Gospel Tangents Podcast

Today is Peggy Fletcher Stack’s 40th wedding anniversary. A few months ago, I asked Peggy Fletcher Stack’s opinions. Central to Peggy’s thirty-plus-year career is her unwavering commitment to journalistic ethics and objectivity. Peggy has been a religion reporter at the Salt Lake Tribune for decades, and she tells why she doesn’t like to share her opinions.

https://youtu.be/wJIVGj_2ywQ

Don’t miss our other conversations with Peggy: https://gospeltangents.com/people/peggy-fletcher-stack/

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Peggy Fletcher Stack’s Opinion

Community of Christ (CoC) President Stassi Cramm, the church’s first female prophet, addressed pointed questions regarding the role of the Book of Mormon, the pursuit of consensus and faithful disagreement, her prophetic vision for the church, and the ongoing debate over infant baptism.

https://youtu.be/M6kOcByONr8

Don’t miss our other conversations with Stassi: https://gospeltangents.com/people/stassi-cramm/

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Book of Mormon: Upholding Scripture

President Cramm emphatically denied the accusation that the Community of Christ is “moving a...

In a recent candid conversation, Stassi Cramm, the first female prophet of the Community of Christ, discussed the Kirtland Temple sale & highly publicized sale of historic sites. She offered insights into the church’s current financial & addressed the complexities of continuing to lead a worldwide, diverse body on issues of inclusion and mission.

President Cramm, who was ordained in June 2025 and previously served nine years in the First Presidency, emphasized that her approach centers on faithful agility and discerning God’s ongoing call for the church.

https://youtu.be/blYLTxtHqVk

Don’t miss our ot...

We’re discussing 2 controversial topics with Stassi Cramm, President of the Community of Christ. We’ll focus on the controversial sale of Kirtland Temple, as well as the schism that followed the 1984 revelation on women’s ordination. Which was more controversial? Check out our conversation…

Don’t miss our other conversations with Stassi: https://gospeltangents.com/people/stassi-cramm/

https://youtu.be/CIv5kq-x648

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1984 Schism & Its Aftermath

The 1984 revelation that allowed women to hold the priesthood led to an immediate schism with...

Stassi Cramm is the 1st female Prophet-President of the Community of Christ. I asked her to reflect back on the 1984 revelation that granted priesthood to women and her time as a lifelong member of Community of Christ. Was it hard? Check out our conversation…

https://youtu.be/OjtLJ-FG988

Don’t miss our other conversations with Stassi: https://gospeltangents.com/people/stassi-cramm/

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0:00 Meet Stassi Cramm
4:32 Women Get Priesthood in 1984 Revelation
17:28 Diverse Agreement

1st Female Prophet

Stas...

Here is my JWHA recap 2025! I’ll show photos and give my reactions to the award winners! Check it out!

Don’t miss our other Tangent Trips! https://gospeltangents.com/mormon_history/gt-trips/

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https://youtu.be/NL_LkWQBApk

Fresh off the plane from Kansas City, I wanted to share a recap of my fantastic, albeit hectic, week at the John Whitmer Historical Association (JWHA) meetings in Independence. It’s been a whirlwind of travel lately—from Atlanta to Canada and then straight t...

Today marks 168 years since the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Following last year’s JWHA conference in St George, Utah, I drove by the 4 monuments to the tragedy. Here is an in-depth account of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, an “unspeakable tragedy” that occurred on September 11, 1857. This episode is a somber reflection on this event, along with a condemnation of political and gun violence.

https://youtu.be/5MQbBi2zhwI

Don’t miss our other Tangent Trips! https://gospeltangents.com/mormon_history/gt-trips/

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Gospel Tangents

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Context and Causes of...

Come along with me on a walking tour of Independence, Missouri! We’ll explore the historic Temple Lot Church (Hedrickites) and look at rare photographs from the Great Depression, when attempts were made to build the Jackson County Temple on the very cornerstones Joseph Smith laid in 1831. We’ll also stop by the Stone Church, the oldest church in Missouri, built by Joseph Smith III, and visit the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

As we walk, we’ll trace the same steps once taken by Harry Truman, stopping at the United Nations Peace Plaza...

