Rob Fotheringham Interview 

In this channel, I truly found others that came to the same conclusion about JS and BY. Ever since I was a child, I thought I was the only one. I felt like an outcast, alone, a black sheep. This channel means so much to me. I finally came to realize that I wasn’t alone that whole time. There were others out there somewhere too.

How in the world could his wife not be so supportive of everything he has done? Its incredibel work! What an amazing man and mind. Ive watched several of his videos and he is practically an AI, so so smart and spirtually correct!

The Lord is separating us, yes it’s lonely, but it’s a desirable loneliness. When the truth means more, we will gather in true reality, and help bring about what is inevitable. I am beyond grateful that my heart and mind embrace all things new. God is great and God is good.

It is the first time in my life that I discover a member of the church that have the same conclusion, vision and understandings that me and many brothers from South America are feeling now.

I find Rob deeply interesting. His details and information speak to my soul. I’m a fairly skeptical person, I believe very few people, but I believe everything this man has to say. Thank you for sharing so much truth.

I love when he said that he felt alone, I think that is something we have all felt until we find a group of true believers, other truth seekers. Great interview

Covid has taught me to question everything..and that has opened up seeking truth on these subjects. The Lord will lead us to places to help us..along with our seeking answers from God himself. Thank you Rob!!

I've really enjoyed this. My wife and I have asked ourselves "what us our Lehi moment?" This came to our minds April 2020. We have since felt the Lord guide us to take a stand on medical mandates. I was fired from my job. We feel that the Lord is sifting us as chaff and wheat. Our ultimate goal is to know the will God in all things.

I always appreciate a truth seeker and I know it's hard because that's my road too. D and C 123 11 And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart- 12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it- 13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven- 14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness. 15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things.

Your videos taught me and got myself to challenge my beliefs and to look for the truth. They helped me face my doubts. At first I was really scared for 2 days. But then I realized the God wanted me to seek out truth and that he would be with me in every footstep of my journey. Thank you so much for asking these questions.

I love this video. Rob is so articulate and careful in his comments it's a pleasure to listen to him talk about his journey. I think I most appreciate that he doesn't pretend to anything that he isn't. Clearly this isn't a business venture for him, nor is it a way of getting attention or a following. He wants to be understood, perhaps, but far more importantly he wants to offer a third option to the false choice of all-or-nothing on so many conflicting topics in Church history; something that has helped him maintain his faith.

Such an enlightening interview, so much wisdom and insight, understanding and elucidation. "Once you accept the idea that your understanding of things may not be complete, it opens you up to a level of growth... that makes happiness possible..."💡💡💡

Wow! Great interview. I loved his idea of cultural belief in Gospel of blessings. If our idea is what's in there for me, then we will not progress beyond telestial level of thinking no matter what ordinances we received. The ordinances give us a chance but do not produce a change in our heart. The inner work still needs to be done.

Great interview. Hard questions were asked. What I appreciated most was Robs sincere statement of “If I’m wrong, then I want to know.” This is the statement I placed before the Lord that lead me to greater truths.

Thank you for your comments, Rob. Many of your points I emphatically agree with. Additionally, the practice of the restored gospel outside of Utah around others who know little about the Book of Mormon or Joseph Smith. Living these things more intentionally and hungry for new insights has been rewarding.

You Two have no idea of how much GOOD you are doing for your brothers & sisters in Coming to Christ!! Thank You!

What a great interview. Thank you both.

Rob reminds me of Jordan Peterson - very smart humble and seeking truth regardless of the consequences

I think this is the most meaningful video I've ever watched on RU-vid. I don't think I've ever seen someone speak with so much sincerity and yet openness in my life. Many, many thanks for this, I'm very surprised at where this video went and how Rob came across as being a very genuine individual.

When seeking to honestly put the truth first in whatever we are pursuing, will always work out for the best... eventually. Thanks for this thought provoking interview.

Let’s all pray that the right individuals (leaders) will be in the right place at the right time and that polygamy can be refuted once and for all. If people leave the church, let them leave the church. we've been told that this is the time to ensure that we know how to follow the Spirit. This is the ultimate test.

