Ever since I left the church I have found great comfort in knowing that my 2 little sons will never be guilted into confessing details of their sexual behavior to a grown man they barley know, in a small closed off room by themselves.
I am not going to recount here what was done to me by a Bishop and other members of the LDS church throughout my life.....but these folks are NOT ‘inspired’ and are the most mind-screwing people that I know! I left the church this last January when I found out about the Gospel Topics Essays. I should have left 15 years earlier, after what I was put through at the hands of a Bishop.....but for those of us who have been raised in this church know, we are to ‘be obedient’ and do what our ‘inspired leaders’ tell us.....after all, they know better. ~puke~ My ‘programming’ has finally broken down.....the scales are off of my eyes.....I ‘see’ now. THANK YOU John Dehlin! You are doing a marvelous work and a wonder!
Pretty sure this is the same Steven Murdock I knew when we were both teenagers. I lived on the same street as he did in Millcreek/Holladay. Being very attractive, he received a lot of female attention. His father had been arrested for some type of money theft, big scandal at the time.
I got your back, John. I'm on it and will make this one known to all I can! We need to know what Scott Bowie was thinking! Children need to be able to say "no" to men of god. Well done.
If she wasn't a Mormon, I could see why. Since Mormons look at non-Mormon woman? Like hoars, and drug addicted sluts? Basically I used to live next to the holiday area in Utah, this wasn't unusual.
Ann Wood really ? My mom has been in leadership positions ! President of the relief society and primary president ! She ran and designed and instituted many programs and services in the church for decades .
Rick Tompson wow really ? I grew up in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ! My mom has been in many leadership positions . My daughter has been in young women’s programs. I’m part of the elders quorum. My whole life in the church ( and I’m 50) I have seen or witnessed nothing except respect and admiration and love for women in general. I can’t speak for the ones your talking about ? I just wanted you to know not all of us are the way you described !
J. Huff Humble , those are not leadership positions in a true sense. A relief society president is more of an organization supervisor and not a leadership position.
Thomas Robertson let me rephrase / I respect your feedback !!! I personally have seen people called to organized supervisory “ positions “ at church develop into great leaders that made a huge difference in the lives of many individuals ! I respect your feedback Hope I made sense 🙏🏼😊
When I was still going to church my ward had a bishop called and then released 1 week later after the stake president was informed that the bishop had been having affairs with students at BYU. The bishop lost his job at BYU, divorced his wife, and left the area. The effects on the social cohesion of the ward were devastating and long-term. The spiritual effect of having a person doing such things be called as bishop, and the betrayal of the longstanding respect and love that he enjoyed in the ward up to the day he was released, probably still have an effect on people in the ward.
During your wrap up regarding how to take responsibility for sexism against women --- You are doing it. EXACTLY the perfect thing. You are shining a light. You are using your time, talent and resources ;) to pull back the covers. The church is the one responsible for perpetuating that sexism. Your actions, words and deeds show that you are firmly active in the eradication of sexism against women.
Thank you for reporting on this... This kind of thing is more prevalent than you may think. I grew up Mormon in Utah. Both I and my sister were repeatably molested (raped) as children by our Mormon neighbor. It was not until some years later that this came out and some church authorities were informed as well as the rapists family but nothing was ever done...
If nothing changes in this organization except stopping these men from asking children sexual questions, it would be worth it. That needs to stop immediately!
Sharon Sullivan here, I am listening to this and find myself feeling upset because of the thingsI went thru living in Utah. A few days ago I told my husband that I did not want to dredge things up and write a book about my traumatic experiences in Utah. After listening to this I am now wondering if I should write about this and not let it go. The feelings are still there and I wonder if I will ever get over living in Utah. This whole thing is so horrible!
Sharon Sullivan - After opening my eyes to the TRUTH and subsequently losing my faith, I was depressed and frankly suicidal for a time. Finally had to get out from behind the "Zion curtain" and move someplace without the constant reminders in my face. That was long ago. However, I still get riled up when I think about how much time and resources I squandered on TSCC. I may never know complete peace again in this life or fully recover any meaningful joie de vivre. Sounds like you may be "stuck" kinda like me, but hopefully younger. Perhaps writing about it would be cathartic. I certainly won't advise that you pray about it, so just do it!
