Thank you so much, Ashly, for bringing Don’s story to us! I had never made the connection between the endowment and the brother of Jared’s experience seeing the Savior. Thank you, Don, for your humility and authenticity. I look forward to part 2!
I have come to conclude the following - I don't have a testimony of Church history - I have a testimony of MY history. I wasn't in KIrtland, Missouri or Nauvoo - but I have experienced the Divine on my knees, in the mountains, or with a convert that had just received a witness of the Restoration. In the end, the most important, life changing history is personal.
Well, there is that, but also it is important to realize that there are layers to it. The Spirit can confirm the truth of all things to us, including history. But, what can also happen is people mixing confirmations from the Spirit with other ideas and thoughts. So, the Spirit can confirm to someone that Joseph Smith was indeed called by God to restore the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but then add something unfounded to it such as their own personal understanding of historical events that wasn't actually part of what the Spirit confirmed to them. But, in their mind, it could create a schism later on when they are confronted with other information that contradicts or seems to contradict what they once thought was part of the confirmation of the Spirit, but actually never was. It was just an assumption on their part is all. Human nature and all that, we tend to assume because of one thing then surely the other thing as well. It is all good, mind you. God can work with all such weaknesses. Hence, no need to drop a perfect set of scriptures and manuals in Adam's lap. God gives us weaknesses and then works through them to produce wonderful stories and miracles such as Don.
I love these. They give me hope for our two oldest girls who left the church and won't have anything to do with us either. They show me to never give up on them
It’s disheartening when the church pushes disinformation to push abuse& harm and constantly changes doctrine. How can you believe doctrine when precious doctrine was disavowed and when today’s doctrine will be disavowed in the future? Why does the church oppose science & 80% of American members oppose the love that Christ commands.
Thank you for your comments regarding Brother Joseph. I love him and have never doubted that he was visited by Moroni or The First Vision. Joseph is one person I look forward to meeting when I return Home.
I had also seen what you said about the Freemasons and I had questions about it! I discussed it with my husband who didn't have answers. It didn't seem to bother him but it bothered me. I decided wait for further knowledge because I knew without a doubt that the Book of Mormon was true and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. I had received a witness that I could not deny. And now this sweet brother on your amazing podcast has given me that answer! Im going to study it out for myself of course but now i have a hint of what and where to look for it and a way to see it with new eyes. Thank you soooo much! This has definitely strengthened my testimony! God bless you for this podcast!!! ❤️❤️❤️
What a great story analysis from Don. He is spot on about assessing motives. I am getting ready to have a back and forth conversation about the temple, and Don has helped my position, and I will use it.
My family and I visited the Louvre in Paris a few years ago. An area in that museum is dedicated to ancient Egypt. There were many stone caskets. These were usually made for their kings and queens. On the outside of these caskets were renderings of the people's who's physical remains were inside. As we were leaving an area, the clothing carved onto the king on this stone caught my attention. He was wearing long robes and a leaf covering around his waist. I walked closer and observed further that he was making signs of the endowment with his hands. I was astounded. I asked my husband on the other side of the room to come see this casket. I asked him if he observed anything unusual about this man. At first, he didn't. Then I said, "Look at what he is doing with his hands and observe his clothing." We both stood there humbled and amazed.
Thank you for this interview! I haven't been a church historian but I love history as a discipline (my BA was a dual history/ philosophy major) and love that Don points out the reality that A. We find what we're looking for in terms of the questions we ask, and B. History we read is typically the conclusions of the person that wrote it based on their own questions and personal perspectives.
Looking forward to the sequel. I loved the analogy of the Brother of Jared and the temple text showing Joseph translated long before he was ever a Mason.
Thank you, Don. Your work is outstanding, and always a pleasure listening to you talk about it. Really looking forward to part II :) As always, thank you to CBP
I've listened to, maybe, a dozen of the stories on this podcast (this is the third today!) but this is the first time I've commented. All of the stories are so honest, often raw and unflinching; there's humour and black humour, self-deprecation, but above all, sincerity. This particular story stands out to me because Don talks more about his experiences from an intellectual/mind perspective and that's where a lot of my own testimony is rooted. The gospel makes SENSE to me. I am not in a faith crisis situation, but many of my family are. Also fascinatinating to hear Don talk about the "fine tuning" of the universe! I've been listening to John Lennox, Michael Behe, and Steven Meyer (not sure if I've speeled all their names correctly) and they talk about fine-tuning, irreducible complexity, and other science-based evidences of God; not that I need that, but it is really fun to listen through. I love history and church history too. Thanks for what you're doing, it's excellent 😊
I am a big Don Bradley fan and was so excited to hear that he was going to be on this podcast. I’ve been waiting and watching for this and was riveted by his story, even though I’ve heard it before. But you’re right Ashley, this was more detailed. I will share this and be watching for part 2. Thank you both!
Thanks Ashley and Don! You said it well that when you said that our questions frame or shape our discovery. The key is ask the right questions and look for reasons and evidence to believe. Joseph Smith was religiously sincere. You are also religiously sincere. Thank you for your faith, testimony, and willingness to speak up and speak out! I am glad you both are back in the church.
The very best guest ever! Thank you for introducing him to us. I am going to recommend everyone to watch and listen. I absolutely loved hearing his journey and return.
This was so excellent! I’ve always had a deep appreciation for Joseph Smith but we are constantly bombarded with purported negative stories about him. It’s very refreshing to see the perspective from a historian who is disillusioned by what he learned but then discovered that what he learned wasn’t exactly the way it seemed. Thank you for sharing!!
