Saints Unscripted

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as the Mormon Church or LDS Church), members are split up into 'wards' based on geographic location. If there is a high concentration of people that are singles and in the same age range, they are given the choice to go to a 'singles ward.' And that's where a lot of interesting things come into play... singles wards have a good mixture of people dying to get married, people who want to party it up in their single life, and people who don't have any desire to get married. Ever.   In this episode, David, Justin, and Mimi talk about what a singles ward is, why it's awesome, why it's horrible, and how to get out

In this episode, we got to interview two of the most loving individuals in the world. Leo joined us for an episode about growing up LDS, losing his faith, becoming atheist, and then coming back to the Church. Today, Leo's friend Dan has also joined us to talk about the reasons for faith crises as well as the most common myths.   It is very likely that EVERYONE will go through a faith crisis of some sort. Usually, the person experiencing difficulties has a desire to maintain their testimony but too many things are flying at them from every direction. It's hard to find stable ground when your once stable ground is now shaky.   We talk about the myths associated with faith crises and how believing them can be more detrimental to our success than they need to be.

David Snell, creator of the Sunday Pews and brilliant writer, talks about his constant conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. David has been a member of the Church for 18 years to date. He first expresses that everyone has to be converted to the gospel, regardless if they come from a Mormon family.   On David's LDS mission, he came in contact a very well-studied man who seemed to know signicantly more than David and his mission companion. The man tried to convince the two missionaries of the faults in the Mormon Church which caused David to ponder on his testimony of the gospel.   David concludes that conversion is ongoing and while it's important that we have questions, our daily effort will make all the difference in our relationship with the LDS Church.

On the first Sunday of every month (with some exceptions), the LDS Church holds a 'fast.' To fast is to go without something for a period of time. In the Mormon Church, "fasting" typically refers to giving up food and water for a 24-hour period (or for 2 consecutive meals). There is a principle of sacrifice involved in fasting that allows us to have a more clear communication with God.   Even in the Mormon faith, fasting may be up to personal interpretation. Mimi mentions a friend of hers who won't chew gum while fasting since he feels like doing so goes against his fast.   Justin talks about a time during his mission where he fasted too frequently and ended up less useful than if he just would have fasted once a month.   Fasting isn't only practiced by Mormons. Many religions practice fasting, though the practice itself might differ religion to religion. In this video, the 3 Mormons mention a list of religions who also observe a 'fast.'

You know when you love something SO MUCH that you want to share it with everyone? You know how religion is one of the most debated topics in history? Well what do you do when you want to share your religion with your friends but don’t want to lose your friendship with them since religion is such a controversial topic?   This is a VERY common concern among members of the Church. [Fun fact: When we say “Church,” we are referring to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, otherwise known as the Mormon Church or LDS Church. While we are called Mormons, the term is simply a nickname and isn’t representative of the official name of our Church.]   Members of the Church who love the gospel likely love their friends who aren’t members of the Church and will always love them… but also want to share their joy with their friends. So how do they invite their friends to Church without being too overbearing? In this episode, Kwaku, Mimi, and David talk about how to ask your friends to Church and

In the Church of Jesus Christ (often called the Mormon Church), there are a lot of ideas about worthiness. The Church even has leaders conduct "worthiness interviews" that are intended to help members of the Church be worthy to enter the temple. Further, it is often said that one should be 'worthy' before taking the Sacrament on Sunday (partaking of bread and water). So how in the world do I know if I'm worthy?   In this episode we discuss what worthiness means, how sometimes we might be getting it wrong, and how to have more reassurance about our own worthiness.   This episode might surprise you!!

Do Mormons worship a different Jesus than the rest of Christianity? Welllll... This isn't an easy question to answer. Mormons believe in the Jesus Christ that came to earth as the Savior of the world. We believe in the Jesus that died on the cross, that suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Jesus that rose again on the third day. We believe in the Jesus who visited the Americas after his resurrection. We believe in the Jesus that is the Son of God, the Eternal Father.   If mainstream Christianity agrees with these points as qualifications to believe in the same Jesus, then yes, Mormons are Christians. But many mainstream Christians disagree that Mormons are Christians because of the difference in what we believe Jesus Christ did and who we believe Jesus Christ is.   Kwaku, David and Mimi have interesting thoughts that may answer your questions regarding Mormonism and Christianity.