Were you not aware of the considerable power and influence of the church, particularly at home in their theocracy, known colloquially as Zion aka Utah.
This is completely unacceptable! My church has policies in place to protect everyone from sexual harm. #1 anyone who works with children has to be background checked and finger printed. #2 if a woman goes to the pastor for counseling there is always another woman from the church present or the door to the room is open. #3 No one is allowed to take a child out of a classroom unless they are on the child's pick up list. #4 we never let someone who is new to the church volunteer with the kids until they have had their background check and they have been at the church for a reasonable amount of time and the staff have built a relationship with them. There are other things in place but these are the big ones.
Then your church is doing it right. I have 9 children, 7 raised in the church. My two youngest were 7 and 9 when I left the Mormon church. The number of interviews, behind closed doors, with one male only, that my 7 oldest were required to participate in from the age of 8...I hate to think about it. And I'm ashamed I allowed it to happen.
Thank you very much. As a non Mormon it has always seemed worthy of note that almost all participation in church events are 'voluntary'. Why is it virtuous in the context of a church? Many churches and service groups have many non paid workers. Many have found it practical if not desirable to hire trained professionals or provide stipends of some sort. What is it with the virtue of volunteerism? Why are trained professionals not a preferred option, in terms of doctrine?
It is NOT voluntary. I was Mormon and very active for 57 years. I never once turned down a calling...even if I didn't want to accept it. Very, very seldom does anyone turn down a calling. There is way to much pressure to blindly accept whatever the bishop or most priesthood holders ask of you.
What do we all do to get this planet operating on a healthy, loving level? It's so depressing to watch what's going on around the world....not just in churches. A Revolution By Women? I don't know.
They cant cover for him when he gets busted by "gentiles" so far from base. Also, the news said his positions in the church were voluntary... but people are called to serve in those positions, people dont volunteer for them. The church asks them to serve the specific position they're in. Even pressure you to take the position... people are EXPECTED to "volunteer" for a calling.
Thank you for sharing this sensitive matter. My heart goes out to the victims! I wish these interviews would stop! Especially with young children. Unfortunately older ladies are not safe either, they too can go though traumatic interviews! on occasion. I think, if these interviews are going to take place, no matter what age you are! You should have the right to have someone with you, if you request it. Many thanks John for sharing, much appreciated. God bless Moira From England.
I’m very late to watching this as I dated Steve’s son while this happened and i have dealt with my own trauma from it. They were literally in Nashville visiting his other sons mission….I can tell you first hand that there is some seriously disturbing stuff in that family that isn’t talked about enough
Attorneys, START YOUR ENGINES ! What a cesspool governments around the world, and churches are swimming in. Tells me a lot when a pig is put into such a position. "Hey, go have fun, Steven !"
@9:00 making excuses for the man who committed the crime and saying you don't want to hurt him and are going to be as humane to him as possible just seems like the same rational the church uses and I find that very ironic.
@aperfectcircle007 And you are judgmental. My pointing out a similarity does not equate to a lust for revenge. Your assertions in light of what I actually posted are just ridiculous. As is John stating he doesn't want to hurt a criminal, just the institution that failed to act against the criminal. Perhaps you saw a thirst for blood, pitchforks in hand, drunken aggression and a lust for revenge in my post because, like John, all those things have impaired your moral judgement.
You rock, John. And I LOVE Sam Young. Would love to meet him some day. Good man ! OMG, I would love to be in that October March For LDS Children in Salt Lake City during October General Conference 2019. WHaaaaaaa, what a time they will all have.
Among other things the church needs to "get a revelation" that they will run background checks on anyone that will hold positions of trust within local units, and use their non-functional "spirit of discernment" to simply select candidates to go through the vetting process. I mean mormons don't have any problem with going to the doctor in addition to getting a priesthood blessing, so if "blessing + doctor" is okay then what is wrong with "spirit of discernment + background check"?
