-Too-Much-Tithing.pdf LDS Tithing: What’s in a word? http://puremormonism.blogspot.com/2012/12/are-we-paying-too-much-tithing.html Tithing and the poor https://mormonsundayschool.org/044-tithes-and-fasting-doctrine-covenants-and-church-history/ http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/2010/12/lds-history-summary.html The law of tithing (part three) https://kutv.com/news/local/new-historical-information-reveals-original-meaning-of-lds-tithing https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1974/04/i-have-a-question/what-figure-should-we-base-our-tithing-on.html?lang=eng https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/102-17-29.pdf The post Why Most Latter day Saints Are Over paying Their Tithing By 1000s Of Dollars appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

I’m going to let you into my head for a moment. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Have you ever considered the amount of violence and deception in Mormonism’s past and present and pondered all the reasons for folks to feel fear or personal risk in exposing Mormonism? The post Mormon Discussion: 378: Mormonism & Two Tickets to Crazy Town appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Just a quick lesson on how rational thinking works. If anyone views/listens to this and would like to debate a problematic issue in Mormonism or disagree with my approach to rational thinking, please email me at MormonDiscussionsPodcasts AT Gamil DOT Com as I would love to continue the conversation The post Mormon Discussion: 377: Quick Lesson in Rational Thinking appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

