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
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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/
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Jesus for Mormons #18: Elevated Emotion vs. Holy Spirit
October 22, 2024
In this episode, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss emotions and spirituality for those leaving Mormonism. They highlight the church's focus on feelings as truth and the risks of emotional manipulation. Using testimonies, including one from a young woman in a polygamist group, they advocate for balancing emotional awareness with critical thinking. They introduce "elevation emotion," the positive feelings from witnessing kindness, which can enhance connection and purpose. They emphasize that actions speak louder than words, encourage seeking joy beyond material possessions, and reference Jesus' teachings on living in the present. They also suggest a decision-making framework involving biblical insights and trusted counsel, inviting listeners to explore their faith journeys thoughtfully.
Show Notes:
Ask Reality, My LDS Journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycuvc9s4vyahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycuvc9s4vya
Elevation, What it is and Why do we need it? https://www.thepositivepsychologypeople.com/elevation-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/#:~:text=haidt%20(2000)%20characterised%20elevation%20as,motivation%20to%20behave%20more%20altruisticallyhttp://www.thepositivepsychologypeople.com/elevation-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it#:~:text=haidt%20https://www.thepositivepsychologypeople.com/elevation-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/#:~:text=haidt%20(2000)%20characterised%20elevation%20as,motivation%20to%20behave%20more%20altruistically.
CES Letter: https://cesletter.org/ces-letter.pdf
Elevation study by Thomson, A. L., & Siegel, J. T. (2017). : https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-31938-013
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Jesus for Mormons #17: You Have Mail
October 15, 2024
In this episode of "Jesus for Mormons," hosts Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that genuine faith in Jesus leads to good deeds. Kai reflects on his past in the Mormon Church, encouraged by a friend to view his experiences as valuable rather than wasted. He shares a boating mishap as a lesson in learning from mistakes and highlights the lasting impact of a heartfelt letter from a family he influenced during his missionary work. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their past positively and focus on personal growth and relationships.
Show Notes:
Sunk Cost Reality: https://youtu.be/o_pzkpudjdw?si=iqrpbqgxfttkafqj
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Jesus for Mormons #16: Follow the Profit
October 1, 2024
In this episode of "Jesus for Mormons," Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the financial structure of Mormon wards, estimating they generate around $600,000 in tithing annually with minimal expenses. Kai compares this to Circus Circus in Las Vegas, highlighting themes of financial accountability. They also emphasize the importance of transparency in church finances and community-building activities, concluding with a focus on trust and respect in church leadership, inviting listener engagement.
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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://http://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/sacrament-meetings?lang=eng
https://en.http://wikipedia.org/wiki/membership_history_of_the_church_of_jesus_christ_of_latter-day_saints#cite_note-9 - population of the church
https://widowsmitereport.http://wordpress.com/2023update - Widows Mite Report
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Jesus for Mormons #14: Why I Hated Brandon
September 17, 2024
In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss Kai's initial hostility towards Brandon, Di's husband and a pastor, due to his past bias against religious leaders from outside his former Mormon faith. Despite his skepticism, Kai was taken aback by Brandon's genuine and down-to-earth approach, which contrasted with his preconceived notions. This encounter led Kai to reconsider his negative views and engage more openly with the church community. The narrator reflects on their surprising encounter with Brandon, a former Mormon bishop, who was much more humble and authentic than expected. This experience challenged their preconceived notions about church leaders and made them reconsider their own biases. They emphasize the importance of grace, patience, and personal growth while acknowledging the ongoing struggle to overcome past frustrations and show kindness to others.
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Jesus for Mormons #13: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives - Mormons Gone Wild - Sex in Mormon Church
In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss how detailed confessions in the Mormon Church can cause unnecessary shame and guilt. They contrast this with the simple, direct forgiveness from Jesus. They argue that these practices can lead to guilt and psychological harm, making forgiveness seem conditional. They also address the harm from strict teachings on sexual sin and early marriages. They stress the importance of grace and respectful conversations about intimacy, advocating for removing shame and focusing on God's grace rather than institutional processes.
