The Excommunication of Bishop Sam Pinson and his Family in Ammon, Idaho Pt. 1 - Mormon Stories

Every once in a while we have an epic, multi-part Mormon Stories Podcast episode about a family who experiences a faith crisis together -- wherein multiple family members (including some of the children) participate in the re-telling of the story.

This is one of those episodes.

Sam and Sara Pinson were living the Mormon dream: raised in the LDS Church, married in the LDS temple, etc. Sam obtained his “dream job” working 5 years for Microsoft, and later left Microsoft to start his own business. The Pinson dream culminated in Sam and Sara moving to Ammon (Idaho Falls), Idaho, wherein Sam was called as a Mormon bishop. Everything seemed perfect - except it wasn’t.

- Their teenage daughter, Olivia, was questioning both the church, and her sexuality.
- Their son, Sam Jr., was suffering with Scrupulosity (religious OCD)
- And both Sam and Sara were beginning to question their Mormon faith while Sam was serving as bishop.

Today’s episode tells the story of how a devout Mormon family in Ammon, Idaho, led by a Mormon Bishop, can end up losing their faith in Mormonism in 2020. It also includes a full recounting of how Sam began to speak openly about his struggles with the church after losing his faith - leading to threats and ultimately a disciplinary council/excommunication. And yes, Sam recorded and is now sharing here the full audio of his excommunication (Part 6).

Sam’s wife Sara, along with two of their brilliant children - Olivia and Sam Jr. - also participate in this super-thoughtful story/discussion.

You will not be disappointed in this episode. HUGE thanks to Sam Sr., Sara, Olivia, and Sam Jr. for their willingness to join us on Mormon Stories Podcast and tell their epic story.

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Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
04:15 Sam starts his story
09:25 Growing up LDS in a California high school, testimony
12:46 Mission, BYU, meeting Sara
15:17 Sara's mormon story
20:30 Testimony
24:00 Nephites & Some doubts
26:00 Home missionary work
27:13 A very well developed sense of right and wrong
28:40 Dating and courtship
30:09 Understanding about what role the church would play
32:45 Patriarchy, covenants
38:30 Marriage and career
46:36 Olivia and Sam jr. give a short response
47:40 Sam starts a translation business. Cracks in the marriage
55:00 Financial stress  gets resolved and relationship starts to heal. Big decisions
59:59 Sam gets called
1:03:27 Olivia and Sam jr. share their thoughts
1:17:22 Conclusion

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