[Mormonism Live 225] What if one of the most foundational parts of the Book of Mormon wasn’t ancient at all—but lifted from a 19th-century Methodist Bible commentary? In this episode, Mormonism Live dives into what may be the most significant academic finding in Mormon studies in decades: compelling evidence that Joseph Smith used Adam Clarke’s biblical commentary—a massive, scholarly work from the early 1800s—as a source while “translating” Isaiah into the Book of Mormon. Based on Colby Townsend’s stunning new paper, we break down direct textual connections, show how Smith edited Isaiah using Clarke’s scholarly notes, and explore what this means for the Church’s truth claims, the notion of “translation,” and the very origin story of the Book of Mormon. This episode could change the conversation around Joseph Smith’s methods forever. Don’t miss this deep dive into what looks like the scholarly smoking gun behind one of Mormonism’s sacred texts.

RESOURCE:
Colby Townsend’s Paper – https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jbr-2024-0001/html
Interview with Haley Lemmon Wilson https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/2018/05/haley-lemmon-joseph-smith-translation-revelation-plagiarism

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What happens when your faith tells you that your identity is a flaw to be corrected? In this episode, we sit down with Sam Nieves, a conversion therapy survivor, board member of the Conversion Therapy Survivor Network, and a clinically trained therapist with a background in Cognitive Psychology. Sam takes us deep into his lived experience growing up in Mormonism, where his sexuality and even his skin color were framed through a toxic theology of righteousness. In a LDS/Mormon belief system where “becoming white and delightsome” was once literal doctrine, Sam learned early on to associate purity with whiteness—and straightness. That twisted framework blurred lines in deeply harmful ways, pushing him into the shadows of shame and eventually into conversion therapy. Sam will walk us through the devastating process—how it was initiated, including messaging from MTC leadership, and how it affected his psyche, his sense of self, and his path to healing. This episode doesn’t just expose what goes on behind the closed doors of so-called “conversion therapy”—it empowers vulnerable listeners to recognize red flags and find help. Sam shares insights from both his trauma and his training, offering critical resources and language for anyone caught in similar webs of psychological and spiritual manipulation. Warning: This conversation includes themes of trauma, homophobia, and racial messaging within religious contexts. But it also includes truth, clarity, and hope.
RESOURCES:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/ctsn-exmo-booth-for-utah-pride-2025 

How do U.S. churches take advantage of tax exemptions, and should this be allowed? These and other issues are investigated by filmmaker Nathan Apffel in his upcoming documentary series, “The Religion Business.” And why does Nathan consider the LDS Church to be “the most terrifying” of them all? Join us and find out! [Mormonism Live 223]

RESOURCES:

Instagram: @religionbusiness

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/controversial-documentary-sheds-light-on-lack-of-accountability-within-religion-301955128.html

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21070076/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6tDPn5nQ7k

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[Mormonism Live 222] Faith, Finances, and Fraud? Buckle up, because this episode dives into one of the wildest financial moments in Mormon history! (And that’s saying a lot) What happens when a prophet ventures into banking? In the 1830s, Joseph Smith and other early Mormon leaders launched the Kirtland Safety Society, a financial institution built on faith, community trust, and a vision of economic independence. But within just a year, the bank collapsed, leaving behind lawsuits, financial ruin, and a crisis of leadership that sent shockwaves through the early Church. In this episode, we explore: Why Joseph Smith and his followers believed a church-backed bank was the key to building Zion The economic struggles and high-risk decisions that led to the bank’s rapid downfall The legal challenges and accusations of fraud that forced Joseph Smith to flee Kirtland How this financial collapse tested the faith of early believers and reshaped Mormon history Was the Kirtland Safety Society a bold but doomed experiment? A victim of economic turmoil? Or was something more questionable at play? Join us as we unpack the rise and fall of Mormonism’s most infamous financial venture and the lessons it still holds today. No matter where you stand, this is a story worth hearing.

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INSIDE THE LDS CHURCH: CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS & THE SCMC EXPOSED! In this bombshell episode, a former Mormon Church employee who worked with confidential records and the Strengthening Church Members Committee (SCMC) comes forward to expose the behind-the-scenes machinations of the LDS Church. From secret surveillance of members to how the Church tracks and manages dissent, to how the Church handles those who ask their names to be removed, this insider reveals shocking details that the Church doesn’t want you to know.

