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Does chiasmus prove that the Book of Mormon is an ancient text? In this episode of LDS Discussions, we take a closer look at one of the most frequently cited arguments for the Book of Mormon’s ancient authenticity: chiasmus. Mormon apologists have argued that the presence of complex chiastic structures demonstrates that the Book of Mormon was written by ancient Hebrew authors and could not have been produced by Joseph Smith in the 19th century.  But there is a problem with that argument: chiasmus does not appear only in the Book of Mormon.  We examine what chiasmus actually is, how John W. Welch famously identified chiasmus in the Book of Mormon. We also look at the way chiasmus and other biblical literary patterns appear throughout the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Book of Moses, Book of Abraham, and even Joseph Smith’s personal writings and letters.  We also examine an important question about translation. If the Book of Mormon was originally written in Reformed Egyptian and then translated into English, how could highly specific Hebrew literary structures survive that process? The Book of Mormon itself says that its language had been altered, raising questions about the assumption that these literary structures should necessarily have been preserved.  If the presence of chiasmus in the Book of Mormon is supposed to demonstrate that it was written by ancient authors, what should we make of the same literary technique appearing in texts that unquestionably originated in the modern era? Even Shakespeare, who was born in London, wrote complex chiasms. The goal is not simply to ask whether chiasmus exists in the Book of Mormon, but whether its existence actually demonstrates ancient authorship.  ___________________ Show Notes YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

What does it mean to grow up Black and Mormon in an overwhelmingly white church? In Part One of our conversation with Mariama Nadworna, she shares her story of growing up in Sierra Leone before moving to the UK as a child. When her mother began investigating Mormonism, Mariama’s family eventually went “all in” on the church, embracing its teachings and community as they adjusted to life in a new country. Mariama describes how her Mormon upbringing shaped the way she understood race, worthiness, obedience, and her own identity. She also discusses growing up Black in predominantly white Mormon spaces, learning to navigate the world “from the outside in,” and feeling pressure to be exceptional in order to prove herself. We explore the church’s historical teachings about race, including the “Curse of Cain,” interracial marriage, and the priesthood ban, as well as the ways these teachings affected her understanding of her own worth. Mariama also reflects on her mission, dating, education, and the ways her African heritage and spirituality shaped her relationship with Mormonism. This episode ultimately begs the question: What happens when the community you seek belonging in will not accept you for who you truly are? ___________________ Show Notes YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

