Sunstone Podcast

A Mormon can’t get a temple recommend if they drink coffee or black tea, but they can get one if they consume energy drinks that have five times as much caffeine as either. Launching from Michael Pollan’s book “Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World,” Stephen Carter explores the strange limbo caffeine has occupied in in the LDS Church—from general condemnation to apostolic approval. https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SLP-177.mp3

“When virtues run wild, catastrophe reigns.” In this episode, John Durham Peters reveals the dangers of Mormon perfectionism and suggests a new approach. https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SLP-176.mp3

Esther Peterson was one of the most beloved and effective activists of the 20th century, working with John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Jimmy Carter to improve women’s rights in the United States. And she grew up Mormon in Provo, Utah. In this episode, Esther talks about how her Mormon upbringing affected her activism—both for good and ill. https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SLP-175.mp3

If the Christian God and the Mormon God got into a fight, who would win? In this episode, S. Richard Bellrock shows just just how unfair the fight would be. https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SLP-174.mp3

History is a dangerous profession in the LDS Church, sometimes leading to excommunication. Stephen Carter explores why history is such a charged topic—and what Ethiopian leopards have to do with it. https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SLP-173.mp3

One fine July Sunday in Relief Society, Deja Earley was asked to share a story about her Mormon ancestors. Her story did not go down well. In this episode, Deja tries to come to terms with her polygamous forebears. https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SLP-172.mp3

Testimony meeting would be a terrible place for Stephen Carter to talk about the movie that finally made him feel a connection to the atonement. Hint: It has connections to Lord of the Rings, Avatar, and Run Lola Run. https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SLP-171.mp3

Exploring unconventional atonement theories within a Mormon paradigm, challenging traditional beliefs. Delving into mimetic desire and the scapegoat mechanism, connecting it to Jesus' crucifixion. Reframing sacrifice as a means to break the cycle of violence. Embracing pain and suffering for spiritual growth and progression.

In Part II of Gregory Prince’s article, he explores what he thinks the LDS Church has done right and what kinds of changes both it and its members will need to go through to meet current and future challenges. https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SLP-169.mp3

Exploring the evolution of the LDS Church dynamics, challenges of faith crisis due to the internet, impact of the Correlation Movement, humorous ordination ceremony in Tonga, empowerment through endowment ceremonies, and reflections on temple experiences and renewal in Mormon faith.