Unannounced Live

Gospel Tangents recently surprised viewers with an unannounced live stream including a JFS book giveaway. This is a “late night edition” that offers a whirlwind update on my extensive travels, upcoming interviews, and even some “breaking news” from the Temple Lot Church. Despite a busy travel schedule and a significant backlog of videos to edit, I managed to connect, give away a JFS book, and share exciting previews of what’s to come!

https://youtu.be/Jw_a2PA5jAU

Recent Travels and Adventures

I’ve been to several significant...

This is a rebroadcast of my 2018 interview with John Hamer & Lachlan MacKay from the Community of Christ. They’ll bust some LDS myths about the Kirtland Temple, Word of Wisdom, Alice Cooper, and more! Check it out!

https://youtu.be/NjnkS1Y-tls

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Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission

A Journey Through Kirtland and Beyond

The early history of the Latter-day Saint movement is far richer and more complex than many realize, marked by vib...

History was made Sunday night in Independence, Missouri. The Community of Christ gathered for the election and ordination of the 1st female prophet president in Community of Christ. It was a a momentous occasion. The focus of the event was Stassi Cramm, who was anticipated to take on this significant leadership role, following Steven Veazey’s retirement. She became the 1st female prophet-president of Community of Christ, and just the 2nd female leader of a Restoration Church since Pauline Hancock. https://youtu.be/y63w2GfFc8Y Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be...

The Community of Christ has sold the Kirtland Temple and several Nauvoo properties to the LDS Church for a jaw-dropping $200 million. But RLDS finances are still shaky! That money is only expected to keep the church afloat for about five years. Historian John Hamer joins us to explain why he thinks the deal could have been much better, why he’s disappointed there are still no openly gay apostles, and to share his brutally honest thoughts on Steven Veazey’s leadership. Stick around—this conversation pulls no punches. John is the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism. https...

Changes in RLDS Succession Last Spring, John Hamer gave a monumental address about RLDS succession at the JWHA Meetings that literally changed RLDS History. Pres-prophet Steven Veazey had announced his pending retirement in 2 years and said he would choose a successor. John argued in his address that if Veazey did so, it would make his presidency illegitimate as well as whoever he picked. So, the process was changed as a result of his address. He'll give more details. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/2rQnCWIYxqE John is the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism. Don’t mi...

Changes in RLDS Succession

Last Spring, John Hamer gave a monumental address about RLDS succession at the JWHA Meetings that literally changed RLDS History. Pres-prophet Steven Veazey had announced his pending retirement in 2 years and said he would choose a successor. John argued in his address that if Veazey did so, it would make his presidency illegitimate as well as whoever he picked. So, the process was changed as a result of his address. He’ll give more details. Check out our conversation…

https://youtu.be/2rQnCWIYxqE

John is the co-author of Scattering of t...

John Hamer makes the surprising argument that the Auditorium is, in fact, a Community of Christ temple on the Temple Lot!  This is a claim even many RLDS members have never heard. Why does he say this? It ties back to the unfinished temple project of the Church of Christ (Temple Lot), also known as the Hedrickites. For a time, the two churches were essentially constructing rival temples side by side on the historic temple lot. Join us as we dive into this fascinating story! https://youtu.be/eWnSy5Qeh9k John is the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: S...

The struggle for leadership of the LDS Church between Sidney Rigdon and Brigham Young still echoes today. One lasting outcome is the practice of dissolving the First Presidency at the prophet’s death—a move meant to underscore that Rigdon was never recognized as Joseph Smith’s rightful successor. Historian John Hamer of the Community of Christ joins us to examine Rigdon’s claims, even arguing that Sidney may have had the strongest case for leadership. We’ll also explore the church Rigdon established, now the third-largest “Mormon” denomination. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion! https://youtu.be/jWzGoa9LXXQ Don’t miss our o...

