The Mormon Renegade Podcast

On this episode David Pyne joins me again. Now if you have haven't been a long-time listener to the podcast Mr. Pyne is who I turn to for in-depth analysis on world events. Davids time in the Army as a Staff Officer, National Security Policy Director for Senator Mike Lee, & The Defense Foreign Policy Advisor to Former Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy give him the ability to give nuanced perspective to current events. During our conversation we talk about subjects such as the war in the middle east, the ongoing Russian-Ukraine Conflict, Chinas quest for Taiwan, as well as some domestic issues.

We are in an age where Faith is a virtue that is dwindling. People are leaving organized religion in record numbers due to factors like corruption of leadership, false narratives, abuse and cover up and the list goes on. One of the hardest hit religions is Mormonism in all of its faith expressions. But once someone in Mormonism leaves their former Church home where do they go, and how do they get there. Justin Francom comes on the podcast today to talk about an idea he has to respond to this crisis. His idea? An on-line interfaith ministry made up of Mormons from all different faith traditions in Mormonism to reach out to Mormons who have left their church home. Now if you're like me when you first hear of something like that you cant help but wonder how such an organization would work. We discuss the organization's intent and goals, how it will function to preserve faith, how the organization is already made up of different people from different Mormon groups and Independent Mormon Fundamentalists. Now if you are a Mormon leaving your faith community and need a soft place to land, or you are a Mormon who feels the call to missionary work and help preserve faith, reach out to me here or click the website link in this episode's show notes. 

https://gofund.me/7d9fff0f From Ammon Jeffs"After a lot of deliberation on how to cover the expenses, we are incurring with Beth’s hospitalization and the expected extended recovery from the complicated neurological effects of spinal meningitis, we’ve decided to take this route with a go-fund-me campaign."We are reaching out to our community, friends and kindhearted strangers to ask for support. Your donation will go directly to:Hospital BillsTravel & Lodging Expenses For The FamilyRecovery Support After DischargeNo amount is too small and every donation counts

WARNING NOT FOR CHILDREN!!!! 99.9% of the time I love doing this podcast! I love the guests, the audience, and the topics we cover. But that other 0.01% can be nothing but difficult,this is going to be one of those discussions. On this episode Taylor Smith and I have a conversation about the abuse that is being perpetrated in the LDS Church and its apparent cover up. Now to be fair this is not just an LDS or even Mormon problem, this is a problem across all organized religion that affects all of the religious communities and needs our attention. We start out by covering a few of the stories that have recently been in the news about the topic. Taylor provides amazing insights from his time in the LDS Church as youth which helps to give context around the cultural norms of the LDS Church as well as some incredible doctrinal insights. From There we dive into some of the more problematic ideas that surround this topic in Mormonism that have shown how a culture of “saving face” has made getting victims to safety, and healing for the offended party next to impossible. We talk about our responsibilities as congregants of our various faith communities and finally what should be done to help those who have been hurt by such wicked acts. Video for this episode is going to be really helpful because throughout the conversation we share articles, statistics, and videos that show the problem. Finally all the articles, videos and statistics we show in the podcast are available in the links below.   https://youtube.com/shorts/WfNJFveNYuc?si=SgBGuHaYigJY9_4Ghttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mXR4XiA5eochttps://floodlit.org/failure-to-report/https://www.stlmag.com/news/suit-accuses-mormon-church-leaders-of-facilitating-st-louis-/https://www.ksl.com/article/51355849/elderly-west-jordan-man-charged-with-luring-girl-into-home-sexually-abusing-herhttps://floodlit.org/a/b337/?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwMLY0ljbGNrAwtii2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAAEe2shimg9ifEJ8yRlhQz9wqm7nO7riQgGWKo2-v_LIipTCXWcXDG1fUqRhhZQ_aem_4hBOWoCISsOo7oLZTFPlTg&sfnsn=mo

On this episode I sit down and have a conversation with Steve Pynakker. Steve is the host of a podcast on youtube titled Mormon Book Reviews. Now Steve while is not a member of any Restoration group he is fascinated with the Restoration as revealed by Joseph Smith. Because he is able to maintain an observes view of Mormonism his insights into the various groups and churches makes for fascinating conversation. As we have our conversation we cover everything from the state of various Joseph Smith Restoration groups and churches to how he became fascinated with Joseph Smith & Mormonism.

In the old days of coal mining one of the common practices was to bring a canary down in the mine. They did this because canaries are very sensitive to gases like methane. So if the canaries became sick or died the miners would know it was unsafe and leave, so it was a way for predicting dire consequences. Therefore the term "canary in the coal mine" refers to an indicator which proceeds disaster. Today Michael Ness joins me as we look at certain groups which have distanced themselves from the Adam-God Doctrine and where they stand now.

