I gradually lost my faith in the Church and God after watching Mormon Stories and anti-Mormon content. One day I paid attention who I was listening to, and all of them didn’t believed in God and Christ anymore; I also asked myself “Are you going to remplace Elder Urchdoft for Jhon Dehlin as role model in your life?”, that day I went back to God for answers and I got answers and spiritual experiences. I’m coming back to the Church and more than that I’m Coming back to Jesus Christ with a more informed and real testimony than ever.
@lmlrvi - Whoaaa! Powerful! People don't realize where the trajectory they get themselves on leads. It's so much wiser to look down the road to see where it leads *before* you travel that road than to just blindly keep going on it.
Thank you for being willing to share this publicly. I'm sure many more may be going through the same thing. I've had many people message me with similar comments. Your comment will give strength to so many who will read this. I love that you emphasized coming back to God. He is full of grace and truth-much love.
@@LetsGetRealSJit’s so hard when your go thru a “faith crisis” bro, it affects you spiritually, mentally (lost of anxiety and depression) and even physically (spend lots of time searching and watching anti Mormon content). Now looking back I can’t believe how they just throw half-truths and lies without mercy of knowing that so many families and individuals are being damaged. (I apologies for my broken English)
@@Irvingdector Everyone has a journey. Your English is great by the way. I learned Portuguese and know how hard it is to express yourself in another language. . . I hear you loud and clear.
I am LDS, and I’ve been watching some good Catholic content. It’s helped me understand so much more. I love all of my Christian brothers and sisters! How blessed we all are to know Jesus Christ!
I grew up Southern Baptist, but God led me out of it as I had too many questions about the doctrine of the trinity, and other things. I can still honestly say that the Church of Jesus Christ is the only Church I have ever found that meets all the criterion of the Lord's Church in the Bible.
I have some southern baptist friends. I know we have doctrine differences but I love people being faithful. We agree on so many good things, I'm happy to stand with my baptist friends.
Someone who is honestly willing to change their point of view is way more trustworthy than someone who blocks out beliefs they don't like. I'm honestly a bit more of the latter, but it is so refreshing to see someone who not only acknowledged that their old point of view was incomplete but to do it twice and adjust accordingly regardless of how embarrassing it is. I have nothing but respect.
Thanks! I just hope others don't think they have to leave the church in order to get perspective. Learn from *my* mistakes and those of others--don't be like me and insist on just learning from your own! 😅
Would you still honor him as trustworthy if he was willing to change his beliefs again, or only because he changed his beliefs to those which align with yours?
Any rational human being with half a mind who reads the CES letter evidence would see that Joseph Smith is a fraud. The GOOD news is that the Jesus of the Bible is TRUE and will help anyone who wants to know the truth!
@scottvance74 I was implying that anyone who is willing to actually confront hard truths that force them to ask if what they believe is true is more likely to find the truth than someone who refuses to confront harsh realities that they don't like. In or out of the church, someone who honestly seeks truth is more respectable than someone who only defends their beliefs because they're emotionally attached to them.
@onandagus1 Good advice! I'm fascinated by your story, it's truly remarkable how God works in our lives. Your humility is especially admirable. Thank you for your hard work in researching church history. Knowing your story helps people (myself included) to know that your research is being done properly, and not cherry-picking evidence to fit a narrative. Someone who has never left the church might be inclined to ignore uncomfortable findings and someone who left might only focus on the uncomfortable aspects. You're probably the most reliable source there is for unbiased research.
I remember feeling so broken hearted when I saw my dear friend wearing her "I am John Dehlin" tee shirt after she left the church. My subsequent study and "journey" of faith followed after seeing her departure from the church. I am so grateful for that experience and what it taught me about the Lord and His mercy and love for us. I am really ready to wear an "I am Don Bradley" tee shirt now. Thank you Brother Bradley. You are one of my favorite modern-day examples.
So odd how people have a problem paying tithing to the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, but have no problem giving it to Mormon stories who is giving John delin a raise every year. Ever read their public tax records? He makes more than half a million every year. Do you really think he's not going on vacation and buying expensive cars with that? 🤔. Odd how they have no problem paying that to him instead of charity 😂
Many years ago I was concerned that Joseph Smith committed adultery. The Holy Spirit told me " whether or not Joseph Smith committed adultery is none of your concern, that is between him and Me, as for you, you need to be concerned about your own standing."
This is absolutely the BEST interview w/ Don Bradley that I've seen. The Saints Unscripted one was good but brief. In the Ward Radio interview, Don was frequently interrupted by the host & other guests. This one was so great! Between Part 1 & Part 2, this is a full-length film, where Don does most of the talking! 👏🏼 Thank you Stephen, for only asking necessary questions, & letting Don mostly guide the conversation. 🙏🏼 I have 1 disagreement w/ Don, though. He says he's not a very good speaker. Pfff! 🤔😆 I've heard his story before, & was still mesmerized for over 2 hours by everything he said! THANK YOU BOTH!
Here's a scholar who has looked at LDS Church history from all angles with a critical eye. After all he has seen and been through, he's come to the conclusion that the Church is true. His story is a cautionary tale to members who are thinking of walking down the same path that leads to spiritual apostasy. Thanks for sharing your story, Don.
@@Battleborn357you don’t understand your own words? How is that possible? Read your words carefully and see how they apply to you and this situation. You’d be baffled
I can feel Don’s sincerity. The closing segment/couple minutes is everything. Thank you Don and Stephen for being bold and sharing this with the world.
Don not only brings great light to controversy in LDS history, but also teaches us how to think critically about history and all aspects of truth in our lives. I love his emphasis on broadening his perspective on how the gospel has benefited him, as I think so many tend to “throw the baby out with the bath water”. Also a common practice in todays politics and culture. I also appreciate his ex-member atheist perspective and hope to give more compassion and understanding for a difficult path people choose to take when leaving their beliefs behind. Thank you Don!
The last part got me. Thank you so much for this. I have been listening to Don Bradley a lot this past year, and I had thought the whole time, as insightful as he is, that he was a historian who came back to the Church simply because his research revealed historical facts that were undeniable. This is the first time I saw that he actually has a sincere and beautiful testimony of the gospel and the love for our Savior. Thank you, Don, for what you do. God did not give up on you.
Part 1 was my first time watching your channel. I loved the interview! As a mother of many who looks like the typical LDS mom and who has experienced a faith crisis, I have so much more compassion for everyone who struggles. It is a gut wrenching experience. Thank you Don for sharing your experience in such an open and honest way. It was very uplifting to hear your story.
We need more compassion in this world. One of the things I love about the Savior is his ability to love without judgment. He is full of grace AND truth. He knows everything about us, yet he’s still willing to love us, while at the same time, he doesn’t shame us into following Him or force us to be with him. He’s been playing the long game for a long time and is good at it.
