Jesus for Mormons #23: F(ETCH) the Mormons

Venture Church - WA

Jesus for Mormons #23: F(ETCH) the Mormons

November 26, 2024

In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di explore the impact of anti-Mormon chants at sports events, focusing on a 2001 game between Oregon and BYU. Kai shares his personal struggle with anger and resentment after leaving the Mormon Church, and how these emotions strained his relationships with family. The conversation highlights the challenges of processing anger toward a former faith and emphasizes the importance of healing, particularly through the concept of "selfish forgiveness"—forgiving not for others, but for personal peace. The speakers discuss how media, such as the Mormon Stories podcast, can fuel anger and impede emotional healing. They acknowledge that while anger after leaving the Mormon Church is natural, holding onto it can harm one’s well-being. Forgiveness is framed as an ongoing, individual process that doesn’t excuse past wrongs, but helps release negativity, ultimately improving emotional health and relationships.

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Jesus for Mormons #27: Is Christianity Ridiculous for Ex-Mormons

December 24, 2024

Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di respond to a comment on the Mormon Stories Podcast Facebook page about key Christian concepts like the Trinity and salvation by faith alone. They explain that God's anger is a righteous response to sin, not vengeance, and that salvation is available to all through faith in Jesus, whose sacrifice covers all sin. The speakers emphasize divine justice, encouraging believers to trust in God's judgment rather than seek vengeance. They contrast Christianity and Mormonism, discussing salvation, grace, and the nature of God, particularly the differences in their views on the Trinity. The conversation also addresses the challenges of transitioning from Mormonism to Christianity, encouraging open exploration of faith and trust in God's grace. Contact us: Email: mailto:jesusformormons@gmail.com Facebook: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hs692rdmcji8 Website: https://jesusformormons.com

Jesus for Mormons #26: Community ExMormon Sacrifice

December 18, 2024

In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven reflects on the isolation he experienced after leaving the Mormon church and the challenges of rebuilding a sense of community. Initially skeptical of church life, he eventually found support and authenticity at Venture Church and later in Kauai, discovering that both large and small church environments can offer meaningful connections. Pastor Di emphasizes the importance of community, noting that genuine relationships are often easier to build in faith-based settings. The speaker highlights the transformative power of finding a supportive community, especially for those leaving religions like Mormonism, and the deep bonds that form through shared faith and experiences. Contact us: Email: mailto:jesusformormons@gmail.com Facebook: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hs692rdmcji8 Website: https://jesusformormons.com

Jesus for Mormons #25: Would Joseph Smith Kill Your Dog?

December 11, 2024

In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di explore Joseph Smith's magical worldview, including treasure digging, supernatural encounters, and the use of artifacts like a Jupiter talisman. They examine how these elements blend folk magic with early Mormon history, critiquing the rigid, works-based practices tied to temple rituals. Emphasizing compassion for those in Mormonism, they contrast its theology with the freedom and grace found in a relational faith in God. Contact us: Email: mailto:jesusformormons@gmail.com Facebook: https://http://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hs692rdmcji8 Website: https://jesusformormons.com