The Mormon Church has long emphasized the dangers of pornography. But what is pornography? Are images, pictures, and other depictions of nudity included under the pornography umbrella?   In today's episode, we talk about the importance of understanding and appreciating art in order to better understand what is and what isn't pornography.   Justin explains that in his figure drawing class, he was required to do some figure drawing of women with very minimal clothing. He felt a little bit uncomfortable so he approached his professor with his concerns. His professor explained that figure drawing is an art and captures the beauty of the world. He encouraged Justin to look through a different lens when figuring drawing.   Overall, the hosts agree that nude art is not pornography (for the most part), though it very much depends on the maturity and education of the individual.

Saints Unscripted discuss what is appropriate for Mormons to do and wear for the Halloween season and also do hilarious impressions. Check it out!   Shelley doesn’t think that it should be such a big deal that when this time of the year rolls around, that girls should have pumpkin spice in everything, and wear leggings and Ugg boots!   Ian disagrees, because he looks forward to this time of year because he can have pumpkin pie, eat lots of candy, and wear his flannel shirts! He thinks that pumpkin flavored anything is awesome. Ian also believes that Mormons can celebrate Halloween and that there is nothing wrong with that. He also doesn’t think that watching a scary or thriller movie isn’t a big deal and that we shouldn’t worry about that. The Kwaku, Shelley, and Ian all agree that some Halloween costumes are inappropriate and shouldn’t be worn. Halloween shouldn’t be an excuse for people to start dressing immodestly and inappropriately.

Mormons are discouraged from getting tattoos. But what if you join the Church when you already have tattoos? And what if you get a tattoo while you're a member of the Church? Will God look at you differently if you have tattoos?   Al Fox has been nicknamed 'The Tattooed Mormon.' She was tattooed before she joined the LDS Church and is tattooed to this day. Why? Because, Al says, the atonement covers everything. She doesn't even notice her tattoos anymore and, according to a blessing she received, God doesn't notice her tattoos anymore either.   Al also talks about the rampant judging that happens among Mormons when they see others with tattoos. Upon moving to Utah, Al felt very judged for her appearance, to the point of covering up her tattoos with sleeves. She quickly decided that she shouldn't feel insecure, despite the rudeness of others. They would have to learn the lesson that she wished they already knew.

Whether or not you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as the Mormon Church or the LDS Church), you might have noticed something interesting… members of the Church seem to be OBSESSED with the dead. They perform baptisms for the dead in the temple (see this episode for more information: https://bit.ly/2FXdaw3), they spend hours upon hours finding their ancestors that lived hundreds of years ago, they believe in being ‘sealed’ to their families for eternity, etc. They really seem to be okay with the idea of death and that they will see their loved ones again.   In this episode, we talk about family history work (also called genealogy work). Essentially, this is the work of finding records of those who have past on and determining what temple work (baptism, endowment, sealing, etc) needs to be done for them in a LDS Temple (otherwise called a Mormon Temple). There are multiple resources to help people of all faiths complete their family history work. Two of

Mormons have been called a cult for a LONG time. But is Mormonism actually a cult? Well, you might be surprised...   We gave Saints Unscripted a list of definitions of 'cult' that we found online. They were not informed of the definitions before the filming of the show so their reactions are RAW! And it turns out that Mormons just might be a cult...   Check out the video and let us know if you think Mormonism is a cult. Yes, we expect some haters to rejoice that they have been proven right ;) But guess what? With these definitions of 'cult,' we just might be proud of being a cult.

Today we talk about the difference between testimony and conversion. Many people use the two interchangeably but there IS A DIFFERENCE!   Kwaku explains that the difference between having a testimony and being converted is that someone can have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ but still not be converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He says that it's similar to "believing" but not being "born again."   Justin quotes Elder Bednar who says, "Testimony is the beginning of and a prerequisite to continuing conversion. Testimony is a point of departure; it is not an ultimate destination. Strong testimony is the foundation upon which conversion is established." Justin says that a testimony is the beginning of something greater and conversion is more like a lifestyle.   David points out that testimony is a prerequisite to conversion. Testimony leads to conversion.

