In this episode, we dive deep into the attacks on the CES Letter and its author, Jeremy Runnells, unpacking why apologetic responses—no matter how weak—are often accepted by believing members. This is the first in a multi-part series analyzing the LDS Discussions CES Letter project.
We tackle critical questions about the Book of Mormon, including:
Why does it contain errors from the 1769 King James Bible?
What about the italicized words from the KJV showing up in the text?
Why doesn’t the Book of Mormon match Joseph Smith’s own translation of the Bible?
What does DNA evidence say about the Book of Mormon narrative?
And how do apologists handle the serious anachronisms in the text?
Along the way, we explore FAIR Mormon’s increasingly irrelevant defenses, the hidden Gospel Topics Essays, and shifting church narratives.
This is an essential deep-dive for anyone curious about Mormonism’s truth claims, historical issues, and the apologetics surrounding them.
Join the conversation and subscribe for future episodes in this CES Letter series.
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Many have asked the question: Did Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith have sex with his polygamous wives? During his lifetime, Joseph Smith engaged in polygamy (which was illegal in the state of Illinois) and his wives consisted of women who were underage, women who were single, women who were widowed, and women who were already legally married. What is the evidence for his sexual relations with them? Additionally a number of the brethren were also commanded to live polygamy, what is the evidence for sexual relations in those unions? Were any children born in polygamy during the prophet’s life? Join us for a unique LDS Discussions episode where we explore these topics and answer these questions.
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Keith Erekson serves as the director of the historical research and outreach for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On January 12, 2025 he gave a fireside in which he answered tough questions. Today we are responding to that fireside and discussing such topics as polygamy, Joseph Smith marrying women who were already married, and the church hiding aspects of its history.
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In this episode of LDS Discussions, we explore how BYU Professor Anthony Sweat’s artwork reflects the troubling aspects of church history found in the CES Letter by Jeremy Runnells. Despite being excommunicated for questioning the church, Runnells’ CES Letter, published in 2013, exposes discrepancies in the official narrative. Meanwhile, Sweat’s art, starting in 2014, delves into controversial topics like Joseph Smith's treasure digging, the use of a seer stone, and polygamy. We compare Sweat's paintings to the CES Letter's criticisms, highlighting how the church’s history is often presented inaccurately. Join us as we discuss these bold portrayals and the ongoing tension between church teachings and historical truth.
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The LDS Church is quietly but significantly updating the introduction to the Book of Mormon, shifting its focus from historical claims to a broader, more spiritual narrative. In this episode , we dive deep into these changes, exploring what they reveal about the Church's evolving stance on the historicity of its sacred text. Is this an effort to address long-standing critiques about the lack of archaeological and genetic evidence? Or does it reflect a broader shift to make the Book of Mormon more approachable for a global audience? Join us as we unpack the implications of this significant change and discuss what it might mean for the future of Mormonism.
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In this gripping third installment of our series, we dive deep into the Book of Mormon to unravel the true meaning of the cursed “Skin of Blackness." Are recent apologetic theories—claiming it's just paint, dark coats, or tattoos—offering genuine insights, or are they merely attempts to gloss over the text's troubling implications? Join us as we confront these arguments head-on and question whether we should trust the prophets or the apologists. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion!
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In this episode, we dive into part two of our exploration of the "skin of blackness" mentioned in the Book of Mormon.
Historically, leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints identified Native Americans as the Lamanites.
But as we approach the early 2000s, new theories have emerged. Could the "skin of blackness" refer to paint, tattoos, or dark animal skins? Join us as we unpack these intriguing ideas and their implications for understanding the text.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking discussion!
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Can ancient scripture be reinterpreted to erase racism? Mormon apologists are attempting just that with controversial “skin of blackness” passages in the Book of Mormon. But can these efforts stand up to historical scrutiny, or do they merely obscure uncomfortable truths? Critics argue it whitewashes history and denies lived experiences. Join us as we critically examine how modern LDS apologists attempt to explain away racist teachings in early Mormon history and scripture by comparing their modern interpretations with the information they avoid most strenuously–the original words and primary sources of the doctrines to begin with.
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We're back to wrap up our series on the Book of Mormon witnesses with what happened to them later in life.
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In this riveting interview, @nemothemormon and @analyzingmormonism are back to delve into the lesser-known accounts surrounding the plates of the Book of Mormon. Witness testimonies, some published decades after the events, paint a conflicting picture of the plates' appearance, size, and the circumstances under which they were allegedly shown. From the curious case of Josiah Stoll, who claimed to be the first to handle the plates, to Mary Whitmer's visionary encounter with an enigmatic figure, "Brother Nephi," who purportedly showed her the plates, we explore the enduring myths of Mormonism's foundational narrative.
