Jim Bennett interviews BITE model Steven Hassan - CES rebuttal was Jim's version of LDS church
This is honestly one of my favorite episodes I’ve seen.
On this thread I’ve watched a lot of apologetic takes dismiss or bash Steven Hassan, which made it genuinely interesting to hear Jim Bennett actually sit down and engage him directly.
What really stood out to me was how personal the conversation became. Jim shared meaningful context about his own upbringing and family experience in the church, and I think that added an important layer that often gets ignored. Not everyone grows up in or experiences the same version of Mormonism.
The part that really hit for me was when Jim talked about the CES Letter and his rebuttal. He acknowledged that what he wrote reflected, in many ways, the church as he experienced it. Not necessarily the typical LDS experience.
"High-demand religion” and “mind control” were central themes and brought up by Steven, Ian and Jim.
Hearing those ideas explored openly instead of reflexively dismissed was a big deal.
I think the more members who wake up to the idea that the church has and still does commit mind control understands that it is destructive and hurts members and isn't from God. just as Steven mentions multiple times. I agree with Steven.
Oaks recent comments and the new Apostles comments are directly a form of mind control that is talked about in this very podcast by Jim and Ian. When you control information and tell your members to only speak to faithful friends. Thats high on the mind control scale. TMBs it's wrong. please stand up and understand that language is damaging and isn't from God.
“If we have truth, it cannot be harmed by investigation. If we have not truth, it ought to be harmed.”
— J. Reuben Clark
Jim, I really appreciated this episode. The openness and willingness to engage difficult topics stood out.
Speaking thoughtfully about complex or sensitive issues, especially within a community that means so much to you, is not an easy thing to do. The honesty and steadiness you bring to these conversations are genuinely refreshing.
Many people benefit from voices willing to explore nuance rather than defaulting to easy answers or familiar positions. That kind of candor contributes something rare and valuable.
Thank you for continuing to create space for meaningful dialogue.
Posted Feb 14, 2026, 7:58 AM UTC