The Latter Day Lens

192 Episodes

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The 2026 Midterms: What Happens After Election Day? (ep. 190)

2026-10-2858:13

Send us Fan Mail What will the 2026 midterm elections actually change—and what does the Book of Mormon teach about political corruption? Matt and Shawn welcome Levi back for a special midterm election edition of The Latter Day Lens. The hosts begin by examining candidates from both major parties and asking what qualities they value in elected representatives. The discussion explores political independence, bipartisan cooperation, religious convictions, rural representation, housing policy, an...

Is Making Money From Religion a Sin? (Episode 189)

2026-10-2151:42

Send us Fan Mail Is it wrong to make money preaching the gospel? And when does religious content become priestcraft? Matt and Shawn welcome Melanie back to The Latter Day Lens for a surprisingly personal debate about faith, money, Christian influencers, and the growing business of religious self-help. A report about Life Surge, a company that attracts Christians to inspirational events and sells expensive coaching programs, raises a difficult question: Can someone sincerely promote faith whil...

Why Do Smart People Believe Conspiracy Theories? (ep. 188)

2026-10-1451:02

Send us Fan Mail Why Do Smart People Believe Conspiracy Theories?Why do intelligent, educated people sometimes believe things that aren't supported by evidence? And is believing a conspiracy theory necessarily a bad thing? Matt and Shawn welcome David back to The Latter Day Lens for a conversation about political identity, election predictions, conspiracy theories, religious faith, and the rights of Americans living in U.S. territories. The conversation begins with a thought-provoking listene...

Should the Government Regulate College Sports? (ep. 187)

2026-10-0750:31

Send us Fan Mail What happens when conservative principles collide with government power? This week on The Latter Day Lens, Matt and Shawn are joined by Porter for a wide-ranging conversation about gambling, government regulation, college athletes, modesty, war, presidential power, Christmas music, and what it means to live your faith in the real world. Should the Government Regulate College Sports? The U.S. Senate has just passed the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act, 77–22. The legislat...

When Church Leaders Tell You How to Vote (Ep. 186)

2026-09-3056:36

Send us Fan Mail What should a faithful Latter-day Saint do when Church leaders take a political position—and you aren't sure you agree? That question drives one of our most candid conversations yet. The United Nations, Ezra Taft Benson, and Prophetic Counsel We begin with the United Nations. New Gallup polling across 137 countries finds that 50% of adults worldwide approve of the UN's performance, compared with 26% who disapprove. But Latter-day Saints have an interesting history with the or...

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