There have been a lot of interviews with Don Bradley, and this and his Ward Radio one are my favorites, for different reasons. I love hearing from this man, your story is amazing Don! Not only that, but your intellect is so clear and refreshing in my mind. I really appreciate your contributions.
Don is a breath of fresh air. There is so much more in him to share. I'm trying to convince him to start his own channel. If I can get enough people to like this comment, maybe he will consider it.
Don's journey is very sincere and I agree that someone who leaves the church and returns is a more trustworthy source for me because they understand the dealbreakers and have reasons to believe regardless of them. Again, thank you for sharing his story! It truly shows that behind the scenes the church wants to forgive...the Savior wants to forgive.
Much good in all the journeys. I’ve believed all my life and I feel very grateful and blessed. Yet I love hearing about and learning from the other faith journeys test others travel. They add to my own testimony ❤
@@michaelkillpack5102 What things should we take literally and what things should we take figuratively? Is the bible literal? Genesis and the 7 day creation? Is God literal? If everyone gets to choose what is literal and what isn't based on what is most convenient, then we are all playing a game of Calvin-ball. I think that there is value in logic, reason, and thoughtful discussion.
@@scottvance74The nuance here is that by trustworthy, he probably meant faith building. Changing your position twice to two different things is not the same as changing it once and then returning to the original belief as your understanding grows. I'm hesitant to say more because this kind of comment feels like the kind that hunts out errors and nitpicks rather than giving room for human frailty and the benefit of the doubt, hence why the second commenter said to read with nuance. Your response indicates that you aren't interested in nuance or the potential for this viewpoint to be correct. You have conclusions in search of evidence rather than the other way around. I'm not gonna say that we have concrete proof because that's not how faith works, but the gaps that fall under scrutiny have a tendency to find themselves getting filled rather than getting worse.
I love listening to Don Bradley. Him and David Alexander are two of the best people to listen to on the internet. I hope he keeps writing more books. His story needs to be shared far and wide. if nothing else, like and comment to get this important story and man out there.
This is so incredibly powerful. Thank you both for what you are doing to lift and strengthen testimonies. Don, your story touched my heart and brought me to tears. I’m grateful for your vulnerability and willingness to share. Thank you! ❤️
I find myself pondering this conversation often since we recorded it. There are so many levels. For me, a lot of its power has been from the simplicity and honesty of Don’s real story. He is a witness of Jesus Christ’s redemption. It's so beautiful to witness it's impact on others.
Absolutely beautiful episode(s). Don has to be one of my new favorite people and I cannot wait to read more of his publishings and findings. What an incredible man and GENIUS. I could listen to him talk for another 3 hours!! Thanks for putting together this amazing podcast and for being a wonderful corner of the internet that is faith building and assuring. Can’t wait to hear more!
@emmathyst2999 - Emma, goodness how kind of you! If you really want to listen to another 3 hours, I will just have to do a lot more podcasting!😋 In fact, Stephen and I are planning another about the lost 116 pages. Thanks for you sweet and very affirming comments.
I love Don Bradley’s life story and his powerful witness and testimony of the divine nature of the restored gospel of Christ through Joseph Smith and God’s mercy to all His children through Jesus Christ. Very humbling! Thank you both for this wonderful discussion!
This made my day! Thank you, Don, for sharing your experience and testimony and thank you, Stephen, for putting wonderful, faith-building content out there. ❤
I appreciate the things I felt watching this series, the resolve that has come to me. Oh I took so much from this. So much beauty. I never watch lengthy videos but I'm glad I stuck around through these.
I think we could all put ourselves in his shoes and learn the process of being compassionate and charitable when things aren't the way we want them to be in church.
This was so amazing to me. It's just what i needed. Most of my children have left the church... for now. I want to read all of dams books. What a humble scholar.
@seinipavia6355 Aww. I feel for you! When I left, God didn't give up on me. He hasn't given up on your sons either; and, just like you, He never will! What were their main reasons for leaving?
@@seinipavia6355 Joseph Smith was sealed to a 14 yr old girl. She has a name and it is Helen Mar Kimball. Helen Mar Kimball wrote a book called Why We Practice Plural Marriage. She defended the principle of plural marriage as taught in Doctrine and Covenants 132. isn't it interesting that the anti's don't mention this. The Joseph Smith Foundation has a book on it. Joseph Smith's Plural Wives volume 1 Helen Mar Kimball. Let the young woman speak for herself instead of anti's speaking for her while muffling her voice.
There's so much good stuff; I particularly appreciate from 11:18 to about 11:50. After coming out the other side of my own little crisis of chafing against the culture, doubting my faith etc. I've gotten a lot more patient with my fellow worshipers, even when they say boneheaded things. I might try to describe it by saying I feel I've had a link forged to a truth deeper than all that, and a love that dissolves a lot of natural human fractiousness.
I would like to add a thought to what Don Bradley spoke about regarding Joseph Smith marrying women who were pregnant and already married to other men. In addition to the possible motive discussed in the podcast at 44:57, I think there’s another possible explanation we should consider. Joseph understood that plural marriage would be hard for people-especially Emma-to accept. Being sealed for eternity only to woman who were already married and pregnant essentially eliminates the possibility of sexual relations between these women and Joseph. This seems to be the case especially in light of what the Lord says in D&C 132:41. After being sealed for eternity to Joseph, these women continued to live and have normal marital relationships with their first, legal husbands. Therefore, one could argue that another motive for Joseph seeking out these kinds of marriages was because he knew they would be less difficult for Emma to accept. Certainly less difficult than if Joseph had immediately sought out single, attractive women-since marriages of that kind could justifiably include sexual relations. Joseph’s first attempt to practice plural marriage with Fanny Alger did not go well to say the least, and it makes sense Joseph would want to avoid a repeat of that. So it seems these marriages to women who were already married and pregnant was Joseph’s attempt to fulfill the commandment to practice plural marriage while minimizing damages to his relationship with Emma and accusations of sexual promiscuity from others.
Nothing changes. In the D&C Martin Harris was told to not covert his neighours wife. (D&C 19:25-26) The report by his wife Lucy seems to show that he was doing more than just coveting. Did Martin Harris whip, kick and turn her out of the house?
Both part 1 and 2 of this are amazing. I am so grateful for Don Bradley and that he went on the journey of leaving and now back with so much to share. His life, journey and knowledge he gained through everything is a gift to us. The journey is important. He is so much more credible to me because of his journey.
Don Bradley's book The Lost 116 Pages is one of the very best books I have read about the Book of Mormon, and I have read a lot of them. His attention to all of the tiny details and the way he connects the dots between them make his work very special and very instructive. If you haven't read the book, you should. It made me love the Book of Mormon even more. And, like he mentioned in this interview, I feel closest to Jesus Christ when I am reading the Book of Mormon.
“On account of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I’d like to invite you to be baptized again!” Wow that was powerful! That brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you for sharing. Millions will either find the truth or return because of your experience. God will utilize you as a tool, both of you. All the best.
