Gospel Tangents Podcast

Rick B
  • 4.5 (130)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

A 360-degree view of Mormonism. We interview the best Mormon scholars, scientists, and clergy from all restoration branches, including LDS, Community of Christ, Strangites, Bickertonites, Temple Lot, Remnant, etc.

  1. 2d ago

    1879 Court Case That Forced the LDS Church to End Polygamy (Nathan Oman 3 of 5)

    What case helped end polygamy in the LDS Church? What do a 19th-century Mormon polygamist, reality TV star Kody Brown, and the Native American religious use of peyote all have in common? https://youtu.be/r32GTYt0N5g Don’t miss our other conversations Nathan: https://gospeltangents.com/people/nathan-oman Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved How Did LDS Church end polygamy? In this fascinating episode of Gospel Tangents, host Rick Bennett sits down with Nathan Oman, law professor and author of Law and the Restoration, to unpack one of the most consequential Supreme Court cases in American history: the 1879 Reynolds v. United States decision. Oman is the author of 2 volumes of Law and the Restoration Volume 1 and Volume 2, from Greg Kofford Books. We explore how this landmark ruling was the “big bang” that launched the federal government’s legal crusade against the Latter-day Saints, systematically crushing their legal options and ultimately forcing the 1890 Manifesto that ended plural marriage. But the impact of Reynolds didn’t stop in Utah! Discover the shocking history of how the Reynolds decision was later used during the Spanish-American War to legally justify American imperialism, denying full constitutional rights to “conquered” peoples in the Philippines and Puerto Rico by comparing them to “barbaric” polygamist Mormons. We also jump forward in time to discuss Sister Wives star Kody Brown’s famous lawsuit. Find out why his lower-court victory decriminalizing polygamy was thrown out by the 10th Circuit Court, and why modern prosecutors deliberately avoid bringing pure polygamy charges today just to keep the Supreme Court from having to officially answer if polygamy is actually unconstitutional. Finally, we dive into the unexpected crossover between Mormon polygamy and the Native American Church’s sacramental use of peyote. In this video, we cover: The 1879 Reynolds v. United States test case and its impact on the First Amendment. How the federal legal crusade forced the LDS Church to issue the 1890 Manifesto. How Mormon polygamy was used to justify denying constitutional rights in Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Why Kody Brown’s legal victory to decriminalize polygamy was vacated. Why the modern Supreme Court secretly avoids ruling on the constitutionality of polygamy. The surprising link between the Reynolds decision and the 1990 peyote Supreme Court case written by Justice Antonin Scalia 📚 Guest: Nathan Oman, law professor at William & Mary and author of Law and the Restoration. 🔓 Want the full, uncut conversation? Sign up at patreon.com/gospeltangents to hear this entire interview without interruptions and to support the Gospel Tangents podcast network! Chapters 0:00 Federal Prosecution of Polygamy in Utah 14:46 Kody Brown Polygamy Case 21:09 Is Peyote Affected by Reynolds Polygamy Case? Don’t miss our other conversations Nathan: https://gospeltangents.com/people/nathan-oman Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

    26 min

  2. 4d ago

    Prophets, Polygamy, & Politics: Explosive Reasons Joseph Smith Killed (Nathan Oman 2 of 5)

