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Latest Videos from Outgrowing Mormonism on YouTube

​In this episode, we explore why traditional, authority-based views of morality get it backward and why true morality requires objective thought rather than blind obedience. Drawing on insights from LDS metaphysics, literary references like Victor Hugo’s Inspector Javert, and quotes from Thomas Paine, we examine how relying on divine command or church authority as a moral standard strips away genuine ethical understanding. ​We also take a critical look at moral contradictions found in the Old Testament, the New Testament teachings of Jesus (with clips from Brandon at Mindshift), the Book of Mormon, and modern LDS proxy standards like simple obedience over reason. ​Key Takeaway: Morality is your devotion to the good because it’s good—not because an authority imposed it upon you. Download a free copy of my Book at https://outgrowingmormonism.com/ Mindshift- Jesus' 7 most troubling teaxhings https://youtu.be/XsQk5JS43j8?is=uG-53c_D83s44DQH The Foundation of Morality-Dr Harry Binswanger Ayn Rand Institute https://youtu.be/BhmZ8eJsf_Q?is=WYimE7lTnzoASwgJ Priesthood Men https://youtube.com/@priesthoodmen?si=OecU8r8Ipq25U6Rw
How Could There Be Morality If There Was A God
​Are there really two ways of knowing truth, or is there just reason? In this video, we analyze recent remarks by Dallin H. Oaks (October 2026 General Conference) regarding the "spiritual method" versus the "scientific method." ​Many believers are taught that spiritual experiences and reason go hand in hand, or that spiritual feelings provide a secondary, superior path to knowing truth. But when we critically analyze how we process ideas—including Moroni’s Promise—we discover that our emotions don't produce understanding; they follow it. Everything we believe, from prophets and the atonement to basic theology, rests on a foundation of arguments stacked on arguments. ​When those underlying arguments are examined and dismantled, the accompanying feelings shift—revealing that emotional "confirmations" and bearing testimony often function as psychological defense mechanisms rather than tools for uncovering reality. Get the my book The Crack in the Foundation at https://outgrowingmormonism.com/ #lds #deconstruction #Mormon
Are There Really Two Methods of Finding Truth?
When a foundation is flawed, you can’t just install an earthquake retrofitting kit to patch it up; you have to tear it completely out and rebuild from scratch, much like Brigham Young ordered for the Salt Lake Temple foundation after Johnston's Army arrived. we are talking about Chapter two of my Book The Crack in the Foundation ​While Chapter 1 was a love letter to our Mormon experience, this chapter confronts the painful, necessary reality of deconstruction—evaluating the immense cost to relationships, marriage, children, extended family, and community. Rise Zion Clip the Temple Improvements https://youtu.be/NUH67c1o7y8?is=Xnsa7AZGiGgAyGQS Mormon Stories Ep. 2169 https://youtu.be/NUH67c1o7y8?is=Xnsa7AZGiGgAyGQS
Our LDS Deconstruction Story
​Who loves logic and reason more: atheists or believers? In this video, we explore the enticing trap of rationalism—the tendency to prioritize neat connections and "castles in the air" over objective reality. Using examples from Latter-day Saint theology, Joseph Smith's creation narratives, and insights from philosopher Leonard Peikoff, we break down why making the pieces fit isn't the same as finding the truth. ​In this video: •​Rationalism vs. Objectivity: Why believers often love speculation and logic, but miss reality. •​The Creation Puzzle: How modern LDS scripture tries to resolve Genesis contradictions—and why it falls into the rationalist trap. •​Philosophical Deconstruction: Realizing how concepts like justice and honesty clash with gospel narratives. •​The "Spine Tingle": Why feeling like you’ve solved an intellectual equation isn't evidence of revelation. ​Don't just look for connections—stay objective. The Latter-day Knight - Most MORMONS don't understand the creation https://youtu.be/xvpRXaqADLw?is=1Ex-CYMBRBUZq4MA Leonard Peikoff-Objectivism through Induction https://youtu.be/f3hUjOet0pY?is=-PD5Bq5Qo0e0EQdc Mormonism Live breaks down Joseph Smith https://www.youtube.com/live/lBUhr9xs3i4?is=rG72J22nHSBCXHLR
Are believers more logical than non-believers?
