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Kai Van Leuven, a lifelong Mormon with deep family roots in the church, recounts his journey of faith crisis and departure. Triggered by troubling historical accounts and inconsistencies in church...
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Kai Van Leuven, a lifelong Mormon with deep family roots in the church, recounts his journey of faith crisis and departure. Triggered by troubling historical accounts and inconsistencies in church teachings, Kai’s confidence in Mormonism eroded, leading him to abruptly leave the church and request to be removed from all church roles and contact lists. Despite his pain and sense of betrayal, he now seeks to explore and share his path to faith and hope beyond Mormonism.
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12 NOV 2024 · In this episode, Kai Van Leuven interviews Pastor David Diaz to discuss what worship is in the Christian church. David explains that worship is not just music but a lifestyle of honoring God through actions, generosity, and praise. He touches on tithing as a heart matter and highlights various forms of worship expression, like raising hands or waving flags. Ultimately, worship is about honoring God in all aspects of life. The hosts highlights that worship is a way to connect with God, and it can take many forms, from singing to quiet reflection. It emphasizes that worship isn’t about performance but about the heart’s posture. People are encouraged to experiment with different ways of worship, as it can lead to healing and a deeper relationship with God. Ultimately, worship is about encountering God's presence, which brings transformation.
Check out our playlist of worship songs: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5vb0yihgxqHSDqy11EjX3M?si=1uIosbLMTuCvM_fnjTGHrg&pi=u-clpaYuIMTuaP
Contact us:
Email: jesusformormons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hS692rDMcJi8/
Website: https://jesusformormons.com/
5 NOV 2024 · In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the significance of Mormon garments—sacred underwear worn by church members—covering recent changes like sleeveless styles and the belief in their protective symbolism. They also address the controversy surrounding Joseph Smith not wearing his garments at his death, which raises questions about their importance. The conversation critiques the rigid modesty standards, particularly the pressures faced by women, emphasizing the guilt and shame associated with these expectations. The hosts argue that linking worthiness to clothing is harmful and advocate for a more compassionate approach to spirituality.
Show Notes:
Joseph F. Smith describes garments as unchanged. | B. H. Roberts: https://bhroberts.org/records/09wgH3-kO8Oec/joseph_f_smith_describes_garments_as_unchanged Sleeveless LDS temple garments are coming to the U.S. Here’s when: https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2024/10/17/heres-when-sleeveless-lds-temple/
LDS Garments and Agency | The Religious Studies Project: https://www.religiousstudiesproject.com/podcast/lds-garments-and-agency/
Joseph F. Smith - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_F._Smith
Church Updates Temple Recommend Interview Questions: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/october-2019-general-conference-temple-recommend Mormon Church Introduces SLEEVELESS Garments: https://youtu.be/mQ9RMIo7eC4?si=d-dIwNXy_GaKDsl9
Juvenile Instructor » From the Archives: Brigham Young on Joseph Smith’s Last Mistake: https://juvenileinstructor.org/from-the-archives-brigham-young-on-josephs-smith-last-mistake/
Temple Garments: https://mormonr.org/qnas/0DdNd/temple_garments
Contact us:
Email: jesusformormons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hS692rDMcJi8/
Website: https://jesusformormons.com/
29 OCT 2024 · In this episode, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the "fight or flight" response, focusing on Kai's journey after leaving the Mormon Church. He reflects on his past as a fighter and his struggle with avoidance, highlighting his attempts to escape through travel and major life changes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of confronting challenges for healing, the clarity gained from living minimally, and the value of processing emotions and seeking support from therapists. Kai also shares his experience adjusting to life in Hawaii while finding purpose in his move. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to seek help and build resilience on their healing journeys.