    Why was Joseph Smith killed? Did early Mormons try to start their own independent country? And did you know 19th-century Mormon bishops literally served as civil judges? In this episode of Gospel Tangents, host Rick Bennett sits down with Nathan Oman, law professor and author of Law and the Restoration, to uncover some of the most explosive and fascinating legal history of the Latter-day Saints. We dive deep into the unique world of 19th-century Mormon church courts, where bishops bypassed the traditional secular systems to build a harmonious Zion. Discover how these bishops handled financial disputes, strictly enforcing contracts for those who could pay, while actually helping poor and vulnerable members pay off their debts based on a highly “moralized vision” of equality. We also look into Joseph Smith and Brigham Young’s efforts to repay creditors following the Kirtland banking failure. The episode also cracks open the secrets of the Council of 50. Learn about their aborted attempt to write an inspired constitution for the Kingdom of God—drafted by John Taylor, Parley P. Pratt, and Willard Richards—which was ultimately abandoned because it lacked the necessary legal detail to function. Oman explains the Council’s radical political maneuvers to move the Saints beyond U.S. borders into the Far West to carve out an independent nation, much like what had just happened in Texas. Finally, we explore the explosive “witch’s brew” of 1844 Illinois that ultimately led to Joseph Smith’s murder. Why was Joseph Smith killed? Why did the Nauvoo Expositor paint him as a “tyrant in waiting”? Learn how critics used centuries-old Protestant tropes, which naturally linked claiming to be a prophet with Anabaptist history, polygamy, and sexual licentiousness, to create a recognizable villain out of Joseph Smith. In this video, we cover: Mormon Bishops acting as literal civil judges in monetary disputes. How church courts forgave debts and handled secular bankruptcies. The aftermath of the Kirtland Safety Society failure. The Council of 50’s secret, unfinished Constitution. Mormon plans to build an independent country outside U.S. borders. The Nauvoo Expositor, polygamy, and the political fears that got Joseph Smith killed. 📚 Guest: Nathan Oman, law professor at William & Mary and author of Law and the Restoration. 🔓 Want the full, uncut conversation? Sign up at patreon.com/gospeltangents to hear this entire interview without interruptions and to support the Gospel Tangents podcast network! Oman is the author of 2 volumes of Law and the Restoration Volume 1 and Volume 2, from Greg Kofford Books. CHAPTERS 0:00 Bishops Legal Courts 5:11 Joseph Tried to Pay Kirtland Bank Debts 7:29 Council of 50 Constitution 10:58 Joseph’s Crown Leads to Expositor Death Don’t miss our other conversations Nathan: https://gospeltangents.com/people/nathan-oman Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

    21 min

  3. Jun 24

    Is Dallin Oaks a Legal Apologist? (Nathan Oman 1 of 5)

    Some call new LDS Prophet Dallin Oaks a prophet, seer, and litigator. We’ll see what Nathan Oman thinks of Dallin Oaks. Nathan is a legal historian at William and Mary University. He discusses how law has affected Latter-day Saints over the past 2 centuries. We’ll discuss Dallin Oaks perspectives on Joseph Smith’s martyrdom and polygamy up to modern polygamy cases, politics, and LGBT issues. Oman is the author of 2 volumes of Law and the Restoration Volume 1 and Volume 2, from Greg Kofford Books. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/FcHDLy8_PRI Don’t miss our other conversations Nathan: https://gospeltangents.com/people/nathan-oman Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved CHAPTERS 0:00 Meet Nathan Oman – Law Prof William & Mary 4:11 Destroying the Expositor Press Was Legal? 9:55 Is Oaks an Apologist? 13:46 Oaks & LGBT Legal Fights Was the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor actually a violation of the First Amendment? And who are the top three most influential lawyers in Latter-day Saint history? In this episode of Gospel Tangents, host Rick Bennett sits down with Nathan Oman, law professor at William & Mary and author of Law and the Restoration, to dive deep into the fascinating world of Mormon legal history. Dallin Oaks Shapes Legal History We tackle one of the most controversial moments in Church history: the suppression of the Nauvoo Expositor. Oman breaks down how a young Dallin H. Oaks famously defended the legality of Joseph Smith’s actions, revealing why our modern understanding of free speech and the First Amendment simply didn’t apply to state governments in 1844. The conversation also explores the evolution of Latter-day Saint legal scholarship. Oman explains his “three generations” of legal history, showing how scholars transitioned from simply using legal records to tell historical stories, to defensive apologetics, and finally to using the Mormon legal experience as a lens to understand broader American law. Finally, we look at President Dallin H. Oaks’s enduring legacy. Discover how his early work on the Carthage Conspiracy paved the way for modern scholarship, how his current role in the First Presidency drives the Church’s aggressive push for religious freedom globally, and find out why the forgotten Franklin S. Richards makes Oman’s list of the top three most influential lawyers in Mormon history. In this video, we cover: Why suppressing the Nauvoo Expositor wouldn’t have violated American law in the 1840s. The anachronism of applying the First Amendment to Joseph Smith’s actions. The “three generations” of Mormon legal history and apologetics. How Dallin H. Oaks uses legal history today as a tool to advocate for religious freedom. The top three most influential lawyers in Latter-day Saint history (including the unsung hero of the anti-polygamy battles!). 📚 Guest: Nathan Oman, law professor at William & Mary and author of Law and the Restoration. 🔓 Want the full, uncut conversation? Sign up at patreon.com/gospeltangents to hear this entire interview without interruptions and to support the Gospel Tangents podcast network!

