I am one of those members who my wife and I got baptized together in January of 1994. Then came the family pressure, evangelical doctrine from all directions. all of that, eventually tore her and every one else that joined the church away except for me. So here we are almost 30 years later and I have watched her health go down so bad. She fell and broke her hip on July 24th and then had a stroke on August 3rd, and I look at her and feels such pity that she has gone through 30+ years of physical ailments. We are still together and she still does not believe. There is much more to say but I will leave it here. Please say prayers for us.

When I served as bishop and I had to deal with difficult situations, I would pray for guidance and the answer was almost always, “Help them feel My love”. People were surprised when we didn’t talk about the “issue”, but about who they were as a beloved child of God. Once the Spirit came and we felt God’s love, the hope of the Atonement provided direction and motivation. It was usually a one-step-at-a-time situation and not all or nothing. People were always amazed that they did not have to be “perfect” to feel God’s love, they just had to make efforts to move in the right direction.

Oh how I wish more members had the views of Brother Halverson regarding the LGBTQ+. I have always felt broken, and ultimately left the church because I felt no one wanted to hear my story or understand how I felt or how long I had been struggling. His imagery of beating someone with the iron Rod was perfect for me; that is exactly how I felt when I started recognizing my feelings and coming out. Everyone was ready to fix me, beat me with the scriptures, not realizing that for years I had been doing that on my own with no success. I love the idea of those of us in this community having a place at the table and wanting to understand the struggles we experience that I’m sure many members don’t understand; sadly my experience has been that most members don’t want that. It’s all about fixing, with out understanding. I really feel like that’s where I, and I’m sure many in my community, struggle coming to Jesus; we are made to feel like we made a choice to be this way and have fallen short of this high standard. Jesus is out of reach for us because we are so wicked for loving someone and being attracted to someone of the same gender. I think if members of church could sit down with a group of former church members who are LGBTQ+ and listened to our stories without judgement I really feel like they would see a lot of common threads in our stores that most members don’t take the time to see. When they hear LGBTQ+ they immediately go to sex, but that is such a small part of the story, just like it is for a heterosexual persons story. We have a story to tell, we have faith that has been crushed at times, we want to join you at the table…We just need to be heard and loved.

"The answer is always "Be like Jesus". " What a great statement

“Instead of holding on to their hand once they’ve let go of the iron rod, we try to rip the iron rod away and start beating them with it.” Wow, what an insight. I wish I had the same spirit of love as he does when I hear people who walk away from the church as he does and I am working so hard to get there. Thank you Bro. Halverson, you truly are a treasure and the example of the spirit of Christ the prophet and apostles are begging us to be.

Brother Haverson, thank you for holding our hands while we hold the hands of our loved ones going through faith crisis!

I find his Creation-Fall-Atonement cycle so helpful. I've had a difficult "fall" the last few years. It's been a rough transition. It reminds me about when President Monson spoke about the Provo Tabernacle burning down. Every time I get too complacent in my own knowledge, my Tabernacle burns down. But if I let God rebuild it, He builds it back up a bit better every time.

Can we PLEEEEASE get a Part 2?! I definitely respect Bro Halvorsen’s time so if this isn’t possible, I understand but I’m asking because the answer will definitely be no if I don’t! 😂 I love every single one of his answers to EVERYTHING he said!!

So SO glad you got one of the best teachers on your podcast! Thank you for making this happen! "I would take a 'flexible faith' over a 'brittle beliefs any day." Wow. I love that!

Great Podcast! I appreciate Brother Halverson's follow up comment at the end of this interview. It reminds me of a scene from "The Chosen" where one of the disciples asks Jesus why He hasn't healed him of his physical disability to walk. Jesus tells him that He trusts him. That his story of having faith in Christ even though he's not being healed is a unique story and one that should be told as well as those of people that are healed. He later reminds the man that he will be healed eventually or made whole. Y'all are doing a great work with these interviews! Keep it going!

I love Jared's counsel to give validation and empathy wherever we can with those who are struggling. As was said on a previous version of Come Back, by a grieving mother, she learned in the temple that she is the parent and not the Savior of her daughter who has left the Church. Her job is to love her daughter, not save her. Our job is to love each other with as much charity or pure love of Christ that we can be given as we pray and ask for it, as we are told to do in Moroni Chapter 7. Thanks Jared, for your amazing insights and love.

