Mormon Stories Podcast

The History of Tithing - LDS Discussions Ep. 81 | Ep. 2183

In Episode 81 of the LDS Discussions series, we take a deep dive into the history of Mormon tithing –where the concept comes from, how it appears in the Bible and Book of Mormon, how Joseph Smith and the early Latter-day Saints understood it, and how the practice evolved into the modern LDS Church’s system of financial requirements. We begin with the biblical origins of tithing, examining passages from the Old and New Testament and asking whether the biblical practice of tithing actually resembles the transactional model taught by the modern Church. We then turn to the Book of Mormon and explore what it says about priestcraft, wealth, and religious leaders receiving financial support. From there, we trace the history of tithing in early Mormonism, including Joseph Smith’s financial requests, the 1838 tithing revelation, how early Saints actually contributed to the Church, and the significant differences between the original language surrounding consecration and the modern requirement to pay ten percent of one’s income. We also examine the controversial history surrounding Green Flake and the claim that an enslaved man was donated as tithing, the financial relationship between Brigham Young and the Church, and what the surviving historical records can –and cannot –tell us about the practice of tithing and labor tithes in early Utah. Finally, we look at the development of modern LDS tithing requirements, including when tithing became a requirement for temple recommends, the distinction between tithing and fast offerings, teachings about self-reliance, changes to tithing slips, and the Church’s long-standing lack of financial transparency to its membership. If you value episodes like this one, we ask that you show your support by donating to Mormon Stories Podcast! ___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠Venmo ⁠⁠PayPal ⁠Our Platforms:🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠✳️⁠Spotify⁠🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠📱⁠TikTok ⁠🎮⁠Discord ⁠Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

Bishop and Stake President Conflict After a Mormon Faith Crisis - Coy Johnston | Ep. 2182

Today we sit down with Coy Johnston, a longtime active member of the LDS Church, to explore what it looks like to question Mormonism without completely walking away.Coy grew up in Mesa, Arizona, served a mission in England, became a doctor, and spent his life deeply involved in the church. His faith began to shift as he studied scripture and biblical scholarship, and issues with early Mormon church history. He shares how learning more about church history changed his understanding of Mormonism and led him into a faith crisis that affected his family, callings, and relationship with church leaders.Rather than leaving, Coy began looking for ways to support other members who were going through similar struggles. He created a group called “Journeys,” where people could openly discuss their questions and doubts. When church leaders learned about the meetings, they asked him to stop holding them and eventually threatened to withhold his temple recommend if he did not dissolve the group.Other topics include:-Perfectionism and worthiness-Mormon history and biblical scholarship-Mixed-faith marriage-Bishop roulette-Supporting members with faith questionsHis story raises an important question: Can you remain Mormon while admitting you don't have all the answers?Show NotesYouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

FAIRLDS Warns of Satan, Girl Bishops?, BYU Marriage Decline - Mormon News 8.14.26 | Ep. 2181

On today’s episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.FAIR Warns: Satan Wants You to LeaveThe 2026 FAIR Conference brought together LDS apologists and defenders of the Church for three days of presentations. We look at FAIR president Scott Gordon’s warning about the strategies he believes Satan uses to lead members away, including distrust of faithful sources and criticism of Church leaders.“Are There Any Girl Bishops?” The Friend Sparks a DebateA simple question in The Friend, the Church’s magazine for children, has sparked a much bigger conversation about women, priesthood authority, and why women cannot serve as bishops in the LDS Church.Marriage Rates Are Falling at BYUFewer BYU students are getting married, and the university is taking steps to help students meet and date. We look at the declining numbers and what they may reveal about changing expectations among young Latter-day Saints.Former Miss North Carolina USA Says Her Title Was Taken Over Her BeliefsBrittany Boltinhouse says her Miss North Carolina USA title was “ripped” from her because of her religious beliefs, while pageant officials dispute her account. We look at the controversy and the competing claims.LDS Podcaster Chandler Hendry Dies at 27Chandler Hendry, founder of the Restored Truth podcast, died following a multi-vehicle crash in Lehi, Utah. We discuss his unexpected death and his presence in the Latter-day Saint online community.Latter-day Saints React to New Church and Sunday Meeting InitiativesTwo Reddit discussions are raising questions about changes in LDS Sunday meetings and a new “Christ-Centered Latter-day Saints” initiative. We look at what is being reported and how former members are responding.Dallin H. Oaks Heads Abroad at 94President Dallin H. Oaks is preparing for his first international trip as president of the LDS Church as he turns 94. We discuss the trip and the extraordinary age of the Church’s current leadership.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠Venmo ⁠⁠PayPal ⁠Our Platforms:🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠✳️⁠Spotify⁠🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠📱⁠TikTok ⁠🎮⁠Discord ⁠Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

