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Examining LDS Church truth claims in a thoughtful way, seeking objectivity.
The podcast LDS Discussions – Mormon Truth Claims Examined is created by Mormon Stories Podcast. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
The LDS Church is quietly but significantly updating the introduction to the Book of Mormon, shifting its focus from historical claims to a broader, more spiritual narrative. In this episode , we dive deep into these changes, exploring what they reveal about the Church's evolving stance on the historicity of its sacred text. Is this an effort to address long-standing critiques about the lack of archaeological and genetic evidence? Or does it reflect a broader shift to make the Book of Mormon more approachable for a global audience? Join us as we unpack the implications of this significant change and discuss what it might mean for the future of Mormonism.
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In this gripping third installment of our series, we dive deep into the Book of Mormon to unravel the true meaning of the cursed “Skin of Blackness." Are recent apologetic theories—claiming it's just paint, dark coats, or tattoos—offering genuine insights, or are they merely attempts to gloss over the text's troubling implications? Join us as we confront these arguments head-on and question whether we should trust the prophets or the apologists. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion!
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In this episode, we dive into part two of our exploration of the "skin of blackness" mentioned in the Book of Mormon.
Historically, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints identified Native Americans as the Lamanites.
But as we approach the early 2000s, new theories have emerged. Could the "skin of blackness" refer to paint, tattoos, or dark animal skins? Join us as we unpack these intriguing ideas and their implications for understanding the text.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion!
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Can ancient scripture be reinterpreted to erase racism? Mormon apologists are attempting just that with controversial “skin of blackness” passages in the Book of Mormon. But can these efforts stand up to historical scrutiny, or do they merely obscure uncomfortable truths? Critics argue it whitewashes history and denies lived experiences. Join us as we critically examine how modern LDS apologists attempt to explain away racist teachings in early Mormon history and scripture by comparing their modern interpretations with the information they avoid most strenuously–the original words and primary sources of the doctrines to begin with.
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We're back to wrap up our series on the Book of Mormon witnesses with what happened to them later in life.
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In this riveting interview, @nemothemormon and @analyzingmormonism are back to delve into the lesser-known accounts surrounding the plates of the Book of Mormon. Witness testimonies, some published decades after the events, paint a conflicting picture of the plates' appearance, size, and the circumstances under which they were allegedly shown. From the curious case of Josiah Stoll, who claimed to be the first to handle the plates, to Mary Whitmer's visionary encounter with an enigmatic figure, "Brother Nephi," who purportedly showed her the plates, we explore the enduring myths of Mormonism's foundational narrative.
Witnesses Series:
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Were the 8 witnesses to Joseph Smith's golden plates actually credible? Or just gullible relatives caught up in his delusion? Shockingly candid statements from witnesses like Hiram Page and John Whitmer seem to contradict and undermine official LDS teachings about their testimonies. What are the implications of the past witnesses on today’s modern church?
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Julia, Nemo, and Mike are back to discuss the varying accounts of the three men who supposedly saw Joseph's "gold plates" that eventually became the Book of Mormon. What did they say about what they REALLY saw?
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The team discusses controversial allegations of sexual impropriety against Joseph Smith and John C. Bennett in Nauvoo, the existence of the Danites as a violent vigilante group, Bennett's subsequent exposes of Mormonism after his excommunication, the succession crisis and various Mormon offshoots after Joseph Smith's death, and questions around the authenticity of Mormon truth claims such as the golden plates. There is debate around the accuracy of some historical sources, as well as acknowledgment that early Mormonism contained cult-like elements such as polygamy and unquestioning loyalty tests. Episode Show Notes
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In this episode, we expose the layers of Bennett's role in divulging Joseph's polygamous secrets. From secret women's organizations with captivating names like Cyprian Saints to the complex web of polygamous relationships, we journey through a fascinating exploration of historical allegations and denials. Brace yourself for a captivating ride through the world of John C. Bennett, where accusations, clandestine affairs, and the shadowy specter of abortionist connections add layers of complexity to this historical puzzle. Episode Show Notes
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Dive into the captivating saga of John C. Bennett, an enigmatic figure woven into the intricate tapestry of early Mormonism. John, Mike, Nemo, and Julia from Analyzing Mormonism unearth together the layers of his rise, from esteemed physician to Mayor of Nauvoo and right-hand man to Joseph, and the scandalous allegations that led to his name becoming a hiss and a byword among Mormons even to this day. Tune in for an enthralling journey that peels back the layers of secrecy and intrigue surrounding this controversial historical figure. Episode Show Notes
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Does accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet require rejecting vast fields of science and scholarship?
