Best Study Faith WAI PAn Podcasts (2025)

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Trailer | Church Deep Dives + AI Notebooks + My Story 1:44

1d ago1:44

1:44

Send us a text! Smart notebooks and pithy podcasts - that's what I wished I had when I started my deep dive into the Church. Study Faith With AI invites you to think critically using diverse sources and your own judgment. Whether strengthening testimony, working through doubts, or helping others navigate faith, these tools meet you wherever you are…

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S11 E17 General Membership | LDS Faith Crisis 31:08

14d ago31:08

31:08

Send us a text! Episode 17 of Apostates explores the widespread phenomenon of LDS faith crises affecting dedicated church members across all demographics. We examine how easy internet access to uncorrelated church history creates intense spiritual distress when traditional narratives clash with historical facts. We discuss the emotional toll, relat…

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S11 E18 LDS Church Membership Council 27:28

14d ago27:28

27:28

Send us a text! Episode 18 of Apostates explores Church membership councils in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, examining their stated purposes, procedures, and recent terminology changes. We discuss when councils are mandatory versus discretionary, the four possible outcomes, and the appeals process. We also address significant cri…

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S11 E19 Does Excommunication Work? 7:51

14d ago7:51

7:51

Send us a text! Episode 19 of Apostates explores whether excommunication effectively serves the LDS Church's goals by examining Margaret Tuscano's insights from Gospel Tangents. We analyze how church discipline impacts movements like September Six, Ordain Women, and Mormons for ERA, questioning whether silencing prominent voices truly stops dissent…

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S11 E20 Why Stay LDS? 23:44

14d ago23:44

23:44

Send us a text! Episode 20 of Apostates explores why some Latter-day Saints choose to stay in the Church despite significant challenges to their traditional beliefs. We examine the complex reasons people remain connected—from identity and family bonds to community and spiritual nourishment—even when facing difficult church history, doctrinal concer…

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S11 E6 Sarah Pratt Stands Strong 28:37

14d ago28:37

28:37

Send us a text! Episode 6 of Apostates explores Sarah M. Pratt's complex journey from devoted member to vocal critic of early Mormonism. We examine her alleged encounter with Joseph Smith's polygamous proposal, her steadfast refusal, and the subsequent campaign to discredit her. We trace how the introduction of plural marriage created impossible ch…

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S11 E7 Why Did Emma Smith Stay in Nauvoo? 16:39

14d ago16:39

16:39

Send us a text! Episode 7 of Apostates explores the complex reasons why Emma Hale Smith chose to remain in Nauvoo, Illinois after Joseph Smith's death instead of traveling west with Brigham Young and the main body of Saints. We examine her incredible resilience through years of persecution and loss, her fundamental opposition to plural marriage, th…

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S11 E8 Oliver Cowdery | A Foundational Witness Gets Fed Up 24:35

14d ago24:35

24:35

Send us a text! Episode 8 of Apostates explores the dramatic rise and fall of Oliver Cowdery, one of the most foundational figures in early Latter-day Saint history. From serving as principal scribe for the Book of Mormon and receiving priesthood authority alongside Joseph Smith, Oliver became second-in-command of the Church. We examine how financi…

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S11 E9 Martin Harris | The Wavering Witness 24:37

14d ago24:37

24:37

Send us a text! Episode 9 of Apostates explores the complex life of Martin Harris, one of the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon plates. Despite his powerful spiritual experience seeing the plates and hearing God's voice, Harris eventually broke away from Joseph Smith's leadership due to financial pressures, personality conflicts, and disagreeme…

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S11 E10 David Whitmer | Faithful Witness and Outspoken Critic 19:23

14d ago19:23

19:23

Send us a text! Episode 10 of Apostates explores David Whitmer's journey from foundational witness to Church critic. Despite never wavering on his Book of Mormon testimony, Whitmer left the Church in 1838, arguing it departed from the "written word" standard established in scripture. We examine his specific objections: Joseph Smith's prophetic role…

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S11 E11 Sidney Rigdon | Doctrinal Leader to Defector 19:11

