Blind Obedience

In this episode we tackle the tough issue of what is blind obedience and what is our responsibility in both adhereing to our perception of right and wrong and still sustaining the brethren in their callings a Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.  Are we indeed supposed to follow prophets even when they are wrong.  We hit this and more on today’s episode of the Mormon Discussion Podcast.  Please consider becoming a subscriber today by visiting http://mormondiscussion.podbean.com/premium-signup

https://www.lds.org/liahona/1981/06/fourteen-fundamentals-in-following-the-prophet?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2002/04/faith-obedience?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2013/01/what-is-truth?lang=eng

http://en.fairmormon.org/Mormonism_and_doctrine/Changing

https://familysearch.org/photos/stories/824169

http://books.google.com/books?id=fFEoAAAAYAAJ&dq=The+Latter-Day+Saints%27+Millennial+Star+Volume+14&pg=PA593#v=onepage&q&f=false  —–>  start on page 594 right hand side

http://www.mormonchronicle.com/img/Ezra-Taft-Benson-and-Mormon-Political-Conflicts.pdf  —> start on page 77

Blind Obedience

PREMIUM: Julie Willis & Tough Questions

Today I take a look at a recent talk at BYU Idaho by Julie Willis.  The talk titled “Gaining Light through Questioning”  speaks of several concepts that we speak of often here on Mormon Discussion and which would benefit those struggling in a difficult faith transition.  So sit back as we dissect this talk and hit on its important points.

BYU IDAHO Speech by Julie Willis on Video

BYU IDAHO speech by Julie Willis Audio

Michael Otterson’s letter

Church article to the youth on Questioning

PREMIUM: Julie Willis & Tough Questions

Mark Staker: Church History in Ohio

We sit down with LDS historian Mark Staker.   We talk at length about the Historical setting in Kirtland, Ohio where more documented revelations occurred in this dispensation then any other place.  We talk about the Kirtland Safety Society Bank, Elsa Johnson’s miraculous healing, the role of early LDS Bishops, the Law of Consecration, and Symonds Rider

http://www.amazon.com/Hearken-Ye-People-Historical-Revelations-ebook/dp/B006R6JF4I

http://www.amazon.com/Hearken-Ye-People-Historical-Revelations/dp/158958113X

Best Book Award – Mormon History Association

Best Book Award – John Whitmer Historical Association

Mark Lyman Staker has a Ph.D., Cultural anthropology from the University of Florida. Mark began work as curator of the Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City in 1993. For more than twelve years Mark has been involved in historic sites restoration and nineteenth-century expressions of the Latter-day Saint experience. He received the J. Talmage Jones Award of Excellence for an Outstanding Article on Mormon History from the Mormon History Association and has been involved in numerous museum exhibits. He and his wife, Kimberly L. Staker, are the parents of seven children and live in West Bountiful, Utah. Mark Staker is the author of Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith’s Ohio Revelations.

Mark Staker: Church History in Ohio

Nancy Browne: Help Thou Mine Unbelief

Nancy Browne: Help Thou Mine Unbelief

PREMIUM: Mitch Mayne

Sometimes we assume that there is no room to be Gay and be Mormon….. but today we blow that false assumption right out of the water.  Today we also help LDS distinguish between Doctrine, Policy and Culture around this issue.  We tackle how to be more inclusive and how to bring all unto Christ.

Today I sit down Mitch Mayne, an Active Gay Mormon.  Bro. Mayne describes himself this way

I was raised in Idaho, and baptized into the Mormon Church when I was eight. I left the church for many years, due in large part to my parent’s divorce. In my mid-20s, 

 

I returned to the church of my own accord, knowing full well that I was gay, and that someday I would have to find a way to reconcile my sexual orientation with my faith. For many years, I was fractured: I believed I was a man with a foot in two worlds, and that I belonged in neither. But as I’ve grown in my testimony of my Savior and my confidence in who I am, I’ve come to understand myself as a man with a foot in two worlds–who very much belongs in both. From August 2011 through November of 2013, I served as the executive secretary of the bishopric of the Bay Ward within the San Francisco Stake.

 

I currently remain an active, happy and whole gay Mormon–just the way I am.

 

Resources

http://www.mitchmayne.com/

http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/

Supportive Families / Healthy Chuildren  – Pamphlet that can be helpful any in this situation

Mitch Mayne

PREMIUM: Mitch Mayne

Elder Oaks: the Sisters' Power and Authority

Today we talk about what power and Authority Women have in the Church.  We use Elder Oaks April 2014 talk as a guide to show that maybe things are not quite what we thought they were.  That Women have a much bigger piece of the Priesthood pie than we are used to saying.  I think this talk was much more meat filled and gracious than many at first thought took notice.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-keys-and-authority-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng

Elder Oaks: the Sisters' Power and Authority

Charlie Harrell: This is my Doctrine

Today I sit down with Prof. Charles Harrell, author of “This is My Doctrine”.  His book takes a historical look at the development of Mormon Doctrines within LDS theology.  His books helps us first learn and then cope with the complex ways in which LDS Theology and Doctrine developed.  We discuss how to define the word Doctrine, How to define scripture, how to deal with the inaccurate ways we define our Doctrine, and how to cope with the nuance of it all.