Show Notes:
Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-to-your-body-during-the-fight-or-flight-response
Huberman on Grief: https://youtu.be/dzOvi0Aa2EA?si=BD-k-850mo1bqpcb
How do disappear: https://medium.com/@hijab7437/the-art-of-disappearing-how-to-disappear-without-a-trace-f5a3e26396a3
Chad Zapitul Story: https://www.win-magazine.com/2012/03/13/unfulfilled-ncaa-promises-still-sting-20-years-later-for-zaputil/
Contact us:
Email: jesusformormons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hS692rDMcJi8/
Website: https://jesusformormons.com/
22 OCT 2024 · In this episode, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss emotions and spirituality for those leaving Mormonism. They highlight the church's focus on feelings as truth and the risks of emotional manipulation. Using testimonies, including one from a young woman in a polygamist group, they advocate for balancing emotional awareness with critical thinking. They introduce "elevation emotion," the positive feelings from witnessing kindness, which can enhance connection and purpose. They emphasize that actions speak louder than words, encourage seeking joy beyond material possessions, and reference Jesus' teachings on living in the present. They also suggest a decision-making framework involving biblical insights and trusted counsel, inviting listeners to explore their faith journeys thoughtfully.
Show Notes:
Ask Reality, My LDS Journey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycUvC9s4VYA
Elevation, What it is and Why do we need it? https://www.thepositivepsychologypeople.com/elevation-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/#:~:text=Haidt%20(2000)%20characterised%20elevation%20as,motivation%20to%20behave%20more%20altruistically.
CES Letter: https://cesletter.org/CES-Letter.pdf
Elevation study by Thomson, A. L., & Siegel, J. T. (2017). : https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-31938-013
Contact us:
Email: jesusformormons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hS692rDMcJi8/
Website: https://jesusformormons.com/
15 OCT 2024 · In this episode of "Jesus for Mormons," hosts Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that genuine faith in Jesus leads to good deeds. Kai reflects on his past in the Mormon Church, encouraged by a friend to view his experiences as valuable rather than wasted. He shares a boating mishap as a lesson in learning from mistakes and highlights the lasting impact of a heartfelt letter from a family he influenced during his missionary work. The episode encourages listeners to embrace their past positively and focus on personal growth and relationships.
Show Notes:
Sunk Cost Reality: https://youtu.be/O_PZkpUDJdw?si=IqRpBQgxFTTkaFQJ
Contact us:
Email: jesusformormons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hS692rDMcJi8/
Website: https://jesusformormons.com/
1 OCT 2024 · In this episode of "Jesus for Mormons," Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the financial structure of Mormon wards, estimating they generate around $600,000 in tithing annually with minimal expenses. Kai compares this to Circus Circus in Las Vegas, highlighting themes of financial accountability. They also emphasize the importance of transparency in church finances and community-building activities, concluding with a focus on trust and respect in church leadership, inviting listener engagement.
Mormon Whistleblower - https://youtu.be/k3_Fhq7sEHo?si=FnmaKxx0iQcT_iXX Widows Mite - https://thewidowsmite.org/
Mormon Stories Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/live/YemKD2GtVwA?si=Edh88XpJwQkIrPGV Mormon Stories Podcast- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAOqZHyxbtg&list=PLxq5opj6GqOBpeZFSE0_Cdw3oz2gJDprC Ward Radio- https://www.youtube.com/live/Z7ZNGZosC38?si=BkpRsVMgJ4McXvyr
Contact us:
Email: jesusformormons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hS692rDMcJi8/
Website: https://jesusformormons.com/
24 SEP 2024 · In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss the Mormon Church’s significant financial assets, valued at $265 billion, and question whether the church is fulfilling its non-profit mission or simply accumulating wealth. They highlight declining membership and outdated traditions as signs of disconnect and draw parallels to the "Parable of the Talents," criticizing the church for hoarding resources. The conversation emphasizes the importance of transparency, honesty, and using resources for the benefit of the community.