Great interview, Mark! Rob, thanks for sharing your experience and insights. So true that things aren't always as they seem, but the gospel is much truer than we'll ever know. Also, very spot-on your observation regarding the gospel of blessings/prosperity of the current LDS people. I have enjoyed all of your videos to date, and certainly look forward to further videos!

Great brother! Smart and articulate. Respect. I agree with everything Rob is saying, esp. when he talks about the BOM and how it pertains to us specifically as a Church. As a former catholic I had always thought it talked about other denominations but in reality it is talking about us! For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. - Romans 8: 14 P.S.: Great questions!

I'm one of the lonely ones as well. But I'm so happy. I'm truly grateful for the handfuls like Rob that have put all of this info out there, seemingly just for me. My faith has skyrocketed after all of these things came to light for me.

Fabulous interview, thanks for recording this. Glad you two were able to connect.

I love Rob Fotheringham's research and videos. Thank you, Rob! You have added so very much to my wife's and my understanding of what this church is really all about. There is one point Rob makes In this video to which I do take exception, though, and I don't think Rob would disagree with me. He states that every innovation that Brigham instituted has been done away with, disavowed, etc., including polygamy. However, the LDS church has not disavowed polygamy; it just doesn't practice it with living people anymore. I was taught, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it is still taught, that 1) polygamy is a celestial law and that we will be required to live it in the eternities if we want to inherit the celestial kingdom (thanks, Brigham!), and 2) the church practices spiritual polygamy by allowing a man to be "sealed" to numerous women as long as he is currently married to only one that's living. This is far from disavowing or abandoning, would you not agree?

His videos are very difficult to dispute as he puts the source info on the screen.

Thanks Rob for your story and what you done. Being a truth seeker is a lonely world. Nice to know that there is others out there. I really enjoyed this interview.

Thank you for a great interview with difficult questions answered very thoughtfully. I felt the spirit of truth for what Rob was saying!

Rob was one of my instructors in the MTC….30 years ago. Hermano Padrendojamon. Good dude

I feel alone constantly as a believer of the Book of Mormon but now a non-believer of the truth claims of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Who would I marry having such an unusual view? Finding like-minded people is difficult. I largely keep my thoughts and feelings to myself now because I don't want to anger or alarm what you might call True Blue Mormons. I care about them. I've reached a different conclusion to them in regards to Mormonism and I don't necessarily want to harm their beliefs or cause anger with my theories and suspicions. What Rob says about being very orthodox and then considering things you never would have, I relate to that. I believe in the Book of Mormon. I believe Joseph Smith translated it. But I just am not orthodox anymore. I'm certainly not in the "this is God's literal kingdom on earth and it's literally led by 15 legitimate prophets, seers and revelators" orthodox camp anymore. Rob, you are a hero for us in this budding anti-establishment Mormonism movement. That is actually impressive to hear from a general authority that at least one was aware that polygamy as we understand it may have begun with Brigham and not Joseph. The story Rob shared about that encounter gives me comfort about continuing to be involved in the church (which I do for community and family)

Amen to the home teaching suggestion. Let's add ministering sisters to the list. Assigned ministering is not ministering its an assignment.

Great interview! Too few videos like this. Depth and honest thoughts expressed sincerely.

If we’re wrong, it’s in the pursuit of truth. I feel that sharing your studies and findings is you doing your thing and no one can blame anything on you. We have to do our own searching and praying. Thank you for your testimony!

Wonderful interview/ discussion. Though I have a lot to learn about so many things, I can say that I have been guided by the spirit to learn many truths and I have been blessed to look into what Rob has presented in his videos. I have been enlightened and I do believe that most if not all of what he has shared is true because I have heard these things from multiple sources and the information expanses my understanding also in other areas of the gospel.

Thank you Rob for this important work you have and are doing. Your videos have been an answer to my prayers. I've read two books that may have documents etc. that could be of support to your research. The book, "Spiritual Wifery And The doctrine Of Christ" by Val Brinkerhoff is a book that has compiled scripture and church history. And the book, "Joseph Smith Revealed : Exploring an alternative polygamy narrative" by Whitney Horning. May you be blessed for your sacrifices to bring these truths into the light.

