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The following listen on-demand podcasts matched your search results for: essays
The Charlie Kirk Show
Charlie Kirk
August 28, 2024
The media has become a tool of the ruling class, promoting a left-wing narrative and suppressing conservative voices. The rise of citizen journalism and decentralized media has given people a platform to challenge the corporate media and promote freedom of speech. [... more]
CBS Sunday Morning
Jane Pauley
January 09, 2022
Historians are assessing the presidency of Donald Trump, focusing on his response to the COVID-19 pandemic and his role in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. They point to his use of rhetoric that encouraged division and emboldened white nationalists, and his refusal to honor democracy. The historians predict that Trump's legacy will be relegated to the bottom tier of American presidents. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
October 06, 2021
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' handling of doubt is examined in a devotional talk given by Elder Dale G. Renlund and his wife Ruth. Critics argue that the talk blames victims for leaving the Church, while others see it as a misunderstanding of the Church's teachings on doubt. [... more]
Outer Brightness
July 11, 2021
The LDS Church's teachings on divine nature and exaltation are complex and multifaceted, with implications for understanding the nature of God and humanity. The doctrine of exaltation, which holds that humans can become like God, is central to Mormon theology and has been taught by church leaders throughout history. However, this doctrine has also been subject to interpretation and controversy, with some critics arguing that it implies a form of polytheism or that it is incompatible with traditional Christian teachings. [... more]
Outer Brightness
July 11, 2021
The LDS Church's Gospel Topics essay on 'Becoming Like God' explores the concept of deification and its historical development in Christian theology. The essay examines the shift in ideas about divinity over Christian history and how the concept of deification was introduced to Latter-day Saints. It also discusses the role of Greek philosophy in shaping early Christian thought and the implications of this for modern LDS theology. [... more]
Outer Brightness
July 11, 2021
The LDS Church's Gospel Topics Essays have sparked controversy over their depiction of human nature and divine potential, with some arguing that they blur the lines between humanity and deity. This discussion explores the implications of these teachings, including the concept of pre-existence and eternal progression, and how they relate to Trinitarian theology and theosis. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
July 08, 2021
Margaret Toscano critiques the LDS Church's essay on Joseph Smith's teachings on priesthood, temple, and women, arguing that it employs gaslighting techniques to obscure historical information that justifies women's priesthood ordination. She claims the church is trying to protect its power by misrepresenting Joseph Smith's views on women and priesthood. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
July 07, 2021
The concept of Heavenly Mother in Mormonism is explored, raising questions about her status in the Godhead and her role in the LDS Church. Authors Carolyn Klein and Rachel Hunt Steenblick critique the Gospel Topics essay on Heavenly Mother, highlighting its vagueness and lack of clear answers. They argue that the Church's silence on Heavenly Mother's status and role is problematic, particularly for feminist views. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
July 06, 2021
The concept of Heavenly Mother in Mormonism is explored in a scholarly engagement by Carolyn Klein and Rachel Hunt Steenblick, raising questions about the role of Heavenly Mother and the practice of praying to her. The authors' perspective is contrasted with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the leadership of the LDS Church, highlighting the tension between the desire for a Heavenly Mother and the emphasis on Jesus as the central figure of Christianity. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
July 05, 2021
The concept of Heavenly Mother in Mormonism is explored through a feminist perspective, raising questions about its significance and implications for LDS theology. Critics argue that the doctrine is ambiguous and lacks explicit mention in Mormon scripture, while proponents see it as a symbol of female empowerment. The discussion highlights the complexities of Mormon doctrine and its relationship to Christianity. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
July 04, 2021
The doctrine of Heavenly Mother holds enormous potential for LDS women, though this potential has been largely unrealized. Unlike most other Christian traditions, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints posits a sexed, embodied Heavenly Mother and Father. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
June 10, 2021
The LDS Church's teachings on race and priesthood are examined in the Gospel Topics essay, with a focus on the implications of the doctrine and the challenges of reorienting Mormon thinking. Historian Richard Bushman notes the precariousness of the position, where questioning one prophet's error brings into question the inspiration of all prophets. The essay is praised for its official expression of LDS racial teachings, but criticized for stopping short of full disclosure and apology. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