Join us as we consider long-held assumptions about Joseph Smith and the truth claims of Mormonism. We highlight problematic beliefs like dark skin being a curse from God, Native Americans as a cursed and loathsome people, evolution and DNA studies being incompatible with LDS teachings, and linguistic, archaeological, and historical evidence contradicting the Book of Mormon's divine origins.
LDS Discussion Essay Episode Show Notes
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In this captivating episode with John Dehlin, Nemo @NEMOTHEMORMON , and Mike on LDS Discussions, we delve into the controversial miracle stories of Mormon Prophet Russell M. Nelson. What are the implications for a spokesperson of God to fabricate and exaggerate, including (or especially) in regards to revelation like the November 2015 LGBT exclusionary policy. Join us in unraveling the motivations behind these distortions and why they hold significant consequences. How do these accounts shape our understanding of religious leadership?
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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In this interview, we delve into how Russell M. Nelson, the leader of the LDS Church, addresses doubt.
Nelson's 2021 talk on doubts and "lazy learners" encourages members to "choose to believe" and not dwell on doubts. He suggests applying this approach to real-world situations, reframing faith to transcend evidence, and using the bandwagon effect to suppress doubts.
The conversation also explores how Nelson portrays both fulfillment and failure as aspects of faith. The church historian in 2023 acknowledges compelling reasons for doubt, yet Kyle McKay uses Nelson's talk to instill fear of doubt in members.
LDS Discussions Essay on doubt: Overview of How the Church Handles Doubts with the Book of Mormon (ldsdiscussions.com)
In this eye-opening episode of LDS Discussions, Mike, John Dehlin, and Nemo the Mormon explore the Mormon church's approach to handling doubt. They take a brief historical journey into the realm of Mormon doubt and apologetics. We critically examine the church's framing of doubters as “unruly children” and labeling doubts that lead away from the church as “evil.” They discuss the reliance on the church as the sole source of authority on truth and the discouragement of critical thinking. With insights from various church authorities, this episode provides valuable perspectives on navigating doubt within the Mormon church. Listeners who have experienced doubts or questioned their faith may find this episode particularly enlightening and relatable.
Overview of How the Church Handles Doubts Episode Show Notes
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Join hosts Mike, Nemo, and John Dehlin as they delve into the intricacies of spiritual witnesses within Mormonism. How do sincere seekers often end up with different answers when appealing to "the Spirit"? Can individuals be exploited by circumstances deliberately designed to create feelings of spiritual confirmation? What are the consequences when "spiritual witnesses" go wrong?
Join us as we dive into the psychological phenomena of spiritual witnesses. We examine topics such as indoctrination, repetition, and the Illusory Truth effect, as well as other psychological mechanisms like confirmation bias, the backfire effect, and motivated reasoning. This episode can provide insight to your own spiritual experiences and provide tools to recognize attempts to manufacture the experience in you.
Overview of Testimonies and Spiritual Witnesses in Mormonism (ldsdiscussions.com)
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Did Brigham Young transform into Joseph Smith's appearance? We discuss the rise of Brigham Young from the “Transfiguration” that altered Mormonism's course. Mike, Nemo, and John explore this event by analyzing historical records, contemporary journals, and a carefully constructed narrative. We unveil the astonishing accounts of backdated miracles and the use of carefully worded descriptions in "Saints." Discover why the Transfiguration holds immense significance for Mormonism and how it guides the birth of miracle stories.
LDS Discussions Essay on the Transfiguration
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Join John, Nemo, and Mike in a captivating episode as they unravel the intricate tapestry of influences that shaped the founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith. From the unique doctrines of Mormonism to the enigmatic Book of Mormon, they embark on a thought-provoking journey through history and religious texts. Discover the surprising connections between revival sermons and the sermons in the Book of Mormon, and explore the profound influence of figures like Alexander Campbell on Joseph Smith's religious framework.
Delve into the visionary experiences that shaped Smith's spiritual journey, from the lesser-known first visions of Norris Stearns and Asa Wild to the fascinating early versions of "memes" in American history. Uncover the intriguing connections between the priesthood restoration and the teachings of the Campbellites, as well as the incorporation of the Book of Enoch in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Journey through the Word of Wisdom and its links to the Temperance Movement and explore the historical contexts that influenced Smith's perspectives on the Curse of Cain and the Curse of Ham. Finally, peel back the layers of the Endowment Ceremony and its similarities to the Masonic Ceremony, shedding light on Joseph Smith's quest to restore ancient rituals.
Prepare for an eye-opening exploration of the diverse influences that shaped Joseph Smith and the emergence of Mormonism. In this episode, you'll uncover the intricate connections between historical events, religious movements, and Joseph Smith's visionary experiences, shedding new light on the foundations of one of America's most influential religious movements.
