On July 2nd, a terrific new book was released by Oxford University Press: She Preached the Word: Women's Ordination in Modern America. Co-authored by Benjamin R. Knoll and Cammie Jo Bolin, it shares and analyzes the findings from new surveys, along with qualitative interviews, about how people in the U.S. and within specific congregations and traditions view women's ordination, and especially about women being the primary leader (pastor, rabbi, priest, etc.) within a congregation. The results are interesting, and in some cases very surprising. And though the book reports on social science studies and can't admonish, advise, or cheerlead for any particular stance or leadership structure, most Mormon Matters listeners, we believe, will be quite encouraged by the results.
This episode features the book's authors, Ben and Cammie Jo, in conversation with Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon, in a far-ranging discussion of the book, its origins, findings, and analyses. It speaks of many, many factors that influenced the data, ranging from views of scripture, political leanings, economic status, race, gender, education, and much more. One factor ends up standing above all others in influencing views. Please listen and find out what it is! And even though Mormonism is only mentioned a few times within the pages of the book, and only a small number of Latter-day Saints were interviewed, with each finding shared herein, Mormon listeners should be able to draw parallels and divergences with what is discussed, with either outcome becoming an impetus for more thinking and imagining. Part 2 of the discussion (Episode 493), focuses primarily on Mormonism and various aspects of its views of priesthood and leadership, along with its culture that is both conservative but also able to pivot and move quite effectively whenever a new direction is decided upon. These in dialogue with certain findings and social scientific theories yield rich veins for continued discussion.
On July 2nd, a terrific new book was released by Oxford University Press: She Preached the Word: Women's Ordination in Modern America. Co-authored by Benjamin R. Knoll and Cammie Jo Bolin, it shares and analyzes the findings from new surveys, along with qualitative interviews, about how people in the U.S. and within specific congregations and traditions view women's ordination, and especially about women being the primary leader (pastor, rabbi, priest, etc.) within a congregation. The results are interesting, and in some cases very surprising. And though the book reports on social science studies and can't admonish, advise, or cheerlead for any particular stance or leadership structure, most Mormon Matters listeners, we believe, will be quite encouraged by the results.
This episode features the book's authors, Ben and Cammie Jo, in conversation with Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon, in a far-ranging discussion of the book, its origins, findings, and analyses. It speaks of many, many factors that influenced the data, ranging from views of scripture, political leanings, economic status, race, gender, education, and much more. One factor ends up standing above all others in influencing views. Please listen and find out what it is! And even though Mormonism is only mentioned a few times within the pages of the book, and only a small number of Latter-day Saints were interviewed, with each finding shared herein, Mormon listeners should be able to draw parallels and divergences with what is discussed, with either outcome becoming an impetus for more thinking and imagining. Part 2 of the discussion (Episode 493), focuses primarily on Mormonism and various aspects of its views of priesthood and leadership, along with its culture that is both conservative but also able to pivot and move quite effectively whenever a new direction is decided upon. These in dialogue with certain findings and social scientific theories yield rich veins for continued discussion.
In recent years, Mormonism has been doing much better when talking about depression and mental health struggles, helping destigmatize them and encouraging its members to seek assistance. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's October 2013 General Conference address, "Like a Broken Vessel" spoke candidly about these topics, and the church's mental health section at LDS.org/mentalhealth is likewise open-hearted about depression and mental health illnesses, and also teaches us about ways we can compassionately interact with those in our families, wards, and circle of contacts who grapple with them.
In non-official LDS circles, the LoveLoud Festival (now a month away from its second event) has raised awareness about the suicide crisis among Utah teens and young adults, especially those who identify as LGBT+. LoveLoud's founder, LDS rock star Dan Reynolds of the band Imagine Dragons, has just this past week been featured in a full-length documentary, Believer (began June 25th on HBO) about his coming to awareness about the struggles of LGBT Mormons, and his energetic work in conceiving and organizing the first festival. We are grateful for both of these great developments.
Just as with every medical issue, though, it's important to explore as fully as we can the literature and scientific research surrounding it. And in the case of depression and suicide, as well as several other mental health issues, the findings don't present as clean a picture as most of us have about the efficacy and advisability of even short-time use of anti-depressants, especially among teens and young adults, as well as about long-term benefits for most everyone. The predominant treatment program for depression today is drug therapy (and LDS literature suggests it is in step with this approach), but many researchers are asking if that should be the case.
This episode features two important voices who are asking questions like this: Robert Whitaker, a celebrated journalist and author who focuses on science and medicine, and Jacob Hess, Ph.D., a mental health researcher and advocate for better discussions about topics about important questions such as "Should I begin taking anti-depressants?" Neither Bob nor Jared are anti- anti-depressants so much as pro- "informed consent." In this discussion, they overview much of the literature about and offer background into the paradigm shift that took place some thirty years ago when anti-depressant use began to soar, and they compare it with actual findings about both short- and long-term outcomes. They also share information about many factors that contribute to depression, anxiety, and several other mental health challenges and what research is showing about effective therapies that help with those either in combination with medication or without it.
