Radio Free Mormon

Embark with “Mormonism Live” on a thought-provoking journey with its hosts Bill Reel and RFM in their podcast, “Is Mormonism True Or Is It A Fraud?” as they investigate the LDS Church Truth claims, how those claims run into a wall of contradictions, and how the LDS Church simply moved the goalposts so as to… Read More »Is Mormonism True Or Is It A Fraud? [How You Can Know] ML:144

Dr. John Lundwall explains how the Book of Mormon not only contains anachronisms, but is actually an anachronism itself. Chapters 08:00 John’s intro 10:10 Orality & Literacy 11:12 Entire presentation summarized in one slide 23:00 Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man 24:00 The Medium is the message 27:15 Printing Press as Medium 32:00 Oral and… Read More »Does the Book of Mormon Refute Itself ?: ML: 143

RFM reviews insights from Lester Bush’s groundbreaking 1973 Dialogue article on the history of the priesthood and temple ban!

In this episode, we delve deep into the controversial history of the LDS (Latter-day Saints) Church’s priesthood ban, shedding light on the untold truths and deceptions that shaped this discriminatory practice. From its mysterious origins to its lasting impact, we uncover a story that challenges the foundation of faith and reveals the complex interplay of… Read More »Prophetic Racism – From Doctrine to Disavowed Theories | Mormonism Live 142

Listen in while RFM takes a Church survey about why people leave the Church! My favorite part is imagining Church leaders reading these answers! Here is a link to the survey if you want to let the Church know how you feel. https://az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3DadzMpyKfa2TC6?fbclid=IwAR0WsVoG9h710GOyXSLZrB_moBAmpf6Wb1rSAqD6PQ0_n-SXyPKzF8rx97U

Dismantling Brian Hales’ Book of Mormon Defense: ML: 141 In this episode, hosts RFM and Bill Reel team up with LDS scholar Dan Vogel to critically examine the arguments put forth by LDS apologist Brian Hales in defense of the Book of Mormon’s authenticity. They discuss Hales’ reasons and defenses of why the BOM can’t… Read More »Dismantling Brian Hales’ Book of Mormon Defense: Mormonism LIVE: 141

Brian Hales & The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Book Review: ML: 140 We lost Dan due to storms affecting his internet connection, so join us next week for part 2! In this week’s episode, Mormon apologist Brian Hales enters the scene to deliver a 2-star review of “Charisma under Pressure,” the groundbreaking book… Read More »Brian Hales & The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Book Review Pt 1: ML: 140

I had a number of interesting adventures on my one-week trip to Utah to present at Sunstone! This is the story. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Or not!

Step off the beaten path of Mormon history and venture into the realm of relics & artifacts that shed light on lesser-known aspects of the Mormon faith. Delve into the enigmatic history of handkerchiefs, coffin canes, along with other obscure artifacts that whisper compelling tales from the annals of Mormon History. Chapters: 13:00 Zelph Arrowhead24:00ish… Read More »Obscure Mormon Artifacts: Mormonism Live: 139

RFM and Bill Reel are joined by Spencer who shares the latest from the Widows Mite Report (https://widowsmitereport.wordpress.com/) and share their latest reveal calling into question the perception that the Deseret Mutual Benefit Administration (DMBA) was at the same time Ensign Peak was being investigated, allegedly doing the same funny business as Ensign Peak was… Read More »Mormon Corporate Corruption: Mormonism LIVE: 138

On March 7, 2023, a four-hour evidentiary hearing was held on Jenn Kamp‘s petition to have a permanent anti-stalking order placed against John Dehlin. This is the full audio of that hearing!

Join us on a captivating episode as we explore the multifaceted life of Samuel Brannan, a charismatic leader who played a pivotal role in both in Mormonism and the California Gold Rush. We trace Brannan’s journey from his membership in Mormonism, to his leading a group of Mormon pioneers on the perilous voyage of the… Read More »Mormon to Millionaire: Sam Brannan & the Brooklyn: Mormonism LIVE: 137

Through a series of serendipitous events, a complete transcript of the Second Anointing Ritual has come into my hands. Several other podcasts have talked about the Second Anointing, but here I reveal the details of the actual ordinance itself! I desire all to partake . . .

