In this compelling rebroadcast (first time on youtube), we revisit John Dehlin's 2012 interview with Tom Phillips, a U.K. convert and former LDS stake president whose close friendships with LDS leaders like Harold Hillam, Gordon Hinkley, Russel Ballard, and Jeffrey Holland likely led to the invitation to receive the religion's most exclusive ordinance, the Second Anointing. However, Tom's journey would soon take an unexpected turn after taking part in the secretive ritual which would have repercussions for his place among the community and even his own family.

Since the original episode, an intriguing twist has emerged: Tom's son, Alan, has ascended to the role of General Authority in the Church, despite his father's welldocumented disaffection. This development adds a poignant layer to an already complex narrative of faith, doubt, and family dynamics within the LDS Church.

Whether you're hearing this story for the first time or revisiting it with fresh ears, Tom Phillips' journey continues to resonate, raising thoughtprovoking questions about faith, truth, and the accountability and privilege of Mormonism's top leaders.

Show Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/receive...

00:00:00 Intro
00:06:20 The beginning of the audio
00:08:26 Tom’s Mormon background
00:27:10 What General Authorities did he meet as a Stake President?
00:32:12 What was Elder Holland like?
00:39:00 Important experiences as a Stake President
00:47:00 Confronting a couple who believed the Adam/God theory
01:02:20 Being invited to have the Second Anointing
01:08:00 He thought he was going to meet the Savior
01:10:45 “Hang on, we could be meeting the Savior here”
01:12:00 What happened that day?
01:16:00 They were to have their feet washed by Ballard
01:19:45 Charged not to tell anyone they’d gotten their Second Anointing
01:22:45 Ballard said “Don’t ask me what happens if you now sin”
01:26:45 How do you lose your faith after receiving the Second Anointing?
01:34:50 He wrote to the Smithsonian with specific questions
01:38:25 The strength of this church is based on the Book of Mormon
01:41:48 Two BYU Professors convinced him the church was not true
01:46:40 Issue with Apologetics in the Church
01:49:40 “I joined because I thought it was true”
01:54:35 How do you risk leaving the church?
02:08:40 What was the process for him leaving the church?
02:13:00 How his wife and children reacted to his leaving
02:29:10 Was he threatened with excommunication?
02:42:30 What happened to his wife and kids?
02:48:10 He wrote down 19 specific facts
02:52:30 He wrote a letter to Elder Holland
02:58:44 What was Elder Holland’s response?
03:09:30 Questions Elder Holland asked Tom Phillips
03:36:40 Elder Holland’s email offended him
03:48:05 Followup questions
03:59:20 Does he have any regrets?
04:01:55 What would he say to his children?
04:03:25 What is his spirituality today?

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At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through indepth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.

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