I love his book The Lost 116. I feel like he has the best grasp on translation process and can explain it well. At least for me-he helped me more than any other book or speaker on the topic.
This interview blew my mind on so many levels, mainly in Don’s honest, simple declarations of what is in his soul. I'm so grateful he is willing to share to share it freely.
I have a feeling that Joseph did everything around to obey “polygamy” according for Jacob 2 without having intimacy with those women but still having children born in the covenant. According to multiple DNA evidences he didn’t fathered biologically children with any of his plural unions. Also, I don’t think he saw/treated them like “wives”. Also, I have a feeling that we are seeing a poligamy practice very influenced by the “Law of Adoption” (a very common practice in the early years of the church of getting sealed to the presidents/leaders of the church to link the families for the after life since there were not family history back on those days).
If he didn't produce offspring, then he was disobeying the revelation on polygamy (132) which specifically says that the purpose of polygamy is to create offspring. So why are we so adamant that Joseph must have disobeyed the revelations that God revealed only to him?
In verse 41 the Lord acknowledges Joseph is inquiring about adultery. Then in verse 44 the Lord says that if a woman is keeping her vows and her husband is basically unfaithful or not keeping his vows then Joseph has the power to take her and give her to someone who has been faithful. Verse 46 goes on to talk about the binding to each other becomes eternal. So there were clear issues of adulterous behaviors that some of these women whether pregnant or not may have been facing and Joseph brought them from a possible unfaithful marriage situation into a situation that provided for their eternal salvation through the sealing....whether polygamous or not.
@@jaasynergy8 It really sounds like you're justifying Joseph taking other men's wives because the husbands of the said wives were adulterers. Church historians acknowledge that many of the husbands of these wives were active church members in good standing. It therefor appears that you are justifying actual adultery by Joseph Smith and several women based on non-existent alleged adultery on the part of several men. I struggle to understand how you think such an argument is moral.
@@scottvance74 I don't know any more than you. I was just reading those verses and it read that way to me. I'm not able to understand what was meant there nor what Joseph Smith did. I can only understand it must have been hard on everyone. A very Abrahamic moment which is also discussed in that section.
I am so grateful i have listened to the whole episode. I was strengthened a hundred fold in my belief that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church of Jesus Christ and that He lives. Thank you to both of you. ❤
I really am touched by this interview. Thanks so much for letting Don talk aboutb his journey and testimony building experiences! I have a young grandson who has been going through a faith crisis. Not sure Ican get him to watch, but believe it could make a difference. He read some material that told him Joseph Smith lied about polygamy, that really threw him for a loop. I'm praying how to get this before him. Thanks again! Love this!
Joseph never lied about polygamy, because he never practiced it. Plural marriage in the modern age was introduced into the church partly by BY and partly by JC Bennett with origins from the cochranites. Be careful what you’ve been led to believe about the Lord’s true prophet. Not everything is as it seems.
I love hearing his journey, and appreciate his willingness to share such personal experiences. I really loved his thoughts on Gratitude. It’s important to love everyone, including those who leave the church, we are commanded to love others as ourselves. You will never regret being kind. As those who understand the Atonement, everything we say, do, think of others was felt and suffered by Jesus Christ.
Majority of those who leaves the church similar to Don are very sincere. It’s so sad because we know 100% that Satan has got ahold of them and they’re blinded by his craftiness. It’s far more refreshing when you see the grace of the Lord continue to work with them until they return. This interview is a beautiful and a testament of God’s love to all of us.
My brain is logic driven. Early on… I was always told I couldn’t build faith thru logic. And it’s true… you can’t fully gain faith thru logic. However… while my faith began thru child like trust in my father and others… logic has always strengthened my faith as my study in the gospel continues… Listening to your journey… what depths you dug into… and having it all lead you back is an incredible… and logical strength to my own testimony. I’ve never had a faith crisis… my weaknesses… however … lead to broken temple covenants. The love and support of members that met me where I was… helped me pick myself up and in the end… that made me stronger. ❤ Thank you for sharing your journey … I’ve heard it thru a number of different channels now… and it’s always inspiring ❤❤
1:17:50 core of the gospel, I love it! Thank you Don for your humility, going to dive into the gratitude journey and encourage everyone around too! 1:19:10 pure truth
Just finished both videos. Fantastic stuff. I can’t agree with all of Don’s premise and conclusions regarding polygamy, but his insights on life as a member and all of the stuff connected to leaving is a new dimension to this ongoing discussion of Mormonism and living as a member. God bless.
One crucial thing people seem to forget is their spiritual experiences ✨️ are also apart of your testimony! And they should be remembered as a part of your testimony ! And feeling the spirit of God is also so important!
Thank you for choosing to come back. You have given me hope for my friends (a couple of them, specifically) who chose to leave the church. I appreciate your story and your journey back. Even if I never hear about any future contributions you may make for the church, thank you for them and your insights. 🕊️💐
My big takeaways on this one or the fascinating information about the initial plural wives being pregnant or very likely pregnant, and then I really enjoyed the part of the end about Christ and God reaching down to us to help lift us up
Such a beautiful and powerful ending Don, thank you for your insights, I love what you said about the gospel being God lifting us up with Christ and trying to emulate through helping others. Thank you for sharing things close to your heart.
Wow! I have learned so much in this interview! I will be watching this again to be able to absorb more. Don, thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge! What an amazing life. And congratulations on your marriage!
I love the conversation about why and how people leave the church. I’ve learned this myself through the years having people very close to me leave the church. I’m grateful in a way that I was able to learn from them to recognize my biases and let them go over time. I do still recognize church cultural things that make me cringe that I may have said way back when.
This was absolutely beautiful! His journey resonated so much with mine and I had the same prompting just yesterday before watching this video about how I left the church because I didn't have a testimony of Jesus Christ but I did in J Smith, eventually everything came down when I did my degree in history because I didn't have Jesus Christ as my center. Thank you so much for doing this episode.
I firs want to say welcome home. I know that what you lost was similar to loosing your brother in having your family relation broken. But when you leave the church you also loose a family feeling of belonging to the family of Jesus. Even now my strongest testimony is that the church the only organization that has the ability to create a family relationship. If president Nelson didn’t have .he priesthood keys the bringing a person into a family. Going into a dedicated building makes you feel like being in your own fathers home. Most people know that you feel differently in your fathers home an,d being in your grandfathers home. That is why when we go to church we want to associate together as siblings. To me there is no greater testimony that the church is true. Again I welcome you back. NPJ
So… Brother Bradley left the church and subsequently felt spiritually lost. Then he discovered that perhaps Joseph Smith knew things about the temple endowment long before Nauvoo. God reached out to him and let him know that He is real. Don came back to the church, because of the good that he felt it did in his life and because our form of religion/spirituality “worked“ for him. What I was listening for, hoping for was some reason to believe that if Joseph was a prophet, then it rationally follows that the men who controlled the church after him, were also prophets. I never heard him expressed that belief, and I never heard him say he believed the church is true. Just that it’s good for him and he wants to be part of it. That is the most honest, educated testimony, I think I’ve ever heard in my life!