14d ago19:11

19:11

Send us a text! Episode 11 of Apostates explores the remarkable story of Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith's first counselor and early partner in leading the Latter-day Saint movement. From his beginnings as a Baptist preacher to his crucial role in establishing early Mormon doctrine and organization, we examine how Rigdon's influence shaped the Church's…

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S11 E12 The Mormon Success Crisis & Schism 23:53

14d ago23:53

23:53

Send us a text! Episode 12 of Apostates explores the chaotic succession crisis following Joseph Smith's 1844 martyrdom. We examine how multiple claimants—Sidney Rigdon, Brigham Young's Twelve Apostles, James Strang, and the Smith family—competed for leadership. We trace the dramatic August 1844 Nauvoo meetings, including Young's transfiguration exp…

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S11 E13 Mormon Splinter Groups 31:12

14d ago31:12

31:12

Send us a text! Episode 13 of Apostates explores the complex world of groups that trace their origins to Joseph Smith but diverged from the mainstream LDS Church. From the liberal Community of Christ to fundamentalist polygamous sects like the FLDS, we examine how different interpretations of prophecy, scripture, and apostasy created hundreds of di…

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S11 E14 Intellectuals | The September Six 25:02

14d ago25:02

25:02

Send us a text! Episode 14 of Apostates explores the September 1993 disciplinary actions against six prominent LDS intellectuals known as the "September Six." We examine the Church context of the early 1990s, including leadership dynamics and growing tensions between institutional authority and intellectual inquiry. We profile each individual—Lavin…

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S11 E15 Activists | The Price of Public Protest 20:00

14d ago20:00

20:00

Send us a text! Episode 15 of Apostates explores three prominent LDS activists who challenged Church policies: Sonia Johnson (Equal Rights Amendment), Kate Kelly (women's ordination), and Sam Young (child protection). We examine their motivations, methods, and the institutional responses they faced, including excommunication. Through these stories,…

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S11 E16 Influencers | Disciplining Digital Dissenters 26:40

14d ago26:40

26:40

Send us a text! Episode 16 of Apostates examines the disciplinary actions taken by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints against prominent online voices including John Dehlin, Jeremy Runnells, Bill Reel, and Nemo the Mormon. We explore how the internet age has created new challenges for institutional control, analyzing the tension between…

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S11 E1 Prologue: Apostates | Brother Buzz Finds Lost Sheep 13:10

14d ago13:10

13:10

Send us a text! In this prologue to Season 11: Apostates, Brother Buzz explores the concept of apostasy through the lens of "material non-disclosure" - examining what happens when crucial information is withheld before making sacred covenants. He discusses prominent figures who left the early Church, including Book of Mormon Witnesses and Apostles,…

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S11 E2 Who Are Apostates Really? 25:51

14d ago25:51

25:51

Send us a text! Episode 2 of Apostates discusses Alan D. Roberts' groundbreaking analysis of apostasy in Mormonism, challenging traditional stereotypes of those labeled "apostate." We examine how 61% of Joseph Smith's closest associates faced severe discipline, analyze definitions of apostasy from Brigham Young to modern handbooks, and review case …

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S11 E3 The Great Kirtland Apostasy 19:03

14d ago19:03

19:03

Send us a text! Episode 3 of Apostates explores the Kirtland Crisis of 1837, the largest mass departure in early Church history when 10-15% of members left. We examine how Joseph Smith's expanding role from spiritual leader to business leader created tension, leading to failed ventures like the Kirtland Safety Society bank. We analyze why prominent…

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S11 E4 Joseph Smith's First Presidency Falls Apart 24:18

14d ago24:18

24:18

Send us a text! Episode 4 of Apostates explores three of Joseph Smith's Counselors who roke from the Church: Jesse Gause, John C. Bennett, and William Law. Sources Video_Rise and Fall of John C Bennet_1848, 1854, 1858_MS Video_John C Benentt_Gospel Tangents Essay_John C Bennett Extradition Event_BYU RSC Essay_John Cook Bennett_BYU RSC Essay_John C …

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S11 E5 Dissent Among the Original LDS Twelve Apostles 24:50