I can think of no better way to help believing and post Mormons best understand their religion than through the lens of another High Demand Fundamentalist religion. So here it is the Jehovah’s Witnesses The post Mormon Discussion: 376: Utilizing the Jehovah’s Witnesses to Understand Mormonism appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Critics accuse the Prophets Joseph Smith of plagiarizing multiple sources in order to create the standard works and Mormon Theology. Today we take a deep look into these accusations to see if there is any merit to their claims. You won’t want to miss this.  Below is the outline for the video podcast that covers in depth Joseph Smith’s Plagiarism of outside sources in order to create the standard works and Mormon Theology. This is best viewed by watching Mormon Discussion: 375: Plagiarism In Joseph Smith’s Mormonism on YouTube https://youtu.be/AJTxk9W2fxQ You would really benefit by the powerpoint due to me explaining and show powerful graphics that illustrate the points A.) Books with Deep Similarities Late War    http://wordtree.org/thelatewar/  Prevalent in J.S.’s day  Book was prevalent and was appears to be the most widely read book on the war of 1812 and was written in KJV English to be used in schools  Cureloms as Mammoths? Orson Pratt said that a “curelom” was a “mammoth”:  “Now to prepare them against these contingencies, and that they might, have fresh air for the benefit of the elephants, cureloms or mammoths and many other animals, that perhaps were in them, as well as the human beings they contained, the Lord told them how to construct them in order to receive air, that when they were on the top of the water, whichever side up their vessels happened to be, it mattered not; they were so constructed that they could ride safely, though bottom upwards and they could open their air holes that happened to be uppermost” (Orson Pratt, JoD 12:340).  Chiasmus Slides  Scroll some of the url.  Manuscript Found  Show Slide with common themes  View of the Hebrews  Show Slide with common themes  First Book of Napoleon  Chris Johnson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAGasQ7j_ZI  The Closest book in terms of word usage to the Book of Mormon when excluding other works authored by Joseph Smith is the First Book of Napoleon   Show Chris Johnson Slide of all the books correspondences  Conclude that this is the Weakest of what we will be sharing with you today B.) Joseph Smith Sr’s Vision Vs Lehi and Nephi’s Tree of Life Show Slide of Vision Comparison C.) 1769 KJV Bible Errors Copied Over The errors themselves are problematic because it shows that Joseph Smith absolutely was working with the KJV bible directly. (Which none of his scribes mentioned. The scribes for the Inspired Bible Translation also don’t mention Smith’s source of Adam Clarke’s Commentary This leads us to make room that there may have been several books that Smith worked with in spite of scribes not mentioning such Wrestle with the idea that on one hand God is perfectly okay with the most correct book on Earth being permitted to have significant errors copied over (to save time?) while on the other hand Joseph is asked by God to redo the bible with his inspired Bible Translation because the bible was corrupted and said errors needed to be fixed (Significant amount of time spent) Show the two Slides Show how the Church frames such – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1972/12/joseph-smiths-inspired-translation-of-the-bible?lang=eng  D.) 2nd & 3rd Isaiah   The first Isaiah chapters are believed by scholars to be from 1-39, while the Deutero-Isaiah (or second Isaiah) cover chapters 40-55, and Trito-Isaiah (or third Isaiah) cover 56-66. Scholars believe, for reasons we will outline below, that the historical (first) Isaiah lived in the 8th and 7th century BCE while the Deutero-Isaiah material would not be written until after the exile into Babylon, which was 586 BCE.  Because the brass plates were taken from Laban at 600 BCE, this is problematic as the Book of Mormon cites extensively from the Deutero-Isaiah chapters, which were not composed until after the brass plates were taken from Laban. – LDS Discussions A good example is the presumption that Jerusalem has already been destroyed.  Lehi cites the Deutero-Isaiah material in 2 Nephi 1:13-14,23, and then Jacob reads the words of Deutero-Isaiah into the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi chapter 8. Not only does this Deutero-Isaiah material appear in the Book of Mormon, but it contains the exact King James Bible language that, as we have discussed in previous sections, includes mistranslations, italicized text, and, especially in this case, late additions. – LDS Discussions  Furthermore, the themes that come out of this Deutero-Isaiah influence the Book of Mormon beyond just the words of Lehi and Jacob. The following verses from 2 Nephi (8:24-25) are copied from the King James version of Isaiah 52 (52:1-2), which is identified in the Deutero-Isaiah chapters: ​ 24 Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. 25 Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem; loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. ​ This material is not limited to just 2 Nephi either, as much of Isaiah chapter 52 is spoken by Jesus Christ in 3 Nephi as well as Isaiah 52:24 being cited in Moroni 10:31. If this material was not composed prior to Lehi leaving, it presents another instance where the author of the Book of Mormon is using material that anachronistic to the Book of Mormon narrative, which dates the Book of Mormon not as an ancient text, but a 19th century book written by someone with access to the King James Bible. – LDS Discussions  These chapters could not historically be incorporated in the Book of Mormon since they could not have been on the plates that Lehi left with, which puts the inclusion of this material as a very problematic anachronism. Just as with the Book of Abraham issues, Joseph Smith did not have the foresight that in the years following his death we would have a much better understanding of biblical history, and did not realize he was including a late addition throughout the Book of Mormon.  