Saints Unscripted

Caleb was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia. In his teenage years, he moved to France where he was completely cut off from the Church. His host family warned him against meeting with the missionaries so he had to find creative ways to maintain contact. In March 2020, Caleb moved to the United States right before COVID-19. He found himself stuck in the United States, unable to return to Australia until the lockdown had ended. He talks about what he has done to maintain his testimony and faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints disrespected by journalists? Do journalists treat X better than they treat the Church of Jesus Christ? Today we are joined by Christopher Cunningham, one of our favorite scholars and one of our closest friends. Christopher shares his insights on the bias held by many journalists against the Church of Jesus Christ. Christopher is the Managing Director of Public Square Magazine and a frequent guest on Saints Unscripted. Let us know what you think of this discussion in the comments below! Read more here: https://publicsquaremag.org/media-education/social-media/journalists-mormon-church-proper-name/ FOLLOW PUBLIC SQUARE MAG: Website: https://publicsquaremag.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/publicsquaremag_/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PublicSquareMag X: https://x.com/PublicSquareMag?mx=2

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been working on updating the current hymnbook for 6 YEARS!! And guess what? We are just now seeing the first installments! Today we discuss our opinions on the new hymns, what we think about the hymns targeted to children, how we feel about the removal of patriotic hymns, and so much more! Let us know what you think!!

Can you be a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ and also not subscribe to every teaching of the Church? Is it okay to have doubts about particular doctrine and policies while still choosing to stay active in your membership?

In this episode, we got to hear from Lacie and Jordan, two incredible souls who have overcome significant challenges in their lives. Jordan shared his story on our channel and today Lacie shares her story of asking for a temple sealing cancelation and then being sealed to Jordan and their baby. If you've ever had questions about temple sealings and temple sealing cancelations, this video is for you!! Thank you, Jordan and Lacie! Watch Jordan's Story: https://youtu.be/8eRO9mGEvnc 0:00 - Introduction 0:36 - Lacie and Jordan meeting 2:28 - Lacie and Jordan reconnect after nearly a decade and having been divorced from their previous spouses 4:40 - Lacie’s process in determining that she wanted to be sealed to Jordan 5:08 - The sealing cancelation process 8:23 - Child’s sealing to Lacie 10:21 - Events leading up to the sealing 13:20 - The sealing!! 16:00 - Going back to do proxy sealings 19:20 - Have you experienced judgment? 21:30 - Kids’ questions about sealings 23:30 - Observations from children 26:15 - Jordan’s experience with God’s hand in his day-to-day 27:48 - Birthing complications 30:00 - Giving a blessing for the first time 30:55 - Non-member nurse watching the blessing 33:22 - Do you regret being divorced? 37:50 - The positivity in Lacie’s divorce; importance of marriage 39:03 - Being offended 42:00 - Afterlife perspective

Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a high demand religion? Are members of the Church required to do too much? In this episode, some Saints Unscripted hosts discuss what it means to be a part of a high demand organization and whether or not the LDS Church qualifies as high demand.

In this special Q&A session, we dive into your questions (from Instagram) and provide heartfelt advice on various aspects of life, including faith, relationships, personal growth, and more. As members of the Latter-day Saints community, we understand the unique challenges and joys you experience, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Join us as we discuss: - Navigating faith and spirituality in everyday life - Strengthening family and community relationships - Finding balance and purpose - Overcoming personal challenges - And much more! Thank you to everyone who sent in questions. We love connecting with our audience and offering guidance and support.

