Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds talked with Ellen about his documentary, "Believer," in which he struggles with his strict Mormon faith and his own beliefs on equality for the LGBT community.
Hello Michael! I think we have all faced some kind of prejudice or discrimination. I am a Latin girl who lives in Australia, I speak English as best I can and I try to find my place. But I am ME and I am trying to show this society how special I am because I am different. People who do not conform to the mould are original people, more fun and more interesting. I bet you're a very special person. A big hug my friend!
I have always loved Imagine Dragons but this interview made me realize that not only is Dan Reynolds an incredibly talented musician, but he's also an amazing human being! That is so rare among celebrities. Loved this!
Someone on Quora wrote this interpretation of their song "Demons" a while back: "I think it is about someone with depression with the associated guilt and self loathing. They feel everything is hopeless and push others away because they don’t want to burden them. The know they desperately need help but are unwilling and unable to ask for it. At the same time they secretly hope that someone will see through their facade and reach out to them." This is so accurate.
EST You’re right about the depression part. When I went to their concert, Dan was explaining how Demons was about his depression during his darkest times.
“Whatever It Takes” is extremely ambiguous and can be applied to _any_ situation where someone has to overcome something. It applies to every human on Earth.
A wise "Mormon" authority said "Don't judge me because I sin differently than you do." A true member would never shame someone who isn't perfect because we all aren't.
I have been an admiring fan of Imagine Dragons, but from this interview I have gained a deep respect and appreciation. As a Jew I can still relate to this and feel gratitude toward Dan Reynolds. Thank you for your wisdom.
If you’ve never been to an Imagine Dragons Concert. You’re missing one of life’s best experiences. This band is outstanding, and underrated for their talent level
I couldn't agree more with with Ellen And Dan reynolds. Religion is for peace,You shouldn't use it to threaten people for who they like and who they want to be. At last we are all people,Why spread hate when we have the ability to love
mormons dont threaten lgbt, we just dont agree with their ways, that is literally it and its the same with muslims, other christians, jews, hindus, etc. so why is ellen ONLY shaming mormons?
Dan Reynolds is one of a kind. He really is special. So talented, so beautiful in and out. Bless him and Ellen too, for spreading a bit of love, and sharing and a lot of common sense.
I was raised Mormon and I’m bisexual, and the inner conflict was rough as hell. I’m so glad he’s talking about this openly. It NEEDS to be talked about. 💗💜💙
I'll be sure to turn to your imaginary friend who will torture me for touching myself or eating shrimp but allow me to sell my daughter into slavery or trade her for a cow.
LOL well you only have to do it that way if you want to try to earn your way into heaven but since the theocratic nation of Israel has been replaced, the easier way is to believe the gospel. You can eat all the shrimp and bacon you want!
that's right. i totally with ellen de genneres. "a lot of kids are going to stay alive because of you, dan reynolds. you are going to save many lives."
I can totally relate to this as a Muslim, my family do put alot of pressure on me to follow my religion. So i have to keep my thoughts to myself. Love dan so much 💜
Really well spoken; however I'm hoping that the RU-vid community and everyone who sees this realizes this is not the viewpoint of all Christians.We're called to love one another and anyone who goes against that, especially for something that isn't even a sin, isn't doing it right. I also wish too that people would be a little more respectful of others beliefs regardless. Just because I'm a Christian doesn't mean I'n homophobic...quite the opposite. Just my two cents.
Honestly the particularly cruel and vocal are really a minority but they're louder and also the media have a field day showing the worst/most vocal cus that's what gets them views, it's honestly very disheartening and leaves a really bad representation of most communities, not just religions but they do get the brunt of it
Message Comment I definitely can't talk for others here but I never meant you had to agree homosexuality. It's how you treat them that matters though. We're called to treat everyone with love regardless and not to take judgement it our own hands. It is possible to not agree with something but still be loving and respectful to those who do
I totally agree! I also find that as a Jewish person, when he said that judaism was in a similar vein to strict Mormons, it felt important to add that the ultra religious community only forms a small part of the global jewish population. For the majoirty of people I know from many religious background, acceptance is a pillar in which the tradition stands on and hopefully the voices of reason and good will one day be heard louder than those of hate.
This is such a coincidence. I'm a mormon myself. The other day I was having a conversation with one of my family members about how Imagine Dragons can still keep all the commandments while thriving in the music industry. And his comment was they're probably not devoted as much as before. I know I'm not active anymore but once you're a mormon, you are a mormon for life. The sense of guilt is kind of cemented in your head all the times.