We'll discuss controversial RLDS beliefs with John Hamer, a Seventy with the Community of Christ. We're focusing on the 1844 succession crisis, its lasting impact on both the LDS and Community of Christ (formerly RLDS) churches. He's the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism. Don’t miss this fascinating discussion! https://youtu.be/mscrLYLKZs0 00:00 How 1844 Succession Affects Us Today 8:15 How Baptism For Dead Was De-canonized 14:22 Will Book of Mormon Be De-canonized? 24:10 Black Priesthood in Community of Christ 36:37 3 Official Languages in CoC Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Succession Crisis and its Legacy: ◦ The 1844 schism "froze" both churches into pecul...

I’m excited to welcome John Hamer back to the show. John is a Seventy in the Community of Christ and a remarkable historian of Restoration Churches. Earlier this month, he was in Utah for the 50th Anniversary of Sunstone, and today we’ll be talking about the many ways to Mormon, including some of the Restoration Churches/schismatic groups that were represented at Sunstone. This episode will be part of a broader conversation about various Latter Day Saint schismatic movements. Join us for the discussion! https://youtu.be/1-hvle_929o Don’t miss our other episodes with John Hamer! https...

Following the dissolution of her marriage, Sonia Johnson came up with her own view of gender essentialism and had some lesbian relationships. Was she bisexual, or a political lesbian? Dr Chris Talbot explains. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/glgWdkMlcJ8 Don’t miss our other episodes with Dr Chris Talbot! https://gospeltangents.com/people/chris-talbot/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. Unpacking Sonia Johnson: Relationships, Radical Philosophy, & ERA's Shadowy Politics In a fascinating deep dive with biographer Dr. Chris Talbot, we’ll dive into the life of Mormo...

This is a rebroadcast. The 1838 Mormon Missouri War remains a pivotal and often tragic chapter in Latter-day Saint history. We’re revisiting an interview with Steven LeSueur, an esteemed historian and author of what is considered by many to be the definitive book on the conflict, "The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri.” LeSueur, who sadly passed away in July 2025, was remembered for his significant contributions to understanding this complex period. https://youtu.be/YGlNLnA9RIA Historian Behind the Book LeSueur, who lived in Arlington, Virginia, was not a full-time historian. He described his career primarily as a journalist, covering national defense issue...

This is a re-broadcast of my 2023 interview with Steve LeSueur. Unfortunately Steve passed away from pancreatic cancer on July 1, 2025. Mormons were part of the untamed world of the Wild West—complete with outlaws, shootouts, and the kind of drama you'd expect straight out of a western film. In this episode, Steve LeSueur shares the gripping story of his great-uncle Frank LeSueur and his friend Gus Gibbons, who were murdered by the notorious outlaw gang known as The Wild Bunch. There’s even a surprising connection to the infamous Butch Cassidy. Join us as we explore the real dangers Mormons faced on t...

Come see the site where James Strang was killed as we explore the captivating history of Beaver Island, a unique gem in Lake Michigan, especially its ties to James Strang and his Mormon community. https://youtu.be/xdnR28tTeEs Don’t miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/strangites/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. 3 Mormon Print Shop   Arrival and Reign of King Strang James Strang, a self-proclaimed prophet, settled on Beaver Island around 1848, having arrived in 1847. He led a group of Mormon dissenters who brok...

See what a local historian thinks about James Strang as we tour the town of St James on Beaver Island, Michigan. Check out the conversation! https://youtu.be/wBl1C55HoyY Don’t miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/strangites/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. Beaver Island: A Journey Through Time and Tyranny in Lake Michigan Welcome to Beaver Island, often called "America's Emerald Isle," a fascinating gem in Lake Michigan with a history as rich and diverse as its landscape. If you've eve...