Having Brother Halverson sitting there, he looks the part of President Holland. Both are knowledgeable, loving, and very inviting. Love them

Absolutely amazing. I loved the end where he talks about the man born blind. My dad had a sex change operation, and the Lord specifically told me that I needed to love my dad just the way he is, to continue to be a daughter, to give him the opportunity to be a blessing to his grandchildren, which he was. Oh, how my kids loved my dad! I was overcome at the time with how much the Lord loves His children, no matter what, and that changed me. I also have complex PTSD, and the Spirit confirmed the truth of this parable for me, as well, when Dr. Halverson was speaking. My brain was changed by trauma, I have some weaknesses that will probably always be there, and to know that the Lords works can be manifested with me, despite my weakness was truly marvelous in my eyes. Every time I am triggered by my deep weakness, the Lord helps me repent, and shows me how to do better the next time. And I do get better, because I'm not as easily triggered as I used to be. I don't know when those weaknesses will eventually become strengths, but I see them having less and less of an influence in my life as the years go by.

LOVE brother Halverson , thank you girls for all you do!!

Brother Halverson is amazing. Sisters Ashly and Lauren do so much to bless the lives of all those who are searching for help and answers. I left the church Nearly 60 years ago as a teenager. Heavenly Father left the ninety and nine and reclaimed me with a powerful Spiritual experience. I love the Savior and hope to live the remaining years I have helping others to find their path to the Savior so He can give them the gift of eternal life. Because of my experiences with the Savior I emphasize the importance of seeking answers through Spiritual experiences. Finding answers to questions about church history and doctrine by research is essential for some people but insufficient. The scriptures and the prophets plead with us to seek after Spiritual experiences.

Brother Halverson, I love how you say we don't need degrees in Anti-religious rhetoric in order to reach out to our loved ones who are struggling with their faith. We just need love and an open mind. We need to open our hearts and embrace them! You are right, we are afraid deep inside of failing someone who is going through faith crisis. In the end, Christ-like love is the answer!

Jared Halverson is amazing! I learn so much from him every time I hear him speak.

These comming back podcasts are inspired by God through our very pretty beautiful sister because it's in companionship of Jesus parable of the prodigal son and this podcast rejoices with Jesus and Heavenly father when every prodigal son come back to church thank you for your unconditional love

Jared is a good guy. Glad to have taken his institute class, as it was important in my journey.

Ashley/Lauren this is such a powerful episode. Jared has a wonderful way of describing what the Lord has placed into our hands to bless our lives. How special to learn. Love your work this channel is wonderful. Thank you and please keep these stories coming.

I love the epiphany that Bro. Halverson just helped edify us with... that the Bible believers (Christians) and the Book of Mormon believers (LDS, etc)... can be seen as the Stick (or group) of Judah believers and the Stick (or group) of Ephraim believers... eventually, in Ezekiel's prophesy, growing together and becoming "one." I am seeing this so much these days. Pastor Jeff doing his thing, a statue of Joseph Smith being unveiled in India, The Chosen... and the list keeps growing of bridges being built.

A channel I like better than Hello Saints is 52 Churches in 52 Weeks. Very sincere and fair. He keeps finding himself drawn back to ours and I especially love the episodes where he is recognizing something different now.

This was amazing! Thank you! Thanks brother Halverson! ❤🙌😍

The whole need no physician. I’ve come to appreciate how many principles of the gospel and laws of Christ my “non-member” family and friends are practicing. I seem to be the one who needed the Physician. It took some time and humility to recognize this. I’m glad I have Jesus and his church. But I don’t need to convince anyone else. I have enough repenting of my own to do.

I love what Don Bradley says, when you have a faith crisis maybe it is God’s way of saying let go of what you false faith on and put your faith in the primary questions.

I started listening to this yesterday, but I'm picking up again this morning. While I'm listening to Jared, I am typing up my thoughts as to what is meant by Nephi's "skin of blackness" in Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 5:31. Imagine my almost deja vu pleasant surprise when, at about 33:30 into this episode, Jared switches topics and begins explaining about the "skin of blackness" exactly what I am about to submit as an explanation on my Facebook page. ;-) Jared is a wonderful scholar, and even better, he is a wonderful and caring human.

