Welcome to the MormonNewsRoundup where Dives ruminates on the great and spacious Beehive!

[GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: This video contains discussions of abuse and ritualistic trauma.]

For years, David served as a dedicated worker inside the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Today, he is finally breaking his silence.

In this exclusive tell-all, David peels back the curtain on the "sacred" rituals kept hidden from the public and reveals shocking allegations of what happens behind closed doors. From the secret handshakes and oaths to disturbing claims of misconduct against women within the temple walls, this interview explores a side of the LDS faith that most members never see.

In this video, we discuss:

David’s journey from faithful worker to whistleblower.

The reality of "Temple Ordinances" vs. the public image.

Serious allegations regarding the safety of women inside the temple.

Why he chose to risk everything to speak out now.

If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse, please reach out to the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.

#LDS #ExMormon #LATemple #Whistleblower #MormonChurch #TellAll #Truth

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dives here with the Mormon News Roundup. In this episode, we’re covering a supercut of reactions to reports that Mormon Stories is being sued by the LDS Church. I also break down the Church’s initial press release from April 18th, 2026, which outlines concerns around branding, names, and potential confusion with official Church content.

As many know, I am also currently involved in legal proceedings with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over similar issues, so I’ve been following this closely. In this segment, I go through the Church’s statement paragraph by paragraph and compare it with responses from creators across the ex-Mormon commentary space.

Key themes discussed include:

Whether “Mormon” branding creates real confusion

The role of disclaimers in independent commentary content

Claims of selective enforcement against critical creators

The broader ecosystem of ex-Mormon media, including Mormon News Roundup, Radio Free Mormon, and Mormon Discussions

Whether this case could set precedent for future disputes

We also include reaction clips and commentary from across platforms including YouTube Shorts, X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, highlighting how this story is being interpreted in real time.

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In this episode of Understanding Mormonism, John Dehlin explores one of the most controversial questions in Latter-day Saint history: why do some critics label Joseph Smith a fraud?

Drawing from historical claims and critical scholarship, this discussion outlines five major areas often cited by skeptics, including:

• Joseph Smith’s early treasure-digging and “seer stone” practices

• The golden plates narrative and translation process of the Book of Mormon

• Claims of linguistic translation abilities (including the Book of Abraham and Kinderhook Plates)

• The Kirtland Safety Society banking controversy

• Public denial of polygamy alongside later historical evidence

This presentation reflects arguments made by critics and independent scholars, and invites viewers to examine the evidence, context, and competing interpretations for themselves.

Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or simply curious about Mormon history, this episode aims to provide a clear overview of some of the most frequently discussed criticisms surrounding Joseph Smith and the origins of the movement.

About the series:

Understanding Mormonism is a reader-supported publication and video series by John Dehlin, Ph.D., focused on exploring the history, theology, and cultural impact of the Latter-day Saint tradition.

Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on faith, doubt, and religious history.

Based on: https://johndehlin.substack.com/p/was-joseph-smith-a-fraud-please-share

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The LDS (Mormon) Church Seems to Be Addicted to Accelerating Its Own Demise (in the U.S.)

Every time the LDS Church publicly targets a vulnerable group or outspoken critic, a predictable cycle unfolds—and it may be fueling its own decline.

In this episode, we break down the repeating pattern:

• Public crackdowns bring attention

• Members discover critical resources (like Mormon Stories, CES Letter, etc.)

• Curiosity leads to deeper research

• Disillusionment grows

• Members leave—and bring others with them

From Proposition 8 to high-profile excommunications and recent legal actions, this “rinse and repeat” cycle appears to be accelerating disaffection, especially in the United States.

We also explore:

• The “Streisand Effect” and why suppression backfires

• The role of PIMOs (Physically In, Mentally Out members)

• Why disaffection spreads through families and social networks

• Claims that the Church is prioritizing wealth and institutional power over retention

• The shift toward international growth amid U.S. decline

Is this strategy intentional—or an unintended consequence of leadership decisions? And what does it mean for the future of Mormonism?

Based on: https://johndehlin.substack.com/p/the-lds-mormon-church-seems-to-be

👇 Share your thoughts in the comments.

#Mormon #ExMormon #LDSChurch #MormonStories #Religion #FaithCrisis #Deconstruction

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In this episode, I reflect on how profoundly the internet has reshaped Mormonism and the LDS Church over the past 25 years.

From the rise of social media and ex-Mormon influencers to viral documentaries, podcasts, Reddit communities, and YouTube commentary, the digital world has fundamentally changed how Mormonism is discussed, criticized, defended, and experienced.

I explore key themes including:

The dominance of ex-Mormon and post-Mormon online communities

The rise of influencer-driven discourse about Mormonism on YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts

Major cultural “Mormon moments” amplified by the internet (Prop 8, CES Letter, Book of Mormon Musical, LGBTQ+ policy shifts, and more)

The LDS Church’s often reactive approach to digital culture

The growth of liberal, progressive, and nuanced Mormon communities online

Shifts in apologetics, scholarship, and institutional messaging

The changing global perception and branding of the LDS Church

This talk was originally prepared for the Sunstone Symposium and continues to evolve as I gather more perspectives.