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Discover the truth behind Mormon Patriarchal Blessings in this eye-opening interview with hosts Mike, Nemo, and John. From reflections on their own blessings to the harmful effects of this mechanism of control over members, the hosts delve into the nuanced nature of these individualized messages from God. With insights on how even past prophets have framed patriarchal blessings, and the agelessness of their messages, you won't want to miss this deep dive into revelation in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
LDS Discussions essay on personal revelation
Episode Show Notes _________________________
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Mike, Nemo, and John discuss the problems with personal revelation.
LDS Discussions essay on personal revelation
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In this engaging interview, Mike from LDS Discussions, Nemo the Mormon, and John Dehlin review the failed prophecies of Mormonism's founder, Joseph. They start by discussing what the Bible says about failed prophecies and those who tell them. They then delve into specific failed prophecies, including the Second Coming of the Lord in 1891, the fall and overthrow of the US government, and the "everlasting" covenant of the United Order. Other failed prophecies discussed include the failed treasure seeking mission to Salem and the failed attempt to sell the Book of Mormon copyright.
Was Joseph was wrong or is it was God's fault? What good is having General Conference, either way? The hosts also discuss how FAIR Mormon tries to spin failures into fulfillments and concludes with some final thoughts on the implications of these failed prophecies of Joseph for Mormons today.
LDS Discussion Essay on Joseph Smith's Revelation.
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In this engaging interview, Mike from LDS Discussions, Nemo the Mormon, and John Dehlin review the failed prophecies of Mormonism's founder, Joseph. They start by discussing what the Bible says about failed prophecies and those who tell them. They then delve into specific failed prophecies, including the Second Coming of the Lord in 1891, the fall and overthrow of the US government, and the "everlasting" covenant of the United Order. Other failed prophecies discussed include the failed treasure seeking mission to Salem and the failed attempt to sell the Book of Mormon copyright.
Was Joseph wrong or is it was God's fault? What good is having General Conference, either way? The hosts also discuss how FAIR Mormon tries to spin failures into fulfillments and concludes with some final thoughts on the implications of these failed prophecies of Joseph for Mormons today.
LDS Discussion Essay on Joseph Smith's Revelations.
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Episode Show Notes
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Today we identify and analyze four problematic patterns in Joseph Smith's "revelations": 1) Using revelations to convince others to submit to his requests, 2) Using revelations to get out of a jam, 3) Changing revelations to fit Joseph Smith’s evolving theologies, and 4) a look at Biblical errors made in Joseph Smith's revelation. We are joined by Mike of LDS Discussions and @NEMOTHEMORMON.
LDS Discussion Essay on Joseph Smith's Revelations.
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Radio Free Mormon joins the usual crew (Mike, John & Nemo) as they discuss evidence for prophecies that appear to have been backdated after the events of the supposed prophecy already happened.
LDS Discussion Essay on Backdating Prophecy
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In this episode we recap all the different areas where Joseph Smith claims to have translated an ancient source and we analyze his work and compare it against modern scholars and experts in the field to see how he did.
Co-host: Nemo the Mormon
LDS Discussion Essay: Overview of Joseph Smith's Translations
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Did Joseph Smith have another shot at translating ancient scripture, or is it just rumor? Mike and John take a look at the Kinderhook Plates. What were they? Did Joseph Smith try to translate them, and what was the result? As usual, we dive into the apologetics around multiple scenarios and why they are each attractive to differing views.
Co-host: Nemo the Mormon
LDS Discussion Essay on the Kinderhook Plates
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In Parts 1 and 2 of this series Mike, John, and Nemo explored the history and controversies over whether the Book of Abraham is a literal translation of Egyptian as claimed by Joseph Smith.
Now for Part 3 they are back to look at what the text of the Book of Abraham actually says, including many prime LDS doctrines. What have been the consequences of believing those doctrines? Does the Book of Abraham merit being considered “revelation” and therefore binding to believing Saints today?
LDS Discussion Essay on Book of Abraham
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Today we’re going through various apologetics and theories around the Book of Abraham to reconcile it being considered scripture along with what we know the literal interpretation of these things to be. What problems do these apologetics create in other areas for believers? Do these theories hold water without a strong bias to believe in spite of all evidence? Do some apologists even admit it?
LDS Discussion Essay on Book of Abraham
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For many, the Book of Abraham is one of the most problematic subjects within Mormonism due to our ability to translate Egyptian after Joseph Smith released the Book of Abraham. We want to give a brief overview of the history of the Book of Abraham, looking at the facsimiles and manuscripts, and then review the church's response to how this can all be reconciled.