Dr. David Bockovoy – ​ “One of the most insightful perspectives held by mainstream biblical scholars involves the historical development of the book of Isaiah. Since the 20th century, all mainstream scholars have held the position that chapters 40-66 were written after the Jewish exile into Babylon (c.a. 586 BCE). Scholars typically identify the exilic material in 40-55 by the title Deutero-Isaiah, and the post-exilic material in 56-66 by the title Trito-Isaiah (though these works may have been written by multiple authors). This means, of course, that the second half of the book of Isaiah was not written by the historical Isaiah, a prophet who lived in Jerusalem during the eighth century BCE. For Latter-day Saints, this presents a direct challenge for traditionally held paradigms concerning the Book of Mormon, since some of this material is not only attributed to Isaiah, it has had a significant impact upon the Book of Mormon. If mainstream scholars are correct then this material would not have been available to Lehi’s family as something they could have taken with them to America.” E.) Joseph Smith Inspired Bible Translation BYU acknowledges research that imposes Joseph Smith plagiarized Adam Clark’s Commentary The BYU report reads: “recently, in conducting new research into the origins of Smith’s Bible translation, we uncovered evidence that Smith and his associates used a readily available Bible commentary while compiling a new Bible translation, or more properly a revision of the King James Bible. The commentary, Adam Clarke’s famous Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments, was a mainstay for Methodist theologians and biblical scholars alike, and was one of the most widely available commentaries in the mid-1820s and 1830s in America.” and “Our research has revealed that the number of direct parallels between Smith’s translation and Adam Clarke’s biblical commentary are simply too numerous and explicit to posit happenstance or coincidental overlap.” F.) Mormon Temple Endowment plagiarized from Masonry Show 2 slides and briefly mention (shoot down Solomen’s Temple Apologetics) Also explain that no informed apologist today denies this. G.) Romans and Second Nephi 2nd Nephi 9:39 vs Romans 8:6 H.) Paul and Moroni Example 1 1 Corinthians 12:5-11  vs Moroni 10:8-14,16,17 I.) Paul and Moroni Example 2 1st Corinthians 13:4-7 vs Moroni 7:45 J.) Mark 16:17-18 vs Mormon 9:24  Most Biblical Scholars deeply believe the original manuscript for Mark ended at verse 8 There are effectively just two Greek manuscripts that lack Mark 16:9–20. These are codices Sinaiticus (ℵ01) and Vaticanus (B03), two important manuscripts from the fourth century. It’s almost unimaginable that the copyists who made them were unaware of Mark 16:9–20, but at the end of the day, they left it out of their Bibles. Once we look beyond the question of ℵ01 and B03 against the other 1,600-plus Greek manuscripts of Mark, the picture becomes more complicated. At least 23 Greek manuscripts that include Mark 16:9–20 also have anomalies like extra endings or notes that express doubts concerning the authenticity of these verses. “[T]he accurate ones of the copies define the end of the history according to Mark [at 16:8] . . . in this way the ending of the Gospel according to Mark is defined in nearly all the copies.” – Eusebius (c. AD 265–339) Can you sense why this might be problematic?  First Mark is writing his gospel decades late (Most scholars believe Mark was written 70CE and was not a first hand witness to Jesus ministry K.) Alma the Younger vs Paul (Their Conversion) L.) Emanuel Swedenborg Emanuel Swedenborg’s teachings, discussed later in more detail, are startlingly recognizable to the student of LDS theology. he taught that there are three heavens the celestial being the most inward and refined.  There are three levels within the celestial glory  marriage for all eternity is an absolute requirement for entry into the highest of these heavens.  He witnessed a marriage in heaven and stated that the husband was arrayed in the priesthood robes of Aaron and the wife wore apparel suggestive of a queen with a crown on her head. The world of spirits is a place of preparation for either heaven or perdition There are angels who communicate between heavens Likens the celestial, spiritual (terrestrial?), and natural (telestial?) heaven to the sun, moon, and stars The church Christ established has passed from the earth (Apostasy)  The Lord will establish a New Church on the earth once more Little children who die, Christian or not, go directly to heaven Since God creates man in free will, God does not send man to heaven or perdition. Man makes this choice himself. “opposition in all things” Man is not saved by faith alone but must show works from a changed heart Swedenborg echoes concepts found in the LDS sacrament prayer One way to qualify for perdition is to know the truth and deny it Celestial beings incorporate the law of consecration into their lives The creation and the garden of Eden stories are allegories to our spiritual progress God is man M.) Word of Wisdom 1806.”MEANS OF PRESERVING HEALTH, AND PREVENTING DISEASES”, Dr. Shadrach Ricketson, Printed by Collins, Perkins, and Co, New York, 1806 quotes several well-known physicians of the time –  Percival, J. Fothergill, Leake, Willich, Cullen and Rush. N.) Book of Moses vs Mathew and Luke Moses 1 is dependent on the structure and content of Matt. 4 in its construction of the temptation of Moses, transforming Moses into a messianic figure in the same way the author of Matthew transforms Jesus into a new Moses. The connections between Moses 1 and Matt. 4 can be summarized with the following:  Moses 1:1=Matt. 4:8 (“up into an exceeding high mountain”);  Moses 1:12=Matt. 4:9; 15:9; Mark 7:7; Luke 4:7 (satan says “worship me”);  Moses 1:15=Matt. 4:9; Luke 4:7 (“Worship God for him only shalt thou serve”);  Moses 1:17=Matt. 4:9 (“and worship me”);  Moses 1:18=Matt. 4:9 (“Depart hence, Satan”);  Moses 1:19=Matt. 4:9 (“worship me”);  Moses 1:20=Matt. 4:10 (“Depart hence, Satan”);  Moses 1:21=Matt. 4:10 (“Depart hence, Satan”). The rest of the chapter is sprinkled with language that is shared among the gospels, some that is unique to the gospel of John, and language from the rest of the NT and OT. Conclusion I agree with Richard Bushman a renowned scholar, former stake president, Patriarch, and author of Rough Stone Rolling Joseph Smith’s Mormonism is full of 19th century material And his translation productions are pseudepigrapha    The post Mormon Discussion: 375: Plagiarism In Joseph Smith’s Mormonism appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

We continue our series exploring specific issues and asking if “Is Mormonism Absurd?” with this episode examining the bible. RESOURCES:  3rd Isaiah or Deutero-Isaiah https://www.timesandseasons.org/harchive/2017/03/deutero-isaiah-in-the-book-of-mormon/index.html 3rd Isaiah or Deutero-Isaiah https://bycommonconsent.com/2016/02/12/2-nephi-and-the-deutero-isaiah-problem-in-the-book-of-mormon-bom2016/ Haley Lemmon on the Adam Clarke Commentary and LDS Inspired Bible https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/2018/05/haley-lemmon-joseph-smith-translation-revelation-plagiarism/ BYU’s acknowledgement of Joseph Smith’s Plagarism of Adam Clarke’s Commentary http://jur.byu.edu/?p=21296 Book of Mormon’s use of the Tower of Babel Story https://www.ldsdiscussions.com/babel Book of Mormon’s use of the Global Flood Story https://www.ldsdiscussions.com/flood Problems with a Global Flood http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-noahs-ark.html Elias and Elijah http://www.mormonthink.com/glossary/eliasandelijah.htm Book of Moses plagiarizing from New Testament – http://www.withoutend.org/source-criticism-books-moses-abraham/ The post Mormon Discussion: 374: Is Mormonism Absurd? – The Bible appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