14d ago24:50

24:50

Send us a text! Episode 5 of Apostates explores the original Quorum of the Twelve Apostles called in 1835, examining how only three remained faithful throughout their lives while eight faced Church discipline (one died in a battle). Through detailed stories of Thomas B. Marsh, John F. Boynton, and Orson Pratt, we uncover the human struggles behind …

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S10 E22 Prosperity Gospel and Affinity Fraud 18:10

1M ago18:10

18:10

Send us a text! Episode 22 of Challenges explores the complex relationship between Mormon culture and financial fraud. Our discussion examines the "soft prosperity gospel" in Mormon theology, the strong emphasis on self-reliance, and how these cultural values intersect with affinity fraud targeting the community. We analyze real cases of financial …

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S10 E23 Money Matters: From Consecration to Corporation 21:03

1M ago21:03

21:03

Send us a text! Episode 23 of Challenges explores the financial evolution of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from early communal living principles in Kirtland to today's $200+ billion investment portfolio. Sources Essay: tithing and money_Mormon Stories Essay: LDS Church Hid $32B in Assets_Time Essay: What is Tithing?_LDS.org Essay…

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S10 E24 Money Matters: Widows' Mites & Holy Holdings 14:48

1M ago14:48

14:48

Send us a text! Episode 24 of Challenges explores the complex financial structure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, examining its vast wealth estimated at around $240 billion in total assets as of 2024. Sources Essay: tithing and money_Mormon Stories Essay: LDS Church Hid $32B in Assets_Time Essay: What is Tithing?_LDS.org Essay_T…

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S10 E25 The Cost of Concealed Truth 11:55

1M ago11:55

11:55

Send us a text! Episode 25 concludes the season Challenges by exploring the concept of material non-disclosure in religious contexts, focusing specifically on the Mormon faith crisis experience. We examine the Church's Correlation system, Elder Packer's "not all truths are useful" philosophy, and how discovering hidden historical information impact…

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S10 E13 Debating Joseph Smith's Motivations 31:24

1M ago31:24

31:24

Send us a text! Episode 13 of Challenges explores of the most fundamental questions about Mormonism in this debate-style episode: Was Joseph Smith primarily motivated by worldly desires or a true prophetic calling? We present evidence from historical records, Joseph's own writings, and testimonies from his contemporaries. We analyze key aspects inc…

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S10 E14 Lying for the Lord 12:58

1M ago12:58

12:58

Send us a text! Episode 14 of Challenges explores how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has managed its historical narrative over time, from Joseph Smith's era of polygamy through the Mormon underground to modern correlation efforts. We examine how practices that began as protective measures during periods of persecution evolved into …

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S10 E15 Latter-day Saints and Race Issues 19:02

1M ago19:02

19:02

Send us a text! Episode 15 of Challenges explores the complex history of race and priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We examine the origins of the priesthood ban under Brigham Young, the theological justifications that developed over time, and the 1978 revelation that ended the restrictions. We discuss how racial teachin…

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S10 E16 Latter-day Saints and LGBTQ Issues 16:12

1M ago16:12

16:12

Send us a text! Episode 16 of Challenges explores the complex relationship between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the LGBTQ community in this episode. We examine theological foundations around marriage, family, and eternal identity, as well as how Church policies have evolved over time. We discuss the 2015 policy changes, BYU h…

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S10 E17 Pressures of Modern Mormon Manhood 21:51

1M ago21:51

21:51

Send us a text! Episode 17 of Challenges explores the complex challenges facing modern Mormon men, examining tensions between traditional religious roles and changing societal expectations. We analyze how the provider role pressure, Church leadership responsibilities, and emotional expression expectations create unique stresses. Through examining p…

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S10 E18 Experiences of Modern Mormon Women 19:35

1M ago19:35

19:35

Send us a text! Episode 18 of Challenges examines the complex realities facing modern Mormon women within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Drawing from various sources including academic research, Church publications, and personal accounts, we explore three key areas: navigating gender roles against modern expectations, accessing le…

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S10 E19 Raising Kids Inside and Outside the Church 13:48

