Prophets, Polygamists & Pretenders: Inside Mormonism’s Schisms and Sects

Prophets, Polygamists & Pretenders: Inside Mormonism’s Schisms and Sects

Author: Mormon Discussion Inc April 25, 2025 Duration: 2:02:27
Mormonism Live! – Radio Free Mormon
ReligionReligion & SpiritualitySpirituality

When Joseph Smith died in 1844, the Restoration shattered like a glass dropped from heaven. What followed was a century-spanning explosion of rival prophets, breakaway churches, polygamist kingdoms, angelic messages, and more than one self-crowned king.

In this episode of Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon take you on a deep dive into the wild and fractured world of LDS splinter groups. From the well-known Community of Christ and FLDS to obscure sects like the Cutlerites, Strangites, Bickertonites, and Church of the Firstborn of the Lamb of God, we explore who these groups are, what they believe, and why they broke away from the main LDS Church.

We’ll examine their truth claims, theological quirks, and historical oddities—temple rites in basements, prophets behind bars, reincarnated Nephites, and the never-ending quest for Zion. Whether you’re a seasoned ex-Mormon or just religion-curious, this episode unpacks the Restoration’s lesser-known heirs with humor, history, and a healthy dose of skepticism.

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There's a conversation happening about the Latter-day Saint experience from a perspective you might not find in a Sunday school manual. Mormonism Live!-Radio Free Mormon, from Mormon Discussion Inc, operates like a weekly dispatch from within a complex faith tradition, examining its history, doctrines, and cultural impact with a critical yet often personal eye. Each episode feels like a deep dive into the topics that members and former members grapple with, from historical analysis to current events within the community. The hosts and their guests bring a blend of scholarly research and lived experience to the table, creating discussions that are as informative as they are provocative. Tuning into this podcast means hearing unfiltered dialogue about the realities and challenges of Mormonism, presented by those who know it intimately. It’s for anyone who wants to look beyond the surface, whether they are questioning, believing, or simply curious about one of the most distinctive American religious movements. The tone is direct and the content is unflinching, making it a unique voice in the spheres of religion and spirituality.
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