Radio Free Mormon

Radio Free Mormon and his faithful sidekick, The Backyard Professor, complete their dismemberment of Elder Bednar’s recent two-part talk titled, “That Ye May Believe.” Nothing about Elder Bednar has ever been this much fun!

The running narrative within Mormonism is that Joseph Smith was an uneducated backwoods farm boy and that his lack of sophistication leaves the the Restoration as a miracle that no country bumpkin could have pulled off. But what happens when, with critical thinking skills, we take a look at the the Education he did have… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 111: Joseph Smith’s Secret Education – The Dartmouth Connection

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I wanted to revisit the letter he wrote April 16, 1963 while imprisoned in the city jail of Birmingham, Alabama, as a result of the nonviolent actions Dr. King spearheaded to bring national attention to the injustices of the segregationist South. Not only is this letter a… Read More »Radio Free Mormon: 263: Letter from Birmingham Jail

Bill & RFM take a look at the Life of Francis Gladden Bishop, another Latter-day Saint who claimed to be the rightful heir to Joseph Smith after the martyrdom as part of the Mormon Succession Crisis. RESOURCES:https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/license-for-gladden-bishop-14-april-1840-extract/1 https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/145852385/francis-gladden-bishop https://atom3.lib.byu.edu/mormonbib/11107/. https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/chd/individual/francis-gladden-bishop-1809 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladden_Bishop, https://wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/subjects/francis-gladden-bishop https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/bc-jsp/content/jsp/images/1168/1168_ms155_3_05_001_med.jpg https://archive.org/details/addresstosonsdau01bish https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-c-1-2-november-1838-31-july-1842/215, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/bc-jsp/content/jsp/images/1168/1168_ms155_3_05_001_med.jpg https://smile.amazon.com/Ensign-Shepherd-Remembrance-Classic-Reprint/dp/1333273819/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VOHXKME6OJK6&keywords=%22francis+gladden+bishop%22&qid=1672953250&sprefix=francis+gladden+bishop+%2Caps%2C128&sr=8-1 https://smile.amazon.com/s?i=stripbooks&rh=p_27%3AFrancis+Gladden+Bishop&s=relevancerank&text=Francis+Gladden+Bishop&ref=dp_byline_sr_book_1 https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-from-francis-gladden-bishop-26-september-1843/1 https://mormonpolygamydocuments.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/JS0428.pdf

RFM is joined once again by fellow attorney Kolby Reddish for the concluding installment of their investigation of how Mormonism fares when compared with the rules governing admissibility of evidence in a court of law. This is one you don’t want to miss!

Bill and RFM take a deep look at how sex and sexuality were presented within the LDS Church over the last 200 years. What was taboo and sin and to what degree did Leaders impose what could and could not go on the Bedroom. RAPE & VIRTUE A.) BOM teaching – Moroni 9:9 ORAL SEX… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 109: The LDS “Mormon” Church’s Teachings on Sex

RFM and Bill take a deeper look at the “Book of Mormon” and compare what we know about it with what we know about other books to see if it is as un unique as believers claim it to be and we even get Mormon Scholar, Brian Hales opinion on the matter. This past week… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 108: Is The Book of Mormon Unique?

Sheri Dew recently gave a Devotional Talk titled “Prophets Can See Around Corners” at BYU Hawaii on Nov 1st 2022. Bill and RFM take a deep look into this talk to see if what sort of apologetic tricks and absurd claims Sheri Dew makes this time around. Make some hot chocolate, grab a slice of… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 107: Sheri Dew You Know – A Not So Christmas Special

Christians traditionally believe Jesus was the Son of David, or in other words, a literal descendant of King David. But did the earliest Christians share this belief? Join RFM as he takes a deep dive into the New Testament texts that surprisingly suggest the earliest Christians may have believed that Jesus was NOT descended from… Read More »Radio Free Mormon: 261: Jesus! Who’s Your Daddy?

This week we explore DezNat or a loosely connected group of folks who claim to be Deseret Nationals. We explore their violent rhetoric and their problematic ideology and we even have a former DezNat follower to help us add context to this story. #DezNat  RESOURCES: Wiki DezNat – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DezNat DezNat Twitter – https://twitter.com/DeseretNation DezNat Exposed… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 106: DezNat Exposed

RFM and fellow attorney Kolby Reddish continue their discussion of what Mormonism looks like when viewed through the Rules of Evidence applicable in courts of law!

Since 1830 Mormonism has, as likely a part of it’s persecution complex, used violent rhetoric and has taught its members to use violent means. That rhetoric either leads to further violence or at least creates safer spaces for violence to occur. Today we look into Mormonism Past and Present to expose a history wide pattern… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 105: When Mormon Leaders Encourage Violence

I am joined by fellow attorney Kolby Reddish to discuss the Rules of Evidence that apply in courts of law and see how the LDS Church would fare if compelled to abide by those same rules! Spoiler Alert! It doesn’t end up well for the LDS Church!