@Stephen Jones: Softball interview. We really cannot determine what Joseph Smith's motives were for his marrying women who were already married, and pregnant (presumably) with their husband's child. Debating/arguing that his plural marriages did not involve sex is a truly pointless activity. We do know that some of his plural marriages WERE sexual. To be clear, at least some of his polyandrous marriages, and at least some of his marriages to single women were sexual relationships. For me, the best measure of Joseph Smith is what he taught to the Twelve and to others regarding the Principle, because they LIVED what they were taught by the man Joseph Smith. Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Franklin D. Richards, Parley Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, Lorenzo Snow, William Clayton, Joseph B. Noble, etc. These men were all taught this principle by Joseph Smith. They went forward for the next 60 years and lived it. There was a lot of procreation associated with the lives of these men, and the women they married. Brian Hales and Don Bradley can engage in all of the mental calisthenics they want to arrive at the conclusion that Joseph practiced non-sexual polygamy. I am grateful to know that not all of Joseph's marriages were sexual, but I am not a fool. Some of them did. If plural marriage is a true principle, then it must have involved procreation. I would imagine if men were abusing this principle - one way or the other - God would be justified in striking men dead.
That tunnel vision spoken of in this video reminds me of MANY current members who are focusing on social issues in which they feel the church is off base in its stance. We would all do well by being grateful for all we have and know. Everything else works itself out of focus over time and we have peace.
Please have Don on more often. He has several appearances on Ward Radio with some very interesting topics, but he gets interrupted so much there that they really don't get to the meat of those topics. Im always left wanting more.
Im a latterday saint and I am crying knowing you both have come back john tells lies to make money and supports those that have been excommunicated not to come back heavenly father loves you and the saints you are stronger now and can help others
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and Testimony. My younger brother has left the Church, and while he has helped me realize that I need to think critically about Why I continue to go to Church, and more importantly choose to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it has also caused me to lessen my level of conviction. Also, upon learning more about the corporate side of the Church, and when emphasis seems to be more about Prophets than Jesus Christ, I have been wondering where I was finding Jesus and His Gospel. In addition, it's been hard to see my brother who has chosen to leave the Church, being what I feel is harshly judged by my Dad! It feels like those moments in a story when a character makes a choice that makes you cringe and you want to call out "Noooo! Don't Do that! No.. that just made it worse!" It's especially hard when you know that your Dad gets choked up about the story of the Prodigal Son, and yet when it's happening in real time, he chooses to act like the Elder son of the Parable. It makes me question whether or not I Am even Christian or if if I think I'm doing better than I really am as a person. Do I really live out what I believe or am I just going through the motions? Do I have pure motives, or should I stop "trying", so I can be honest with myself and others? I still want to believe, but I want to be sincere in what I believe when it comes to this Gospel and the Church Doctrine. However, I'm grateful for when you mentioned that we each deal with members who might not do things exactly how we might think it could be done, but that our main focus should be on our relationship with God, my Father, and my Brother, Advocate, and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you Brothern for this interview. ❤🙏🕊️
That’s crappy that you were mistreated at church. I hope I’m more careful to always be thoughtful and kind. Whatever you choose to believe and wherever that takes you, I hope you can forgive those who hurt you so you can drop that burden.
Wow!! I love the humility of this intelligent man! It clearly shows the contrast between those with pride who think they are way smarter than the Lord, and those who are humble like this man who overcame all pride he clearly could have had because of his extensive knowledge and abilities in order to admit he had been wrong and accept pure truth. Because of his point of view from both sides, he has been able to discover and share some amazing insights. Thank you for sharing this sweet story!
I gradually lost my faith in the Church and God after watching Mormon Stories and anti-Mormon content. One day I paid attention who I was listening to, and all of them didn’t believed in God and Christ anymore; I also asked myself “Are you going to remplace Elder Urchdoft for Jhon Dehlin as role model in your life?”, that day I went back to God for answers and I got answers and spiritual experiences. I’m coming back to the Church and more than that I’m Coming back to Jesus Christ with a more informed and real testimony than ever.
(I apologies for my broken English)
@lmlrvi - Whoaaa! Powerful! People don't realize where the trajectory they get themselves on leads. It's so much wiser to look down the road to see where it leads *before* you travel that road than to just blindly keep going on it.
Thank you for being willing to share this publicly. I'm sure many more may be going through the same thing. I've had many people message me with similar comments. Your comment will give strength to so many who will read this. I love that you emphasized coming back to God. He is full of grace and truth-much love.
@@LetsGetRealSJit’s so hard when your go thru a “faith crisis” bro, it affects you spiritually, mentally (lost of anxiety and depression) and even physically (spend lots of time searching and watching anti Mormon content). Now looking back I can’t believe how they just throw half-truths and lies without mercy of knowing that so many families and individuals are being damaged. (I apologies for my broken English)
@@Irvingdector Everyone has a journey. Your English is great by the way. I learned Portuguese and know how hard it is to express yourself in another language. . . I hear you loud and clear.
I'm a southern baptist and I love watching these videos and learning about how LDS members think. Thanks for sharing this content.
Thank you for being open to learning our beliefs.
I am LDS, and I’ve been watching some good Catholic content. It’s helped me understand so much more. I love all of my Christian brothers and sisters! How blessed we all are to know Jesus Christ!
I grew up Southern Baptist, but God led me out of it as I had too many questions about the doctrine of the trinity, and other things. I can still honestly say that the Church of Jesus Christ is the only Church I have ever found that meets all the criterion of the Lord's Church in the Bible.
I love our Baptist brothers and sisters
I have some southern baptist friends. I know we have doctrine differences but I love people being faithful. We agree on so many good things, I'm happy to stand with my baptist friends.
Someone who is honestly willing to change their point of view is way more trustworthy than someone who blocks out beliefs they don't like.
I'm honestly a bit more of the latter, but it is so refreshing to see someone who not only acknowledged that their old point of view was incomplete but to do it twice and adjust accordingly regardless of how embarrassing it is. I have nothing but respect.
Thanks! I just hope others don't think they have to leave the church in order to get perspective. Learn from *my* mistakes and those of others--don't be like me and insist on just learning from your own! 😅
Would you still honor him as trustworthy if he was willing to change his beliefs again, or only because he changed his beliefs to those which align with yours?
Any rational human being with half a mind who reads the CES letter evidence would see that Joseph Smith is a fraud. The GOOD news is that the Jesus of the Bible is TRUE and will help anyone who wants to know the truth!
@scottvance74 I was implying that anyone who is willing to actually confront hard truths that force them to ask if what they believe is true is more likely to find the truth than someone who refuses to confront harsh realities that they don't like.