Unfortunately, I can relate to that to some extent. Where I live, a lot of members of my church are accepting and would be fine with LGTBQ members, but some of them are very strict and upturned against them against what we're being taught, and it makes me sad. The one kid in my seminary class intentionally walks away or ignores people he knows to be LGTBQ. (He's also the kind of kid to go around telling non members not to drink coffee).
I think this is such a cool segment. Im not mormon but its cool that you still have your own beliefs but still believe in what they consider is wrong! So right you need to be in it for change ! Hopefully these stats change 💜
As a devout Christian I know Jesus Christ commands us to LOVE whether or not we agree with someone. He also does not want us to judge others. I am proud to be a born again Christian and I am also proud to love.
I hope anyone who watches this that wants less judgement in the world will extend that same idea to religions as well. I am a member of the LDS Church (A Mormon) and I care so deeply for those in our religion that feel like outsiders or feel lost and alone. Anyone truly living our religion would only show love and kindness to anyone who is struggling. I know our church leaders are very aware of the suicide crisis and are working so hard at being part of the solution. You can be religious and be kind.
As an LGBT youth raised in the mormon church, this interview is one of the reasons my mom accepted me. She even left the church because she couldn't be apart of a religion that treated LGBT people the way that they do. I have nothing against the mormon church and am only speaking through my own experiences. But thank you Dan Reynolds for what you've done for me and my family just through speaking your truth
This amazing young man lives daily with chronic joint pain from an untreatable auto-immune disease 🦠. On days when he is not bouncing on a concert 🎶 stage (helps his pain), he spends 3 hours doing physical therapy.
I just love him, I love his songs and the first time I heard "what ever it takes " I jumped around like a school girl Helen and I am a 64 yr old women lololol. Love you too Helen way way back in your sitcom show, and I linked how you think. Muahhhh
It is true that the leading cause of death among Utah kids is suicide but it is NOT true that it is the leading cause "because of the shame they feel from the Mormon church". It is totally unfair for her to say that. Suicide is also the leading cause of death for teenagers in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Wyoming and Virginia; which are not predominately Mormon states at all. I feel like she invited Dan on the show and used him just to push her anti-mormon agenda. What a shame.
I think this is an unaccurate representation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I myself am a member of this churc which they deem the "mormon" church. They are pinning this stigmaof intollerance on the church itself, but having lived in utah i can tell you that it is not the church as a whole, but a disconnect of individual members because if not knowing how to deal with thinds like homosexual feelings. I know that God loves all his children, but that he has also given us a plan to be like he is. Those who feel conflicted do not truely understanf what the teachings of Jesus Christ are. I belive it is insensitive of Ellen specifically not to use proper terms of the church as well as making a quick assumption of what the church stands for. I commend the notion of raising awareness but i am also saddened by this misrepresentation.
My daughter got me listening to Imagine Dragons. I Love them and even braved 17 degrees cold on New Year's Eve to take her to see them. Changed me so much.
Lucy Blue religion isn't all bad. I'm not religious but claiming all religion is bad, is a sad generalization. Religion as a whole isn't bad, as it teaches people compassion, community, forgiveness, acceptance, and lots of other things. People within certain practices of religion, however, like to use extreme versions of religious books (there are like 50 different kinds of Bibles that are written slightly different to suit each denomination) and extreme practices to have the people of their religious community have a hateful agenda toward anyone not in that community. You also have clashes between religions because they're all slightly different and people get in wars over who is right. I mean, just looking at Christianity and Judaism, Christianity has it in their book that it's holy for women to cover their heads, and yet in Judaism it's holy for men to cover their heads. So, which one is correct, if both groups got their word of holiness from God?
Abdullah Qureshi I agree, but some people are taught to believe being a good human being is excluding some people or spreading hateful messages to people who don't agree with them. For me, being a good human being is being able to do what is true to you, as long as it doesn't hurt you or anyone else, and allowing everyone else to do what is true to them. So many people are so caught up in other people's business. I work with kids and I always say "you're not always going to like or agree with everyone, but you need to respect them regardless."
Abdullah Qureshi very true! I think people raised up with over the top religious beliefs lose their spirituality through too much emphasis on trying to be perfect like christ.