June 09, 2021
The LDS Church's teachings on racial matters have undergone significant changes over the years, with some leaders promoting a doctrine that linked people of African descent with the devil. This has led to confusion and controversy within the church, with some members questioning the authority of church leaders who have changed their views on racial issues. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
June 08, 2021
The hosts of Viewpoint on Mormonism examine the LDS Gospel Topics Series, a scholarly engagement that critiques the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Gospel Topics essays. They focus on chapter 10, which deals with the Race and the Priesthood essay, and discuss the priesthood ban, racial theories, and the Mountain Meadows Massacre. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
June 07, 2021
The LDS Church's racial teachings and priesthood ban are examined in the Gospel Topics Essays, revealing a complex history influenced by cultural norms and human error rather than divine will. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
June 06, 2021
The LDS Church's evolving racial teachings are examined in a scholarly engagement, highlighting the differences between Mormonism and Christianity. A chapter in the Gospel Topics series critiques the Church's handling of historical issues, including the priesthood ban and whiteness theology. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
June 03, 2021
The practice of plural marriage in the LDS Church is examined, revealing a complex history that continues to influence fundamentalist Mormonism today. The 1890 Manifesto, which officially ended the practice, is reevaluated in light of new information, and the consequences of its implementation are discussed. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
June 02, 2021
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' decision to abandon plural marriage in 1890 is examined, revealing a pragmatic reason behind the Manifesto, rather than a spiritual one. The essay's failure to discuss the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 132 and the declining importance of polygamy within the church are also criticized. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
June 01, 2021
The LDS Church's history of plural marriage is examined, including the 1890 manifesto and the church's continued practice of polygamy despite its public denials. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 31, 2021
The history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' practice of plural marriage, also known as polygamy, is complex and nuanced. The LDS Church's leaders encouraged members to obey God rather than men, leading to a course of civil disobedience in the face of federal laws prohibiting the practice. The 1890 Manifesto marked the beginning of the end of plural marriage, but it continued in some form, and the Church's doctrine on the matter remains ambiguous. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 30, 2021
The LDS Gospel Topics Series is a scholarly engagement that aims to help readers better understand the original 13 Gospel Topics essays posted on the church's official website. The book tackles these essays, including the chapter 'Plural Marriage After 1890' written by Newell G. Bringhurst, who shows sympathy towards the LDS Church by using its proper name. The chapter explores the history of plural marriage in the church, including the impact of anti-polygamy laws and the Edmonds Tucker Act of 1887. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 27, 2021
The LDS Church's 2013 Gospel Topics essay on Plural Marriage and Families in Early Utah is examined, revealing contradictions and a softer stance on polygamy's importance in the historical church. The essay's use of civil disobedience is also questioned, and the church's past actions, including a 13-page list of enemies, are discussed. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 26, 2021
The idea of plural marriage was introduced in 1830 and practiced secretly in the early 1840s, but was publicly announced in 1852. The LDS Church canonized plural marriage as doctrine in 1876, but ended it by manifesto in 1890, causing confusion among church members. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 25, 2021
The demise of plural marriage in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a gradual process, influenced by external pressure, internal conflicts, and changing attitudes. Brigham Young's justification for plural marriage as a moral alternative to prostitution was later disputed, and the church's leaders eventually agreed to end the practice in 1890. However, the topic remained restricted for research and discussion, and the church's stance on polygamy evolved over time. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 24, 2021
The practice of polygamy in the early days of the LDS Church is examined, with a focus on the teachings of Brigham Young and the role of Joseph Smith. The chapter discusses the reasons behind the practice, including the need to counter allegations from the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the consequences of this practice, including the hoarding of women by top leaders in the Church. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 23, 2021
