Rameumptom Ruminations
113 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago - ★★★★★ - 139 ratingsA Thoughtful Deconstruction of Mormonism
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Episodes
Rameumptom Ruminations: 057: A Peek Behind the Curtain at Church HQ Part 1 with Brian Harris
June 27, 2022 13:11 - 1 hour - 112 MBHave you ever wondered what goes into implementing a new program at the church? My guest Brian Harris worked in the correlation department at church headquarters. Today we discuss a variety of subjects regarding the research he did for the church during his time there and how these survey results were used by the church.… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 057: A Peek Behind the Curtain at Church HQ Part 1 with Brian Harris
Rameumptom Ruminations: 056: Navigating a Faith Crisis While Working at Church Headquarters
June 20, 2022 13:23 - 1 hour - 102 MBA faith crisis is a delicate matter for anyone to navigate. My guest today has a unique experience with his journey out of the church. Brian Harris was employed at the church headquarters in the correlation department as he deconstructed his faith. His unique perspective on how the church operates will be a fresh look… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 056: Navigating a Faith Crisis While Working at Church Headquarters
Rameumptom Ruminations: 055: Under the Banner of Heaven Review with RFM
June 13, 2022 14:41 - 2 hours - 185 MBA love letter to the ex-Mormon community, Under the Banner of Heaven is an emotional ride from start to finish portrayed through the lens of a man struggling through a faith crisis. Radio Free Mormon joins the podcast once again to discuss the show. Spoiler alert. In the episode, we discuss the show at length… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 055: Under the Banner of Heaven Review with RFM
Rameumptom Ruminations: 054: Cursed Be the Man that Trusteth in Man
June 06, 2022 15:49 - 27 minutes - 37.8 MB“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” Jeremiah 17:5 The idea of only trusting in God presents a problem when deciding what is true. What source does not come from man? Even the sources that claim to come… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 054: Cursed Be the Man that Trusteth in Man
Rameumptom Ruminations: 053: All Time Low
May 30, 2022 14:31 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBRameumptom Ruminations did not cover the general conference this spring. Instead of dissecting each talk, Scott chose one talk that stuck out the most for him. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave an address at the April 2022 general conference that covered the subject of depression. While there is some good in the talk, it presents… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 053: All Time Low
Rameumptom Ruminations: 052: One Last Thing on the Plan of Salvation
May 23, 2022 15:16 - 27 minutes - 37.8 MBEarlier in the month, the podcast explored the idea of judgment and the fairness of the plan of salvation. Many of the listeners reached out with their thoughts and conclusions. In this episode, Scott covers the ideas presented by you and discusses a few final thoughts on the plan of salvation (for now). The bulk… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 052: One Last Thing on the Plan of Salvation
Rameumptom Ruminations: 051: Exmo Book Club – No Man Knows My History Part 2
May 16, 2022 15:07 - 52 minutes - 72.5 MBRead along with Scott in the Second episode of Exmo Book Club. The first book he’s tackling is No Man Knows My History. Julia from Analysing Mormonism joins Scott today to discuss chapters eight through fourteen. It is a fascinating deep dive into the complex life of the man that founded Mormonism. Please consider becoming… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 051: Exmo Book Club – No Man Knows My History Part 2
Rameumptom Ruminations: 050: An Interview with 21st Century Saints
May 09, 2022 15:16 - 2 hours - 192 MBLast week the lovely ladies from 21st Century Saints interviewed Scott on Star Wars day. Peter Bleakly of Mormon Civil War also participated in the discussion. The interview covered a bit of Scott’s story leading up to running the podcast Rameumptom Ruminations. From there the conversation shifted to Star Wars. Be sure to check out… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 050: An Interview with 21st Century Saints
Rameumptom Ruminations: 049: The Plan of Salvation is Not a Standardized Test
May 02, 2022 14:54 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MBLast week, we discussed the story of Laban and the concept that God judges people based on different codes of morals. The problems with eternal judgment are much worse than that. Continuing with the discussion on the Plan of Salvation, Scott examines the plan of salvation as if it were a test in school and… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 049: The Plan of Salvation is Not a Standardized Test
Rameumptom Ruminations: 048: Is the Plan of Salvation Fair?