This guy has top shelf historical analysis

He should write a book called “What Then Is Truth?”

BYU must change its name to something else.

Great interview. First time of hearing about him. He is right on point and excited to listen to more of his beliefs and research

Hey Rob, nice to see you. We worked together and Intel. It's good to see you again all these years ago. My husband worked in the Temple department for 25 years. He wasn't church broke but he lasted a long time. Hope you are well. Paula (Passey);Austin

I'm not in agreement with Rob's conclusions but I appreciate that he doesn't seem to be antagonistic towards the church leadership, if I'm reading him correctly. I admire when someone has the humility to acknowledge personal limits, including also one's own limited jurisdiction.

Rob, I’m wondering what you are doing now? Do you attend church and sift out the information that the spirit speaks to you? Do you stay home and not attend church but read the scriptures and study on the sabbath and throughout the week? What do you do to fill in the rest of your life? Service? Attend the temples? Genealogy? I haven’t seen all of your podcasts yet. I’m just wondering… What is your friend doing that is the General authority?

"They could both be wrong...but they both couldn't be right." In regards to thoughts or beliefs - a good step in a rational approach to resolving conflicting concepts.

They don’t demand or perpetuate to be put on a pedestal... except when they walk into a meeting and general members don’t stand up so they leave the room, so they tell the officiator to remind everyone, then walk back in so everyone stands up. Secondly, then RMN throws himself an expensive “95th” birthday party.

Excellent interview!! What’s interesting is that I was never taught that JS was a polygamist. 🤷🏽‍♀️ My parents always taught me that polygamy was instituted later and not by Joseph. I learned the gospel in my home more than anywhere...maybe that’s why. My parents were mostly “inactive” and they taught what they knew to be true...which I guess didn’t always jive with the “narrative”. -Adrie (this is my son’s account)

I don’t worry about what is “true” about the history of our church. I look at patterns. Even if it came out that the church is wrong, I’m still going to be a member, because I know that we humans get so much wrong, and history is not just two sided. History has as many sides to it as the amount of people on the earth. That’s true, I come from a family of six and not one of us have the same memory of any event. If that happens in a family, then it’s doubly true in large groups, such as church. The pattern of our church is correct in how Joseph laid out how to govern. My membership in the church, whether true or not, has given me a foundation and direction in life as a convert to the church. And if I’m wrong, I welcome reasons why, but in the long run, there is no absolute truth when it comes to history, there are just versions of history. We have all been lied to and we have all lied, that doesn’t mean we throw the baby out with the bath water. BOM is talking to us, as an individual. It’s the patterns we must follow and learn from. The church has for the most part a solid pattern.

Dispelling Public acclaim ? Are you kidding. Is that why leaders insist you stand up in the presence of a GA and remain standing until they sit. Then not stand up until they stand. I have personally hand a GA directly insist I stand when he walked into the room. (V Featherstone) What does this tell you about who promotes adulation of GAs ?

I loved the interview. In cases of deception it is so hard to know where it stops and starts. I am trying to understand the need to insulate JS from any of it. I guess either way God tried to communicate through prophets again but does not. I look forward to future topics where Rob might discuss Translation Method and Book of Abraham.

Did Rob get excommunicated? I heard that so just curious - that would be really disturbing if it’s true

Good interview. Now I remember why Rob's name rang a bell; we worked at the LDS church at the same time.

47:39 - 48:05 hit like a rock, im coasting with that mindset and i now realize i need to change it

Thank You Brothers!! Great Work!

The obesity issue for mormons has more to do with restricted methods of coping with the oppressive theologies taught and perfectionism than sitting in comfortable complacency. Self medicating with food is OK but drugs, alcohol, sex and other addictive behaviors are not. We are taught especially as women to stuff our feelings about how we are treated and never express anger for injustices experienced by patriarchal hierarchy. Just coming from personal experiences.

