The LDS Label Machine

The LDS Label Machine

Author: Mormon Discussion Inc March 12, 2026 Duration: 1:28:09

Why Do People Leave the LDS Church? In this episode of Mormonism Live, Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon examine a topic that has been discussed inside Mormonism for nearly two centuries: why do people leave the Church? From early sermons by Brigham Young to modern General Conference addresses, Latter-day Saint leaders have offered explanations for why members lose their faith. These explanations often frame departure as the result of deception, pride, sin, offense, or the influence of Satan. Tonight we take a careful look at those teachings. We explore what Church leaders have said historically, how those ideas continue to appear in modern instruction, and how these narratives shape the way believers understand those who leave. We’ll also look at the human side of the conversation: how these labels affect real people, real families, and the possibility of honest dialogue between those who stay and those who step away. This episode is not about attacking belief. It’s about understanding the stories we tell about each other — and asking whether those stories leave room for compassion, curiosity, and honest conversation.

RESOURCES:
https://faenrandir.github.io/a_careful_examination/how-those-who-leave-are-viewed/
Glen Pace memo – https://www.scribd.com/document/105967728/Memo-Bishop-Glenn-L-Pace-to-LDS-Church-Members-Committee-Ritualistic-Child-Abuse-7-19-90

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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.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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