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PrevPrevious EpisodeMark Hofmann’s Role in Mormon History (Part 4 of 5)
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Rick on Hot Seat (Part 5 of 5)

Table of Contents: Rick on Hot Seat (Part 5 of 5)

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There are many good and bad things in Mormon history.  Some people leave the Church over these issues.  John Larsen of the Sunstone Podcast puts Rick on the hot seat and asks why he stays in the LDS Church.

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John:  So why are you still Mormon?

Rick:  (Chuckling) So you know, at Sunstone they have that, Why I Stay series.

John:  It’s the most popular session.

Rick:  In my case, I would say, and I think Claudia Bushman said this, so I can’t claim credit for it. But why would I leave? I mean, there’s a lot about the LDS Church that I love. I love a lot of the theology. I’m not a fan of polygamy.  I love the Book of Mormon. I believe Joseph Smith was a prophet. My Dan Vogel [interview], we got into the first vision narratives.  Are there some problems? Absolutely. There are some problems. Are there problems with polygamy? Absolutely. Are there problems with Mountain Meadows massacre? Absolutely. But everybody has problems. There’s no perfect church. There never was, never has been. I know John Hamer has said, “If you were to start the perfect church today, tomorrow, you’d make a mistake, and it wouldn’t be perfect anymore.”  So, I think that’s kind of how I feel. My Church isn’t perfect. I know that. The imperfect parts are the stuff that interests me. (Chuckling)

John:  Right.

Rick:  But it’s a good church. There’s good values. I believe in the restoration. So why would I leave?

We talk about other issues, like how Rick handles Mountain Meadows Massacre, polygamy, and other issues.  Check out our conversation….

Hot seat - Rick on Hot Seat (Part 5 of 5) - Mormon History Podcast
Rick describes why he stays in the LDS Church.

Don’t miss our previous conversations!

416:  Mark Hofmann’s Role in Mormon History

415:  Learning from Mormon Cousins

414:  LDS Leaders and Historical Issues

413:  Intro to Gospel Tangents

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More Podcasts with these Guests:

  • Mark Hofmann’s Role in Mormon History (Part 4 of 5)
  • Learning from Mormon Cousins (Part 3 of 5)
  • LDS Leaders & Historical Issues (Part 2 of 5)
  • Intro to Gospel Tangents (Part 1 of 5)
  • Bonus Episode on Sunstone Podcast

Get more information on the people and things discussed in this episode:

  • Guest: John Larsen
  • Theology: Mormon Scripture, Theology
  • Historical Mentions Mormon History
  • Tags: Church History, GT on other Podcasts, GT Podcast, John Larsen, Mormon opinions, Sunstone, Sunstone Podcast

Tell me when the next episode drops!

PrevPrevious EpisodeMark Hofmann’s Role in Mormon History (Part 4 of 5)
Next ExpisodeViews of General Joseph Smith (Part 1 of 8)Next
  • Date: July 6, 2020
  • Guest: John Larsen
  • Theology: Mormon Scripture, Theology
  • Historical Mentions Mormon History
  • Tags: Church History, GT on other Podcasts, GT Podcast, John Larsen, Mormon opinions, Sunstone, Sunstone Podcast
  • Posted By: RickB

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Rick Bennett, Host

Rick Bennett is the friendly host of Gospel Tangents LDS Podcast: The Best Source for Mormon History, Science, and Theology. Book Rick for your fireside or conference.

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Rick Bennett, Host of Gospel Tangents

Rick Bennett is the friendly, independent historian at the heart of Gospel Tangents LDS Podcast: The Best Source for Mormon History, Science, and Theology. When he isn't interviewing Mormon scholars, prophets, and others, he is teaching math and statistics at Utah Valley University. He also freelances as a research biostatistician in the fields of Dermatology and Traumatic Brian Injuries, as well as in the network television/cable T.V. industries as a sports statistician. Rick holds a Master of Statistics Degree from the University of Utah.

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