In today's episode, John sits down for a conversation with immigration attorney, Justin Sweeney. Justin grew up LDS in Mesa, AZ, served a mission in Argentina, and has served in many leadership positions within the church. He was even serving in his branch presidency up until the end of 2024. Justin discusses how he felt overworked in his church callings, questioning polygamy and masonry, and his journey of discovering the true history of the church. Show Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/my-mormon-truth-crisis-as-an-attorney/ 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:20 Justin’s experience with a “Truth Crisis” not “Faith Crisis” and Intentions 00:14:43 Growing up, High School, and sports 00:26:17 Justin’s experience at the MTC 00:36:35 “Fraudulent” baptisms in Latin American missions 00:40:55 Being called to YSA bishopric 00:53:47 Justing finishing law school & became immigration attorney 01:09:57 Justin began to feel like an outsider from mormonism 01:18:00 Discussion about the Godmakers and the lack of women in the Eternal Plan 01:25:15 Justin Sweeney’s “Truth crisis” begins 01:39:30 Justin was “using his lawyer brain to asses Mormonism” 01:44:50 Learning about the “stone in the hat” and that the church still has it 01:55:00 Comparing Mormonism to Santa Claus 02:05:33 Women are second class people in Mormonism 02:10:52 Justin discussing the LDS SEC order from an attorney’s perspective 02:23:00 Reading Second Class Saints by Matt Harris with his wife and kids 02:26:20 Why not keep it to himself and continue to “fake it” 02:32:25 “My intention is not to tell people to leave the church” 02:38:47 Elder Holland “stay in the boat” marketing video 02:44:35 Why isn't he afraid of excommunication by coming on Mormon Stories? 02:54:09 Final thoughts - Is he happier now no longer believing? ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join Our Platforms: 🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117