On this episode David Nielsen and I have a conversation about the Endowment Power spoken of in the scriptures. We start off by finding out what the Endowment of Power is and isn't, we then examine what the term Endowment of Power means in the context of the Restoration in the days of Joseph Smith & early Mormon leaders, we then trace the doctrine back to the New Testament before wrapping by discussing what the implications are for us as followers of Christ in the Restoration.

On this episode Elior Walker joins me as we talk about the Doctrine Of Christ from the Book of Mormon. We start by setting the table by talking about certain theological principles and ideas needed to understand his idea about the Doctrine. We then move on to read the text itself cross referencing to other scriptures. We then move on the implications of the Doctrine and what it means to us as disciples of Christ.

On this episode I sit down and have a conversation with Braxton Bogard as we explore his faith journey from his childhood in Kentucky in the Campbellite faith tradition, to his time in Bible College, his proselyting ministry in France, his conversion to the Mormonism and joining the LDS Church, his discovery of Orthodox Mormon teachings, and his excommunication from the LDS Church just weeks before the LDS acknowledgement of the 1886 Revelation. All along the way Braxton and I talk about principles and concepts of the Restored Gospel. Braxton throughout this interview doesn't hold back and at times isn't afraid to show his heart on these things. Buckle up for a powerhouse of an episode.

On this episode Jacob Vidrine joins me as we take a look at one of perhaps the least well known and misunderstood ordinances in the Restoration, The Law Of Adoption. We talk about the ordinance's history including it origins with Joseph Smith, its practice during the Utah period under Brigham Young and John Taylor, its eventual dismissal in the LDS Church and above all its importance in our theology.

Last week on the podcast I released an episode where we talked about the LDS Church releasing and veryfying the existence and authenticity of John Taylor's 1886 Revelation. We covered alot of the history surrounding the document and what it means for Mormon History. On this episode Michael Ness and I sit down to have conversation about what the release of the 1886 Revelation means theologically. During the course of our conversation we talk about some of the arguments LDS apologists have given to try and dismiss or downplay the importance of the 1886 Revelation, we take a look at a few scriptures in the Book Of Mormon that seem to suggest that "all is not well in Zion", we examine other times in ancient history when apostasy has occurred, the impact of the LDS Church's denial of the existence of this revelation has had on individuals and families, and finaly wrap up our conversation by trying to give hope to those who have had thier testimonies shaken by the release of the 1886 Revelation. 

Well it was kind a big week in Mormonism, especially if you're an Orthodox Mormon. With the release of the 1886 Revelation By The LDS Church we find ourselves in a place where if you are an Orthodox Mormon we can now beyond a shadow of a doubt point to John Taylor as the man who got the movement started. To help break this all down Cristina (Rosetti)Gagliano joins me again on the podcast. Cristina is a PHD and has made the study of Mormon Fundamentalism and its history the focal point of her scholarly work, having literally wrote the book on Joseph W. Musser. During our conversation we cover what the 1886 Revelation is, the context & history of the times it was received, the Revelations suppression by the LDS Church, and finally wrap it all up by talking about what this all means as it relates to LDS & Orthodox Mormonism. Make sure to come back next week where me and another guest will take a look at the 1886 Revelation and what its release means from theological point of view for Orthodox & Conservative Mormons.

In todays world one of the most important tools that God has given us are the scriptures. We can find their covers sacred teachings, inspiring stories, and a prophecies both fulfilled and yet to come. But is this all that we can take from them? Today on the podcast I have Edwin Jacobi to talk about just that. Edwin joined the LDS church of his own freewill at the age of 14 in Spokane, Washington after taking the lessons from the missionaries. He is a business author, serial entrepreneur, life counselor, disruptive inventor and innovative philanthropist.  He is married with a blended family of 10 children.  He is of literal of Jewish descent both of Ephraim and Judah. During our conversation Edwin explains how was able to deepen his own study of the scriptures, thereby creating a deeper relationship with God.

On this episode Justin Francom joins me again as we breakdown a couple of very interesting exchanges between FAIR Mormon and and some members of The LDS Church over some messaging released by Fair. Now for anyone unfamiliar with who FAIR is, they are an organization that forms apologetic defending the LDS Church, and to be honest they have some done some really good work in the past, I even had a member of FAIR on once on this podcast. However thier latest post has left a lot of Mormons in the LDS Church which way the LDS Church and FAIR are heading in regards to the LGBTQ movement. Justin and I talk about what is happening, how it is effecting members of the LDS Church, What the consequences are for society at large, how what we are seeing now is of ancient origins, and wrap all up on a hopeful note as we see progress being made to stem the tide.