1M ago13:48

13:48

Send us a text! Episode 19 of Challenges explores parenting approaches within Mormonism and for those who've left the Church. We examine how Mormon parents focus on guiding children along the "covenant path" while post-Mormon parents often emphasize critical thinking and broader humanistic values. Despite different frameworks for teaching morality,…

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S10 E20 Child Abuse Prevention, Policies, and Procedures 13:35

1M ago13:35

13:35

Send us a text! Episode 20 of Challenges examines child abuse within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints using survivor accounts, legal documents, and policy discussions. We analyze the Church's involvement with Boy Scouts of America, the helpline reporting system, and leadership responses to abuse allegations. Our exploration covers ba…

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S10 E21 Perfectionism and Scrupulosity 15:07

1M ago15:07

15:07

Send us a text! Episode 21 of Challenges explores perfectionism and religious scrupulosity within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We examine theological concepts like "Be ye therefore perfect," cultural pressures around appearance and achievement, and the tension between works and grace. Drawing from Mormon Stories interviews and B…

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S10 E7 Prophet v Profit: Joseph Smith's Money 19:14

1M ago19:14

19:14

Send us a text! Episode 7 of Challenges explores Joseph Smith's financial activities throughout his religious career, from early treasure hunting to complex land dealings in Nauvoo. We explore how his economic endeavors intertwined with spiritual leadership, including the Law of Consecration, the failed Kirtland Safety Society bank, tithing reforms…

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S10 E8 Mormon Militancy in Early America 19:48

1M ago19:48

19:48

Send us a text! Episode 8 of Challenges explores the complex relationship between violence and early Mormonism in 19th century America. We examine how the broader violent American culture influenced Mormon-non-Mormon conflicts, analyze Joseph Smith's personal approach to conflict, and discuss theological justifications for violence. We investigate …

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S10 E9 Missouri & the 1838 Mormon War 21:06

1M ago21:06

21:06

Send us a text! Episode 9 of Challenges examines the 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, exploring how tensions escalated from early settlement frictions to violence and state-sanctioned expulsion. Sources Video_Mormon Leaders Encourage Violence_105_Mormonish Lesson_Church History_LDS.org Podcast_Bloody Missouri_Sunstone Podcast_Violence Among Mormons_199…

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S10 E10 Joseph Smith's Covert Ops: The Danites 18:25

1M ago18:25

18:25

Send us a text! Episode 10 of Challenges explores the controversial Danites, a paramilitary group formed by Latter-day Saints in Missouri during 1838. We examine their origins, structure, and activities against both Church dissenters and non-Mormon neighbors. The episode investigates Joseph Smith's complicated relationship with the group and how th…

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S10 E11 Joseph Smith's Political Kingdom: The Council of Fifty 18:54

1M ago18:54

18:54

Send us a text! Episode 11 of Challenges explores the fascinating Council of Fifty established by Joseph Smith in 1844. This secretive political body aimed to establish a "Kingdom of God" on earth, blending religious and political ambitions. Sources Essay: Council of 50_MS Essay: Council of 50_LDS.org Essay: Council of 50_Mormon Think Book_Council …

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S10 E12 Sorting Out Joseph Smith's Death 12:14

1M ago12:14

12:14

Send us a text! Episode 12 of Challenges explores the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage Jail in 1844. Sources Assassination_BYU RSC John Taylor _BYU RSC A True Martyr_BYU RSC Remember deaths _BYU RSC Aftermath_BYU RSC Nauvoo after_BYU RSC Governor Ford_Dialogue The Law above the Law_Dialogue Political assassination_Dialogue Video: Who…

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S10 E1 Prologue: Challenges | Bro Buzz Dives Deeper 8:03

1M ago8:03

8:03

Send us a text! In this Prologue to Season 10: Challenges, Brother Buzz explores aspects previously overlooked aspects of Latter-day Saint beliefs, history, and culture that have personally challenged his intellect and spirit. We dive deep into some key theology, early Church history, and modern policies and cultural aspects of the faith. Source An…

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S10 E2 Are Latter-day Saints Christian? 19:48