Come along on this journey to Beaver Island, where James Strang was crowned King! We'll learn more about this early Mormon prophet. I’m taking you on a journey to Beaver Island, Michigan, a place central to the intriguing story of James Strang and his followers. You don't want to miss this! https://youtu.be/MPrutzK6ljQ Don’t miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/strangites/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission.   James Strang: From Convert to Contender The tale begins with James Strang, a rela...

Should BYU be renamed Over Slavery? Many argue that BYU should be renamed since slavery was legalized in Utah? Bishop Abraham Smoot also owned slaves and his name is on the Smoot Administration Building. What do BYU alumni Paul Reeve & Christopher Rich think of this proposal? https://youtu.be/L3pHOIv6DIs Don’t miss our other conversations with Paul Reeve! https://gospeltangents.com/people/paul-reeve/ Copyright © 2024 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. What Do Critics Say? GT: Okay. Well, it’s only been out what, four days right now? ...

Recently, I had the fascinating opportunity to delve into the beliefs practices, and Strangite priesthood views with Gary Weber of the Strangite Church, a lesser-known branch of Mormonism. This discussion sheds light on many intriguing aspects of their faith, highlighting both commonalities and distinct differences from the more widely known LDS (Latter-day Saint) Church. https://youtu.be/GvLjkF8kqms Understanding Strangite Priesthood: A Core Difference One of the most significant distinctions discussed was the Strangite understanding of the priesthood and its associated "keys." While the Melchizedek priesthood holds specific keys related to office, it does not encompass all keys. According...

Welcome to an exploration of one of the most distinctive branches of Mormonism: the Strangite Church. We will discuss Strangite women's role in priesthood. While many are familiar with the larger Latter-day Saint movements, the Strangites offer a fascinating glimpse into different interpretations and practices rooted in early Restorationism. Based primarily in Burlington, Wisconsin, the Strangite Church has a rich history, unique theological perspectives, and surprising elements that set it apart. https://youtu.be/61quRH-_glI Resilient Community/Promised Refuge According to the revelations of James J. Strang, Voree was prophesied to be a refuge for the people, where "the...

Gary Weber, a member of the Strangite Church, shared unique insights into their doctrines, including polygamy, baptism for the dead, and their distinctive interpretation of the "stick of Judah" prophecy. https://youtu.be/_e1Zm605gtE   0:00 Distinctive Stance on Polygamy  The Strangite Church believes that polygamy is an eternal principle and can be acceptable to God if commanded by Him, primarily "to build up seed unto [His] name," not for lustful purposes. This aligns with the Book of Jacob in the Book of Mormon, which states one should have only one wife "unless I command you otherwise.” Historical figures like Abra...

It’s always fun to talk to someone from the Strangite Church, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Based in Burlington, Wisconsin, this branch of the Latter-day Saint movement offers a distinctive perspective on the succession of Joseph Smith and the ongoing divine restoration. https://youtu.be/RUL8rF0hb4U Strangite Genesis in Voree The current headquarters of the Strangite Church is Burlington, Wisconsin. Interestingly, the area holds historical significance with multiple names. It was originally called Foxville. While today it's known as Burlington, a specific area on the west side of to...

This is a re-broadcast of my 2023 interview with Lynne Whitesides. She passed away from pneumonia/leukemia on July 7, 2025. We miss her. Lynne Whitesides was the first person punished in the September Six. She shares her story of why she wasn't excommunicated, who was involved, and where she is on her spiritual journey. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/thV_CGqy3jY Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. First to Get Punished Interview GT  00:34  Welcome to Gospel Tangents. I'm so excited to have one of the original members of...

Join us on a fascinating journey to Voree/Burlington, Wisconsin, to explore the unique history and beliefs of a Latter-day Saint group often referred to as the Strangites. This isn't the commonly known LDS Church; rather, it's a distinct branch founded by James Strang. He started a rival Mormon Church in Voree/Burlington, Wisconsin back in 1844 and the church still exists! We'll tour around the Trust Farm and see historic sites, including the Hill of Promise & the home where James Strang died. Gary Weber is a Strangite. He's our tour guide and we'll discuss their church and theology. You don't...