In this episode of Mormonism LIVE we delve into the original research of this little known episode in Church history involving the Theatre, Temple Endowments, and a Ouija board Message leading to baptisms. RESOURCES:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ARFAX-zs-C36Wgs3GYcCO8kPpis1MnWA/viewhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1ucVVdrjBDAJwiIns-po2_EXM7d9u_R01/view?pli=1 Welcome to “Mormonism Live,” the ultimate talk show that delves into the messiness of Mormon history and theology while also tackling… Read More »Ouija Board Baptisms: Mormonism LIVE!: 136

Join us as we explore the intriguing viewpoints of Professor Thomas Wayment and podcaster Rick Bennett, who present perspectives that deviate from past LDS theology regarding the King James Bible (KJV) and the Joseph Smith Translation (JST). We analyze their claims, examining the ways in which their perspectives challenge traditional understandings of these revered texts… Read More »KJV & JST – The Devaluing of Mormon Scripture and Translation: ML: 135

Looks like I have definitely kicked an anthill with my critiques of the conspiracy theory that Joseph Smith did not practice polygamy! Lots of listeners have weighed in on both sides of the issue and I wanted to let them have a say in the debate through a collection of their comments. I also add… Read More »RFM: 287: The Boy Who Kicked Conspiracy Theories!

Mormon Polygamy Nightmare: Mormonism Live: 134 Nightmares are scary and some nightmares are real. In this gripping episode of Mormonism LIVE, we delve into the extraordinary journey of a woman who lived within a Mormon polygamous relationship. Through an intimate and eye-opening interview, she shares her harrowing experiences, the challenges she faced, and the inspiring… Read More »Mormon Polygamy Nightmare: ML: 134

Did Joseph Smith practice polygamy?  As obvious as the answer to that question may seem to you and to other trained professional historians both inside and outside the LDS Church, there is a small but growing group of Mormons or former Mormons who maintain that Joseph Smith did NOT practice polygamy. Ms. Michelle Stone is… Read More »RFM: 286: No Ma’am, That’s Not History!

The Mormonism Live crew takes a much needed break for June 21st being joined by upcoming “Mormon” comedian Ben Brown known as “The Fresh King Benjamin”. Ben’s humor deeply connects to his own journey in and deconstruction of fundamentalist Mormonism and the episode is sure to be an enjoyable entertaining evening. Ben’s Stand Up: https://youtu.be/XBx5g6FOEaM… Read More »Mormonism Live: 133: The Fresh King Benjamin ( @thefreshkingbenjamin )

Radio Free Mormon’s Rules for Teaching Sunday School! I have taught hundreds of Sunday school lessons over my time in Mormonism. By the time I was 32-years old, I had some decidedly unorthodox rules for teaching in Church. I recently discovered a paper I wrote more than 30-years ago setting forth those unorthodox rules. Here… Read More »RFM: 285: On Teaching Mormon Sunday School

Dan Vogel sits down with RFM & Bill not only to talk about his new book “Charisma under Pressure: Joseph Smith, American Prophet, 1831–1839” but to also flesh out some of the incredible ideas in his recent YouTube video “Joseph Smith, the Necromancer”. RESOURCES: Twilit Grotto — Esoteric Archives – esotericarchives.com/ Old Bountiful Museum –… Read More »Mormon Magic Parchments: Mormonism LIVE: 132

One of the key components in the controversy over whether Joseph Smith or Brigham Young instituted plural marriage is the dating of Section 132. Some proponents of the idea Brigham Young started plural marriage in the Church argue Section 132 was written by Brigham Young or someone at his direction AFTER Joseph Smith died, but… Read More »RFM: 284: The Mormon Polygamy Controversy!