In today’s episode of Mormon Discussion, Bill Reel runs through some of the memorable moments from his life. Some of them funny, some of them entertaining, some of them serious all in a effort to help those who follow Mormon Discussion’s work to know Bill better. The post Mormon Discussion: 373: Bill Reel – Stories from My Life appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

In the this installment of our series “Is Mormonism Absurd” we cover the chapter on Angels and the chapter on animals. We explore whether why John the Baptist didn’t baptize Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. We hit on Joseph Smith referring to the angel who visited him as Nephi instead of Moroni. We look at D&C 129 and evaluate whether handshakes as a tool to discern good angels and bad angels makes rational sense. We cover the Joseph Smith bible translation as a plagiarism of Adam Clark’s commentary. We discuss the Mormon theology of Enoch (sorry but I referred to him as Elijah in the episode) and his people being taken up into space. And we finish by discussing Animal and plant anachronisms in the Book of Mormon RESOURCES: https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/2015/04/shaking-hands-and-drawn-sword/ mormondiscussionpodcast.org/2015/09/159-handshakes-and-drawn-swords-ii/ https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/answers/Moroni%27s_visit/Nephi_or_Moroni http://jur.byu.edu/?p=21296 mormondiscussionpodcast.org/2018/05/haley-lemmon-joseph-smith-translation-revelation-plagiarism/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anachronisms_in_the_Book_of_Mormon The post Mormon Discussion: 372: Is Mormonism Absurd – Angels & Animals appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

We continue our series walking out the logic of Mormon Claims. In this fourth segment we dive into the Native Americans as Lamanites. We talk about skin curses of color change, of whether the Nephites came to an empty Americas, the non success of missionary work to the Lamanites, and how the Book of Mormon is written to a people we can no longer with certainty locate. We talk out each of these and if rational thinking presents any problems with the faithful view. The post Mormon Discussion: 371: Is Mormonism Absurd – Native Americans & Lamanites appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

We continue our series walking out the logic of Mormon Claims. In this third installment we tackle the role America plays in the restoration. From a Land of Promise to being the home of the Nephites and Lamanites, to Christ’s visit, to being where Noah set sail as a Global Flood took place. We talk out each of these and if rational thinking presents any problems with the faithful view. The post Mormon Discussion: 370: Is Mormonism Absurd – America The Land of Promise appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

In 2016 David A Bednar, Apostle in the LDS Church taught the doctrine of Moral or Representative Agency. This perspective seemed to be different than the type of Agency that Mormonism had taught up to that moment. “Free Agency” was officially gone and something less free was being created. On today’s episode we look at the new Doctrine and compare it with how Agency had been taught for two centuries leading up to that and then explore how this new approach is being used to get members of the Church to what the leaders need them to do. RESOURCES: Elder Packer removing “Free” from “Free Agency” – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1992/04/our-moral-environment?lang=eng David Bednar teaching Moral Agency or Representative Agency – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmErOV9oQZ8 LDS General Conference Search Engine to see how “Free Agency” was taught over 2 centuries – https://www.lds-general-conference.org/ Elder Delbert Stapley (Q12) “Using Our Free Agency” – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1975/05/using-our-free-agency?lang=eng Elder Bruce R. McConkie made this statement about free agency:“Four great principles must be in force if there is to be agency: 1. Laws must exist, laws ordained by an Omnipotent power, laws which can be obeyed or disobeyed; 2. Opposites must exist—good and evil, virtue and vice, right and wrong—that is, there must be an opposition, one force pulling … the other. 3. A knowledge of good and evil must be had by those who are to enjoy the agency, that is, they must know the difference between the opposites; and 4. An unfettered power of choice must prevail. Agency is given to man as an essential part of the great plan of redemption.” (Mormon Doctrine, Bookcraft, Inc., 1966 ed., p. 26.) “Teachings of Joseph Smith” Study Manual – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-24?lang=eng “I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.” – Joseph Smith “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned” (D&C 121:37, 41) – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/121?lang=eng Principles of Leadership Teachers Manual Lesson 2 – Honoring the Agency of Those We Lead – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/principles-of-leadership-teachers-manual-religion-180/lesson-2-honoring-the-agency-of-those-we-lead?lang=eng “Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life” (2 Nephi 10:23). Neal A. Maxwell, who was later called to the Quorum of the Twelve, wrote that leaders basically follow one of three styles of leadership: manipulative, directive, and participative. In manipulative leadership, the leader manipulates people and circumstances to achieve group goals. In directive leadership, the leader makes decisions, with or without input from the group. In participative leadership, the group shares responsibility for making decisions. Read Brother Maxwell’s discussion of these principles in the teacher resources section below. Note that Brother Maxwell recommended a mix of directive and participative leadership styles. – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/principles-of-leadership-teachers-manual-religion-180/lesson-2-honoring-the-agency-of-those-we-lead?lang=eng “If a leader uses guilt to motivate a person to do something, is the leader honoring that person’s agency? Explain your answer.” – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/principles-of-leadership-teachers-manual-religion-180/lesson-2-honoring-the-agency-of-those-we-lead?lang=eng Agency = The ability and privilege God gives people to choose and to act for themselves. – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/gs/free-agency?lang=eng The Governing Ones By Elder William R. Bradford Of the First Quorum of the Seventy – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1979/10/the-governing-ones?lang=eng The most basic, fundamental principle of truth, that upon which the entire plan of God is founded, is free agency. As an individual you have the right to govern yourself. It is divinely given to you to think and act as you wish. It is your decision. It must be pointed out, however, that although you have the free agency to choose for yourself, you do not have the right to choose what will be the result of your decision. Helaman 14:30  And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free. – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/hel/14?lang=eng&id=30#29 D&C58:27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; 28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/58?lang=eng&id=27#26 Now, none of us are on the narrow path all of the time. All of us make mistakes. That is why Lehi, who understood the Savior’s role in preserving and reclaiming our agency, taught Jacob—and us: “The Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon.”21 That is the key—“to act for themselves and not to be acted upon.” – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/04/to-act-for-ourselves-the-gift-and-blessings-of-agency?lang=eng In our premortal life we had moral agency. One purpose of earth life is to show what choices we will make (see 2 Nephi 2:15–16). If we were forced to choose the right, we would not be able to show what we would choose for ourselves. Also, we are happier doing things when we have made our own choices. Agency was one of the principal issues to arise in the premortal Council in Heaven. It was one of the main causes of the conflict between the followers of Christ and the followers of Satan. The Lord has said that all people are responsible for their own motives, attitudes, desires, and actions. Even though we are free to choose our course of action, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions. The consequences, whether good or bad, follow as a natural result of any choice we make (see Galatians 6:7; Revelation 22:12). – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/agency-and-accountability?lang=eng God’s plan is the opposite of Satan’s plan of compulsion – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1979/10/commandments-to-live-by?lang=eng&country=au Church and Family Leaders Should Honor the Agency of Those They Lead – He never compelled them to obey Him. – Ask how leaders might be tempted not to respect the agency of others. – If a leader uses guilt to motivate a person to do something, is the leader honoring that person’s agency? – https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/principles-of-leadership-teachers-manual-religion-180/lesson-2-honoring-the-agency-of-those-we-lead?lang=eng One of our Articles of Faith says: We claim the privilege of worshipping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. That is the expression of a great principle, a principle that has been operative among the children of God from the earliest period of which we have any record. It was pursuant to that principle, and in the exercise of the rights guaranteed thereby, that a third of the hosts of heaven revolted, in an effort to overcome the plan which God adopted. Personally, I would not in any way, and in the lightest or slightest degree, hamper anyone’s free agency. Literally, I feel and believe that men should worship how, where, or what they may. That is the spirit of the priesthood, the priesthood which we hold. The priesthood never compels. God himself does not compel the intellect, nor does he attempt to overthrow it. – J. Reuben Clark 1949 Free agency is an everlasting principle which has existed with God from all eternity. It is a gift from him given with the hope that we will apply it wisely in the conduct of our personal lives. Freedom of choice is a moral agency which we should keep uppermost in our minds in all our activities and decisions. “By virtue of this agency you and I and all mankind are made responsible beings, responsible for the course we pursue, the lives we live, the deeds we do in the body.” (Wilford Woodruff, Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, Bookcraft, Inc., 1969, pp. 8–9.) Stake Leader perpetuating Bednars Representative Agency Doctrine to impose all Mormon males are obligated to serve missions. – https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comments/vukmi1/serving_a_mormon_mission_is_no_longer_a_choice/ The post Mormon Discussion: 369: The Death of Free Agency in Mormonism appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