    18 min

  4. Jun 22

    Priesthood Restriction, Revelation, & Restoration

    Priesthood Restoration, Priesthood Restriction, and Revelation June was the month of the priesthood restoration, priesthood restriction, and revelation in LDS Church history. It serves as a month of profound historical significance for Latter-day Saints, marking both the commemoration of the priesthood restoration and the anniversary of the 1978 revelation ending the priesthood and temple ban. Rick Bennett of Gospel Tangents explores the complex history of how priesthood authority was first established and how it evolved over nearly two centuries. https://youtu.be/Tkc1j6r23s0 Don’t miss our other conversations on LDS Faith Journeys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pQpKe9CEk&list=PLLhI8GMw9sJ7WQNTJCyCO3U5D2fn7d0JF Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Restoration Shrouded in Mystery While the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood has a clear date—May 15, 1829—the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood is far more mysterious. Historians have identified three primary hypotheses for when this authority was conferred by Peter, James, and John: June 1829: The traditional narrative, though it lacks contemporary evidence. July 1830: An account involving a nighttime escape from persecution between Colesville and Harmony. June 1831: Records from a special church conference suggest the high priesthood was manifested and conferred “for the first time” over a year after the Church was organized. This presentation relies heavily on Michael Quinn‘s research in his book Origins of Power. Forgotten Black Pioneers Contrary to popular belief, the early Church under Joseph Smith featured a “flat” authority structure where Black men were ordained to the priesthood. Pioneers like Elijah Abel, a faithful member of the Seventy, and Joseph Ball, who served as a branch president in 1844, prove that the “one-drop rule” did not exist in the Church’s earliest days. These men served missions and received temple ordinances decades before the restriction was codified. 1852 Pivot The priesthood ban was not a founding tenet but a mid-19th-century shift. In 1852, amid a legislative struggle in the Utah Territory regarding slavery, Brigham Young declared that “a man who has the African blood in him cannot hold one jot nor tit of priesthood.” This declaration marked the formal beginning of a century of restriction, often justified by theories—now officially disavowed—such as the “Curse of Cain” or the idea that Black members were “less valiant” in the premortal life. Brazil Temple: A Tipping Point The path to the 1978 revelation (Official Declaration 2) was heavily influenced by the Church’s global expansion. The construction of the Sao Paulo Brazil Temple in 1975 created a “dilemma”: faithful Black and mixed-race members were funding and building a temple they would be barred from entering. This reality, combined with years of prayerful supplication by President Spencer W. Kimball, led to the “hallowed and sanctified” moment in the Salt Lake Temple that finally extended priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy members. Moving Toward Unity Today, the Church unequivocally condemns all racism and rejects the past explanations used to justify the ban. The goal of the restoration remains one of redemption and connection, inviting all of God’s children—regardless of race or gender—to walk the covenant path together. Rick shares his theory as to why leaders reacted with hostility to interracial marriage as the primary motivation for Brigham Young to implement the ban. Don’t miss our other conversations on LDS Faith Journeys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pQpKe9CEk&list=PLLhI8GMw9sJ7WQNTJCyCO3U5D2fn7d0JF Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