Show Notes:
Protest Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.abc4.com%2fnews%2flocal-news%2fabc4-meets-with-cast-members-for-the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives%2f&data=05%7c02%7c%7cc05747a9104447544e7808dccdbfe84a%7c84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7c1%7c0%7c638611471316722409%7cunknown%7ctwfpbgzsb3d8eyjwijoimc4wljawmdailcjqijoiv2lumziilcjbtii6ik1hawwilcjxvci6mn0%3d%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=0f%2fwnc1iuqdgsxscjge1awlnxpvgalryqg1sjny19i8%3d&reserved=0http://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/abc4-meets-with-cast-members-for-the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives
Secret lives of Mormon Wives https://www.hulu.com/series/58cd73be-408d-4eed-8e3d-82339f3f93e2?cmp=11932&utm_source=google&utm_medium=sem&utm_campaign=cm_sem_various+niche+originals&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=cjwkcajw_4s3bhaaeiwa_64yhhluehf22t34mkolbyjrnvwrm-zboinqnvga3y0ghxufrudfaosrohocciyqavd_bwe&gclsrc=aw.ds
Under the Banner of Heaven: https://www.hulu.com/series/under-the-banner-of-heaven-9c4ae394-e9c4-4a6d-985e-314270602c6b
Mormon No More: https://www.hulu.com/series/mormon-no-more-61c6289d-1038-45a4-a982-6fad782a00f1
Bishops guide for handling sexual sin {Handbook 2} https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/08702_eng.pdf?lang=enghttp://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/08702_eng.pdf?lang=eng
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Jesus for Mormons #12: Poisoned 'Spiritual Well', and the 'Mental Rental'
In this episode of Jesus for Mormons episode, Kai Van Leuven explores a removed segment from the Mormon temple ceremony that emphasized a divisive "us vs. them" mentality, likely leading to its 1990 removal as the church aimed for a more inclusive image. Kai uses a personal landlord experience to illustrate how past trauma can shape one's mindset, arguing that ex-Mormons may still retain beliefs that affect their view of other religions. He notes that many ex-Mormons turn to atheism or other belief systems due to lasting emotional scars and encourages them to confront and address these issues for a more open and self-aware spiritual journey.
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Jesus for Mormons #11: Revelation Blockers
In this episode of Jesus for Mormons Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di challenge Brad Wilcox's claim that non-Mormons are "playing church" and that leaving the Mormon church means losing everything valuable. It highlights frustration with spiritual elitism and the impact of these beliefs on inclusivity and personal faith. The speaker finds Wilcox's views manipulative and harmful, especially to youth, and contrasts them with a more open Christian perspective where leaving a church doesn’t equate to losing faith or value.
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Jesus for Mormons #10: There's a Little Anti in All of Us
In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven, and Pastor Di discuss the concept of "anti" in Mormonism, exploring how anything negative toward the church is labeled as anti, even if it's historically accurate. The hosts talk about how Mormon missionaries, like Kai, are trained to promote the Book of Mormon as the most correct book, which undermines other Christian beliefs. They also discuss the aggressive nature of missionary work and how it challenges the authority of other religious leaders, creating an "us vs. them" mentality. This mindset, they argue, can affect ex-Mormons, making them skeptical of other faiths and contributing to why many ex-Mormons are agnostic or atheist.
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Jesus for Mormons #9: The Garbage Recap
In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di reflect on the emotional content from previous episodes and discuss grief as a motivated state. They compare the dress codes of the Mormon church with those of Venture Church. Kai shares a personal experience of feeling disappointment from a friend after going against his tribe. Despite these challenges, they both express hope for the future and anticipation for continuing their podcast journey in the next episode.
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Jesus for Mormons #8: Shame, Guilt, and Sin
In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di explore the themes of shame, guilt, and sin. They share personal stories about the effects of these emotions within and beyond the Mormon church. The discussion emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community and seeking healing. Di offers theological insights on God's promise of hope and restoration, while Kai reflects on the loneliness experienced when leaving the church. They encourage listeners to reach out for support and share their own journeys.
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Jesus for Mormons #7: Sunk Cost Reality
In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di explore the concept of sunk costs—the reluctance to abandon a course of action due to heavy investment—particularly in the context of the Mormon Church. They discuss sunk costs like church callings, tithing, missed opportunities, missions, and strained relationships after leaving. The hosts stress the importance of recognizing intentions and moving forward with grace and self-compassion. They encourage listeners to share their own experiences and consider letting go of unproductive investments. The episode concludes with an invitation for feedback and stories for future discussions.
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Jesus for Mormons #6: A Valued Life
his episode of Jesus for Mormons emphasizes mental health and grieving, sharing personal experiences and strategies for overcoming difficult situations. Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the stages of grief, the importance of self-compassion, and the conscious choice to move forward. They offer practical tips such as setting boundaries with negative influences and prioritizing self-care. The conversation focuses on the journey to healing and discovering life's value after facing challenges.
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