We continue a series today where we break down specific issues and weigh how much irrational ideas we have to believe in order for Mormonism to be true. Sit with how much allowances and conjecture is required for these small specific topics within Mormonism. For this series we use the book “Obscure Mormon Doctrine” written by Chris Jensen. In this second installment we tackle Mormon Afterlife or the 3 Degrees of Glory and Outer Darkness The post Mormon Discussion: 368: Is Mormonism Absurd – Mormon Heaven & The 3 Kingdoms appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

We start a series today where we break down specific issues and weigh how much irrational ideas we have to believe in order for Mormonism to be true. Sit with how much allowances and conjecture is required for these small specific topics within Mormonism. For this series we use the book “Obscure Mormon Doctrine” written by Chris Jensen The post Mormon Discussion: 367: Is Mormonism Absurd – Adam Our First Parent appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

*NOTE* This episode is best viewed on youtube at https://youtu.be/6KJqj6C-D5E Bill Reel and Spencer Wright sit down to take a look at the Youtube Video “Ancient Temple Rites Restored” ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u0l13wX57E ) to see if this apologetic perspective holds up. Did Joseph Smith make connections to the ancient world in ways that impose there must have been a divine connection or could the data be reconciled in other ways and perhaps even more rational ways. The post Mormon Discussion: 366: Ancient Temple Rites Restored & Critical Thinking Skills appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Reel sits down with Author, Therapist, and friend; Cory Reese, to discuss what people in a Mormon Faith Crisis self report in terms of the struggle they are having and the things they wish their loved one understood. And we try to soften that hurt with some advice and understanding. https://www.brightwaytherapy.com/ RESOURCES: On the first day of my 8-Week Faith Transition Group, I asked participants what issues they are struggling with the most that led to them seeking therapy. Here were their responses:  Losing community has been extremely difficult. Some friends, neighbors, and family members don’t talk to me anymore.  Debating whether or not to stay in the church to keep family happy.  Struggling with appearances, pressure to be perfect, and no longer “looking perfect” to extended family.  Don’t know how to do simple things that the rest of the world knows how to do like navigate alcohol use, and ordering coffee.  How to deal with guilt-tripping and shaming from family.  Need to learn how to set boundaries, because I’ve never learned how to in the past.  How to deal with emotional flooding from extended family.  Figuring out how to redefine spirituality, and what spiritual experiences from the past mean.  Feeling like I will never be enough – recovering from purity culture.  Struggling with how in the past, I’ve let other people determine my worthiness, instead of knowing that I have unconditional worth.  Toxic perfectionism. Both personally, and in my family, we were a mess on the inside, but needed to look perfect on the outside.  Dealing with the fact that I’m disappointing others.  Learning how to be authentic. On the last day of the Faith Transition Group, I asked participants what they wish believing members knew about a faith crisis. Here were their responses:  We absolutely did not leave because we want to sin.  Leaving the church isn’t taking the easy way out. If you knew what I have experienced, you’d realize that leaving the church is taking the gut- wrenching way out.  You aren’t far from one. (Faithful members may suddenly and unexpectedly face a faith crisis themselves when they discover troubling aspects of church history.)  When you leave, it’s not that you’ve lost yourself. You’ve actually found yourself.  I wish they knew how much I want to talk about it. I want them to know because I wish I knew five years ago.  My faith crisis is a spiritual experience. It’s not about knowing all the answers, it’s about being able to ask the questions.  We are still the same people.  I think it’s more accurate to say that the church is facing a “truth crisis” instead of saying I’ve had a “faith crisis.”  The threats and scare tactics we were told about what happens when you leave are not accurate.  I feel very alone and isolated. I’m not able to speak my truth, but I have to listen to my family members speak their truth. It’s not safe for me to talk about what my beliefs or what I’ve learned about the church, but it’s okay for my family to repeatedly bear their testimony to me. We understand both perspectives because we were once faithful members of the church, but they can’t fully understand our perspective because they haven’t been there.  The “angry ex-Mormon” comes from recognizing that we have experienced trauma.  I want to say “If you think it’s been hard for you, imagine how hard it’s been for me becoming the disappointment of the family.”  I want to be loved by my family. I don’t want to hear “God still loves you.” I want to hear “I love you.” The post Mormon Discussion: 364: The Pain & Struggle of a Mormon Faith Crisis appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today we take a look at the connections between Masonry and Mormon rituals. We explore what the prophet Joseph Smith claimed about the Temple Endowment, and how the Modern Church and its apologists frame the endowment today. We look at the changes that have happened overtime with an emphasis on the penalty oaths and signs with a focus on recognizing those penalties are in some ways still present within the temple endowment. RESOURCES: http://www.ldsendowment.org/index.html http://www.ldsendowment.org/masonry.html http://www.ldsendowment.org/timeline.html https://mit.irr.org/mormon-temple-endowment-ceremony https://thoughtsonthingsandstuff.com/pre-1990-temple-endowment/ https://www.jstor.org/stable/45228107?seq=1 https://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/dun/dun03.htm http://www.ldsendowment.org/1931.html http://www.rickgrunder.com/Newspapers%20for%20Sale/lucindaharris.htm The post Mormon Discussion: 363: Signs, Tokens & Penalties – The LDS Mormon Temple Ceremony appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Mormon Discussion: 362: The LDS Church’s 2021 Membership Statistical Report Bill takes a look at the 2021 membership numbers the LDS Church released coinciding with the April 2022 General Conference to examine what the numbers say & what they don’t say, and if they can be trusted. The post Mormon Discussion: 362: The LDS Church’s 2021 Membership Statistical Report appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Reel, Executive Director of Mormon Discussion Inc., was interviewed on 2.233.22 on 21st Century Saints.  Check them out at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLESyNtVAdYF52HVt5Cu-Ew This interview can be watched from there channel here.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVzaIc7oDD8 Please Subscribe to our friends across the waters.  They do great work, please consider supporting them. The post Bill Reel – Executive Director of Mormon Discussion Inc. Interviewed by 21st Century Saints appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Mormon Discussion: 361: Revisiting my Understanding of the First Vision I wanted to sit down and have a conversation with you about how I learned, understood, and contextualize various topics within Mormonism. In this episode we do that around the First Vision RESOURCES: https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V47N02_210.pdf https://youtu.be/Uj2VWhuW50w?t=2795 https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-circa-summer-1832/1 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/magazines/before-2021/new-era?lang=eng https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/sites/default/files/archive-files/pdf/allen/2020-02-05/ie_73.4._james_b._allen_eight_contemporary_accounts_of_joseph_smiths_first_vision_april_1970.pdf http://www.mormonthink.com/files/eight-contemporary-accounts-1st-vision-improvement-era-1974.pdf The post Mormon Discussion: 361: Revisiting my Understanding of the First Vision appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