There is a raging debate within Mormon circles where those folks who are determined to maintain belief in the Prophet Joseph Smith but who abhor polygamy and the Church as ran by Brigham Young and after have found ways to dismiss the standard evidence that Mormonism’s founder was a polygamist. They interpret the evidence as… Read More »The Evidence that Joseph Smith was a Polygamist: ML: 131

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, Church Historian Elder Kyle McKay sat down with an inactive former seminary teacher named Joe for a candid discussion about Church History. Things got very interesting very quickly! This is the recording of that meeting! RESOURCES:Joe’s Document “In Defense of Doubt” – https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/In-Defense-of-Doubt-Final.pdfElder McKay’s Letter back to him – https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Elder-McKays-Letter.pdf

A former seminary teacher got the opportunity to present lots of his questions to the Church Historian recently. Wait till you hear what happened! RESOURCES: Transcript – http://radiofreemormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/ELDER-BALLARD-BLOWS-UP-THE-CHURCH-TRANSCRIPT.pdfEpisode – https://radiofreemormon.org/2017/11/radio-free-mormon-021-elder-ballard-blows-church/ https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/prophets-and-fallibility/https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/the-mormon-truth-crisis/https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/the-mormon-paradox/ Joe’s Document “In Defense of Doubt” – https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/In-Defense-of-Doubt-Final.pdfElder McKay’s Letter back to him – https://mormondiscussionpodcast.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/06/Elder-McKays-Letter.pdf

On the May 17, 2023 episode of Mormonism Live, a listener named Justin called into the show.  Justin identified himself as a believing Mormon.  I took the opportunity to ask Justin a series of questions about his beliefs regarding what a prophet could do that would be so bad that Justin would no longer consider… Read More »RFM: 282: Why is RFM Such an SOB?

In this video we delve into the history behind how the LDS Church came to have its name and how its official name has changed from its inception to today. And along the way we learn about the use and meaning of the word Mormon as well as how the Church went from “Latter Day… Read More »Mormonism Live: 129: How The Mormon Church Got Its Name

At the zenith of my Mormon apologetics back in 1990, I engaged in a public debate with a Church of Christ minister from Austin, Texas. This is the story of that debate.

This past week 60 Minutes the CBS TV Journalism Show covered the event of the Church having its finances exposed by whistleblower David Nielson. We take a look at what was said…. and what wasn’t in this weeks episode of Mormonism LIVE! “David Nielsen is a former investment manager for the Church of Jesus Christ… Read More »Gone In 60 Minutes: Mormonism Live: 128

The story of Joseph Smith and Henry Caswall (Caswell) and the Greek Psalter incident is a historical event that took place in 1842 in Nauvoo Ill.. During his visit to Nauvoo, Illinois, where the Mormon Church was headquartered at the time, Caswall met with Joseph Smith. Caswall showed The Prophet a ancient document which Caswall… Read More »The Greek Psalter Incident – Another Tale of Translation: Mormonism LIVE: 127

In a strange twist of fate, my old missionary companion, Kyle McKay, has become not only a General Authority, but also the Church Historian! Now Kyle gets the chance to have his old missionary companion do a dissection of the talk he gave at BYU-Idaho on April 25, 2023; a talk many consider to be… Read More »RFM: 280: Compelling Reasons to Doubt Mormonism!

RFM and Bill sit down with Jim Bennett to discuss his recent appearances on “Midnight Mormons” and take a look at all the rhetoric around violence in Mormonism including the musket talk by Elder Holland but with an updated and focused discussion around whether such a talk is fueling the very violent threats and rhetoric… Read More »Mormons & Muskets with Jim Bennett: Mormonism Live: 126

A new BOMBSHELL report lays out how the First Presidency not only actively engaged in defrauding the Federal Government in the SEC Scandal, but also how the First Presidency is still actively engaged in deceiving its own members by portraying themselves as innocent of any wrongdoing! You just can’t make this stuff up! I am… Read More »Radio Free Mormon: 279: Red-Handed! How the First Presidency Got Caught Breaking the Law!

