I have OFFICIALLY been invited on the Mormon Stories Podcast with John Dehlin, but it got weird...

Summary

In this video, Jacob Hansen shares his complex journey of trying to understand and engage with John Dehlin, a prominent ex-Mormon life coach. Initially facing criticism from John, Jacob reaches out with a genuine desire for a civil discussion, despite John's delays and emotional manipulation. Through their interactions, Jacob realizes that John is not intent on destroying the Mormon church but seeks to transform it according to his own progressive ideologies. Jacob proposes a neutral conversation to explore their differences respectfully, aiming to set an example of productive dialogue between opposing worldviews.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jacob Hansen expresses frustration with John DeLinn's emotionally manipulative behavior and inconsistent actions throughout their interactions.
• 😀 Despite the conflict, Jacob remains open to a conversation with John, believing dialogue is essential for understanding and peacemaking.
• 😀 John DeLinn publicly invited Jacob to have a conversation, but later canceled meetings due to emotional manipulation and demands for apologies.
• 😀 Jacob acknowledges that John’s motivations are sincere, though he believes Jon’s ideologies can be harmful to those in the ex-Mormon space.
• 😀 Jacob reflects on how Jon’s ideologies, rooted in radical progressive views, clash with the teachings of the Mormon church.
• 😀 Jacob emphasizes that he has always tried to reach out to people directly before discussing them publicly, showing his willingness for constructive dialogue.
• 😀 Jacob realized that Jon’s frustrations stem from unresolved pain over his excommunication and the loss of certain aspects of his faith.
• 😀 Jacob proposes a neutral conversation between them, ideally on a friend’s platform, to discuss their differences in worldviews and experiences with the church.
• 😀 Jacob believes that understanding and compassion should drive the conversation, even if they don't agree on much, to break the cycle of hatred between ex-Mormons and active members.
• 😀 Jacob asserts that his intention is not to destroy the church or Jon but to offer a space for honest discussion without manipulation or resentment.
• 😀 Jacob concludes by encouraging Jon to engage in a real, respectful conversation, putting the responsibility on Jon to respond to the offer of dialogue.

Q & A

What motivated Jacob Hansen to create this video?

Jacob Hansen created this video to address the emotionally manipulative behavior he experienced from John Delin. He wanted to set the record straight and share his side of the story, particularly regarding John’s public attack on him and the lack of follow-through on a potential conversation.

Why did John Delin initially invite Jacob Hansen to appear on his show?

John Delin invited Jacob Hansen onto his show, Mormon Stories, in a spirit of respect and to have a conversation. Despite their differing views, John expressed a willingness to engage directly with Jacob, treating him respectfully.

What changed in John Delin’s attitude towards the potential interview with Jacob Hansen?

John Delin initially showed interest in the interview but became hesitant and started delaying the scheduling. He expressed concerns about Jacob's perceived lack of empathy and even asked Jacob to remove a video from his channel as a gesture of good faith. This led to further delays and emotional manipulation.

How did Jacob Hansen’s perspective on John Delin change after watching his interview with the Paul Brothers?

Jacob Hansen's perspective on John Delin shifted after seeing his interview with the Paul Brothers. He realized that John was not trying to destroy the church but rather sought to change it based on his progressive ideologies. Jacob saw John as a person deeply conflicted with the church but not motivated by malicious intent.

What does Jacob Hansen think about John Delin's motivations?

Jacob Hansen believes that John Delin’s motivations are sincere but misguided. John is not trying to destroy the church but is instead attempting to change it in accordance with his own progressive values, which often contradict Christ’s teachings and could lead to destructive outcomes.

How does Jacob Hansen describe John Delin’s relationship with the church?

Jacob Hansen describes John Delin’s relationship with the church as one filled with conflict. While John is deeply frustrated with the church’s teachings, especially regarding issues like marriage and gender, he still holds onto certain aspects of the faith and expresses a desire to reform it rather than abandon it entirely.

Why did John Delin cancel the lunch meeting with Jacob Hansen?

John Delin canceled the lunch meeting after Jacob Hansen released a video featuring Rachel Patterson’s critique of Dr. Julie Hank's ideas. John cited safety concerns, accusing Jacob of smearing people and demanding a public apology before he would consider meeting with him again.

What was Jacob Hansen’s response to John Delin’s cancellation of their meeting?

Jacob Hansen was disappointed by John Delin’s cancellation of their meeting but decided to publicly share the situation. He emphasized that he had always been open to a civil conversation with John and expressed his desire for peaceful dialogue, despite their differing worldviews.

What does Jacob Hansen propose as the next step for him and John Delin?

Jacob Hansen proposes that he and John Delin engage in a conversation on neutral ground, such as on their mutual friend Steven Piner’s podcast. He believes this could be an opportunity to discuss their different worldviews and promote understanding without resorting to hatred or emotional manipulation.

How does Jacob Hansen view the broader issue of division between ex-Mormons and active members?

Jacob Hansen views the division between ex-Mormons and active members as a major source of pain and resentment. He believes it is important for people with differing views to engage in civil conversations and try to bridge the gap, showing their audiences that such dialogue is possible even with strong opinions on both sides.