The Mormon church doesn't teach that we should discriminate or judge anyone. Many people misinterpret the Mormon beliefs about family and marriage and think that the Mormon teachings include shaming or discriminating against others, but it's not that way. The teachings are that we are supposed to love one another no matter what. If someone who is Mormon has not followed that teaching and has isolated or disowned or made anyone feel less of a person about themselves for any reason including sexual attraction, they have made a mistake and have not practiced their religion correctly. Mormons do have strong beliefs including beliefs about family and marriage being between a man and woman, but at the center of all of the beleifs is the core belief that we need to love Jesus and try to be like Him, which includes loving and including all people, just like He did.
Wow! As someone who was raised Mormon like Dan, I applaud your bravery and strength. Because when you are raised believing one thing your whole life, then as an adult have that question of why am I not good enough, there is so much shame. I’ve learned to look past that and to not feel that way. How amazing to be a public figure and to be able to make such a wonderful, positive impact on the youth! Keep it up!!!
I've been listening to Imagine Dragons for about 5-6 years, I've always known his songs were about sadness or some sort of angry feelings. That's why some of his songs are completely weird and very not straight forward, a lot of metaphors. Like, I'm So Sorry, Friction, The Fall, Bet My Life, TipToe, Amsterdam, and almost EVERY song are unordinary but amazing. I love both his mainstream songs but if yoy love Believer, Thunder, Radioactive I suggest his old songs too their simply incredible and so damn catchy!
This is probably the best Ellen interview I've ever seen. I teared up watching it. Dan is such a kind, intelligent, powerful person and seeing him talk about these difficult things with such love and grace is really inspiring.
literally just had a youth lesson about kids struggling with their sexuality (this was at a Mormon church meeting) do you know what the teachers answer was? "We love them". This is Not a hateful religion AT ALL! Its all about service and loving your neighbor. There are always going to be extremists in any group religious or otherwise but they do not speak to the group as a whole or the principles we live by. This makes me angry and sad
According to the most recent data, Suicide is also the leading cause of death for teenagers in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Wyoming and Virginia. It really isn't about the MORMON CHURCH. That is a narrow minded blanket statement that goes against the attitude of open mindedness that Ellen is known for. I am very sad by her statement and wish she would correct it.
Thank you, context is important. If Utah was the only place this was happening it would be a much different story but it’s not. Shaming people or making them feel like who they are is never okay but neither is skewing facts to make it seem like one group is worse than others.
@@laylaburton6169 no... She stated that suicide is the leading caused of death among youth in Utah. That's a fact... Opinion is when she said it's because of the church. That's garbage. It's something they push to further their cause but there is nothing to back up that statement.
I'm so sad to hear his views on Mormonism. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints myself (Mormons are just a nickname we have), I understand that there are people within the Mormon church who are judgemental, ESPECIALLY in Utah where I'm attending BYU, but that is not a representative of the church as a whole. The suicide rate among Utah youth stems from the unkind way some members choose to treat others, not from the church. The church teaches our members to not shame or judge others for the way they live their lives. It doesn't mean we always agree with others, but the principle of agency is an essential principle of our doctrine. I'm originally from Buffalo, New York, and have many gay and lesbian friends who are not members of our church, as well as friends in the church, and I love, accept, and learn from all of them. Even though LDS doctrine does not accept the practice of gay marriage, we still love and accept all people, and welcome them all to join. I know many gay people who have chosen to remain in the church, and although it is most definitely a struggle for them as they can't act on their attractions, they have still found joy and acceptance in being a Mormon. Also, as a BYU student, I know that the honor code can be challenging at times, but the school is very clear on its rules and they're just what comes along with attending there. If someone disagrees with those rules, they don't need to attend the school. In addition, we acknowledge that it is completely normal to have doubts and encourage people to find answers for themselves and to not just accept doctrine blindly. I went through a period where I felt similar to Dan Reynolds and had decided I was going to leave the church, but I gave the faith one final shot and really strived to learn about the core doctrines of the church and have found true joy in following the teachings of Christ. It is a beautiful religion that has brought me true peace in this life.
Eliza Lahti I love and respect your comment so much. I'm LDS and feel the same way you do. I was inactive for seven years before I gave the gospel another chance. Reading through all the hateful comments is hard. I hate how so many people are ignorant of the true teaches of the gospel, all they focus on is the bad rap the LDS church gets.
