Thomas Murphy and Simon Southerton join Steven Pynakker to discuss their latest paper that they co-authored along with Angelo Baca titled "Science and Fiction: Kennewick Man /Ancient One in Latter-day Discourse". It is a paper that describes the work of David Read 's "Face of a Nephite: DNA Studies & the Book of Mormon". Read is an author who advocates a "Heartlander" view of BOM events. He concludes that the remains known as Kennewick Man are that of a Nephite. Simon & Thomas demonstrate in their paper that this is probably not the case. We also talk about their past works involving DNA and The Book of Mormon and how this served as one of the catalysts for Rod Meldrum to start his FIRM Foundation organization. This is the leading Heartlander group. Simon then briefly discusses his role in the recent 60 Minutes Australia report "Cooking the Book of Mormon". #lds #mormonism #bookofmormon

Join Steve and colleague Valerie Hamaker as they talk about the attention her recent podcast Latter Day Struggles episode has been receiving due to her review of Carol Lynn Pearson’s book “No More Goodbyes” from the lens of her background as a psychotherapist helping people heal from all kinds trauma. This book captures the essence of the harm and pain experienced by gender and sexual minorities in the LDS church due to its current doctrine and policies and Valerie’s podcast seems to be helping people articulate their own discomfort and concerns with this [and other] issues in a bold yet respectful way. Steve and Valerie also talk about this issue from a larger religious and political framework and offer grace for the reality that we are all a work in process and that life is a gradual awakening for each of us in countless ways. #latterdaysaints #ldspodcast #mormonism

Jonathan Neville returns to Mormon Book Reviews to give his perspective of the two news stories about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints finances that recently aired. The Fifth Estate in Canada and 60 Minutes Australia released investigative reports about the way tithing funds are handled in those countries. Jonathan also responds to my interview with Nigel Kennett whose contact with the Fifth Estate helped trigger these investigations. Jonathan gives a faithful perspective and he discusses his experience in the financial world to offer some clarification on some of these issues. We also preview a future conversation where he will respond to some of his critics. #lds #mormonism #60minutesaustralia #cbc

We are excited to welcome author Declan Hyde, an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who just released a Mormon Horror novella THE RESURRECTION BOX. In this special Halloween episode of the podcast, Declan discusses what drove him to write a "Mormon" Horror work of fiction and what that means. We also talk about the relationship between horror and religion, Twilight, Stephen King, The Exorcist, Bigfoot, the Passion of the Christ, and more! #lds #ldspodcast #halloween #napoleondynamite

In an exclusive interview, Steven Pynakker and Rebecca Bibliotheca get up close and personal with Nigel Kennett, the accountant who is featured on a recent episode of Canada’s The Fifth Estate titled "The Mormons' Books.” The episode discusses the LDS church’s tithing practices in Canada and their donations to LDS universities like BYU. We learn more of Nigel‘s personal story, his background in the LDS church, how he discovered little known information about LDS tithing in Canada, and why he eventually decided to go public with it. Now that the episode has aired on the CBC, we also discuss the reaction he is receiving from friends and family and other members of the church and also delve into more of his reasons for releasing the information. Nigel is a very thoughtful and sincere person and we can all benefit from his perspective and the unique position he finds himself in. A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be coming on the program next week to give their perspective on the report and this interview. Stay tuned!

#lds #cbc #mormonism #ldspodcast #fifthestate

Brent Ashworth returns to Mormon Book Reviews to present another historical artifact for "Show & Tell"! On this episode Brent discusses how he was able to acquire one of William E McLellin's lost journal volumes. He reads some very moving passages in the journal. McLelllin became a bitter rival and enemy to Joseph Smith. However, his testimony of the Witnesses and the Book of Mormon later in life is one of the most powerful ones ever given. #lds #ldspodcast #mormonism #communityofchrist

Aron Ra one of the biggest Atheist influencers on YouTube comes on Mormon Book Reviews to discuss the Book of Mormon with Evangelical Steven Pynakker! He discusses why he believes all religion's scripture is man made and why he decided to do a series about the Book of Mormon on his YouTube channel. Steven talks about watching Aron's program while he was an Athiest/Agnostic and explains the value of people like Aron who expose charlatans like Kent Hovind of the Christian community. I know that Aron will be a controversial guest for some of my viewers, but I do think it is important to know what kind of information that many of your children and grandchildren are consuming. I do think that Aron has integrity because he goes after all religions and not just Christianity. I also realize that about a third of my audience is Atheist/Agnostic and it is important that their voices be heard as well. Especially being a former one myself. I look forward to reading your comments! #aronra #ldspodcast #kenthovind

Some researchers have concluded that the wine was spiked in the 1st century Christian church. This would lead to visions of a resurrected Christ and other spiritual manifestations. History communicator & independent researcher Bryce Blankenagel has recently co-authored a paper with Brian Kassenbrock, published by the John Whitmer Historical Association Journal, that advocates a similar hypothesis for the early days of Mormonism. Bryce joins Evangelical Steven Pynakker in a conversation about the use of plants and fungi that were used commonly as ingredients in 19th century folk medicine. Emma Smith's use of them is explored as well. The idea that substances with psychoactive properties were used in the early church services of the Restoration is also explored. Steven also pushes back a little on this hypothesis and asks if Bryce, an atheist, if he has ever had an experience that gave him pause about the possiblity of the existence of the supernatural. This was a fascinating conversation and it was a real privilage for Bryce of the legendary podcast Naked Mormonism to come on my program and be interviewed. #lds #ldspodcast #psychedelic

On a special "Show & Tell" segment on MBR, Brent Ashworth returns to describe another rare find in his collection. This particular object has a direct connection to Nathan Smith, the doctor who performed the leg surgery on a young Joseph Smith (no relation). Brent discusses how this revolutionary surgery saved Joseph's leg and how if it had been amputated, Joseph may well have not been able to be a catalyst for the Restoration. I want to thank Brent for coming back on. A lot of people heve been asking to have him back on the program and I'm excited to continue this series! #lds #ldspodcast #mormonism

On a special episode of Mormon Book Reviews Pastor Jeff McCullough of Hello Saints returns to discuss his recent attendance at General Conference with Steven Pynakker! We also discuss the explosive growth of his YouTube channel, what it's been like to be present in the sacred spaces of the Restoration, dealing with street preachers at General Conference, and forging important friendships with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. #lds #hellosaints #ldspodcast