When a Child Questions Mormonism - Annie Marie | Ep. 2180

What would cause a child to lose their LDS faith? We strive to answer this question in today's interview with TikTok star, Annie Marie. Annie is an ex-mormon content creator who has gained an audience from her satirical videos that mainly center around questions she had as a child growing up in the LDS faith. Today she sits down with John and Margi to share her full Mormon story, offer commentary on some of her most popular videos, and walk us through her creative process. Annie came from a strict Mormon upbringing, but when her parents divorced (and their temple sealing was canceled) it sparked a myriad of questions that she could never seem to find the right answers for. She opens up about how she struggled with her belief throughout her upbringing, how it later affected her marriage, and where she stands with spirituality today. Topics include:-Temple sealings & divorce in the church-Purity culture-CSA-Religious conditioning-Using humor to healWe know you will find this interview to be as fun and informative as we did!Follow Annie on TikTok here.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠Venmo ⁠⁠PayPal ⁠Our Platforms:🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠✳️⁠Spotify⁠🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠📱⁠TikTok ⁠🎮⁠Discord ⁠Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

YOU WILL STAY!, Ken Jennings, Arizona Ruling, Young Women Leaving | Mormon News 8.8.26 | Ep. 2179

On today's episode of Mormon News, John Dehlin and Meggan Hayes break down another busy week of headlines involving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.We begin with a major Arizona Supreme Court ruling protecting clergy confidentiality when abuse is disclosed during religious confession. We'll discuss what the decision means, why it matters, and the broader questions it raises about protecting vulnerable people, religious freedom, and institutional accountability.Links:The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/03/arizona-clergy-child-abuse-confessions-courtWe'll also discuss a new column from Jana Riess examining why more than half of young adult women raised in the LDS Church have now left, exploring the data behind the trend and what it may say about the future of Mormonism.Links:Religion News Service (Jana Riess): https://religionnews.com/category/opinion/columns/jana-riess/We'll react to Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings publicly reaffirming his support for transgender people after being pulled into an online controversy, and discuss why his comments have resonated with many current and former Latter-day Saints.Links:Them: https://www.them.us/news/ken-jennings-trans-rightsWe'll also look at a new documentary telling the story of WordPerfect, the Utah software company that helped transform Utah Valley into today's Silicon Slopes. We'll discuss the legacy of founders Alan Ashton and Bruce Bastian, and why this important chapter of Utah history deserves to be remembered.Links:KSL: https://www.ksl.com/article/51602368Finally, we'll react to a viral YouTube Short featuring Elder Corbridge that's been making the rounds online and share our thoughts on the conversation it sparked.Links:YouTube Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/pxgJiJqQTOs?si=jISqasfwWwHTWyZEThanks for joining us! If you enjoy Mormon News, Church history, thoughtful conversations, and nuanced discussions about Mormonism and faith, please like, subscribe, and share this episode.___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today⁠One-time or recurring donations⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠Venmo ⁠⁠PayPal ⁠Our Platforms:🌐⁠Mormon Stories Blog ⁠🎙️⁠Patreon ⁠✳️⁠Spotify⁠🍎⁠Apple Podcasts⁠🖼️⁠Instagram ⁠📱⁠TikTok ⁠🎮⁠Discord ⁠Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117