I have come back from a 30 year dyasporia- I did not lose my belief system or testimony of the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints over those years. I felt the company of the Holy Ghost always. Coming back was immediate after 3 decades of being connected but disconnected. I'm very grateful to hear this testimony and look forward to Part 2! For me coning back was the easiest decision i have ever made. The leaving was years of angst and painful unbelonging. The worst for a believer. Thank You
I have a good friend who left the church. Your story gives me hope for her. She's an intellectual. Perhaps she'll run across your work sometime. I can't introduce it because she won't listen...for now. I believe in the power of prayer.
At around 39:00 minutes Don talks about limiting questions. It’s worth listening to what he says a couple of times here. It is simply profound. Thank you
Thanks, Don, for your story and testimony. It's very uplifting to hear about the scriptural evidence and the Spirit that worked together to guide your return. I look forward to reading your book The Lost 116 pages.
Amazing - this is a powerful and beautiful testimony. As someone who can sometimes be unfair and judgmental about people who have left the church, Don's experiences actually help me feel more love and compassion for others and more forgiveness for myself.
Such a great story and testimony .........I went to East High as well in SLC........I've been in and out of this Church as well and it was through many miracles that happened to me that has brought me back to this wonderful Church.
I've heard some of his story on channels about his book. I started the 116 pages book but I get sidetrscked. It's a great story because he comes from the intensive study and research community and it lead him back to the church.. He actually has validated a lot of the things that people question about Joseph and the Restored Gospel as being solids rather than murky points. A great story.
I always understood the Brother of Jared experience to be an endowment of sorts, but I can’t believe I never made those small (yet huge) connections to the temple endowment. Mind blowing!
Thanks so much Ashly for doing this podcast. Its nice to see so many people creating content which counters the vitriol others direct towards faithful members of the church. Ive subscribed!
I love your podcast, it gives me so much hope, because none of my children are active. I tell everyone I know about your podcast. Keep up your great work.
Just want to say that this was a total answer to prayer for me in a way that has truly made me feel seen by the Lord…for the last few months I have been really struggling with the idea of the church potentially being a product of free-masonry to help disseminate esoteric, and perhaps even occultic beliefs to the masses to help usher in the Age of Aquarius, i.e., the New Age, i.e., the New World Order…This probably sounds very strange, but the doubts were very real for me…I thought i had researched every faithful explanation to the churches ties to free-masonry and I never felt like my doubts were fully addressed…without going into too much detail, last week I found this video and reluctantly saved it to my “watch later” playlist and I started listening to it today and before Don even brought up the Masonry stuff, I began feeling Hope and Faith pour back into my soul…when I heard the part about The Brother of Jared and the veil, I immediately knew that Heavenly Father was addressing a doubt that I had no idea how to search out the answer for…Thank you so much Ashly for this podcast and thank you Don for being a conduit of revelation to my soul!
Yes! Joseph knew The Endowment very early on like 1828/29 maybe some of it aa soon as TFV. Between then and Nauvoo he figured out a container to put it in. The masons had a useful vocabulary to borrow, sort of in the same way the Isaiah chapters helped Joseph bring us some of The Book of Mormon.
I love Don Bradley's story! The way his mind works makes me see how the Lord used him and his experience to help others. I love how no matter what we go through, the Lord can put it all together and make it work for good.
Thank you Don for sharing your beautiful story. Such an intelligent and thoughtful person. The Lord patiently guides us along our spiritual journey, as he gently yet powerfully witnesses truth to us.
Wow… amazing story. Thanks guys. By the way, in addition to what Don said about Joseph Smith and the temple, over a century after Smith’s martyrdom, non-LDS archaeologists discovered ancient docs known as the Nag Hamadi codixes that describe the ancient Christians doing temple rituals and sacred hand shakes, as well as eternal marriage. Temple garments were also discovered. Joseph Smith didn’t know anything about these docs as they were found in Egypt a century after him. Sunday eve - May 7, 2023.
@@Come.Back.Podcast The Question I have is who said that the Mormons are the church I'm still trying to figure this out, Now in the Bible we can read about When the Jesus church was started ( ACTS 7:37-38) Were there Any ( Mormons there No , Was Christ there ( Yes) 1 Corinthians 10: 1-5
@@Come.Back.Podcast See the Mormon church is going around saying that they are the church which is a lie let's see what happened to the Real church according to the Bible ( Deuteronomy 28 the Curses and the blessing let's see which one Israel chose ( Daniel 9:8-12) The Bible Clearly Tells us that All of Israel sinned against the most high, Now the Curses ( Deuteronomy 28:15-68) How many of the Curses fit the Mormon church ( None) They only fits GOD'S Church ( Leviticus 26:14-36 , Now let's see who GOD say his Priests Are ( Hosea 5:1) wait the Mormons say that they are the Priesthood but say that ( Israel is his Priests) Over and over the Bible clearly tells us that Israel is GOD'S Church the Mormon church organization is nothing but lies According to the Bible
@@Come.Back.Podcast What happened to the children of Israel the ( Church According to the Bible ( Isaiah 5:1-7,13, Luke 19:41-44, Luke 21:20-24, See the Mormons don't know is that GOD divorced ( Israel the Northern Kingdom Jeremiah 3: 6-8 , 12-15 , The 9 Tribes were taken by the Assyrians in 721 BC and if you Mormons don't think it's 9 Tribes let's see what the Bible says ( 2 Chronicles 11:13-15) , The Northern Kingdom of Israel today is in ( Africa) and Of Judah Benjamin and Levi are there Also but the Bible tells us that Judah would be scattered all over the world not ( Israel)
Don Bradley is so wonderful! I've listened to all of his interviews (I think), and now I'm reading his latest book about the Missing 116 Pages, which has a ton of Book of Mormon history in it --- lots of stuff I've never seen anywhere else. He has such a great mind for details. I just love his story.