What happens when a Member of the LDS Church stands opposed in a sustaining vote of Church leaders, follows the process the Church has laid out around “common consent”, and shows conclusively that current LDS Prophets, Seers, and Revelators have lied to the members. Well, you are about to find out, because Nemo does just… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 104: Captain Nemo VS The LDS Church

As a follow-up to episode 101 on the Third Convention, Thomas Murphy joins us to add clarity and context to all the ground we covered and to add details that make this story even more interesting.   RESOURCES: The First Part – Video Version – https://youtu.be/Gmjk3Kht0S8 Slide Show used by Prof Murphy in this episode –… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 103: Thomas Murphy on the Third Convention

Elder David Bednar recently completed a landmark address in two parts, seeking to defend the LDS Church against its critics. RFM is joined by the Backyard Professor in breaking down the first part of Elder Bednar’s talk titled, “That Ye May Believe.” After deconstructing Elder Bednar’s talk, a better title might be, “That Ye May… Read More »Radio Free Mormon: 258: The Unreasonable Elder Bednar, Part 1

What is the greatest problem in the LDS Church? That question is at the heart of this week’s episode. Jim Bennett is our guest this week on Mormonism LIVE, as we explore this question and some of the territory surrounding it.

Apostasy is something the LDS Church show serious concern over. And why shouldn’t they knowing James Strang, Lorin C. Wooley, Denver Snuffer, Julie Rowe all have led Splinter Factions of one sort or another that have had influence over segments of Latter-day Saints. The idea that a few voices or even a single voice can… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 101: The Third Convention

RFM has a free-for-all with the gang at Mormon News Roundup! Keeping up with Mormonism in the news has never been so much fun!

To celebrate our 100th episode, we invite all of you to join us as we take a look back at the past 99 episodes and share which have been most meaningful and which are our favorites and we will be taking calls from you our listeners and letting you share with us which ones meant… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 100: 100th Episode Super Show

Is it possible a prophet of God would steal someone else’s miracle story for themselves? Check out this podcast for a famous miracle story of Wilford Woodruff where he may have just done that very thing!

On this week’s episode we take a deeper look at the 1826 trial in Bainbridge, NY. We examine what led to the trial, what witnesses claimed, what we know about the trial proceedings, how Smith and Stowell got introduced to each other, and a few other interesting facts along the way that make this such… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 099: The 1826 Trial of Joseph Smith The Glass Looker

RFM delves into four fascinating items related to Mormonism he has only recently discovered. You won’t want to miss this one!

In this Episode Bill and RFM will go into a story few members know about in regards to the Prophet Joseph Smith and one of his young plural wives. It involves some re-gifting, a land deal, and Harsh Measures T-Shirt Contest Voting takes place here – https://forms.gle/MzBroWzRvk7EFEpQ9 A.) Lucien Woodworth born April 3rd 1799 becomes… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 098: Gold Gifts, Deeds, & Harsh Measures

A listener was able to have a candid chat with Elder Bednar recently and agreed to share with us how it went! This is part 2 of that conversation. Join us live!

One General Conference. Five Sessions. Ten hours. Thirty-Six Talks. ALL IN UNDER SIXTY MINUTES!!!

RFM and Bill Reel will sit down with author Cheryl Bruno to discuss her book “Method Infinite: Freemasonry and the Mormon Restoration”. Synopsis of her book – “While no one thing can entirely explain the rise of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the historical influence of Freemasonry on this religious tradition cannot… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 096: Mormonism & Masonry

A listener was able to have a candid chat with Elder Bednar recently and agreed to share with us how it went! Join us live!

Dan Vogel joins RFM to discuss the Occult in the Life of Joseph Smith and his family.

Evidence has recently come to my attention that the LDS Church is currently engaged in removing miraculous elements from some of its cherished stories in Church History. This episode presents that evidence. Let me know what you think in the comments section below!

In Mormon parlance, the Tar and Feathering of Joseph Smith is a faith promoting story about a mob of mean men punishing Joseph Smith for being a prophet. But it doesn’t take one long when their ears are to the ground in non-correlated circles to hear rumblings that the tar and feathering is connected to… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 093: The Tar and Feathering of Joseph Smith

I had a blast doing some magic at the 2022 Sunstone Symposium! Even though this is just the audio, I was pleased to find it entertaining to listen to. I hope you enjoy it!