The practice of plural marriage in the LDS Church has been a topic of controversy, with some members unaware of its importance in church history. Critics argue that the church's recent essays on the subject are misleading, citing biblical examples that do not support the idea of God commanding polygamy. Meanwhile, supporters commend the church for increased transparency, but also acknowledge the potential negative repercussions for members who have been misled. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 19, 2021
The LDS Church's doctrine of plural marriage, also known as eternal polygamy, raises questions about the nature of relationships in the afterlife. Critics argue that this doctrine can lead to problematic situations, such as women being married to multiple men in eternity, and the potential for inequality and favoritism within these relationships. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 18, 2021
The practice of plural marriage in the 19th century is examined, particularly in the context of Joseph Smith's relationships with multiple women, including teenagers and already married women. The discussion highlights the contradictions and difficulties in understanding the motivations and actions of Smith and the early LDS Church. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 17, 2021
The discussion continues on chapter 7 of the LDS Gospel Topics Series, A Scholarly Engagement, which critiques the essay on Joseph Smith and Plural Marriage. The essay's attempt to justify Smith's relationships with already civilly married women is questioned, and the distinction between eternity-only and time-and-eternity marriage ceilings is examined. The presentist understanding of marriage ceilings is also discussed, and the essay's handling of Smith's marriages to teenagers is criticized. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 16, 2021
The LDS Church's Gospel Topics essay on Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo is criticized for presenting a reverential portrait of Joseph Smith, emphasizing his spiritual qualities and avoiding serious consideration of erotic appeal and other factors in the implementation of plural marriage. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 14, 2021
The Mormon Research Ministry examines the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from a biblical perspective, discussing the complexities of Joseph Smith's involvement in plural marriage and the implications for the LDS Church. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 13, 2021
The LDS Church's release of an essay on the beginnings of plural marriage, part of its Gospel Topics series, attracted public attention and admitted that Joseph Smith had married young women and concealed many of these polygamous marriages from his first wife, Emma Hale Smith. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 12, 2021
Brigham Young's teachings on blood atonement and violence in early Utah are examined in Chapter 6 of the LDS Gospel Topics Series. The chapter, written by John G. Turner, discusses the Mormon Reformation and how it led to a culture of violence in the Great Basin. Turner's research suggests that Young's teachings on blood atonement were taken literally by some, leading to violent acts, including the castration of Thomas Lewis. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 11, 2021
The LDS Gospel Topics series is examined from a biblical perspective, focusing on the essay 'Peace and Violence Among 19th-Century Latter-day Saints'. The chapter discusses the Thomas Lewis case, a violent incident in early LDS Utah, and its implications for understanding church leaders' roles in condoning extralegal violence. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 10, 2021
The LDS Church's history of violence and peace is explored, including the failed Zion's Camp expedition, the alleged assassination attempt by Oren Porter Rockwell, and the intimidation tactics of whittling brigades. The temple endowment ceremony's oath of vengeance is also discussed, where initiates promised to avenge the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
May 09, 2021
The Mormon Church has been accused of sanctioning vigilante reprisals against dissenters and non-Mormons in the 19th century. A book critiques the Church's Gospel Topics essays, which acknowledge the actions of a few Latter-day Saints who responded to persecution with violence. The essays also discuss the Mountain Meadows Massacre, where over 120 immigrants were killed, and the role of Brigham Young and local church leaders in the event. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 26, 2021
The use of a seer stone in the translation of the Book of Mormon is a potentially controversial subject, with various accounts and interpretations from LDS leaders and scholars, including Joseph Fielding Smith, David Whitmer, and Russell M. Nelson, highlighting the complexities and nuances of Mormon doctrine and history. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 25, 2021
The Book of Mormon's translation process is examined, revealing controversy surrounding Joseph Smith's use of seer stones and the Urim and Thummim. The Gospel Topics Essays, a scholarly engagement, shed light on the Church's history and theology, causing more problems for some members. The essays' transparency has led to a greater understanding of the Church's past, but also raises questions about the use of magic stones for Scripture interpretation. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 22, 2021
