Mormon Stories Podcast

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499b: Brent Metcalfe — Mormon Apologetics and Approaching Life After Mormonism

September 25, 2014

By James Patterson

And now, the final installment of our epic* interview with Brent Metcalfe! In today’s episode, we’ll talk to Brent about his interactions and run-ins with prominent Mormon apologists like Daniel Peterson, Lou Midgley and others. We’ll also talk about the recent history of BYU’s Maxwell Institute and what he sees in its future and in the future of Mormon apologetics overall. We’ll also talk in depth with Brent about how he has been able to construct a healthy and happy life outside of Mormonism. And be sure not to miss the exciting announcement from Brent toward the end of the…

499: Brent Metcalfe and the Book of Abraham

September 19, 2014

By James Patterson

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In Part 5 of our interview with Brent Metcalfe, one of the foremost Mormon scholars, we explore the history surrounding Joseph Smith and the Book of Abraham (one of the primary scriptural texts for the LDS Church). We also talk about the concept of translation, Joseph Smith’s views on his “translations,”…

497-498: Brent Metcalfe — After the Hofmann bombings, Brent’s excommunication, and examining the Book of Mormon

September 13, 2014

By James Patterson

497-498: Brent Metcalfe — After the Hofmann bombings, Brent’s excommunication, and examining the Book of Mormon

In the highly anticipated follow up to our first interview, Brent Metcalfe continues his story. In Part 3, Brent discusses the aftermath of the Hofmann murders, including the trial and Hofmann’s eventual plea deal. He also discusses the events leading up to, and including, his excommunication. In Part 4, Brent…

495-496: Fiona and Terryl Givens and “The Crucible of Doubt” – Parts 1 and 2

August 28, 2014

By James Patterson

Crucible of Doubt

In their latest book, The Crucible of Doubt, published by Deseret Book, Fiona and Terryl Givens tackle perhaps their most daunting — and important — subject to date: doubt in the context of Mormon faith. In Part 1, we interview a Mormon Stories listener and contributor, James Patterson, about his…

Resources for Married Couples

August 27, 2014

Some resources for married Mormons or former Mormons. Topics are relevant for unorthodox LDS couples, mixed-faith couples, and post-Mormon couples: Screencasts: Top 5 Myths and Truths about Why Committed Mormons Leave the Church http://mormonstories.org/top-5-myths-and-truths-about-why-committed-mormons-leave-the-church/ Podcasts: Navigating a Mormon Faith Transition (an overview) http://www.mormontransitions.org/2012/04/05/001-navigating-a-mormon-faith-transition/ 182-185: Navigating a Marriage When One Loses Their…

A Thank You to Our Workshop Scholarship Donors

August 27, 2014

To those of you who graciously supported the scholarship recipient program for our August “Marriage and Faith Transition Workshop” — I wanted to let you know that we were able to fund (by my best count) 12 couples scholarships because of your donations. Margi, Natasha, and I cannot thank you enough…

An update on my discussions with Stake President Bryan King (8/23/2014)

August 23, 2014

It appears as though our discussions with stake president Bryan King have abated for the time being, so I wanted to provide a quick update (for those who keep asking). After sending me this initial letter asking that I resign my church membership or face a disciplinary council, my wife Margi and…

493-494: Brent Metcalfe – Early Years, Mark Hofmann, the Salamander Letter, and the Bombings

August 20, 2014

By James Patterson

493-494: Brent Metcalfe – Early Years, Mark Hofmann, the Salamander Letter, and the Bombings

Few people had more of a front-row seat than Brent Metcalfe to the goings-on surrounding Mark Hofmann, the “Salamander Letter,” and the tragic events of October 1985 — what would be dubbed as the “Mormon Murders.” As a personal friend and research assistant for both Steve Christensen and Mark Hofmann,…

