This I Believe: How Do You Believe in a Mystery?
On my way home from work, I heard a really good radio essay on NPR–as part of their “This I Believe” series. It captures, in many ways, my own personal belief in God. I hope you enjoy. How Do You...
View ArticleMy (Current) Favorite Podcast–“Speaking of Faith”
Holy freaking moly. I discovered a podcast last week (thanks to Rory) that has knocked my socks off. It's called "Speaking of Faith", and for me, has been amazing. Please, please, please subscribe to,...
View ArticleA History of Doubt
Holy Moly (didn't I just say that?). This episode of "Speaking of Faith" podcast entitled, "The History of Doubt" literally blew my socks off. Please, please, please listen to it, and come back here to...
View ArticleThe Spirituality of Parenting
Another "must listen" from the Speaking of Faith podcast--entitled "The Spirituality of Parenting". Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, rabbi of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis, discusses raising your...
View ArticleThe “Literal vs. Symbolic Mormon Testimony” Project
I've been thinking a ton lately about literal vs. symbolic Mormon testimonies. I felt strongly that I should create a table which differentiates how I'm feeling today, from what I was taught growing...
View ArticleBill Moyers on Faith & Reason–Salman Rushdie
I exercised yesterday in a state of bewilderment--to hear Salman Rushdie express thoughts and feelings about Islam that could just as easily have been written by me about Mormonism (if I were a better...
View ArticleNew Poem and Podcast from John & Jana Remy (Holding Back the Night)
I was fortunate this morning to find a new episode of “An Athiest’s Prayer” (by John and Jana Remy) on my iPod for my morning bike ride to work (thanks for the shout out, btw!!!). During the...
View ArticleBloggernacle Spotlight: For Those Who Wonder (Managing Religious Doubt and...
Today I am very proud to announce another new entry to the bloggernacle: https://www.forthosewhowonder.com. FTWW is based on a book written by D. Jeff Burton by the same name. This book is downloadable...
View ArticleVery cool CES policy about what NOT to do as a CES/EFY speaker
Thanks to Chris (a reader/listener) for referring me to this really cool CES policy about what NOT to do as a CES/EFY speaker. My favorite part is here: “I also have some concerns as I attended these...
View ArticleNew Podcasts from the Remys: John & Jana’s Joint Journey
How's that for alliteration. ;) John & Jana have a new podcast episode out, and it's definitely worth the listen. It chronicles their joint journey of faith as a couple. Check it out, and please...
View ArticleCheck out My Cousin This Weekend on C-Span 2 Book TV!!!!
For those interested, a book signing that included Jimmy Parkinson (my cousin), Lee Benson and Harold Poole will be televised on C-Span2 Book TV this Sunday evening at 12AM Sunday morning EST, 9PM...
View ArticleNew Podcasts from the Remys: “Changing Perspectives”
As you all know, I love the Remys. They have a new podcast out which I found to be extremely interesting and moving. The theme is around changing perspectives–how we sometimes reinterpret experiences...
View ArticleA MUST Listen: For Better, for Worse, for Apostasy? How Faith Issues Affect...
This morning, during my daily jog, I was profoundly blessed to listen to a recent panel presentation given at Salt Lake Sunstone 2006 entitled: “For Better, for Worse, for Apostasy? How Faith Issues...
View ArticleSongs of Praise: Young LDS Rock Star Talks About Faith
Both my mother, and my friend Eric, forwarded me this link, so I thought I’d share. It’s about a young LDS rock star named Brandon Flowers–lead singer for the Killers. Full text below…. Songs of praise...
View ArticleUnderstanding Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Part 1: Polygamy Within The...
Please click here to support Mormon Stories by “Digging” this podcast, or click on the post link above to find the "Sustain This!" button. This video begins part 1 of a 5 part interview with Anne B....
View ArticleUnderstanding Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Part 2: The Rise of Mormon...
Please click here to support Mormon Stories by “Digging” this podcast, or click on the post link above to find the "Sustain This!" button. In part 2 of this 5 part interview with Anne B. Wilde, Anne...
View ArticleMy Reflections from My Interview with Richard Bushman
Most of you will likely consider this a rambling mess, but I wanted to post my reflections from my interview with Richard Bushman somewhere–so I’m doing it here. I include these comments in audio form...
View ArticleBloggernacle Fast For Peace: March 4th
From Bored in Vernal: "Hi, Bloggernacle Friends, Some of us would like to do a Bloggernacle fast on Sunday March 4. We are fasting for for peace in Iran and that American and world leaders will be...
