Mormon Stories Podcast

At 6:44pm on February 13th in Salt Lake City, Utah -- an 18-year-old Salt Lake City resident and Bosnian immigrant named Sulejman Talovic entered Trolley Square mall with a shotgun and began a shooting spree. In the end, 9 people were shot, and 6 were killed, including Talovic himself. One of the witnesses to this event was Matt Lund -- father of 6 children, and member of the LDS Church. This is his story. Today on Mormon Stories.

J. Bonner Ritchie thoughtfully discusses the nature of both organizations and individuals -- and how there must be a healthy tension between the two. He discusses the importance of paradox in a mature and faithful world view -- and provides invaluable tips on how to healthily remain a thinking member of the LDS church.

John Dehlin offers some closing thoughts on his time with Brother Bushman, and Dr. Bushman himself provides some final musings on the challenges of dealing with tough Mormon issues. He then concludes with his testimony of Joseph Smith

Brother Bushman discusses the historicity of the Book of Mormon, and the credibility of the 3 and 8 Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

Brother Bushman discusses Joseph Smith's bringing to light of the Book of Mormon, from angel Moroni's visit, to the obtaining of the plates, to the mechanics of the translation process. He also discusses the process of receiving revelation within Mormonism.

In this episode we tackle 4 main topics. First, brother Bushman provides a high level review of the major Joseph Smith biographies that preceded Rough Stone Rolling, including Fawn Brodie's"No man knows my history." Next, brother Bushman discusses the art of writing history, and the challenges involved in trying to arrive at"the facts" and"the truth" for both historians, and readers of history. Finally, we discuss in depth the first 2 of our top 10 tough Joseph Smith issues: 1) The multiple and somewhat varying accounts of Joseph Smith's first vision story, and 2) Joseph Smith's involvement in folk magic and treasure digging.

In part 1 of a multi-part series, Dr. Richard Bushman, the world's foremost scholar on Joseph Smith and early Mormonism and the author of Rough Stone Rolling, discusses his early years--including his struggle with faith as a Harvard undergraduate, his decision to get a PhD in history, and his experiences with Leonard Arrington, Dialogue and Sunstone. He also discusses the role of candid, honest history within the modern LDS Church.

In part 5 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses her Mormon Fundamentalist beliefs in depth, talks abou the future of Mormon Fundamentalism, and concludes by sharing her testimony with us.

In part 4 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses modern polygamy gone wrong and right.

In part 3 of a 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses her story--recounting how she went from being a traditional member of the LDS Church, BYU graduate, married in the temple, and mother of 3 children--to becoming a practicing Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist--all while remaining active in the LDS church, and raising her children therein.