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments—how do you think the internet has changed Mormonism?

Based on: https://johndehlin.substack.com/p/how-the-internet-has-changed-mormonism

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

From 2009 to 2011, Kayden served as a Mormon missionary in Russia, believing that strict obedience was the path to heaven. Fifteen years later, after leaving the Church, he reflects on how that experience shaped his faith, sense of self, and relationships with his family.In this video, Kayden shares the pressures, doubts, and struggles he faced while trying to follow the rules, and how the pursuit of “heaven” caused him to lose himself—and how he eventually found his way back.Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Im4p0jjYGxw#ExMormon #MissionaryExperience #FaithDeconstruction #LeavingTheChurch #MentalHealthPlease consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: [email protected] Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X: https://twitter.com/NewsMormon New episodes LIVE every Sunday and Monday nights at 9:30PM ESTPlease like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Hey guys, it’s Throwback Thursday! Today we’re revisiting one of my favorite conversations on the show—my sit-down with Mormon feminist powerhouse Abby Hansen.

If that name doesn’t ring a bell, Abby has been a bold and influential voice in Mormon feminist spaces for years, involved with Ordain Women and featured in the documentary Where We Stand (Journeyman Pictures). She dives into tough conversations about gender, equality in the church, and the challenges of raising kids when faith journeys diverge.

In this highlight version (~30 minutes), you’ll hear Abby’s candid perspectives on Mormon feminism, working with transgender Latter-day Saints, and navigating family dynamics with honesty and empathy—without me talking over her.

For the full, uncut conversation, check out Episode 129 of the Mormon News Roundup Link: https://youtube.com/live/5NNIqjEAd4Y

💡 Don’t forget: no unhallowed hand can stop the conversation from progressing.

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For this Throwback Thursday, I’m revisiting my appearance on Episode 111 of the Glass Box Podcast with Bryce Blankenagel and Shannon Grover. In this highlight reel, we dive into Mormon history, doctrine, culture, and some of the bigger questions surrounding the Church in a conversation that was equal parts thoughtful, funny, and brutally honest.

The Glass Box Podcast is known for its deep-dive format—examining Mormon history and current events while asking what details may have “slipped through the cracks.” Hosted by Bryce Blankenagel (of the Naked Mormonism podcast) and Shannon Grover, the show blends historical analysis, commentary, and media discussion in a long-form format that gives complicated topics the time they deserve.

Our full conversation ran about an hour and a half, but for this Throwback Thursday episode I’ve trimmed it down into a highlight reel featuring some of the most interesting moments from the discussion. If you enjoy sharp insight, candid commentary, and deep dives into Mormon history and culture, you’ll probably enjoy this one.

Sit back, grab a snack, and enjoy the highlights.

And as always: No unhallowed hand can stop the Mormon News Roundup from progressing.

#MormonNewsRoundup #GlassBoxPodcast #ExMormon #MormonHistory

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Was Noah’s flood truly global, as described in the Bible and Mormon scriptures, or is it a symbolic story influenced by ancient myths? In this video, we examine:

The Genesis flood narrative and its parallels with the Epic of Gilgamesh

How the Book of Mormon, Book of Abraham, and Book of Moses rely on a literal global flood

Scientific evidence from geology, archaeology, and paleontology challenging a worldwide deluge

Apologetic responses from FAIR Mormon and LDS leaders

Join us as we explore the tension between scripture and science, and what it means for the historicity of Mormon texts.

🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into scripture, history, and critical analysis.

#Mormonism #NoahsFlood #BookOfMormon #ScienceVsFaith #BiblicalHistory #ldschurch

Based on: https://www.ldsdiscussions.com/flood

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The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Today I respond directly to a talk given by Jeffrey R. Holland at Harvard Law School — not a devotional, not a church sermon, but a presentation delivered in one of the most prestigious academic settings in the world.

In this talk, Holland claims that Mormonism represents the restoration of original Christianity, not a deviation from it. He makes sweeping assertions about:

Apostasy and priesthood authority

The nature of God and Jesus

Why Latter-day Saints shouldn’t be considered creedal Christians

The First Vision, Adam and Eve, revelation, and divine authority

In this video, I engage directly with Holland’s own words — no strawmen, no caricatures, no social-media summaries. I examine:

Whether these claims hold up historically

Whether they make sense biblically

Whether they stand up logically

And whether emotional conviction can substitute for evidence

When someone makes global historical claims and cosmic authority claims in an academic setting, the standard of evidence should be higher — not lower. In this response, I walk through why Holland’s presentation leans heavily on rhetoric and tradition, but offers no verifiable support for the extraordinary claims being made.

If you care about truth, evidence, and how religious claims hold up outside the bubble of faith, this one’s for you.

👍 If you found this useful, hit like

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments

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Please like and subscribe and hit the notifications bell. Remember remember, no unhallowed hand can stop this podcast from progressing!

The Mormon News Roundup is NOT affilated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.