View ArticleMormon Senator Harry Reid: Why I Believe
I’m sure others have blogged about this, but I just discovered (via buddy Eric). A good, classic Mormon Story. Why I Believe: Harry Reid by Harry Reid March 15, 2002 Printed from Mormon Life...
View ArticleNeil LaBute bears a heavy load
2007-03-16 — JewishJournal.Com: Arts in L.A. Whether it’s business or religion, the ‘Fat Pig’ playwright tells it like it is By Naomi Pfefferman, Arts & Entertainment Editor Neil LaBute. Photo by...
View ArticleToday, It’s a Wonderful Life
I have so many reasons to count my blessings this week...so bear with me as I mention a few.... The very generous and supportive letters I received last week (both as comments to the post, and in...
View ArticleOn Truth, Reconciliation, Humanity, and Ubuntu
The conversation we had last week on my personal blog about Askgramps.org, testimonies, and faith really got me thinking (so a huge thanks to Matt Evans, Michael, Eve, Trevor, Kaimi, Bored in Vernal,...
View ArticleA First Draft of an Essay: “How to Stay in the LDS Church After Becoming...
I get asked several times weekly via email, "John -- how in the world do you remain active in the LDS Church after all you know? How do you keep from going insane? How do your raise your children,...
View ArticleThomas B. Marsh’s Story: A More Accurate Version of Why He Left the Church
In Richard Dutcher’s comments last week about leaving the LDS Church, he mentioned the traditional legend we hear in the church — that Thomas B. Marsh left over a milk dispute between his wife and some...
View ArticleApproaching Mormon History: A Recent LDS Church Press Release
The LDS Church just released a press release called "Approaching Mormon History. It's definitely an interesting read. My buddy was most concerned with this part: “It is often asked, for example, how...
View ArticleBlake Ostler and My Buddy Paul Join us on Mormon Matters
Blake Ostler and my good buddy Paul join us today on Mormon Matters. The topics for discussion are the LDS church's position on financial non-disclosure and a recent LDS church press release entitled...
View ArticleSunstone Workshop: “Staying in the Church After Becoming Disaffected”
From the workshop…. The essay. The audio recording of my August 2007 Sunstone Workshop entitled, “How to stay…” The PowerPoint file from that presentation The audio and video files from that...
View ArticleNew Mormon Matters Series on “Inoculating the Saints”— Featuring Kevin Barney...
For those interested in the idea of "Inoculation" with regards to LDS church members and challenging church history/doctrine, please check out part 1 of our new series on inoculation. This episode...
View ArticleAudio and PowerPoint from my “Staying in the Church After a Crisis of Faith”...
I have edited down the audio from my recent Sunstone "How to Stay in the Church After a Crisis of Faith" workshop (to remove most of the comments) and have posted it online. It's not polished or...
View ArticleKnowing the gospel is true vs. knowing the gospel
What does the following quote mean, and what are the implications if this sentiment were pervasive in the church (from Cecil O. Samuelson and BYU NewsNet)? “It is a good thing to know that the gospel...
View ArticleBook of Mormon Introduction, Lamanites and Native Americans: No big deal?
We just recorded a new episode of Mormon Matters podcast, wherein Ronan and John Hamer (a non-member of the LDS church) make a strong case that this dust-up about the recent change to the Book of...
View ArticleDr. Ted Lyon Pt. 1: A Believing Mormon Intellectual, and Change in the LDS...
Dr. Ted Lyon has served as a BYU Professor, Mission President, MTC President, and is currently serving as the temple president of the Santiago, Chile temple. He is both a believing Mormon, and an...
View ArticleBonus: 2 Mormon Mavericks — William D. Russell and Richard D. Poll
I wanted to share with you the testimonies of 2 heroes of mine....one new, and one old. William D. Russell: For over 40 years, William D. Russell has been a progressive voice among the Reorganized...
View ArticleFor those who are in the LDS faith struggle
Each week I continue to receive at least 2-3 emails from people who are deep “in the struggle” — having lost their traditional faith in the LDS Church, and don’t know where to turn. They feel isolated...
View ArticleQuestions for Terryl Givens
I have a very unique opportunity to interview someone who (in my mind, anyway) is one of the most important minds in 21st century Mormonism: Terryl Givens. He's written several books on Mormonism --...
View Article