The story they tell is fascinating, as well as difficult to hear but also hopeful. We hope you will pay close attention to this episode and share it with those you know who could benefit from hearing a wider view on today's understanding of the causes of many mental health struggles and prevailing treatment approaches.
The concept of "atonement" is powerful: being "at one" with God, others, and ourselves. But the panelists on this episode, Mark Crego and George Andrew Spriggs, along with Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon, find the way it is usually talked about in Mormon and wider Christian circles to leave something to be desired. Too often the Atonement is seen through the lenses of various theories about "how" Christ's death reconciled us—with different answers even to what it reconciled us with. The Atonement is discussed as an event. Sure, it's one with eternal significance, but very often it is treated like an act that healed a rift (between us and God, or us and moral law, or us and justice) or that cosmically did "something" in the universe that allows us mortals to overcome our destructive tendencies and sins, with our job being to then "take advantage of” it or "qualify" so it can or will become active in our lives here and now or, at least, for us come judgment day.
But what would happen if atonement were thought about more as a concept than an event? Or even, perhaps, thought of as a powerful idea even without a Christian context? Can we allow the notion of peace and being "at one" with our highest self, others in our lives, or with whatever might be the Ultimate Reality in the universe call us into greater relationship, enabling a flourishing life with all instances infused with love? And if we go back to Christianity and the story and symbolism of Jesus Christ and the cross and how his mission was to draw all unto him (not “force,” but draw, attract, lead, counsel, coach) and the kind of relationality he experiences, can we re-enliven Atonement? Can we resurrect it in our lives?
This episode is long but always moving forward at a good pace. In it Mark and Dan propose various ideas and Andrew, the wonderful thinker and clarifier, reacts and pushes for greater clarification or offers where he finds the proposals lacking. In the mix of this, much is discussed, much laid out that typically escapes discussion. We think you'll very much enjoy this three-part podcast!
The concept of "atonement" is powerful: being "at one" with God, others, and ourselves. But the panelists on this episode, Mark Crego and George Andrew Spriggs, along with Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon, find the way it is usually talked about in Mormon and wider Christian circles to leave something to be desired. Too often the Atonement is seen through the lenses of various theories about "how" Christ's death reconciled us—with different answers even to what it reconciled us with. The Atonement is discussed as an event. Sure, it's one with eternal significance, but very often it is treated like an act that healed a rift (between us and God, or us and moral law, or us and justice) or that cosmically did "something" in the universe that allows us mortals to overcome our destructive tendencies and sins, with our job being to then "take advantage of” it or "qualify" so it can or will become active in our lives here and now or, at least, for us come judgment day.
But what would happen if atonement were thought about more as a concept than an event? Or even, perhaps, thought of as a powerful idea even without a Christian context? Can we allow the notion of peace and being "at one" with our highest self, others in our lives, or with whatever might be the Ultimate Reality in the universe call us into greater relationship, enabling a flourishing life with all instances infused with love? And if we go back to Christianity and the story and symbolism of Jesus Christ and the cross and how his mission was to draw all unto him (not “force,” but draw, attract, lead, counsel, coach) and the kind of relationality he experiences, can we re-enliven Atonement? Can we resurrect it in our lives?
This episode is long but always moving forward at a good pace. In it Mark and Dan propose various ideas and Andrew, the wonderful thinker and clarifier, reacts and pushes for greater clarification or offers where he finds the proposals lacking. In the mix of this, much is discussed, much laid out that typically escapes discussion. We think you'll very much enjoy this three-part podcast!
The concept of "atonement" is powerful: being "at one" with God, others, and ourselves. But the panelists on this episode, Mark Crego and George Andrew Spriggs, along with Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon, find the way it is usually talked about in Mormon and wider Christian circles to leave something to be desired. Too often the Atonement is seen through the lenses of various theories about "how" Christ's death reconciled us—with different answers even to what it reconciled us with. The Atonement is discussed as an event. Sure, it's one with eternal significance, but very often it is treated like an act that healed a rift (between us and God, or us and moral law, or us and justice) or that cosmically did "something" in the universe that allows us mortals to overcome our destructive tendencies and sins, with our job being to then "take advantage of” it or "qualify" so it can or will become active in our lives here and now or, at least, for us come judgment day.
But what would happen if atonement were thought about more as a concept than an event? Or even, perhaps, thought of as a powerful idea even without a Christian context? Can we allow the notion of peace and being "at one" with our highest self, others in our lives, or with whatever might be the Ultimate Reality in the universe call us into greater relationship, enabling a flourishing life with all instances infused with love? And if we go back to Christianity and the story and symbolism of Jesus Christ and the cross and how his mission was to draw all unto him (not “force,” but draw, attract, lead, counsel, coach) and the kind of relationality he experiences, can we re-enliven Atonement? Can we resurrect it in our lives?
