In today's episode, John sits down for a conversation with immigration attorney, Justin Sweeney. Justin grew up LDS in Mesa, AZ, served a mission in Argentina, and has served in many leadership positions within the church. He was even serving in his branch presidency up until the end of 2024. Justin discusses how he felt overworked in his church callings, questioning polygamy and masonry, and his journey of discovering the true history of the church.

Show Notes

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00:01:20 Justin’s experience with a “Truth Crisis” not “Faith Crisis” and Intentions

00:14:43 Growing up, High School, and sports

00:26:17 Justin’s experience at the MTC

00:36:35 “Fraudulent” baptisms in Latin American missions

00:40:55 Being called to YSA bishopric

00:53:47 Justing finishing law school & became immigration attorney

01:09:57 Justin began to feel like an outsider from mormonism

01:18:00 Discussion about the Godmakers and the lack of women in the Eternal Plan

01:25:15 Justin Sweeney’s “Truth crisis” begins

01:39:30 Justin was “using his lawyer brain to asses Mormonism”

01:44:50 Learning about the “stone in the hat” and that the church still has it

01:55:00 Comparing Mormonism to Santa Claus

02:05:33 Women are second class people in Mormonism

02:10:52 Justin discussing the LDS SEC order from an attorney’s perspective

02:23:00 Reading Second Class Saints by Matt Harris with his wife and kids

02:26:20 Why not keep it to himself and continue to “fake it”

02:32:25 “My intention is not to tell people to leave the church”

02:38:47 Elder Holland “stay in the boat” marketing video

02:44:35 Why isn't he afraid of excommunication by coming on Mormon Stories?

02:54:09 Final thoughts - Is he happier now no longer believing?

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