Rameumptom Ruminations

In this episode of Rameumptom Ruminations, we explore doubt not as the enemy of faith, but as a sacred doorway to deeper, more honest spirituality. Drawing from literature, Movies, and lived experience, we examine how high-demand religions like Mormonism often idealize certainty, and how this can obscure the value of questions and struggle. Through the lens of epistemic humility and the metaphor of the unreliable narrator, we reframe doubt as a truth-telling discipline rather than a defect. Listeners are invited to see doubt not as the end of belief, but as the beginning of chosen, compassionate, and resilient faith. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

In this episode of Rameumptom Ruminations, we explore the emotional complexity of hearing others express beliefs we once held, especially when used to explain away difficult aspects of LDS doctrine. Through the lens of Buddhist compassion and Stoic self-mastery, we reflect on how to approach these conversations with empathy rather than argument. By letting go of the need to change others and focusing on presence and connection, we find a more peaceful way to navigate faith transitions. Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to engage with others—and themselves—with grace, patience, and humility. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

Leaving a high-demand religion can be a painful and transformative experience, but how do we ensure we don’t repeat the same patterns of judgment and exclusion we once faced? In this episode, we explore the cycle of harm, the dangers of tribalism, and how we can engage critically without dehumanizing others. Drawing from philosophy, psychology, and personal reflection, we examine how anger can be valid but also limiting if it leads us to mirror the very systems we left behind. True freedom lies not in fighting fire with fire, but in breaking the cycle with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to personal growth. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

In today’s episode, Scott responds to a believing member of the church that commented on a few of the episodes over the summer months. Said commenter referred to the podcast as being antagonistic of the LDS church. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

After a month and a half break, Scott is back making content. This episode is a quick message let the listeners know that next week, episodes will resume production in full.

What if the LDS church is true? The question posed last week received a larger number of comments than normal. This week, Scott will reply to a handful of them from a spectrum of agreement to disagreement and frustration. The topic will still center on Pascal’s wager and some responses to it. Is the cost of belief, according to pascals wager, negligible? Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

Two weeks ago when we discussed President Oaks May 2023 worldwide youth devotional, a few people commented on a remark Scott made while recording. A line in the devotional bothered Scott and he didn’t spend the time to go over why. In today’s episode, Scott goes back to that discussion and reads some of your comments. The quote in question comes from the talk Wholehearted by sister Michelle D. Craig, second counselor in the Young Women’s General Presidency. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

On May 21st of 2023, President and Sister Oaks gave a worldwide devotional to the youth of the church. Much of what they said is not new to any longtime member of the church, but there were a few key moments worth commenting on. The title of this episode is inflammatory, but give the episode a listen and decide for yourself if I misunderstood what President Oaks said in his address. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

Former BYU-I admissions office employee Brady Nordfelt joins the podcast today to discuss his faith transition while working full-time for the church. Brady discusses some issues that led him to doubt and leave the church, as well as some of the projects that he led while working for the church. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

The LDS church often cites the old testament to back up its claims about the practice of tithing; Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek, and the windows of heaven opening. How was tithing practiced in the ancient world, and does it resemble the modern tithe in Christian churches today? Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

In the last few episodes, Scott covered the SEC charges against the LDS church from a few different angles. Today, we’ll find out what the listeners have to say about shell companies and obfuscation. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

What counsel do the leaders of the church give to Bishops in regard to the handling of the lord’s funds? Are they following their own counsel? Continuing the discussion from last week on the SEC charges against the LDS church, Scott tries to put into perspective the size of the number 1 billion. Last month February 2023, The Security and Exchange Commission filed charges against Ensign Peak Advisors Inc. Ensign Peak is a non-profit operated by the LDS church. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.

Erika Nordfelt from Greenstone Counseling joins the Podcast again to continue our discussion surrounding shame and the LDS Church. Many of us that leave the LDS church have experienced shame or guilt associated with the religion. During Erika’s time working at the counseling department at BYU Idaho, she began the process of religious deconstruction because of the shame she witnessed associated with the doctrine and teachings of the LDS church. You can find Erika at Greenstone Counseling. Please consider becoming a monthly recurring donor to the podcast.