052: J. Bonner Ritche--On Organizations, Individuals, and Pillars of Thoughtful Faith

We sit down with the attorneys behind the explosive lawsuits filed against LDS Church, alleging decades of systemic child sexual abuse and institutional cover-up. These lawsuits include shocking claims of abuse facilitated by Church leaders across multiple states and even international borders, with some cases framed under federal trafficking statutes.The attorneys reveal how these cases aim to hold the Church accountable, explain the legal strategy behind the state and federal coordination efforts, and share the stories of survivors fighting for justice.Show NotesYouTube00:05:30 Anne Andrews00:06:55 Kimberly DeGonia00:08:55 Kolby Reddish00:16:38 The human trafficking statute and how we define human trafficking00:36:50 The Atonement and the church protecting itself00:41:25 Describing the events in the way that lawyers do - High Level and what that means00:42:43 Importance of the victim’s age00:52:17 Discussion of the American criminal justice system01:08:25 Charges are filed against Payton01:19:50 Was Payton ever disciplined by the church?01:32:50 Movement to consolidate the cases in Los Angeles01:52:18 Dispelling myths on mandatory reporting laws01:55:52 Rough timeline of proceedings ahead02:17:00 Issues of Church and State laws?02:24:00 What suggestions do they have for the LDS church to handle these situations better?02:33:32 What is their motivation in defending these cases?02:52:11 Final thoughtsMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal VenmoOur Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord

11 Feb 2h 54min

Keith Erekson serves as the director of the historical research and outreach for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On January 12, 2025 he gave a fireside in which he answered tough questions. Today we are responding to that fireside and discussing such topics as polygamy, Joseph Smith marrying women who were already married, and the church hiding aspects of its history.Show NotesYouTube00:03:40 Introducing the original fireside with Keith Erekson00:10:23 Background on Keith Erekson who works for the Church00:17:08 Erekson saying the church never hid anything from its history00:21:30 How the Church has hidden its history00:30:35 Mountain Meadows Massacre00:37:25 Utah Mormon Reformation Questions00:43:42 The Word of Wisdom00:58:57 The Lord is guiding President Nelson to lead the church today01:02:00 Clip of Elder Holland explaining how the Church moves with the world01:08:19 Joseph Smith publicly denying that he lived polygamy01:17:00 These firesides are for questioning members01:18:42 John C. Bennett’s list of Joseph Smith’s wives01:22:52 Denials of polygamy01:29:29 What is the purpose of polygamy?01:33:53 Monogamy is the rule plurality is the exception01:42:16 The New and Everlasting Covenant means polygamy01:52:52 Erekson on the Restoration of All Things02:03:05 Why did Joseph Smith marry women who were already married?02:10:40 The Law of Adoption02:19:03 Joseph’s wives getting sealed to other people after his death02:20:24 Sealings for Time only02:21:54 Time and Eternity only sealings02:31:31 Erekson on Mary Elizabeth Rollins02:34:10 Dan Vogel on Mary Elizabeth Rolins02:40:26 Is polygamy required for exaltation?02:51:22 Are women just prizes in Mormonism?02:55:46 Erekson on the Book of Abraham03:07:50 Finding the scrolls for the Book of Abraham03:12:20 Erekson saying we’ve always called these funerary texts03:21:15 The diagram produced in the Book of Abraham03:24:11 Joseph Smith and the Catalyst Theory for the Book of Abraham03:27:00 Grading Keith Erekson on his knowledge, honesty, etc.Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal VenmoOur Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord

7 Feb 3h 36min

In today's episode, John sits down for a conversation with immigration attorney, Justin Sweeney. Justin grew up LDS in Mesa, AZ, served a mission in Argentina, and has served in many leadership positions within the church. He was even serving in his branch presidency up until the end of 2024. Justin discusses how he felt overworked in his church callings, questioning polygamy and masonry, and his journey of discovering the true history of the church. Show NotesYouTube00:01:20 Justin’s experience with a “Truth Crisis” not “Faith Crisis” and Intentions00:14:43 Growing up, High School, and sports00:26:17 Justin’s experience at the MTC00:36:35 “Fraudulent” baptisms in Latin American missions00:40:55 Being called to YSA bishopric00:53:47 Justing finishing law school & became immigration attorney01:09:57 Justin began to feel like an outsider from mormonism01:18:00 Discussion about the Godmakers and the lack of women in the Eternal Plan01:25:15 Justin Sweeney’s “Truth crisis” begins01:39:30 Justin was “using his lawyer brain to asses Mormonism”01:44:50 Learning about the “stone in the hat” and that the church still has it01:55:00 Comparing Mormonism to Santa Claus02:05:33 Women are second class people in Mormonism02:10:52 Justin discussing the LDS SEC order from an attorney’s perspective02:23:00 Reading Second Class Saints by Matt Harris with his wife and kids02:26:20 Why not keep it to himself and continue to “fake it”02:32:25 “My intention is not to tell people to leave the church”02:38:47 Elder Holland “stay in the boat” marketing video02:44:35 Why isn't he afraid of excommunication by coming on Mormon Stories?02:54:09 Final thoughts - Is he happier now no longer believing?Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal VenmoOur Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord

3 Feb 3h 1min

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has unanimously rejected James Huntsman's fraud lawsuit against the LDS/Mormon Church, which claimed that the church misled the membership over its tithing usage.Join John, Gerardo, and attorney Kolby Reddish to break down the decision.Show NotesYouTube00:04:26 Initial reactions to the news 00:13:00 Huntsman Procedure Explained00:15:45 Where the Three Tithing Cases started00:21:55 False statements made by the Church saying it would NOT use tithing funds00:48:22 What is the definition of fraud?01:01:05 The Church omitted half of the statement that changed the meaning01:10:50 “Reserve funds” come from tithing for a “rainy day”01:31:00 Why we should all become churches01:34:47 More from the Majority Decision01:42:55 Closing thoughts - we need to be accurate on how we talk about it01:45:10 Judge Bress’ Concurrence02:06:55 Bumatay’s Concurrence02:20:55 Summary of the judicial breakdownMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today: One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox Support us on Patreon PayPal VenmoOur Platforms: YouTube Patreon Spotify Apple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media: Insta: @mormstories TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast Join the Discord

1 Feb 2h 32min

Austin Wheeler shares his personal journey navigating Mormonism, military culture, and faith deconstruction. He recounts growing up in the church, his early experiences with trauma, and how Mormonism influenced his views on violence and masculinity. After a series of life events—ranging from military service at West Point to his mission in Taiwan—he confronts the toxic elements of both the military and the church, including dehumanization and harmful beliefs. Ultimately, he reflects on how his experiences shaped his disillusionment with Mormonism, his struggles with identity, and the deep questions about purpose and meaning that arose as a result.Show NotesYouTube00:01:55 Introductions00:08:55 His parents divorced when he was in seventh grade00:10:00 He was sexually assaulted by a ward member and doubled down in his belief00:31:00 How his High School shaped his identity00:42:15 Prepper culture associated with the military culture00:58:55 The Mormon culture is that they are going to build you in OUR image01:20:00 Experiences at the Mormon Singles Ward01:23:37 Called to the Tawaiian mission01:36:00 He started a fight club in the MTC01:45:00 Mormon culture makes a lot of people weird01:50:35 His mission president thought he was sick because he had sinned01:53:15 They sent him home for worthiness reasons, not because he was sick02:03:45 He went back on his mission02:24:00 Meeting his wife02:42:00 Authority and obedience in the church and in the military02:56:20 Opening his mind to the reality that the church had a lot of shortcomings03:07:10 How did his military career end?03:19:45 How did his military service end?03:27:35 Because he was never deployed is he happy or sad? Broken or healed?03:36:35 If you want to connect with people who have been in the military03:48:30 Nihilistic views and the emptiness of existence03:53:20 Final thoughts___________________At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

27 Jan 3h 57min

Paul reflects on his journey from being raised in the Mormon church to eventually leaving it. He opens up about his childhood, feeling isolated due to his neurodivergence, and his complicated relationship with his family. Paul shares his path to Mormonism, how he felt a strong connection to the faith at first, and his experiences as a missionary, including the challenges he faced in Argentina. Over time, he became disillusioned with the church, particularly after learning new information and struggling with its stance on LGBTQ issues. As Paul navigates life post-church, he discusses his career, his evolving understanding of love and relationships, and the healing process through music and self-reflection. The episode explores his feelings of loneliness, the importance of recognizing toxic behavior, and his journey to self-acceptance after leaving the Mormon faith.Show NotesYouTube00:03:35 Defining neurodivergence00:14:30 Religious experiences before the LDS church00:27:18 First introduction to Morminsim00:47:28 Mission call to Buenos Aires and being pressured to confess sexual sins01:00:55 How neurodivergence played into his mission01:16:28 Parental alienation & trying to reconnect with his mom01:32:58 “Mormonism is passive aggressive”01:41:25 Paul began to get in trouble for questioning priesthood holders01:59:20 November 2015 LGBT policy and Paul’s choice to stop attending church02:14:50 Feeling love from the members, but not the institution02:28:25 Narcissists only see their own reality02:44:10 Do you feel more fulfilled than when you were Mormon?02:56:04 Final questions - “Where will you go?”___________________At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

