In this episode of Hidden Wisdom, Meghan Farner sits down with Steve Pynakker, creator of Mormon Book Reviews and one of the most unique bridge-builders in the religious landscape. Steve shares his lifelong fascination with the Restoration, his journey through evangelical Christianity, atheism, and back into a reconstructed faith, and the spiritual insights he’s gained across traditions.
Together, Meghan and Steve explore the feminine and masculine elements of religion, personal revelation, the role of mystical experience, faith crises, and why genuine connection with God often requires stepping outside institutional boundaries. They dive into the tension between apologetics and Christlike love, the dangers of zeal without compassion, and the shared work of healing religious division.
This heartfelt and challenging conversation invites listeners to seek God beyond labels, recognize the divine image in every person, and cultivate a faith centered on love, humility, and spiritual authenticity.
Timestamps & Episode Structure
00:00–02:10 | Introduction
02:10–07:30 | How Steve Entered the Mormon World
07:30–13:00 | Faith Deconstruction and Atheism
13:00–16:20 | Looking for Christ Instead of Faults
16:20–22:10 | The Ego Death of Faith Crisis
22:10–28:00 | Masculine and Feminine in Religion
28:00–33:20 | Toxicity, Power, and the Danger of Misused Zeal
33:20–38:00 | Responsibility as a Public Voice
38:00–44:40 | Where Apologetics Goes Wrong
44:40–52:30 | The Mirror: Calling Communities to Repentance
52:30–56:40 | The Three Questions That Transform Dialogue
56:40–59:00 | Closing Reflections: Love as the Center
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