April 25, 2022 15:04 - 28 minutes - 38.6 MBThe plan of salvation is the roadmap for eternal life according to LDS theology. Agency is at the center of this plan, but in practice, there are many contradictions to this essential function of the plan. How often in the scriptures does God command the righteous to kill the unrighteous? How many times does God… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 048: Is the Plan of Salvation Fair?
Rameumptom Ruminations: 047: One of These Things is Exactly the Same as the Other
April 18, 2022 14:29 - 28 minutes - 39.4 MBWhether in the church or out of the church, when someone disagrees with us they speak in familiar terms: “This is the only true church,” or “How can you still believe in God when there’s so much evidence against it?” In this episode, Scott responds to a comment he received on an episode from March… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 047: One of These Things is Exactly the Same as the Other
Rameumptom Ruminations: 046: Does Free Will Exist?
April 11, 2022 15:21 - 1 hour - 89.3 MBIs there space for agency to exist in our causal and determined world? After listening to a recent Mormonism live episode where Bill and RFM discussed Agency with their guest Carah, Scott invited Bill onto the show to discuss the subject in further detail. This episode is a primer on the debate over the existence… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 046: Does Free Will Exist?
Rameumptom Ruminations: 045: Exmo Book Club – No Man Knows My History Part 1
April 04, 2022 14:51 - 1 hour - 94.8 MBRead along with Scott in the first episode of Exmo Book Club. The first book he’s tackling is No Man Knows My History. Julia from Analysing Mormonism joins Scott today to discuss the first seven chapters of the book. It is a fascinating deep dive into the complex life of the man that founded Mormonism.… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 045: Exmo Book Club – No Man Knows My History Part 1
Rameumptom Ruminations: 044: An Agreeable Disagreement
March 28, 2022 14:27 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MBThere have been some amazing interactions behind the scenes. In today’s episode, Scott shares some of the recent comments he’s received on his episodes. Most of today’s show will cover an interaction with a believing member and their dialogue about episode 41 The Ninety and Nine. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 044: An Agreeable Disagreement
Rameumptm Ruminations: 043: The Feminine Divine with Michelle Larson
March 21, 2022 15:11 - 47 minutes - 65.2 MBMichelle Larson joins the podcast again to finish their discussion on the feminine divine. Building off the subject of masculinity and feminity that they covered last week, Michelle explores a few of the feminine divine myths from around the world and how they have helped her connect with herself. Books Mentioned in Part 1 and […]
Rameumptom Ruminations: 043: The Feminine Divine with Michelle Larson
March 21, 2022 15:11 - 47 minutes - 65.2 MBMichelle Larson joins the podcast again to finish their discussion on the feminine divine. Building off the subject of masculinity and feminity that they covered last week, Michelle explores a few of the feminine divine myths from around the world and how they have helped her connect with herself. Books Mentioned in Part 1 and… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 043: The Feminine Divine with Michelle Larson
Rameumptom Ruminations: 042: Divinity and Gender with Michelle Larson
March 14, 2022 15:30 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBThe feminine divine is absent in mainstream Christianity and silenced within Mormonism. In this episode, Scott discusses the ideas of gender and divinity with Michelle Larson. The discussion focuses on the polarities of the masculine and feminine present in everyone regardless of gender. This whole discussion sets the stage for next week’s chat on the… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 042: Divinity and Gender with Michelle Larson
Rameumptom Ruminations: 041: The Ninety and Nine
March 07, 2022 16:01 - 24 minutes - 33.7 MBIn the New Testament Jesus talks about the responsibility for the flock of sheep. In this episode, Scott contrasts a few famous passages against the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by asking a series of questions to get at the heart of the problem. Would the church hypothetically look any… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 041: The Ninety and Nine
Rameumotom Ruminations: 040: A Lawyer’s Duty to Truth with Radio Free Mormon
February 28, 2022 16:44 - 1 hour - 124 MBThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a track record of promoting lawyers among the ranks of the general authorities. In this very special episode, Scott brings in our resident ex-Mormon lawyer Radio Free Mormon into the Rameumptom Studio to chat about the overlap between his professional life and Mormonism. Please consider donating […]
Rameumptom Ruminations: 040: A Lawyer’s Duty to Truth with Radio Free Mormon
February 28, 2022 16:44 - 1 hour - 124 MBThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a track record of promoting lawyers among the ranks of the general authorities. In this very special episode, Scott brings in our resident ex-Mormon lawyer Radio Free Mormon into the Rameumptom Studio to chat about the overlap between his professional life and Mormonism. Please consider donating… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 040: A Lawyer’s Duty to Truth with Radio Free Mormon
Rameumptom Ruminations: 039: Church Assigned Friendship
February 21, 2022 15:44 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MBA faith transition tests the many relationships we have in our lives. Unfortunately, several of them prove to be less than true friends. After discussing love last week, Scott covers Aristotle’s three types of friendship to better understand why many of our relationships suffer after a faith transition. Please consider donating to the podcast.