In or out of the church, someone who honestly seeks truth is more respectable than someone who only defends their beliefs because they're emotionally attached to them.
@onandagus1 Good advice!
I'm fascinated by your story, it's truly remarkable how God works in our lives. Your humility is especially admirable.
Thank you for your hard work in researching church history. Knowing your story helps people (myself included) to know that your research is being done properly, and not cherry-picking evidence to fit a narrative. Someone who has never left the church might be inclined to ignore uncomfortable findings and someone who left might only focus on the uncomfortable aspects. You're probably the most reliable source there is for unbiased research.
I remember feeling so broken hearted when I saw my dear friend wearing her "I am John Dehlin" tee shirt after she left the church. My subsequent study and "journey" of faith followed after seeing her departure from the church. I am so grateful for that experience and what it taught me about the Lord and His mercy and love for us. I am really ready to wear an "I am Don Bradley" tee shirt now. Thank you Brother Bradley. You are one of my favorite modern-day examples.
@jbailey1898 Oh, wow, how sweet!! Thank you for sharing this.
So odd how people have a problem paying tithing to the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints, but have no problem giving it to Mormon stories who is giving John delin a raise every year. Ever read their public tax records? He makes more than half a million every year. Do you really think he's not going on vacation and buying expensive cars with that? 🤔.
Odd how they have no problem paying that to him instead of charity 😂
Many years ago I was concerned that Joseph Smith committed adultery. The Holy Spirit told me " whether or not Joseph Smith committed adultery is none of your concern, that is between him and Me, as for you, you need to be concerned about your own standing."
This is absolutely the BEST interview w/ Don Bradley that I've seen. The Saints Unscripted one was good but brief. In the Ward Radio interview, Don was frequently interrupted by the host & other guests. This one was so great! Between Part 1 & Part 2, this is a full-length film, where Don does most of the talking! 👏🏼 Thank you Stephen, for only asking necessary questions, & letting Don mostly guide the conversation. 🙏🏼
I have 1 disagreement w/ Don, though. He says he's not a very good speaker. Pfff! 🤔😆 I've heard his story before, & was still mesmerized for over 2 hours by everything he said!
THANK YOU BOTH!
Agreed 100%
Here's a scholar who has looked at LDS Church history from all angles with a critical eye. After all he has seen and been through, he's come to the conclusion that the Church is true. His story is a cautionary tale to members who are thinking of walking down the same path that leads to spiritual apostasy. Thanks for sharing your story, Don.
That's still doesn't prove anything. Faith is subjective, built on personal feelings, emotions, etc. Not fact or truth.
@@Battleborn357 You just stated a fact but you don't even know if that is true.
@@phillipcook3430
Are you a sped? You literally contradicted yourself
@@phillipcook3430
What? You're contradicting yourself
@@Battleborn357you don’t understand your own words? How is that possible? Read your words carefully and see how they apply to you and this situation. You’d be baffled
I can feel Don’s sincerity. The closing segment/couple minutes is everything. Thank you Don and Stephen for being bold and sharing this with the world.
There is more to come. We are just getting started. I'm glad you enjoyed this.
Don not only brings great light to controversy in LDS history, but also teaches us how to think critically about history and all aspects of truth in our lives. I love his emphasis on broadening his perspective on how the gospel has benefited him, as I think so many tend to “throw the baby out with the bath water”. Also a common practice in todays politics and culture.
I also appreciate his ex-member atheist perspective and hope to give more compassion and understanding for a difficult path people choose to take when leaving their beliefs behind. Thank you Don!
The last part got me. Thank you so much for this. I have been listening to Don Bradley a lot this past year, and I had thought the whole time, as insightful as he is, that he was a historian who came back to the Church simply because his research revealed historical facts that were undeniable. This is the first time I saw that he actually has a sincere and beautiful testimony of the gospel and the love for our Savior. Thank you, Don, for what you do. God did not give up on you.
Part 1 was my first time watching your channel. I loved the interview! As a mother of many who looks like the typical LDS mom and who has experienced a faith crisis, I have so much more compassion for everyone who struggles. It is a gut wrenching experience. Thank you Don for sharing your experience in such an open and honest way. It was very uplifting to hear your story.
We need more compassion in this world. One of the things I love about the Savior is his ability to love without judgment. He is full of grace AND truth. He knows everything about us, yet he’s still willing to love us, while at the same time, he doesn’t shame us into following Him or force us to be with him. He’s been playing the long game for a long time and is good at it.
There have been a lot of interviews with Don Bradley, and this and his Ward Radio one are my favorites, for different reasons. I love hearing from this man, your story is amazing Don! Not only that, but your intellect is so clear and refreshing in my mind. I really appreciate your contributions.
Don is a breath of fresh air. There is so much more in him to share. I'm trying to convince him to start his own channel. If I can get enough people to like this comment, maybe he will consider it.
I think it would be awesome to follow a channel about LDS History helmed by Don.
@@LetsGetRealSJ The Don Bradley channell would be pretty awesome.
This was one of the most uplifting, insightful, and inspiring interviews I’ve ever listened to… no exaggeration. Wow 😮
Don's journey is very sincere and I agree that someone who leaves the church and returns is a more trustworthy source for me because they understand the dealbreakers and have reasons to believe regardless of them. Again, thank you for sharing his story! It truly shows that behind the scenes the church wants to forgive...the Savior wants to forgive.
So a person who changes their beliefs twice is more trustworthy than a person who changes their beliefs once? Can you explain the logic here to me?
Much good in all the journeys. I’ve believed all my life and I feel very grateful and blessed. Yet I love hearing about and learning from the other faith journeys test others travel. They add to my own testimony ❤
@scottvance74 You know, you don’t have to take everything so literally and without nuance. Check out the Parable of the Two Debtors (Luke 7:36-50).
@@michaelkillpack5102 What things should we take literally and what things should we take figuratively? Is the bible literal? Genesis and the 7 day creation? Is God literal? If everyone gets to choose what is literal and what isn't based on what is most convenient, then we are all playing a game of Calvin-ball. I think that there is value in logic, reason, and thoughtful discussion.
@@scottvance74The nuance here is that by trustworthy, he probably meant faith building. Changing your position twice to two different things is not the same as changing it once and then returning to the original belief as your understanding grows.
I'm hesitant to say more because this kind of comment feels like the kind that hunts out errors and nitpicks rather than giving room for human frailty and the benefit of the doubt, hence why the second commenter said to read with nuance. Your response indicates that you aren't interested in nuance or the potential for this viewpoint to be correct. You have conclusions in search of evidence rather than the other way around.
I'm not gonna say that we have concrete proof because that's not how faith works, but the gaps that fall under scrutiny have a tendency to find themselves getting filled rather than getting worse.
I love listening to Don Bradley. Him and David Alexander are two of the best people to listen to on the internet. I hope he keeps writing more books. His story needs to be shared far and wide. if nothing else, like and comment to get this important story and man out there.