I love this brother! His podcast has helped me so much w my faith! Even this session was so inspiring and has helped with my faith! Best episode! Luv the podcast! Thank u guys & God bless!

I might have to listen again, and this time with a notebook ready. There was at least a half dozen "aha"moments for me. Thank you thank you

Thank you for all you do. Thank you for having Bro. Halvorson in the pod cast.

Great show! The substance of the Scriptures & Gospel of the Restoration SO eclipse the superficial questions that choke upon gnats, truly we will be answerable for Ether 12:23-41!!

This channel is definitely one of the most wonderful and helpful things that you could possibly do at this point in time in the church and in the world. I cannot tell you how much brother Halverson has helped me. Thank you so much for your time and efforts to bring this to anyone who will listen! All my LOVE!❤️

I taught the Book of Abraham in Sunday school a couple of years ago. I learned things digging into that book I had never seen or comprehended before.n the links between the text and the facsimiles are there in full view but hid from those who don't try and comprehend it. Its truly a magnificent work that Joseph Smith could not have come up with on his own. Bro. Halverson is correct. If you just look at that book from an intellectual level, knowing only what you've heard that's negative, you won't get it. But I can testify after that time of digging deep, studying what others had written and praying to have my eyes open, never again will I open the Pearl of Great Price and not see it with different eyes. Its unfortunate so many rest their testimonies on things like how the Book of Abraham came to be. Joseph was a bright guy. But not that bright. Not without help from heaven. Read the book. Its its best evidence.

Amazing Episode! Grateful to hear Jared Halverson’s perspectives, insights, and counsel. Keep up the good work!

I love what you have to say about the need for more understanding and caring hearts, listening ears, and asking the question Lord is it I? This really is the answer, but it seems to be the exception more often than the rule. As we see so many people experiencing faith crisis, I believe the Lord is asking all of us to raise the bar for ourselves and learn to truly live the gospel as taught by Jesus Christ.

What a wonderful man! The goodness just radiates from him! Love it!❤

I'm glad I listened. Thank you for making this happen. 💜

Pastor Jeff is awesome..... thank you ladies for all you do and for bringing Bro Halverson on the show.

Ibam watchingbthus almost a year after it was made but I feel that this has provided so many answers to my questions. This was the best hour I gave spent on KZfaq in a long time. I feel reassured and uplifted.

I love listening to Jarad and also this comming back podcasts thankyou

Thank you Brother Halverson! I got an answer to a prayer while listening to this. I want to help my friend through a faith crisis and walking through it with them is the answer I needed. I feel that I have more direction and confidence in how I can help.

Thank you so much, Brother Halverson for your wisdom, insight, testimony, and advice.

That Podcast was so good 🤗 Thank you!

Thank you for this podcast. I learned a lot and I will use these in serving in my Church calling.

This was beautiful! I absolutely love this podcast. Thank you thank you ❤

This is such a great video and I would recommend everyone to watch it! I join the crowd in saying this is such a great channel and podcast and this is great work!

Loved the first answer in particular. Great conversation, thank you:)

The Lord God has given us an intellect to use to reason and understand. And of course we use it. But the exercise of faith lets us trust that God's reasoning, knowledge and intelligence is far greater than ours. The things of God can only be really known by the power of the Holy Ghost who lets us know what truth is. Any sincere person who prayerfully reads the Book of Mormon can know of its truthfulness. That's the way the Lord has ordained it to be so in his wisdom. I have been blessed to experience the Holy Ghost . The light , love and warmth of the Saviour comes to me as l read the Book. Also the other, scriptures we have. The Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants and The Pearl of Great Price. Such a precious blessing to have in life. Praise the Lord 🙏❤️😊. Many thanks for your podcasts. God bless you all.

Lovely and informative podcast and video. Always enjoy hearing Jared Halverson,watch his Unshaken each week and other things he does.

Randomly came across this video. Great content. What a wonderful and insightful guest. Thank you for those putting this together.