This episode is long but always moving forward at a good pace. In it Mark and Dan propose various ideas and Andrew, the wonderful thinker and clarifier, reacts and pushes for greater clarification or offers where he finds the proposals lacking. In the mix of this, much is discussed, much laid out that typically escapes discussion. We think you'll very much enjoy this three-part podcast!
This episode wrestles with exclusivist claims in religion, including Mormonism, as well as in our psyches. How does the idea of chosenness, specialness, uniqueness, and being “right” or on the “true” path work in our minds and hearts in both positive and negative ways? Why do we want to cling to ideas that work to set us apart from others rather than unite us with the rest of humanity in struggling and wrestling with life's biggest questions? Why do so many of us focus on being "right" about the way things "really are" in the heavens? Does it make sense to skip the struggle of determining our own values and power in exchange for safety in some yet-unknown and indeterminate future?
Being "the one and only true church" has played a fascinating role in Mormonism and in the lives of its adherents. And because of the power of this idea, many of us struggle when we are presented with alternate views that challenge its exclusivist claims. Do we "dare" explore these other areas more? Do we answer this deep call within us to become our "own" person rather than remain safely in the Mormon (or whatever religion one associates with) current, moving steadily ahead toward goals we have been taught were certain to be achieved if we keep with the group?
In this Mormon Matters discussion, two wonderful LDS therapists, Jennifer Finlayson-Fife and Lisa Tensmeyer Hansen, join host Dan Wotherspoon for a deep dive into the dynamics of exclusivism as they play out in Mormonism and in the deepest parts of ourselves. How can we trust ourselves to venture beyond the stories and assurances we've been given and not become lost? Is it a wrestle that all of us must eventually take on in order to be psychologically and mentally healthy? Are there ways that we are seeing Mormonism change with regard to exclusive truth claims that open up our Sunday and other LDS spaces for genuine exploration and wrestling rather than primarily being dedicated to shoring up truth claims? Finally, what good is the idea that we know the "Truth" anyway? How well does it serve us and our souls? Are there other types of searches that are far more important to embark on than seeking to "have all the answers"?
Every time a new temple is announced, especially when it is to be built in the developing world, it's not very long before discussions begin to arise about the priority the LDS Church puts on building temples. Soon after that, some will begin to ask about these (expensive) buildings and if that money used to build and operate them longterm might not be better put toward feeding people and alleviating poverty or seeking to end other social ills. And, finally, the question of tithing will inevitably then arise: Is tithing, as practiced in Mormonism, fair? Is it right to require people who live in dire (by most North American standards) circumstances to pay tithing—sometimes, it will be argued, meaning they will make the choice to be obedient to that law even if it means not eating as well or paying for medicine?
In this episode, the wonderful Laurie Lee Hall and Jim Smithson join Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon for a goodly wrestle with these questions. Without pre-conceived answers nor the thought that there is only one way to respond to these competing priorities, the two panelists share their experiences within the Church's Temple Department and its Research Division, respectively, as well as perspectives they gained through their extensive travels around the world on behalf of the church. Laurie Lee shares an overview of temple building in the past half-century and what she has gathered through the years as the factors that are considered before they are announced and as leaders determine their size and the costs of building and maintaining them, as well as improving and protecting the area immediately adjacent to them. Jim speaks to his experiences interviewing and interacting with Saints around the world as he spoke with them about various church programs and policies and how they affect their religious lives. And it all gets complicated and more personally affecting as Dan inserts aspects of the issues spoken of above. Do these international Saints, especially those in the developing world, share the same concerns that many here do about temple costs and how the law of tithing may affect them differently? Are we who might make these arguments projecting our feelings and sensibilities about the tragedies of their lives onto them? Is it proper to question, from our perspectives, Church priorities? Are their aspects of temple work and tithing that might lie beyond that which is quantifiable by counting dollars and cents? What good fruits can come into our lives as we wrestle in these areas?
Please listen and then share your ideas in the comments section!
Every time a new temple is announced, especially when it is to be built in the developing world, it's not very long before discussions begin to arise about the priority the LDS Church puts on building temples. Soon after that, some will begin to ask about these (expensive) buildings and if that money used to build and operate them longterm might not be better put toward feeding people and alleviating poverty or seeking to end other social ills. And, finally, the question of tithing will inevitably then arise: Is tithing, as practiced in Mormonism, fair? Is it right to require people who live in dire (by most North American standards) circumstances to pay tithing—sometimes, it will be argued, meaning they will make the choice to be obedient to that law even if it means not eating as well or paying for medicine?