20:00 "How could it be that god inspired the stake president and the prophet of the mormon church to call Steven Murdock as bishop when he had had an unrepented extra marital affair, [...] and what does that say about the church's insistence that mormon church leaders are called and led by inspiration?" Two words ... whited sepulchres
The Lord's anointed.... Be real, just look at the fruit if the Mormon tree. The LDS church is there only to gain capitol and victimize the flock to obtain that end result. Just pay, pray, and obey... (and question your questions).
So long as nothing interrupts the cash flow into their coffers, TSCC doesn't really care. They only want to preserve their pristine "image" and any plausible deniability.
Any organization the tries to cover up and hide dark evil activities and won't quickly come clean when something is brought to light is shameful. Now if it's a church especially a christian-based church the claims to follow Jesus and do as he does and still covers up such activity, the person or people that did the shameful Act, and the people involved in any such cover up should be quickly discharged gotten rid of from that church. And if this is true I am ashamed of the church that I belong to
I'm still not going to throw a whole organization, Church under the bus because of bad apples. A much larger percent of the members and the leadership are good honorable people trying to do their best. Hopefully I fall into that good honorable people category.
If I am being honest, it doesnt matter who did the sin. Bishop or not it is always wrong. You know when something like this happens and it happens to be someone in church leadership, people tend to jump on the church. The leaders should, like the rest of us, follow the rules and not do this kind of stuff. Leaders though are not perfect and they are same as us, and this is why we sustain them - you can oppose with proper reasoning.
There are 30,000 bishops in the world. There are 7.5 Billion people. The Mormon Church states that a person receives their callings in the Pre-existence. That means, God has a pool of 7.5 Billion to pull His bishops from, and yes, they are still human, but statistically they should represent the absolute BEST 0.01% of all HUMANITY. But they don't. I've had good bishops and bad bishops and great bishops and one TERRIBLE bishop, which you would pretty much expect if dudes were getting randomly picked out of the ward and not called up by God from amongst the best 0.01% of humanity...
Your "wrap up" rambles. You repeat yourself and get caught in a loop. It is not up to the standard of your report. Recap, finish it and say, "see you next time."
Ever since I left the church I have found great comfort in knowing that my 2 little sons will never be guilted into confessing details of their sexual behavior to a grown man they barley know, in a small closed off room by themselves.
Those questions asked to children and youth by their leaders are so repulsive and disgusting and quite honestly none of their DAMN BUSINESS!!!😡
You have our full support John.
Thank you for being a voice for all of us.
I am not going to recount here what was done to me by a Bishop and other members of the LDS church throughout my life.....but these folks are NOT ‘inspired’ and are the most mind-screwing people that I know! I left the church this last January when I found out about the Gospel Topics Essays. I should have left 15 years earlier, after what I was put through at the hands of a Bishop.....but for those of us who have been raised in this church know, we are to ‘be obedient’ and do what our ‘inspired leaders’ tell us.....after all, they know better. ~puke~
My ‘programming’ has finally broken down.....the scales are off of my eyes.....I ‘see’ now.
THANK YOU John Dehlin! You are doing a marvelous work and a wonder!
John Lee.....Spoken like the non-Christians that you all are. Don’t look now, but your true colors are showing.
Pretty sure this is the same Steven Murdock I knew when we were both teenagers. I lived on the same street as he did in Millcreek/Holladay. Being very attractive, he received a lot of female attention. His father had been arrested for some type of money theft, big scandal at the time.
May all the Victims of this cruel act perpetrated by this "man of God" heal and move forward knowing they are truly brave Survivors! 🙏
I got your back, John. I'm on it and will make this one known to all I can! We need to know what Scott Bowie was thinking! Children need to be able to say "no" to men of god. Well done.
I’m so glad this stuff is coming out. Women were not believed in the past.
If she wasn't a Mormon, I could see why.
Since Mormons look at non-Mormon woman? Like hoars, and drug addicted sluts?
Basically I used to live next to the holiday area in Utah, this wasn't unusual.
Ann Wood really ?
My mom has been in leadership positions ! President of the relief society and primary president !