What does it mean to grow up Black and Mormon in an overwhelmingly white church? In Part One of our conversation with Mariama Nadworna, she shares her story of growing up in Sierra Leone before moving to the UK as a child. When her mother began investigating Mormonism, Mariama’s family eventually went “all in” on the church, embracing its teachings and community as they adjusted to life in a new country. Mariama describes how her Mormon upbringing shaped the way she understood race, worthiness, obedience, and her own identity. She also discusses growing up Black in predominantly white Mormon spaces, learning to navigate the world “from the outside in,” and feeling pressure to be exceptional in order to prove herself. We explore the church’s historical teachings about race, including the “Curse of Cain,” interracial marriage, and the priesthood ban, as well as the ways these teachings affected her understanding of her own worth. Mariama also reflects on her mission, dating, education, and the ways her African heritage and spirituality shaped her relationship with Mormonism. This episode ultimately begs the question: What happens when the community you seek belonging in will not accept you for who you truly are? ___________________ Show Notes YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Today on Mormon Stories News, John and Meggan examine new Pew data on Mormon retention, the Church’s opposition to Idaho Proposition 1, questions surrounding David McConkie’s employment at BYU, a response from Suzie Greco, Elizabeth Smart’s Survivor Files, and Colorado State’s apology following anti-Mormon chants at a BYU football game. ARE MORMONS STAYING? New Pew data gives us another look at LDS retention in the United States. We compare the new findings with Church-focused retention research released earlier this year. https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/05/latter-day-saint-faith-retention-united-states/ https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/ CHURCH OPPOSES IDAHO PROP 1 The LDS Church has asked Idaho members to oppose Proposition 1, a reproductive freedom ballot initiative. We look at what has transpired since. https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/09/read-letter-from-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saint-leaders-on-idaho-abortion-prop-1-initiative/ DAVID McCONKIE AT BYU Questions are being raised about BYU’s employment of David G. McConkie, who appears on a public offender registry. We look at the available records and what is being reported about his work at BYU. https://www.nsopw.gov/search-public-sex-offender-registries?search= https://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=31038418&AgencyID=54438 https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1wj58fx/byu_employs_convicted_sex_offender_david_g/ SUZIE GRECO RESPONDS Survivor advocate and researcher Suzie Greco responds following our previous coverage of the warning she says she received from LDS leaders. ELIZABETH SMART: SURVIVOR FILES Elizabeth Smart is sharing a new series, Survivor Files, centered on survivor stories and experiences. https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_smart_official/reels/ COLORADO STATE APOLOGIZES TO BYU Colorado State apologized after fans directed derogatory chants at BYU during their football game. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49986309/colorado-st-apologizes-byu-derogatory-chants-fans ___________________ YouTube Show Notes At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Today on Mormon Stories News, John and Meggan examine the LDS Church attorney’s response to claims about the Mormon Stories lawsuit, new Pew data on Mormon retention, the Church’s opposition to Idaho Proposition 1, questions surrounding David McConkie’s employment at BYU, a response from Suzie Greco, Elizabeth Smart’s Survivor Files, and Colorado State’s apology following anti-Mormon chants at a BYU football game. LDS CHURCH LAWYER RESPONDS An attorney for the LDS Church responds to John Dehlin’s claims about the Mormon Stories lawsuit. We compare his account with the original correspondence, court filings, mediation claims, and the Church’s earlier Bad Mormon trademark dispute with Heather Gay. https://youtu.be/eW0XiaJ0yA4 https://www.deseret.com/entertainment/2023/2/8/23590017/bad-mormon-court-fight-church-of-jesus-christ-heather-gay-real-housewives-salt-lake/ https://www.mormonstories.org/lds-church-lawsuit/ ARE MORMONS STAYING? New Pew data gives us another look at LDS retention in the United States. We compare the new findings with Church-focused retention research released earlier this year. https://www.deseret.com/faith/2026/06/05/latter-day-saint-faith-retention-united-states/ https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/22/tradition-and-change-among-latter-day-saints-in-the-us/ CHURCH OPPOSES IDAHO PROP 1 The LDS Church has asked Idaho members to oppose Proposition 1, a reproductive freedom ballot initiative. We look at what has transpired since. https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/09/read-letter-from-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saint-leaders-on-idaho-abortion-prop-1-initiative/ DAVID McCONKIE AT BYU Questions are being raised about BYU’s employment of David G. McConkie, who appears on a public offender registry. We look at the available records and what is being reported about his work at BYU. https://www.nsopw.gov/search-public-sex-offender-registries?search= https://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=31038418&AgencyID=54438 https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1wj58fx/byu_employs_convicted_sex_offender_david_g/ SUZIE GRECO RESPONDS Survivor advocate and researcher Suzie Greco responds following our previous coverage of the warning she says she received from LDS leaders. ELIZABETH SMART: SURVIVOR FILES Elizabeth Smart is sharing a new series, Survivor Files, centered on survivor stories and experiences. https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_smart_official/reels/ COLORADO STATE APOLOGIZES TO BYU Colorado State apologized after fans directed derogatory chants at BYU during their football game. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49986309/colorado-st-apologizes-byu-derogatory-chants-fans ___________________ YouTube Show Notes At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

In this episode, we continue examining Brigham Young’s life and his increasingly central role in the development of early Mormon polygamy.  Join us as we discuss John Turner’s book “Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet” with John Turner himself. Today we are discussing the chapter “The New and Everlasting Covenant.” After returning from his mission to Britain, Brigham Young encounters a Mormon movement undergoing dramatic changes. Joseph Smith is deeply involved in plural marriage, John C. Bennett’s scandal begins to expose the complicated sexual and religious world developing in Nauvoo, and Brigham himself moves from uncertainty to becoming one of polygamy’s most prominent advocates.  We examine the controversial story of Martha Brothertone, Brigham Young’s plural marriages and polyandrous relationships, his relationship with Joseph Smith, and the dynastic ambitions that connected plural marriage to Mormonism’s highest leaders. We also look at Brigham’s role in introducing Hyrum Smith to plural marriage and the enormous power differential created when these relationships were presented as commands from God.  Finally, we turn to the death of Joseph Smith and the question of succession. Who would have succeeded Joseph if both Joseph and Hyrum had survived? Why wasn’t Brigham Young immediately recognized as Joseph’s successor? And how did the events surrounding Joseph’s death set the stage for the eventual rise of Brigham Young?  ___________________ YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

