Cwic Media- LDS Podcast / Latter-day Saints

Jeff McCullough, Kurt Francom and Greg Matsen discuss their personal interfaith efforts between Evangelical Protestants and Latter-day Saints. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Gospel On The Nile Cruise - https://www.cwicmedia.com/gospel-on-the-nile Bruce Porter and Greg discuss the image of Facsimile 1 of the Book of Abraham on a wall at Karnak, Egypt in the Temple of Opet. The engraved image has Osiris on a Lion Couch bed, with his feet APART and his Hand in front of his mouth. What is its meaning? How might this fit in with the Royal Procession and our own temple experiences? And what context does this give to the Book of Abraham and the other facsimiles? And how might the Opet Festival play a part in understanding the wall at the Temple of Opet? Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Free Book! Putting On Christ - Cllick Here! - https://www.puttingonchrist.com/cwicshow Scripture Notes - https://www.scripturenotes.com The Book of Mormon is written for us to understand the importance of the Doctrine of Christ, and to see, in our day, how that doctrine can dissolve. Both Alma the Elder and his son, Alma the Younger, were antichrist before they were converted to the Doctrine of Christ. Alma the Elder was a priest of King Noah, and Alma the Younger was a product and a leader of an antichrist movement among the Nephites. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

John gives more backstory on the Kirtland Temple Butker, Andy Reid, and the Kansas City Chiefs Website - www.cwicmedia.com

The angelic hosts in 1 Nephi 11, tell Nephi of two births. Both are acts of "condescension." This is the meaning of the Tree of Life. God condescended to be in mortality, condescended into the waters of baptism, and condescended below all of us in Gethsemane and on the Cross. Condescension IS the Love of God. Those that condescend and offer the Pure Love of Christ, will then be exalted by God. The Great and Spacious Building is on the opposite side of the gulf in Lehi's Dream. It is juxtaposed to the Tree of Life and therefore represents pride, or "lifting oneself up" only to fall. "Son of God" is not so much a description but rather a title. It is used in relation to the condescension of God. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Gospel On The Nile Cruise - https://www.cwicmedia.com/gospel-on-the-nile Was the Book of Joseph of Egypt found with the Book of Abraham? If so, do we have it today? Did Joseph Smith translate the Book of Joseph? Were there Vignettes/Facsimiles like the ones we found with the Book of Abraham? What was/is in the Book of Joseph? Join Bruce Porter and Greg Matsen as they UNVEIL what few know about this part of Church History and the now-known secrets of the Book of Joseph. You'll see the actual fragments of the papyrus, the vignettes/facsimiles, images, and the writing of the Book of the Dead, a portion of the scroll. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Gospel On The Nile Cruise - https://www.cwicmedia.com/gospel-on-the-nile Bruce Porter is an expert on the Latter-day Saint temple ceremony found within the long-standing Egyptian temples. The Egyptian temples are built after a higher order than the temples in Jerusalem. They are of a Melchizedek Order based on the order of the patriarchs. Abraham, Moses, and Joseph all spent their time in Memphis. "The prison of Joseph has been found in Memphis." " Egypt was the religious capital of the Middle East." 'The Book of Abraham is a record of Abraham's endowment." The facsimiles in the Book of Abraham are not translations but representations. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Gospel On The Nile Cruise - https://www.cwicmedia.com/gospel-on-the-nile Bruce Porter is an expert on the Latter-day Saint temple ceremony found within the long-standing Egyptian temples. The Egyptian temples are built after a higher order than the temples in Jerusalem. They are of a Melchizedek Order, mimicking the order of the patriarchs. Ye we typically use the Temple of Solomon as the example for today's Latter-day Saint Temples. Abraham, Moses, and Joseph all spent their time in Memphis. "The prison of Joseph has been found in Memphis." "Egypt was the religious capital of the Middle East." 'The Book of Abraham is a record of Abraham's endowment." The facsimiles in the Book of Abraham are not translations but "Representations." Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Why are we FLOUNDERING on the FOUNDING of America? How do "Natural Rights" shape the founding of America? Unalienable Rights removes the state as our primary ruler and replaces it with God. This lifts our relationship as creations of God above our relationship of citizen and state. The reframing of the constitution, founding, and principles of America. How does an increasingly secular America survive? Website - www.cwicmedia.com

As single-mother homes continue to increase, the consequences for children become more apparent in our society. Why would a culture continue its pressure on removing dads from families when the results are disastrous for the next generation? Dr. Tim Rarick talks about the consequences of fatherlessness, especially with girls, including early onset puberty, promiscuity, and marital issues. It also plays a strong role in the increase in the younger generations' increase in mental health issues. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