The Book of Mormon's historical accuracy is questioned by DNA studies, which suggest that Native Americans are of Asian origin, contradicting the book's claim that they came from Israel. This controversy has significant implications for the LDS Church's teachings and its portrayal of Native American history. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 21, 2021
The LDS Gospel Topics Series is critiqued by Richard Sherlock, who argues that the church's teachings on becoming like God are fundamentally flawed. He claims that the church's rational arguments for God's existence are weak and that personal experience is the primary reason many Mormons believe in God. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 20, 2021
The Mormon doctrine of men becoming gods is examined from a Biblical perspective, highlighting the implications of the Lorenzo Snow couplet and the teachings of Joseph Smith. Critics argue that this doctrine contradicts Western monotheism and raises questions about the nature of God and the potential for human deification. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 19, 2021
A scholar's critique of the LDS Church's doctrine of deification, comparing it to Eastern Orthodox teachings and highlighting the differences between the two. The discussion centers around the Gospel Topics Series and the concept of becoming like God, with a focus on the Patristic period and the writings of early church fathers. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 18, 2021
The LDS Church's Gospel Topics Series is a scholarly engagement that presents the Church's most controversial beliefs in a favorable yet honest light. The series includes essays that have had a significant impact on Church numbers, with many people leaving the Church and considering Christianity. In this episode, hosts Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson discuss the doctrine of becoming gods, a concept that is central to Mormonism, and critique the LDS Church's interpretation of the King Follett sermon, a message given by Joseph Smith that is considered one of the most heretical documents in the Church's history. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 11, 2021
The teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are examined from a Biblical perspective, raising questions about whether Mormons are truly Christian. A chapter in a book on Mormonism discusses the LDS Church's views on God, Jesus Christ, and salvation, highlighting differences between Mormonism and Evangelical Christianity. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 08, 2021
The Gospel Topics Series, a scholarly engagement published by the LDS Church, has been a valuable resource for understanding Mormon history and doctrine. However, the low-keyed release of the essays in 2013 posed challenges for church members, leading to confusion and disillusionment. The essays have sparked a shift towards transparency, but also raised questions about the nature of truth and prophetic error within the church. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 07, 2021
The LDS Church's approach to its history and doctrine has led to a faith crisis among its members, with many leaving due to controversial aspects of church history and doctrine, compounded by official attempts to minimize or obfuscate. The church's reluctance to be open and honest about its past has been exacerbated by the internet, which has made it impossible to hide the truth. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 06, 2021
A faith crisis among well-educated LDS professionals has led to a re-examination of the LDS Church's teachings and history, resulting in the creation of the Gospel Topics Essays. A Swedish rescue meeting in 2010 sparked a chain of events that ultimately led to the essays, which aimed to address controversial aspects of church history and doctrine. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 05, 2021
The Gospel Topics essays, a collection of 13 chapters published in the LDS Gospel Topics Series, A Scholarly Engagement, tackle thorny issues in Mormon doctrine and history. The book features contributions from various faith traditions, including LDS, Community of Christ, Catholic, and Evangelical Christian. The authors' backgrounds and beliefs are discussed, and the book's introduction explores the Swedish Rescue, a 2010 fireside meeting in Stockholm where 600 members discussed difficult theological questions. [... more]
Viewpoint on Mormonism
Bill McKeever
April 04, 2021
The Gospel Topics essays, a series of essays issued by the LDS Church, have been analyzed in a new book titled the LDS Gospel Topics Series, a Scholarly Engagement. The book provides a scholarly, in-depth analysis of the 13 Gospel Topics essays, offering a wealth of information on LDS history and doctrine. Signature Books, a publisher of Mormon-related history and literature, has been criticized for its approach, but its founder, George D. Smith, remains committed to unfettered historical inquiry. [... more]
The Cure
Aimee Cabo
March 14, 2021
Exploring the true meaning of Christianity, the importance of faith, and the power of God's love in overcoming life's challenges. Guests share personal experiences and insights on spirituality, prayer, and the role of Jesus in their lives. [... more]
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