In this episode, the hosts discuss questions about prophetic fallibility. It is acknowledged early on that prophets are fallible but the big question is -- At what point is a prophet "too" infallible to no longer be rendered a prophet of God? The hosts discuss the nuance and also discuss why they choose to stay in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Jared Halverson, a professional religious educator, joins us to talk about faith crisis, engaging with faith questions, and establishing spiritual experiences. If you have had faith questions or have been struggling with conversations about your faith, this episode is for you. This is one of our favorite scholar interviews! Thanks so much for joining us, Jared! FOLLOW JARED!! Website: https://www.unshaken.org/ Podcast: https://unshaken.podbean.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Unshaken/ Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:50 - Jared’s academic background and career 5:00 - Reacting to new “anti-Mormon” content; anti-faith content 6:00 - Deception 6:40 - Prophecy from Jesus Christ 9:08 - Is “turning the other cheek” always the answer? 11:05 - Humor and showing a different approach 12:30 - Engaging with those in faith crisis 14:00 - Seeking to understand and diffusing the bomb 18:20 - What approach do you take with people in a faith crisis? 19:37 - Understanding the stages of faith - Creation, Fall, Atonement 23:02 - Reach out and talk 23:45 - Curiosity and judgment - personal story 26:08 - Fighting on both sides 27:22 - Reframing your relationship with those who have left 29:28 - Clinging to the rod of iron; Lehi’s dream 32:18 - The P’s 33:10 - Marveling at God 34:30 - “Why do you do this?” 36:32 - The worth of souls 38:00 - Father with paternal regard with ample provision 39:40 - Temptations 41:11 - Zion - One heart, one mind 42:50 - Common questions but is it yours? 45:50 - Helpless chicks 49:22 - Experience with God

In this episode, David, Kaitlyn, and Brett discuss their opinions on whether or not progression after death is possible. And yes, the hosts have different opinions! They talk about the implications of whether or not What do Latter-day Saint leaders have to say about progression in the eternities?

In this video, our hosts dive into the world of dating within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, answering your burning questions and sharing personal insights. Whether you're a member of the LDS community or just curious about how dating works in this unique culture, we've got you covered!

We are so grateful to have Tyler join us to share PART 2 of his story of coming back to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and having his blessings restored! Tyler left the church some years ago and then decided to come back. But coming back and having his blessings restored was a long, long waiting process. 0:45 - From Grace to Grace (follow below!!) 1:20 - Recap of Tyler’s journey 2:30 - The restoration of blessings 3:57 - Where to start with restoration of blessings 5:46 - Writing a letter to the First Presidency 6:48 - Going to the temple without a recommend 8:04 - Application submitted and the waiting process 9:00 - YES! And going through the temple again 11:00 - Going through for the first time vs now 12:52 - Numbered among the saints and repentance 13:37 - Nervousness about not knowing 15:47 - Advice for those going through the process of restoration of blessings 17:30 - Where Tyler is now! FOLLOW TYLER!! https://socials.fromgracetograce.com Instagram: tylerkurtgordon

We recently asked our audience on Instagram for questions they had about being a male in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this episode, Brett, Wilson, and David respond to the audience-submitted questions!

Today we explore a well-debated question: Can scriptures be allegory and still hold truth? We explore different perspectives on religious texts, examining the balance between literal interpretations and allegorical meanings. We discuss how stories and parables can convey profound truths without being historically factual. While there are lots of thoughts about the Bible, we also talk about whether or not the Book of Mormon relies on literalism. Whether you're a scholar, a believer, or just curious, this conversation promises to challenge and inspire your understanding of spiritual narratives.

Dana Kimmell joined the church as a Hollywood actress and was immediately faced with tough decisions that would impact her career forever. Because of Dana’s example of dedication and devotion, generations have been blessed. Kyle is the son of Dana and is an example of someone who has been blessed immensely by the life and choices of Dana. 0:00 - Introduction 0:48 - Dana’s belief in Jesus and desire to be an actress 1:30 - Moving to Fresno, California 2:20 - Auditioning for a movie and learning that the producer was LDS 3:50 - Los Angeles Visitor’s Center and meeting the missionaries 4:36 - Lyman Dayton answering Dana’s questions 5:12 - Temple Square and Jesus teaching in the Americas 6:10 - Decision to be baptized 6:48 - Very supportive parents 9:04 - Acting in comedies and different pilots 9:33 - Friday the 13th Part Three 9:55 - Agent finds Dana a part in The Terminator 11:16 - Asking to remove the inappropriate parts 12:14 - Kyle upset about Dana’s turning down the role 14:05 - Kyle takes a songwriting class with Dan Reynolds 16:10 - Checking Facebook and seeing a post from Dan 18:18 - Post goes viral, significant backlash 19:05 - Response to Kyle’s prayer 20:30 - The legacy of faith that impacts generations 21:22 - It is what it is! 22:22 - God will make everything right 23:25 - True lasting happiness 24:35 - Return to God and repent and be converted to be healed 25:40 - Continuing to act 26:30 - Book about making the decision to leave acting 27:54 - Reaching for the Brightest Star READ KYLE'S BOOK: Reaching for the Brightest Star: www.amazon.com/Reaching-Brightest-Star-Kyle-Dane-ebook/dp/B0CW7YG25R FOLLOW KYLE: https://youtube.com/@reachingforthebrighteststar?si=E1wchgSUNJFf5Xwl DANA'S JEWELRY COMPANY: GMEERA.com