In this episode, the wonderful Laurie Lee Hall and Jim Smithson join Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon for a goodly wrestle with these questions. Without pre-conceived answers nor the thought that there is only one way to respond to these competing priorities, the two panelists share their experiences within the Church's Temple Department and its Research Division, respectively, as well as perspectives they gained through their extensive travels around the world on behalf of the church. Laurie Lee shares an overview of temple building in the past half-century and what she has gathered through the years as the factors that are considered before they are announced and as leaders determine their size and the costs of building and maintaining them, as well as improving and protecting the area immediately adjacent to them. Jim speaks to his experiences interviewing and interacting with Saints around the world as he spoke with them about various church programs and policies and how they affect their religious lives. And it all gets complicated and more personally affecting as Dan inserts aspects of the issues spoken of above. Do these international Saints, especially those in the developing world, share the same concerns that many here do about temple costs and how the law of tithing may affect them differently? Are we who might make these arguments projecting our feelings and sensibilities about the tragedies of their lives onto them? Is it proper to question, from our perspectives, Church priorities? Are their aspects of temple work and tithing that might lie beyond that which is quantifiable by counting dollars and cents? What good fruits can come into our lives as we wrestle in these areas?
Please listen and then share your ideas in the comments section!
Were there an official calling within Mormonism of "Church and Culture Lampoonist" (and there should be!), Robert Kirby would be magnifying the heck out of it! For better than thirty years, including the past twenty-one as a columnist at the Salt Lake Tribune, he has held up an affectionate but also serious mirror (and shock collar) to Mormonism, its culture, and its excesses in Utah and other places in which it dominates, especially when its members take themselves too seriously. As an insider who loves his community even as it also at times drives him crazy, Kirby has been able to find a way to give voice to thoughts that so many of us members are thinking—though we are generally less hilarious and insightful than he is—and, in so doing, bless us tremendously. It is important that we see the folly in some of our ways, whether it's how we prioritize certain ideas or practices over others, or how we globalize our way of acting and thinking as the only way to "Mormon" correctly. His work helps us laugh even as we are also caught up short, allowing us to "let in" what we might not otherwise were it presented in a more solemn or preachy manner. And, as we chew on the wisdom of the priorities and ways of being embedded in his humorous and sometimes biting observations, we are better as people and a community.
In this episode, Kirby shares with Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon many things about his life, from his upbringing within the church and the many challenges he's faced in his journey and the changes he has undergone, to his thinking about Mormonism and his role within it. He also shares glimpses at his own spiritual world and the centrality of his marriage in his life and how relationships inform his thinking about what things are of most worth.
We know you'll enjoy this conversation! You'll be laughing one moment and your soul touched the next. Just like what should happen in our lives every day.
Here at Mormon Matters we will occasionally focus on the importance of sticking with (though often with changed forms) spiritual practices even while in the midst of shifting faith. Even when we might not be sure what we believe anymore, putting ourselves in some way in a position to stay connected with God (whoever or whatever that is, some would add) and our highest selves and desires is vital to our remaining in balance and not letting our minds and doubts completely run the show.
In that spirit, we present this show and the introduction it gives to a recently discovered (at least for a general audience) practice from early and medieval Christianity that has surprising relevance for today's world and how we access information and get ideas for how we might live. (Hence the words in the subtitle to the episode, which comes from the introduction to the book about the practice we discuss herein.) Earlier this year, the book The Prayer Wheel: A Daily Guide to Renewing Your Faith with a Rediscovered Spiritual Practice was published (Convergent Books). Written by three friends—Jana Riess (who is well known to and beloved by the Mormon Matters audience), Patton Dodd, and David Van Biema—the book chronicles the discovery of a diagram that was bound into a thousand-year-old book containing the four Gospels. As the authors researched it and discovered similar (but less awesome--of course!) diagrams, they realized they had stumbled upon a prayer technology used within Christianity during the medieval period (and likely longer), but which had lost its relevance sometime following the invention of the printing press. Now it is being re-presented here at this very time when some say we are at the end of the printing press era, and it bears similarities to how we use apps and various digital and smartphone technologies today. It's a fascinating story and both it and the prayer wheel itself hold many interesting things to think about.
But most importantly, the wheel also a powerful tool for devotional prayer and assisting us in drawing closer to God and our own centers. We won't describe it here (the image accompanying this write-up on the Mormon Matters website shows the wheel with English translations of what was originally Latin), but we will say that for Mormon audiences, who typically stay away from fixed or rote prayers, this wheel (and the book's and this podcast's presentation of ways to use it) highlights a practice that is somewhere in-between fixed and freestyle praying. It is quite intriguing for anyone who is trying to deepen her or his devotional life through a contemplative practice. Within the conversation here, we also discuss other connections Mormons might make between it and early and present-day Christianity and Judaism.
We think you'll find the discussion in this episode delightful in its mix of personal journeying, intellectual fascination, and how the wheel has enhanced the authors' own faith lives. This will be a show that afterward you will likely say, "Wow, before I began listening, I had no clue that I'd be as interested in this topic as I am now!"