For a very brief history of how the Book of Abraham came to be, we quote from the official LDS essay:
In the summer of 1835, an entrepreneur named Michael Chandler arrived at Church headquarters in Kirtland, Ohio, with four mummies and multiple scrolls of papyrus. Chandler found a ready audience... By the time the collection arrived in Kirtland, all but four mummies and several papyrus scrolls had already been sold. A group of Latter-day Saints in Kirtland purchased the remaining artifacts for the Church. After Joseph Smith examined the papyri and commenced "the translation of some of the characters or hieroglyphics," his history recounts, "much to our joy [we] found that one of the rolls contained the writings of Abraham."
LDS Discussions Essay Overview of the Book of Abraham.
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Join John, Mike & Elisha Lee as they discuss common problematic apologies around the practice of polygamy in early Church History. From lies being called “carefully worded denials” and attempts to differentiate between “plural marriage” which God approved of or “spiritual wifery” which was not, and the fact that this is still current doctrine and what women have to look forward to in eternity and the harms caused past and present from this doctrine.
Special Guest: Elisha Lee
LDS Discussion Essay on Polygamy Apologetics
LDS Discussions 6-Part Series on Polygamy:
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In part 5 of our 6-part series on polygamy within the LDS Discussions project, we discuss "The Happiness Letter," which was the letter Joseph Smith wrote to Nancy Rigdon to try to convince her to become one of his plural wives.
Special Guest: Nemo the Mormon
LDS Discussion Essay on the Happiness Letter
LDS Discussions 6-Part Series on Polygamy:
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Join Mike (LDS Discussions), Elisha, and John for Part 2 as they look at the techniques of influence that Joseph Smith used to propose to his plural wives.
Helen Mar Kimball's age reduction digital illustration by Adam Worthington https://www.knowbrotherjoseph.com/
Special Guest: Elisha Lee
LDS Discussion Essay on Plural Marriage Proposals
LDS Discussions 6-Part Series on Polygamy:
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Join Mike (LDS Discussions), Elisha, and John as they look at the techniques of influence that Joseph Smith used to propose to his plural wives.
Special Guest: Elisha Lee
LDS Discussion Essay on Plural Marriage Proposals
LDS Discussions 6-Part Series on Polygamy:
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Today’s episode continues the discussion on Polygamy with the (in)famous revelation still canonized in Mormon/LDS scripture as Section 132 of the Doctrine & Covenants. Mike sets up the historical & personal context of the timing of this revelation and the problematic ideas presented in it as coming from God including how God views women, redefining adultery and other moral issues, and the various rules and justifications given by God to practice polygamy.
Mike goes on to show that Joseph admits himself that polygamy is something he wanted, and despite being the receiver of the various specific rules defined by God, he nevertheless proceeds to break every one of them.
Finally, Mike goes over the many apologetics around this section of the Doctrine & Covenants and the problems with most of the arguments attempting to justify the revelation, Joseph’s polygamy, and the resulting polygamy among many of the branches of Mormonism, some continuing to this day.
Special Guest: Elisha Lee
LDS Discussion Essay on Polygamy
LDS Discussions 6-Part Series on Polygamy:
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Mike and John discuss the timeline and cultural context surrounding Joseph Smith at the time he claims to receive the revelation on polygamy which became canonized and is still considered scripture for many modern Mormon branches, some who still practice it today, and even ones who don't, like the largest Mormon branch headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.
LDS Discussions Essay on Polygamy
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Join Mike and John as they discuss Mormonism’s early connection with Masonry through Joseph Smith and the unique problems it creates for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to grapple with today.
Covered topics include the timeline of Joseph becoming a Master Mason before introducing the similarly-themed rituals of the Temple Endowment Ceremony, why many members and apologists claim Masonry to be of ancient origin despite evidence to the contrary, the many parallels between the secret rituals of both organizations, and whether or the Temple Endowment involved false doctrines.
LDS Discussion Essay on the Mormon Temple Endowment & Masonry
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Join us for Part 2 of our discussion on Race and the Book of Mormon. Today Mike and John go over the various apologetics for the apparent racism in the Book of Mormon and early Church leaders, from denying those particular scriptures are literal, to saying “everyone was racist back then” and of course, breaking down the various problems each creates for a Church said to be built on the basis of revelation to modern prophets.
LDS Discussions Essay on Race & Mormon Scripture
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Join Mike from LDS discussions.com and John as they discuss race and Mormon scripture. This is part 1 of a 2-part series. We are also grateful to have a few call-in guests for this episode.