@@Come.Back.Podcast Where is it written in the Bible about the Mormon church being the church that Jesus started, Why isn't that scripture written in the Bible why didn't none of the Prophets of the Bible Mentioned such a church or the book of Mormon
@@Come.Back.Podcast Exodus 19:6 GOD was talking to a Nation of black people when he said that you will be a kingdom of priest to me, ( Where was the Mormons) Hosea 5:1 Call's Israel his priests where was the Mormon church, John 4:22 Jesus said Salvation is of the Jews where was the Mormon church,
@@Come.Back.Podcast the Bible Totally disproves the Mormon church as GOD'S Church So why does the Mormon church continue to spread lies and false Doctrine and Deceiving Millions of people
Don thank you for sharing your story and the details behind it. I love your testimony of the Savior and the Prophet Joseph Smith. Seems like I saw you on a podcast several months ago where you had done some research on the possible connection of Joseph of Egypt and the origins of sword of Laban. I understand this to be theory not factual history but I would like to learn more about the basis of this potentially faith promoting theory. Thanks
Another is how Joseph and his stories were accepted by his family. I just did a video with a friend talking about my prophetic gift, and how they are received. I have 8 children and only 1 is still active. As many of my experiences that I have had that will not allow me to Joseph Smith s prophetic calling under any circumstance, my children are not moved by them. My friend in the video says that it is hard to accept the idea of the kind of experiences I have .
Thank you so much for youtr beautiful testimony. I would benefit greatly to understand more fully the many Book of. Mormon references that represent a foreshadowing of the temple endowment and the spiritual elements of entering God’s presence and partaking of the fruit of the tree of life. Have you considered writing a paper about that?
Ashly. You mentioned about struggling with Come Follow Me. Don’t worry. It can be hard. My brother has five children and they watch a Come Follow Me cartoon series on the Roku channel. I wish I knew exactly what it was. But there are tools out there to help you with CFM. I struggled with it as well with my kids. The Trick is establishing the habit and one message a night. Five minutes is all you need. Keep it simple. Use the tools out there. Good luck. Also take as many opportunities as you can to have organic gospel conversations with your children. That worked for me. I found the car was a great time to have conversations. I asked God to help me see the opportunities to have conversations with my kids and he delivered. 😊 You may already be doing that, but I thought I would share. ❤
This comment is just to be funny. I'm glad he was re-embraced, and overall I love and have loved being in the Church of Jesus Christ, but I wonder what reactions I'd get if I showed up today in my cute Grinch pajamas instead of Sunday best.
How can I contact this man? I am feeling really drawn to his story and how it compares to my current life situation. I would love to connect with him and ask questions. Do you have any contact info for him? Thank you!
Notice that Don’s hinge was a spiritual experience that allowed him to reconsider his faith journey. The only thing that is going to get your friends that have left the church to come back are spiritual experiences.
I don’t know about that. 1/2 my wife’s family left the LDS faith and became JW’s. They all had religious experiences that told them to convert. Not one has come back. I don’t put much stock in religious or spiritual experiences. I think we as humans use them to justify a decision that was made for other reasons. Just an opinion.
@@Zeett09 I’m sure what you say happens. For me personally, my spiritual experiences are what brought me back. How does that explain other peoples spiritual experiences that contradict mine? I haven’t got a clue. All I know is we are responsible for our own lives and choices, and whatever comes after this life will be the ultimate leveller. Until then, what are the fruit of the tree I ascribe to? For me what is quantifiably verifiable is a deep, abiding peace in my life. A desire to want to love my enemy. Be patient. Be kind. Long suffering, temperate, chaste, sober, hard working, service and family oriented. Do I live up to these things always. No. That’s why they’re ideals. You work towards them. But even if my spiritual experiences are completely delusional, the net total of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is still profoundly positive. And that’s the WORST case scenario. It is an OUTSTANDING organisation. Far better than any of the toxic, festering soup, exmo groups I was apart of when I left, which are rife with their own hypocrisy and schisms. I’ll take my spiritual experiences over anyone else’s opinion of them every time.
Amen. I can’t speak for others, but I can never deny some very personal spiritual experiences that have hugely impacted my belief and testimony of the restored gospel. I still have lots of questions, but I know the church is true and love my life accordingly. I also think of all of the amazing members of the church and leaders I have known over the years and even though there are bad ones out there, the anti’s and ex’s seem to only focus on the bad ones and completely ignore so many incredible ones…and where does their fruit come from?
@@millennialfalkon I like your response. I’ve never had a spiritual experience. Neither has my wife. Neither of us are religious. I’m just a bit disappointed in the bickering between our religious family members. An individual’s spiritual experience may be a validation of their particular faith but why is it used as a weapon to invalidate a different faith? That’s part of my irritation with my divided family.
Hi Don. Full disclosure - I am a former member. Questions for you: 1. You mentioned a story about being warned not to step in front of a car. I have a similar experience. Why did you conclude that God was responsible for that warning? Is it possible it’s something else? 2. You talked about feeling “wave after wave of peace” after accepting Christ. How is your experience different from those of other faiths who experience something similar but it’s about the truth of Islam or Judaism, among other religions?