I am incredibly pleased to re-release this 3-part interview with my wife of 33 years, Margaret (Margi) Weber Dehlin - first recorded in 2016 (a year after our excommunication from the Mormon church). I say "our" excommunication, because Margi felt that when they excommunicated me, they excommunicated our family as well. Part 1: Margi's life as a believing Mormon. This includes questions about how her family joined the LDS church in Washington D.C. during the 1970s, reflections on her own "conversion" to the church, Margi's favorite parts about being a believing, active Mormon, and the most challenging parts as well. Part 2: Margi's faith crisis and transition away from Mormon orthodoxy, including our time trying to remain LDS as semi-believers, and her experiences and reflections on my excommunication. Topics include the impetus for Margi's faith transition, how she/we "came out" to our children parents, extended family, etc. as unorthodox Mormons, and what the most difficult and rewarding parts of the transition were. Part 3: Margi's life and perspective now, as a post-Mormon, including reflections on her current beliefs and non-beliefs, her approach to nurturing a healthy/happy family without religion, how she approaches raising children without the church, and why she feels as though she and our family are happier and healthier than ever before after leaving the church. ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Our Platforms: Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MormonStoriesPodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

I am incredibly pleased to re-release this 3-part interview with my wife of 33 years, Margaret (Margi) Weber Dehlin - first recorded in 2016 (a year after our excommunication from the Mormon church). I say "our" excommunication, because Margi felt that when they excommunicated me, they excommunicated our family as well. Part 1: Margi's life as a believing Mormon. This includes questions about how her family joined the LDS church in Washington D.C. during the 1970s, reflections on her own "conversion" to the church, Margi's favorite parts about being a believing, active Mormon, and the most challenging parts as well. Part 2: Margi's faith crisis and transition away from Mormon orthodoxy, including our time trying to remain LDS as semi-believers, and her experiences and reflections on my excommunication. Topics include the impetus for Margi's faith transition, how she/we "came out" to our children parents, extended family, etc. as unorthodox Mormons, and what the most difficult and rewarding parts of the transition were. Part 3: Margi's life and perspective now, as a post-Mormon, including reflections on her current beliefs and non-beliefs, her approach to nurturing a healthy/happy family without religion, how she approaches raising children without the church, and why she feels as though she and our family are happier and healthier than ever before after leaving the church. ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Our Platforms: Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MormonStoriesPodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

I am incredibly pleased to re-release this 3-part interview with my wife of 33 years, Margaret (Margi) Weber Dehlin - first recorded in 2016 (a year after our excommunication from the Mormon church). I say "our" excommunication, because Margi felt that when they excommunicated me, they excommunicated our family as well. Part 1: Margi's life as a believing Mormon. This includes questions about how her family joined the LDS church in Washington D.C. during the 1970s, reflections on her own "conversion" to the church, Margi's favorite parts about being a believing, active Mormon, and the most challenging parts as well. Part 2: Margi's faith crisis and transition away from Mormon orthodoxy, including our time trying to remain LDS as semi-believers, and her experiences and reflections on my excommunication. Topics include the impetus for Margi's faith transition, how she/we "came out" to our children parents, extended family, etc. as unorthodox Mormons, and what the most difficult and rewarding parts of the transition were. Part 3: Margi's life and perspective now, as a post-Mormon, including reflections on her current beliefs and non-beliefs, her approach to nurturing a healthy/happy family without religion, how she approaches raising children without the church, and why she feels as though she and our family are happier and healthier than ever before after leaving the church. ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Our Platforms: Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MormonStoriesPodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: [email protected] PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

In today's Mormon Stories News, John and Meggan are back with six stories raising questions about LDS leadership, institutional accountability, and the future of Mormonism. We respond to Skye's criticism of our previous coverage, examine abuse survivor advocate Suzie Greco's reported warning, and unpack Elder Kevin W. Pearson's striking remarks about a future Church with 50 million members. Plus, a new report explores the Church's emphasis on marrying young and having children, a video raises questions about service missionaries providing legal assistance, and BYU appears in a report on universities criticized for their treatment of LGBTQ students. SKYE RESPONDS TO MORMON STORIES Skye says John disparaged his marriage. We revisit the criticism and discuss how to address disagreements about mixed-orientation marriages without dismissing the people living them. https://www.instagram.com/p/DdFKB3iSzao/ SUZIE GRECO WARNED? Survivor advocate and researcher Suzie Greco reports receiving a warning. We examine her account, her research into abuse and institutional structures, and the specific reforms she has proposed for the LDS Church. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19QPkf4ApB/ 50 MILLION MORMONS? Elder Kevin W. Pearson speaks about the Church moving from 18 million to 50 million members. Is he describing an expectation for future growth? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqVNtE5pV3U MARRY YOUNG, HAVE MORE BABIES? A new KUER report examines the LDS Church's messaging around younger marriage, family formation, and modern motherhood. We discuss what that messaging means for young adults making decisions about their futures. https://www.kuer.org/health/2026-09-16/lds-church-younger-marriage-more-babies-modern-motherhood SERVICE MISSIONARIES PROVIDING LEGAL HELP? A video prompts questions about the role of service missionaries in providing legal assistance. We look at what's being described and what questions it raises about missionary service and professional expertise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H10ajNFcXA BYU AND THE 15 WORST UNIVERSITIES The Advocate includes BYU in its coverage of universities criticized for anti-LGBTQ policies and practices. We discuss the concerns behind the report and what they mean for LGBTQ students attending religious universities. https://www.advocate.com/news/education/15-worst-anti-lgbtq-universities Join us today for the latest Mormon news, analysis, and conversation. Share your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe to Mormon Stories Podcast for more coverage of the LDS Church. ___________________ YouTube Show Notes At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