This was so, so good. I loved the questions and the answers. It was a bunch of WOW moments. ❤

We put an inerrancy shield around the LDS church too! We teach it’s not inerrant but we live and speak as if it is. We don’t fully grasp the human part of the church and until we do, things seem off a little bit. We defend mistakes instead of admit them.

I subscribed to this channel a while ago fantastic interview ladies. Keep telling those stories Thanks for sharing your spiritual gifts and Bro Jared spiritual gifts

Very nice! I like the aproach he mentioned, that we need to let our dear loved ones make their own decisions and respect them. i th think fear has driven a lot of people apart and especially the fear of someone losing faith

Only 10 minutes in and this is so insightful! Love this!

This is great I was able to give out 2 books of Mormon last year, and year before I gave 1 Holy Bible away to wide different people I just wish I could get a box of both types of Books and hand out whenever I find people who are wanting the desire to have one to read. Yes , I told Them about Missionaries and I would Talk to Them and there's a phone number for them I've heard from all of Them ❤️📖🙏

Great topic

Thank you for mentioning the two different sticks in Bible of Northern and Southern kingdoms coming together. I’ve wondered for a long time why no other LDS Bible scholars (that I’m aware of) have addressed this. I’m okay with the multiple expressions for the Stick of Judah and the Stick of Ephraim/Joseph. ❤

I've suffered from mental illness all my life. The members haven't accepted me. I've always had a testimony of this Church, but the rejection of the members has made my sicknesses worse. Lately, I've suffered more because I don't feel my Lord's guidance and love even when I try to be the best I can. Why doesn't the Lord help or heal me? I've tried everything to help myself. This has caused me a broken heart. I wonder why the Lord doesn't seem to care. This is developing into a faith crisis because I've been ill since young. Now I'm almost 72. Why does the Lord help others but not me. 💔 This is only one of the many struggles I have.

"Question the sources". So true. I love Jared's insights.

I served in Puerto Rico too! 1996-1998. Too bad we didn't meet up there. Pres. Nieves gave me the green light to read Spencer and Palmer's _Religions of the World_ textbook and it was a turning point for me. That was also when I first encountered the work of Brian Stubbs, which at times I have regarded with skepticism, but all these years later after studying Linguistics I read Stubbs' _Changes in Languages from Nephi to Now_ and whatever the merits of Stubbs' reconstructions of Hebrew in Uto-Aztecan, his analyses and arguments about language change affecting the Book of Mormon's writing and compilation make sense. Thinking deeply into questions about language and translation in the Book of Mormon has been highly rewarding to me over the last couple of years. I scored a copy of Royal Skousen's edition of the original text, and it's my favorite way to read the Book of Mormon now. There was one commentator - I forget the name - a Mayan woman, I believe, who pointed out that "skin of blackness" in Mayan (I think) has a meaning more metaphorical or symbolic than simple obvious color. I've also long believed that it could simply be suntans from the Lamanite men's preference for nudity, emphasizing the Nephites' textile arts and sense of modesty.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone!

This is awesome! 🙂 You guys are awesome! 🙂

41:31 As someone who has recently left and loves so many people that believe, all I can say to his answer here is thank you! The one thing that has surprised and been hurtful to me the most has been the silence. Nobody wants to know why I left. With one exception, people have asked no follow up questions or listened. They love from a safe distance but people don’t want to get their hands dirty and ask me about why I left something that meant EVERYTHING to me for 45+ years. I know they feel awkward and don’t want to pry, but I’ve asked them if they want to know, and the answer (with one very kind exception) has been no. I can’t express how lonely it feels. So, you go where people will listen. These people have left and are sometimes angry, but they listen and are Christlike. They treat you like a truth seeker and not a deceived lost sheep.

thank you

Very powerful and insightful

Great insights

I'm definitely the older brother in the prodigal son story. I just didn't fully realize it until today.

Great job!

This was so good! Keep it up!!

Criticisms of words used in the BoM ffail to account for similiar issues in the Bible translation process, such as, the word "book" is used in the New Testament when Christ read from a scroll (Luke 4:17). Books didn't exist at that time.

Bro. Halverson, is there a chance, EVER, that you and Pastor Jeff might have a nice, long conversation about the Church, and share it? I'd LOVE to hear that!