God speaks to all people he isn't a respecter of person whether they have a religion or not. As a black man should I leave the United States or another planet because of slavery.
@@jabulani22shepo61 Hello there. I didn't say God doesn't speak to all people, I asked how Don's experience telling him the Brighamite sect of Mormonism is true is different from someone having a similar experience telling them that Islam is true, or that Judaism is true. Not the same.
God pours light and truth onto all that will receive it. We all have the light of Christ. We all are old souls in that we are eternal spiritual beings. Honestly, it is near impossible to not have spiritual experiences. Even if you try. You can't hide from the light and truth. Having a spiritual experience doesn't mean one's journey is done. If one applies the light they have already received, they will receive more until they come unto the fullness of truth. And, we see that all the time. People often make the journey from one faith to another as they find more truth in other paradigms. For those of us already in the paradigm known as the doctrine of Christ has packaged in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we realize that the pursuit of truth is a lifetime endeavor.
@@KyleWright so , for example, God let’s people have spiritual experiences that make them think/feel Islam is true so they eventually find a fuller truth in Mormonism?
I am paraphrasing here, President Hinkley used to say that our missionary program is not meant to destroy the faith you already have, but to build upon the truths you have already discovered, by adding to them more truth, and expanding your understanding. Essentially, bring the truth you have, and we will see if we might help to fill in some of the gaps you have through experiences with the Holy Spirit, which will testify of all truth.
Question for Don prt. 2: some of the antics of Joseph Smith, and the way he used up councilors and wealthy supporters, then tossed them aside leads me to believe he was a sociopath. A gifted prophet, but personally, a sociopath. How do you deal with his human faults?
Loved the testimony!!! But wonder why all you nay sayers even listened? Why waste your time? Just to contend with others? That alone tells me all I need to know about you.
Don, have you read Joseph Smith Revealed by Whitney Horning? I am believing and feeling that Joseph, Hyrum and Emma told the truth about not practicing or participating in polygamy. They taught against it up to their deaths. I do believe that sealings were taking place, but not marriages that were polygamist marriages. Joseph had one wife, Emma. There seems to be many members who believe that Brigham introduced polygamy from his missionary experiences with the Cochranites. One of his plural wife's was previously a Cochranite. They practiced multiple wife's or spiritual wifery.
Don is a historian who has done decades of research with source materials. He probably knows more about Joseph Smith's polygamy than just about anyone living.
Sounds a bit wishy washy..its dons theory and not church doctrine..pity there is no evidence of all these people in america...that would help..but appreciate his work..
Thank you so much, Ashly, for bringing Don’s story to us! I had never made the connection between the endowment and the brother of Jared’s experience seeing the Savior. Thank you, Don, for your humility and authenticity. I look forward to part 2!
I have come to conclude the following - I don't have a testimony of Church history - I have a testimony of MY history. I wasn't in KIrtland, Missouri or Nauvoo - but I have experienced the Divine on my knees, in the mountains, or with a convert that had just received a witness of the Restoration. In the end, the most important, life changing history is personal.
Agreed. 100% agreed.
Best comment I’ve read in weeks. Right on
Well, there is that, but also it is important to realize that there are layers to it. The Spirit can confirm the truth of all things to us, including history. But, what can also happen is people mixing confirmations from the Spirit with other ideas and thoughts.
So, the Spirit can confirm to someone that Joseph Smith was indeed called by God to restore the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but then add something unfounded to it such as their own personal understanding of historical events that wasn't actually part of what the Spirit confirmed to them. But, in their mind, it could create a schism later on when they are confronted with other information that contradicts or seems to contradict what they once thought was part of the confirmation of the Spirit, but actually never was. It was just an assumption on their part is all.
Human nature and all that, we tend to assume because of one thing then surely the other thing as well. It is all good, mind you. God can work with all such weaknesses. Hence, no need to drop a perfect set of scriptures and manuals in Adam's lap. God gives us weaknesses and then works through them to produce wonderful stories and miracles such as Don.
@@KyleWrightwonderfully said! Thank you for your thoughts.
Epic
I love these. They give me hope for our two oldest girls who left the church and won't have anything to do with us either. They show me to never give up on them
❤️ you and many, many other families. These stories are a balm for aching hearts.
@@sherigraham3873 amen
I love your channel. It’s so disheartening when one of us leaves our church family but so glorious when they return.
It’s disheartening when the church pushes disinformation to push abuse& harm and constantly changes doctrine. How can you believe doctrine when precious doctrine was disavowed and when today’s doctrine will be disavowed in the future? Why does the church oppose science & 80% of American members oppose the love that Christ commands.
Ashly know this as a pilipino member I really appreciate your channel I love it keep doing it sister
I love Don's story and testimony. Excellent listen!
Thank you for your comments regarding Brother Joseph. I love him and have never doubted that he was visited by Moroni or The First Vision. Joseph is one person I look forward to meeting when I return Home.
46 V6 see 0see see no CT CT as 2 m, zzdvdsy,🎉
We all have questions… keep asking… one day they will be answered by our loving Father and His Son.
Makes me want to learn more precious nuggets from Don! He has a wealth of knowledge!