Maurice and Krispin from Brothaz in the Foyer join us today to discuss how they have reconciled with negative experiences they have had in the church. They talk about being raised by single mothers and the negative experiences they had from leaders and professors. But they choose to stay active in the church. Don't miss this one!! 0:00 - Introduction 0:35 - Introduction of Maurice 1:24 - Introduction of Krispin 4:00 - How have you reconciled with negative experiences you’ve had in the church? 4:54 - Only black members of the church 5:30 - Discrimination from youth leaders 7:35 - President Nelson speaking more openly about the negative 9:35 - You can’t be in line with the church if you have ill feelings towards people outside of their character 11:07 - Growing up in a single-parent household 12:30 - Mixed race difficulties 13:20 - Talk by Elder Bednar about choosing not to be offended 14:25 - Discrimination from university professor 16:00 - Why do you stay? 17:15 - When you know something is right, you know it is right FOLLOW BROTHAZ IN THE FOYER!! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brothazinthefoyer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brothazinthefoyer/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brothaz-in-the-foyer-podcast/id1721438010

Brothaz in the Foyer are back with Isiah and Christian as they discuss how to balance faith with all the other obligations in their life. In today's fast-paced world, finding a balance between faith, religion, and our numerous life obligations can be challenging. In this episode, Isiah and Christian discusses how to integrate your spiritual practices into daily life without feeling overwhelmed. 0:00 - Introduction 0:33 - Introduction of Isiah 1:44 - Introduction of Christian 2:20 - How to balance faith with all other obligations 3:42 - Faith isn’t just something you believe but something you do 4:47 - Growing up in Haiti - going day by day 7:20 - What happens when you become more like Christ 8:50 - Marriage and the gospel 9:39 - Teaching kids the gospel 12:45 - Church with kids FOLLOW BROTHAZ IN THE FOYER! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brothazinthefoyer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brothazinthefoyer/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brothaz-in-the-foyer-podcast/id1721438010

Brothaz in the Foyer members Raymond and Will join us to share their thoughts on race has impacted their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. They share stories and examples from their own life and talk about the importance of their faith. 0:00 - Introduction 1:58 - Race is always a part of the conversation 3:00 - Jesus Christ is the ultimate example 3:20 - Teaching nonmembers about the church as a black member 4:00 - Differences in the Tongan ward and English ward 4:34 - Stake President story 5:42 - Helping ancestors on the other side of the veil 6:25 - Genealogical blessings 7:55 - The culture vs the gospel of Jesus Christ 8:44 - Love thy neighbor as thyself 9:48 - Will seeing his mom as an example 11:42 - Conversion is a daily thing 13:34 - Don’t allow the thoughts of others to jeopardize your eternal salvation

We are elated to be joined by Brothaz in the Foyer! In this episode, we get to hear from Andrew Smith and Isaiah Gray as they share the beginnings of their project, choosing to be members of the church, and maintaining their testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These men are spiritual powerhouses! 0:00 - Introduction 2:44 - The beginnings of Brothaz in the Foyer 5:29 - Barbershop experience 6:42 - Why choose to be members of the church? 8:15 - Knowing the church is true 10:15 - Joseph Smith going through persecution 11:16 - The power of individual powerful experiences 12:15 - Finding the Church of Jesus Christ 14:00 - The priesthood ban FOLLOW BROTHAZ IN THE FOYER: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brothazinthefoyer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brothazinthefoyer/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brothaz-in-the-foyer-podcast/id1721438010 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brothazinthefoyer

Chantel shares her story of wanting to go back to church, doing some research, finding lots of negative things about the Church of Jesus Christ, and then meeting with the missionaries of the church. She was baptized in just 24 days! Thanks for sharing your story with us, Chantel! 0:00 - Introduction 0:58 - Chantel decides to to back to church 1:20 - Researching the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1:51 - Seeing the same YouTube ad over and over and meeting with the missionaries 3:01 - Hearing from the missionaries changed everything 4:28 - Tenants of the gospel that Chantel loved 5:25 - Reaction of her family 7:30 - Constantly learning 8:55 - Words of advice