I just went to Rob’s RU-vid channel to see his lectures and they’re all gone. So disappointing because they are really amazing! He does such great research! Is there another place where we can find them?

I may actually be in a hypnotic trance from this countdown music.

Great interview questions to generate the convo and keep it interesting

00:46:50 the most important lesson one can learn in life. We don’t know all the answers and the biggest sin in the church.

You need to expose what happened at Morley Farm June 1831 and how its been hidden.

52:16 "Things are not as you think they are, but the gospel is more true than you think it is." BOOM!

57:33 I agree. Assigned ministering, home teaching, is rigid and guilt inducing. Members of the church are responsible, at least in part, for it being so I think. This is a great conversation with Rob.

I have watched this interview several times. I always get something out of it. I noticed Rob’s channel doesn’t have any content now. I loved watching his videos. What happened?

To my understanding, reading about Oliver Cowdrey, BY was actually the 4th president of the Church. He had previously been placed in the same position as Hyrum as co-president of the church.

54:00 There are save two churches only...... the church of the Lamb and the great and abominable church. I feel this applies to Rob's comment regarding the Zion in our heart and using the good things in the church and wherever we find them to bring that about.

A better question for Rob is to ask him if he thinks current church prophet holds priesthood keys from a line to Joseph, through BY?

Interesting that you mentioned Lucy Mack Smith's book. Yesterday, I asked myself "is there any unbiased first hand source material that would help be get an honest feel for the pre-Brigham church?" and I went in to look at my bookshelf, which has lots of random LDS books that have been handed down in one form or another, and there was this red book on my shelf, by Lucy Mack Smith. I was thrilled. I pulled it off, and decided I would read it cover to cover, and then ponder out the various differences between her perspective (whatever it ended up being) and what we have today. The very first page was frustrating. It was a note, by Joseph F Smith, written when he published it, explaining that this copy of the book had been properly reviewed and fixed by church historians under the direction of Brigham Young and any mistakes that were in the original copy, due to Lucy's old age and poor memory had been scrubbed clean. This book was approved for our consumption. So someone in my family at some point bought it, and put it on their bookshelf, and like Brigham's prophecy, it found its way to their children's bookshelf (and eventually my bookshelf), and had it been the original copy, I'd have read it, and seen whatever "lies" it contained, and decided for myself what was truth and what was folly. He feared would happen did indeed happen exactly as he was afraid it would. Kudos Brother Brigham. You saved me from whatever it was that you wanted to keep from me. But at what cost?

I think the Brethren understand many things very clearly, and that is why we are in an “ongoing restoration” but the members are to study, pray, love and share on their own and not to depend on the church to tell you what you need to know.

I agree with his home teaching suggestions

Rob is amazing. He should never have been excommunicated. I doubt not be is a member in God's eyes. Just as I doubt not Joseph Smith had nothing to do with plural marriage.

What happened to Rob's RU-vid channel? I watched a great video of his a few months ago and now I can't find it anywhere. His channel has been wiped

This mans journey and walk coming closer to Jesus is similar to me. He articulates it better than me.

I saw a Rob Fotheringham video, and while intellectually may SEEM factually correct, it could be fallible accounts by biased people, so there's the Holy Ghost factor which was missing there for me. The NEXT UP video took me to Pres. Monson giving a talk and then the Holy Ghost factor kicked in as it always does for truth, and I said to myself "what a difference!" One can be intellectually driven, and one can be revelation driven. But the revelation method is so much better, even required of those who profess to have FAITH. It does not take faith to read intellectually, and in fact is the very reason that so many fall away from the truth, because they have relied only on the intellectual. When Jesus taught, and here is a CLUE, He taught in parables to actually withhold the actual meanings of his teachings from those evil Scribes and Pharisees and members of the Sanhedrin, priestcraft driven men, and a parable was only understood by those who had "ears to hear" or in other words, REVELATION to hear.