Rameumptom Ruminations: 038: What is Love?
February 14, 2022 16:02 - 24 minutes - 33.7 MBIs Godly love perfect and pure? Can pure love require obedience? Scott dives into a comment from a listener on the subject. In the comment, a listener compares her love for a student, as their teacher, with Godly love. Listen in to find out which version of love is more perfect, a teacher or a… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 038: What is Love?
Rameumptom Ruminations: 037: Dust Off Your Feet
February 07, 2022 15:38 - 27 minutes - 38.1 MBRitual curses have been a part of many major cultures across time. In this episode, Scott addresses an internet troll that has condemned him occasionally, and transitions from there to a discussion on the ritual curse of dusting off the feet and some of the contradictions to a loving God that this concept creates.
Rameumptom Ruminations: 036: Exclamation and Question Marks
January 31, 2022 17:36 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MBThis last week, President and Sister Nelson visited the UK and gave a fireside for the saints in that part of the world. In their presentation, doubt and questions were front and center of the discussion. This week Scott covers a few of their remarks. In a grand moment of irony, Sister Nelson brings up… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 036: Exclamation and Question Marks
Rameumptom Ruminations: 035: Doubt Your Doubts About Your Doubts
January 24, 2022 17:31 - 25 minutes - 35.2 MBAfter examining faith for two weeks, Scott moves the discussion to doubt. In this episode, we’ll look at the source for the infamous “Doubt your doubts” phrase. Those three words are a shortened version of what President Uchtdorf said in his talk. Sources “Come, Join with Us” October 2013 by the then President Uchtdorf
Rameumptom Ruminations: 034: Secular Faith
January 17, 2022 16:05 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBReligious faith and secular faith lean on different sources as the arbiters of truth. Continuing on the conversation of faith, Scott explores the concept as it relates to a more secularly minded person. What elements of faith do we use in our daily lives that are not associated with religion?
Rameumptom Ruminations: 033: Faith and Knowledge
January 10, 2022 15:38 - 26 minutes - 36.8 MBScott uses the phrase “choose to believe” occasionally. A nuanced believing listener asked a clarifying question about the verbiage, sparking a discussion on Faith and Knowledge. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the concepts of faith and knowledge are conflated into a single definition. In this episode, Scott untangles the two definitions… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 033: Faith and Knowledge
Rameumptom Ruminations: 032: The Dichotomy of Control and the Power of Could
December 20, 2021 16:10 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBContinuing from the discussion in the previous episode, Scott discusses the dichotomy of control as it relates to our relationships with family and friends after leaving the LDS faith tradition.
Rameumptom Ruminations: 031: The Metaphor of the Archer
December 13, 2021 16:35 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MBA listener asked a fantastic question that I thought would benefit the audience as we enter the holiday season. How do we communicate and deal with loved ones after a faith transition? To answer this question, Scott borrows from stoic philosophy borrowing the metaphor of the archer from Cicero, a Roman philosopher. The dichotomy of… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 031: The Metaphor of the Archer
Rameumptom Ruminations: 030: Falsifiability and the Shelf
December 06, 2021 15:56 - 29 minutes - 40.4 MBContinuing with the discussion of the Demarcation Problem as presented by Karl Popper, Scott examines the concept of the shelf. Everything on the shelf falls into one of two categories: Falsifiable and Non-Falsifiable. Sources Popper, K. R. (1959). The logic of scientific discovery. University Press.