On this episode I have Tracy Roberts on the podcast to talk about a book he has recently wrote about the relationship between the Old & New Testaments. During the course of our conversation we talk about Tracys childhood growing up LDS in Texas, his LDS Mission, his time at BYU, how he met his wife, and his faith journey that led him to search out truth no matter where it was. From there the conversation shifts to talking about his new book that illustrates everywhere in the New Testament where the writers either directly quote from the or make reference to the Old Testament, and wrap it all up by talking about why that subject is important to us as followers of the Savior.

Sometimes I feel like we are living in a Charles Dickens novel, "It was the best of times and the worst of times..." As disciples of Christ we can defiantly see that times are getting harder. However there are also some great things happening as well. For example, never before has humanity had the ability to communicate with the rest of the world without a middleman. Also for us Orthodox Mormons we can be a little more bold in proclaiming who we are than those who came before us to keep the religion alive. Today I have on a family who is taking advantage of both of those things. On this episode I sit down with Jeff, Vanessa, & Sharis Alldredge. They have just started a brand-new Youtube channel which is going to give viewers an inside look at their family as they go about their everyday life homesteading in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Along the way we touch on a lot, from their hopes for the channel, how the whole family feels about this new venture and even talk about living Plural Marriage and wrap it all up by talking about what their hopes are in sharing their lives with the rest of the world. The Alldredge Adventure:https://www.youtube.com/@TheAlldredgeAdventureLink To The Gospel Fundamentals Class W/Taylor Smith Every Thursday at 7:00 P.M. Central:Dave Sanders is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.Topic: Gospel Fundamentals Time: May 29, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Every week on Thu, 102 occurrence(s)Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.Weekly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZItf-uqpzwoE9BE5Cz7UjnSgbVmJt-XtQJo/ics?icsToken=DJHlof4rgwzJFuvqKwAALAAAAAVFu69R5Z4ScIPAPW4ld8rhfFWrOqPMFo6EDo15srsUu5RF2ImKSnMeT50amL8EPAq2THpu_DvzT6fACzAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=gK8XoRWKRpmNkKbSx83N8wJoin Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/86082297294?pwd=IJPLJalWwpNBZj9F6xa6puuZeaYxe2.1Meeting ID: 860 8229 7294Passcode: 255655---One tap mobile+13017158592,,86082297294#,,,,*255655# US (Washington DC)+13052241968,,86082297294#,,,,*255655# US---Dial by your location• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)• +1 305 224 1968 US• +1 309 205 3325 US• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)• +1 646 931 3860 US• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)• +1 669 444 9171 US• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)• +1 689 278 1000 US• +1 719 359 4580 US• +1 253 205 0468 US• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)• +1 360 209 5623 US• +1 386 347 5053 US• +1 507 473 4847 US• +1 564 217 2000 USMeeting ID: 860 8229 7294Passcode: 255655Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kdIgFmBm0d

On this episode I have a conversation with April & Tony Despain. April is a Mom that caught wind that her child was being exposed to some Trans affirming things at school. As any good mom would do she raised some questions and after a time found her self in the midst of a lawsuit. https://www.givesendgo.com/AprilWildeDespain

On this episode I get to sit down and have a conversation with a young couple who has found and embraced the Fullness Of The Restored Gospel. Elior & Haley Walker join me today as we talk about their story. Starting in childhood we find out about their upbringing in the LDS Church, how they met and fell in love, how Elior & Haley found out about the inconsistencies in the LDS Church vs Early Mormon History, how they navigated those times together, how they were able to come through this time stronger as a couple, and where the Lord has taken them on this journey. All along the way through this conversation we touch on some pretty deep principles all the while having some.

Right around last Christmas I did an episode about Book of Mormon geography which took a close look at the Heartland Model. Today on the podcast I have Ken Peterson on as we take a deep dive into the Mesoamerican Model as a setting for the Book of Mormon. As always Ken comes prepared as we look at several factors in examining the Meso-American Model including anthropology, geography, geology, linguistics and natural disasters. No matter which model you subscribe to, you are for sure going to learn something from this episode, and while this is a topic that shouldn’t affect anyone's testimony, it sure is fun to talk about.

Every so often people come along in the Restored Gospel and end up leaving impressions that echo through decades and centuries later. It will not be surprising that in a hundred years from now if people still won't be referencing Ogden Kraut and his research and work. And also like so many who have left such an impact Ogden did not live long enough to see the full fruition of his work, that particular portion was left to his son Kevin Kraut, and it is he who I am having a conversation with today. We talk about a benchmark that was achieved in his fathers work with the recent publication of Ensign To The Nations. Ensign to the nations is all 70 books that Ogden published in one book. During our conversation we talk about when and how Ogden first got the idea for this book, the reasons it never was published during Ogdens lifetime, the commission from Ogden to his son Kevin to finish the book, the challenges Kevin faced with getting it all put together, some of the more miraculous events that accompanied this work, and finally what this book should mean to mormons today.