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 ad…

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 co…

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, tatt…

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're back to wrap up our series on the Book of Mormon witnesses with what happened to them later in life. Nemo the Mormon - YouTube Nemo the Mormon - TikTok Nemo the Mormon - Instagram Analyzing Mormonism - YouTube Analyzing Mormonism - Website Analyzing Mormonism - Instagram Analyzing Mormonism - TikTok Show Notes YouTube ________________________…

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…

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 …

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? Episode Show Notes Youtube link _________________________ LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver …

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…

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 throu…

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 becomi…

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 bei…

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 exclusio…

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 Episode Show Notes…

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 …

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 ch…

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…

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 a…

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 betwee…

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 hav…

Mike, Nemo, and John discuss the problems with personal revelation. LDS Discussions essay on personal revelation Episode Show Notes _________________________ LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreo…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 Episode Show Notes _________________________ LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us contin…

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 Episode Show Notes _________________________…

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: …

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 …

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 a…

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 …

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 w…

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 Nemo the Mormon on YouTube LDS Discussion Essay on the Happiness Letter Episode Show Notes …

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 Faith Unraveled Tiktok (Faith Transition Focused) Soul Unr…

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 Faith Unraveled Tiktok (Faith Transition Focused) Soul Unraveled Tiktok (Personal Journey Focused) LDS Discussion Essay on Plural Marriage Proposals Episode Show Notes LDS Discuss…

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…

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 Ci…

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…

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 create…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us conti…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation t…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a d…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-tim…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by beco…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver quality con…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver quality conte…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continu…

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. LDS Discussions Essay Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possibl…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation thro…

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 Episode Show Notes ========================= LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors! Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or r…