Mormon History Podcast – Gospel Tangents – Mormon History Podcast
Why 40% Are Leaving the Church (It’s Not Because They’re “Lazy”) (Rick B)
Are you or someone you love navigating a faith crisis? You are not alone. Jeff Strong says 40% are leaving the Church.
40% are Leaving?
A historic shift is transforming the religious landscape. According to Jeff Strong’s new book Torn, nearly 40% of members are stepping away from their faith communities. But why is this happening, and how can we better understand and support those we love who leave? In this video, we unpack the insights from four groundbreaking books: Torn, Goodbye Religion, Bridges, and The Next Mormons. We are tackling the tough questions and busting the ha...
Tracing Nauvoo Roots of Mormon Garments (Nancy Ross & Jessica Finnigan)
Radical History and Racial Dynamics of Mormon Garments
Nancy Ross and Jessica Finnigan, co-authors of Mormon Garments, Sacred and Secret dive into the unexpected history and sociological complexities of LDS temple garments. From Joseph Smith’s early design demands to the modern realities of race and garment surveillance, this episode uncovers the fascinating evolution of this deeply personal practice. https://youtu.be/_Rt8-TabB-UDon’t miss our other conversations Nancy Ross: https://gospeltangents.com/people/nancy-ross/
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Gospel Tangents
All Rights Reserved
Mormon Garments Radical, Seamle...
Presenting Taboo Research to LDS Leaders: What We Told the Church (Nancy Ross & Jessica Finnigan 1 of 4)
I sat down with scholars Nancy Ross and Jessica Finnigan to discuss their taboo research on Mormon garments. They, along with Larissa Kanno Kindred, are the co-authors of the groundbreaking book Mormon Garments, Sacred and Secret. The deeply candid conversation pulls back the curtain on a historically taboo research topic within Latter-day Saint culture, exploring the complex intersections of theology, historical evolution, and the very real physical realities of wearing temple garments.
Don’t miss our other conversations Nancy Ross: https://gospeltangents.com/people/nancy-ross/
Copyright © 2026
Gospel Tangents
All Rights Reserved
...Why No Children for Joseph Smith’s Plural Wives (Rick B)
No Children for Joseph Smith?
Joseph Smith’s plural wives
One of the most frequent arguments raised by skeptics of Joseph Smith’s polygamy is the “fertility paradox.” While Joseph Smith fathered several biological children with his first wife, Emma, there are zero verified offspring from his estimated 30 to 40 plural marriages. DNA testing on suspected plural children has continuously ruled out Joseph as the father in every known case. Does this lack of physical evidence prove his plural marriages were non-sexual? According to a statistical analysis by Rick Bennett and a research team, the...Why RLDS Finances are STILL in Trouble (John Hamer 6 of 6)
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...
