What pulls people from Church? Dr Ryan Cragun from Univ of Tampa says there are 2 things that lead people to leave religion: Push factors & Pull factors. What pushes people away from Church? Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/A18Umb_xxlg Don’t miss our other conversations with Ryan: https://gospeltangents.com/people/ryan-cragun/ transcript to follow Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission ...
Mar 05, 2025•43 min•Season 9Ep. 1020
Why does one person leave religion, while another person leaves? Dr Ryan Cragun discusses his own faith crisis and Rick shares why he stays. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/2qQ1dzvyalA Don’t miss our other conversations with Ryan: https://gospeltangents.com/people/ryan-cragun/ transcript to follow Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission 0:00 Ryan’s Mission 11:21 Ryan’s Deconversion/Betrayal...
Mar 02, 2025•29 min•Season 10Ep. 1019
Some ex-Mormons leave religion with an noisy exit and are angry. Others walk away with little fanfare. What is the difference between these people? In his new book called “Goodbye Religion,” University of Tampa sociology professor Dr Ryan Cragun discusses why people are leaving religion at higher rates. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/z7p-j-3YrJ0 Don’t miss our other conversations with Ryan: https://gospeltangents.com/people/ryan-cragun/ transcript to follow Copyright © 2025 Gospel ...
Feb 27, 2025•27 min•Season 9Ep. 1018
It’s always fun to put Kurt Francom on the hot seat. What does he think about girls passing the sacrament like boys? Is Christian Nationalism a problem in the LDS Church? Check out our conversation by signing up to our free newsletter at https://gospeltangents.com/newletter https://youtu.be/MUOFLQFqb54 Don’t miss our other conversations with Kurt: https://gospeltangents.com/people/kurt-francom/ transcript to follow Copyright © 2024 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no ...
Feb 25, 2025•Season 9Ep. 923
This is a throwback interview from 2017. Dr Darron Smith discusses non-LDS BYU Black athletes. He teaches at University of Memphis and is the author of “ When Race, Religion, and Sport Collide .” He examines the honor code, graduation rate, and race relations at BYU. He compares their racial record with other famous Christian athletes, including Tim Tebow and Jeremy Lin. We’ll also discuss Indian mascots in professional & college sports. Check out our conversation…. https://youtu.be/YZv_onL5...
Feb 23, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Season 1Ep. 1017
Polygamy skeptics love to trumpet Joseph Smith’s public polygamy denials. Was Joseph part of a conspiracy to keep polygamy secret? We’ll talk about contemporary sources, the Happiness Letter, & Joseph’s alleged narcissistic personality disorder with Dr Jesse James, a research psychologist. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/YeeB6cA2AVg Don’t miss our other conversations about atonement: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jesse-james/ transcript to follow Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tang...
Feb 20, 2025•57 min•Season 9Ep. 1015
Are there religious & theological motivations for conspiracy theories? Research psychologist Dr Jesse James says yes! We’ll give into polygamy skeptics claims, flat earth, forgeries, & the Dunning-Kruger effect. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/OrUWY1rqQxI Don’t miss our other conversations about atonement: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jesse-james/ transcript to follow Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reprodu...
Feb 17, 2025•59 min•Season 9Ep. 1014
What is the appeal of conspiracy theories? Dr Jesse James discusses the psychological patterns, trust-breaking experiences, & personality types of conspiracy theorists. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/ZEOPTLzsvZo Don’t miss our other conversations about atonement: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jesse-james/ transcript to follow Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved – Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission transcript to ...
Feb 14, 2025•38 min•Season 9Ep. 1013
What’s the difference between a valid conspiracy & a conspiracy theory? Dr Jesse James is a research psychologist and we’ll talk about why people get hooked on conspiracy theories. We’ll take a deep dive into the traditional polygamy narratives and the Brigham Young Conspiracy Theory, giving an overall narrative for each. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/jnx6H8Fw9l4 Don’t miss our other conversations about atonement: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jesse-james/ transcript to fo...
Feb 11, 2025•49 min•Season 9Ep. 1012
What’s the role of grace in atonement of Christ? Dr Deidre Green & Dr Eric Huntsman will weigh in. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/XmmPPgNaJes Don’t miss our other conversations about atonement: https://gospeltangents.com/lds_theology/atonement/ Copyright © 2024 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Role of Grace in Atonement GT 00:36 Since I mentioned Willie Grills being a Lutheran pastor, of course,...