    1h 4m

  5. Jun 19

    Inside Remnant Church: From Convert to First Presidency in 5 Years! (Jim Vun Cannon 2017)

    Here’s a throwback episode with a Counselor in First Presidency of the Remnant Church. Jim Vun Cannon was serving as a counselor in the First Presidency of the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the time of this 2017 recording. https://youtu.be/PT0dH-KGfKc Don’t miss our other conversations on the Remnant Church: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/remnant-church/ Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Remnant Church If you aren’t familiar with this branch of the restoration, the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was formed around the year 2000 by former members of the RLDS Church (now Community of Christ). These members were sifting through the ashes of what felt like a “civil war” following controversial doctrinal shifts, specifically the pivotal 1984 revelation that allowed women to hold the priesthood. In this comprehensive interview, we cover a lot of ground. We discuss Jim’s fascinating journey of joining the Remnant Church in 2012 and being called to the First Presidency just five years later. We also dive deep into the church’s unique theology, including their ongoing efforts to literally build the city of Zion in Jackson County, Missouri, how they interpret the Law of Consecration and the Order of Enoch today, and their strict belief that Joseph Smith was a monogamist. We also tackle tough questions surrounding DNA and the Book of Mormon and why they believe women will never hold the priesthood. Now, I want to point out an important update to our viewer. Jim Vun Cannon is no longer in the First Presidency of the Remnant Church. Since this recording, he actually broke off to form a new group called the Everlasting Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter-day & is the president of that church. Keep that fascinating update in mind as you listen to his perspectives from his time in the Remnant Church leadership. Let’s dive into the full interview! Don’t miss our other conversations on the Remnant Church: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/remnant-church/ Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved 0:00 Intro/Background 5:11 Church Formation and History 10:08 Succession Crisis and Early Church History 17:01 Priesthood Structure and Organization 22:27 Church Size and Geographic Distribution 29:47 Doctrine and Covenants Discussion 42:23 Gathering to Zion and Consecration 50:50 Joseph Smith and Polygamy Debate 1:05:40 Book of Mormon Geography and Historicity 1:13:38 Personal Background and Church Experience 1:18:19 Worship Services and Youth Programs 1:24:06 Women and Priesthood Position 1:32:52 LGBTQ+ Policies 1:33:54 Temple Doctrine and Practices 1:39:32 Priesthood Age and Missionary Work

    1h 52m

  6. Jun 16

    Community of Christ, Book of Mormon, & Future (Stassi Cramm 4 of 4)