The Bible and the Book of Mormon both emphasis the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. Of the ten commandments, number four in Exodus 20:8-11 says, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as the Mormon Church or the LDS Church), members are encouraged to refrain from working on the Sabbath Day.   However, are there circumstances in which one has to work on a Sunday?

Saints Unscripted open up about their own weaknesses and short comings. Do our weaknesses define us or limit our potential?  Check out Justin, Kwaku and Mimi, stars of the hit new YouTube show “3 Mormons” discuss Mormon weaknesses and share opinions and insight on what it mormons struggle with in today’s world!   Is it true that Latter Day Saints struggle with being perfectionists? What kind of pressure does your divine potential really put on you? Each of our three hosts has a different take on weakness and how it affects their lives.  Justin has struggled with being a self starter in the past. For example, he mentioned that he was very good at sports growing up, but stopped exercising as soon as he no longer had a coach that was telling him what to do. Old habits die hard and this has been a reoccurring struggle in his life.  Mimi reminds us that we should never compare our weaknesses with other people’s strengths. She referenced an example given at the LDS General Conference titled

Poetic Kate (check her out on Twitter-- she's HILARIOUS) joined us to talk about soul mates. Do we have soul mates? Is there such thing as 'the one'? And if so, how do we find them?   Elder Uchtdorf and President Kimball have both said that "the one" doesn't exist; that we can choose to be happy with different people. However, is that just a general rule? Are there some people who have soulmates? Poetic Kate says that yes, her husband was exactly the one for her. She says that her patriarchal blessing indicated that she had a specific person to marry and that she has felt that her husband is exactly that person.   David jokingly says that his wife married him because he couldn't get anyone else to marry him. All jokes aside, David agrees that no, there is no such thing as a soulmate.

Guess what? Mimi's mom is a Mormon convert! That is right, not all Mormons are born Mormon. Mimi invited her mom to come on the show with us to talk about her conversion story and how she came to find the church.  Mimi’s mom (Pam) talks to us about her growing up in Hawaii. Listen along as she explains what it is like growing up trying to find a good religion with her family. Later on, she finds the Mormon missionaries.   Many of you might be looking into the Mormon church. If you are, watch this video! Tons of things can happen during the process of discovering what being a Mormon is all about. Just like Pam talks about, there are ups and downs, good and bads.

Today we had the great privilege of filming with Kelsey Edwards, a musician, model, and actress! Kelsey came on the show to talk about what to expect when going through a Mormon temple for the first time. Scroll down for the links to her awesome projects. :)   Kelsey talks about how, while the temple is awesome, her first experience was a little bit difficult. "I was very intimidated," she says. "It's a little different than what you expect... there's a lot of symbolism." But after attending again, she felt more at home. She's not alone in her experience; many of you may have experienced something similar. And that's okay!   The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) builds temples all over the world. There are over 150 temples worldwide with more under construction.   When a member of the LDS Church turns 12 years old, if they are worthy, they can enter the temple and perform baptisms for the dead. Nope, this doesn't involve actual dead bodies, just the name

We get this question more than ANY OTHER: "What do I do if my family is unsupportive of my decision to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?" (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has often been abbreviated as the 'LDS Church' and the 'Mormon Church,' due to the belief in the Book of Mormon as inspired scripture that testifies of Jesus Christ.)  This problem is very common because more often than not, family members feel like their loved ones are betraying them or choosing the Church over them. Many youth who have experienced this disappointment from their family also express a need for support and love from their family. Joining the restored Church (otherwise known as the Mormon Church or LDS Church) is NOT a choice to stop loving family and friends. It is a choice to be spiritually changed and uplifted. It's a choice to love Jesus Christ more fully. It's a positive choice with a positive change.

Most days, we try to provide episodes that will help explain Mormon doctrine (doctrine from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). But every once in awhile, we release a totally random, slightly strange episode. And that's what you're getting today!   In this episode, we share unusual (little known) stories about the prophets in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as Mormons). There are 17 prophets and we talk about ALL OF THEM. Have you heard the stories we mention? Let us know in the comments below!   The prophets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are as follows:   Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, George Albert Smith, David O. McKay, Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, Russell M. Nelson