I had also seen what you said about the Freemasons and I had questions about it! I discussed it with my husband who didn't have answers. It didn't seem to bother him but it bothered me. I decided wait for further knowledge because I knew without a doubt that the Book of Mormon was true and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. I had received a witness that I could not deny. And now this sweet brother on your amazing podcast has given me that answer! Im going to study it out for myself of course but now i have a hint of what and where to look for it and a way to see it with new eyes. Thank you soooo much! This has definitely strengthened my testimony! God bless you for this podcast!!! ❤️❤️❤️
What a great story analysis from Don. He is spot on about assessing motives. I am getting ready to have a back and forth conversation about the temple, and Don has helped my position, and I will use it.
My family and I visited the Louvre in Paris a few years ago. An area in that museum is dedicated to ancient Egypt. There were many stone caskets. These were usually made for their kings and queens. On the outside of these caskets were renderings of the people's who's physical remains were inside. As we were leaving an area, the clothing carved onto the king on this stone caught my attention. He was wearing long robes and a leaf covering around his waist. I walked closer and observed further that he was making signs of the endowment with his hands. I was astounded. I asked my husband on the other side of the room to come see this casket. I asked him if he observed anything unusual about this man. At first, he didn't. Then I said, "Look at what he is doing with his hands and observe his clothing." We both stood there humbled and amazed.
Thank you for this interview! I haven't been a church historian but I love history as a discipline (my BA was a dual history/ philosophy major) and love that Don points out the reality that A. We find what we're looking for in terms of the questions we ask, and B. History we read is typically the conclusions of the person that wrote it based on their own questions and personal perspectives.
Totally agree
Don Don Don!!!! Thank you so you testimony! Strengthens mine even more ❤
Every time I hear Don tell his story it makes me cry, also loved and learned from his book Lost 116 pages.
Wow, this man is brilliant. What an adventure listening to him go through his life's experiences.
Wow, this was incredible! I can't wait for part 2!
Looking forward to the sequel. I loved the analogy of the Brother of Jared and the temple text showing Joseph translated long before he was ever a Mason.
Thank you so much for this interview! So testimony-strengthening!
This was so so good! Can’t wait for part✌🏻!
Thank you, Don. Your work is outstanding, and always a pleasure listening to you talk about it.
Really looking forward to part II :)
As always, thank you to CBP
I've listened to, maybe, a dozen of the stories on this podcast (this is the third today!) but this is the first time I've commented. All of the stories are so honest, often raw and unflinching; there's humour and black humour, self-deprecation, but above all, sincerity. This particular story stands out to me because Don talks more about his experiences from an intellectual/mind perspective and that's where a lot of my own testimony is rooted. The gospel makes SENSE to me. I am not in a faith crisis situation, but many of my family are. Also fascinatinating to hear Don talk about the "fine tuning" of the universe! I've been listening to John Lennox, Michael Behe, and Steven Meyer (not sure if I've speeled all their names correctly) and they talk about fine-tuning, irreducible complexity, and other science-based evidences of God; not that I need that, but it is really fun to listen through. I love history and church history too. Thanks for what you're doing, it's excellent 😊
I am a big Don Bradley fan and was so excited to hear that he was going to be on this podcast. I’ve been waiting and watching for this and was riveted by his story, even though I’ve heard it before. But you’re right Ashley, this was more detailed. I will share this and be watching for part 2. Thank you both!
Thanks Ashley and Don! You said it well that when you said that our questions frame or shape our discovery. The key is ask the right questions and look for reasons and evidence to believe. Joseph Smith was religiously sincere. You are also religiously sincere. Thank you for your faith, testimony, and willingness to speak up and speak out! I am glad you both are back in the church.
Your testimony makes me cry ,love you my brother thanku so so much for sharing,love from New Zealand
The very best guest ever! Thank you for introducing him to us. I am going to recommend everyone to watch and listen. I absolutely loved hearing his journey and return.
Thank you for running this podcast. We need this! Everyone needs to hear these stories! This was so good.
Thank you so much for your testimony! It was so inspiring!
This was so excellent! I’ve always had a deep appreciation for Joseph Smith but we are constantly bombarded with purported negative stories about him. It’s very refreshing to see the perspective from a historian who is disillusioned by what he learned but then discovered that what he learned wasn’t exactly the way it seemed. Thank you for sharing!!
This was a great presentation. Really appreciate it!
Thanks for sharing your story Don.
I have come back from a 30 year dyasporia-
I did not lose my belief system or testimony of the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints over those years. I felt the company of the Holy Ghost always. Coming back was immediate after 3 decades of being connected but disconnected.
I'm very grateful to hear this testimony and look forward to Part 2!
For me coning back was the easiest decision i have ever made. The leaving was years of angst and painful unbelonging. The worst for a believer. Thank You
The Heavens were rejoicing for you coming back. That's why you felt such peace!
Thank you👍
I have a good friend who left the church. Your story gives me hope for her. She's an intellectual. Perhaps she'll run across your work sometime. I can't introduce it because she won't listen...for now. I believe in the power of prayer.
At around 39:00 minutes Don talks about limiting questions. It’s worth listening to what he says a couple of times here. It is simply profound. Thank you
One more testimony to me that the church es true thank you very much for sharing welcome back Don👏👏👏👏👏😊
Wonderful story. Thank you.
Your interviewing skills are exceptional.
This is a beautiful message. His comments about the temple were so interesting.
Beautiful journey. Thank you Don. I am really looking forward to hearing more.
Hi Bro. & Sis. Stone, & all our Bro's & Sis's that came back, i sincerely thank our ETERNAL PARENT'S, for the amazing testimonie's.
Thanks, Don, for your story and testimony. It's very uplifting to hear about the scriptural evidence and the Spirit that worked together to guide your return. I look forward to reading your book The Lost 116 pages.