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What really happens behind closed doors?

How does the LDS Church monitor and control members?

What’s in those confidential records?

Does the Strengthening Church Members Committee actually spy on people?

This is one Mormonism Live episode you cannot afford to miss. Share this video, spread the truth, and join us in the comments for a deep dive into the secrets of the LDS Church.

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[Mormonism Live 220] Bill Reel and RFM sit down with LDS Author Carrie Sweet to discuss her new book “Goodbye Magic Undies” and the journey that brought her to writing it. Book on Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Goodbye-Magic-Undies-High-Control-Relationships/dp/B0DV7GPKH3/ref=sr_1_1 Help support Bill Reel & Radio Free Mormon in making informative entertaining content that shines a light on truth and leads with transparency.

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[Mormonism Live 219] Join RFM and Bill Reel in this riff-filled episode of Mormonism Live as they dive into the world of Ward Radio’s recent rhetoric, with special guest “Cultch” from The Cultural Hall Podcast tagging along for the ride. Channeling the playful yet biting tone of Mystery Science Theater 3000, the trio sets up shop in their virtual “theater” and watches as the recent work of Ward Radio rolls in. With a sharp sense of humor and insight, they offer hilarious commentary, deconstructing the often bizarre and troubling language used in the discourse surrounding Mormonism and its critics. Together, they dismantle the rhetoric, shine a light on the underlying messages, and provide their unique take on what’s really being said — all while keeping it light, entertaining, and full of laughs. Get ready for some Mystery Science Theater-style analysis with a Mormon twist, as the trio critiques, mocks, and provides a satirical lens on Ward Radio’s latest antics. Don’t miss out on this witty and insightful episode!

[Mormonism Live 218] Is the Latter-day Saint community a safe community? We take a look at that very question and investigate what it would mean and what would it look like if the LDS Church took seriously the Safeguarding of the Latter-day Saints. What can Mormonism learn from accepted Safeguarding practices and what is one group doing to raise awareness of here the Church falls short. https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/02/21st-Century-Saints-Info-Pack-Final-Print-Copy-4-1.pdf Help support Bill Reel & Radio Free Mormon in making informative entertaining content that shines a light on truth and leads with transparency.

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For almost 2 centuries, whispers of a deep connection between the Mormon Church and UFO phenomena have circulated, but now, shocking new revelations are coming to light. — Investigative journalists, UFO experts, and ex-intelligence officers such as Ross Coulthart, Steven Greer, and David Grusch— have exposed the global UFO cover-up along with the Government’s Alien technology retrieval effort named the “Legacy Program”. Tonight, a recent discovery takes us deep into the connection of the Mormon Church and the Government Alien Coverup. From Joseph Smith’s celestial visions to secretive modern-day involvement in the UFO disclosure movement, could the Mormon Church be more entangled in extraterrestrial affairs than anyone suspected? A recent major discovery has linked Mormonism to the growing fear of an alien invasion—what does it mean, and why is no one talking about it? Prepare to uncover classified connections, ancient prophecies, The super-secret Legacy Program, and the shocking role that Mormonism may be playing in the UFO phenomenon. SURVEY – Did you like this Episode? https://forms.gle/KRnoGRpa4DS11obH8 #mormonismlive #uap #mormon

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Captain Moroni is one of the most inspiring figures in the Book of Mormon, a true champion of liberty and righteousness. But did you know his story might share surprising parallels with George Washington and the Revolutionary War? In this episode, we explore how Captain Moroni’s unwavering faith, his rallying cry of the Title of Liberty, and his fight for freedom may connect to themes from America’s founding history. Could there be deeper lessons about liberty and divine providence hidden in these connections? You won’t want to miss this thought-provoking discussion that will deepen your appreciation for Joseph Smith’s “Translation” abilities!

RESOURCES:

http://www.mormonthink.com/influences.htm

Richard Bushman’s article: The Book of Mormon and the American Revolution https://archive.dev-bookofmormoncentral.org/sites/default/files/archive-files/pdf/bushman/2015-12-03/08_richard_l._bushman_the_book_of_mormon_and_the_american_revolution_1982.pdf

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