How Elevation Emotion is used as a trump card and corrupted by giving it a new name, that of “The Holy Ghost” The post Mormon Discussion: 360: The Holy Ghost as a Trump Card appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Bill Reel sits down with Jared Anderson to discuss the inner work of Transformation. Along the way they hit on ideas of Consciousness, Tools that alter consciousness, human development, spiral dynamics, Men’s work, and leaving unhealthy systems. They cover a lot of ground and the conversation is insightful. If you wish to contact Jared you can email him at [email protected] or visit his website linked below.  You can watch the video version of this episode here https://youtu.be/a4LcQx88wj0 RESOURCES: https://www.jaredandersoncoaching.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYSQ1NF1hvw https://spiraldynamicsintegral.nl/en/about-sdi/integral-theory/ The post Mormon Discussion: 359: Jared Anderson – Consciousness, Transformation, and Men’s Work appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Utah Neighborhood Block Parties.  What are they and why am I talking about them.  Well, your about to go on a ride with twists and turns some making your blood boil and others making you laugh out loud.  In the end we discuss the passive aggressive, deceptive, illegal, and humorous that is my Southern Utah Washington City Washington 4th Ward Neighborhood Block Party.  I hope you enjoy The post Mormon Discussion: 340: The Neighborhood BLOCK Party appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today I sit down with two brothers, Samuel & Joseph.  Both of these two brothers know the issues.  They both have gone down the rabbit hole of Mormonism seeing its messiness and complexity.  Having gone down the rabbit hole they came out different sides.  Joe’s faith, once strong and both feet in, dissolved and vanished away as he left the Church and navigated the hard path out of the Church and making a new life and a happy one at that.  Sam on the other hand, while agreeing with much of what the critic has to say, has continued to stay seeing value in continued practice and activity and faith that Mormonism can still be and become an inspiring place to be part of community, to raise a family, and to do God’s work.  The most profound part of this conversation is the love and vulnerability these two brothers share with each other, honoring each others path and validating the position that the other has arrived at.  Maybe, there is something each of us can learn from these two incredible men as they seek to set aside faith positions and simply love each other as brothers making space for each other to show up as they are with no expectation of what that should look like. The post Mormon Discussion: 358: Two Brothers Two Paths appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today we sit down with Dr. Darrel Ray and Shane Larsen and talk to them about the organization “Recovering From Religion“.  We talk with Dr. Ray about how this organization got started, his two books “God Virus” and “Sex & God“.  We ask Shane about how he went from a Mormon to volunteering and organizing a local chapter of RFR in Salt Lake City, Utah.  and Then we talk to both of them about the need for such organizations and support to those leaving religion and recovering from the trauma and shame.  We discuss the resources RFR provides and how others can find them. RESOURCES: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ https://www.meetup.com/rfr-salt-lake-city-ut/Meetup RFR Salt Lake City Group –  https://www.amazon.com/Sex-God-Religion-Distorts-Sexuality/dp/0970950543https://www.amazon.com/God-Virus-Religion-Infects-Culture/dp/0970950519 https://www.amazon.com/God-Virus-Religion-Infects-Culture/dp/0970950519   The post Mormon Discussion: 357: Recovering From Religion appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today we tackle how Apologetics seeks to address a Global Flood by making allowances for the flood to be local and for one’s beliefs around the flood to not be a issue for one’s standing on the LDS Church.  But is that the real heart of the issue?  We demonstrate that a Global Flood is engrained in LDS Canon, testified by LDS Leaders, woven into LDS Theology,  and Preached in LDS lessons.  We also demonstrate that a Global Flood is simply absurd and for all intents and purposes demonstrably false.  Once we show those two facets are at odds with each other, it becomes clear that Mormonism, whatever it is, is not what it claims to be. RESOURCES: https://www.ldsdiscussions.com/flood http://talkorigins.org/faqs/faq-noahs-ark.html FairMormon Global Flood Apologetics More Apologetics  And even more Apologetics Donald Parry Ensign Article LDS Living Apologetics Mormon Discussion Global Flood article Dialogue Article on the Flood Sunstone Article on Global Flood The post Mormon Discussion: 356: Global Flood Apologetics appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today Bill Reel and Chris Bloxham sit down and discuss the Sacrament and specifically what led to the change from a single common cup that everyone drank from to having individual cups.  To understand this story is to understand Progressive Mormonism.  To understand the battle that is always going on from those who are conservative and want desperately to cling to tradition and fight to maintain the status quo versus the progressive movement which seems to generally be focused on the data and science and seem to be making rational arguments and moving us towards treating each other with more healthiness.  And the leaders in their need to be seen as inspired while consistently always lagging behind the progressive members where the real inspiration was originating.  Culminating with the tragic moment when Joseph F Smith dies from Pneumonia right in the midst of the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 and now it becomes paramount that the Church face the faulty thinking that tradition trumps good ideas and healthier ways of doing things.  And then in the end, The church is dragged into change when it finally accepts time and time again that the real inspiration was with its critics and its progressive members. RESOURCES: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/sacrament-cup-influenza-epidemic-1918 https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/Mormon-Sacrament-1928_1940.pdf https://rsc.byu.edu/you-shall-have-my-word/lords-supper-early-mormonism https://www.ldsliving.com/What-You-Didn-t-Know-About-Sacrament-Cups/s/82333 https://58468702.weebly.com/mormon-sacrament-cups.html#:~:text=Previously%20the%20church%20partook%20of,the%20use%20of%20individual%20cups. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacrament_(LDS_Church) http://www.reformedpresbytery.org/books/comncup/comncup.htm The post Mormon Discussion: 355: Sacramental Changes and The Common Cup appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Yesterday I received a strange box at my employment.  The message, where the box was placed, the Duct Tape, and the how the box got where it did all were red flags.  Knowing the Mark Hoffman story…..   Knowing some of the threats that others in this space have dealt with including myself in terms of angry messages or threats put me on high alert.  Law Enforcement was brought in and in the end Things are almost never what you think they are. The post Mormon Discussion: 354: Bombs and Bombshells appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today I sit down and examine the systemic trait in Mormonism to label those who leave as broken, less than, bad, or deceived in some way.  In Mormonism when a believer stops believing we creates stories about that person. 1.) They were lazy 2.) They lacked faith 3.) They wanted to Sin 4.) They were deceived by Satan 5.) They have petty reasons for leaving 6.) They were offended 7.) they lost the spirit Mormonism as a system gives these explanations for why people leave.  Symonds Ryder and his misspelled name, Thomas Marsh and those damn milk strippings, the Three Witnesses and their being offended or deceived.  Yet what happens when we stop hijacking the story of another and allow them space to tell their own story?  What is the cause and what is the effect?  Why does your loved one show up in the world differently then they used to?  This and more is today’s episode. The post Mormon Discussion: 353: Those Who Leave and the Stories We Tell appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today I dissect Jacob Chapter 5: The Allegory of the Olive Tree.  This chapter has been shoved down the throat of believers as an evidence of the Book of Mormon’s divine origins.  Olive horticulture is unique we were told.  Joseph couldn’t have possibly known the concepts therein.  How one grafts, dungs, burns, plants, and nourishes olive trees is beyond the knowledge base of Joseph Smith, we are told.  But is this true. Today we explore what Joseph could have known and what those sources say about Zenos’ Allegory.  And in examing this we learn that once you grant 1.) that the Smiths were farmers 2.) Many other fruit trees known to the Smiths can be grafted. 3.) that the concepts and themes seem heavily borrowed primarily from Isaiah Chapter 5 and Romans 11 4.) and that a significant theme seems plagiarized from Luke 13 What is left is not only is every idea and concept within Joseph’s milleu but that Jacob chapter 5 gives us insight into how Joseph, by plagiarizing a multitude of sources, may be history’s greatest Eclectic Aggregator known to man. (Hat tip to Anthony Miller for the term Eclectic Aggregator) (Hat tip to Anthony Miller sharing of 2think.org/hundredsheep/bom/zenos.shtml and Michael Tweedy two important notes that made up portions of this episode) RESOURCES: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/jacob/5?lang=eng patheos.com/blogs/danpeterson/2020/05/some-notes-on-olive-cultivation-and-the-book-of-mormon.html?fbclid=IwAR12JBtkBnmxWZLZBbz15Mx9rSZwZw_M8mkUHXHWdwQu8t7kvwMIzuSyooM https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Olive_Tree https://books.google.ca/books?id=fodGAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA364&lpg=PA364&dq=jim%20whitefield%20and%20the%20olive%20tree%20allegory&source=bl&ots=iWgKXwiDd9&sig=ACfU3U0Ga1gGqfVKYkCmO3XsxMozXb07Jw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi4tv_x-q7pAhUnGTQIHdpWAgYQ6AEwAHoECAkQAQ&fbclid=IwAR37_rwO9YqLPs1UO_phZNWbc359YXrh4HgWPVnOvMycN2KW6fWqUjTMPug#v=onepage&q=olive&f=false http://www.2think.org/hundredsheep/bom/zenos.shtml https://exploringmormonism.com/jacob-5-why-vinyards-and-olives/?fbclid=IwAR3yqWBlvn829_9md-Y15gipwZKok7HIHnqDTuCJQNlEBZHWDrdce0ZpkOU https://byustudies.byu.edu/lessons/13-allegory-olive-trees https://radiofreemormon.org/2020/05/radio-free-mormon-161-magic-and-the-book-of-mormon/ https://rsc.byu.edu/book-mormon-jacob-through-words-mormon-learn-joy/botanical-comparisons-allegory-olive-tree https://homeguides.sfgate.com/olive-trees-planted-around-vineyards-57257.html?fbclid=IwAR3L3fFEOcX0fD9JLWGsAdXjYyVWn1AvCJDuYh2A_-4os0sluSY_lRRaFlM The Allegory of the Olive Tree – Jacob 5 https://www.ldsliving.com/Dissecting-the-Meaning-and-Symbols-Found-in-Jacob-5-The-Allegory-of-the-Olive-Tree/s/92569 https://zelphontheshelf.com/a-plagiarized-plan-the-origin-of-the-3-degrees/ http://www.mormonthink.com/book-of-abraham-issues.htm http://jur.byu.edu/?p=21296 The post Mormon Discussions: 352: Jacob Chapter 5 – The Allegory of the Olive Tree appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Audio from a Live Broadcast on March 4th 8AM Mountain Time, Bill Reel and Chris Bloxham will examine Mormonism’s long standing journey w/ racism. Elder Oaks will be making a special appearance and we will have the chance to hear the great Priesthood story of Bonky & Creeby The post Mormon Discussions: 351: Chris Bloxham & Bill Reel Dissect Race and Priesthood appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today I sit down with my good friend Brittney Hartley.  We discuss primarily her book Mormon Philosophy simplified.  While doing so we end up exploring life. Astrology, Sam Harris, tribalism, Divine Feminine, raising children in the Church, Sapiens, myth, Christmas, spirituality, relationships, Enneagrams…the list goes on! Mormon Philosophy Simplified : by Brittney Hartley http://www.astrologycafe.com/free-natal-chart-report/   The post Mormon Discussion Podcast: 350: Brittney Hartley – Mormon Philosophy Simplified appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