We all have different temperaments, and there are many combinations of elements that affect our spiritual journeys—including how recently we’ve entered into a time of questioning our original assumptions about life, church, and our souls. Because of this diversity, a fairly common theme that arises in Mormon discussions is how it seems to some as if those who are making peace with Mormon life and its teachings and various elements of LDS culture that want to limit spiritual exploration must be doing everything possible to force new ideas into old containers, to redefine words and concepts in a way that renders them practically meaningless. In short, the critique is that those who claim there is roominess in Mormonism for active, engaged, and fulfilling spiritual lives must be engaged in mental and spiritual gymnastics, must be contorting themselves and jamming their ideas into very small spaces in order to stay in fellowship with the Church and its members. In addition, this critique is often coupled with a suggestion (most often implied but sometimes explicit) that they are deceiving themselves or are spending the energy they do to find a good fit out of fear or some other motive that is less than fully transparent to them.
Is this accurate? In some cases, sure. And in many, this may be a fairly accurate description of an early stage in a person’s journey. However, for most who have God- and Mormon-wrestled and emerged from the efforts expended in that kind of soul work, it has felt like anything but spiritual gymnastics/contortionism. It has felt like natural growth, very much akin to how they’ve deepened their grasp of things in other aspects of life in which they have moved from one place of understanding to another.
In order to illustrate this (and as an attempt to go in depth in order to illustrate this more complete reordering that has felt to them like very natural and worthy efforts), this episode features two wonderful and insightful panelists, Ian Thomson and Chris Kimball, in conversation with Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon about these claims about people forcing a fit into a strict gospel message and culture, or nuancing “truth” and certain concepts so completely that they now actually don’t mean much of anything. All three of these discussion partners share elements of their own journey toward peace within the religion that nurtured them, even as they share how it certainly still tests their patience and forces them to face issues and attitudes that aren’t always enjoyable. The challenge this episode presents is for listeners to hear for themselves and decide if, indeed, these discussants are deceived about the reasons for their continued engagement and stand on very insubstantial ground in their thought and practices, or if they represent an attractive, a-bit-down-the-pathway position and worldview that has its own integrity and ability to foster peace of soul and a fulfilled life within an LDS context.
We all have different temperaments, and there are many combinations of elements that affect our spiritual journeys—including how recently we’ve entered into a time of questioning our original assumptions about life, church, and our souls. Because of this, a fairly common theme that arises in Mormon discussions is how it seems to some as if those who are making peace with Mormon life and its teachings and various elements of LDS culture that want to limit spiritual exploration must be doing everything possible to force new ideas into old containers, to redefine words and concepts in a way that almost completely changes their meaning. In short, the critique is that those who claim there is roominess in Mormonism for active, engaged, and fulfilling spiritual lives must be doing mental and spiritual gymnastics, must be contorting themselves and jamming their ideas into very small spaces. And this is often coupled with a suggestion (most often implied but sometimes explicit) that they are deceiving themselves or are spending the energy they do in this way because of fear or some other motive that is less than fully transparent.
But is this accurate? In some cases, sure. And in many, this may be a fairly accurate description of an early stage in their journey. For most who have God- and Mormon-wrestled and emerged from the efforts expended in that kind of soul work, however, it has felt like anything but spiritual gymnastics/contortionism. It has felt like natural growth, very much akin to the other aspects of life in which they have moved from one place of understanding to another.
In order to illustrate this (and as an attempt to go in depth in order to illustrate this more complete reordering that has felt to them like very worthy efforts), this episode features two wonderful and insightful panelists, Ian Thomson and Chris Kimball, in conversation with Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon about these claims of forcing a fit into a strict gospel message and culture or nuancing “truth” and certain concepts so completely that they now actually don’t mean much of anything. All three share elements of their own journey toward peace within the religion that nurtured them, even as it certainly still tests their patience and forces them to learn things about love and relationships and goodness and compassion that aren’t always enjoyable in the short-term. The challenge this episode presents is for listeners to hear for themselves and decide if, indeed, these discussants are deceived about the reasons for their continued engagement and stand on very insubstantial ground in their thought and practices, or if they represent an attractive, a-bit-down-the-pathway position that has its own integrity and ability to create a fulfilled life and peace of soul.
Most religions, cultures, and philosophies contain stories or theories about human evil and its origins. Some, including Mormonism, place a major portion of the blame for moral evil on a fallen angel, Lucifer, and his followers, who after being ousted from heaven become devils whose only desire is to thwart God’s plans and make loathsome humans as miserable as possible. What many Latter-day Saints don’t realize is how much their version of the war in heaven and the role of Lucifer, who becomes known as Satan, differs from that of wider Christianity, Islam, and the hints of the story found in the Bible. What are these other stories? What are the major differences between the narratives? How much has the story or emphases changed within Mormonism since its earlier periods? Does Mormon theology contain starting points and theological angles for viewing the Satan story powerfully as mythos rather than literal history? Has a shift already begun in how most Latter-day Saints view the sources of temptation they face in their own lives? What principles within Mormon theology might an LDS person draw on to create room for also honoring insights about the nature of evil and human propensities toward sin from eastern religions or certain psychological schools?
