Mormon.ish

For decades, Latter-day Saints have been encouraged to study the scriptures deeply and seek personal revelation. But has the Church's increasingly structured "Come, Follow Me" curriculum changed the way members engage with scripture? Is there something wrong? In this episode, a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints raises thoughtful questions about the balance between guidance and independent study, and study questions about scripture content versus the feelings of the reader. Is the curriculum so highly curated that members are only encountering selected passages and approved interpretations? Are important stories, difficult texts, problematic narratives, and broader scriptural themes being overlooked as a result? And what is gained—or lost—when scripture study becomes increasingly correlated and standardized? Do members of the LDS church think they are studying and reading the scriptures when in reality they aren't?

In this episode, Patrick circles back to questions that came up after episode 305, “Was Sidney Rigdon the Real Founder of Mormonism?” From there, the conversation goes deeper into how the Book of Mormon may have been dictated, pulling together both long-standing research and newer findings to paint a fuller picture of the process. The episode also walks through the proposed plan Sidney Rigdon may have used—not just in producing the Book of Mormon, but in shaping Mormonism itself. That includes a timeline of what both Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were doing prior to 1831, helping to show how their paths may have intersected and influenced each other. Along the way, Patrick explains how the Rigdon Theory fits together with Dr. John Lundwall’s newer “Sermon Magic” theory discussed in episode 308, highlighting where the ideas overlap and reinforce one another. One of the standout moments is a deep dive into seven different wordprint studies. The episode breaks down what those studies should look like if a single author were responsible, compared to what they actually show. The results consistently point toward multiple authors, and Patrick explores just how unlikely it would be for all seven studies to independently reach the same “wrong” conclusion—essentially close to zero. Finally, the episode zooms out to look at the bigger picture: five categories of evidence and a total of 72 individual data points. All of it is weighed against the Sole Author Theory to see if it can still hold up under scrutiny. The conclusion? It doesn’t.

The mayor of Fairview Texas, John Hubbard reads through and discusses a letter he wrote to LDS leadership to request they lower the steeple height of the LDS temple being built in his city. He also reads and discusses the response he received from the LDS Temple Department, as well as his reply to that response. The letters are very revealing and you won't want to miss this!

Dr Randall Bell joins Mormonish Podcast to discuss how the LDS church portrays itself in the media through influencers and LDS channels. Is the truth far from these portrayals? Dr. Bell breaks it all down for us as we discuss the Great Mormon Smash & Dash! Thank you so much for watching Mormonish Podcast! ***How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast: If you would like to help financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here: Mormonish Podcast is a 501(c) (3) DONATE HERE: https://donorbox.org/mormonish-podcast ****WE HAVE MERCH! **** If you’d like to purchase Mormonish Merch, you can visit our Merch store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mormonishmerch You can get your own quote to attend our Post-Mormon Celebration Cruise by visiting - https://kheskethtravel.com/post-mormon-celebration-cruise And you can get more info on the cruise by visiting - https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/post-mormon-celebration-cruise/ We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much! Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Mormonish Podcast! Contact Mormonish Podcast: [email protected] Mormonish Podcast is not associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. #mormonish #lds #mormon #exmormon #postmormon #religion #news, #ldschurch #comeuntochrist #churchofjesuschrist #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #byu #byui #josephsmith #comefollowme #polygamy #bookofmormon #becauseofhim #hearhim #ldstemple FAIR USE DISCLAIMER All Media in this video (including the thumbnail) is used for the purpose of review and critique. The images in the thumbnail are used as the primary means of visually identifying the subject matter of the video.