In Part Two of our history of tithing, we examine how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has defined tithing over time –and whether the modern expectation to pay 10% of income actually matches the historical revelation given to Joseph Smith.  The 1838 revelation on tithing instructed members to give a tenth of their “surplus” property and subsequently a tenth of their “interest” annually. But what did those words mean in the 19th century? Did “interest” mean all income, or did it refer to increase or profit after expenses were paid?  We also examine the question of who gets to determine what constitutes “surplus” or “interest,” how tithing affects low-income members differently from wealthy members, and how the modern interpretation developed –particularly through the First Presidency’s 1970 letter and subsequent Church teachings. From there, we explore the four specific purposes for which tithing was originally given, including building temples, laying the foundation of Zion, supporting the priesthood, and other charitable or religious purposes. We compare those purposes with how the Church uses tithing today and ask whether the original reasons for the law have actually been fulfilled.  The discussion also looks at teachings from Brigham Young Junior, Lorenzo Snow, David A. Bendar, Russell M. Nelson, Elder Holland, Elder Packer, Elder Becerra, and others, including the increasingly strict expectation that members pay tithing even when doing so creates financial hardship or debt.  This episodes asks a broader question about the relationship between scripture, revelation, historical context, and modern institutional policy: If the original revelation from the Lord says “surplus” and “interest,” when –and why –did that become a requirement to pay 10% of one’s entire income to the Church?  LDS Discussions examines the historical and doctrinal claims of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints using primary sources, historical documents, and critical analysis. ___________________ YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Four THRIVE events are coming — Rexburg, San Antonio, Boise, and St. George — and John Dehlin wants to make sure you hear about them IN ADVANCE this time.THRIVE conferences are for former and transitioning members of high-demand religions. They're about community, healing, and growth after Mormonism — meeting people who get it, picking up tools for navigating a faith crisis, and realizing you are not alone and you are not crazy.REGISTER FOR ALL FOUR AT: https://thrivebeyondreligion.com---------------------------------------------------------------------THRIVE REXBURG — Sept. 18–19, 2026 — $19---------------------------------------------------------------------"Brewing a New Story"Friday, Sept. 18: meet and greetSaturday, Sept. 19: speakersOur FIRST-EVER THRIVE in Rexburg, Idaho.Speakers:• Britt Hartley (keynote) — No Nonsense Spirituality• Renae Peterson• Erika Nordfelt• Nan Osborne---------------------------------------------------------------------THRIVE SAN ANTONIO — Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 — $25--------------------------------------------------------------------- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PMWheatly Heights Sports Complex, Event Hall200 Noblewood Dr, San Antonio, TX 78220Speakers:• Alyssa Grenfell• Nathan Hinckley — singer and former bishop• Megan Conner• Elbert Fish• Meggan Hayes — Generally Unquotable / Mormon News Network---------------------------------------------------------------------THRIVE BOISE — Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 — $29, INCLUDES LUNCH---------------------------------------------------------------------10:00 AM – 5:00 PMGalaxy/Wahooz Fun Center400 W Overland Road, Boise, ID 83642Speakers:• Dr. John G. Turner (keynote) — Professor of Religious Studies and History at George Mason University; author of "Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet" and "Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet"; co-host of the Joseph Smith and Brigham Young podcast series with John Dehlin• Amy Faragher, LPC — clinical insights for navigating a faith crisis• Kolby Reddish — LDS Discussions• Andrew Propst — kidnapped while serving a mission in Russia; his story became the film "The Saratov Approach"---------------------------------------------------------------------THRIVE ST. GEORGE — March 5–7, 2027 — $45 for all three days---------------------------------------------------------------------"Think Freely. Thrive Fully."Friday, March 5: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PMSaturday, March 6: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday, March 7: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PMDixie Convention Center1835 South Convention Center Drive, St. George, UT 84790Our biggest THRIVE yet. Speakers:• Michael Foley — "Your Momma's So Mormon She Won't Come To This Session: My Adventures In Trying To Make Utah Laugh"• Chris Bartlett — "Behind the Mask: An Actor Questions His Programming"• Sally Osborne & Lena Osborne — "When Everything Changes: Staying Connected Through Faith, Identity, and Family Transformation"• Kolby Reddish — "How to Understand Different Approaches to Faith"• Dr. Christine Marie — "Stop Judging. Start Helping"• Nomz Bistline — "Stop Judging. Start Helping"• Dr. John Lundwall — "Secret Works: Magic, Memory, and the Making of the Book of Mormon"• Dr. Julie de Azevedo — "What I Kept When I Left: A Life of Thoughtful Integration"Meet content creators, shop the tables, and connect with influencers, podcasters, and authors. Book through our preferred hotel partners for 20% off your stay.Event details: https://www.stgeorgethrive.org---------------------------------------------------------------------HOW TO REGISTER--------------------------------------------------------------------- All four events: https://thrivebeyondreligion.comTickets are priced only to cover the venue and food — usually $19 to $45.WANT TO ORGANIZE A THRIVE IN YOUR AREA?Email [email protected] or [email protected] and we will help you put one together.