Thank you so much Stephen and Don, this has been faith promoting content. God bless you brethren!
This is so incredibly powerful. Thank you both for what you are doing to lift and strengthen testimonies. Don, your story touched my heart and brought me to tears. I’m grateful for your vulnerability and willingness to share. Thank you! ❤️
I find myself pondering this conversation often since we recorded it. There are so many levels. For me, a lot of its power has been from the simplicity and honesty of Don’s real story. He is a witness of Jesus Christ’s redemption. It's so beautiful to witness it's impact on others.
@HustleatHomeMom So happy! Thank you!
"if the church couldn't forgive, It couldn't be The Lord's church." TRUTH!
LDS is a satanic cult
Absolutely beautiful episode(s). Don has to be one of my new favorite people and I cannot wait to read more of his publishings and findings. What an incredible man and GENIUS. I could listen to him talk for another 3 hours!! Thanks for putting together this amazing podcast and for being a wonderful corner of the internet that is faith building and assuring. Can’t wait to hear more!
@emmathyst2999 - Emma, goodness how kind of you! If you really want to listen to another 3 hours, I will just have to do a lot more podcasting!😋 In fact, Stephen and I are planning another about the lost 116 pages. Thanks for you sweet and very affirming comments.
@@onandagus1 Don that would be amazing! Already devoured your Ward Radio stuff lol
Same!!
I love Don Bradley’s life story and his powerful witness and testimony of the divine nature of the restored gospel of Christ through Joseph Smith and God’s mercy to all His children through Jesus Christ. Very humbling! Thank you both for this wonderful discussion!
This made my day! Thank you, Don, for sharing your experience and testimony and thank you, Stephen, for putting wonderful, faith-building content out there. ❤
I appreciate the things I felt watching this series, the resolve that has come to me. Oh I took so much from this. So much beauty. I never watch lengthy videos but I'm glad I stuck around through these.
I think we could all put ourselves in his shoes and learn the process of being compassionate and charitable when things aren't the way we want them to be in church.
I agree. Charity takes longer but lasts longer.
I read Don's book on the 116 pages. It was so well thought out and insightful. He is really good at his craft. I loved this episode!
This was so amazing to me. It's just what i needed. Most of my children have left the church... for now. I want to read all of dams books. What a humble scholar.
Me too dear. I want so much to understand my children and siblings in kindness and compassion. Let’s buy the books and hang in there, I’m with you❤
His humility is what I love the most about him.
You wrung me to tears. I am so grateful for overcoming my carro period and for my testimony of the restoration.
Thank you for sharing your story! I have 2 sons who removed their membership records from the church, one of them went on a mission. Broke my heart.
@seinipavia6355 Aww. I feel for you! When I left, God didn't give up on me. He hasn't given up on your sons either; and, just like you, He never will! What were their main reasons for leaving?
I came back after 20 years! Hugs ❤
@@onandagus1 they left after learning about Joseph Smith married a 14 yr old girl. I pray for them that someday they will come back!
@@seinipavia6355 did this video insinuate she might have actually been 16 since the marriage dates were off? Just not sure
@@seinipavia6355 Joseph Smith was sealed to a 14 yr old girl. She has a name and it is Helen Mar Kimball. Helen Mar Kimball wrote a book called Why We Practice Plural Marriage. She defended the principle of plural marriage as taught in Doctrine and Covenants 132. isn't it interesting that the anti's don't mention this. The Joseph Smith Foundation has a book on it. Joseph Smith's Plural Wives volume 1 Helen Mar Kimball. Let the young woman speak for herself instead of anti's speaking for her while muffling her voice.
There's so much good stuff; I particularly appreciate from 11:18 to about 11:50. After coming out the other side of my own little crisis of chafing against the culture, doubting my faith etc. I've gotten a lot more patient with my fellow worshipers, even when they say boneheaded things. I might try to describe it by saying I feel I've had a link forged to a truth deeper than all that, and a love that dissolves a lot of natural human fractiousness.
I would like to add a thought to what Don Bradley spoke about regarding Joseph Smith marrying women who were pregnant and already married to other men. In addition to the possible motive discussed in the podcast at 44:57, I think there’s another possible explanation we should consider. Joseph understood that plural marriage would be hard for people-especially Emma-to accept. Being sealed for eternity only to woman who were already married and pregnant essentially eliminates the possibility of sexual relations between these women and Joseph. This seems to be the case especially in light of what the Lord says in D&C 132:41. After being sealed for eternity to Joseph, these women continued to live and have normal marital relationships with their first, legal husbands. Therefore, one could argue that another motive for Joseph seeking out these kinds of marriages was because he knew they would be less difficult for Emma to accept. Certainly less difficult than if Joseph had immediately sought out single, attractive women-since marriages of that kind could justifiably include sexual relations. Joseph’s first attempt to practice plural marriage with Fanny Alger did not go well to say the least, and it makes sense Joseph would want to avoid a repeat of that. So it seems these marriages to women who were already married and pregnant was Joseph’s attempt to fulfill the commandment to practice plural marriage while minimizing damages to his relationship with Emma and accusations of sexual promiscuity from others.
💯totally agree with that
Nothing changes. In the D&C Martin Harris was told to not covert his neighours wife. (D&C 19:25-26) The report by his wife Lucy seems to show that he was doing more than just coveting. Did Martin Harris whip, kick and turn her out of the house?
I don't think he had much concern for Emma. God had his back he just told Emma he would destroy her if she didn't like it
I agree with you. Also, I think that the women Joseph chose were emotionally unavailable.
Both part 1 and 2 of this are amazing. I am so grateful for Don Bradley and that he went on the journey of leaving and now back with so much to share. His life, journey and knowledge he gained through everything is a gift to us. The journey is important. He is so much more credible to me because of his journey.
I literally just finished watching part 1 when this was posted.
Well, there you go. Part two is just as good. Different flow, but still good.
Don Bradley's book The Lost 116 Pages is one of the very best books I have read about the Book of Mormon, and I have read a lot of them. His attention to all of the tiny details and the way he connects the dots between them make his work very special and very instructive. If you haven't read the book, you should. It made me love the Book of Mormon even more. And, like he mentioned in this interview, I feel closest to Jesus Christ when I am reading the Book of Mormon.
@jacoblines6364 Jacob, I'm so glad my book has helped you understand the Book of Mormon better, brother! =)
“On account of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I’d like to invite you to be baptized again!”
Wow that was powerful! That brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you for sharing. Millions will either find the truth or return because of your experience. God will utilize you as a tool, both of you. All the best.
I love his book The Lost 116. I feel like he has the best grasp on translation process and can explain it well. At least for me-he helped me more than any other book or speaker on the topic.
This is an exceptional interview and person. Thank you so much!
Welcome home brother.
Simply amazing!!!! Wow…..The spirit is so strong listening to the testimony of these two men!