1M ago19:48

19:48

Send us a text! Episode 2 of Challenges explores the a common question posed by non-Mormons. Is there validity in theology? Sources Essay_LDS.org Reddit_Reddit Reddit_Reddit Essay_MRM Video_Mike Winger Talk_Holland Talk_Holland Proclamation_The Living Christ Essay_BYU RSC Talk_Packer Quotes_Mormon Think Essay_LDS.org Essay_MRM Quotes_MormonThink Vi…

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S10 E3 Degrees of Glory and Exaltation 31:18

1M ago31:18

31:18

Send us a text! Episode 3 of Challenges explores the distinctive Mormon understanding of the afterlife. Sources Thesis_JS Vision _BYU RSC Essay_Six Visions of Eternity_BYU RSC Essay_Process of Salvation_BYU RSC Essay_Plan of Savlation_BYU RSC Lesson_Exaltation_LDS.org Video_Exaltation_BYU RSC Video_Mormon Afterlife_AG Scripture_D&C 76_LDS.org Scrip…

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S10 E4 Perceptions of Evil and the Devil 13:53

1M ago13:53

13:53

Send us a text! Episode 4 of Challenges explores Latter-day Saint theology regarding evil and the devil in this episode. We examine the premortal existence, Lucifer's fall, and the concept of agency as central to LDS understanding of evil. We discuss Satan's nature, powers, and limitations within Mormon belief. We delve into the Mormon view of temp…

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S10 E5 Starting a Church was Oliver Cowdery's Idea 19:58

1M ago19:58

19:58

Send us a text! Episode 5 of Challenges explores the complex relationship between Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery during the founding of the Mormon Church. We examine how the early Book of Mormon translation efforts initially focused on treasure-seeking before evolving into a religious movement. We uncover evidence suggesting Cowdery's significant …

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S10 E6 Joseph Smith's Kirtland Bank Failure 16:41

1M ago16:41

16:41

Send us a text! Episode 6 of Challenges explores Joseph Smith's financial activities in Kirtland, Ohio, especially the rise and fall of the Kirtland Safety Society bank. Sources Essay: KSS_LDS Essay: A History of JS Financial Malfeasance_Part 1-3 Essay: KSS and Fraud of Grandison Newell_BYU Essay: Cultural Crisis_Church History Essay: Why did it Fa…

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S9 E13 200 Years of Latter-day Saint Changes 16:00

1M ago16:00

16:00

Send us a text! Episode 13 of Changes, explores the 200-year journey of Mormonism, from its controversial beginnings to its position as a global faith today. We examine how the Church navigated persecution, adapted core practices like plural marriage, and gradually integrated into American society while maintaining its distinct identity. We discuss…

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S9 E14 Debating Jesus Christ as Head of the Church 20:53

1M ago20:53

20:53

Send us a text! We conclude our season Changes with a formal debate about whether Jesus Christ personally directs his restored church through prophets. We explore this central belief from opposing viewpoints, examining historical shifts, priesthood authority, revelation, and the human element in church leadership. We discuss how divine guidance man…

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S9 E12 President Nelson's Era: Eight Big Changes 25:13

2M ago25:13

25:13

Send us a text! Episode 12 of Changes explores eight significant changes in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under President Russell M. Nelson. Essay_Love and Laws of God_Nelson_LDS.org News_Top 100 Changes_LDS.org Essay_Ministering_BCC Video_New Transgender Policy_1932 MS Video_LGBTQ Policy Reversal_1091_MS Reddi_Top 10 Policy Chang…

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S9 E8 Prophets Under Pressure: Ending the Blacks Priesthood Ban 28:55

2M ago28:55

28:55

Send us a text! Episode 8 of Changes examines prophetic pressures surrounding priesthood ban on Black members and its 1978 removal. Sources Video_Hugh B Brown End Priesthood Ban_1969_MS Essay: Race and Priesthood_Gospel Topics_LDS.org Video: The Real Story of the Priesthood Temple Ban_FaithMatters Essay: Discussing Difficult Topics__BYU RSC Video: …

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