So, parts of the Teachings of Joseph Smith is wrong? [The 'as man is, God once was and as God is, man will become' in King Follett's Sermon is the 'wrong' part, I bet.] Then, something other than Joseph's church and inspirations are running this church ----- any hope you can take the next logical step? If you found out that Jesuits gave Brigham maps [Father De Smet SJ, specifically] re: how to get to Salt Lake and basically assigned him to head out and settle Utah and as much of the western US [Mexico at the time] as he could and kill any natives who objected, wondering if that would help any honest people sense who is running the church. Just a wonder, ...... I highly doubt that either Rob or Mr. Hemlock are gritty enough to let themselves see it.

Thank you for this interview. I would love to contact Brother Fotheringham, if he accepts communications.

Maybe this question has been answered but has Rob talked his research over with other church historians and gotten their perspective? I’d be very interested in seeing a conversation between him and someone like Gerrit Dirkmaat.

Great interview

Brilliant! This video is an answer to prayer. Thankyou.

Thank you. FIRST seek the Kingdom WITHIN. And there seems to be access to a motherload of regenerating Life Force hidden within the human body temple. The Cristos!

Nice job dad this is seth

Rob's videos have been removed. I heard the church told him to remove them! If so, here we go! We can expect the church to be rooting out those they deem to be apostates!! Excommunications on the horizon!

I’ve never heard of these before: Blood atonement Adam/God Council of 50 United order So I have no context.

Trying to get basic time-frames. About what years did Rob work for the church? What is he doing now? (I'm only 30 minutes in, so maybe its answered later).

The question not being asked is did the revelations Joseph claimed come from God or a being disguised as an angel of light? It sure seems to me that many LDS teachings are scripture mingled with doctrines of men. Why do I need to have faith in Joseph Smith? Does God require religion? If not, perhaps religious institutions are a great stumbling block to truth. We rely wholly upon the merits of Jesus Christ! Our righteousness is as filthy rags.

The end of Mormon 8 scathingly indicts its readers. Which can only be us, really.

What happened with robs videos? They aren’t there anymore!

❤

What ever happened to Rob? His channel disappeared. Can you provide any insight?

Hello 👋🏻 what about the song from nursery and primary FOLLOW THE PROPHET we repeat over and repeat over and repeat over and over do you think that have some influence in the members of the church ???

I'd be interested to know at what point Rob thinks the church started to recover from the Brigham apostasy??

REPENT AND RETURN BOB...WHILE THERE'S STILL TIME!!

Why is his channel empty now?

Mark, I have listened to Rob’s presentations and feel that he has always presented in a fair manner and very credible, but within each of the videos, it is clear that he does not believe Joseph was a polygamist. He makes a statement in this interview at about the 37 or 38 minute mark just confuses me though. Can you help me understand what he was saying? I am to the best of my ability trying to quote the segment, but is he saying that there is considerable more evidence that Joseph was a polygamist, or did he just say this wrong? Here is the quote: Mark: “Do you have any reservations about speaking out with truthful items as far as your research because of the repercussions they might have?” Rob: “No, I think I try to be realistic about the limitations of my understanding, and even in the Joseph and Brigham video, it’s fair to say that the evidence that is available that supports the traditional narrative about joseph smith being a polygamist vastly outweighs anything I was able to accumulate and present from the other side of things.”

What happened to Rod Fotheringham's RU-vid videos?

I went to his Chanel of Rob Fotheringham and doesn’t have any videos 😮

What happened to Robs RU-vid channel? There are no videos.

If the church adopted this man's mindset and made these things known it would save and resurrect the church

Might I suggest placing a link to Rob's RU-vid videos

A voice of dissent here as I examine the general tone and direction of comments. I had to stop at the mention of Arrington who's influence and motives need to be examined in their own right. Scholarship is perfect only when angels are the ones doing it. 2nd Nephi 27 :16

I hate to distract from the content and spirit of the video but why does this look like it was recorded on a 1980s camcorder? I have noticed that on Robs other videos the texts that are shown suffer from a similar lack of fidelity, it would help a lot if some one used at least a smart phone made after 2010 or even a low end GoPro. Sorry, I now this should not be important given the subject matter but to me it is, I much prefer clarity where it can be obtained.

Rob is either degrading of his wife, or she is a controlling narcissist. There is clearly an issue there.