Bro. Harrell has also been on MormonStories and a recurring series on Old Testament Scripture and others on MormonMatters

http://www.amazon.com/This-Is-My-Doctrine-Development/dp/1589581032

http://improvementera.com/2011/04/down-the-rabbit-hole-a-review-of-charles-harrells-this-is-my-doctrine-the-development-of-mormon-theology/

http://bycommonconsent.com/2011/09/10/this-is-my-doctrine/

Charlie Harrell: This is my Doctrine

Saturday, July 5, 2014

RETURN TO FISHING AND A QUEST FOR LOYALTY

This Episode is based on Elder Hollands Recent Conference Talk “The First Great Commandment”. Elder Holland made a great observation, which as I consider the story is very likely.

In his talk he makes mention of “Cafeteria Mormon”, Faith Crisis, Loyalty to God and his Gospel.

I tried to give Elder Holland’s talk some background by including a Story from Dale Sturm’s talk regarding Luke Chapter 5.

The resources from this podcast are as follows

Dale Sturm “Faith is a Decision” http://www2.byui.edu/DevotionalPlayer/BYUIplayer.html?StartCue=42&EndCue=1539&VideoName=2012_01_31_DV_Sturm

or

http://web.byui.edu/devotionalsandspeeches/AudioPlayer.aspx?File=2012_01_31_DV_Sturm.wma&Title=Faith+is+a+Decision&Speaker=Brother+Dale++Sturm

or

http://www2.byui.edu/Presentations/Transcripts/Devotionals/2012_01_31_Sturm.htm

Elder Jeffrey R Holland of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles OCT 2012 – “The First Great Commandment”

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-first-great-commandment?lang=eng

Elder Jeffrey R Holland of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles April 2011 “Ensign to the Nations”

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/an-ensign-to-the-nations?lang=eng

If you have hit a plateau, have withdrawn your activity, have never put your full energy into the gospel…. this episode is for you.

 

RETURN TO FISHING AND A QUEST FOR LOYALTY

Monday, June 30, 2014

Raelism: Faith of the Elohim

In our effort to discuss other faiths, we sit down today with Ricky a member of the raelism faith.  Rael (pictured above) is their leader and he was visited by being not from our world.  He claims they showed him how they created mankind, what is expected of humankind, and he also had dinner with Jesus and Joseph Smith on another planet.  While certainly different and even strange, much of what Ricky said had a familiar ring in it.  Ricky himself was a Latter-Day Saint prior to joining the Raelian Faith.

http://www.rael.org/home

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra%C3%ABlism

http://usa.raelians.org/

Raelism: Faith of the Elohim

Monday, June 23, 2014

Vickey Pahnke Taylor: Goodness Matters

Vickey is a songwriter/producer, vocalist, and professional speaker, who has spoken for more than two decades Church Education Systems, including BYU Education Week and Best of Especially for Youth.  She is a Billboard award winning songwriter, with hundreds of songs to her credit.  Her compositions include the theme songs for the Special Olympics program (state by state selection), the Make A Wish Foundation,  and the Especially For Youth program of the Church.

Her collaborative projects for the LDS market include “Women at the Well” with Kenneth Cope and “My Beloved Christ” with Randy Kartchner. Vickey has contributed to numerous EFY albums over the years and is a prolific writer of columns and books. Her latest CD is “He Restoreth My Soul: Hymns of Hope & Peace”.  She has a Masters degree in Interpersonal Communications.

Vickey’s experiences include venues from participation with a nationally touring Repertory Theater Company to Symphony Halls to corporate conventions throughout the U.S. She spent several years teaching Positive Choice programs for public school systems throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Vickey and her husband Dean are the parents of eight children. They love hanging out with their children and grandchildren, and serving in their ward and stake callings. Contact Vickey directly at Vickey@goodnessmatters.com

http://www.goodnessmatters.com/

http://www.ldsmag.com/article/423?ac=1

http://www.ldsmag.com/author/vickey-pahnke-taylor

Vickey Pahnke Taylor: Goodness Matters

Saturday, June 21, 2014

PREMIUM: David Bokovoy

Today we sit down with LDS scholar and author David Bokovoy.  David is the Author of “Authoring the Old Testament : Genesis – Deuteronomy”.   We break down what scripture is and isn’t, leveling false assumptions along the way.  We discuss how to handle paradigm shifts when new info makes previous paradigms untenable. We also address whether the Book of Mormon is in the same boat as the Bible in terms of historical criticism.  Take a listen and consider donating today or even better becoming a premium subscriber today 

http://www.amazon.com/Authoring-Old-Testament-Genesis-Deuteronomy-Part-ebook/dp/B00ICSZ0P2

http://gregkofford.com/collections/frontpage/products/authoring-the-old-testament-1

http://www.mormoninterpreter.com/author/davidb/

About David Bokovoy

David Bokovoy holds a PhD in Hebrew Bible and the Ancient Near East from Brandeis University. In addition to his work in Mormon studies, David has published articles in the Journal of Biblical Literature and Vetus Testamentum.  His dissertation is entitled “Yahweh as a Sexual Deity in J’s Prehistory.” A former LDS Chaplain at Harvard University, Dr. Bokovoy has taught for many years in the Church’s Seminaries and Institute program.  He is the father of four children and is married to the former Carolyn Bird.