Mormonish is joined by Bill Reel to discuss his new podcast series and new books available on Amazon. Bill's contribution to post Mormon scholarship and the tools needed for deconstruction cannot be overstated. Bill Reel is a podcaster, researcher, and Executive Director of Mormon Discussion Inc. He is the host and cohost of several programs exploring Mormon history, doctrine, institutional behavior, and religious deconstruction, including Mormonism Live & Mormon Discussion. For more than a decade, Bill has researched and analyzed difficult issues within Mormonism, helping audiences examine the intersection of faith, history, authority, and truth claims through careful investigation and open dialogue. I think you'll all really enjoy this conversation! Thank you so much for watching Mormonish Podcast! ***How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast: If you would like to help financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here: Mormonish Podcast is a 501(c) (3) DONATE HERE: https://donorbox.org/mormonish-podcast ****WE HAVE MERCH! **** If you’d like to purchase Mormonish Merch, you can visit our Merch store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mormonishmerch You can get your own quote to attend our Post-Mormon Celebration Cruise by visiting - https://kheskethtravel.com/post-mormon-celebration-cruise And you can get more info on the cruise by visiting - https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/post-mormon-celebration-cruise/ We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much! Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Mormonish Podcast! Contact Mormonish Podcast: [email protected] Mormonish Podcast is not associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. #mormonish #lds #mormon #exmormon #postmormon #religion #news, #ldschurch #comeuntochrist #churchofjesuschrist #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #byu #byui #josephsmith #comefollowme #polygamy #bookofmormon #becauseofhim #hearhim #ldstemple FAIR USE DISCLAIMER All Media in this video (including the thumbnail) is used for the purpose of review and critique. The images in the thumbnail are used as the primary means of visually identifying the subject matter of the video.

Mormonish Podcast is joined again by Ron Yogason as we crunch the membership data numbers for the end of 2025 and Q1 2026. With more LDS chapels being sold off and more wards and stakes being merged, the data shows a very different picture than the LDS church is trying to portrait in public statements and in the media. We’ll cover: * Expected growth projections from the 1990s * Canadian census: self identified members vs church reported, 1981 / 2021 * 2025 country membership growth vs ward growth * States/Countries gaining & losing wards * Attrition over the years * How many dead members are currently on the rolls * How many people died vs resigned last year Tune in to get a real take on membership numbers in the LDS church. Thank you so much for watching Mormonish Podcast! ***How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast: If you would like to help financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here: Mormonish Podcast is a 501(c) (3) DONATE HERE: https://donorbox.org/mormonish-podcast ****WE HAVE MERCH! **** If you’d like to purchase Mormonish Merch, you can visit our Merch store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mormonishmerch You can get your own quote to attend our Post-Mormon Celebration Cruise by visiting - https://kheskethtravel.com/post-mormon-celebration-cruise And you can get more info on the cruise by visiting - https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/post-mormon-celebration-cruise/ We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much! Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Mormonish Podcast! Contact Mormonish Podcast: [email protected] Mormonish Podcast is not associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. #mormonish #lds #mormon #exmormon #postmormon #religion #news, #ldschurch #comeuntochrist #churchofjesuschrist #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #byu #byui #josephsmith #comefollowme #polygamy #bookofmormon #becauseofhim #hearhim #ldstemple FAIR USE DISCLAIMER All Media in this video (including the thumbnail) is used for the purpose of review and critique. The images in the thumbnail are used as the primary means of visually identifying the subject matter of the video.

The mysterious “Second Anointing” has long been one of the most controversial and secretive practices connected to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this episode, we explore what the ordinance is believed to be, where it came from historically, how it developed in early Mormonism, and why it continues to spark debate among members, former members, and religious scholars alike. We’ll examine claims, teachings, historical sources, and modern discussion surrounding the ritual often described as the church’s “highest ordinance.” Whether you’ve heard whispers about it for years or are learning about it for the first time, Ganesh Cherian joins Mormonish Podcast to take a thoughtful look at one of Mormonism’s most talked-about hidden topics. Thank you so much for watching Mormonish Podcast! ***How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast: If you would like to help financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here: Mormonish Podcast is a 501(c) (3) DONATE HERE: https://donorbox.org/mormonish-podcast ****WE HAVE MERCH! **** If you’d like to purchase Mormonish Merch, you can visit our Merch store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mormonishmerch You can get your own quote to attend our Post-Mormon Celebration Cruise by visiting - https://kheskethtravel.com/post-mormon-celebration-cruise And you can get more info on the cruise by visiting - https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/post-mormon-celebration-cruise/ We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much! Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Mormonish Podcast! Contact Mormonish Podcast: [email protected] Mormonish Podcast is not associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. #mormonish #lds #mormon #exmormon #postmormon #religion #news, #ldschurch #comeuntochrist #churchofjesuschrist #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #byu #byui #josephsmith #comefollowme #polygamy #bookofmormon #becauseofhim #hearhim #ldstemple FAIR USE DISCLAIMER All Media in this video (including the thumbnail) is used for the purpose of review and critique. The images in the thumbnail are used as the primary means of visually identifying the subject matter of the video.