Rameumptom Ruminations: 029: The Demarcation Problem of Truth Claims
November 29, 2021 15:51 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBKarl Popper introduced the idea of falsifiability to better understand what constitutes science and what is pseudoscience. In this episode, Scott examines Latter-Day Saint or Mormon truth claims through the lens of falsifiability. How many of the articles of faith can be falsified? What about the items you put on your shelf? Sources Popper, K.… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 029: The Demarcation Problem of Truth Claims
Rameumptom Ruminations: 028: Even if the Criticism is True
November 22, 2021 18:01 - 35 minutes - 49.4 MBWhile listening to a recent Mormonism Live episode from September 2021 called episode 39 When mission presidents behave badly, implications of Elder Oaks famous quote became glaringly uncomfortable in Scott’s mind. In this episode, Scott makes the connection between Elder Oaks explanation of the logic behind his teaching and the actual practice within the church… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 028: Even if the Criticism is True
Rameumptom Ruminations: 027: A Few Responses
November 15, 2021 15:54 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBIt’s been a long few weeks of covering the recent General Conference. Last week Scott covered the last session and finished his assessment with a few final thoughts. This week, Scott responds to a few comments and messages that he’s received from listeners. The episode covers a variety of subjects from my motivation for covering… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 027: A Few Responses
Rameumptom Ruminations: 026: October 2021 General Conference Review: Sunday Afternoon Session
November 08, 2021 15:30 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBGeneral Conference has come and gone for October 2021. For the next few weeks, each of my episodes will be a breakdown of each session. In this episode, Scott covers the Sunday Afternoon session. Next week, the podcast will return to the normal content.
Rameumptom Ruminations: 025: October 2021 General Conference Review: Sunday Morning Session
November 01, 2021 14:48 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBGeneral Conference has come and gone for October 2021. For the next few weeks, each of my episodes will be a breakdown of each session. In this episode, Scott covers the Sunday morning session.
Rameumptom Ruminations: 024: October 2021 General Conference Review: Saturday Evening Session
October 26, 2021 15:16 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MBGeneral Conference has come and gone for October 2021. For the next few weeks, each of my episodes will be a breakdown of each session. In this episode, Scott covers the Saturday evening session.
Rameumptom Ruminations: 023: October 2021 General Conference Review: Saturday Afternoon Session
October 18, 2021 14:24 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MBGeneral conference for October 2021 has come and gone. For the next few weeks, each of my episodes will be a breakdown of each session. In this episode, Scott covers the Saturday afternoon session, and in his opinion, this was the best of all five sessions.
Rameumptom Ruminations: 022: October 2021 General Conference Review: Saturday Morning Session
October 11, 2021 15:58 - 44 minutes - 61.3 MBGeneral conference for October 2021 has come and gone. For the next few weeks, each of my episodes will be a breakdown of each session. As the title states, this episode will focus on the Saturday morning session.
Rameumptom Ruminations: 021: A Trolley Problem for the LDS Church
October 04, 2021 14:51 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MBThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints faces incredible dilemmas when science disproves an aspect of the belief system, or when society shifts towards a more equitable world. In this episode, Scott covers the trolley thought experiment. It is a simple problem without a clear good or bad solution. This thought experiment is helpful… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 021: A Trolley Problem for the LDS Church
Rameumptom Ruminations: 020: A Moral Criticism of the LDS Church
September 27, 2021 16:03 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MBRight and Wrong are at the forefront of the everyday practice of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Entrance into heaven is at stake. In this episode, Scott covers the morality of discriminatory policies and doctrines. Leaning on Immanuel Kant from A Critique of Practical Reason, he discusses the implications of… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 020: A Moral Criticism of the LDS Church
Rameumptom Ruminations: 019: From BYU Faculty to Apostate with Kajsa Berlin-Kaufusi Part 2
September 20, 2021 15:57 - 1 hour - 138 MBIn this special follow-up episode, Kajsa Berlin-Kaufusi joins the podcast again to talk about her time working at BYU. As faculty at BYU, she worked in the ancient scripture department teaching religion courses. Kajsa covers why she and the school parted ways and after that, we discuss spirituality after Mormonism. We cover several topics in… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 019: From BYU Faculty to Apostate with Kajsa Berlin-Kaufusi Part 2
Rameumptom Ruminations: 018: From BYU Faculty to Apostate with Kajsa Berlin-Kaufusi Part 1
September 13, 2021 15:04 - 1 hour - 96.7 MBIn this special episode, Kajsa Berlin-Kaufusi joins the podcast to talk about her time working at BYU. As faculty at BYU, she worked in the ancient scripture department teaching religion courses. We discuss the documentary hypothesis and how others in her department dealt with the uncomfortable concepts of scriptural historicity. Our conversation ran long. I’m… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 018: From BYU Faculty to Apostate with Kajsa Berlin-Kaufusi Part 1
Rameumptom Ruminations: 017: Did Paul Condemn Homosexuality?