Feb 09, 2025•28 min•Season 9Ep. 915
The Mormon doctrine of Heavenly Mother is one of the most controversial doctrines in all of Christianity. But fundamentalist Mormons think God is a polygamist. We’ll talk about heavenly mothers with Tom Bennett of Centennial Park. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/l-2RVcjapDg Don’t miss our other episodes about Centennial Park! https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/centennial-park/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be repro...
Feb 08, 2025•41 sec•Season 9Ep. 1011
Many Fundamentalist Mormons don’t like to discuss racism because their beliefs don’t allow black members to join or hold priesthood. We’ll tackle this sticky topic with Tom Bennett, a member of Centennial Park. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/Bi_BKXsSoh8 Don’t miss our other episodes about Centennial Park! https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/centennial-park/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without writte...
Feb 05, 2025•31 min•Season 9Ep. 1010
Why do women choose polygamy? Centennial Park actually expects women to pop the marriage question for either monogamist or polygamist families. Tom Bennett tells more. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/K32NxGwptG4 Don’t miss our other episodes about Centennial Park! https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/centennial-park/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. transcript to follow Copyrigh...
Feb 02, 2025•26 min•Season 9Ep. 1009
Do fundamenalist Mormons believe the LDS Church is the “one true church?” We’ll discuss whether his group believes the LDS Church is the “one true church.” In 1890, LDS President Wilford Woodruff issued “The Manifesto” indicating the Church would no longer practice polygamy. Was John Taylor also given a manifesto before his 1886 revelation proclaiming polygamy as an eternal principle? Tom Bennett of Centennial Park, a Mormon fundamentalist group, says yes. Check out our conversation… https://you...
Jan 30, 2025•40 min•Season 9Ep. 1008
Tom Bennett is a recent convert to the Mormon fundamentalist group called Centennial Park that practices polygamy. We’ll discuss his conversion to Protestantism to LDS and to Centennial Park. What attracted him to Mormon fundamentalism? We’ll discuss his Protestant conversion, LDS conversion & mission, faith crisis and spiritual reawakening in Centennial Park. We’ll dive into Centennial Park history & doctrine. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/fFe1S6ZIYuc Don’t miss our other...
Jan 27, 2025•35 min•Season 9Ep. 1007
Did you know Tunisia is one of America’s oldest friends, dating back to George Washington? Eryj Ben Sassi tells more about Tunisia’s diplomatic relations with America and her future plans with the Heartland Research Group. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/RzsfVA_7y1U Don’t miss our other segments with Eryj! https://gospeltangents.com/people-eryj-ben-sassi Copyright © 2024 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permiss...
Jan 26, 2025•20 min•Season 9Ep. 909
Short Creek consists of the twin FLDS cities of Hildale, Utah & Colorado City, Arizona. Come along as Rick Bennett visits these 2 communities that were founded on the Utah-Arizona border to escape prosecution for polygamy. We’ll visit Warren Jeffs house which is now the “Most Wanted Hotel” because Warren Jeffs was on the FBI Most Wanted List. Check it out! https://youtu.be/XPFPXiCjJ-g polygamy polygamy Don’t miss our other episodes on Mormon fundamentalism! https://gospeltangents.com/denomin...
Jan 22, 2025•Season 9Ep. 1006
Tom Bennett invited me to visit Centennial Park, Arizona, a group that practices polygamy. It’s just south of the Utah border and about 50 minutes southeast of St George, Utah. Come along as we visit the community and I share my impressions of my church visit. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/o8z5wSg8olQ Don’t miss our other episodes on Mormon fundamentalism! https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/fundamentalism/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book ...
Jan 19, 2025•53 min•Season 11Ep. 1005
Has the Community of Christ moved away from the Book of Mormon? We’ll ask that question to Pastor Brittany Mangelson of the Community of Christ here in Salt Lake City. We’ll also talk about the new female prophet, Stassi Cramm who will be replacing Steven Veazey. Finally, we’ll ask about how Brittany’s conversion affected her LDS family. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/c3O0sEh6WGo Don’t miss our other conversations with Brittany: https://gospeltangents.com/people/brittany-mangelson ...
Jan 16, 2025•26 min•Season 9Ep. 905
Sonia Johnson ran for President of the United States in 1984 against Ronald Reagan & Walter Mondale. Did she expect to win? Dr Chris Talbot discusses Sonia’s presidential run, her attempt to lead the National Organization for Women, her failed marriage, and her possible attempts at anarchy. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/U4lxIoTPqek Don’t miss our other episodes with Dr Chris talbot! https://gospeltangents.com/people/chris-talbot/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Res...
