Jesus for Mormons #15: Mormon Assets

Venture Church - WA

Jesus for Mormons #15: Mormon Assets

September 24, 2024

In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the Mormon Church’s significant financial assets, valued at $265 billion, and question whether the church is fulfilling its non-profit mission or simply accumulating wealth. They highlight declining membership and outdated traditions as signs of disconnect and draw parallels to the "Parable of the Talents," criticizing the church for hoarding resources. The conversation emphasizes the importance of transparency, honesty, and using resources for the benefit of the community.

Show Notes:

46% of millennials are active: https://religionnews.com/2019/03/27/how-many-millennials-are-really-leaving-the-lds-church/ 2016

History of sacrament meeting: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/sacrament-meetings?lang=eng

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Membership_history_of_the_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#cite_note-9 - population of the church

https://widowsmitereport.wordpress.com/2023update/ - Widows Mite Report

Jesus for Mormons #21: What is Worship

November 12, 2024

In this episode, Kai Van Leuven interviews Pastor David Diaz to discuss what worship is in the Christian church. David explains that worship is not just music but a lifestyle of honoring God through actions, generosity, and praise. He touches on tithing as a heart matter and highlights various forms of worship expression, like raising hands or waving flags. Ultimately, worship is about honoring God in all aspects of life. The hosts highlights that worship is a way to connect with God, and it can take many forms, from singing to quiet reflection. It emphasizes that worship isn’t about performance but about the heart’s posture. People are encouraged to experiment with different ways of worship, as it can lead to healing and a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, worship is about encountering God's presence, which brings transformation. Contact us: Email: mailto:jesusformormons@gmail.com Facebook: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hs692rdmcji8 Website: https://jesusformormons.com

Jesus for Mormons #20: Mormon Garments

November 5, 2024

In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the significance of Mormon garments—sacred underwear worn by church members—covering recent changes like sleeveless styles and the belief in their protective symbolism. They also address the controversy surrounding Joseph Smith not wearing his garments at his death, which raises questions about their importance. The conversation critiques the rigid modesty standards, particularly the pressures faced by women, emphasizing the guilt and shame associated with these expectations. The hosts argue that linking worthiness to clothing is harmful and advocate for a more compassionate approach to spirituality. Show Notes: Joseph F. Smith describes garments as unchanged. | B. H. Roberts: https://bhroberts.org/records/09wgh3-ko8oec/joseph_f_smith_describes_garments_as_unchanged Sleeveless LDS temple garments are coming to the U.S. Here’s when: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/10/17/heres-when-sleeveless-lds-temple LDS Garments and Agency | The Religious Studies Project: https://http://www.religiousstudiesproject.com/podcast/lds-garments-and-agency Joseph F. Smith - Wikipedia: https://en.http://wikipedia.org/wiki/joseph_f._smith Church Updates Temple Recommend Interview Questions: https://newsroom.http://churchofjesuschrist.org/article/october-2019-general-conference-temple-recommend Mormon Church Introduces SLEEVELESS Garments: https://youtu.be/mq9rmio7ec4?si=d-diwnxy_gakdsl9 Juvenile Instructor » From the Archives: Brigham Young on Joseph Smith’s Last Mistake: https://juvenileinstructor.org/from-the-archives-brigham-young-on-josephs-smith-last-mistake Temple Garments: https://mormonr.org/qnas/0ddnd/temple_garments Contact us: Email: mailto:jesusformormons@gmail.com Facebook: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hs692rdmcji8 Website: https://jesusformormons.com

Jesus for Mormons #19: Life in Crisis: Fight or Flight

October 29, 2024

In this episode, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the "fight or flight" response, focusing on Kai's journey after leaving the Mormon Church. He reflects on his past as a fighter and his struggle with avoidance, highlighting his attempts to escape through travel and major life changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of confronting challenges for healing, the clarity gained from living minimally, and the value of processing emotions and seeking support from therapists. Kai also shares his experience adjusting to life in Hawaii while finding purpose in his move. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to seek help and build resilience on their healing journeys. Show Notes: Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-to-your-body-during-the-fight-or-flight-responsehttp://clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-to-your-body-during-the-fight-or-flight-response Huberman on Grief: https://youtu.be/dzovi0aa2ea?si=bd-k-850mo1bqpcb How do disappear: https://medium.com/@hijab7437/the-art-of-disappearing-how-to-disappear-without-a-trace-f5a3e26396a3 Chad Zapitul Story: https://www.win-magazine.com/2012/03/13/unfulfilled-ncaa-promises-still-sting-20-years-later-for-zaputil/ Contact us: Email: mailto:jesusformormons@gmail.com Facebook: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hs692rdmcji8 Website: https://jesusformormons.com/