Why I Stay Mormon in 2025 - Proving Contraries w/ Dave McKenzie | Ep. 2004

 Mar 24 2025 After being inspired by the Mormon Stories Paul brothers episode, Dave courageously shares his powerful journey through faith, family struggles, and self-discovery. From his upbringing in a traditional Mormon household to navigating complex questions about church history, LGBTQ+ issues, and personal loss, Dave's story is one of resilience and hope. He reflects on his brother's tragic passing, his evolving beliefs, and why he ultimately chooses to stay active in the church today. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about faith, doubt, and finding meaning through it all.Show NotesYouTube00:03:12 Dave’s intention for coming on Mormon Stories00:08:03 Dave’s mormon story begins - explaining family background00:13:41 Story of backpacking with his brother and having an accident00:24:46 Dave’s mission to Warsaw, Poland00:34:50 Life after his mission - dating and marriage01:01:05 Dave’s experience with a Roman Catholic woman that inspired him - introduced him to interracial marriage01:13:30 Dave thought “If I remain silent now, I am a hypocrite to my own testimony” (regarding his friend leaving the church)01:21:04 Why do we call it going down the rabbit hole when it is actually coming out into the light?01:45:00 “Does God help amputees?” argument02:00:50 “There has to be recognition that what we were taught was not the truth”02:17:30 Why John Dehlin does Mormon Stories02:46:17 Elder Holland “greatest missionary of all time” experience02:59:55 Dave discusses the Book of Mormon03:36:44 Dave’s younger brother, Dan, passed away in 202303:44:19 What are the main reasons that he chooses to stay active in 2025?04:01:26 What is his response to the fact that the church does a lot of harm to people as well? How does he personally work through this04:11:30 Dave feels that there are real advancements being made in the church currently04:20:24 ConclusionMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord
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About "Mormon Stories" Podcast

Founded in 2005, Mormon Stories podcast is the longest running and most popular Mormon-themed podcast. Hosted by Dr. John Dehlin (Clinical/Counseling Psychology), Mormon Stories podcast seeks to understand, explore, challenge, and improve the Mormon experience through stories. Some of the primary objectives of Mormon Stories podcast include: Providing support to Mormons who are transitioning away from either orthodox Mormonism, or from Mormonism altogether, with a particular emphasis on: Minimizing the anxiety, depression, and occasional suicidality that can accompany a transition away from religious orthodoxy. Reducing the number of unnecessary divorces attributable to Mormon faith crises. Creating a community of support for liberal/progressive and post-Mormons. Building greater awareness regarding accurate LDS/Mormon church history, doctrine, and theology – so that both active, believing Mormons and investigators of the church can make informed decisions regarding their investment in, and engagement with the church. Identifying opportunities for growth/improvement within the LDS church, and within broader Mormon culture. Mormon Stories podcast operates in partnership with the Open Stories Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit), and obtained over 7.6 million podcast downloads and Facebook/Youtube views in 2019. The work of Mormon Stories podcast has been featured in the New York Times, National Public Radio, Good Morning America, the Wall Street Journal, VH1, the Huffington Post, VICE NEWS, etc If you are new to Mormon Stories podcast, a fantastic way to begin exploring the podcast is to begin with our Top 25 most important/popular episodes of all time. Your feedback is important to us. Please let us know: What you love about Mormon Stories podcast. What topics you would like to see us cover. What types of guests you would like to see us bring on to Mormon Stories, and What we can do to help make Mormon Stories better. Please email us at MormonStories@gmail.com for your feedback.