A Croatia & Slovenia Mormon Excommunication Story w/ Sara and Mitja Lakner Bevc | Ep. 2042

In this powerful episode of Mormon Stories, Clare and Jackson share their personal journeys of growing up in the Mormon church, struggling with shame, guilt, and anxiety, and eventually undergoing faith transitions. Clare discusses her challenges with modesty, body image, and mental health, especially during her mission, while Jackson opens up about his battles with pornography, shame, and a dangerous mission experience in Honduras. Together, they reflect on their experiences with church teachings, therapy, and the emotional toll of deconstructing their faith. This episode explores their healing process, the impact of questioning Mormonism, and the growth they’ve found in rebuilding their lives and relationship after leaving the church.Show NotesYouTube00:01:35 Intentions for being on Mormon Stories00:17:50 Modesty and Young Women lessons00:23:30 High School years00:32:34 Jackson’s Mormon upbringing00:39:40 Adolescent years00:47:13 Issues with pornography and masturbation01:07:20 Claire’s mission01:16:13 Having panic attacks while serving her mission01:27:35 Someone proposed to her on her mission01:28:25 Jackson’s mission01:35:00 Jackson’s dangerous mission experience01:47:25 Claire going to college after her mission01:51:30 He went through a disciplinary council01:58:20 He was assigned to the Addiction Recovery Program02:04:55 Meeting, engaged and married was five months02:17:40 Parenthood and the church02:24:25 TikTok was her demise of her testimony02:31:10 Why she didn’t tell her husband of her struggles in the church02:40:16 Jackson’s journey with his testimony02:47:40 What happened after the faith crisis?02:55:50 Healing after the faith transitions03:07:00 How will their friends and parents respond to this episode?03:14:03 Rebuilding after their faith transition____________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

8 Jan 3h 30min

A recent article from the Salt Lake Tribune showcases how the Mormon church education commissioner Clark Gilbert has implemented stringent measures to ensure that faculty members across church-affiliated institutions, including Brigham Young University and BYU-Idaho, align with the church’s teachings. Professors are now facing many hardships. Their social media posts are being audited, many are being fired for showing LGBTQ+ and feminist support, or for experiencing doubts in their Mormon beliefs. Some professors are being terminated simply because their spouse stopped believing in the church. Top scholars no longer want to apply to BYU and many professors are seeking employment elsewhere. These changes have led many to argue that this approach suppresses academic freedom and creates an environment of fear among BYU faculty members, who may feel pressured to conform to specific interpretations of Mormon church doctrinal teachings to maintain their position.Join us today as we talk in-depth about these controversies and the recent news article from the Salt Lake Tribune titled "Dark Days: BYU professors are running scared as premier LDS school steps backwards." According to the US and World News Report, BYU ranked #61 in 2017 and then dropped to #109 in 2024 out of 436 National Universities, but are these new changes going to drop the university's ranking? Join the livestream to share your own personal experiences in this regard!Link to the original article: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2025/01/05/byu-blue-why-these-are-dark-days/Show NotesYouTube00:02:57 Biography of Clark Gilbert as the Mormon church education commissioner00:08:22 Clip - Elder Holland calling for more musket fire00:25:10 Clip of Oaks and Eyring comparing the church to standing the wrong way in an elevator00:31:22 Reading the article from Salt Lake Tribune “Dark Days: New Rules…”00:39:35 Shutting down the ability to be honest and asking the professors to be unChristlike00:49:04 The Mormon church favors obedience over all things00:51:44 If the church continues this way it would be less like Notre Dame and more like Liberty University01:02:50 The four groups of BYU faculty members (the faithful core, the supportive center, the secular first and open foes)01:13:05 The process of hiring at any Mormon church university01:19:25 Could these specific things (LGBTQ support, criticizing Trump, being a feminist, etc) get BYU professors in trouble?01:32:00 Are women being singled out to not be hired at BYU?01:36:00 Spouses being required to attend in prospective hire interviews at Mormon universities01:41:20 Creepy and Orwellian aspects of the BYU hiring practices01:58:00 ExMormon Reddit - The firing of the BYU-Idaho employees is a warning shot to Rexburg. Support your family and risk everything02:00:15 ExMormon Reddit - Kevin Pearson and Clark Gilbert are encouraging an orthodox, fundamentalist, approach to their responsibilities02:10:05 Some positive comments on Clark Gilbert02:30:17 Don’t go to BYU, do not apply or attend this universityMormon 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