RFM and Bill sit down with Movie Director Richard Dutcher to explore his career directing the movies God’s Army, Brigham City, & States of Grace. We take a look at these films through the perspective of Richard’s faith journey and take an evening to get to know the man who kicked of Mormon cinema. RESOURCES:… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 092: Mormon Movie Maker

Throughout multiple talks including one released just a few days ago, Sister Bonnie Cordon, Young Women general president, has spoke about the loss of her Grandson, Derek within Church approved channels. What she doesn’t say is that the death of this child is surrounded by horrific details that contradict witness statements that involve allegations of… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 091: Bonnie Cordon & The Breath of Life #HearHim

The LDS Church has appointed a new Church Historian named Elder Kyle S. McKay. True to form, the new Church Historian is a lawyer. What makes Elder McKay different is that he was also my missionary companion in Japan from January to February of 1980! Join me as I talk not only about old times,… Read More »Radio Free Mormon: 251: Meet the New Church Historian!

This week RFM and Bill sit down with the creator and musical artist known as Weird Alma. Weird Alma has brought us musical parodies such as Gaslighting, S.C.M.C., Tapirback Rider, You’re (Several Months Shy of) Fifteen, and many more. Weird Alma shows us firsthand that humor and music can play a role in our processing… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 090: Weird Alma Strikes Again

Mormonism LIVE: 089: Manipulation, Money, & Mormon Sex Abuse On this Episode Bill 7 RFM take a look at the recent Sex Abuse Scandal trying to explore the legal process and try to better understand the LDS Church’s perspective. We look at the Arizona Law, talk about the when , how, and why about the… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 089: Manipulation, Money, & Mormon Sex Abuse

A USAF sergeant explains how the strict demands of Mormonism broke him as a young man, making him feel completely alone and unaccepted by God, even causing eating disorders. After every solution the Church offered failed, he finally found healing through secular means.

Today we dive deep into the idea that Mormonism grooms compliance. We start by showing it is the baseline of our theology and belief system. We show how it is reinforced by our stories and songs, show all the pervasive ways it shows up in our faith system. And even how the Leaders impose such… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 087: Mormonism Grooms Compliance

Major News in Mormonism happened this week when a photograph surfaced alleging to be the Prophet Joseph Smith. So Bill and RFM dug into the story and followed the trail examining the Photographs, Portraits, Daguerreotypes, and other depictions both known to be Joseph for certain and also alleged to see if we could get to… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 086: Would the Real Joseph Smith Please Stand Up?

RFM and Bill sit down with Ronald Huggins, author of the new book “Lighthouse: Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Despised and Beloved Critics of Mormonism” & Sandra Tanner who is featured in the book to discuss some of the interesting stories that went into the published work. And towards the end of the show we discuss… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 085: Lighthouse – The Story of Tanners

When RFM and Bill Reel joined Mormonism, they heard rumors that Early LDS Leaders had taught that Mary was impregnated by Heavenly Father via a sexual act. But the Church and its apologists insisted that such idea was a misconstrued out of context assumption and with a sleight of hand the problem was gone…. Or… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 084: Did God Have Sex With Mary?

If one is finally at a place where they really want to understand both sides, really want to wrestle with their faith, what are the books that best introduce the believer to the complex history, the fallibility of prophets, and the trauma of Mormon influence? Bill and RFM seek to lay out a list of… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 083: The Best Books for Diving into the Messiness of Mormonism

RFM is joined once again by Scott from Rameumptom Ruminations to review the controversial series about Warren Jeffs and the FLDS Church, “Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey“! I had a wonderful time producing this review with Scott and hope you enjoy it, too!

We sit down with Former BYU Professor, and author of the book “This Is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology”, Charley Harrell to dive into several important assumptions Mormonism and its leaders and members impose in order to cleanly define doctrine. But do these really hold up? Can the word Doctrine as used within… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 082: Charley Harrell & Contemplating Mormon Doctrine

Aleesha Franklin, daughter of Ponzi-scheme magnate Gaylen Rust, returns to Mormonism LIVE to share her personal story of how a catastrophic failure of Priesthood Leadership, both local and general, led to her disaffection from the LDS Church

RFM concludes his Biblical analysis of the perennial argument concerning the roles of grace and works in salvation. Mormon apologetics has never been this much fun! This is a recording of an Institute Class taught by RFM at the University of Texas at Austin Institute Building in the spring semester of 1989.

I want to commemorate Fathers’ Day by playing some stories told by my father back in 2009 before his passing in 2011. And it’s not my fault if the majority of his stories seem to center around me. I love you, Dad. I miss you. And I’m glad I got to have you for my… Read More »Radio Free Mormon: 248: A Fathers’ Day Special Episode

What happens when a Patriarch gives a blessing with serious ramifications to LDS Church leadership? Quite a bit, as it turns out! Tune in and find out what happens in this amazing but true story of a patriarchal blessing gone amok!

RFM and Bill take a look at Patriarchal Blessings looking at what these are and what they are not and even take a look at multiple Patriarchal Blessings from the same patriarchs attempting to untangle inspiration from the rote and mundane. RFM and Bill take a look at Patriarchal Blessings looking at what these are… Read More »Mormonism LIVE: 080: The Patriarchal Blessing Connection