A Listener, George, called Bill this week and asked him if he might tackle an episode dealing with Bill’s Personal experiences with the Temple. So here it is Thursday, Feb 20th, at 7:30 AM. Get ready to feel Elevation Emotion like never before!!!! The post Mormon Discussion Podcast: 349: Bill Reel’s Personal Experiences With The Temple appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

On Monday February 10th 2020, the Wall Street Journal, released a exclusive interview with Mormon Leaders regarding the Faith’s amassed 100 Billion Plus in investments. Wall Street Journal’s audio https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/the-mormon-church-100-billion-secret-fund/124ce913-14e4-4d9e-aaa9-6e75e96f6514?fbclid=IwAR06jINGEidlav4datrnr4LY9Ovkj7AeskMgSQVkuhWWetnaIf5e93FGzsE We examine 6 sound bites from the WSJ podcast and examine whether the LDS Church is being honest about its wealth and why it avoided publishing the amount it had accumulated.   The post Mormon Discussion: 347: Mormon Billions and the Wall Street Journal appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today we begin our first live broadcast of the Mormon Discussion Podcast. We will engage the topic of Joseph Smith’s Treasure Digging and welcome live call ins to the show and discuss the messy issue of Joseph Smith’s Treasure Hunting and use of Seer Stones. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seer_stone_(Latter_Day_Saints) https://tspace.library.utoronto.ca/bitstream/1807/27599/3/Parker_Stuart_AC_201103_PhD_thesis.pdf http://undergroundnotes.com/graphics7/Dialogue_V27N03_211.pdf Palmyra Magic Timeline http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Seer_stones http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Seer_stones/%22Rock_in_hat%22_used_for_Book_of_Mormon_translation http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Translation/Joseph’s_use_of_the_seer_stone_as_a_youth http://fr.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Seer_stones https://www.lds.org/ensign/1987/08/the-alvin-smith-story-fact-and-fiction?lang=eng http://mit.irr.org/changing-first-vision-accounts-1827-first-vision-account-related-willard-chase http://www.fullerconsideration.com/sources.php?cat=HP-FBC The post Mormon Discussions: 346: Re-Broadcast – Joseph Smith’s Folk Magic and Seer Stones appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today I share a list I having been working on.  It has to do with Mormon Absurdities.  The goal was to provide a list of items, that in order to believe Mormonism, one must accept these items as reconcilable, if one accepts the official narrative of their faith and the words of their prophets. These items are seen as irrational when one tries to reconcile them.  One may choose to believe them but there are explanations or interpretations in each instance that require less conjecture. For example If I’m out in a cabin in the woods and I hear tapping on the tin roof, it’s simply more rational to conclude a raccoon than a space alien. You may still in fact choose to believe the noise was caused by a Space Alien. Yet nearly anyone on the planet would agree the raccoon explanation is more rational than the alien one. But the only reason at all to assume one is more rational than the other is because that explanation accounts for the data with exponentially less conjecture. Anytime you choose the solution or belief that requires more conjecture, you are in fact being irrational. When you take into account a multitude of beliefs or perspectives that each on their own requires more conjecture than other beliefs or perspectives you begin to run into a wall where the statistical improbability is insurmountable.  The List is found HERE The Mormon Paradox: A List of Inconsistencies That Challenge Faith Concluding Song by Weird Alma – Do Some Good The post Mormon Discussion: 345: Mormon Absurdities appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Today we discuss the August 2019 New Era Article on Vaping, Coffee, Tea, Marijuana, and Opioids.  Todays episode dives into the logic of why each item is forbidden and how that logic not only differs with each other thaey also make little sense when juxtaposed against other substances that are not banned and even supported by the Church that easily fall into the same reasoning.  In the end it doesn’t seem to be about which substances are harmful, which are addictive, and at times the why isn’t even stated while at the same time some of the banned substances are actually shown to be good for you. Resources: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/08/vaping-coffee-tea-and-marijuana?lang=eng https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/statement-word-of-wisdom-august-2019 http://www.ldsliving.com/In-New-Era-Church-Clarifies-Word-of-Wisdom-and-Stance-on-Green-Tea-Vaping-More/s/91375 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/08/17/mormon-church-coffee-vaping-still-no-no-despite-fancy-names-flavors/2039164001/ https://kutv.com/news/local/lds-church-clarifies-word-of-wisdom-on-vaping-green-tea-coffee-marijuana-opioids https://www.washingtonpost.com/religion/2019/08/16/no-more-green-tea-vaping-or-drinks-ending-ccino-mormon-church-tells-members/?noredirect=on https://www.caffeineinformer.com/7-good-reasons-to-drink-coffee https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-scoop-on-the-health-benefits-of-coffee-2017092512429 The post Mormon Discussion: 344: Vaping, Coffee & Tea, Marijuana and an Irrational God appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

TRIGGER WARNING We will be discussing the topic of Sex Abuse and while not discussing the incidents specifically this episode may be triggering to some. Today we sit down with a friend Kindra Celani and discuss her experience with Sex Abuse and its connection to the LDS Church.  She shares how her abuser used Mormonism as a shield for his predatory behavior and how the LDS Church’s local untrained leaders seemed unable sense their duty in reporting her abuse to the authorities.  On top of that recent events show that the top leaders within institutional Mormonism have set as a priority protecting the Church over reaching out with love and sincerity to the victims of abuse. Resources: https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline https://www.insider.com/mormon-church-accused-of-silencing-sexual-assault-claims-2019-5 https://abcnews.go.com/US/families-speak-church-jesus-christ-day-saints-sex/story?id=63690802 https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/d3n73w/duty-to-report-the-mormon-church-has-been-accused-of-using-a-victims-hotline-to-hide-sexual-abuse-claims https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3OqvQw_-ko https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2018/08/21/498646.htm https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2019/06/02/southern-baptist-missionary-leaders-repeatedly-covered-up-sexual-abuse/ https://www.charismanews.com/us/77588-pentecostal-church-allegedly-covered-up-sexual-abuse-for-30-years https://www.newsweek.com/jehovahs-witnesses-child-sex-abuse-lawsuit-1454001 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-44209971 https://abcnews.go.com/US/california-man-accuses-jehovahs-witnesses-covering-childhood-sex/story?id=65097514 http://religiousinstitute.org/denom_statements/statement-on-child-sexual-abuse/ https://religionnews.com/2018/11/15/clergy-sex-abuse-why-a-national-all-faiths-inquiry-is-needed/ https://www.iicsa.org.uk/key-documents/11687/view/truth-project-thematic-report%3A-child-sexual-abuse-context-religious-institutions-full-report.pdf https://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/96038.pdf https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org/resources/learn-the-basics/ce-faqs   The post Mormon Discussion: 343: Kindra Celani: The Axe Forgets, The Tree Remembers appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