Years ago I met a lady in a grocery store in Provo. She was a member but inactive. She told me while we were talking that though she wasn't active she knew Joseph Smith was a true prophet because a grandfather back on her family line was the one that drove the wagon containing the Egyptian artifacts in a wagon to Joseph. My memory is bad but I thought she said Egyptian mummy or mummies in the wagon.

I liked the suggestion for people to go through the faith crisis with the loved one. Sadly, my Bishop, Stake President, family and Ward members DON’T want to talk about it. It is truly pathetic!

It is clear, no matter what criticism is put forth regarding with the Book of Mormon or Book of Abraham, you will do whatever mental Gymnastics is necessary to reconcile those points. Im sure you will agree you have faith. But faith is simply believing in an idea simply because you want it to be true. You will never be able to evaluate your religious text objectively. You need it to be true, no matter how many times youre confronted with reasons why it is not.

Two of my very favorite podcasters come together!!

My problem with engaging someone going through a faith crisis is that I'm pretty good at listening, and even acknowledging the validity of their concerns, etc. but it feels like their purpose in reality is to get me to agree with them . . .

It’s an interesting concept in our faith that we recognize that Joseph Smith was flawed, and we’re totally willing to accept that, and that no other prophet, since Joseph Smith has ever been flawed, or made any mistakes 😬😳

This Q&A was excellent. I'm sure if I listen to it in the next couple days i will find other answers and truth. Our brother Jared speaks with good sense and logic when it comes to talking about the gospel and deception with non-members and non-believers of The Book of Mormon. I have learned if you have five people looking at the same exact event and then have each one of them explain what they got to view, every person would tell the same activity differently five different ways. That's the only thing difference between people explanation and then you have the Lord helping you and telling you what to say or do, it cannot be translated wrong, one way or the other, like etched Stone. The people's words and views can always change if they are without the spirit and the spirit of Truth. One thing I have learned whenever one of your own decides to leave the church , all you can do is pray for them and hand it to the Lord, take of the Lord's yoke, I can say it is easy like He promised. After you do this stop worrying and wringing your hands like a dishcloth. Now it's time to listen to the spirit and listen closely.

My husband left the church 15 or so years ago. I have stayed faithful and the gospel of Christ means everything to me. Of course this was such a challenge and the Lord would tell me when I went to the temple to keep my family together my husband (Bruce) is a good man. At the time I would set up appointments with different scholars priesthood holders some from BYU, stake presidents, etc to answer his questions. He left and spiritual we went our separate ways. He is a good person at heart. His head is just full of stuff with science, philosophy’s of men and he thinks in his head it’s proven things aren’t true. He has a whole list of things. Would it be possible to set up a visit with brother Halverson to discuss some of his questions. It’s been a long time since we’ve talked to someone but I feel it maybe time to do this now. I’m sure he would be willing to. He won’t listen to podcasts like this but will one on one visits.

Some stuff I agree with but some stuff needs to be hashed out in a debate. Experts on both sides are in an echo chambers and never get properly challenge and there were a couple things he said that I did NOT agree with. But overall good episode

Would you open for a debate regarding these so called "overblown flaws"?

New to this podcast but I’ve listened to Jared Halverson on few different podcast. He is a supreme apologist for the church and well he should be. He’s worked for the church it appears his complete adult life. So for me he is not objective. He touts the company line and his commentary is so canned and rehearsed and simplistic. And as interviewers, you have no push back to anything he said. Read church canonized section 132 in its entirety. Tell me after reading you believe this was god talking through Joseph. Virgins, concubines, destroy Emma, really! No thank you! I have put that challenge out to many of I know and not one has come back and said yes that’s scripture from God.

