Saints Unscripted

In this episode, Robert joins us to share his unique conversion story. Robert talks about being raised in the church, his mission, which gave him heavy depression, leaving the church and slowly making his way back to the gospel.  However it took a while for him to recover his feelings towards the church. Faith crisis, heavy depression and leaving the church have all been obstacles in his path. But nothing has been able to stop Robert from over coming everything in his life so far. Now he feels like he is, 100% a disciple of Christ.  Robert also teaches us, that it is possible to get out of the friend-zone.

We all know that Kwaku has been on many, many dates. It's time to address his secret to dating in the Mormon world.  Kwaku talks about going on dates, the best ways to get ready for a date, the best things to do on a date and more.  What did you think about Kwaku's dating tips? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to let us know!

With the 4th of July approaching, Ian and Kwaku talk about how the settlement of the United States was vital to the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. America is a promised land, as prophesied in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon says that America was prepared as a free land in order for the restoration of the gospel to take place. Religious freedom is necessary in order for the gospel to thrive.  Mormons believe that the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were both inspired by God. If we live by the text as being a sacred text, we will have the opportunity to reap of many blessings of God.  But Mormonism isn't just a religion for Americans. It is a religion for everyone. If we follow the commandments of the Lord, we will be blessed.  Ian says that the Fourth of July should be a day of celebrating common values. Kwaku says that freedom and truth will always prevail over wickedness and bondage. He also says that we should thank God on the Fou

Ian talks about what it's like to be a kid in the Mormon church.   When Ian was 8 years old, he was baptized in the Mormon Church. He said that after a year, he finally learned about the Holy Ghost. Ian was almost severely injured in a car accident when he learned that the Holy Ghost protects people and brings peace.   Ian says that the gospel is a gospel of choices. He was never forced to go to Church or to live as a Mormon. He was taught by his parents about the blessings of the LDS Church but he wasn't forced to live the commandments. He decided on his own to read the Book of Mormon. When Ian read the Book of Mormon, he prayed about the Book of Mormon and knew that it was true, though at first he was scared that it might not be. But Ian said he felt so much light and happiness when he prayed that he could not deny that the Book of Mormon was true.  When Ian was 16 years old, he was watching the World Series in 2009 when his dad left to do an interview at a church building. Ian went

There have been quite a few changes in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called the Mormon Church or LDS Church). The changes increased in frequency with the calling of the prophet Russell M. Nelson, after the death of President Thomas S. Monson.  Changes are inevitable in a church that believes in modern day revelation. So how do we react when change happens? Is there a correct way to react? Can I be frustrated when change happens?  The Church of Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of personal revelation-- that you should seek to know for yourself if certain policies and doctrines are of God. Blind obedience is discouraged.  One of President Nelson's first General Conference talks as the President (Prophet) of the Church was concerning modern day revelation. Read the full talk here: https://bit.ly/2q5w5dH What do you think about going through changes in the Church? What's the best perspective to have? Let us know in the comments! 

Stephen Smoot returns to Saints Unscripted to discuss evidence to prove the Book of Mormon's truth. Kwaku wonders if there's any archeological evidence that's been found, proving the existence of  Nephites and Lamanites. Stephen Smoot brings up the ancient city of Nahom and why it's not just coincidence that Joseph Smith wrote about it. 

If there is a God and if God is all loving, wouldn't His followers have perfect lives? Why do bad things happen to good people? Shouldn't followers of Christ have it easy? Why am I punished for no reason?  SO. MANY. QUESTIONS! And all valid. One of the most common questions that missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as Mormons) are asked is how God can exist if bad things happen? Especially to people who don't deserve hard things?  In this episode, David, Mimi, and Justin talk about why they think bad things happen to good people.  Why do you think bad things happen to good people? Let us know what you think via Instagram or Facebook DM :) 

