40 Years Ago Today My Friends Were Murdered: My Account of the Hofmann Bombings | Episode 1
Description
In this gripping episode, Tom Moore shares a firsthand account of one of the most shocking and tragic chapters in Utah and Latter-day Saint Church history — the Mark Hofmann forgeries and bombings of 1985.
Tom reflects on his close friendships with Steve Christensen and Kathy Sheets, two friends murdered in the bombings orchestrated by Hofmann. Through personal anecdotes, he provides context about the “Salamander Letter” forgery, the financial turmoil of CFS Financial, and the devastating series of events that unfolded — including his own near-death experience, when he narrowly avoided being killed by one of Hofmann’s bombs.
This deeply emotional and spiritual conversation blends history, faith, tragedy, and redemption — offering insight into human evil, media distortion, and the enduring power of forgiveness and testimony.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Truth vs. Deception
- Mark Hofmann’s elaborate forgeries (especially the “Salamander Letter”) distorted Church history and destroyed lives.
- The story underscores how lies — when amplified by media and rumor — can cause real-world harm.
Faith Under Fire
- Despite loss and confusion, figures like Gary Sheets exemplified deep faith and peace amid tragedy.
- Moore’s reflection on eternal families and the Atonement highlights resilience through belief.
Media Misrepresentation
- Moore criticizes how journalists fueled false narratives (mafia ties, marital affairs and financial fraud) without evidence.
- A powerful cautionary tale about truth, bias, and public perception.
Providence & Survival
- Tom’s survival — due to a last-minute meeting cancellation — felt like divine intervention.
- His gratitude and awareness of life’s fragility resonate strongly.
Legacy of Friendship & Integrity
- Moore humanizes victims like Steve Christensen, Kathy Sheets and Gary Sheets, defending their integrity against decades of misinformation.
- The episode restores dignity to names that were unfairly tarnished.
More about Steve Christensen, Kathy Sheets, and the Mark Hofmann Bombings of 1985
Church History Article - https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/hofmann-forgeries?lang=eng
Murder Among The Mormons Netflix Documentary - https://www.netflix.com/title/81226889
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PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Intro/Outro Music: Justin Cash
Recorded at Mindset Content Creation Studios
Produced by Tommy Moore
Brought to you by Vodcasts by Tommy Moore Presents - https://www.instagram.com/vodcasts_by_tommymoore/
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Our Celestial Road is a podcast about the roads of life experienced by everyday people - including Tom and Kathy Moore as they strive for a Celestial life together.
EPISODE NOTES AND REFERENCES
HASHTAGS
#ourcelestialroad #ourcelestialroadpodcast #tommoore #kathymoore #familiesareforever #tommymoorepresents #moorefamilymediamanagement #tommymoore #vodcastsbytommymoore #christianpodcast #bridgebuilding #… #murderamongthemormons #stevechristensen #kathysheets #markhofmann #markhofmannbombings #hofmannforgeries
KEYWORDS
Tommy Moore, Tommy Moore Presents, Mindset Content Creation Studios, Vodcasts by Tommy Moore