    Community of Christ (CoC) President Stassi Cramm, the church’s first female prophet, addressed pointed questions regarding the role of the Book of Mormon, the pursuit of consensus and faithful disagreement, her prophetic vision for the church, and the ongoing debate over infant baptism. https://youtu.be/CwCLTiGcHrM Don’t miss our other conversations with Stassi: https://gospeltangents.com/people/stassi-cramm/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Book of Mormon: Upholding Scripture President Cramm emphatically denied the accusation that the Community of Christ is “moving away from the Book of Mormon.” Key points regarding the Book of Mormon’s status include: Official Position: The church’s belief statement upholds the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants as two additional books of scripture supporting the testimony of the Bible. Cramm noted that eliminating the Book of Mormon from scripture would require rewriting this belief statement, which is not currently on the World Church Leadership Council’s docket. Non-Creedal Approach: The perception that the Book of Mormon plays a smaller role stems from the CoC being non-creedal; they do not require members to use specific scriptures when preaching or teaching. Therefore, some congregations in the United States may never use the Book of Mormon. Historicity: The Community of Christ has not taken an absolute stance on the historicity of the Book of Mormon. Cramm suggested this lack of a firm requirement—unlike some who view belief in the Book of Mormon’s specific historical origins as a “test of faith”—is what causes the perception that the church has “pulled away from it.” Translation Challenges: The CoC’s version of the Book of Mormon (chaptered and versed differently than the LDS version) is not available in French and Spanish. Cramm noted that French might be the dominant language spoken globally in Community of Christ on any given Sunday morning, meaning large segments of the church lack easy access to it. This unavailability was a factor cited in the defeat of a prior resolution to put the Book of Mormon online, primarily due to significant cost associated with translation and formatting. Cramm emphasized that regardless of historical origins, the Book of Mormon contains important gospel lessons and “long-term stories” demonstrating the continuous cycle of reaching peace only to fall apart due to human tendencies like greed and power. Navigating Baptism and Sacramental Practice The discussion shifted to the contentious issue of baptism. The Community of Christ practices believer’s baptism for those 8 years or older. Historically, they accept baptism from other denominations only if the person was 8 or older when baptized. Infant Baptism Proposal: Multiple resolutions have come forward asking the President to give prayerful consideration to accepting infant baptism from other denominations for membership, followed by confirmation. Divisive Issue: This issue elicits very strong feelings. While many members, particularly in Europe where infant baptism is common, wish to avoid re-baptism after joining from another denomination, lifelong members argue that the Doctrine and Covenants mandates the age-eight requirement. Current Action: President Cramm confirmed that the church is currently engaged in an exploration process using reading material and an online survey to gather perspectives before the Presidency makes a determination. Leadership, Consensus, & Prophetic Voice Cramm shared her perspective on her new leadership role, which she entered at an older age than some predecessors. Role as Prophet: Cramm views her tenure as standing in a “liminal space” to help the church navigate current hurdles and prepare emerging leaders. Empowerment: Her emphasis is on the empowerment of the prophetic voice of the people. Leaders are committed to engaging the imagination of the whole church on important theological questions. Faithful Disagreement: Cramm agreed that the divisiveness following the 1984 priesthood revelation—which saw congregations leave and property debates ensue—led the church to focus on achieving greater consensus and creating a culture of faithful disagreement. This means that the process under which the church explores and grows together is considered as important as the actual decision itself. When facing disagreements—such as those surrounding the acceptance of women in the priesthood or current theological issues—the principles of faithful disagreement ensure that people with differing opinions are not judged as unfaithful or immediately ostracized. Instead, they must cultivate Christlike love, which is a choice that requires respecting an opposing opinion even if it is not shared.   Don’t miss our other conversations with Stassi: https://gospeltangents.com/people/stassi-cramm/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

    21 min

  7. Jun 13

    Why Conversations with Church Leaders Go Wrong (Jeff Strong 4 of 4)