In his book Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence, Dr. Samuel Wilkinson, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University, says that evolution works to fulfill God's purposes. It produces a system for the "natural man" and for altruism. We discuss the hot points between evolution and religion as well as the cooperation between the two. How does randomness play into the plan, if at all? If Free Will (Agency) is real, where does it come from? I want to thank Jacob Hansen at Thoughtful Faith for helping me set this up. Purpose: What Evolution and Human Nature Imply About the Meaning of Our Existence - https://amzn.to/44FfnUu Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Gospel On The Nile - https://www.cwicmedia.com/gospel-on-the-nile Kurt Francom of Leading Saints and author of "Is God Disappointed In Me? Removing Shame From A Gospel Of Grace", joins me in a needed conversation on meaty issues. Does the Church swing on a pendulum of Grace and Works? Does God have expectations of us? Is Shame always negative? Do some members get exhausted with what they must do? Is a healing, Teddy Bear Jesus, a full message of the Gospel? Get Kurt Francom's Book, "Is God Disappointed In Me? Removing Shame From A Gospel Of Grace - https://amzn.to/4dyCDHL Website - www.cwicmedia.com

When Elder Kearon was called as an apostle, there was a contingent of members who were happy due to his focus on grace. Many hailed his recent General Conference talk as "a radical new repositioning of grace" and, unfortunately, took a cafeteria approach to the talk, only seeing one soothing side. But his fantastic talk was complete in its doctrine. This "grace movement" has its own geist. And many are caught up in it. It elevates the comfort, feel-good therapeutic gospel while ignoring the doctrine of Exaltation. That doctrine is ultimately the Doctrine of Christ. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Francis Sombato is a member of the Church in Ghana, Africa. He gives a glimpse of what it is like to be a member of the Church there. They usually walk and hour and a half to church on Sundays unless they have enough money to get a cab that week. There is so much growth in Ghana and you can see why with individuals like Francis. You can help my fundraiser for Francis' Fish Farm by donating here - https://gofund.me/4d378fcb Any amount will help! Thank you!

Erica Komisar is speaking truth backed by physical and social science. Turns out, infants need their mothers. Infants detached from their mothers have an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone. This can cause increases in anxiety and depression later in life. Is this one of the causes of the spike in mental illness? "We're in the Upside Down." We treat very young children as if they are much older and capable than they are. We treat older children as if they are not capable and don't allow them any freedom or free play time . . . We need to reverse this." Boys are feminized in our schools. We treat their energy as bad behavior and don't allow more physical activities to release it. Schools are built today for girls. Boys have high surges in testosterone between the ages of 3-6 years old, and we often treat this with medication. Website- www.cwicmedia.com

Dan Ellsworth and Jeff Bennion discuss the difference between Misguided Empathy/Malevolent Compassion and Charity. Is empathy/compassion a positive virtue, or does it depend on how it is used? Charity focuses on Eternal purposes, while Empathy can be used for a short-term "win." It is often weaponized by activists. Data must be correct. We then pass it through narratives (Information), which must be tested before becoming "Knowledge." We often hold data in a narrative, many of which are like viruses. They are corrupt versions of the truth. We use examples of LGBTQ issues in our culture and church to put through Dan and Jeff's "systems" of knowledge. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Jake Taylor, a horticulturist who has studied plant genetics, gives us a unique perspective on Zenos' Allegory of the Tame and Wild Olive Trees. The Allegory seems to be describing trees that become diseased. The process of grafting is explained. Why do branches need to be "burned?"J ake's Website - https://www.jacobstaylor.com Jake's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@textualawakening Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Yesterday, on Maundy Thursday, King Charles gave an address very similar to King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon. This is not a coincidence. Kings and Queens have always had a contract/covenant with the people to act as representatives of God and to have the people follow suit. King Charles refers to Jesus washing the feet of the disciples, while King Benjamin is likely referring to a tradition of temple drama and coronation. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

This is a fascinating discussion! Bruce Porter's current research is on a hierarchy of Eternal Law all the way down to Principles and Policies. Bruce gives it straight and direct as per usual. Have we culturally become communicators of Principles in place of Eternal Laws in the Church? To me, this is obvious. How often do we hear about Exaltation anymore or Eternal Truths such as Mercy Cannot Rob Justice? Are Doctrines truths? Are the Commandments doctrine? This is a great analysis and discussion on truth vs. culture in the Church. Website- www.cwicmedia.com