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The problem is that a "loose translation" of the BOM contradicts what the witness say the translation was. But the point about words is soild, but anachorstic coccepts are more problematic

Thanks for this video. I left the church recently, I'm hoping to come back but still need to process some things to get to a point of belief. I have a couple questions that I'm hoping people can help answer: 1) Jared mentions that the 1828 definition of translation isn't necessarily an actual transformation from one language to another. While I think that's a fair point to consider, Joseph still claimed that the papyri contained the Book of Abraham, so presumably he believed it was a literal translation (of course a revelatory one and not scholarly since he didn't know Egyptian, but a literal translation nonetheless). One conclusion I'm starting to consider is that Joseph mistakenly believed he was doing a true translation, even though in reality God was working through him to bring about a revelation with important truths that was unrelated to the source text. 2. If we go with the premise that Joseph wasn't truly translating the source text when he claims he is, I'm interested in applying that to the Book of Mormon as well. There are many issues surrounding the Book of Mormon's historicity, to the point that it's very difficult for me to believe it's what Joseph thought it was. As odd as this may sound to a more traditional/Orthodox member, I'd be more likely to come back if the church allows for the opinion that the Book of Mormon isn't literally historical, but the plates provided an opportunity for Joseph to receive an amazing set of revelation independent of the source text, just like the Book of Abraham. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks again for the video :)

Love it! Beautifully done and said!! On another note (funny I hope) was brother Halverson wearing a blue shirt? 🫶

I loved the discussion of the words that didn't exist at the time the Book of Mormon was written showing up in the translation. I love Pastor Jeff approach as well. I hope we can all follow that kind of example with interfaith dialog. As you were discussing this translation question, the thought popped into my head that we have tons of Bible translations. Why? Because vocabulary changes over time and people want to read and hear the Bible in language that makes sense to them. Why do many Christians not use the King James version of the Bible? Because it isn't translated in language that makes sense to them. I'm sure the NIV or any of the other newer Bible translations contain words that didn't exist at the time the actual words were written. That does make the NIV or other translations not true. In fact, it very well could be that translation and the newer words used that allow the reader to feel God's love and grace and accept Him as their Savior. So all that being said, it makes perfect sense to me that the Book of Mormon would contain words and phrases that didn't exist at the time of Nephi, Jacob, and others because God, in the revelatory process to Joseph, wanted the readers to have it make sense and connect with them and us for that matter. Thank you, Jared, for the insights shared on this.

While listening to this, I had a huge ahah about the issue with darkness of (skin). I don't think it was about color of skin but about the countenance! As Jared discussed translation it dawned on me that this may have just been an issue of finding the most understood word in the moment... But that it comes back to an observable difference when someone is living in light vs dark. We can see it in the eyes, the face, the light that shines though one who is living in accordance with truth, goodness, righteousness, and especially Christ! Remember that one of the admonitions were to understand that if there were mistakes, it is the mistakes of men... Not God. The writings come from men trying to interpret language and feelings of expression.

How does he talk for 6 hours without going to the bathroom? That’s a question I’ve had for a while. Love your show Ashly, and Jared.

"Treat everyone like an investigator with the patience of a member missionary."

Mine too!

We have a family member that left the church a couple of years ago. He had an incident happen so bad that I can't blame him. He was so traumatized that it is going to take time for him to heal. I just had to tell him that I understood. To make matters worse diabetes struck him.

I love the "more than one interpretation" perspective relative to biblical scriptures...The distinction between "curse" and "mark" is very helpful and wonderful insight - complicates how to think about Brigham Young's priesthood ban - did he not read carefully enough? So inspired by the "response to faith crisis" - sometimes, we need to apply the "go find the lost sheep" and other times we need to apply the "prodigal son" - we need love to be our motivation to ensure the correct principle is applied....LGBTQ comments - inspiring.... GREAT podcast!

@HelloSaints you got a great shoutout in this video!

41:35. responding to someone in a faith crisis. 42:20 "Are you sure it's not US that are breaking up our eternal family in the way we respond to them when they are struggling?"

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Ashley, I had to chuckle when you made one of your comments, as I had said something similar to my parents, something about the church being the most populous in the world. After all, most of my friends and neighbors were members (SLC mid 1950s). And I had to be enlightened. Total church membership at the time was less than 2 million.

59:28 this man is amazing, my brother killed himself, because he couldn’t cure himself of same-sex attraction. He never acted on it he never told anybody he just tried to cure it through purity and prayer. But his whole life he was attracted to the same gender. And he believed what the prophets said in the 1970s, that it would be better to be dead than gay.

How sad that because of their trials, they have to look for another community to belong to that is not the church of Jesus Christ. all because of prejudices, without showing the love that God and Christ have for each of their children.