This interview blew my mind on so many levels, mainly in Don’s honest, simple declarations of what is in his soul. I'm so grateful he is willing to share to share it freely.
I have a feeling that Joseph did everything around to obey “polygamy” according for Jacob 2 without having intimacy with those women but still having children born in the covenant.
According to multiple DNA evidences he didn’t fathered biologically children with any of his plural unions.
Also, I don’t think he saw/treated them like “wives”. Also, I have a feeling that we are seeing a poligamy practice very influenced by the “Law of Adoption” (a very common practice in the early years of the church of getting sealed to the presidents/leaders of the church to link the families for the after life since there were not family history back on those days).
If he didn't produce offspring, then he was disobeying the revelation on polygamy (132) which specifically says that the purpose of polygamy is to create offspring. So why are we so adamant that Joseph must have disobeyed the revelations that God revealed only to him?
In verse 41 the Lord acknowledges Joseph is inquiring about adultery. Then in verse 44 the Lord says that if a woman is keeping her vows and her husband is basically unfaithful or not keeping his vows then Joseph has the power to take her and give her to someone who has been faithful. Verse 46 goes on to talk about the binding to each other becomes eternal. So there were clear issues of adulterous behaviors that some of these women whether pregnant or not may have been facing and Joseph brought them from a possible unfaithful marriage situation into a situation that provided for their eternal salvation through the sealing....whether polygamous or not.
@@jaasynergy8 It really sounds like you're justifying Joseph taking other men's wives because the husbands of the said wives were adulterers. Church historians acknowledge that many of the husbands of these wives were active church members in good standing. It therefor appears that you are justifying actual adultery by Joseph Smith and several women based on non-existent alleged adultery on the part of several men. I struggle to understand how you think such an argument is moral.
@@scottvance74 I don't know any more than you. I was just reading those verses and it read that way to me. I'm not able to understand what was meant there nor what Joseph Smith did. I can only understand it must have been hard on everyone. A very Abrahamic moment which is also discussed in that section.
So beautiful, remarkable humble young man. Love to have you back Carol
Excellent. Beautiful. Vulnerable. Humble. Inspiring. Hopeful.
I'm so grateful you are willing to share your experiences.
My gratitude for the pioneers of the church has been an enormous part of the foundation of my faith in the church.
I am so grateful i have listened to the whole episode. I was strengthened a hundred fold in my belief that Jesus Christ is the head of the Church of Jesus Christ and that He lives. Thank you to both of you. ❤
Man, what a great episode. I feel better. Thank you.
Thank you thank you thank you! For such a wonderful testimony! Truly strengthened mine
Thank you.
I really am touched by this interview. Thanks so much for letting Don talk aboutb his journey and testimony building experiences! I have a young grandson who has been going through a faith crisis. Not sure Ican get him to watch, but believe it could make a difference. He read some material that told him Joseph Smith lied about polygamy, that really threw him for a loop. I'm praying how to get this before him. Thanks again! Love this!
Joseph never lied about polygamy, because he never practiced it. Plural marriage in the modern age was introduced into the church partly by BY and partly by JC Bennett with origins from the cochranites.
Be careful what you’ve been led to believe about the Lord’s true prophet. Not everything is as it seems.
I love hearing his journey, and appreciate his willingness to share such personal experiences. I really loved his thoughts on Gratitude. It’s important to love everyone, including those who leave the church, we are commanded to love others as ourselves. You will never regret being kind. As those who understand the Atonement, everything we say, do, think of others was felt and suffered by Jesus Christ.
This is an incredible video! Thank you so much Brother Don for sharing your story!!!
Thank you so very much for this interview!
Majority of those who leaves the church similar to Don are very sincere. It’s so sad because we know 100% that Satan has got ahold of them and they’re blinded by his craftiness. It’s far more refreshing when you see the grace of the Lord continue to work with them until they return. This interview is a beautiful and a testament of God’s love to all of us.
Thank you Stephen Jones and Don Bradley! I am glad I listened to both parts 1 & 2.
My brain is logic driven. Early on… I was always told I couldn’t build faith thru logic. And it’s true… you can’t fully gain faith thru logic.
However… while my faith began thru child like trust in my father and others… logic has always strengthened my faith as my study in the gospel continues…
Listening to your journey… what depths you dug into… and having it all lead you back is an incredible… and logical strength to my own testimony.
I’ve never had a faith crisis… my weaknesses… however … lead to broken temple covenants. The love and support of members that met me where I was… helped me pick myself up and in the end… that made me stronger. ❤
Thank you for sharing your journey … I’ve heard it thru a number of different channels now… and it’s always inspiring ❤❤
1:17:50 core of the gospel, I love it! Thank you Don for your humility, going to dive into the gratitude journey and encourage everyone around too! 1:19:10 pure truth
I've been doing a gratitude journal for a few years, and it changed the game for me.
I just finished both episodes. Fabulous interview! Thank you, Don, for authentically sharing your story.
Just finished both videos. Fantastic stuff. I can’t agree with all of Don’s premise and conclusions regarding polygamy, but his insights on life as a member and all of the stuff connected to leaving is a new dimension to this ongoing discussion of Mormonism and living as a member. God bless.
Thank you.
Wonderful interview! Loved it! ☀️💕
Such a great video!
🙏🏽
The mashup of video clips from his other podcast appearances is great.
Powerful. Both part 1 and 2. Thank you for your testimony. Looking for The Lost 116 Pages! ❤
One crucial thing people seem to forget is their spiritual experiences ✨️ are also apart of your testimony! And they should be remembered as a part of your testimony ! And feeling the spirit of God is also so important!
Christ said to Peter that revelation was how He would build His kingdom and that is exactly what you have done. 😮
You’re a good dude Don👊🏻. Glad you found your way back🎉
@keltontrey - Thank you, brother!!
I was intrigued and impressed with Don’s knowledge in Part 1 but this interview had so much power. Thank you for sharing.
Don Bradley got me choked up walking on the treadmill 🥲 - barely 10 minutes in and loving the episode.
I admit. I got chocked up a few times editing this interview.
Stephen, you post the best interviews. Thank you for letting tour guests share their amazing stories
"If the church couldn't forgive, it couldn't be the Lord's church." Powerful.
Thank you for choosing to come back. You have given me hope for my friends (a couple of them, specifically) who chose to leave the church. I appreciate your story and your journey back. Even if I never hear about any future contributions you may make for the church, thank you for them and your insights. 🕊️💐
My big takeaways on this one or the fascinating information about the initial plural wives being pregnant or very likely pregnant, and then I really enjoyed the part of the end about Christ and God reaching down to us to help lift us up
Thanks for sharing your story. It has given me hope.
This was great. Reading his book and listened to him a lot, but loved hearing his personal story
Best take away for me with what was said is, "Faith is gratitude. Gratitude is faith." Thank you for that thought.
Thank you both!
Really enjoying your channel, Stephen, and Don Bradley is awesome!