Applying to be an LDS missionary is a rigorous process for a 17, 18, or 19 year old member of the LDS church. It involves multiple worthiness interviews, mental health checks, medical checks, dental checks, and more. The process lasts multiple months before the call to serve finally arrives. But what if the prospective missionary discusses same sex attraction or experiences with their church leaders as part of the worthiness interviews? We now know that this disclosure by a perspective LDS missionary triggers a supplemental questionnaire with dozens of invasive and sensitive questions about every aspect of the young person's sexual history. This information is hard to go through but very important. It's amazing that this level of scrutiny is needed for a same sex attracted missionary to be allowed into the field, yet there is virtually no scrutiny to let someone excommunicated for CSA back into the church. We'll break it all down on this important episode of Mormonish Podcast. Landon's Mormon Stories episode: https://youtu.be/iPoA0pzC5KQ?si=1B_adX60Ob6u7w_l Thank you so much for watching Mormonish Podcast! Mormonish Podcast is not associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ***How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast: If you would like to help financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here: Mormonish Podcast is a 501(c) (3) DONATE HERE: https://donorbox.org/mormonish-podcast ****WE HAVE MERCH! **** If you’d like to purchase Mormonish Merch, you can visit our Merch store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mormonishmerch You can get your own quote to attend our Post-Mormon Celebration Cruise by visiting - https://kheskethtravel.com/post-mormon-celebration-cruise And you can get more info on the cruise by visiting - https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/post-mormon-celebration-cruise/ We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much! Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Mormonish Podcast! Contact Mormonish Podcast: [email protected] #mormonish #lds #mormon #exmormon #postmormon #religion #news, #ldschurch #comeuntochrist #churchofjesuschrist #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #byu #byui #josephsmith #comefollowme #polygamy #bookofmormon #becauseofhim #hearhim #ldstemple FAIR USE DISCLAIMER All Media in this video (including the thumbnail) is used for the purpose of review and critique. The images in the thumbnail are used as the primary means of visually identifying the subject matter of the video.

During the process of writing and preparing his new book, "Joseph Smith: The Architect of Mormonism / A Topical Guide" for publication, the LDS church sent author Ganesh Cherian a cease and desist letter. The legal back and forth that followed is very interesting, especially in light of the recent lawsuit against John Dehlin and Mormon Stories by the LDS Church. Do both of these legal maneuvers indicate the LDS church is determined to silence anyone producing criticisms of the church? Are they trying to stop healthy criticism and dialogue before it even gets started? Ganesh Cherian joins Mormonish to tell his story of going toe to toe with the LDS church. You won't want to miss this!

Mormonish Podcast's Landon Brophy describes receiving a letter notifying him of his excommunication.

Thank you so much for watching Mormonish Podcast! ***How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast: If you would like to help financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here: Mormonish Podcast is a 501(c) (3) https://donorbox.org/mormonish-podcast The Good Book Club If you would like more info on The Good Book Club you can email us at [email protected] or find us on facebook here https://www.facebook.com/share/g/PK74... ****WE HAVE MERCH! **** If you’d like to purchase Mormonish Merch, you can visit our Merch store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mormonishmerch You can get your own quote to attend our Post-Mormon Celebration Cruise by visiting - https://kheskethtravel.com/post-mormon-celebration-cruise And you can get more info on the cruise by visiting - https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/post-mormon-celebration-cruise/ We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much! Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Mormonish Podcast! Contact Mormonish Podcast: [email protected] #mormonish #lds #mormon #exmormon #postmormon #religion #news, #ldschurch #comeuntochrist #churchofjesuschrist #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #byu #byui #josephsmith #comefollowme #polygamy #bookofmormon #becauseofhim #hearhim #ldstemple FAIR USE DISCLAIMER All Media in this video (including the thumbnail) is used for the purpose of review and critique. The images in the thumbnail are used as the primary means of visually identifying the subject matter of the video.