I feel the same way you do. I also feel that we, as young Mormons, need to help shift our culture away from the "old" views on same sex attraction to a viewpoint of understanding and unconditional love. I hear the way my baby boomer father-in-law talks about gay people, and it makes me want to punch him in the face. The youth shouldn't feel like they would rather kill themselves than be gay. Making them feel that way by the way we treat them is NOT Christ-like.
I went to their show in Mansfield this month. It was that day I had a PTSD break down as I had CPR for work and I watched my husband 5 years ago die and have CPR for 45 mins. I felt like a failure.. and at the show he talked about mental health. How we are one and it's ok to feel this way... I left feeling ok about how I felt and felt so much better.
He does ALL of this while also suffering from an auto immune disease called ankylosing spondylitis which I also have. He speaks out on the disease to bring awareness and does a live show called This AS Life live. These videos have helped me SO much to not feel alone with this disease. What an amazing human being!! 😁❤
Dans the type of person that you should never let go of in a friendship or do him wrong. He's so real and opinionated in a good way. I wish I were friends with him.
Yeah I remember at the evolve tour in Dublin he said "it's ok to have a therapist" and I don't know why but those words stuck with me even though I don't have depression or any mental illness.
This makes me sad. I wish there were more popular interviews being done on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their actual teachings/doctrine and statistics than stuff like this. This man, Ellen, and countless others have felt oppressed by certain religious groups, but there are countless others who find mercy, love, knowledge, and solace from these very religions. I wish they could seperate their painful and sometimes even scarring experiences from the churches. It's such a sensitive and difficult topic to address, but I wish people in their prospective religions would be more loving and caring for those who are different and those that do not practice the religions to be loving and understanding to those that do
I would like to say that I am a Mormon, and while I love and agree with the idea behind what Dan is saying, wanting to get rid of guilt and shame and teach love, there are many things in this that I do not agree with. First of all, Mormons teach love and tolerance. I have been raised and taught my whole life to be loving and accepting and believe that I have become that person. It is sad to me that the statistics read were blamed on the LDS (Mormon) Church, what Mormonism teaches is love and acceptance, not pressure to be one way or another. If those terribly sad and awful stats are true, it is based on a culture that some wrongfully may have created, but that the Mormon Church as an organization does not teach or practice in anyway. Also, with the train metaphor. The Mormon Church teaches family as one of its primary doctrines. We believe that family and religion go hand in hand, so I believe it was an inaccurate and illogical question being that we believe we would never be asked to make that choice, because of our teachings on family being the most important unit on earth.
Its not FAITH that separates people, its RELIGION. If people can only see through one's faith and not one's religion, the world will be a better place.
“He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”” Matthew 22:37-40
Who else’s favourite band is Imagine dragons ????? ✋✋😩(mine ) imagine dragons4life Also imagine dragons helped me still does through life and everything and I’m so exited to go their concert
As someone who grew up LDS I could tell right off the bat what imagine dragons work was about. I remember being a teen & thinking “wow he’s not sure about his faith & he’s like me, so maybe I’m ok” then hearing Neon Trees (TYLER GLENN: if you’re not familiar w/his story) & thinking “if their front man is gay, then I have no reason to be lacking faith” But both their stories molded me into the Mormon that I am today. I analyze everything with my mind wide open. I’m not traditional by any means, and I’m not a buffet LDS either. No religion is perfect, they all tie in together, and I refuse to just blindly follow tradition when a still small voice is prompting me otherwise.
abbie He's not gay. He's an ally and a voice for the kind, accepting treatment of people in the LGBTQ community. For equality in general. Basically, he stands up for the mistreated and bullied. He's a kind person who should be looked up to. Also, I honestly admire your recognition of relating to his songs, and looking at your religion in a different light. ❤
Amy Awesome I was referring to an entirely different Mormon, Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees. They’ve worked together for the past year or so in Utah and raised awareness for it. I’m born and raised Mormon. Big names and scandals get around in our community no matter where you live, believe me I understand he’s not gay.
abbie It's good to know you use your heart and mind to discern. All my ancestors were mormon pioneers. If a religion is say made up by a man in the 19th century which capitalized on the erroneous fact that white America thought that native North and South Americans couldn't have built their pyramids without white intervention and then introduced things like statutory rape which he lied about and finally called polygamy and tried many schemes to get money like the Kirkland safety society (like a lot of cult leaders to get as much sex and money as he could) and was eventually killed for destroying the press (the Nauvoo expositor which exposed his shade) it is not worthy of you Abbie or your future children who will be brain washed before they have freedom of thought and will have to decide their eternal fate at 8 without any other options made available and be scurred to go against it 'cause um 'outer darkness' apostates fate. May your kids be born in intellectual and emotional freedom, honesty of expression and openness to All That Is. We have no right to enslave our kids' minds and emotions, this is the opposite of enlightenment!