Love this thanks you. I'm many years inactive. Intellectually helpful and spiritually Touching and watery eyes.
I LOVE this,
It's good to know that you can really come back. 💙
What a journey and testimony Don has. I just ordered Don's book about the 116 missing pages! Cannot wait to read.
Such a beautiful and powerful ending Don, thank you for your insights, I love what you said about the gospel being God lifting us up with Christ and trying to emulate through helping others. Thank you for sharing things close to your heart.
Wow! I have learned so much in this interview! I will be watching this again to be able to absorb more. Don, thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge! What an amazing life. And congratulations on your marriage!
Great stuff, Don B. Is a stud!
I agree. He is one of the most genuine people I've met.
Amazing. God is good and Christ is Lord.
Around 14:00 - “There are going to be things in the culture of the church that I don’t like, and that’s okay.” That’s so good. Thank you.
I love the conversation about why and how people leave the church. I’ve learned this myself through the years having people very close to me leave the church. I’m grateful in a way that I was able to learn from them to recognize my biases and let them go over time. I do still recognize church cultural things that make me cringe that I may have said way back when.
Powerful testimony. Thank you for being a great host to a great guest.
Can you imagine being the missionaries re-teaching Don Bradley! His story is amazing and inspiring.
In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.
Blaise Pascal
This was an amazing and uplifting discussion. I always love hearing Don Bradley speak. Thank you Stephen and Don!
When will this episode be uploaded on Spotify?
Don, it sounds like your 'Moses's snake' letter swallowed up your 'pharaoh's magician' letter.
@paulblack1799 - Nice! Love the analogy!
Thank you!
This was absolutely beautiful! His journey resonated so much with mine and I had the same prompting just yesterday before watching this video about how I left the church because I didn't have a testimony of Jesus Christ but I did in J Smith, eventually everything came down when I did my degree in history because I didn't have Jesus Christ as my center. Thank you so much for doing this episode.
I firs want to say welcome home. I know that what you lost was similar to loosing your brother in having your family relation broken. But when you leave the church you also loose a family feeling of belonging to the family of Jesus. Even now my strongest testimony is that the church the only organization that has the ability to create a family relationship. If president Nelson didn’t have .he priesthood keys the bringing a person into a family. Going into a dedicated building makes you feel like being in your own fathers home. Most people know that you feel differently in your fathers home an,d being in your grandfathers home. That is why when we go to church we want to associate together as siblings. To me there is no greater testimony that the church is true. Again I welcome you back.
NPJ
So… Brother Bradley left the church and subsequently felt spiritually lost. Then he discovered that perhaps Joseph Smith knew things about the temple endowment long before Nauvoo. God reached out to him and let him know that He is real. Don came back to the church, because of the good that he felt it did in his life and because our form of religion/spirituality “worked“ for him. What I was listening for, hoping for was some reason to believe that if Joseph was a prophet, then it rationally follows that the men who controlled the church after him, were also prophets. I never heard him expressed that belief, and I never heard him say he believed the church is true. Just that it’s good for him and he wants to be part of it. That is the most honest, educated testimony, I think I’ve ever heard in my life!
@Stephen Jones: Softball interview.
We really cannot determine what Joseph Smith's motives were for his marrying women who were already married, and pregnant (presumably) with their husband's child. Debating/arguing that his plural marriages did not involve sex is a truly pointless activity. We do know that some of his plural marriages WERE sexual. To be clear, at least some of his polyandrous marriages, and at least some of his marriages to single women were sexual relationships.
For me, the best measure of Joseph Smith is what he taught to the Twelve and to others regarding the Principle, because they LIVED what they were taught by the man Joseph Smith. Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Franklin D. Richards, Parley Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, Lorenzo Snow, William Clayton, Joseph B. Noble, etc. These men were all taught this principle by Joseph Smith. They went forward for the next 60 years and lived it. There was a lot of procreation associated with the lives of these men, and the women they married.
Brian Hales and Don Bradley can engage in all of the mental calisthenics they want to arrive at the conclusion that Joseph practiced non-sexual polygamy. I am grateful to know that not all of Joseph's marriages were sexual, but I am not a fool. Some of them did. If plural marriage is a true principle, then it must have involved procreation. I would imagine if men were abusing this principle - one way or the other - God would be justified in striking men dead.
That tunnel vision spoken of in this video reminds me of MANY current members who are focusing on social issues in which they feel the church is off base in its stance. We would all do well by being grateful for all we have and know. Everything else works itself out of focus over time and we have peace.
Please have Don on more often. He has several appearances on Ward Radio with some very interesting topics, but he gets interrupted so much there that they really don't get to the meat of those topics. Im always left wanting more.
Im a latterday saint and I am crying knowing you both have come back john tells lies to make money and supports those that have been excommunicated not to come back heavenly father loves you and the saints you are stronger now and can help others
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and Testimony.
My younger brother has left the Church, and while he has helped me realize that I need to think critically about Why I continue to go to Church, and more importantly choose to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it has also caused me to lessen my level of conviction.
Also, upon learning more about the corporate side of the Church, and when emphasis seems to be more about Prophets than Jesus Christ, I have been wondering where I was finding Jesus and His Gospel.
In addition, it's been hard to see my brother who has chosen to leave the Church, being what I feel is harshly judged by my Dad!
It feels like those moments in a story when a character makes a choice that makes you cringe and you want to call out "Noooo! Don't Do that! No.. that just made it worse!"
It's especially hard when you know that your Dad gets choked up about the story of the Prodigal Son, and yet when it's happening in real time, he chooses to act like the Elder son of the Parable.
It makes me question whether or not I Am even Christian or if if I think I'm doing better than I really am as a person.
Do I really live out what I believe or am I just going through the motions? Do I have pure motives, or should I stop "trying", so I can be honest with myself and others?
I still want to believe, but I want to be sincere in what I believe when it comes to this Gospel and the Church Doctrine.
However, I'm grateful for when you mentioned that we each deal with members who might not do things exactly how we might think it could be done, but that our main focus should be on our relationship with God, my Father, and my Brother, Advocate, and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank you Brothern for this interview. ❤🙏🕊️
I’ll never go back to an organization that genuinely mistreated me so poorly. There other and better places for me to worship and feel gods presence.
I'm sorry you felt mistreated.
That’s crappy that you were mistreated at church. I hope I’m more careful to always be thoughtful and kind. Whatever you choose to believe and wherever that takes you, I hope you can forgive those who hurt you so you can drop that burden.
Welcome back to the church, brother Bradley!
Wow!! I love the humility of this intelligent man! It clearly shows the contrast between those with pride who think they are way smarter than the Lord, and those who are humble like this man who overcame all pride he clearly could have had because of his extensive knowledge and abilities in order to admit he had been wrong and accept pure truth. Because of his point of view from both sides, he has been able to discover and share some amazing insights. Thank you for sharing this sweet story!