Show Notes:
46% of millennials are active: https://religionnews.com/2019/03/27/how-many-millennials-are-really-leaving-the-lds-church/ 2016
History of sacrament meeting: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/sacrament-meetings?lang=eng
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Membership_history_of_the_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#cite_note-9 - population of the church
https://widowsmitereport.wordpress.com/2023update/ - Widows Mite Report
Contact us:
Email: jesusformormons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hS692rDMcJi8/
Website: https://jesusformormons.com/
17 SEP 2024 · In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss Kai's initial hostility towards Brandon, Di's husband and a pastor, due to his past bias against religious leaders from outside his former Mormon faith. Despite his skepticism, Kai was taken aback by Brandon's genuine and down-to-earth approach, which contrasted with his preconceived notions. This encounter led Kai to reconsider his negative views and engage more openly with the church community. The narrator reflects on their surprising encounter with Brandon, a former Mormon bishop, who was much more humble and authentic than expected. This experience challenged their preconceived notions about church leaders and made them reconsider their own biases. They emphasize the importance of grace, patience, and personal growth while acknowledging the ongoing struggle to overcome past frustrations and show kindness to others.
Contact us:
Email: jesusformormons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hS692rDMcJi8/
Website: https://jesusformormons.com/
12 SEP 2024 · In this episode of Jesus for Mormons, Kai Van Leuven and Pastor Di discuss how detailed confessions in the Mormon Church can cause unnecessary shame and guilt. They contrast this with the simple, direct forgiveness from Jesus. They argue that these practices can lead to guilt and psychological harm, making forgiveness seem conditional. They also address the harm from strict teachings on sexual sin and early marriages. They stress the importance of grace and respectful conversations about intimacy, advocating for removing shame and focusing on God's grace rather than institutional processes.
Show Notes:
Protest Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc4.com%2Fnews%2Flocal-news%2Fabc4-meets-with-cast-members-for-the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7Cc05747a9104447544e7808dccdbfe84a%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638611471316722409%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0f%2FWnc1iUQdgSxsCJge1AwlNXPvGAlRyqG1SJny19i8%3D&reserved=0
Secret lives of Mormon Wives https://www.hulu.com/series/58cd73be-408d-4eed-8e3d-82339f3f93e2?cmp=11932&utm_source=google&utm_medium=SEM&utm_campaign=CM_SEM_Various+Niche+Originals&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw_4S3BhAAEiwA_64YhhluehF22t34MKoLbYjrnvwRm-ZBOiNQNvGa3Y0GHxUfrUDFaOSrohoCcIYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Under the Banner of Heaven: https://www.hulu.com/series/under-the-banner-of-heaven-9c4ae394-e9c4-4a6d-985e-314270602c6b
Mormon No More: https://www.hulu.com/series/mormon-no-more-61c6289d-1038-45a4-a982-6fad782a00f1
Bishops guide for handling sexual sin {Handbook 2} https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/08702_eng.pdf?lang=eng
Contact us:
Email: jesusformormons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hS692rDMcJi8/
Website: https://jesusformormons.com/
12 SEP 2024 · In this episode of Jesus for Mormons episode, Kai Van Leuven explores a removed segment from the Mormon temple ceremony that emphasized a divisive "us vs. them" mentality, likely leading to its 1990 removal as the church aimed for a more inclusive image. Kai uses a personal landlord experience to illustrate how past trauma can shape one's mindset, arguing that ex-Mormons may still retain beliefs that affect their view of other religions. He notes that many ex-Mormons turn to atheism or other belief systems due to lasting emotional scars and encourages them to confront and address these issues for a more open and self-aware spiritual journey.
Contact us:
Email: jesusformormons@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/kxt1hS692rDMcJi8/
Website: https://jesusformormons.com/
Kai Van Leuven, a lifelong Mormon with deep family roots in the church, recounts his journey of faith crisis and departure. Triggered by troubling historical accounts and inconsistencies in church...
show more
Kai Van Leuven, a lifelong Mormon with deep family roots in the church, recounts his journey of faith crisis and departure. Triggered by troubling historical accounts and inconsistencies in church teachings, Kai’s confidence in Mormonism eroded, leading him to abruptly leave the church and request to be removed from all church roles and contact lists. Despite his pain and sense of betrayal, he now seeks to explore and share his path to faith and hope beyond Mormonism.
show less
Information
| Author | Venture Church |
| Organization | Venture Church |
| Categories | Christianity |
| Website | - |
| jesusformormonspodcast@gmail.com |
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