    Why do conversations with Church leaders go wrong so often? Why do conversations with Church leaders go wrong so often? Former mission president Jeff Strong says talking to leaders and parents is one of the least helpful things to do in a faith crisis. It’s 4.5 times worse than talking with siblings. Why do some family members quit speaking to those who leave? Should Church leaders better model Christian disagreement? Can a bottom up movement like this succeed in a top-down organization? Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/Y9pQpKe9CEk Don’t miss our other conversations Jeff: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jeff-strong Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Jeff Strong, author of Torn, dives deep into the data surrounding how church members and leaders handle disaffiliation. The conversation shifts from personal narrative to the practical—and often surprising—realities of how we communicate within the faith. Staggering Cost of “Correction” Strong shares a provocative statistic from his research: while 83% of those in a faith transition reach out to someone, the outcome varies wildly depending on who they talk to. Interactions with siblings and friends generally go well, but conversations with devout church leaders are four and a half times more likely to “go badly,” meaning the relationship suffers and the individual feels more inclined to withdraw from the community. Strong attributes this to a default mode of trying to “correct or contain” the person rather than building trust. Agency vs. Stewardship A major theme of this discussion is the “goofy cultural idea” of practicing “enforced agency.” Strong argues that when parents or leaders attempt to manipulate outcomes—such as withholding an inheritance or cutting off family members to maintain a temple recommend—they are actually infringing on the foundational doctrine of agency. He reminds listeners that stewardship does not equal control, citing Joseph Smith’s experience with the lost 116 pages as a lesson that God’s work is not dependent on our ability to control others. Bottom-Up Revolution Addressing the concern that change in the Church is strictly “top-down,” Strong offers a empowering alternative: bottom-up culture change. While he avoids criticizing the institution or “steadying the ark” by telling Salt Lake what to do, he insists that individuals have the power to shape the culture within their own hearts, marriages, and wards. He notes that even one “Christ-centered” Bishop can completely transform a ward’s atmosphere in a short time. The Path Forward: Love Over Fear Strong concludes by urging members to stop “thinking through the amygdala”. When we act out of fear—the “circle the wagons” behavior—it shuts down spiritual growth. By choosing “perfect love” over fear, families can maintain strong relationships even when religious paths diverge. His ultimate goal is not to “recruit” people back, but to help the Church become a place where different types of people can stay, feel they belong, and remain rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 0:00 Why Conversations with Church Leaders Go Wrong 6:44 Cutting Off Family over Faith? 9:08 Can Bottom Up Influence Top Down? 23:24 Should Church Leaders Model Better? Don’t miss our other conversations Jeff: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jeff-strong Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

    40 min

  8. Jun 10

    From Mission Farewell to Leaving the Faith (Jeff Strong 3 of 4)

    Author Jeff Strong details the “tectonic plate shifting moment” when his son, while serving in the Missionary Training Center (MTC), suddenly wrote him about leaving the faith: both his mission and the LDS Church. At the time, Strong was serving as a Bishop. He admits that he and his wife initially handled the situation poorly by assuming their son had committed a serious sin. This personal crisis spurred Strong to conduct extensive research into disaffiliation, including qualitative work in 40 cities across 20 countries to understand the real reasons people step away from faith. https://youtu.be/10KAQH-RTck Don’t miss our other conversations Jeff: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jeff-strong Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Leaving the Faith Strong challenges the “lazy learner” stereotype, revealing that faith transitions are often deeply serious, intentional, and painful processes. Research cited by Strong shows that 49% of individuals experiencing a faith transition spend more hours than they can count over five or more years researching their decision, often likening the experience to the “death of a loved one.” Strong describes his family’s initial communication as “cavemen grunting at each other” because they were “talking under the influence” of intense fear, anger, and anxiety. To help other families avoid these “unwise mistakes,” Strong provides several key insights: Examine Your Motives: Parents often feel anger not because of the child’s choices, but because those choices threaten the parent’s own need for social validation and the “perfect family” image. Avoid “Talking Under the Influence”: High-stakes conversations should not happen when the amygdala is firing; parents must step back to ensure they are motivated by love rather than a desire to control. Understand the Data: While conversations with siblings and friends typically go well, talking to Church leaders is four and a half times more likely to go badly, and talking to devout parents is twice as likely to result in a negative outcome. Strong concludes that by being informed and rejecting false stereotypes, families can move toward “healthy trust-building conversations” and maintain strong relationships even when religious paths diverge. 00:00 Son Left His Mission & Church 4:29 Jeff Helped LDS Church Research Disbelief 5:57 Don’t Assume Sin 9:10 How to Handle Faith Journeys Better Don’t miss our other conversations Jeff: https://gospeltangents.com/people/jeff-strong Copyright © 2026 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved

    22 min
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About

A 360-degree view of Mormonism. We interview the best Mormon scholars, scientists, and clergy from all restoration branches, including LDS, Community of Christ, Strangites, Bickertonites, Temple Lot, Remnant, etc.

Information

  • Creator
    Rick B
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Gospel Tangents - All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Gospel Tangents Podcast

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