Amazing - this is a powerful and beautiful testimony. As someone who can sometimes be unfair and judgmental about people who have left the church, Don's experiences actually help me feel more love and compassion for others and more forgiveness for myself.
love that
Welcome back brother!
Love Don's story.
Such a great story and testimony .........I went to East High as well in SLC........I've been in and out of this Church as well and it was through many miracles that happened to me that has brought me back to this wonderful Church.
would love to hear your story! email ashly.comebackpodcast@gmail.com
When is part 2 coming? I love listening to Don and all his insights ans wisdom. So fascinating!
My Spirit/Soul in tears, amazing testimonies. everytime i watched Podcast. Bros's, Sis's, please keep up the amazing Podcast, Mankind needs it.
YAYAYAYAYA!!! Part 2!!!!
Can’t wait!!! 🙏🏻☀️🙏🏻🎉
A truly inspiring story
I've heard some of his story on channels about his book. I started the 116 pages book but I get sidetrscked. It's a great story because he comes from the intensive study and research community and it lead him back to the church.. He actually has validated a lot of the things that people question about Joseph and the Restored Gospel as being solids rather than murky points. A great story.
Brad! Good to see your comment!
Bro. & Sis. Stone, please keep up the amazing Podcast, Mankind needs it. Our ETERNAL PARENT'S always bless you all. Amazing testimonie's.
I always understood the Brother of Jared experience to be an endowment of sorts, but I can’t believe I never made those small (yet huge) connections to the temple endowment. Mind blowing!
@@Cyrusmagi proof of that assertion would lend your opinion more weight than just being another random talking head in the cyberspace ether
Thanks so much Ashly for doing this podcast. Its nice to see so many people creating content which counters the vitriol others direct towards faithful members of the church. Ive subscribed!
Much love and respect for this channel. God bless you, Ashley, and your guests.
Terrific story, I am sharing it with people in my ward.
I just love this podcast
I am so interested to hear your next podcast! I wish you would write a book with all your historical facts and where I could study too!
His new book contains a lot of church history facts
gregkofford.com/collections/don-bradley/products/the-lost-116-pages
I love your podcast, it gives me so much hope, because none of my children are active. I tell everyone I know about your podcast. Keep up your great work.
You're the best!
Just want to say that this was a total answer to prayer for me in a way that has truly made me feel seen by the Lord…for the last few months I have been really struggling with the idea of the church potentially being a product of free-masonry to help disseminate esoteric, and perhaps even occultic beliefs to the masses to help usher in the Age of Aquarius, i.e., the New Age, i.e., the New World Order…This probably sounds very strange, but the doubts were very real for me…I thought i had researched every faithful explanation to the churches ties to free-masonry and I never felt like my doubts were fully addressed…without going into too much detail, last week I found this video and reluctantly saved it to my “watch later” playlist and I started listening to it today and before Don even brought up the Masonry stuff, I began feeling Hope and Faith pour back into my soul…when I heard the part about The Brother of Jared and the veil, I immediately knew that Heavenly Father was addressing a doubt that I had no idea how to search out the answer for…Thank you so much Ashly for this podcast and thank you Don for being a conduit of revelation to my soul!
Wow thank you for the incredible comment. So happy for you
Yes! Joseph knew The Endowment very early on like 1828/29 maybe some of it aa soon as TFV. Between then and Nauvoo he figured out a container to put it in. The masons had a useful vocabulary to borrow, sort of in the same way the Isaiah chapters helped Joseph bring us some of The Book of Mormon.
We are glad you are back!
I love Don Bradley's story! The way his mind works makes me see how the Lord used him and his experience to help others. I love how no matter what we go through, the Lord can put it all together and make it work for good.
Wow. Just wow. Very deep and beautiful. Thanks for this!
Love this podcast. Don has a great story and Ashly is great at listening 🌞
Thank you Don for sharing your beautiful story. Such an intelligent and thoughtful person. The Lord patiently guides us along our spiritual journey, as he gently yet powerfully witnesses truth to us.
Love this
Wow… amazing story. Thanks guys. By the way, in addition to what Don said about Joseph Smith and the temple, over a century after Smith’s martyrdom, non-LDS archaeologists discovered ancient docs known as the Nag Hamadi codixes that describe the ancient Christians doing temple rituals and sacred hand shakes, as well as eternal marriage. Temple garments were also discovered. Joseph Smith didn’t know anything about these docs as they were found in Egypt a century after him.
Sunday eve - May 7, 2023.
Love it I will look into that
@@Come.Back.Podcast The Question I have is who said that the Mormons are the church I'm still trying to figure this out, Now in the Bible we can read about When the Jesus church was started ( ACTS 7:37-38) Were there Any ( Mormons there No , Was Christ there ( Yes) 1 Corinthians 10: 1-5
@@Come.Back.Podcast ACTS 2:1-11 On the day of Pentecost Look at who was the church ( Jews) Where were the (Mormons)
@@Come.Back.Podcast See the Mormon church is going around saying that they are the church which is a lie let's see what happened to the Real church according to the Bible ( Deuteronomy 28 the Curses and the blessing let's see which one Israel chose ( Daniel 9:8-12) The Bible Clearly Tells us that All of Israel sinned against the most high, Now the Curses ( Deuteronomy 28:15-68) How many of the Curses fit the Mormon church ( None) They only fits GOD'S Church ( Leviticus 26:14-36 , Now let's see who GOD say his Priests Are ( Hosea 5:1) wait the Mormons say that they are the Priesthood but say that ( Israel is his Priests) Over and over the Bible clearly tells us that Israel is GOD'S Church the Mormon church organization is nothing but lies According to the Bible
@@Come.Back.Podcast What happened to the children of Israel the ( Church According to the Bible ( Isaiah 5:1-7,13, Luke 19:41-44, Luke 21:20-24, See the Mormons don't know is that GOD divorced ( Israel the Northern Kingdom Jeremiah 3: 6-8 , 12-15 , The 9 Tribes were taken by the Assyrians in 721 BC and if you Mormons don't think it's 9 Tribes let's see what the Bible says ( 2 Chronicles 11:13-15) , The Northern Kingdom of Israel today is in ( Africa) and Of Judah Benjamin and Levi are there Also but the Bible tells us that Judah would be scattered all over the world not ( Israel)
Wow! Amazing!! Love this!