September 06, 2021 17:37 - 35 minutes - 48.7 MBBefore condemning an entire demographic of the population to eternal punishment and damnation, perhaps we should explore what the Bible has to say on the subject. With only six references to homosexuality in the entire cannon, Scott explores the historical context of homosexuality in the ancient world and what these scriptures were actually talking about.… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 017: Did Paul Condemn Homosexuality?
Rameumptom Ruminations: 016: Is it the Same Yesterday Today and Forever?
August 31, 2021 03:10 - 33 minutes - 46.2 MBInherent to the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is an understanding that all the beliefs and practices of the church existed in antiquity. This conclusion does not stand up to scrutiny. In this episode, Scott examines the constantly changing doctrines not only of Mormonism, but of Christianity and Judaism too.… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 016: Is it the Same Yesterday Today and Forever?
Rameumptom Ruminations: 015: The Difference Between Myth and Religion
August 26, 2021 14:47 - 38 minutes - 53 MBWhat is the difference between religion and mythology? Do we take it out of context when we understand it simply as a set of dogmatic beliefs? Religion is much more than just belief and it encompasses the entire culture and society of believers. In this episode, Scott discusses his view on religion and mythology. Joseph… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 015: The Difference Between Myth and Religion
Ramuemptom Ruminations: 014: Elder Rasband Explains the Vaccine Recommendation
August 19, 2021 15:09 - 1 hour - 104 MBElder Rasband visited my area over the weekend and gave a devotional. While I did not personally attend, a copy of the audio found its way to my desk. After listening to it I knew that a few of the key topics of discussion needed to be preserved as a part of the discourse on… Read More »Ramuemptom Ruminations: 014: Elder Rasband Explains the Vaccine Recommendation
Rameumptom Ruminations: 013: Looking Through a Glass Darkly
August 13, 2021 03:03 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MBProphets see through a glass darkly. According to modern LDS apologists, members of the church need to excuse the leaders of the church for making mistakes. The reasoning for this belief comes from 1 Corinthians 13:12 where paul admits he does not see everything clearly. Does this scripture say what apologists think? After examining the… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 013: Looking Through a Glass Darkly
Rameumptom Ruminations: 012: Did Moses Write That?
August 05, 2021 23:45 - 41 minutes - 57.3 MBDid Moses write that? When was the Bible written? How much time passed between its writing and the events of the Bible? In this episode, Scott discusses two interpretations of the dating for the Pentateuch. The Documentary Hypothesis and the Supplementary Hypothesis. This discussion is a primer on the subject of biblical scholarship. There are… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 012: Did Moses Write That?
Rameumptom Ruminations: 011: Ruminations on Morality with Gary Stone
July 30, 2021 23:50 - 59 minutes - 81.4 MBGary Stone, the host of Topic Discuss, invited Scott onto his show for a chat about Morality. During their conversation, Scott and Gary discuss various methods for determining moral codes including supernaturalism, deontology, consequentialism and virtue ethics. This is a bonus episode for the last week of July in 2021. Links to Podcasts Mentioned You… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 011: Ruminations on Morality with Gary Stone
Rameumptom Ruminations: 010: The Ancient Origin of Mother in Heaven
July 29, 2021 19:30 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MBIn many cultures outside of the Abrahamic traditions, there are masculine and feminine representations of deity. Joseph Smith taught on a few occasions, that we have a mother in heaven. Why can’t modern prophets talk about her? If the modern church has nothing to say about her, can we find anything about her in the… Read More »Rameumptom Ruminations: 010: The Ancient Origin of Mother in Heaven