The question of polygamy remains one of the most challenging topics in Latter-day Saint history. In this thought-provoking episode, Joel and Morgan welcome back Ross (the Latter-day Avenger) to tackle the resurgence of "polygamy denial" on social media—the claim that Joseph Smith never practiced plural marriage and that polygamy was invented by Brigham Young after Joseph's death.

This fascinating conversation delves into the substantial historical evidence for Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy, while examining the complex purposes behind early plural marriage. The hosts explore how many of these unions functioned as "dynastic sealings" focused on creating eternal family connections rather than traditional marital relationships. They highlight that DNA evidence shows Joseph only had children with Emma, suggesting many marriages were ceremonial rather than conjugal.

Drawing connections to biblical precedents, the discussion examines how polygamy appears connected to establishing covenant people during dispensational shifts. Abraham, Jacob, and Moses all practiced plural marriage during pivotal moments in religious history—a pattern that continued with the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith.

Perhaps most compelling is the evidence of Joseph's reluctance to implement polygamy. According to multiple historical accounts, an angel with a sword had to command Joseph to proceed with the practice. As Ross points out, reading Richard Bushman's "Rough Stone Rolling" makes clear that polygamy brought Joseph nothing but trouble and conflict.

The conversation culminates in a powerful insight: when we face difficult gospel topics directly instead of retreating into denial, we create opportunities for profound spiritual growth. As Joel testifies, "It's better to remain in a difficult situation knowing that you're obeying God, than to live in an easy situation while being in defiance to the Lord." How might your own faith journey be strengthened by embracing rather than avoiding challenging questions?

A single social media post about the Trinity doctrine ignited a firestorm of theological debate, revealing how deeply our understanding of God's nature shapes our entire spiritual experience. Morgan and Joel dive headfirst into this controversy, exploring the profound differences between traditional Trinitarian views and the Latter-day Saint concept of the Godhead.

The conversation takes us through the historical development of Trinitarian thought, tracing its origins not to biblical authors but to later church councils where competing theological viewpoints were often resolved through political processes rather than revelation. This history sets the stage for examining why these distinctions matter beyond mere academic debate—they fundamentally shape how we relate to deity.

At the heart of this episode is a powerful question: How does our conception of God's nature affect our personal relationship with Him? When we view God the Father as an embodied being who truly understands our mortal experience rather than an incomprehensible essence, does that change how we pray? When we see Jesus Christ as a separate being who willingly sacrificed at His Father's request rather than as another manifestation of the same being, does that deepen our appreciation of the Atonement?

Through examining listener comments and scriptural passages, Morgan and Joel illuminate how the Godhead doctrine creates space for a more personal, relatable connection with deity. They explore how believing we are ontologically similar to God—that we are the same kind of being with divine potential—provides profound purpose that might be diminished when deity is placed in an entirely separate category of existence.

This episode isn't about criticizing other faiths but about appreciating how theological frameworks profoundly shape our spiritual journeys. Both hosts share powerful personal testimonies of how their understanding of the Godhead has fostered deep, meaningful relationships with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost—relationships that have become foundational to their identities and faith.

Whether you're curious about theological differences or seeking to deepen your personal connection with deity, this thought-provoking discussion will leave you reflecting on how your understanding of God's nature shapes every aspect of your faith journey.

Have you ever considered what our spiritual lives would be like without Christ? In this deeply reflective episode, Morgan revisits a sacrament talk from years past that continues to resonate with listeners, exploring the profound symbolism behind our most frequent ordinance.

Beginning with a compelling story about what happened when his ward ran out of bread one Sunday, Morgan invites us to consider the spiritual parallel: without the bread—without Christ—we would have no resurrection, remain forever subject to the adversary, and live without hope. This stark reality highlights why our weekly sacrament experience should be far from routine—it should be the spiritual highlight of our week.