Isaiah Institute "Day of Reckoning" Conference - https://www.bookofmormonisaiah.com/conference Like the rest of Western society, Meagan Kohler highlights how many see the role of women in the Church through a prism of power (Critical Theory). But the numbers supporting these views may be smaller than you think. On a recent Relief Society broadcast, Sister J. Annette Dennis stated, "The adversary wants us to focus our attention on what we haven't been given and blind us to all that we have been given." She also said, "There is no other religious organization in the world that I know of that has so boldly given power and authority to women." Needless to say, this caused quite a stir among those who, as stated above, see the Church through a prism of power and a feminist worldview. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Be sure to register for this significant virtual conference, "A Day Of Reckoning" on March 30, 2024 here - https://www.bookofmormonisaiah.com/conference Isaiah prophesies using the conflicts and decay of civilizations in his time. This is what enamors the writings of Isaiah to Nephi. Nephi saw in vision his own people going through the same decay. Are we to do the same. Will we arrive at "A Day of Reckoning?" The destruction of the family, sexual liberation, feminism, and malevolent compassion are found in Isaiah's writings. Be sure to join the Isaiah Institute in their virtual conference, "A Day Of Reckoning," on the Book of Isaiah. I will be watching! Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Todd McLauchlin is back for a deep-dive on the priesthood! - What is the Priesthood? - The Ordinances of the Priesthood - Being Invited Into The Order - The Priesthood In The Temple - Temple Marriages Are Part Of The Order and Doctrine Of Christ - Women And The Priesthood Website- www.cwicmedia.com

John Hewlett was involved with a lot of fundraising for projects in Kirtland. He knows all the key players, and the stories abound such as the "Curse of Kirtland," the moving of highways, Steve Young and President Benson. Website- www.cwicmedia.com

Brothaz In The Foyer is a new podcast and YT channel you must check out. These guys are solid! I think you'll enjoy this conversation with three Black members of the Church and their backgrounds and experiences. But most of all, their testimonies. Go Subscribe to Brothaz In The Foyer- https://www.youtube.com/@brothazinthefoyer Website- www.cwicmedia.com

Rod Meldrum was involved in archaeological digs in Nauvoo, where Hopewell bones and artifacts were recovered. He has visited Kirtland and Nauvoo several times and brings some great insights to this interview. www.cwicmedia.com

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made an historic aquision today purchasing the Kirtland Temple, several Nauvoo properties, The Joseph Smith Translation manuscripts, and several other landmark items for $192.5 Million from the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS Church). Steven Pynnaker, who seems to have broken the story, joins me with some inside information on the transaction and the financial need of the Community of Christ to sell these properties. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

- Nephi's Isaiah - The parallels of Isaiah, The Book of Mormon, and Our Time - You have to do the work! - Isaiah is at times talking about the Church - Isaiah provides many spiritual "Aha" moments - Isaiah speaks with both linear and synchronous prophecy - Keywords can be used by the righteous or by Secret Combinations Isaiah Institute Virtual Conference - https://bookofmormonisaiah.com/a-day-of-reckoning/?utm_source=Button&utm_medium=IsaiahInstbutton&utm_campaign=Isaiah+Institute+Home Website - www.cwicmedia.com

People commonly rate public speaking as their greatest fear. Jason Hewlett, a professional public speaker, talks about overcoming this fear and relating public speaking to life lessons. Jason also gives some pointers on giving a talk. What is it like to be in front of a very large crowd? How does it compare to a small, intimate gathering? What are the rewards of public speaking? Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Creating Interfaith relationships can be very difficult. We all want to be "right." We naturally and appropriately want to defend our beliefs. But if we all focus on "I'm right, " we spiral into debate and argument. For those of you with "mixed" religious families, you may know precisely what I'm talking about. Stepping into this space means you will take arrows from not only the other faith but from your own. In this episode, Evangelical Steven Pynakker and Latter-day Saint Greg Matsen flesh out these issues and other dynamics between Evangelicals and Latter-day Saints. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

If you have no belief in God, would you naturally become "woke?" After watching my interview with James Lindsay, Jacob Hansen had some questions. Why do many who do not believe in God shun wokeness? With its secular, Godless roots, Jacob asks why an atheist would not embrace it. We discuss the philosophical roots of Woke, go into atheism, and finally discuss Expressive Individualism. Enjoy! Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Many have taken the account of the Woman Caught In Adultery to show that Jesus does not judge here when He says, "neither do I condemn thee." Others cite his response to "go, and sin no more." However, there is an underlying meaning found in the themes of John's Gospel, especially with the Brazen Serpent. Hint - It's not what you think. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Alarming story! As a congressman in Mexico, Rodrigo Ivan Cortez was fined, put on a blacklist, and assigned re-education courses for saying that a man was a man and a woman was a woman. In the sentencing, he was cited as being "white," a man, heterosexual, and a Christian. Ironically, these are immutable characteristics protected under a universally applicable, or so was though, Mexican Constitution. This sentencing comes from policy created at the United Nations and adopted by lawmakers. Much of this policy actually comes from the United States who exports these ideas to the UN and in turn, affects individuals and families like Rodrigo. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