There are multiple examples of Joseph Smith’s manipulation of vulnerable women in order to pressure them into a polygamous relationships.  The Partridge sisters, Lucy Walker, Fanny Alger, The Lawrence Sisters.  Today we share the story of Nancy Rigdon and the Happiness Letter.  Nancy, Daughter of Early Church Leader Sidney Rigdon is a prime example of the mechanisms and manipulation that Joseph Smith would use on Young girls in order to pressure them into an intimate relationship.  Joining me are Chris Smith and Jonathan Streeter as they run us through the data and help us get the full context of this story and its surrounding events.Please check out the resources below. RESOURCES: Joseph Smith meeting the Rigdon’s and giving Nancy a blessing Messenger and Advocate Rumors of impropriety between Joseph Smith and Rigdon Girl Orson Pratt stating that Joseph taught Polygamy in 1832 while living with Johnsons at their Farm Rumors of affair between Agnes Smith (Widow of the Prophet’s Brother Don Carlos) and Joseph Smith.  They were later sealed January of 1842, before the relief society was created. Times & Season Vol 3 Pg 291 (left hand column showing Conference Minutes regarding Marth Brotherton being locked in a room) Martha Brotherton Affidavit Emma Smith’s redaction of encouragement to accept private teachings over public ones Nancy Marinda Johnson Hyde commanded to live with others 1904 Letter by brother John Rigdon -Claimed that Joseph Smith mentioned that he had made a proposal to Nancy Rigdon and she turned around and spoke out about it. Chris Smith: Playing Lamanite: Ecstatic Performance of American Indian Identity in Early Mormon Ohio John C Bennett sharing the Happiness Letter with the public John C Bennett’s expose “The History of the Saints” (Left hand Column) Discussion by Bennett which includes info on the Nancy Rigdon affair (third column from the left) The Happiness Letter within the History of the Church Gerrit Dirkmaat’s refutation of the Happiness Letter’s provenance Additional context and quotes around the Happiness Letter by Van Hale Excellent discussion of JST translation of Roman 7 Discussion of Romans 7 and the Happiness Letter William Mcclellin letter to Joseph SMith III affirming that Emma knew about Josephs polygamy Grant Palmer and the sexual accusations against Joseph Smith pre-nauvoo (Mormon Stories Podcast) Brian Hales refutation of Grant Palmer’s perspective (Mormon Discussion Podcast) Brian Hales’ Interpreter article refuting Grant Palmer ChurchOfJesusChrist.org (formerly LDS.org) Search results for the famous Happiness Quote High Council minutes the looking into the sexual indiscretions of women in Nauvoo 2nd source for High Council minutes Brigham Young’s journal where he used a quasi-masonic cipher to record Joseph’s WAS (Wedded And Sealed) ceremony to Agnes on Jan 6 1842 William C Smith’s assertion of Joseph Smith and Nancy Rigdon having issues in Kirtland Account of Joseph demanding that Brigham Young drop charges against William Smith in John C Bennet Affair Devery Anderson’s Sunstone article (Includes a few sections on the Nancy Rigdon affair) Jonathan Streeter’s Sunstone Presentation on the Happiness Letter (YouTube) Jonathan Streeter & Chris Smith’s Sunstone presentation on the Happiness Letter (Audio Only) November 1841 sermon that what we think is sin is not sin Brigham Young sealed Martha Brotherton to himself with proxy “Illicit Intercourse,” Plural Marriage, and the Nauvoo Stake High Council, 1840-1844 William McClellin letter to Joseph Smith III affirming that Emma knew about Josephs relationships with women Ebenezer Robinson’s memoirs includes a brief discussion of the November sermon about sin not being sin Happiness Letter quoted in LDS official sources 1     2      3      4     5     6 From the testimony of Catherine Fuller: (Quote where William suggest Catherine not get married and grant his sexual requests and he would continue to supply her sustenance) “[William Smith] has also been to my house on the 27th of last month being the day I was married and proposed unlawful connexion but I refused and told him that it was contrary to the teaching of Joseph on the stand. He answered that Joseph was obliged to teach to the contrary on the stand to keep down prejudice and keep peace at home First W. Smith insisted very much that I should not marry and proposed to supply me with food &c if I should remain unmarried and grant his requests” From the testimony of Sarah Miller: “Some two or three weeks since, in consequence of Bro Joseph Smiths teachings to the singers, I began to be alarmed concerning myself, & certain teachings which I had recevd from Chauncy L. Higby, & questioned him about his teaching, for I was pretty well persuaded from Joseph[’s] public teachings that Chaney had been telling falsehood.– but Chauncy said that that Joseph Now taught as he did th[r]ough necessity, on acount of the prejudices of the people, & his own family particlarly as they had not become full believers in the doctrine.” The happiness letter was not published until Dec, 1855 within the Church.  When we find strong congruences between other sermons and documents that match the rhetoric and theology and ideas in the happiness letter around the same time as its authorship, such seems to strongly indicate that the ideas in the happiness letter were taught pervasively to the early leaders of the church privately.  If the happiness letter is a private letter between smith and Nancy Rigdon, why are multiple leaders teaching its concepts abroad? Multiple leaders should not be quoting specific language from a private letter on multiple occasions unless either the letter wasn’t private or the rhetoric wasn’t unique. Example 1 of Pervasive Teachings of the Happiness Letter Theology When Apostle George Q. Cannon preached: “I think that God has created us to be happy” in July 1874,6 he was also apparently referencing the still-uncited 1842 letter’s words (not published in Utah since 1855): “Happiness is the object and design of our existence …”7 Example 2 of Pervasive Teachings of the Happiness Letter Theology Apostle John Taylor was also referencing the above (again without attribution) in his March 1872 sermon which referred to “revelation adapted to the peculiar circumstances in which they were placed,” followed nine pages later by his paraphrase about “revelation adapted peculiarly to the position that we occupy.” Example 3 of Pervasive Teachings of the Happiness Letter Theology “In October 1850, Orson Pratt’s Divine Authority of the Book of Mormon referred to “new revelation adapted to the peculiar condition of himself as an individual, and varied at sundry times, according to the change of circumstances …” Example 4 of Pervasive Teachings of the Happiness Letter Theology D. Michael Quinn “Not until five years later did the Deseret News include in its serialization of “Joseph Smith’s History” the 1842 text that Apostle Pratt was obviously paraphrasing: “This is the principle on which the government of Heaven is conducted, by revelation adapted to the circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed.”4” Example 5 of Pervasive Teachings of the Happiness Letter Theology D. Michael Quinn six years before J. Golden Kimball quoted from the “Happiness” letter in general conference, the Improvement Era of April 1920 printed Apostle David O. McKay’s sermon which announced: The guiding spirit of life was manifest from the beginning of his [Joseph Smith’s] ministry and confirms his wonderful declaration that God had spoken to him. In his own words[,] it is this: Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof until long after the events transpire.8 Example 6 of Pervasive Teachings of the Happiness Letter Theology Benjamin Johnson: (From Johnsons autobiography) He looked at me, oh, so calmly, and said, “Brother Benjamin, you will never see that day, but you shall see the day you will know it is true, and you will fulfill the law and greatly rejoice in it.” And he said, “At this morning’s meeting, I will preach you a sermon that no one but you will understand. And furthermore, I will promise you that when you open your mouth to your sister, it shall be filled.” At the meeting he read the Parable of the Talents, and showed plainly that to him that hath shall be given more, and from him that had but one should be taken that he seemed to have, and given to him who had ten. This, so far as I could understand, might relate to families.” Example 7 of Pervasive Teachings of the Happiness Letter Theology Willard Richards writing to his wife prior to happiness letter – citing the earliest similar rhetoric to the happiness letter and even calling it a grand secret Intimation of Teaching the keeping of Secrets “Prest. Smith said all proceedings that regard difficulties should be kept among the members— as to the Institution, its objects are charitable— none can object to telling the good— the evil withhold— hoped all would feel themselves bound to observe this rule.” The post Mormon Discussion: 342: Nancy Rigdon and the Happiness Letter appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.