In the 5th and final part of this multi-part interview with Dr. Richard Bushman, the world’s foremost scholar on Joseph Smith and early Mormonism and author of Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, John Dehlin offers some final 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.
To access this interview, subscribe via iTunes, or click here to listen to the audio directly.
To provide direct feedback to me or to Dr. Bushman about this episode, please either email me directly at mormonstories@gmail.com, or comment below.
For a discussion of this podcast, please visit one of the following sites:
- To discuss Dr. Bushman’s comments about Sunstone, and the role it plays in dealing with tough historical and cultural issues within Mormonism, check out SunstoneBlog.com
- For a somewhat liberal, multi-sided (yet still faithful) conversation about the series overall, check out The Cultural Hall.
- For a “Robust but Thoughtful, Open to All Viewpoints, Raucous but Respectful, Virtually Uncensored” conversation, Including all types of Mormons (from apologists to ex-Mormons)–check out Equality Time.
- For a somewhat conservative, faithful, mainstream conversation from the traditional Bloggernacle, check back here if/when one presents itself.
Sorry to bug you, John, but this isn’t showing up on iTunes as of 15:00 Eastern Standard Time.
What about now?
It’s still not there.
FWIW, I just checked my iTunes and it is there, along with the other four.
Keep trying, Jake. Let me know by EOD if it’s still not there. It could be a “system overload” kind of thing.
I just went into iTunes and it is showing up.
John I really enjoy the “NPR” approach you’ve taken with your interviews. I find your respectful manner of engaging your guests and thoughtful manner of asking difficult questions very intellectually stimulating.
As a former Mormon I can’t help but wonder if my decision to leave the Mormon Church would have changed after discussing some my historical concerns regarding Joseph Smith with you and a number of your website bloggers.
Please don’t misunderstand me–I have no regrets for leaving the Mormon Church and I’m very thrilled and spiritually fulfilled with my new life in Christ. However, in all honesty, after hearing you and Dr. Bushman treat a number of difficult angles related to Joseph Smith’s first vision account–I must say, if someone would have addressed my concerns in that manner I don’t think I would have left.
As for Dr. Bushman’s question, “What happens to those who’ve been beaten up by some of this historical evidence?” I can say for me it has led me on a meaningful and rewarding journey that has resulted in a greater appreciation for God and truth. As I sought God’s leadership and wisdom regarding a number of different issues I was fortunate to intersect at different points with many different godly Christain men and women who had a part in discipling me in the Word of God. Thanks to them I did not become imbalanced in my walk with Christ nor did I become some fanatical Anti-Mormon that needed to save the world from Mormons. Two years after leaving the Church I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. Eighteen months after that I surrendered to the call of full time ministry. Moved to the Midwest (KC, MO) and graduated with my MDiv from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. At the present time I’m working on my Doctorate from Goldengate Baptist Theological Seminary (Mill Valley, CA).
Currently I serve as the pastor of Highland Hill BC in Tacoma, WA (right across the street from the Tacoma Stake Ctr). I love the Lord with all my heart and enjoy leading others to do the same.
Dr. Bushman I hope this gives you some indication as to what happens to a least one person that was beaten up by some disturbing historical points.
Once again, many thanks to you John for the great work you do in maintaining this podcasting website. Thank you for being such a blessing.