In Part Three of Mike and Michele’s story, the couple begins confronting serious concerns about Mormonism as their children struggle with missions, faith, and their place in the church. Mike becomes increasingly concerned about the challenges young Mormons are facing, and struggles to work with church leadership to keep them engaged in their faith. As they discover that the church is not working for their family in the same way anymore, they begin stepping further outside the Mormon community. They explore other Christian traditions and begin to consume media not run by the LDS church, such as the LDS Discussions podcast. Their journey raises difficult questions about authority, faith, family, and whether personal spiritual experiences can be trusted. They begin to question the difference between feeling “the Spirit” and experiencing awe or wonder simply as part of the human condition. In search of these answers, they find themselves searching for meaning outside of Mormonism. Today, Mike and Michele are focused less on having all the answers and more on exploration, connection, and helping others navigate the questions that come with changing beliefs. We hope that their story can be helpful to your search for wonder, as well! https://seekwonderway.substack.com ___________________ Show Notes YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

We are back with Michele and Mike Seamons in part 2 of this interview with the “Idyllic” Mormon family. In part 2, they detail how their picture of the Mormon dream can come with plenty of challenges. They build and lose businesses, move across the country multiple times, and repeatedly find themselves rebuilding their lives. Through it all, they respond by doubling down on their commitment to Mormonism and church service. Mike eventually finds himself serving as a bishop, where the responsibilities of counseling members and conducting disciplinary councils begin to change how he sees church leadership. At the same time, Michele’s relationship with the church begins to shift as music and other Christian influences introduce her to a different way of thinking about God. As their family and church lives continue to evolve, Mike and Michele begin confronting questions that will eventually force them to reconsider what faith looks like to them. https://seekwonderway.substack.com ___________________ YouTube Show Notes At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Today we welcome Michele and Mike Seamons to the podcast. Michele and Mike are a married couple who were both raised in the LDS faith and experienced what they describe as an “idyllic” Mormon upbringing. In Part 1, we begin with each of their backgrounds and what it was like to grow up in faithful LDS homes with supportive families, wards, and communities surrounding them. Michele was raised in Sandy, Utah, while Mike grew up outside of Los Angeles, California. We also discuss Michele’s mission experience and how the two eventually met at the MTC. In Part 2, we pick up with Mike’s mission story before moving into their early marriage and family life, business pursuits, and increasing involvement in the church. Mike serves in youth leadership and eventually becomes a bishop, while Michele serves in various roles, including Young Women's president. Eventually, Michele becomes more interested in mainstream Christianity through music and podcasts, leading her to begin viewing her Mormon faith differently. Then be sure to come back for Part 3, where we conclude their Mormon story and discuss where they stand with their faith today. This is a three part episode. You can find all three parts on our channel. ___________________ YouTube At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.   Our overall mission is to:  1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today ⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠ ⁠Patreon⁠ ⁠Venmo ⁠ ⁠PayPal ⁠ Our Platforms: 🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠ 🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠ ✳️⁠Spotify⁠ 🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ 🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠ 📱⁠TikTok ⁠ 🎮⁠Discord ⁠ Contact us: 📧 [email protected] 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117