I've visited some temples recently! "Gospel Tangents" recently hosted a surprise live session, a "late night unannounced edition," much to the delight of its "night owl" viewers. I shared a whirlwind of Temples, Travels, updates, upcoming content, and even some breaking news from various Restorationist traditions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw_a2PA5jAU Temples, Travels, & Timely Insights! I've been traveling extensively, leading to a "boatload of pictures" and a significant backlog of videos waiting to be edited. Despite the busy schedule, i'm eager to share my experiences: Community of Christ World Conference in Independence: Rick attended and...

Matt Harris told me that only 30% of his research went into his book "2nd Class Saints" due to space restrictions. What was left out? We'll find out and also get a preview of his upcoming biography of Hugh B Brown. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/fQBhV5kMdZ4 Don't miss our other conversations with Matt: https://gospeltangents.com/people/matt-harris/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission.   What Was Left Out? GT  00:30  I think I've only asked you 1/20 of what I wanted to ask. I need to let you...

We're discussing polygamy in John Turner's Joseph Smith Biography and giving away a book! https://youtube.com/live/09QmyE6WweU Don’t miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission   Welcome, everyone, to Gospel Tangents Live! Sunday, we were live, giving away a copy of John Turner's acclaimed biography, "The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet." I just wrapped up an amazing interview with Turner. He is a super fun guy. It was certainly an engaging discussion, even touchin...

In our final conversation with Dan and Ann Hatch of Christ's Church, we'll get into whether they accept black Church members. Do they ordain blacks? (Many fundamentalists reject the 1978 revelation on priesthood from Spencer W Kimball in the mainstream LDS Church.) We'll also discuss why outsiders can't attend priesthood meetings, solemn assemblies, and other topics. https://youtu.be/K3btHzokc2M Don’t miss our other conversations with Ann & Dan: https://gospeltangents.com/people/ann-hatch/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Unique Insights from Temple President Dan and Matron Ann Hatch Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Dan and...

Joseph Smith's arrest for treason in having the Nauvoo Expositor destroyed led to his death. He didn't use habeas corpus to get out of this jam, and it cost him his life. Dr John Turner shares his reactions to Joseph's life. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/pcN0sdqR0ws Don’t miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. Recklessness, Revelation, and the Power of Habeas Corpus Joseph Smith, a towering figure in American religious history, saw his...

We're diving into Nauvoo polygamy & Joseph Smith's many wives. How often did he have sexual relations with his wives? Was it less frequent than many think? John Turner attempts to answer. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/1S-ZRA7kFcQ Don’t miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Insights into Joseph Smith's Controversial Practice The Nauvoo period (1839-1844) in the history of the Latter-day Saints is a fascinating and often controversial chapter, particularly concerning the practice of plur...

The origins of polygamy are murky. Was there an 1831 revelation on the topic? What was the nature of the Fanny Alger relationship? We'll also discuss Zion's Camp, and Joseph Smith's dog, Old Major, who caused some issues with the troops. How did Liberty Jail affect Joseph Smith & the Church? John Turner tackles these questions. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/v9171F-vXok Don’t miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Peering into Joseph Smith's Story We rec...

What does John Turner believe about the Golden Plates? Were they made of tin as Dan Vogel asserts? What about the First Vision controversy? Does John think Joseph was a pious fraud? Did Joseph take advantage of Martin Harris? John answers these and other question. Check out our conversation... Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission What Did Joseph Smith Really Have in that Box? Historian John Turner, author of Joseph Smith, The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet, delves into the enduring mystery surrounding Joseph Smith's golden pl...

Fawn Brodie, Richard Bushman, and Dan Vogel have the 3 most popular biographies on Joseph Smith prior to John Turner's latest. Which is best? John will answer that and we'll discuss the First Vision anachronisms. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/BOTVrDQJGbc Don’t miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Landscape of Joseph Smith Biographies John Turner is author of "Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Dr. Turner's book enters a field rich wit...