The LDS Church was restored during an era of intense racial discrimination. Christianity at large had all kinds of racial prejudices that would be deemed unacceptable today. Pastors advocated slavery, preachers would openly say, “black people will not be saved, “ etc. However, during the time of Christ, he advocated the acceptance of all people. Needless to say, there was lots of hypocrisy among Christians.     We need to understand that we don’t have to agree with everything the prophet says in regards to his own opinions. There is a difference between doctrine and opinion. Ian jokes that if everyone were to take Mormon opinion as doctrine, every Mormon would subscribe to the Glenn Beck show.  Kwaku talks about the ban that Brigham Young put on black people. The ban disallowed black people to go to the temple or hold the priesthood. (This doesn’t mean they couldn’t be baptized.) The ban was lifted in 1978.   No matter how we justify the ban, Elder Holland has said, “All I can sa

Should we be punished for Adam’s transgression? Did Adam’a transgression make it so that we’re all inherently sinners? Was the fall of Adam necessary?  In this episode we talk ALL about our beliefs about the fall of Adam and Eve. We talk about how we are NOT punished for what Adam did but only punished for our own sins. We talk about how the Church of Jesus Christ (otherwise known as the Mormon Church) might differ in beliefs of other Christian religions.  What do you think about the fall of Adam and Eve? Let us know via FB or Instagram DM! 

This week on Saints Unscripted, special guest Stephen Smoot talks with Ian and Kwaku about the Book of Mormon.    Stephen graduated from BYU with a degree in Ancient Near Eastern Studies. Stephen is currently working on his Master's degree in Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations with a focus in Egyptology. As he studies, Stephen also works for Book of Mormon Central, a website for Book of Mormon scholarship (both contemporary and from the past). Check out the links below to follow Book of Mormon Central!    Ian, Kwaku and Stephen first address a question regarding the seer stones. Why was a stone used as an aid in translating the Book of Mormon? The topic is controversial for many reasons.    First, artwork has depicted Joseph Smith as translating the Book of Mormon without the use of stones. However, artwork isn't always historically accurate.   Second, the idea of using seer stones is very strange to people today. The process of translation took place in an era that

Kwaku and Ian of Saints Unscripted talk about fatherhood.    Kwaku dresses up like a business professional while Ian dresses up like an outdoorsy adventurer. They emphasize that fathers come in many different shapes, sizes, talents, and more.    Ian and Kwaku start off by telling some hilarious dad jokes. The jokes involves alligators, Bill Nye the Science Guy, gravity, doctors, dabbing, and other hilarious subjects. You really don’t want to miss these hilarious jokes.    Kwaku says that he thinks fatherhood is diminished right now. People do not view fatherhood as essential as it is. He argues that not all dads are bad dads like Homer Simpson.    Ian says that even in the media, fathers are considered dumb guys. But in reality, fathers can nurture and love, as well as provide and protect. He says that fatherhood includes being a steward over the family.    Kwaku says that manly thinks aren’t what constitute a man. Jokingly, he says that Tom Hardy and Dog the

Today we met with Emma and Jacob, the cutest couple that ever existed. But really, if there is a cuter couple, tag them in the comments below... cuz I'm skeptical.  Anyway, Emma and Jacob have a goal to go to EVERY temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as the LDS Church or Mormon Church)! As of today, there are 161 temples ALL OVER THE WORLD! Jacob and Emma have been to a whopping 79. SEVENTY NINE.  So before they came on the show, we asked our audience on Instagram for their questions about the couple. How do they finance their travels? Do they plan to travel the rest of their life? How different is each temple? How have they changed by visiting every temple?  Would you want to visit every temple? Which temple would be your first? Let us know via FB or Instagram DM! 

In this episode of Saints Unscripted, Sabrina and Kwaku talk about Mormon perfectionism and the pressures that are associated with striving for perfection.   Kwaku tells a story about when he struggled with perfection and Sabrina agrees that perfectionism in Mormonism is very difficult.    Sabrina says that being a Mormon in high school meant that many people were looking at her to be perfect and when she wasn't, she'd be looked down upon.    Sabrina and Kwaku the discuss and emphasize the fact that while we are commanded to be perfect, we don't need unnecessary pressure but need to rely on Jesus Christ for strength.

While members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as Mormons) believe that their religion is the true religion (contains the fulness of the gospel), they still value many of the practices and teachings found in other religions. David, Justin, and Mimi talk about their experiences visiting different places of worship and determine the different elements of those religions that members of the Church of Jesus Christ would do well to practice.  Whether or not you're a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to visit other places of worship and learn from other religions to enhance your faith :) Mimi, David, and Justin emphasize that while the churches they've attended have been slightly different than their normal spiritual practices, they learned a significant amount from their friends of different faiths.  Have you been to a church other than your own? What was your experience? Let us know via Facebook or Instagram DM! 

