In this special Valentine’s episode, we are joined by Kolby Reddish (a rando on the internet), Nemo the Mormon, Carah Burrell (from Nuancehoe), Julia Sanders from Analyzing Mormonism and John Dehlin for a conversation that might surprise you.

Yes - We are critics of Mormonism.

Yes - We’ve experienced pain, disillusionment, and deep deconstruction.

And yet… we can hold two different truths at once.

In this episode, we model something that feels almost taboo in exMormon spaces: expressing gratitude for the things Mormonism gave us –while still being honest about its harm.

In this episode we discuss:

- Rituals that shaped our identities

- Community and why it’s hard to leave

- Awe, wonder, and valuing the body

- Agency and free will as an act of faith

- Why compassion and justice often lead people OUT of the church

- Whether we wish to destroy the church or make it better

There are so many good people inside the Mormon church. The people are often beautiful while the system is complicated. As Richard Rohr once said: “Nobody does first half of life better than Mormons” –and we all share deep gratitude for that first half.

This episode does not erase the negative things about the church. It doesn’t minimize harm. But it DOES ask whether we can be mature enough to acknowledge the good without surrendering our integrity.

Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.

To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.

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Show Notes

At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.

Our overall mission is to:

1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

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