I’m set to do an interview next week with Shawn McCraney. Shawn is a former LDS Church member who is now an evangelical minister in SLC.  He is the author of the book “Born Again Mormon” and is the host of the TV show “Heart of the Manner.” Shawn and I talked before agreeing to do the interview.  His purpose (nor mine) will not be to bash the LDS church, but instead to share his journey out of Mormonism and into Evangelical Christianity in a respectful way.  If you have questions for Shawn, please post them here. Thanks!
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In this episode, John Dehlin discusses the past, present and future of the podcast. The Past: Why I shut down Mormon Stories podcast, what I learned along the way, and were I am now with the church. The Present: Why I brought Mormon Stories back The Future: What I promise to each of you w/ the podcast, and what I need from each of you to keep it going. Thanks in advance for your support!
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In part 2 of my interview with John Hamer, we discuss the transformation of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (RLDS) towards a more Christ-centered church, including the decision to build a temple in Independence, Missouri, and change its name to “The Community of Christ.” We also discuss its transition away from prophetic succession based on blood line, and its decision to ordain women to the priesthood.
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In this episode, John Hamer discusses the LDS Succession Crisis after Joseph Smith’s death, and the ground that it laid for the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (or Community of Christ). (Music provided courtesy of Clayton Pixton and Skype Pixton.  If you can, please email them and thank them for the music…better yet…email them and then buy an album!!!!)
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In this episode (also a re-publication), the good guys at Mormon Expression podcast interview John Dehlin, Brian Johnston and Logan Beaux about James Fowler’s Stage 5, and how it might apply to Mormonism. This episode is re-published courtesy of John Larsen.
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In this episode, the good guys from Mormon Expression podcast Interview John Dehlin. This recording was published on August 11, 2009, and is re-published here courtesy of John Larsen.
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Each week I continue to receive at least 2-3 emails from people who are deep “in the struggle” — having lost their traditional faith in the LDS Church, and don’t know where to turn.  They feel isolated and alone: often desperate.  Here is a summary of the best advice I can offer someone in this situation: (Note: please consider this as a very rough draft.  I am very open to suggestions to make it better.) =========== Thank you for sharing your story with me.  If there are a few messages I can leave with you…that I hope you will...
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I recorded my first podcast in some time last night w/ professor, author and mother Joanna Brooks.  Joanna was a very important figure in the uber-controversial BYU Academic Freedom days of 1990-1993…and is now a writer on Mormon topics for Religion Dispatches (along w/ being the Dept. Chair of English at SDSU).  She was also recently featured on RadioWest to discuss the phenomenon of Glenn Beck. Joanna has recently started an advice-column blog entitled “AskMormonGirl.com“, and cross-blogs on Mormon Matters. This is part 1 of a 2 part interview.  Please give a hearty Mormon Stories welcome to Dr./Sister/Mommy Joanna Brooks!
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If any of you have ideas for new guests on Mormon Stories, please post them here.  If they’re aligned with the new direction, great.  If not, that’s great too. What’s even MORE helpful is if you’re able to contact these people in advance and ask them if they’re willing to come on the podcast.  That could save me a TON of time. Thanks for everything.  More soon.
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Thanks for your willingness to give Mormon Stories a 2nd run. My focus for 2010 (and beyond?) will be: Empathy and Support for Those Struggling w/ a Faith Crisis: First and foremost, I want to help to build greater understanding, empathy and support within the broader LDS culture for those struggling with an LDS-related faith crisis. I envision interviewing many who have struggled with their faith — and to put forward several examples of people who have found joy on the other side of the struggle (regardless of whether they landed in or out of the church). The goal...
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