Drawing wisdom from Elder Tad R. Callister's "The Infinite Atonement," Morgan challenges the common approach to sacrament time. While many focus exclusively on seeking forgiveness, the sacramental prayers emphasize remembrance. This remembrance isn't simply a mental exercise but a catalyst that inspires repentance and transformation. "The better we remember Christ, the more constant times we think on Christ will directly correlate with how often we repent and how greatly we change," Morgan explains.

The episode unpacks multiple layers of sacrament symbolism: the altar-like sacrament table where we place our spiritual burdens; the repetition of prayers until perfect, mirroring Christ's patience with our imperfection; the bread as Christ's body and our spiritual nourishment; the water as the ultimate spiritual solvent that dissolves sin; and the white cloth representing purity and covenant. Perhaps most poignantly, Morgan highlights how the individual pieces of bread and separate cups remind us that Christ suffered for each of us personally, while the act of passing the sacrament to others reflects our responsibility to share Christ's healing power.

Regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey, this episode will transform how you experience this sacred weekly ordinance. Take time to reflect on these symbols and discover how remembering Christ more fully can bring healing, renewal, and profound spiritual connection to your life.

Have you ever felt completely lost in life? That disorienting feeling when you're not sure where you belong or what you should be doing next? In this deeply resonant episode, Morgan and Joel reframe what it means to feel lost and reveal why these moments might actually be spiritual turning points rather than dead ends.

Drawing from personal experiences, scriptural insights, and the powerful parable of the prodigal son, they explore the different ways we experience being "lost"—whether through straying from our spiritual path, losing our sense of identity, or simply not having reached our destination yet. Rather than a sign of failure, feeling lost often signals we're finally paying attention to what isn't working in our lives.

The conversation tackles how simple changes in daily habits can provide clarity when we feel directionless, and how God views our moments of wandering not as disappointments but as opportunities for homecoming. Morgan shares how feeling lost has consistently preceded major positive changes in her life, while Joel reflects on how the sacrament reminds us that Christ's living water never runs out for those wandering in spiritual deserts.

Whether you're a young single adult trying to navigate major life decisions, someone who has drifted from spiritual practices, or anyone questioning your purpose, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on those uncomfortable moments of feeling adrift. You'll walk away understanding that with Christ, being lost is never the end of your story—it's often the beginning of something beautiful.

Ready to transform your perspective on feeling lost? Listen now to discover how these challenging times might be precisely what you need to find your way back to what matters most.

Have you ever wondered why we often look to the distant past for examples of God's miraculous power instead of recognizing it in our own lives? This deeply personal episode explores how modern miracles unfold when we have eyes to see them.

Morgan shares the unexpected journey of finding housing as his lease deadline approached with alarming speed. Between juggling two jobs and church responsibilities, discovering he had mere weeks to find a new apartment seemed overwhelming. Then came a distinct spiritual prompting to remain within his ward boundaries—a challenging request that required turning down suitable options with no alternatives in sight.

What follows is a remarkable sequence of events that showcases divine timing and intervention. After weeks of disappointments, Morgan discovers the perfect apartment within his ward boundaries that accepts his dog Biscuit. Despite competing against twelve other applicants, he receives the offer. Simultaneously, he experiences unprecedented success at work, closing his monthly sales quota eleven days early—providing crucial time to focus on moving. The final surprise? The rent turns out to be $150 less than initially advertised.

This experience illuminates a powerful truth about how God works in our lives: "Don't rely on old miracles of the scriptures. Those miracles are not dead and gone. They will happen today, in your life, in your lifetime, because God loves you, he's mindful of you." Through Elder Bednar's teaching that "tender mercies do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence," Morgan reminds us that God cares about the details—even the seemingly small ones like finding an apartment or managing a stressful move. What miracles might you be missing in your own life? Listen, reflect, and then start looking for divine fingerprints in your daily journey.

What happens when we focus on what divides us rather than what unites us? Morgan and Joel dive deep into one of today's most misunderstood religious topics: the priesthood and the divine roles of men and women in God's plan.