Tlotus Funny that you mentioned all this, I’m a South American indigenous woman. Or should I say, a Lamanite? LOL the Latin community is mixed. What’s even funnier is that during my childhood the BOM was used to lure Latin (mainly Mexicans) into joining. They told them the book was made by their ancestors & then behind closed doors would complain about illegals coming into the country & receiving callings. I understand completely, especially with the white “Nephite” privilege I’m disguised with. I call myself a Mormon, but I’m not active. It’s more of a culture for me than anything, since my family are still involved. I’m so glad you mentioned all this because it’s kind of still going on today. 😔 Members like Dan and the ones from Mormon Stories are the reason why I’m proud of being raised LDS. Despite everything, there are good people who are involved & they had a hand in making me who I am.
abbie I think you should contact Dehlin. You would be a great interview! But if you don't want to be that public I think you are telling your story for a reason. Who knows where it will lead or you will lead it. ;) With children in cages on orders of Czar Trump we need to hear from Latinas more than ever. Goddess bless!
I am LDS (Mormon). I agree that in the Mormon church there is a great deal of shame and judgmental tones given to people who sin. It is wrong and really unacceptable. Christ is the only one who can and should judge. And of course, everyone judges regardless of religion, it’s wrong. So just because this culture is associated with this church, it does not make it any less true, or give the right to people to sin. I know it’s true but the “culture” isn’t! Christ taught of a church and how to love like him. Also to see each other as a child of God. We are not perfect, but we should all strive to be. And I call out any “Mormon” that judges because of someone’s life choices. Christ did no such thing when he was here. Just like Ellen says, “be good to each other.” #bemorechristlike
Dan signed an Ecclesiastical document before even starting at BYU that he promised not to engage in sexual activity while a student. It’s disappointing he acts like BYU did something crazy by expelling him. He also served a 2-year LDS Mission and was fully aware of the rules that are expected of when attending that school. He CHOSE TO ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY KNOWING WHAT HE’D BE EXPECTED TO LIVE BY.
Is it just me or does it seem like Ellen is pointing all fingers at Mormons (or a more correct term Latter Day Saints)? We do not hate anyone. We are not raising suicide rates. Mormons may come across a little judgmental but even though we believe in marriage between a man and woman, we LOVE everyone. My best friend is gay and I love him more than anyone. Trust me Mormons aren’t out to get lgbtq and we aren’t “intolerant” to them or any group of people. Please visit lds.org if you want to read an accurate stance on lgbtq. Every Mormon is different but we all love the same.
I was in Prison when I read the Book of Mormon. It is true, all of it. After a decade of the darkest sins, joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints allowed me to be forgiven of those sins, and start a new life following Christ. My guilt is gone and I feel the Lords forgiveness always supporting me. I now have been an active member for 17 years and the blessings continue to pour out from heaven. To my gay brother and sisters, I love you, but that love is small in comparison to Heavenly Father's love for you. He has given us the commandments for a wise and glorious purpose. Follow Christ, and after this life marvelous things await us all. Each day I pray I will remain faithful till my mortal journey on Earth ends. I am so happy I have the Lords Church, aka Mormon Church; faithful brothers and sisters who sustain the teachings of Heavenly Father always. This is my testimony, and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
If you don’t like it, then leave. No guilt in that. The problem is, people can’t leave it alone once they leave. And I don’t agree with Ellen... everyone has a choice. Hating the Mormons isn’t the answer either. Hating anyone isn’t the answer. I’m just tired of everyone ripping on everyone... including ripping on the Mormons. Has anyone tried defending them? Blah, it’s such a double standard to “love and preach tolerance” and then rip on the Mormons haha. Double standard Imagine that Mr. Dragon.
I'm sorry but caring for others doesn't make you a "unique mormon". That is actually a commandment to love everyone. That being said, people confuse the belief of the sanctity of marriage being between man and woman to be bigotry and hateful towards LGBTQ. Not so! I can promise most his crowd in Utah at his LOVELOUD event was LDS. We all want love and kindness for everyone!