MOMENTUM Cruises - https://www.cwicmedia.com/momentum Dan Ellsworth is a prolific Latter-day Saint blogger and writer. He has been on the show a few times before. He discusses the Book of Mormon's Great and Abominable Church as the political and cultural philosophy of Marxism. Karl Marx, after being raised in Christianity, writes about his disdain for God. What is the worldview of Satan? Restoration scripture answers this. What were the "Plain and Precious Things" removed from the Bible? MOMENTUM Cruises - https://www.cwicmedia.com/momentum Website - www.cwicmedia.com

If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, then it's probably a duck. Wokeness IS a religion. There is a reason why I have called it the Religion of Academia for years. James Lindsay, Best-Selling author and the creator of www.NewDiscourses.com delves into the DNA of these philosophies to show why our culture is changing so quickly. Also, we cover march toward Christianity and James explains that Wokeness is at least partially built off of a corrupted framework of Christianity. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Plain and Precious Things Author David Butler and I discuss Nephi's Tree of Life and Isaiah's King and Vision. Dave gives a breakdown of Josiah's reforms with some of the underlying Hebrew text to the Old Testament, as well as insights on Isaiah's vision of the seraphim and the coal. David and I think along very similar lines. He has spent decades digesting the scriptures and though he is a lay scholar, he has an important voice. These discussions are always a feast and Dave's insights are compelling and faithful. Cwic Study Group - www.cwicmedia.com/study-group Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Dr. Carol Swain is a high-profile, award-winning academic and a scholar of Political Science and Law. The former Harvard President, Claudine Gay, plagiarized Dr. Swain's work. Now there are further allegations that the Harvard Director of Diversity and Inclusion plagiarized as well. Dr Swain is an expert on DEI and discusses its pernicious origins, its objectives, and its consequences. Dr. Carol Swain's book - The Adversity of Diversity - https://amzn.to/42qNdvb Website - www.cwicmedia.com

An intelligent and enriching discussion between Greg and Todd McLauchlin, an astute gospel thinker. He and Greg discuss the meaning of the Temple Endowment, insights into what is going on there, and how the Priesthood functions. Todd also shows how the temple is found everywhere in the scriptures. Also, we break down and offer some context to Lehi's Dream and the elements of the Doctrine of Christ. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Can a gay individual or someone with same-sex attraction be faithful in the Church? Three active Latter-day Saints, Tember Harward, Craig Newsome, and Skyler Sorensen give an emphatic, "Yes." Separating LGBTQ activism from the individual is difficult work because the activists have been so successful in driving the narrative. While the message from the Brethren is clear from the pulpit, local leaders may not have such a clear understanding of the doctrine and policies of the church. Tember Harward's Beacon Ministries - https://www.beaconssaministry.org/ Skyler Sorensen's Book, Exclude Not Thyself - https://www.deseretbook.com/product/6026415.html Skyler Sorensen's Sit Down With Sky and Amanda Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sit-down-with-sky-and-amanda/id1574970502 Website - www.cwicmedia.com

A story on social media broke this weekend where a Primary teacher reportedly taught her Primary kids from a book on transgenderism. When a parent complained, the Primary leaders came to church in pride colors to support the teacher and her transgender child. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

A YouTube video released today by Jacob Hansen of Thoughtful Faith on the confusion of many Latter-day Saints on the seemingly dual messaging of the Doctrine of the Family was excellent, articulate and meaningful. Here, I am offering what I believe is additional context. Are we moving toward same-sex marriage /sealing in the temple? Many think so, but what has been said even recently by the prophets? We all need to learn to "walk the edge of the sword" in these last days to find the piercing truth of light in a dark, confusing world. Isaiah Institute Newsletter - www.isaiahinstitute.com/subscribe Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Because we see our purpose here on earth differently, our answers to this question differ as well. For Latter-day Saints, this question goes to the heart of our purpose and includes the doctrine of a Pre-Mortal life and the Plan of Salvation. Listen to Evangelical Pastor Jeff McCullough talk about our differences and our agreements on this philosophical and religious question. Scripture Notes - www.scripturenotes.com Website - www.cwicmedia.com

