Mormon Stories - LDS

Blaze Thibaudeau is a 16-year-old boy from Gilbert, Arizona who went missing recently. He was found in Alaska with his mother and uncle. According to the news, his mother and uncle are under a doomsday "delusion" and believe in the imminent Second Coming of Christ. They see Blaze as a "Davidic servant" who plays a significant role in the Savior's return. Is this yet another example of Mormon fundamentalist extremism tied to Visions of Glory and Thom Harrison?

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Direct download: MormonStories-1831-BlazeThibaudeau.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 7:00pm MDT

Kim and Josh Coffin's candid discussion with John Dehlin delves into their journey of faith transition within the Mormon Church, exploring the challenges and triumphs of rebuilding their identities and relationships post-departure. Kim's exploration of her LGBTQIA identity, Josh's shift in parenting roles, and their mutual reframing of mental health and gender dynamics are emphasized. The interview highlights their shared experiences of loss, disassociation, and the transformation of their personal and communal beliefs. The Coffins' unwavering commitment to rediscovering authenticity and embracing personal growth serves as an inspiring narrative for those navigating the complexities of faith and identity within and beyond religious communities.

Sweet Red Poppy - Cricut, Sewing, Crafting & DIY Tutorials

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Direct download: MormonStories-1830-JoshAndKimCoffinPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

Kim and Josh Coffin recount their experiences with the world of visions and apocalyptic beliefs in Mormonism, discussing the influence of figures like Chad Daybell and the controversial AVOW community. They shed light on their personal encounters with end-time preparations, the impact on family dynamics, and the implications of their father's involvement with Chad Daybell. The interview touches on the church's handling of such groups and the lack of clear condemnation, raising questions about accountability and the need for more decisive action. The Coffins' candid exploration of their family dynamics within the context of these extreme beliefs serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked apocalyptic communities within the Mormon faith.

Sweet Red Poppy - Cricut, Sewing, Crafting & DIY Tutorials

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Direct download: MormonStories-1829-JoshAndKimCoffinPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:15am MDT

Kim's upbringing was fraught with fear, driven by intense preparations for the Second Coming. Themes of spiritual scrupulosity and the ominous echoes of evil spirits were deeply ingrained. Her father's prepper mindset, financial exploitation, and extreme beliefs added to the tumult. Josh's narrative exposes the suffocating expectations of righteousness and conditional love, culminating in his distressing mission experience and subsequent social rejection.

This candid conversation delves into the challenges and repercussions of rigid Mormon ideology, underscoring the profound impacts on individuals and families. The gripping insights shared here provide a raw and thought-provoking glimpse into the complex realities faced by many within the Mormon community.

Sweet Red Poppy - Cricut, Sewing, Crafting & DIY Tutorials

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Direct download: MormonStories-1828-JoshAndKimCoffinnPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

Join us as we interview journalist, author and former fitness director of Men's Health magazine Michael Easter. Michael has written two books: The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain. Today, Michael discusses hard topics like Why do people become addicted? How does scarcity put our brains in a loop? How does religion play into all of this?

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Direct download: MormonStories-1825-MichaelEaster.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

In this riveting discussion with John Dehlin and panelists Lauren Mathias, Megan Connor, and Mindy Caldwell, we explore the disturbing connections between Thom Harrison's book "Visions of Glory" and the recent fundamentalist Mormon crime cases, including the Vallow-Daybell tragedy and the Tim Ballard controversy. The panel dissects the influence of Harrison's teachings on individuals like Lori Vallow and others involved in extreme religious practices, shedding light on the dangerous impact of unverified spiritual claims. They also delve into the concerning associations with psychic mediums, shadow governments, and the spread of radical ideologies within certain Mormon communities, raising critical questions about the role of these beliefs in recent criminal incidents.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1826-VisionOfGloryPt2.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 6:00pm MDT

Today we will discuss someone described as the "spiritual leader" of alleged murders Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow, alleged abuser Tim Ballard, and recently-imprisoned Jodi Hildebrandt.

Thom Harrison is a prominent Utah therapist who published a book called "Visions of Glory" in 2012, focusing on three of his alleged near death experiences (including personal visitations from Jesus Christ). As has been uncovered over the past few years, Thom Harrison' and his book "Visions of Glory" have been highly influential across the Mormon "prepper" neo-fundamentalist community, and particularly in the lives and stories of Chad Daybell, Lori Vallow, Tim Ballard, Jodi Hildebrant, as well as other "preppers" such as Julie Rowe, Rod Meldrum, and alleged abuser-therapist Maurice Harker.

Part of what has made Visions of Glory so successful is that Thom (through the pseudonym Spencer) claims in his book that his visions were approved of by an un-named Mormon apostle (who now is known to be the late Neal A. Maxwell).

Finally, we will discuss how the Mormon church was made aware of Thom Harrison and his book in the 2012-2013 time period, and chose to promote Thom to bishop instead of to punish him and/or stop the publishing of his book.

Lauren Matthias (Hidden True Crime Podcast), Megan Connor (Lori Vallow's cousin), and Mindy Caldwell (Mormon super-sluether) will be joining us for this panel discussion.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1825-VisionsOfGloryPt1.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

Book Club is back with Rebecca Bibliotheca! Joining her and John Dehlin is Dr. Sarah Patterson as she introduces us to her book on the “September Six”, a group of scholars and feminists excommunicated from the LDS Church in September 1993.

The interview examines the impact of excommunications, the power of the Church's stance on purity, and the consequences for members. Sarah also highlights the importance of remembering those who paved the way for open conversations and change within the Church.

The September Six and the Struggle for the Soul of Mormonism by Sara Patterson

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Direct download: MormonStories-1823-SaraPatterson.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

From 1904-1907 Congress held a series of hearings on whether Reed Smoot, an LDS apostle who was elected to the Senate, should be seated. The hearing provide a deep look at Mormon practice, history and theology in the congressional record. These hearings and the controversies surrounding them remain a pivotal moment in Mormon History.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1823-ReedSmootHearings.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

Mormon apologetics have been around ever since Mormonism has existed. Join with Mike, Nemo and John as they discuss the types of apologetics that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints engage in and why they are all flawed. 

LDS Discussions Essay on Apologetics: Overview of Apologetic Responses Within Mormonism

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Direct download: MormonStories-LDSDMormonApologetics.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

Amy Lloyd condenses the CES Letter for teens, emphasizing the importance of informed consent in matters of faith. She delves into the Book of Mormon's origins, translation, and its value despite historical concerns and addresses foundational topics such as the First Vision, Book of Abraham, polygamy, and polyandry, shedding light on critical issues within the Church's history. This thoughtful discussion serves as a valuable resource for those navigating complex issues within the Mormon faith.

https://lettertomychild.net/


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Direct download: MormonStories-1820-AmyLloydPt3.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 11:00am MDT

Yesterday I reached out to one of my LDS bishop contacts to see if Tim Ballard still showed up as an active member in the "Tools for Leaders" web application. Today we will be sharing what they captured (child info redacted). Tim is no longer listed as head of household for his family. We will also provide a few more details about the Tim Ballard story and his excommunication.

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Direct download: MormonStories-1820-TimBallardExcommunication.mp3
Category:Religion -- posted at: 1:15pm MDT

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