Welcome to Mormon Stories, where we explore the personal journeys of those examining their faith, history, and identity within Mormonism. In this episode, John sits down with immigration attorney Justin Sweeney, a lifelong LDS member who recently stepped away from church leadership.

Justin, raised in Mesa, AZ, served a mission in Argentina, attended BYU, and spent years in leadership roles, including serving in a stake presidency until the end of 2024. Deeply committed to the church, Justin’s testimony was originally built on Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, but his “truth crisis” (not a faith crisis) led him to critically reexamine Mormon history.

This conversation dives into:

• Feeling overworked in church leadership and seeing its strain on his life
• His research into polygamy, Masonry in the temple, and contradictions in church history
• How the “stone in the hat” translation shook his belief in the Book of Mormon
• The church’s financial controversies, including the LDS SEC fraud case
• How applying “lawyer logic” to LDS history led to disorienting realizations
• The role of polygamy in Mormon theology and the status of women in the afterlife
• Whether Joseph Smith’s actions make the church itself fraudulent
• Balancing personal integrity with staying in the church for his family and community

Justin’s spiritual experience at the Washington D.C. Temple gave him one last hope that the church was true, but his continued research unraveled the historical narrative he once believed. Listening to LDS Discussions, Tom Phillips’ story, and other sources, he began piecing together a reality that conflicted with what he had been taught.

Despite his deep involvement in the church, Justin ultimately resigned from his stake high council calling and wrestled with whether to share what he had learned with his family. He explains why he can’t “fake it” for his children and how he’s navigating faith transitions with his wife and kids.

This episode is an honest, in-depth look at what happens when someone dedicated to Mormonism discovers difficult truths. Whether you’re questioning, transitioning, or just curious, join us for this compelling discussion—and don’t forget to subscribe for more thought-provoking content!