In this episode, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon, along with panelists Boyd Petersen, Charles Randall Paul, and Chelsea Shields Strayer explore all these questions, plus engage in a fascinating peek at how evil is seen in some non-Western cultures, including West Africa (where Chelsea has been doing anthropological fieldwork for the past decade) and its ideas of the very real powers that work in witchcraft, spirit possession, cursing, and other "occult" practices. Does Mormonism have theological explanations for these forces and the various ways they are manifest? Do West African Mormons still hold on to some of these ideas even after their conversion?
Please enjoy this fascinating discussion! It does not contain many “answers,” but the material it covers is very much worth wrestling with. Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
Most religions, cultures, and philosophies contain stories or theories about human evil and its origins. Some, including Mormonism, place a major portion of the blame for moral evil on a fallen angel, Lucifer, and his followers, who after being ousted from heaven become devils whose only desire is to thwart God’s plans and make loathsome humans as miserable as possible. What many Latter-day Saints don’t realize is how much their version of the war in heaven and the role of Lucifer, who becomes known as Satan, differs from that of wider Christianity, Islam, and the hints of the story found in the Bible. What are these other stories? What are the major differences between the narratives? How much has the story or emphases changed within Mormonism since its earlier periods? Does Mormon theology contain starting points and theological angles for viewing the Satan story powerfully as mythos rather than literal history? Has a shift already begun in how most Latter-day Saints view the sources of temptation they face in their own lives? What principles within Mormon theology might an LDS person draw on to create room for also honoring insights about the nature of evil and human propensities toward sin from eastern religions or certain psychological schools?
In this episode, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon, along with panelists Boyd Petersen, Charles Randall Paul, and Chelsea Shields Strayer explore all these questions, plus engage in a fascinating peek at how evil is seen in some non-Western cultures, including West Africa (where Chelsea has been doing anthropological fieldwork for the past decade) and its ideas of the very real powers that work in witchcraft, spirit possession, cursing, and other "occult" practices. Does Mormonism have theological explanations for these forces and the various ways they are manifest? Do West African Mormons still hold on to some of these ideas even after their conversion?
Please enjoy this fascinating discussion! It does not contain many “answers,” but the material it covers is very much worth wrestling with. Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
This episode begins with a description of occasions in which one of our guests expresses feelings of anger over something only to be told one of two things (or both): (1) Be careful, as Satan is behind contention and will use your anger to lead you astray; and (2) We should only focus on positive thoughts and emotions, so count your blessings and these negative feelings will disappear. Many of you can relate to this, as these two responses are quite typical. Mormons generally do not like to talk about things like anger or sadness or loneliness or feelings of betrayal--and certainly not at church!
We are thrilled to have three great guests on this show discussing ways we can improve our understanding and discussions about anger: Cynthia Winward, Jordan Harmon, and Lisa Butterworth. In a lively and insightful conversation, the panelists speak about ways Latter-day Saint discussions often confuse the basic emotion of anger with ways that sometimes people will act out their anger--rage, intimidation, destructiveness, etc. They speak of the impossibility of fully suppressing anger and the negative consequences that follow from imagining one can and then trying to do so. They cover cultural views of anger with regards to men versus women feeling and expressing this emotion. They speak directly about way that ideas about Satan and his influence colors much Mormon discourse about anger. Are there alternative (read: better) ways to understanding the reasons we feel angry? They offer fundamental insights into not only anger but all basic emotions and the ways they can serve us positively (even the ones that are no fun to experience). The panel then shares possible ways to improve our discussions of anger at church. Following the end of the panel's conversation, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon shares a few thoughts about the role of anger as a featured emotion in the early aspect of many people's faith journey.
This episode begins with a description of occasions in which one of our guests expresses feelings of anger over something only to be told one of two things (or both): (1) Be careful, as Satan is behind contention and will use your anger to lead you astray; and (2) We should only focus on positive thoughts and emotions, so count your blessings and these negative feelings will disappear. Many of you can relate to this, as these two responses are quite typical. Mormons generally do not like to talk about things like anger or sadness or loneliness or feelings of betrayal--and certainly not at church!
We are thrilled to have three great guests on this show discussing ways we can improve our understanding and discussions about anger: Cynthia Winward, Jordan Harmon, and Lisa Butterworth. In a lively and insightful conversation, the panelists speak about ways Latter-day Saint discussions often confuse the basic emotion of anger with ways that sometimes people will act out their anger--rage, intimidation, destructiveness, etc. They speak of the impossibility of fully suppressing anger and the negative consequences that follow from imagining one can and then trying to do so. They cover cultural views of anger with regards to men versus women feeling and expressing this emotion. They speak directly about way that ideas about Satan and his influence colors much Mormon discourse about anger. Are there alternative (read: better) ways to understanding the reasons we feel angry? They offer fundamental insights into not only anger but all basic emotions and the ways they can serve us positively (even the ones that are no fun to experience). The panel then shares possible ways to improve our discussions of anger at church. Following the end of the panel's conversation, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon shares a few thoughts about the role of anger as a featured emotion in the early aspect of many people's faith journey.