Saints Unscripted first talk about why Mormons get married at such a young age. Mormons typically get married between the ages of 18-24.    Kwaku then talks about how he already has planned how he’s going to propose to his girlfriend. Ian and Caish think that Kwaku’s idea is cliche. He wants to propose in front of the Provo City Center Temple, a new LDS temple in Utah. Kwaku then says that he’ll start singing “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” by Elvis Presley. Ian plays the guitar and sings the song to demonstrate. Kwaku then says he wants a drone to capture the whole engagement as well as having a choir of children.    Caish then describes her engagement. Her then boyfriend planned a perfect engagement but when Caish didn’t receive the message, it threw his plans for a loop.    Kwaku talks about his wedding. He wants to have a ring ceremony as well as a sealing in the temple so that his family who can’t enter the Mormon temple will be able to see his wedding. But then thin

This week on Saints Unscripted, Ian and Kwaku read your comments! Did your comment make the cut?    The Saints Unscripted talk about dating Mormon missionaries, Mormon temples, becoming like God, and more.    Ian mentions how Mormons don’t necessarily believe that becoming like God means having a planet. Mormons actually know very little about what 'becoming like God' will entail.    Kwaku says that Mormons don’t believe the Bible is false. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes the Bible as revelation and teaches many classes on the Bible.    Ian and Kwaku talk about one of their favorite parts of being on Saints Unscripted: the battle between Atheists, Evangelicals, and others. Atheists will comment and then anti-Mormons will comment and then the battle between the many sects commences!    Ultimately, Saints Unscripted loves your comments. Keep commenting!

In this episode, Hannah talks to us about mental illness. She has been living with bi-polar disorder for many years. She talks about the stigma behind bi-polar and other mental illnesses, as well as how to navigate life while also dealing with mental illness.  Justin also talks about his struggle with depression and emphasizes how important it is to get professional help, as also strongly suggested by Jeffrey R. Holland who recently gave a talk on mental illness. Hannah's biggest piece of advice to those struggling with mental illness is to look for help. Don't give up on finding the right therapist and medication for you. It's going to be okay. ❤ Members of the Church of Jesus Christ Christ of Latter-day Saints (also called Mormons or LDS) believe in utilizing doctors and medication to help us navigate this life. We don't believe that scripture reading or church attendance is going to cure everyone from mental and emotional illnesses (just as it likely won't cure us of physical problems such as a brok

Kwaku and Ian of Saints Unscripted introduce special guest Elisabeth to discuss the implications of feminism for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.    Kwaku first talks about radical feminists and how they aren’t necessary a good representation of what feminism truly is. Instead of looking at the bad, we need to embrace all that is good in feminism. Women in leadership is among the good things and is also very prominent in the Church. Emma Smith was a powerful example of women leaders. And today, there are many women leaders who have a strong voice in the Church. Ian says that ultimately, the Church advocates equality for women.    Elisabeth says that in some regards, men should need to shape up. They shouldn’t be doing things that objectify women. Kwaku and Ian both say that it’s belittling to men to say that they can’t control their passions.    Elisabeth says that being a mom is so much to being a mom. If a woman wants to be in the workforce, she should do so and

Today we got to talk to Nate Jones who is the host of the Peculiar People Podcast (we told him to call it P-cubed (yes, P^3) so we'll see what happens

Mormons believe that every human being is a child of God. They believe that as children of heavenly parents, they have divine potential and as such, can become perfected through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.    Kwaku and Ian invite special guest Sabrina to join them in discussing what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes about becoming like God. Sabrina and Kwaku both discuss how the pattern of becoming like God can be compared to the pattern of children becoming like their parents. Through constant interaction and immense love, parents help children to learn and grow and eventually become the best they can be. Similarly, all humans can grow and progress and eventually become like God. Ian emphasizes the importance of progression by asking himself if he would feel comfortable in the presence of God, a good indication of his progression to be like Him.