When the Phrase “Ongoing Restoration” showed up around 2020 Critics paused as this seemed to be the Church saying something different as if the Church now wanted the restoration to be much earlier in its stage of development than had been intimated in the past. So Bill & RFM take long look over Mormonism’s history… Read More »Mormonism Live: 125: Gospel Fully Restored or Just The Beginning Of An Ongoing Restoration?

In this week’s edition, RFM and Bill sit down with Dan McClellan, former scripture translation supervisor for the LDS Church. Dan received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in ancient Near Eastern studies, where he focused on Biblical Hebrew and minored in Classical Greek. He completed a master of studies in Jewish studies at… Read More »Biblical Scholarship with Dan McClellan: Mormonism LIVE: 124

In November of 2021, I flew to Salt Lake City to debate the Midnight Mormons. The entire debate lasted almost three hours! I have worked hard over two days breaking it down into a Highlights Reel that is just over an hour. I want to thank everybody who came to the debate and I think… Read More »Radio Free Mormon: 278: Mormonism Debate–Highlights Reel!

Mormonism has the power to disappoint in many ways, even after I thought I had left it far behind. One of the most significant disappointments for me is being betrayed by church leaders I trusted implicitly, only to find they were not telling me the truth. What happens when you find out your ability to… Read More »Radio Free Mormon: 277: Disappointing Mormonism

Years ago Jonathan Streeter wrote a blog post titled “Fix your faith crisis with this one weird trick!” that was deeply influential on Bill. So tonight we bring Streeter into the studio to discuss Wood Tools vs Steel Tools and tom recognize when wood tools are being used. RESOURCES: https://thoughtsonthingsandstuff.com/

In honor of the Easter Season, RFM examines evidence that Jesus actually did exist! This is one you won’t want to miss!

This General Conference had lots of interesting twists and turns that have now had time to ruminate in the minds of RFM and Bill Reel. And this weeks episode involves a dive into the Mormon phenomena known as the April 2023 General Conference of the LDS Church. RESOURCES OF TALKS DISCUSSED: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYdM8WyYM – Elder Ahmad… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 122: GenCon CXCIII

This session contains what is sure to be the most controversial talk in this entire General Conference. The talk was given by Elder Ahmed Corbitt, and has produced the new Mormon Bumper Sticker Slogan, “CHOOSE THE CHURCH OVER YOUR CHILDREN!” I am so not making this up! Listen at your peril!

The Sunday Morning Session may well be the Church’s response to the SEC fiasco! Listen and find out why!

General Conference has never been this much fun!!!

General Conference has never been this much fun!!!

Joseph Smith’s First Vision ushered in the restoration of the Gospel. It had Heavenly Father and His Son coming through the Heavens to visit the young boy in the spring of 1820. This vision leads to the founding of Mormonism. But what is not as well known is that in the late 1700’s and early… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 121: Joseph Smith’s First Vision in Context: A Comparative Analysis

RFM tries his hand at a one-man Mystery Science Theater 3000 take on the new Temple Endowment video now playing at an LDS Temple near you! Kibitzing on the backrow of an endowment session has never been this much fun!

Tonight RFM and Bill take a look at how both Top Church Leadership and local leaders extend pressure for dissenting voices to be silent. The episode will include individual stories along with the general instruction by top leaders to diminish dissenting voices and at times to altogether silence them. RESOURCES: Oaks “Its Wrong to Criticize… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 120: Silencing Dissent – Mormon Style

RFM has received the the video and audio from his second information request and report back regarding what was turned over by law enforcement. Once again we learn new details that both add clarity and complexity to this case. BONUS AUDIO: We inserted the cut up audio clips of all three witnesses that we had… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 119: Cordon Homicide – Epilogue

Many are going through great lengths to justify the massive hoards of wealth the Church has accumulated on the backs of its believers, even going as far as to use scripture. But do these scriptures REALLY justify the accumulation of wealth as the Church and its members would have you believe?

RFM reads Judge Coral Sanchez’s 13-page order denying Jenn Kamp’s Petition for an Anti-Stalking Order against John Dehlin.