Questions for Kirk Caudle

August 18, 2014

By James Patterson

Questions for Kirk Caudle

Later this week I’ll have the privilege of guest hosting Mormon Stories. I’ll be talking to Kirk Caudle, Mormon studies scholar and host of the Mormon Book Review Podcast. Until this summer, Kirk was also an adjunct professor of religion at BYU-Idaho. After a series of run-ins with school administrators…

A Fascinating Look Into How the LDS Church Conducts Marketing Research Around Progressive Issues

August 13, 2014

I received these screen shots today from a supportive listener. To me, it’s a fascinating look into how the LDS Church currently conducts marketing research (to its members) around progressive issues such as its disciplining of high-profile members, and the ordination of women. …

491-492: Mara and Danny Kofoed — A Blog About Love

August 13, 2014

By James Patterson

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Since 2011, Mara and Danny Kofoed have been blogging about their positive approaches to life, even in the face of sometimes heartbreaking circumstances such as infidelity, divorce, and infertility. A Blog About Love stands as a the Kofoed’s testimony to the human spirit’s ability to transcend despair and difficulty, and to view…

Questions for Brent Metcalfe

August 11, 2014

I am very excited to announce that I will soon be interviewing Brent Metcalfe. Brent is a fascinating interview for Mormon Stories for many reasons, including: He knew forger and bomber Mark Hofmann personally. He worked directly for Steven Christensen (son of Mr. Mac), one of Mark Hofmann’s victims. He went on…

488-490: Neil Ransom and Kate Kelly – After Kate’s Excommunication

July 26, 2014

In this three-part series we interview Neil Ransom (Kate Kelly’s husband, and Ph.D. candidate in anthropology) and we speak with Kate about her excommunication and the aftermath. Some of the fascinating tidbits we explore: Neil’s early years growing up in Africa How Neil’s mission, along with his attending BYU-Idaho, actually turned him…

487: An Outsider’s View of Joseph Smith — Alex Beam’s “American Crucifixion: The Murder of Joseph Smith and the Fate of the Mormon Church”

July 15, 2014

In this episode we interview Alex Beam: author of “American Crucifixion: The Murder of Joseph Smith and the Fate of the Mormon Church.” Alex provides an extremely insightful and compelling “outsider’s view” of Joseph Smith’s final years in Nauvoo, along with his murder and legacy.

483-486: Christine Jeppsen Clark, Daughter of General Authority Malcolm Jeppsen

July 7, 2014

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Christine Jeppsen Clark is a mother of six, a former Mormon Tabernacle Choir member, a Ph.D. graduate student focusing on dementia, and a dear personal friend. She is also the daughter of the late Elder Malcolm S. Jeppsen — former LDS General Authority, personal physician and best friend to Elder Boyd…

Questions and Answers

June 25, 2014

Below is a listing of the most common questions that I am being asked about the possible pending disciplinary council. What past experiences led you to start Mormon Stories? Why did you start Mormon Stories? Why do you believe that you are being considered for disciplinary action? Do you desire…

480-482: Jeremy Runnells and his Letter to a CES Director

June 18, 2014

In February 2012, Jeremy Runnels experienced a crisis of faith, which subsequently led to a faith transition in the summer of 2012. In the spring of 2013, Jeremy was approached and asked by a Church Education System (CES) Director to share his concerns and questions about the LDS Church’s origins,…

476-479: John Dehlin and Kate Kelly Discuss Possible Disciplinary Action

June 18, 2014

In this series we share four interviews in response to John Dehlin and Kate Kelly being informed about pending disciplinary councils. The interviews include the following: Episode 476: A June 13th, 2014 interview with John Dehlin for Utah Public Radio. Episode 477: A June 16th, 2014 interview with John Dehlin…

365: Why I Stay — John Dehlin

June 12, 2014

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This presentation was delivered as part of the 2012 Salt Lake Symposium held on July 27th. To listen to the entire session, click here. The text for the talk can be found here.