This was wonderful. Thank you. I love history and if Don ever wants to hang out, I'll make hot chocolate.
Love this!!! I so, want to hear part 2
Working on it!
Such a logical, rational journey. Love it. Logic wins again!! God bless!!
Don Bradley is so wonderful! I've listened to all of his interviews (I think), and now I'm reading his latest book about the Missing 116 Pages, which has a ton of Book of Mormon history in it --- lots of stuff I've never seen anywhere else. He has such a great mind for details. I just love his story.
Thank you for sharing this about his book!
@@Come.Back.Podcast Where is it written in the Bible about the Mormon church being the church that Jesus started, Why isn't that scripture written in the Bible why didn't none of the Prophets of the Bible Mentioned such a church or the book of Mormon
@@Come.Back.Podcast Exodus 19:6 GOD was talking to a Nation of black people when he said that you will be a kingdom of priest to me, ( Where was the Mormons) Hosea 5:1 Call's Israel his priests where was the Mormon church, John 4:22 Jesus said Salvation is of the Jews where was the Mormon church,
@@Come.Back.Podcast the Bible Totally disproves the Mormon church as GOD'S Church So why does the Mormon church continue to spread lies and false Doctrine and Deceiving Millions of people
@@james8996 it’s there if you look. No one here has to prove anything to you. Your life is your own. To make a demand like that is pompous.
Genesis 27 When Jacob dresses up like the firstborn son, and in his name gets a blessing, sounds a lot like an at the veil experience. Great Podcast.
Don is the man!
Great video as always! He is amazing! And we really do have the most beautiful women in our Church!!!
Don thank you for sharing your story and the details behind it. I love your testimony of the Savior and the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Seems like I saw you on a podcast several months ago where you had done some research on the possible connection of Joseph of Egypt and the origins of sword of Laban. I understand this to be theory not factual history but I would like to learn more about the basis of this potentially faith promoting theory. Thanks
Thanks
Loved this!
Amazing!
Another is how Joseph and his stories were accepted by his family. I just did a video with a friend talking about my prophetic gift, and how they are received. I have 8 children and only 1 is still active. As many of my experiences that I have had that will not allow me to Joseph Smith s prophetic calling under any circumstance, my children are not moved by them. My friend in the video says that it is hard to accept the idea of the kind of experiences I have .
Thank you so much for youtr beautiful testimony. I would benefit greatly to understand more fully the many Book of. Mormon references that represent a foreshadowing of the temple endowment and the spiritual elements of entering God’s presence and partaking of the fruit of the tree of life. Have you considered writing a paper about that?
Ward Radio has a lot of episodes with him!
Do you know when you will be interviewing Don again in the part two?
We don't have an exact date set up yet but within the next few months most likely.
Ashly. You mentioned about struggling with Come Follow Me. Don’t worry. It can be hard. My brother has five children and they watch a Come Follow Me cartoon series on the Roku channel. I wish I knew exactly what it was. But there are tools out there to help you with CFM. I struggled with it as well with my kids. The Trick is establishing the habit and one message a night. Five minutes is all you need. Keep it simple. Use the tools out there. Good luck. Also take as many opportunities as you can to have organic gospel conversations with your children. That worked for me. I found the car was a great time to have conversations. I asked God to help me see the opportunities to have conversations with my kids and he delivered. 😊 You may already be doing that, but I thought I would share. ❤
I’m glad that you’re enjoying come follow me, let just remember - To each its own 🌞
@@_inveterate - I didn't know my comment reflected something other than - to each his own. Sorry if I gave the wrong impression.
@@rachelciarlante6039 ha. It think it has more to do with my reading comprehension than your writing skills
Has there been a Part 2 as mentioned at the end of the video? I didn't see it...
Not yet, Don has a lot going on so hopefully it won't be too long!
Is there a way to copy the link to this snd be able to post it in instagram ?
If you click the share button you will be able to copy the link!
I also had a voice warn me on a highway in Colorado. The warning came 3 times. From this I will never be able to dismiss the fact of God.
This comment is just to be funny. I'm glad he was re-embraced, and overall I love and have loved being in the Church of Jesus Christ, but I wonder what reactions I'd get if I showed up today in my cute Grinch pajamas instead of Sunday best.
How can I contact this man? I am feeling really drawn to his story and how it compares to my current life situation. I would love to connect with him and ask questions. Do you have any contact info for him? Thank you!
I agree. My testimony comes from my own personal experiences with the Holy Ghost.
100%
Listening to Don talk about Joseph Smith is like listening to Truman G. Madsen speak on the same subject for the first time.