6 Jan 2h 37min

In this episode, Sandra Tanner and Chris delve into key figures and moments in Mormon historical scholarship. They discuss individuals like Dee Jay Nelson, Mark Hofman, and Wesley Walters, highlighting their contributions to uncovering evidence that challenges official LDS narratives, including the Palmyra revivals and the 1826 trial of Joseph Smith.The conversation touches on the work of scholars like Dan Vogel, Stan Larson, and D. Michael Quinn, as well as influential writers such as Fawn Brodie. Topics include changes in the Book of Mormon, early Mormon controversies, and the deeper complexities of Mormon history. This episode provides a compelling exploration of the intersection between faith, evidence, and critical analysis.Show NotesYouTube00:00:00 Brief review of key points from the previous episode00:01:23 Discussion about the alias of Steven Mayfield/Stan Fields00:11:10 Scholar Dee Jay Nelson’s false claim of having a PhD, Tanners losing some credibility00:21:27 Joseph Smith’s mistakes in the Book of Abraham translation using heretic and hieroglyphics simultaneously00:22:56 Insights into Mark Hofman’s forgery activities00:28:10 Kerry Ross Boren exploring efforts to dig into Tanner-related controversies00:35:40 Profiling Wesley Walters and his evidence against the Palmyra revivals and his discovery of the 1826 trial for Joseph Smith01:06:00 Discussing M.T. Lamb and Mike Marquardt’s scholarly works01:22:55 Stan Larson and the thousands of changes made to the Book of Mormon text01:31:20 Key Figures in Mormon Studies like D. Michael Quinn, Fawn Brodie, Curt Bench, etc.02:00:36 Insights into Sterling McMurrin’s perspectives and the New Mormon Thesis02:06:30 Addressing the number of wives Joseph Smith had relationships with02:14:00 Reflections on Christianity and Jesus Christ’s AtonementMormon 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

2 Jan 2h 18min

This video features Sandra Tanner, a descendant of Brigham Young, sharing insights into her family history and involvement in Mormon history. From Brigham Young's legal wife, Mary Ann Angell, to descendants of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Sandra delves into the complexities of her heritage and polygamy's impact on her upbringing.The discussion explores Sandra's journey into Mormon historical research with her late husband, Jerald, encounters with figures like Ogden Kraut and Ervil LeBaron, and her work with notable journalists and podcasters, including Wallace Turner, Peggy Fletcher Stack, and John Dehlin. This episode offers a fascinating look at the intersections of faith, history, and media.Show NotesYouTube00:01:00 Oh the People You’ll Know: Exploring the connections and relationships in Sandra’s journey.00:02:20 Sandra’s Relations to Brigham Young00:06:40 A look at Brigham Young’s life and the locations associated with him00:18:20 Sandra’s upbringing surrounded by stories of Brigham Young00:20:50 Exploring the descendants of the Mountain Meadows Massacre00:31:00 The Church's acknowledgment of the role Mormons played in the massacre00:33:15 Introduction to James Wardell and his connection to Sandra's work00:42:20 The LaBaron family and their impact on Sandra’s life and work00:52:10 Exploring the figure of the Parowan Prophet and their role in history00:57:36 A look at Ogden Kraut and his contributions to Sandra's understanding01:04:08 Insights into Lamar Peterson and his influence on Sandra’s journey01:16:40 Exploring the connection between the Law of Moses and the Book of Mormon01:23:55 The role of Francis Kirkham in Sandra’s journey01:28:40 The Tanner's decision to leave behind belief in the Book of Mormon01:33:46 Insights into Wallace Turner and his impact on Sandra’s life01:38:35 The role of Peggy Fletcher Stack in Sandra’s journey01:45:00 The influence of John Dehlin on Sandra's path01:48:15 John Dehlin Relaunched Her Career01:51:48 How Quickly We Forget About the People Who Have Helped02:08:00 Final thoughts and conclusion of the video.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

1 Jan 2h 10min

This powerful and emotional story takes you through Marty’s life journey—from his upbringing in Mormonism, his experiences in high school and seminary, to his time in the military and beyond. Marty reflects on growing up in a trailer park, his mission to Jamaica, his struggles with faith, and his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. He candidly shares deeply personal moments: battling depression, losing loved ones, questioning his beliefs, and finding peace through family, a farm, and humanism.Explore topics of resilience, transformation, and healing as Marty recounts leaving Mormonism, confronting the trauma of war, and redefining his spiritual beliefs. A heartfelt account of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning.Show NotesYouTube00:02:30 Intentions for Marty00:10:20 Growing up in Mormonism00:24:00 The dynamic of his mother working and his dad being abusive00:30:50 Interests in High School00:50:30 Meeting his wife00:51:20 Getting called to serve his mission in Jamaica01:23:40 He joined the army without talking to his wife02:04:45 Going to Afghanistan02:22:00 Having their first daughter02:34:35 Feeling the Spirit of Darkness while fighting in Iraq and questioning God02:54:20 Catching Saddam Hussein and understanding why he did what he did03:06:00 Reading the book Rough Stone Rolling changed his life03:09:10 He delivered his daughter in their van by himself03:14:40 Doing the Lord’s work at finding better ways to kill bad guys03:24:10 Feeling unworthy to baptize his daughter due to his involvement in war violence03:36:40 Finding Mormon Stories03:41:46 Reading The CES Letter and discovering that it was not true03:58:12 Leaving Mormonism helped him to not be so judgmental04:18:20 Living a farm life has helped him find peace and connect better to himself and others04:32:00 How he felt about the Mormon church and being in the military04:49:56 Story of his father's death while in hospice and his belief in a higher power05:43:20 Living his life by this new codeMormon 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:

30 Dec 20245h 56min

Join us for a discussion with Sandra Tanner and Dan Vogel as we explore a remarkable video featuring BYU Professor and leading Mormon historian Steven C. Harper. In this video, Harper addresses key issues with the First Vision narrative and acknowledges several challenges raised by the CES Letter.Show NotesYouTube00:07:40 Wesley Walters00:13:45 Clip - Fawn Brodie00:26:09 Clip - Steven Harper on Joseph changing his story00:27:37 Summary of the 1838 Account of the First Vision00:39:42 Hermeneutics of doubt and trust00:42:55 Clip - Bushman taking a charitable approach00:50:02 Clip - publishing through Oxford00:56:12 Clip - Memory studies nature of memory01:00:38 John calling BS on Joseph Smith’s vision01:19:15 Joseph Smith believed that God and Jesus were one being in 183201:30:50 The problem with Mormon apologetics with the First Vision01:37:50 Clip - Critics not trusting Joseph Smith01:45:32 Clip - How can you know without the Spirit?01:55:45 Faith is a matter of choice?02:01:19 Clip - BYU responding to Wes Walters02:18:12 Clip - How many accounts of the First Vision?02:36:20 Who visited him changes from 1832 to 183802:38:55 Clip - There will always be doubt02:54:00 Clip - I might not have seen what Joseph saw02:56:55 Distinguishing features of modern Mormonism03:03:46 Mental gymnastics03:13:50 Clip - Who does Joseph tell?03:19:00 Joseph Smith’s name on the Methodist Sunday School03:24:55 Clip - Ask Joseph Smith03:34:25 Final thoughts 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

20 Dec 20243h 57min

This video exposes a shocking case of abuse within the Mormon Church in Denmark, featuring former Bishop Lasse Meilsoe and journalist Michael Teschl. They discuss the Church’s mishandling of a rape case where a husband drugged and assaulted his wife, Kiran, over several years, confessing repeatedly to Church leaders. The Church’s actions to protect its image over victims, discouragement of reporting abuse to authorities, and their systemic prioritization of abusers are critically examined.Topics include Danish cultural responses, legal investigations into the Church’s practices, and the broader implications for Church transparency and accountability. A powerful and deeply unsettling look at abuse, complicity, and the fight for justice.Show NotesYouTube00:02:17 Church using the same cover-up techniques as in the States00:07:15 Lasse Meilsoe and Michael Teschl introduced00:13:50 Lack of attention to Mormon Church in Denmark00:17:40 How the abuse story came to light00:22:15 Church court for the abuser00:30:40 The abuser is sent home to continue marriage00:35:11 Abuser watches wife take sleeping pills00:41:10 Abuser’s role on the High Council00:46:00 Church threatens leaders who report abuse00:56:20 Detailed timeline of the abuse (6 years)01:01:00 Church’s four-page email response01:14:35 Church leaders deny knowledge of abuse01:20:55 Kiran divorces Peter01:28:50 Church knowingly keeps abuser in leadership01:34:11 Church's sole focus on self-preservation01:41:56 “The Church is more important than the members”01:49:40 Impact of the scandal on church activity rates in Denmark01:54:05 Is Bishop Meilsoe worried about excommunication?01:55:25 Closing remarksMormon 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

16 Dec 20242h 4min

Recently the Mormon Church released a new set of storybooks for children. For the storybook entitled "Doctrine and Covenants Stories" it has released a polygamy section that many feel is extremely harmful to children.Please join us as a Mormon Mom (Alyssa Witbeck) and a Mormon Therapist (Natasha Helfer) discuss their feelings about the likely harm that this section will cause to children.Show NotesYouTube00:05:30 The background and where to find this00:13:30 Coming clean of their own volition vs the internet forcing them00:14:54 Obedience is more important than intuition00:19:09 God condones prophets to be predators00:21:46 “The Lord commanded plural marriage”00:26:45 Nowhere does God command polygamy in the Bible00:32:21 Joseph is devastated for having to live polygamy00:37:50 How did this happen if these men were called of God?00:39:25 To claim that Joseph didn’t want to do this00:43:15 Emma sometimes helped Joseph decide who to marry00:46:44 Teaching the Twelve Apostles about polygamy00:50:15 Brigham Young with his first wife00:52:02 The laws against polygamy00:52:52 John Dehlin’s polygamous grandparents00:59:00 The Manifesto and end of polygamy01:03:20 How sealings work in the Mormon church01:10:02 This polygamy lesson teach and normalizes to children01:26:30 Do they want to believe in a God that was okay with all of this?01:30:50 Quick quiz01:40:00 Why does all this matter?01:47:10 Does this qualify as grooming?01:52:20 Upcoming lessons on plural marriage for 2025Mormon 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

16 Dec 20242h 2min