The Cross Examiner Podcast

The premiere episode of The Cross Examiner Podcast. Before I jump into religion and government issues, I spend my first episode trying to find a case we can all agree on.

Welcome to the Cross Examiner Podcast, the Internet's courtroom in the case of rationality versus religion. Here, our host uses his experience as both an attorney and an atheist to put religion on trial. We solemnly swear that it is the most informative, educational, and entertaining jury duty you will ever do.
In today's episode, our host, The Cross Examiner, shares a special treat: an interview conducted by Latter-daily Digest. This channel focuses on content creation within the Mormon blogosphere. The Cross Examiner discusses his journey, the origins of his podcast, and the importance of critical thinking in today's society.
Join us as we delve into The Cross Examiner's background, his experiences with the rise of Christian nationalism, and the massive amount of misinformation that powers it. We also explore the fascinating intersections between religion, politics, and law, and how The Cross Examiner uses his platform to combat misinformation and promote rational discourse.
Chapters- 00:00 - Introduction
- 02:00 - Interview with Ladder Daily Digest
- 05:00 - The Origins of The Cross Examiner Podcast
- 10:00 - The Rise of Christian Nationalism
- 15:00 - The Importance of Critical Thinking
- 20:00 - The Cross Examiner 's Background and Legal Career
- 30:00 - The Intersection of Religion, Politics, and Law
- 40:00 - Combating Misinformation
- 50:00 - Future Plans for The Cross Examiner Podcast
Don't forget to visit Ladder-daily Digest and give them a like and subscribe.
https://www.youtube.com/@Latter-dailyDigest
Also, if you enjoy our content, please consider subscribing to The Cross Examiner Podcast. We don't do any commercials or monetization, so your support helps us reach more people and push back against misinformation.

What do Edwin Meese and the (latest) Trump indictment have in common? The answer may surprise you!
In this episode, I read an unpublished essay of mine from 2020 that has suddenly become relevant, again due to Trump's latest indictment. Fair warning, you will find no ranting about religion in this episode. Instead I focus on my theme of people in power spreading misinformation about the legal system and government in order to deceive the public.

I am starting a new type of segment called “The Rocket Docket.” These will be shorter episodes discussing news of the day.

Today, we listen to far-right Nashville pastor Kent Christmas tell his followers that they should be willing to “die for their beliefs” just like Muslim suicide bombers who “strap bombs to their chests.”

I am not exaggerating.

In the latest episode of the Cross Examiner podcast, we delve into the fascinating journey of Dr. John Dehlin, host of the Mormon Stories podcast. Dr. Dehlin, an ex-Mormon, has dedicated his career to exposing the truths behind Mormon practices and helping others navigate their own faith crises. This episode is a continuation of our in-depth conversation with him, exploring the psychological and social impacts of religious indoctrination, the rise of Christian nationalism, and the role of misinformation.
Dr. Dehlin's journey is both compelling and relatable. Raised as a sixth-generation Mormon, he was taught to obey and follow the church's teachings without question. However, cracks began to form in his faith as he encountered various inconsistencies and ethical concerns, particularly during his mission in Guatemala. His experiences there, coupled with the rise of the internet and the availability of information, led him to question the very foundations of his beliefs.
One of the most striking aspects of Dr. Dehlin's story is the concept of the "shelf." In the Mormon and post-Mormon world, individuals are encouraged to put doubts and questions on a metaphorical shelf, trusting that answers will come in time. For Dr. Dehlin, the shelf eventually became too heavy to bear, leading to a profound crisis of faith. This journey of questioning and seeking truth is something many can relate to, regardless of their religious background.
The episode also delves into the broader implications of religious indoctrination and the rise of secular support systems. Dr. Dehlin discusses the importance of organizations like Recovering from Religion and the Secular Therapy Project, which provide crucial support for individuals leaving high-demand religions. These organizations offer a safe space for people to explore their doubts and find a community that understands their struggles.
One of the most powerful moments in the episode is when Dr. Dehlin talks about the psychological impact of leaving a high-demand religion. He shares how many individuals experience anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts as they grapple with the loss of their faith and the subsequent social and familial fallout. This highlights the critical need for mental health support and resources for those undergoing such transitions.
Dr. Dehlin's work with the Mormon Stories podcast has not only helped countless individuals but also shed light on the broader human experience. As he aptly puts it, "The Mormon story is the human story." By sharing personal narratives, his podcast fosters empathy and understanding, encouraging listeners to see the common threads that connect us all.
For those interested in exploring these themes further, we highly recommend tuning into this episode. Dr. Dehlin's insights and experiences offer a valuable perspective on the intersection of religion, truth, and personal transformation. Whether you're grappling with your own faith or simply curious about the human condition, this episode is sure to resonate.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation. Listen to the full episode now and join us on this journey of discovery and understanding.