Notice that Don’s hinge was a spiritual experience that allowed him to reconsider his faith journey.
The only thing that is going to get your friends that have left the church to come back are spiritual experiences.
I don’t know about that. 1/2 my wife’s family left the LDS faith and became JW’s. They all had religious experiences that told them to convert. Not one has come back. I don’t put much stock in religious or spiritual experiences. I think we as humans use them to justify a decision that was made for other reasons. Just an opinion.
@@Zeett09 I’m sure what you say happens. For me personally, my spiritual experiences are what brought me back.
How does that explain other peoples spiritual experiences that contradict mine?
I haven’t got a clue.
All I know is we are responsible for our own lives and choices, and whatever comes after this life will be the ultimate leveller.
Until then, what are the fruit of the tree I ascribe to?
For me what is quantifiably verifiable is a deep, abiding peace in my life. A desire to want to love my enemy. Be patient. Be kind. Long suffering, temperate, chaste, sober, hard working, service and family oriented.
Do I live up to these things always. No. That’s why they’re ideals. You work towards them.
But even if my spiritual experiences are completely delusional, the net total of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is still profoundly positive.
And that’s the WORST case scenario.
It is an OUTSTANDING organisation.
Far better than any of the toxic, festering soup, exmo groups I was apart of when I left, which are rife with their own hypocrisy and schisms.
I’ll take my spiritual experiences over anyone else’s opinion of them every time.
Amen. I can’t speak for others, but I can never deny some very personal spiritual experiences that have hugely impacted my belief and testimony of the restored gospel. I still have lots of questions, but I know the church is true and love my life accordingly. I also think of all of the amazing members of the church and leaders I have known over the years and even though there are bad ones out there, the anti’s and ex’s seem to only focus on the bad ones and completely ignore so many incredible ones…and where does their fruit come from?
@@millennialfalkon I like your response. I’ve never had a spiritual experience. Neither has my wife. Neither of us are religious. I’m just a bit disappointed in the bickering between our religious family members. An individual’s spiritual experience may be a validation of their particular faith but why is it used as a weapon to invalidate a different faith? That’s part of my irritation with my divided family.
It's easy to be an objective observer when you have no skin in the game. It's not personal.
Hi Don. Full disclosure - I am a former member. Questions for you:
1. You mentioned a story about being warned not to step in front of a car. I have a similar experience. Why did you conclude that God was responsible for that warning? Is it possible it’s something else?
2. You talked about feeling “wave after wave of peace” after accepting Christ. How is your experience different from those of other faiths who experience something similar but it’s about the truth of Islam or Judaism, among other religions?
God speaks to all people he isn't a respecter of person whether they have a religion or not. As a black man should I leave the United States or another planet because of slavery.
@@jabulani22shepo61 Hello there. I didn't say God doesn't speak to all people, I asked how Don's experience telling him the Brighamite sect of Mormonism is true is different from someone having a similar experience telling them that Islam is true, or that Judaism is true. Not the same.
God pours light and truth onto all that will receive it. We all have the light of Christ. We all are old souls in that we are eternal spiritual beings. Honestly, it is near impossible to not have spiritual experiences. Even if you try. You can't hide from the light and truth.
Having a spiritual experience doesn't mean one's journey is done. If one applies the light they have already received, they will receive more until they come unto the fullness of truth. And, we see that all the time. People often make the journey from one faith to another as they find more truth in other paradigms.
For those of us already in the paradigm known as the doctrine of Christ has packaged in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we realize that the pursuit of truth is a lifetime endeavor.
@@KyleWright so , for example, God let’s people have spiritual experiences that make them think/feel Islam is true so they eventually find a fuller truth in Mormonism?
I am paraphrasing here, President Hinkley used to say that our missionary program is not meant to destroy the faith you already have, but to build upon the truths you have already discovered, by adding to them more truth, and expanding your understanding. Essentially, bring the truth you have, and we will see if we might help to fill in some of the gaps you have through experiences with the Holy Spirit, which will testify of all truth.
❤
❤❤
The gospel is true.
Question for Don prt. 2: some of the antics of Joseph Smith, and the way he used up councilors and wealthy supporters, then tossed them aside leads me to believe he was a sociopath. A gifted prophet, but personally, a sociopath. How do you deal with his human faults?
DC 132 was added after 8 years Joseph Smith died by BY,
There is a historical record. Have you read the Brian Hales books? or Bushman, or even Saints?
Loved the testimony!!! But wonder why all you nay sayers even listened? Why waste your time? Just to contend with others? That alone tells me all I need to know about you.
Well said.
Don, have you read Joseph Smith Revealed by Whitney Horning? I am believing and feeling that Joseph, Hyrum and Emma told the truth about not practicing or participating in polygamy. They taught against it up to their deaths. I do believe that sealings were taking place, but not marriages that were polygamist marriages. Joseph had one wife, Emma. There seems to be many members who believe that Brigham introduced polygamy from his missionary experiences with the Cochranites. One of his plural wife's was previously a Cochranite. They practiced multiple wife's or spiritual wifery.
Don is a historian who has done decades of research with source materials. He probably knows more about Joseph Smith's polygamy than just about anyone living.
Speeled?! Spelled!!! 🤣🤣🤣
🤍🤍🤍
Sounds a bit wishy washy..its dons theory and not church doctrine..pity there is no evidence of all these people in america...that would help..but appreciate his work..
Ha. Have you even studied the book. Well guess what? It helped me to develop faith in Christ and clean up my life. It was 30 years ago. Take care 🌞