Messages to my Family

June 12, 2014

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It’s a surprisingly heart-wrenching experience to tell your wife and children that you are being put on trial for apostasy by the church you love. What I learned today is that it’s even more difficult to receive this news as the spouse or child of an alleged apostate — especially when you…

400: Top 5 Myths and Truths about Why Committed Mormons Leave the Church

June 12, 2014

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I created this video/presentation for two reasons: To dispel any misunderstandings about why people leave the church (and what happens to them when they do) that came about as a result of my recent podcast interview, and I’ve been wanting to update my “Why people leave the LDS church” youtube…

My TEDx Talk: The Ally Within (On Being a Mormon LGBT Ally)

June 12, 2014

397-399: John Dehlin and Faith Reconstruction

June 12, 2014

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In this three-part interview conducted by Sarah Collett of A Thoughtful Faith podcast we discuss: My ups, downs, and ups with the church The story behind the “Why Mormons Question” survey, including my interactions with a few church leaders A discussion of the Daniel Peterson/Neil A. Maxwell institute incident last year The…

Understanding Mormon Disbelief Survey – Results and Analysis

June 11, 2014

Click here for the full report. Description below. This survey represents the first in a series that will explore the beliefs and practices of current and former Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). We recognize that there are many different decisions and experiences in the…

Flawed, but Trying

June 3, 2014

Flawed, but Trying

I’m going to say a few things that are completely obvious, but I want to say them anyway. Many, many people have been very kind to me recently, showering me with descriptors such as “hero” and “saint.” Others have been not-so-nice, accusing me of deliberately contriving and manipulating the past and present situations…

475: Sandra Tanner Pt 4: “Anti-Mormonism,” Her Christian Beliefs, the Future of the LDS Church, Jerald’s Passing, and Final Testimony

June 2, 2014

In part 4 of a 4 part series, Sandra Tanner discusses her views on being called an “anti-Mormon,” her Christian beliefs, her views on the recent candor/openness and future of the LDS church, the passing of her husband (Jerald — Alzheimer’s), and shares her final testimony.

474: Sandra Tanner Pt. 3 — Treasure Digging, Polygamy, Thomas Ferguson, Eugene England

May 26, 2014

In part 3 of a 4 part series, Sandra discusses several issues including Joseph Smith’s treasure digging, connections between the Masonic Lodge temple ceremony and the LDS Church temple ceremony, polygamy, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, blacks and the LDS priesthood, the Thomas Ferguson story, the Eugene England/Bruce R. McConkie letter…

473: Sandra Tanner Pt. 2 — LDS Apostles, First Vision, Books of Mormon and Abraham, and Mark Hofmann

May 22, 2014

In part 2 of our interview with Sandra Tanner, Sandra discusses challenges that she and her late husband had with Joseph Smith’s First Vision, the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, along with her interactions with Joseph Fielding Smith, Legrand Richard, and famous Mormon forger and murderer Mark Hofmann.

472: Sandra (and Jerald) Tanner Pt. 1 — The Early Years

May 19, 2014

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Sandra and the late Jerald Tanner were raised in the LDS faith, both with a strong Mormon family history. Jerald was the great-great-grandson of John Tanner, well known for his sizable financial contributions to Joseph Smith and the LDS church in 1835 when the church was deeply in debt. Sandra…

470-471: Adam Miller’s Letters to a Young Mormon

May 13, 2014

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Adam Miller has been described as one of the most interesting and important writers in Mormonism today. In this episode we speak with Adam about his new book, “Letters to a Young Mormon,” published by the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. According to Adam, this book attempts to…

469: RadioWest on New Order Mormons and StayLDS.com

May 9, 2014

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Over the last decade, there’s been a small group of Latter-day Saints carving out space for themselves in the Mormon community. They are often called “New Order Mormons.” They don’t believe everything the Church teaches, but they stay because they love the culture and are spiritually nourished by their involvement.…

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