She ran and designed and instituted many programs and services in the church for decades .
Rick Tompson wow really ?
I grew up in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ! My mom has been in many leadership positions . My daughter has been in young women’s programs. I’m part of the elders quorum.
My whole life in the church
( and I’m 50) I have seen or witnessed nothing except respect and admiration and love for women in general.
I can’t speak for the ones your talking about ?
I just wanted you to know not all of us are the way you described !
J. Huff Humble , those are not leadership positions in a true sense. A relief society president is more of an organization supervisor and not a leadership position.
Thomas Robertson let me rephrase / I respect your feedback !!!
I personally have seen people called to organized supervisory
“ positions “ at church develop into great leaders that made a huge difference in the lives of many individuals !
I respect your feedback
Hope I made sense 🙏🏼😊
When I was still going to church my ward had a bishop called and then released 1 week later after the stake president was informed that the bishop had been having affairs with students at BYU. The bishop lost his job at BYU, divorced his wife, and left the area. The effects on the social cohesion of the ward were devastating and long-term. The spiritual effect of having a person doing such things be called as bishop, and the betrayal of the longstanding respect and love that he enjoyed in the ward up to the day he was released, probably still have an effect on people in the ward.
During your wrap up regarding how to take responsibility for sexism against women --- You are doing it. EXACTLY the perfect thing. You are shining a light. You are using your time, talent and resources ;) to pull back the covers. The church is the one responsible for perpetuating that sexism. Your actions, words and deeds show that you are firmly active in the eradication of sexism against women.
What’s wrong with shaming people who have extra-marital affairs? Adultery is abuse. We call out abuse in other forms, so why not adultery?
Thank you for reporting on this... This kind of thing is more prevalent than you may think. I grew up Mormon in Utah. Both I and my sister were repeatably molested (raped) as children by our Mormon neighbor. It was not until some years later that this came out and some church authorities were informed as well as the rapists family but nothing was ever done...
"Ohhh I know, let's just call them volunteers!" OMG, biggest eye roll ever.
Let’s not be silly. There is no inspiration or discernment involved in these callings.
Absolutely true!
No inspiration anywhere to be found in or near 50 North Temple or in the immediate vicinity.
If nothing changes in this organization except stopping these men from asking children sexual questions, it would be worth it. That needs to stop immediately!
Sharon Sullivan here, I am listening to this and find myself feeling upset because of the thingsI went thru living in Utah. A few days ago I told my husband that I did not want to dredge things up and write a book about my traumatic experiences in Utah. After listening to this I am now wondering if I should write about this and not let it go. The feelings are still there and I wonder if I will ever get over living in Utah. This whole thing is so horrible!
Do it. Write about it. It needs to be out there.
Sharon Sullivan - After opening my eyes to the TRUTH and subsequently losing my faith, I was depressed and frankly suicidal for a time. Finally had to get out from behind the "Zion curtain" and move someplace without the constant reminders in my face. That was long ago. However, I still get riled up when I think about how much time and resources I squandered on TSCC.
I may never know complete peace again in this life or fully recover any meaningful joie de vivre. Sounds like you may be "stuck" kinda like me, but hopefully younger. Perhaps writing about it would be cathartic. I certainly won't advise that you pray about it, so just do it!
Very sobering and yes, very important, John. Thank you for looking into this in a mormon stories thoughtful research manner.
All the people that knew of this Bishop’s misconduct in the Utah stake should be let go.This religion gives men way too much power.
Question..
Why there are no civil suits against the perpetrators ? Does the church influence the judicial system?
You are spot on.
Were you not aware of the considerable power and influence of the church, particularly at home in their theocracy, known colloquially as Zion aka Utah.
This is completely unacceptable! My church has policies in place to protect everyone from sexual harm. #1 anyone who works with children has to be background checked and finger printed. #2 if a woman goes to the pastor for counseling there is always another woman from the church present or the door to the room is open. #3 No one is allowed to take a child out of a classroom unless they are on the child's pick up list. #4 we never let someone who is new to the church volunteer with the kids until they have had their background check and they have been at the church for a reasonable amount of time and the staff have built a relationship with them. There are other things in place but these are the big ones.