Dr. Julie de Azevedo Hanks has over the past decade-plus become a leading voice in mental health, marriage and family, women's issues, and faith journey circles. As a therapist and clinician, she has worked with many people, most of them Latter-day Saints, and now supervises some fifteen other therapists. She is an author of two books, The Burnout Cure: An Emotional Survival Guide for Overwhelmed Women and The Assertiveness Guide: How to Communicate Your Needs, Set Healthy Boundaries, and Transform Your Relationships. She is a go-to person for many members of the media when they want to talk with someone about Mormon and/or women's issues, including very recently being featured many, many times in stories written in the wake of the MTC sexual abuse scandal and how it has been addressed by the LDS Church and within the community. But her earliest steps into a spotlight came through her musical gifts and a songwriter and singer, a career that led to many songs and albums, and that garnered her many awards in LDS and faith-based music circles. Julie seems to have led a charmed life, built always for a public life.
But, like all of us, life has not been without its challenges. She has faced heartbreak and sadness, loss of a sense of her own place within the universe and God's plan, difficulties navigating career and family and church and all it's pre-prescribed roles for women, and much more. All of these, however, have been essential in her becoming such an effective therapist and insightful and sought-after teacher and speaker. In this in-depth interview about her life and careers, and her family and church lives, as well, Julie allows us a glimpse into her own journey with faith and Mormonism and how, through many difficulties, she has come to the grounding she has found—a sense of calling to this particular life among these particular people. As you listen, I know that you'll be moved by her story, her emotion, her courage, and her emergence as a healer extraordinaire.
The April 2018 General Conference confirmed a trend that some have noticed in recent years that, as they speak about various policies, practices, and teachings, Church leaders have been using the terms "revelation" and "the will of the Lord" more often than they had in the past century or more. Why might that be? Are instances of powerful revelation occurring more often, or with greater intensity than before--i.e., as some would say, the Lord truly is "hastening His work" and therefore needs to convey things with a greater sense of urgency? Is it simply a trend that has caught on, or merely greater comfort with terms like these that has made Presidents Nelson and Oaks and various apostles use them more often? Are Church leaders expanding their view of what rises to the status of "revelation" versus "inspiration," or what it means to know "the Lord's will" versus having the Spirit "confirm" something to them? And so forth?
It's an interesting observation, and in this episode, frequent guest Mark Crego shares evidence for this trend and poses questions like this, while Mormon Awakenings podcast host Jack Naneek and Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon ask for clarifications and react to what he offers. If we are seeing a genuine trend emerging, what good benefits can follow from this sort of increased rhetorical punch? What cautions might we want to become alerted to? And in all things, how might we be vigilant in exercising our own rights to personal revelation and our role as church members in offering a check and balance to those who may be taking cues from this increased usage to warn or try to control others in ways that violate the principles of effective spiritual leadership laid out in D&C 121?
Please listen in and then share your ideas on these subjects in the comments section!
The April 2018 General Conference just closed. It was a monumental one, with many interesting features and announcements. From the Solemn Assembly that it led off with in which all church members, quorum by quorum and group by group had the chance to sustain Russell M. Nelson as the new prophet (and including a wonderful change in the order in which the groups sustained him), to the the calling of two new apostles that each represented a shift in the Quorum of the Twelve toward greater ethnic diversity, to the announcement of major changes in two long-standing practices (how Melchizedek Priesthood quorums meet, and to Visiting and Home Teaching), this was an action-packed and fascinating conference.
In this episode, Matt Jones and Sara Lake join Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon in offering their reactions to all that took place, as well as presenting ideas they have heard from others. It is a terrific, lively, spirit-and humor-filled conversation.
Listen in! Then please share your reactions to conference and/or this conversation in the comments section!
The April 2018 General Conference just closed. It was a monumental one, with many interesting features and announcements. From the Solemn Assembly that it led off with in which all church members, quorum by quorum and group by group had the chance to sustain Russell M. Nelson as the new prophet (and including a wonderful change in the order in which the groups sustained him), to the the calling of two new apostles that each represented a shift in the Quorum of the Twelve toward greater ethnic diversity, to the announcement of major changes in two long-standing practices (how Melchizedek Priesthood quorums meet, and to Visiting and Home Teaching), this was an action-packed and fascinating conference.
In this episode, Matt Jones and Sara Lake join Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon in offering their reactions to all that took place, as well as presenting ideas they have heard from others. It is a terrific, lively, spirit-and humor-filled conversation.
Listen in! Then please share your reactions to conference and/or this conversation in the comments section!