Starting with a chance question from a missionary convert's friend, they explore how our cultural backgrounds and misunderstandings about terminology create unnecessary confusion about priesthood roles. The conversation reveals how Satan attacks both men's and women's divine responsibilities—convincing women they don't need to be mothers while telling men they don't need to be providers or priesthood holders.

The hosts share powerful personal examples of how their parents fulfilled complementary but equally vital roles in their spiritual development. Their mothers established rigorous scripture study routines and constant gospel teaching in the home, while their fathers provided guidance, correction, and examples of priesthood service. These combined influences created firm spiritual foundations that continue to shape them today.

Morgan and Joel challenge the growing individualism in our society that tells us we don't need each other. They testify that God's plan requires the interdependence of men and women—we simply cannot reach our divine potential alone. Rather than questioning God's design, they invite listeners to seek understanding of their divine responsibilities and find healing through embracing their eternal identities.

Whether you've had questions about priesthood authority yourself or simply want to better understand God's divine pattern for men and women, this episode offers clarity, hope, and a path forward. Listen now and discover how understanding your divine responsibilities can bring greater purpose and joy to your life.

The forgotten militant history of Mormonism reveals a legacy of spiritual and physical defense that should inspire believers today. Join hosts Morgan and Joel with special guest Ross Bracken (LatterDayAvenger on Instagram) as they uncover the surprising warrior heritage that shaped the early Church.

From Joseph Smith's pepper box pistol at Carthage Jail to organized militia groups like the Nauvoo Legion and Danites, early Saints understood the necessity of defending their faith. Historical events including the Battle of Crooked River, the Battle of Nauvoo, and the Utah War represent significant military engagements largely absent from typical Sunday School discussions. Why has this rich militant history been sanitized in modern Church education?

The parallels between this physical defense and today's spiritual battles become clear as the conversation shifts to modern applications. When Elder Holland called for "musket fire" in defense of the family, he echoed a long tradition of Saints willing to stand for truth against opposition. Christ Himself demonstrated that defending truth doesn't contradict Christian kindness, as evidenced by His confrontations with the Pharisees.

This episode challenges listeners to consider: Would your ancestors who physically risked everything for their faith be disappointed by your silence today? While modern Saints may not face physical persecution, prophetic warnings suggest challenging times ahead. The spiritual courage to defend beliefs now—online, at work, among friends—prepares believers for whatever conflicts may come.

Find renewed purpose in your own discipleship as you discover how to honor the legacy of your spiritual forebears through bold, unapologetic faith that refuses to compromise truth even when facing opposition. This isn't just history—it's preparation for the promised latter-day battles still to come.

Have you ever considered that our modern understanding of faith might be missing a crucial element? In this illuminating episode, Joel explores a revelation that changes everything about how we approach our relationship with God: the Hebrew Bible doesn't actually have a word that directly translates to "belief" as we understand it today.

What ancient Israelites had wasn't casual belief—it was deep trust, loyalty, and relationship. God wasn't an abstract concept requiring intellectual acceptance; He was a living reality they trusted daily. This single shift in understanding transforms faith from a passive mental state into an active principle that naturally produces corresponding actions. Through personal experiences and scriptural insights, Joel shares how replacing "belief" with "trust" in our spiritual vocabulary changes everything.

The trust fall becomes a powerful metaphor for authentic faith. When someone asks you to fall backward, claiming you trust them while refusing to fall reveals the truth—despite your words, you don't actually trust them. Similarly, claiming faith in God while refusing His guidance demonstrates a lack of genuine trust. As James taught, faith without works isn't just incomplete—it's dead. True faith, as trust, inevitably manifests in action.

This episode challenges listeners to move beyond intellectual belief to develop genuine trust in God's promises and power. When we truly trust that Christ can empower us through any challenge, addiction, or seemingly impossible circumstance, we access divine strength that transforms our lives. If you've ever felt disconnected from your faith or struggled to bridge the gap between belief and action, this perspective provides the missing piece to revitalize your spiritual journey. Listen, reflect, and discover how trust-based faith can become your most powerful motivating force.