Latter Day Struggles

187: Demystifying LDS Hierarchy & Corporate Politics w/ Greg Prince

Jan 1, 2024

Expert on LDS history, Greg Prince, discusses David O. McKay's leadership in the LDS church, including the temple/priesthood ban, handling of Benson's anti-communist obsession, and McConkie's 'Mormon Doctrine.' They explore the interplay between policy, revelation, and societal readiness. The conversation also touches on the church's structural comparisons to a corporation, power dynamics, and the personal impact of church policies on its members.

56:52

Episode guests

Greg Prince

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Understanding the hierarchical structure, politics, and power dynamics within the LDS church can help navigate its challenges.

David O. McKay's struggle to address controversial issues reveals the tension between individual agency and loyalty to the institution.

Individual members must actively own their faith, navigate complexities, and make informed decisions for the growth of the LDS church.

Deep dives

David O'Mackay: The Most Important Mormon of the 20th Century

David O'Mackay is considered one of the most important Mormons of the 20th century. He bridged the gap between the 19th-century church and the modern era. With his movie-star looks and impeccable grooming, he presented a new image of the church president. He had a profound impact both within the church and in the United States and globally. He was named one of the top five religious leaders in the United States by a Gallup poll, despite the relatively small size of the church at the time.

Introduction

3min

The Impact of a Significant Mormon Leader

2min

Power Dynamics and the Playbook

24min

Prioritizing Loyalty over Member Care in the Face of Book Impact

3min

Disconnect and Lack of Opposition within the LDS Church

6min

President McKay's Involvement in Race Issues

19min

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Series Title: A Sweeping Conversation on the New Mormon History, Hierarchy, & Social Justice [Part III of IV]

In today's part III of Valerie's series with Greg Prince they delve into an era that Greg claims we should all better understand as we navigate our 21st century LDS faith. This episode casts a spotlight on the leadership of David O. McKay, with a special focus on his complex relationship to the eventual lifting of the temple/priesthood ban, his handling of Ezra Taft Benson's anti-communist obsession, and his questionable handling of McConkie's infamous "Mormon Doctrine."

This conversation illustrate the intricate interplay between policy, revelation, and societal readiness that shaped church decisions during McKay’s presidency.

Valerie and Greg also navigate through challenging themes, such as the potential for power to corrupt, the church's structural comparisons to a corporation, and the high expectations placed upon church leaders. The discussion also delves into the personal impact of church policies on its members and the importance of actively owning one's faith.

FRIDAY'S episode is a seamless continuation of this conversation with a special focus on some scientific findings (researched by himself and Lester Bush) around leadership vulnerabilities of any kind of formalized genontracry. Please subscribe to listen! Info below! Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!

https://valeriehamaker.com/one-one-consultations/

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