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

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 Notes

YouTube

00:03:12 Dave’s intention for coming on Mormon Stories

00:08:03 Dave’s mormon story begins - explaining family background

00:13:41 Story of backpacking with his brother and having an accident

00:24:46 Dave’s mission to Warsaw, Poland

00:34:50 Life after his mission - dating and marriage

01:01:05 Dave’s experience with a Roman Catholic woman that inspired him - introduced him to interracial marriage

01:13:30 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?” argument

02:00:50 “There has to be recognition that what we were taught was not the truth”

02:17:30 Why John Dehlin does Mormon Stories

02:46:17 Elder Holland “greatest missionary of all time” experience

02:59:55 Dave discusses the Book of Mormon

03:36:44 Dave’s younger brother, Dan, passed away in 2023

03:44:19 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 this

04:11:30 Dave feels that there are real advancements being made in the church currently

04:20:24 Conclusion

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