We may think that American politics is simply going nuts, but what it’s actually doing is turning into religion. In this episode, Stephen Carter argues that Mormonism had a big hand in turning politics into religion—and that, ironically, this shift is biting the Church hard.
E31: Before They Were Famous: John D. Lee and Bathsheba W.B. Smith
Ever wonder about how prominent Mormon church leaders got their start? Lindsay and Bryan discuss the experiences of John D. Lee and Bathsheba W.B. Smith in Nauvoo, before they made a name for themselves.
E83: A Good Year to Die?: An Oddly Mormon Approach to Progression.
Mormonism is all about goals, growth, and progression. But Abinadi and Joseph Smith threw some serious monkey wrenches into the definition of those words. In this episode, Stephen Carter proposes a new approach to the Mormon obsession with progression. And it’s kind of dark.
E30: Innovations ‘n’ Alterations in Nauvoo
The Nauvoo period and the last few years of Joseph Smith’s life shaped Mormon doctrine in some remarkable ways. Lindsay and Bryan discuss the theological developments that came from this time period including baptism for the dead, the temple endowment and the garment.
E82: Christmas Is a Mass Psychedelic Trip: And We Really Need It This Year.
Charles Dickens is often credited as being the man who invented Christmas with his story “A Christmas Carol.” And the story bears a striking resemblance to a psychedelic trip, which has profoundly affected the way we celebrate Christmas, whether we are religious or not. Join Stephen Carter on this trip through history, culture, religion, and …
E29: No Paperwork, No Crime
Bryan and Lindsay continue their dive into the messiness of Nauvoo polygamy.
Writing the History of Pets and Other Animals in Mormondom
By Edgar C. Snow Jr. Or, right-click here to download the audio file: Writing the History of Pets and Other Animals in Mormondom Click here to read the PDF version of this article.
E81: We Get Gratitude All Wrong and #Givethanks Proved It.
A few weeks ago, LDS social media feeds exploded with #givethanks. But something about it seemed … off. Stephen Carter digs into the oddities of Mormon gratitude in this episode of the Sunstone Podcast.
E28: Binders Full of Women
In this episode, Bryan and Lindsay discuss the many wives of Joseph Smith in early Nauvoo.
E80: Sunday School Spy: How COVID-19 Helped Me Infiltrate My Ward.
After a two-year break from church, why in the world would you want to go back to Sunday school? Stephen Carter had a few strange reasons, none of which will ever be quoted in General Conference. Listen to the harrowing story of his first virtual Sunday school class.