Witnesses Series:
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Were the 8 witnesses to Joseph Smith's golden plates actually credible? Or just gullible relatives caught up in his delusion? Shockingly candid statements from witnesses like Hiram Page and John Whitmer seem to contradict and undermine official LDS teachings about their testimonies. What are the implications of the past witnesses on today’s modern church?
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Julia, Nemo, and Mike are back to discuss the varying accounts of the three men who supposedly saw Joseph's "gold plates" that eventually became the Book of Mormon. What did they say about what they REALLY saw?
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The team discusses controversial allegations of sexual impropriety against Joseph Smith and John C. Bennett in Nauvoo, the existence of the Danites as a violent vigilante group, Bennett's subsequent exposes of Mormonism after his excommunication, the succession crisis and various Mormon offshoots after Joseph Smith's death, and questions around the authenticity of Mormon truth claims such as the golden plates. There is debate around the accuracy of some historical sources, as well as acknowledgment that early Mormonism contained cult-like elements such as polygamy and unquestioning loyalty tests. Episode Show Notes
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In this episode, we expose the layers of Bennett's role in divulging Joseph's polygamous secrets. From secret women's organizations with captivating names like Cyprian Saints to the complex web of polygamous relationships, we journey through a fascinating exploration of historical allegations and denials. Brace yourself for a captivating ride through the world of John C. Bennett, where accusations, clandestine affairs, and the shadowy specter of abortionist connections add layers of complexity to this historical puzzle. Episode Show Notes
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Dive into the captivating saga of John C. Bennett, an enigmatic figure woven into the intricate tapestry of early Mormonism. John, Mike, Nemo, and Julia from Analyzing Mormonism unearth together the layers of his rise, from esteemed physician to Mayor of Nauvoo and right-hand man to Joseph, and the scandalous allegations that led to his name becoming a hiss and a byword among Mormons even to this day. Tune in for an enthralling journey that peels back the layers of secrecy and intrigue surrounding this controversial historical figure. Episode Show Notes
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Does accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet require rejecting vast fields of science and scholarship?
Join us as we consider long-held assumptions about Joseph Smith and the truth claims of Mormonism. We highlight problematic beliefs like dark skin being a curse from God, Native Americans as a cursed and loathsome people, evolution and DNA studies being incompatible with LDS teachings, and linguistic, archaeological, and historical evidence contradicting the Book of Mormon's divine origins.
LDS Discussion Essay Episode Show Notes
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In this captivating episode with John Dehlin, Nemo @NEMOTHEMORMON , and Mike on LDS Discussions, we delve into the controversial miracle stories of Mormon Prophet Russell M. Nelson. What are the implications for a spokesperson of God to fabricate and exaggerate, including (or especially) in regards to revelation like the November 2015 LGBT exclusionary policy. Join us in unraveling the motivations behind these distortions and why they hold significant consequences. How do these accounts shape our understanding of religious leadership?
Mormon apologetics have been around ever since Mormonism has existed. Join with Mike, Nemo and John as they discuss the types of apologetics that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints engage in and why they are all flawed.
LDS Discussions Essay on Apologetics: Overview of Apologetic Responses Within Mormonism
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In this interview, we delve into how Russell M. Nelson, the leader of the LDS Church, addresses doubt.
Nelson's 2021 talk on doubts and "lazy learners" encourages members to "choose to believe" and not dwell on doubts. He suggests applying this approach to real-world situations, reframing faith to transcend evidence, and using the bandwagon effect to suppress doubts.
The conversation also explores how Nelson portrays both fulfillment and failure as aspects of faith. The church historian in 2023 acknowledges compelling reasons for doubt, yet Kyle McKay uses Nelson's talk to instill fear of doubt in members.
LDS Discussions Essay on doubt: Overview of How the Church Handles Doubts with the Book of Mormon (ldsdiscussions.com)
In this eye-opening episode of LDS Discussions, Mike, John Dehlin, and Nemo the Mormon explore the Mormon church's approach to handling doubt. They take a brief historical journey into the realm of Mormon doubt and apologetics. We critically examine the church's framing of doubters as “unruly children” and labeling doubts that lead away from the church as “evil.” They discuss the reliance on the church as the sole source of authority on truth and the discouragement of critical thinking. With insights from various church authorities, this episode provides valuable perspectives on navigating doubt within the Mormon church. Listeners who have experienced doubts or questioned their faith may find this episode particularly enlightening and relatable.
Overview of How the Church Handles Doubts Episode Show Notes
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