Then your church is doing it right. I have 9 children, 7 raised in the church. My two youngest were 7 and 9 when I left the Mormon church. The number of interviews, behind closed doors, with one male only, that my 7 oldest were required to participate in from the age of 8...I hate to think about it. And I'm ashamed I allowed it to happen.
Has there been update or court action on this pitiful man or is he still free to be a perv?
Thank you very much. As a non Mormon it has always seemed worthy of note that almost all participation in church events are 'voluntary'. Why is it virtuous in the context of a church? Many churches and service groups have many non paid workers. Many have found it practical if not desirable to hire trained professionals or provide stipends of some sort. What is it with the virtue of volunteerism? Why are trained professionals not a preferred option, in terms of doctrine?
It is NOT voluntary. I was Mormon and very active for 57 years. I never once turned down a calling...even if I didn't want to accept it. Very, very seldom does anyone turn down a calling. There is way to much pressure to blindly accept whatever the bishop or most priesthood holders ask of you.
Thank you for your good work, John.
I bet it took a massive amount of courage to prepare and record this video. I really admire the work of John Dehlin. Thank you.
My bishop is a plumber. I trust him with drains. And little else
Great job, John. Way to jump on it and actually talk to the victims. I hope this story gets more national attention because of your efforts.
Power to that woman who blew the whistle at NFP (National Financial Pricks !) . Sorry, had to make a "funny".
What do we all do to get this planet operating on a healthy, loving level? It's so depressing to watch what's going on around the world....not just in churches. A Revolution By Women? I don't know.
They cant cover for him when he gets busted by "gentiles" so far from base. Also, the news said his positions in the church were voluntary... but people are called to serve in those positions, people dont volunteer for them. The church asks them to serve the specific position they're in. Even pressure you to take the position... people are EXPECTED to "volunteer" for a calling.
Thank you for sharing this sensitive matter.
My heart goes out to the victims!
I wish these interviews would stop!
Especially with young children.
Unfortunately older ladies are not safe either, they too can go though traumatic interviews! on occasion.
I think, if these interviews are going to take place, no matter what age you are! You should have the right to have someone with you, if you request it.
Many thanks John for sharing, much appreciated.
God bless
Moira
From England.
In my ward it wasnt that way at all. I'm glad too because I'd hurt someone over my children. I think lds in the South may be different
I’m very late to watching this as I dated Steve’s son while this happened and i have dealt with my own trauma from it. They were literally in Nashville visiting his other sons mission….I can tell you first hand that there is some seriously disturbing stuff in that family that isn’t talked about enough
Would be interested to learn more about your story Marley. MormonStories@gmail.com
Lack of Spirit of Discernment is real. My ex-friend who is a wanna be adulterer sits as a current 1st counselor in a branch presidency.
lcutie36 say something!!!
Julie Homer already sent the stake and branch leaders a letter. Nothing was done. He ended up going on a YW trip.
@@lcutie36 of course nothing was done. The church must cover it up. So sad.
No surprise there at all.
Attorneys, START YOUR ENGINES ! What a cesspool governments around the world, and churches are swimming in. Tells me a lot when a pig is put into such a position. "Hey, go have fun, Steven !"
@9:00 making excuses for the man who committed the crime and saying you don't want to hurt him and are going to be as humane to him as possible just seems like the same rational the church uses and I find that very ironic.
@aperfectcircle007 And you are judgmental. My pointing out a similarity does not equate to a lust for revenge. Your assertions in light of what I actually posted are just ridiculous.
As is John stating he doesn't want to hurt a criminal, just the institution that failed to act against the criminal.
Perhaps you saw a thirst for blood, pitchforks in hand, drunken aggression and a lust for revenge in my post because, like John, all those things have impaired your moral judgement.
I hope Scott Bowie was released from his calling and unable to hold any calling in the church moving forward
You rock, John. And I LOVE Sam Young. Would love to meet him some day. Good man ! OMG, I would love to be in that October March For LDS Children in Salt Lake City during October General Conference 2019. WHaaaaaaa, what a time they will all have.