​Was Pascal’s Wager Wrong? (Fear vs. Epistemological Honesty) ​Is belief a choice, or must you actually be convinced? In this video, we break down Blaise Pascal’s famous 17th-century wager—the idea that believing in God is the ultimate rational bet because you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. ​We explore the flaws in Pascal’s decision theory, how this mindset shows up in LDS (Mormon) epistemology, and why placing fear over timeless, objective principles keeps us from living fully in reality. ​Key Topics Covered: ​What is Pascal’s Wager? The math behind finite risk versus infinite reward. -​The "Many Gods" Dilemma: Why hedging your bets fails when you consider every potential deity (and the classic Homer Simpson quote that nails the problem). -​The Sincerity Fallacy: Does a good God value blind obedience over intellectual honesty? ​Belief vs. Volition: Why you can't force yourself to believe something you aren't convinced of. -​LDS Epistemology & Metaphysics: How the shift to "If I lived a better life, what's wrong with that?" trades objective reality for emotional justification. ​Principles Over Fear: Outgrowing inherited worldviews and choosing epistemological honesty to live for this life—not short-range hedonism, but true flourishing. ​Share Your Thoughts: Did you once hold your belief out of a "safety net" fear of death, or was it purely conviction? Let’s discuss in the comments below. Matt Dillahunty-Pascal’s Wager https://youtu.be/YBCDGohZT70?is=xMk6cFxn3DTxhy-E Ayn Rand interview https://youtu.be/Qj-UvNXorb4?is=xrwEC9iw5-XCjY36 ​Subscribe for more discussions on philosophy, formal logic, objective reality, and deconstructing dogma. ​ #PascalsWager #Deconstruction #Mormonism
Pascal's Bad Wager
This video explores the subtle shift between encouraging genuine inquiry and enforcing a fixed framework, examining how spiritual epistemology, doubt, and critical thinking intersect within LDS culture. ​In this episode, we cover: ​The Framing of Faith: How we are taught from a young age that questions are welcome—provided they never challenge the framework used to find the answers. ​Epistemology & Indoctrination: The distinction between leading someone through observational logic versus handing them pre-packaged conclusions, and why church leaders have historically embraced the term "indoctrination." ​The Matrix Analogy: Why the standard model of seeking truth functions as a protective shield rather than an exploratory tool—and how true "red pill" moments begin when we start examining the lens itself. ​The Role of Doubt: How reframing doubt as the enemy keeps us from evaluating our own presupposition systems, drawing parallels to classic literature and modern religious culture. www.outgrowingmormonism.com
The Red Pill vs The Holy Ghost
My book The Crack in the Foundation is finally available and we discuss the first chapter. You can Pre-Order a copy at https://outgrowingmormonism.com/books/ The book ships September 25th 2026 My religion taught me that truth was absolute. It was this idea of absolute truth that eventually led to my deconstruction. The process of writing the book helped me to make explicit exactly what I believe and why.
Discussing Chapter One of My Book
An analytical breakdown of Elder Corbridge’s famous address, exploring the underlying premises behind his message, why members resort to defense mechanisms when people leave, and the fundamental tension between belief, reason, and spiritual experiences. ​In this video, we delve deeper into Lawrence E. Corbridge's message to examine why the criticism he received was earned, yet often misunderstood. While defenders argue his points were taken out of context regarding the Church as an institution, the real debate centers on the validity of revelation, the method of the Holy Ghost, and whether trading this life for the next is a sacrifice worth making. Links: The full Elder Corbridge video: https://youtu.be/uCo2iUjX6PI?is=oSrxtqOw1oIe1GLY Jehovah's Witnesses clip from Stop The Shunning https://youtu.be/qgtd5EpGJaw?is=iN2uR_ElRd6MChjB
Elder Corbridge was Right, but His Advice is Wrong
Mormonism has a prophet problem. Are prophets fallible or infallible? It depends on which prophet you ask. Apologist Jacob Hansen of Thoughtful Faith believes he has the answer in his collective witness model. https://youtu.be/KPPuAGpnNpE?is=PtUVYoT_3oSYcft5 The truth is that we can't abdicate our responsibility of judgement to anyone or anything. A happy life requires us to discover true principles and that requires the work of thinking.
LDS Apologists and the Prophet Problem
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