Jan 12, 2025•23 min•Season 9Ep. 1003
The LDS Church didn’t like Sonia Johnson’s activism for the Equal Rights Amendment. What were the exact criticisms of her? Which figures in the LDS Church tried to refute Sonia Johnson? We’ll discuss what made Church leaders angry, and her appearance on the famous “Phil Donahue Show.” Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/172RYmJBbYc Don’t miss our other episodes with Dr Chris talbot! https://gospeltangents.com/people/chris-talbot/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Exce...
Jan 09, 2025•33 min•Season 9Ep. 1002
Sonia Johnson became enraged in 1979 when the LDS Church came out in opposition to the Equal Rights Amendment. Dr Chris Talbot has written a history titled “Sonia Johnson: A Mormon Feminist.” We’ll dive into the political landscape in the 1970s & tell Sonia’s story.. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/R3kjFEdW1es 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 re...
Jan 06, 2025•31 min•Season 9Ep. 1001
I started Gospel Tangents almost 9 years ago and Jan 1, 2025 marks 1000 episodes! In celebration of the New Year and my 1000th episode, we’ll look back at 2024. What were the most viewed videos? What were my favorite books published in 2024? We’ll also look at the Top 10 Most Viewed Videos over 1000 episodes, and 15 of my favorite videos that didn’t crack the top 10 most viewed. Come celebrate with me! Check out viewer comments and my presentation! Sorry for the abrupt ending. My laptop battery ...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 9Ep. 1000
The Book of Mormon disparages infant baptism. Did it really happen, or is it an anachronism as Alexander Campbell claimed? Brant Gardner will tackle that topic along with Israelite polytheism & chiasmus. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/2yJh1kLWu1w Don’t miss our other conversations with Brant Gardner! https://gospeltangents.com/people/brant-gardner Copyright © 2024 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permissio...
Dec 31, 2024•49 min•Season 9Ep. 999
What are the 19th century Book of Mormon anachronisms in the Book of Mormon? How can we reconcile them? Brant Gardner shares his perspective. We’ll discuss his 2 new books on the Book of Mormon – “ Plates of Mormon ” & “ Engraven Upon Plates, Printed Upon Paper .” Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/rTgwNPfBjXA Don’t miss our other conversations with Brant Gardner https://gospeltangents.com/people/brant-gardner Copyright © 2024 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book rev...
Dec 29, 2024•30 min•Season 9Ep. 998
Is White & Delightsome racist scripture in the Book of Mormon. Brant Gardner will tackle that in out next conversation. He’s the author of 2 books, “Plates of Mormon” & “Engraven Upon Plates, Written Upon Paper.” He’ll also discuss KJV English (or is it Tyndale English?) & horses in the Book of Mormon. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/4v-mi7HYS7w Don’t miss our other conversations with Brant Gardner! https://gospeltangents.com/people/brant-gardner Copyright © 2024 Gospel ...
Dec 27, 2024•53 min•Season 12Ep. 997
Brant Gardner has put out not one, but 2 books on the Book of Mormon. The first is titled “ Plates of Mormon ” & is the “Brant Gardner Translation.” He has re-punctuated it and added study helps. The second is a commentary called “ Engraven Upon Plates, Written Upon Paper ,” where he gives even more commentary on the Book of Mormon. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/eSuiEE0fPng Don’t miss our other conversations with Brant Gardner! https://gospeltangents.com/people/brant-gardner C...
Dec 25, 2024•53 min•Season 9Ep. 996
Was the movie “Heretic” with sister missionaries & Hugh Grant a good movie or bad movie? Josh Thompson & Rick Bennett share their Heretic movie review impressions, and discuss missionary work. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/ZSv7gDkKN4o Don’t miss our other conversations on Mormon Fundamentalism! https://gospeltangents.com/books/secret-covenants/ Copyright © 2024 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permiss...
Dec 22, 2024•26 min•Season 9Ep. 995
How does a married man add another wife to his family? Is his wife involved in dating? What is courtship for polygamists like? Josh Thompson shares his experiences and cultural expectations.. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/Q4wpdBUjheg Don’t miss our other conversations on Mormon Fundamentalism! https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/aub Copyright © 2024 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. transcript...
Dec 20, 2024•42 min•Season 13Ep. 994
How do Mormon fundamentalists view LDS Temples? Are LDS Temples valid in their eyes? Do they recognize the work done there, or have the temples been defiled? Josh Thompson answers that, and shares more on the Grant Apostasy. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/hhN-xKsUEQc Don’t miss our other conversations on Mormon Fundamentalism! https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/aub Copyright © 2024 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced witho...
Dec 18, 2024•32 min•Season 9Ep. 993