I'm glad he was eventually fired by NFP, but it's disgusting that he was able to get away with so much creepy behavior before that happened.
We ❤️❤️❤️❤️ you Dr. John!!!!
Among other things the church needs to "get a revelation" that they will run background checks on anyone that will hold positions of trust within local units, and use their non-functional "spirit of discernment" to simply select candidates to go through the vetting process. I mean mormons don't have any problem with going to the doctor in addition to getting a priesthood blessing, so if "blessing + doctor" is okay then what is wrong with "spirit of discernment + background check"?
They just think they have to pray about it. But back ground checks should absolutely be done. Other religions do it.
i think someone is going to order Steven Murdock to (figuratively) "fall on his sword"
This was a great episode!
20:00 "How could it be that god inspired the stake president and the prophet of the mormon church to call Steven Murdock as bishop when he had had an unrepented extra marital affair, [...] and what does that say about the church's insistence that mormon church leaders are called and led by inspiration?" Two words ...
whited sepulchres
The Lord's anointed.... Be real, just look at the fruit if the Mormon tree. The LDS church is there only to gain capitol and victimize the flock to obtain that end result. Just pay, pray, and obey... (and question your questions).
Priceless comment
So long as nothing interrupts the cash flow into their coffers, TSCC doesn't really care. They only want to preserve their pristine "image" and any plausible deniability.
Any organization the tries to cover up and hide dark evil activities and won't quickly come clean when something is brought to light is shameful.
Now if it's a church especially a christian-based church the claims to follow Jesus and do as he does and still covers up such activity, the person or people that did the shameful Act, and the people involved in any such cover up should be quickly discharged gotten rid of from that church. And if this is true I am ashamed of the church that I belong to
I'm still not going to throw a whole organization, Church under the bus because of bad apples. A much larger percent of the members and the leadership are good honorable people trying to do their best. Hopefully I fall into that good honorable people category.
This is a difficult topic thank you for taking it on. Very important!
It’s members are their source of income whether they realise it or not, at what point will they start to protect and respect them?
I am blown away....I had no idea...while I was a Member, or since I left.
I’m happy he got busted.
I wonder how many hands went up for that vote of thanks
Hilarious remark!
any updates on this creep?
Invite Elizabeth Smart’s dad on who just came out.
Dr. Dehlin! Great show.... but man, we have got to work on some intro/outro music sheesh.
But... but I thought bishops were chosen by The Spirit and approval of God himself! What happened??😂😂😂
Maybe he has the second annointing and is exempt of responsibility 😂
Does anyone know where he served his mission?
I agree with what you are saying #AgendumTruth
Ignore the assholes who are posting during your video, John. Just shows you/us how ingrained the sick souls are.
Sounds like Jehovah Witness elders.
He obviously has sexual impulsivity issues and possibly underlying mental health issues. I hope he gets the help he needs.
This story is so very sad 😥😭 😭
If I am being honest, it doesnt matter who did the sin. Bishop or not it is always wrong. You know when something like this happens and it happens to be someone in church leadership, people tend to jump on the church. The leaders should, like the rest of us, follow the rules and not do this kind of stuff. Leaders though are not perfect and they are same as us, and this is why we sustain them - you can oppose with proper reasoning.
There are 30,000 bishops in the world. There are 7.5 Billion people. The Mormon Church states that a person receives their callings in the Pre-existence. That means, God has a pool of 7.5 Billion to pull His bishops from, and yes, they are still human, but statistically they should represent the absolute BEST 0.01% of all HUMANITY. But they don't.
I've had good bishops and bad bishops and great bishops and one TERRIBLE bishop, which you would pretty much expect if dudes were getting randomly picked out of the ward and not called up by God from amongst the best 0.01% of humanity...
Repugnant, yes, but I'm still LMAO! 😂
Your "wrap up" rambles. You repeat yourself and get caught in a loop. It is not up to the standard of your report. Recap, finish it and say, "see you next time."
Dont these women have brothers. Husbands etc. Hard to believe this story.