What Do Mormons Actually Believe? | The Truth About Joseph Smith, Golden Plates & Becoming Gods

Ever wonder what Mormons actually believe—and why they can't talk about it? In this first episode of our Foundations series for never-Mormons, we break down the bizarre origins and shocking doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that most people have never heard. Part 1 of our 10-episode Foundations series designed for never-Mormons who want to understand LDS culture, doctrine, and why so many people are leaving. No Mormon jargon, just honest analysis of the beliefs that shaped millions of lives.

From Joseph Smith's magic seer stones in a hat to the church's $100 billion net worth, we expose the foundational beliefs hiding in plain sight: Why does the Book of Mormon contain King James Bible translation errors if it's an ancient text? How did "divine revelation" about polygamy and racism conveniently change when it became legally or socially problematic? And why does the church now deny doctrines that are still printed in their own manuals?

We cover the First Vision, golden plates, three degrees of glory, eternal families, temple worship, mandatory tithing, the priesthood ban on Black members until 1978, and the "one true church" mentality that shapes everything. Whether you're ex-Mormon, exmo-curious, or just trying to understand your Mormon friends and family, this episode gives you the context you need.

Perfect for: Ex-Mormons, former LDS members, religious deconstruction, cult recovery, religious trauma survivors, and anyone questioning high-demand religion.

Hosts: Jess & Hannah | Postmormon Postmortem

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In this Foundations episode of Postmormon Postmortem, Hannah and Jess unpack a culturally revealing aspect of Mormonism: the Word of Wisdom.

Ever wonder why your Mormon coworker powers through Red Bull but won’t touch coffee? Or why basements across Utah are filled with uneaten wheat? This episode is your crash course. Tracing the Word of Wisdom from its origins as 19th-century health advice, explicitly given “not by commandment or constraint,” to its later transformation into a strict worthiness requirement tied to temple access, we unpack the logic (or lack thereof) behind prohibiting decaf coffee while allowing unlimited Diet Coke, discuss Mormon prepper culture and basement food storage, and examine how beverage choices become markers of spiritual worthiness.

You’ll learn about the surveillance culture that monitors compliance, the economic side-effects of Mormon dietary loopholes, and why Utah leads the nation in both antidepressant use and ice cream consumption. Plus: why BYU started selling Diet Coke only after Mitt Romney was photographed drinking it, and how Lisa Barlow sells tequila while her son serves a mission. If you’ve ever been confused by Mormon dietary rules—or if you grew up Mormon and want to understand the deeper implications of the Word of Wisdom—this episode is for you.