LDS Discussions Essay on Race & Mormon Scripture
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John and Mike discuss the origins and influences around Joseph Smith and the Creation of the Word of Wisdom.
LDS Discussions Essay on Word of Wisdom
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John and Mike take a look at the timeline of Joseph Smith's accounts of the revelation and restoration of the LDS Concept of priesthood.
LDS Discussion Essay on Changes to Doctrine & Covenants
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Join John & Mike as they discuss the timeline for the restoration of the Priesthood compared to the current Church narrative.
LDS Discussions Essay on Priesthood Restoration
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John and Mike take a look at the timeline of Joseph Smith's First Vision accounts against the official church narrative.
LDS Discussion Essay on Joseph Smith's First Vision
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Join John and Mike, from LDS Discussions for an introduction to the multiple authors of Isaiah and what that means for the Book of Mormon.
LDS Discussions Essay on Deutero-Isaiah in the Book of Mormon
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Mormon Stories Podcast
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A look at how a late addition to the New Testament ended up in the Book of Mormon and what that tells us about the Book of Mormon’s credibility as an ancient text.
LDS Discussions Essay on the Long Ending of Mark
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We dive into the Sermon on the Mount and look at why it appears in the Book of Mormon along with what the changes tell us about the author of the Book of Mormon.
LDS Discussions Essay on the Sermon on the Mount
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We review the historicity of the Tower of Babel and how the story is written into the Book of Mormon and directly leads to the stones that Joseph Smith claims were buried with the gold plates.
LDS Discussions Essay on the Tower of Babel
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Join John and Mike from LDS Discussions breaking down how the story of Noah, the arc, and the global flood is necessary for the veracity of Mormon scripture/doctrine, and a closer look at the historicity of the Biblical accounts of Noah and the flood.
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A look at the historicity of Adam and Eve and the impact that scholarship has on the scriptures of Mormonism.
LDS Discussions Essay on Adam & Eve
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A recap of how scholars can show the Book of Mormon is a 19th century text and a look at how Joseph Smith could have produced it.
LDS Discussions Essay on BOM Composed
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Join John and Mike as they discuss the mistranslations in the King James Version that end up in the Book of Mormon and the problems it presents.
LDS Discussions Essay on KJV Problems
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Join John and Mike from LDS Discussions as they discuss the Anachronisms in the Book of Mormon!
LDS Discussions Essay on Anachronisms
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Join John and Mike from LDS Discussions as they breakdown the surrounding influences of the Book of Mormon by Joseph Smith.
LDS Discussions Essay on Joseph Smith's Surrounding Influences
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John, LDS Discussions and Nemo go over the tight and loose translations of the Book of Mormon.
Special Guest: Nemo the Mormon
LDS Discussions Essay on Tight vs. Loose Translation
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While God (in the D&C), Joseph Smith, and most Mormon Prophets certainly knew who the Lamanites were, DNA Science has put the modern Church in a precarious position. Today, The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints claims not to know anything about who and where the descendants of the Book of Mormon people are even though the record was explicitly preserved for them.
Join John, Mike, and Gerardo as they discuss how the LDS Church has responded to DNA Studies that show that Native Americans are the descendants of eastern Asian populations instead of Israelites.
LDS Discussions Essay on DNA and the Book of Mormon
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Join us for another fascinating conversation with LDS discussions on the lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon.
LDS Discussions Essay on The Lost 116 Pages
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Description: Join John, Jenn and Mike from LDS Discussions as we break down the “translation” of the Book of Mormon. Did Joseph use the “spectacles” and breastplate found with the Gold Plates? Or his seer stone and a hat? Or the “Urim & Thummim”? Or nothing at all?
Does it even matter?
LDS Discussions Essay on Translation
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Today John is joined by LDS Discussions and Nemo to review the history of the "Golden Plates" as they relate to the creation of the Book of Mormon.
Who did the first accounts come from of the existence of these plates? Were they real? What became of attempts to see, show, or steal them? What implications do these stories have on Mormon origins and beliefs regarding encounters with celestial beings, including the God supposedly at the center of their coming forth?
Special Guest: Nemo the Mormon on YouTube
LDS Discussions Essay on the Golden Plates
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Over the last decade the Mormon Church has officially admitted that Joseph Smith and his family believed in and practiced treasure-seeking using folk magic and occult methods. However, many people overlook how these illegal and disreputable practices are closely related to the stories that Joseph would tell later, including the creation of the Book of Mormon. In this episode, Mike from LDS Discussions talks to us about Joseph Smith’s treasure digging and how it relates to the Book of Mormon story and the Church as a whole.
LDS Discussion Essay on Treasure Digging
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.