Within the past ten days, Mormonism has been rocked by a recoding and transcript released through MormonLeaks that depicts the confessions of a former president of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah—Joseph Bishop—about his improper sexual behavior with at least two sister missionaries, including the one who in an interview with Bishop confronted him about his attempting to rape her. This episode, featuring the wonderful panelists Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, Katie Langston, and Judy Dushku, reflects on this story and the developments that have unfolded since it broke, including the LDS Church's Newsroom responses to it—responses that many have criticized for their wrong-spiritedness and for actually causing additional harm and trauma for many members of the church community, especially those who have been victims of sexual abuse or who have had any experiences in which the difficult claims they have made have not been believed or have been ignored, leading to no action taken against perpetrators. Host Dan Wotherspoon and the panel in no way offer quarter for the tremendous evils depicted in this story and its aftermath, but they also consider issues of how this public scandal and shaming being felt by leaders who failed these sisters in this and other cases might lead to positive changes in church policies regarding one-on-one interviews behind closed doors, and in many other areas. In fact, later in the evening this episode was recorded, the church indeed did release new guidelines for bishopric and stake presidency interviews.
Finally, the four of them consider these scandals and their effects on the spiritual lives of Latter-day Saints, particularly on those who had already been struggling with aspects of the church and wondering if it is wise for them to continue to associate with it. How do the panelists deal with news like this and other disturbing revelations about church and the human failings of those in key leadership positions? Are they able to separate in their minds and souls such things from their own deeply held spiritual convictions? And if so, how?
This two-part episode is a great discussion, full of compassion, insight, and hopefulness. Please download and listen to both sections!
NOTE: As this is released, it is being rated "explicit" only as a precaution due to the subject matter being discussed, as well as two instances of swearing (not any of the "big" ones, we promise!) and an anatomical term and description that isn't one that many Mormons are used to hearing or discussing.
Within the past ten days, Mormonism has been rocked by a recoding and transcript released through MormonLeaks that depicts the confessions of a former president of the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah—Joseph Bishop—about his improper sexual behavior with at least two sister missionaries, including the one who in an interview with Bishop confronted him about his attempting to rape her. This episode, featuring the wonderful panelists Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, Katie Langston, and Judy Dushku, reflects on this story and the developments that have unfolded since it broke, including the LDS Church's Newsroom responses to it—responses that many have criticized for their wrong-spiritedness and for actually causing additional harm and trauma for many members of the church community, especially those who have been victims of sexual abuse or who have had any experiences in which the difficult claims they have made have not been believed or have been ignored, leading to no action taken against perpetrators. Host Dan Wotherspoon and the panel in no way offer quarter for the tremendous evils depicted in this story and its aftermath, but they also consider issues of how this public scandal and shaming being felt by leaders who failed these sisters in this and other cases might lead to positive changes in church policies regarding one-on-one interviews behind closed doors, and in many other areas. In fact, later in the evening this episode was recorded, the church indeed did release new guidelines for bishopric and stake presidency interviews.
Finally, the four of them consider these scandals and their effects on the spiritual lives of Latter-day Saints, particularly on those who had already been struggling with aspects of the church and wondering if it is wise for them to continue to associate with it. How do the panelists deal with news like this and other disturbing revelations about church and the human failings of those in key leadership positions? Are they able to separate in their minds and souls such things from their own deeply held spiritual convictions? And if so, how?
This two-part episode is a great discussion, full of compassion, insight, and hopefulness. Please download and listen to both sections!
NOTE: As this is released, it is being rated "explicit" only as a precaution due to the subject matter being discussed, as well as two instances of swearing (not any of the "big" ones, we promise!) and an anatomical term and description that isn't one that many Mormons are used to hearing or discussing.
This very short episode features several announcements about an upcoming Mormon Matters one-day workshop that Dan Wotherspoon and Jana Spangler will be leading, as well as gives dates and information about the two MM retreats planned for this year. It also contains a reminder about the Parenting workshop in two weeks in Salt Lake City that will be led by Terri O'Fallon and Kim Barta. Before getting into all of that, however, Dan highlights and offers reminders of Mormon Matters resources related to Holy Week, Easter, and Mormonism's upcoming April General Conference.
Understanding human development—its tremendous scope, typical progressions, and reasons for its slowdowns or ways various forms of harm can hinder our growth—has many benefits. Because we focus so much on faith development here on Mormon Matters, one area that we don’t often discuss is how insights from developmental research and hands-on work with families can assist us in parenting our children. And, as one of the guests in this episode notes, it can even help us be able to “re-parent” ourselves and heal wounds from our own growing years.
In this episode, we are very blessed to have two prominent developmental theorists and teachers—Terri O’Fallon and Kim Barta— give generously of their time and insights in a discussion of development in general, as well as the ways it can serve us well in parenting. How can it unlock puzzles in better understanding our children and their needs, as well as our own places of brokenness? Do we understand that we all have our own preferred style of parenting? Is it always the best style for a given moment, child, or issue? How might two parents with different approaches come to agree upon in raising a child? And much more!
Please join us for this wonderful episode! Terri and Kim will also be in Salt Lake City to teach a three-day workshop on April 12th–14th. Learn more about that event and if it, or other courses they teach, might be just what you really need at this moment!