The LDS church requires its members to extend significant trust to its leaders. "The Brethren" at the top are sustained as "prophets, seers, and revelators" who literally speak for God. Local leaders, while not looked upon as prophets, are still trusted as being led by the "spirit", having highly sensitive judgment (aka, "discernment"), and being a safe, trustworthy resource to their flock. Members are encouraged to embrace confirmation bias, and to hold their trust in the leadership and doctrine above any personal concerns or questions they may have about the church's truth claims. Unfortunately, history has shown us that much of the trust the members have placed in the church, its doctrines, and its leaders has been misplaced. In the best case, this misplaced trust creates disappointment. In the worst case, it irreparably harms families, breaks hearts, and destroys dreams.
Dave and Mike share a little more about their personal perspectives on religion, spirituality, and the existence of deity. They follow it up with...
There's at least one other translation for the word "pricks" in this title, and Dave and Mike kick against them in this episode.
One of the core reasons behind our podcast is to explore the costs tied to questioning the church, staying in, and especially leaving. This...