PREMIUM: David Bokovoy

PREMIUM: Mark Staker

We sit down with LDS historian Mark Staker.   We talk at length about the Historical setting in Kirtland, Ohio where more documented revelations occurred in this dispensation then any other place.  We talk about the Kirtland Safety Society Bank, Elsa Johnson’s miraculous healing, the role of early LDS Bishops, the Law of Consecration, and Symonds Rider

http://www.amazon.com/Hearken-Ye-People-Historical-Revelations-ebook/dp/B006R6JF4I

http://www.amazon.com/Hearken-Ye-People-Historical-Revelations/dp/158958113X

Best Book Award – Mormon History Association

Best Book Award – John Whitmer Historical Association

Mark Lyman Staker has a Ph.D., Cultural anthropology from the University of Florida. Mark began work as curator of the Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City in 1993. For more than twelve years Mark has been involved in historic sites restoration and nineteenth-century expressions of the Latter-day Saint experience. He received the J. Talmage Jones Award of Excellence for an Outstanding Article on Mormon History from the Mormon History Association and has been involved in numerous museum exhibits. He and his wife, Kimberly L. Staker, are the parents of seven children and live in West Bountiful, Utah. Mark Staker is the author of Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith’s Ohio Revelations.

 

PREMIUM: Mark Staker

PREMIUM: BLIND OBEDIENCE

In this episode we tackle the tough issue of what is blind obedience and what is our responsibility in both adhering to our perception of right and wrong and still sustaining the brethren in their callings as Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.  Are we indeed supposed to follow prophets even when they are wrong.  We hit this and more on today’s episode of the Mormon Discussion Podcast.  Please consider becoming a subscriber today by visitinghttp://mormondiscussion.podbean.com/premium-signup

https://www.lds.org/liahona/1981/06/fourteen-fundamentals-in-following-the-prophet?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2002/04/faith-obedience?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2013/01/what-is-truth?lang=eng

http://en.fairmormon.org/Mormonism_and_doctrine/Changing

https://familysearch.org/photos/stories/824169

http://books.google.com/books?id=fFEoAAAAYAAJ&dq=The+Latter-Day+Saints%27+Millennial+Star+Volume+14&pg=PA593#v=onepage&q&f=false  —–>  start on page 594 right hand side

http://www.mormonchronicle.com/img/Ezra-Taft-Benson-and-Mormon-Political-Conflicts.pdf  —> start on page 77

PREMIUM: BLIND OBEDIENCE

PREMIUM: JEDIISM

 

 

 

Today I sit down with Michael, a member of the Jedi Faith or Jediism.  We discuss his Faith’s history, Doctrine, and how it is often made light of but really a viable alternative to one who is disillusioned with other organized religion.  He talks about the force, the Jedi Code, and How their faith incorporates good in the world.

http://www.templeofthejediorder.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jediism

http://www.jedichurch.org/

http://altreligion.about.com/od/alternativereligionsaz/a/jedi_religion.htm

PREMIUM: JEDIISM

Friday, June 20, 2014

Itunes Test Episode

Itunes Test Episode

Thursday, June 19, 2014

PREMIUM: Raelism

In our effort to discuss other faiths, we sit down today with Ricky a member of the raelism faith.  Rael (pictured above) is their leader and he was visited by being not from our world.  He claims they showed him how they created mankind, what is expected of humankind, and he also had dinner with Jesus and Joseph Smith on another planet.  While certainly different and even strange, much of what Ricky said had a familiar ring in it.  Ricky himself was a Latter-Day Saint prior to joining the Raelian Faith.

http://www.rael.org/home

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra%C3%ABlism

http://usa.raelians.org/

Raelism

PREMIUM: Raelism

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Announcement: Mormon Discussion Unvails new Website

 

 

 

 

http://MormonDiscussionPodcast.org

Over the past few days, we have spent numerous hours putting the website together.  Some things are still being added and worked on but the site is far enough along to go live and begin getting feedback on functionality and design issues.  The old site will remain up until the around September I believe.  Please begin transitioning over to the new site.  Premium Subscribers – I have added you to the new site and have given you a password by email.  Please change that as soon as possible.  Please let me know if you have any issues signing in.  Also for now if you unsubscribe from the newsletter you also get unsubscribed (unintentionally) from the premium membership (we are working to correct this).

Please contact me with any design issues or functionality issues and we will work to correct those as soon as possible.  And remember if the site has any issues you can continue to use the old site until it ends in the Fall.We are trying to get Itunes to change the RSS Feed on the original Podcast but in case that doesn’t happen please find the new one @

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-discussion-podcast/id890839713

Please be patient as we work this out.  I am glad your listening….. Thank you!!!!

Announcement: Mormon Discussion Unvails new Website

Monday, June 16, 2014

Test Post from Mormon Discussion Podcast

Test Post from Mormon Discussion Podcast http://www.mormondiscussionpodcast.org