The new Utah law on abortion passed after Roe v Wade was, within days, placed under an injunction by a Judge. We are still waiting for the outcome of the new Utah law. Guests Mary Taylor and Deanna Holland of Pro-Life Utah discuss the status of abortion in Utah Tactics by Utah Pro-Life are effective because they use sonograms to show women what/who they are aborting. Isaiah Institute Free Newsletter - https://isaiahinstitute.com/subscribe/ Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Martin Luther King fought for "Equality" under the framework of the US Constitution. The so-called "Civil Rights" leaders today do not. Critical Race Theory and Antiracism fight vehemently against King's vision and message. Clarence Jones, the co-author of King's "I Have A Dream" speech, confirms the disparity between King's message and today's woke message. Fathom The Good - www.fathomthegood.com Website - www.cwicmedia.com

- I do my research - Bad Ideas and separating the person from the ideas - Awareness vs Activism - The spiritual pandemic of Social Justice, DEI, and the Gospel of Equity - Sustaining Website - www.cwicmedia.com

The New Managing Director of Communications for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports the Pride and Trans movement and uses pronouns. What does a member of the Church make of this? Does the Church support these ideologies? How will this change the messaging of the Church? There is a spiritual side of the Church and a corporate side of the Church. Website - www.cwicmedia.com

A new Taylor Swift class has begun at BYU. The class is focused on the "Philosophy of Taylor Swift." The professor calls this "philoswiftie." Is this too superficial for a serious university, or is it a good way to bring students into a deeper discipline and meaningful, learning discussions? The professor seems to be obsessed with Taylor Swift and he has gone to three concerts in the last year alone, has a full-size cutout of the leggy pop star in his office, and tries to incorporate her lyrics into all of his discussions. Cardio Miracle, Learn More! - https://cwic.qwkcheckout.com Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Free Isaiah Institute Newsletter - Subscribe Now - https://isaiahinstitute.com/subscribe 2023 Review of Cwic Media 2024 What's Coming? A message on how to change yourself for the New Year from personal experience. Website - www.cwicmedia.com Cardio Miracle - https://cwic.qwkcheckout.com Cwic Español - https://www.youtube.com/@cwicespanol MOMENTUM Cruises - www.cwicmedia.com/momentum

Scritpure Notes - https://www.scripturenotes.com Darin Scott is the writer, producer, director, and actor of the independent film, "The Oath." Darin takes a unique approach to Moroni's character and events at the end of his life. "Moroni is not a statue," says Darin Scott. Certainly, there is a realism given to Moroni in this film. An aspect that I particularly enjoyed in this film. The artwork and the seals used in this film portray a people centered on Jesus Christ and their ancestor Josephe of Egypt. Billy Zane leads a cast of almost all non-Latter-day Saints. The film is in theaters now and will have a digital release later in 2024. The Oath Trailer and Tickets - https://oathmovie.com/ Website - www.cwicmedia.com

Scripture Notes - https://www.scripturenotes.com I recently published an episode called, "Come Follow Me Tree of Pride" about a painting of the Tree of Life with rainbow colors. It was up for less than 24 hours. I pulled it down. I explain why in this episode. I comment on the rainbow and how it is becoming a strong symbol in our culture and its use at BYU and Deseret Book. I also "react" to several comments that were on that video and run the audience through a visual experiment with AI-generated images. Symbols have meaning. When you combine two symbols of different meanings, what happens? The Artist's Website - https://sabrinajill.com/ Elder Oaks, Weightier Matters - https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/dallin-h-oaks/weightier-matters/ Website - www.cwicmedia.com

cripture Notes - https://www.scripturenotes.com Julie Behlling did her Master's Thesis on the underground Christians in the Soviet Union. Are there parallels between the 20 Century Communist movements and certain movements today within the United States? What did the Soviets do to the Christian churches during the revolution and beyond? What was their strategy with the Christians? Julie says that the Soviets went after the fringe Christian groups hardest. The KGB infiltrated the clergy of the mainstream Christian churches to the point that at the time of the Soviet collapse, the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church was a KGB agent. Was there Marxist infiltration in American Christianity in the early 20th century? Why is sexual liberation always a part of leftist movements? Julie's Documentary is coming out in January! Beneath Sheep's Clothing - https://www.beneathsheepsclothing.movie/ Beneach Sheep's Clothing Book - https://amzn.to/3RK5YGm Website - www.cwicmedia.com