24 Jan 3h

In this episode of LDS Discussions, we explore how BYU Professor Anthony Sweat’s artwork reflects the troubling aspects of church history found in the CES Letter by Jeremy Runnells. Despite being excommunicated for questioning the church, Runnells’ CES Letter, published in 2013, exposes discrepancies in the official narrative. Meanwhile, Sweat’s art, starting in 2014, delves into controversial topics like Joseph Smith's treasure digging, the use of a seer stone, and polygamy. We compare Sweat's paintings to the CES Letter's criticisms, highlighting how the church’s history is often presented inaccurately. Join us as we discuss these bold portrayals and the ongoing tension between church teachings and historical truth.Show NotesYouTube00:00:00 Intro00:06:55 This is episode 60 of LDS Discussions00:10:50 Introduction to Anthony Sweat00:15:20 Historical overview with these controversial topics being covered00:22:30 Earlier artwork depicting images of the restoration00:34:30 The CES Letter by Jeremy Runnells was published in 201300:35:50 How members were taught the translation happened versus how it actually happened00:41:33 First painting - “The First Visions” by Anthony Sweat00:54:46 Quote from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy00:57:22 “Gazelem, A Stone” by Anthony Sweat, Joseph obtaining his brown seer stone01:06:13 The Harmony Treasure Searcher by Anthony Sweat01:15:25 Joseph Smith’s white stone and brown stone01:18:46 Clip of Anthony Sweat sharing concerns from a BYU student01:22:07 CES Letter and Anthony Sweat saying correct artwork wouldn’t communicate what the Church wants to communicate01:26:45 “Oliver Cowdery and the Gift of the Rod” by Anthony Sweat01:33:44 “The Ordination of Q. Walker Lewis” by Anthony Sweat01:39:09 “An Angel with a Drawn Sword” by Anthony Sweat01:48:06 “Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor” by Anthony Sweat01:52:25 “Purgatory: Joseph, Emma, and the Revelation on Plural Marriage” by Anthony Sweat01:59:44 Clip of Anthony Sweat talking about painting controversial aspects of church history02:02:35 The church is still trying NOT to show the rock in a hat during translation02:07:25 Clip of Anthony Sweat and the translation process (the church telling an artist to change his painting)02:13:13 Other depictions from Anthony Sweat___________________At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

21 Jan 2h 36min

In this episode of Mormon Stories, Erika Nordfelt shares her powerful journey from a devout Mormon upbringing to finding healing and self-discovery. Erika recounts her experiences growing up in a close-knit Mormon family, navigating high school in Colorado, and attending BYU-Idaho, where she faced struggles with religious expectations and marital dynamics shaped by the Church.She candidly discusses topics like sexual shame, pornography in marriage, and the role of Twelve-Step programs, highlighting the challenges of reconciling faith, identity, and personal growth. Erika opens up about her turning points, leaving the Church with her husband, and her work as a therapist, witnessing firsthand the impact of shame within Mormon culture.Show NotesYouTube00:00:00 Intro00:03:18 Erika’s intention for coming onto Mormon Stories and sharing her story00:06:12 Erika’s upbringing and her parents00:14:32 The best of Mormonism is being raised outside of Utah or Idaho, Mormonism should be the salt not the whole meal00:16:30 High School years and feeling undesirable in the dating aspect00:23:18 Her relationship with her body in dance and modesty00:35:00 Sexual neglect in her upbringing and in the Mormon church00:37:26 Attending BYU-Idaho - She did not serve a mission because she met her husband00:49:20 Her awareness to physical touch and how she was raised00:54:20 How the Mormon church shaped their marital relationship as far as gender roles, etc.01:06:07 Learning that her husband struggled with masturbation and porn and how she handled it 01:20:00 She felt so much despair when her husband confessed to viewing pornography01:29:23 The Twelve Step Program and what part it played in her marriage01:39:20 How long did she go to these Twelve Step meetings and was it working?01:46:10 Moving to Rexburg and getting new jobs on campus01:56:00 Seeing clients for the first time at the BYU-Idaho Counseling Center02:03:55 She had a front row seat to Mormon suffering while working as a counselor02:14:35 Checking in with their marriage during this time in their life02:26:55 The beginning of the end lasted for five years, holes being poked in the Gospel02:33:10 She began exploring troublesome church topics from a safe place in the church02:43:40 Has leaving the church affected her therapy practice at all?02:50:40 A better way to approach porn and masturbation03:19:13 Erika Nordfelt wrote a book called “Don’t Walk Alone”____________Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:Our Platforms:Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:

17 Jan 3h 25min