187: Demystifying LDS Hierarchy & Corporate Politics w/ Greg Prince
Jan 1, 2024
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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.
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.
Understanding the Church's Playbook: McKay's Legacy
McKay's diary, a compilation of 40,000 pages, provides insight into how the church functions. Understanding this playbook can help navigate the challenges faced by the church today. It reveals the hierarchical structure, the influence of politics and power dynamics, and the importance of individual agency. The playbook remains relatively consistent over time, allowing individuals to make informed decisions on their level of engagement with the church.
McKay's Challenges in Addressing Controversial Issues
McKay faced challenges in addressing controversial issues during his leadership. He struggled to confront problematic works like 'Mormon Doctrine' by Bruce R. McConkie, as he valued individual free agency and limited intervention. His involvement with Ezra Taft Benson and the John Birch Society, as well as his stance on civil rights, revealed a conservative view that placed loyalty to the institution over the impact on marginalized groups.
The Priesthood and Temple Ban: McKay's Perspectives
McKay's perspectives on the priesthood and temple ban revealed complexity and personal conflict. His liberal view on blacks and the priesthood was contrasted with his conservative stance on civil rights. McKay believed that a revelation was required to change the ban, and he sought confirmation from higher powers multiple times over the years. Without receiving the necessary confirmation, he refrained from taking action, believing the church was not yet ready for such a change.
The Importance of Individual Ownership and Engagement
The discussion highlights the importance of individual members owning their faith and actively engaging in the church. Members must go beyond passive participation and take ownership of their beliefs, understanding the human hand in shaping the church. By owning their faith, individuals can navigate the complexities and contradictions within the church, make informed decisions, and actively contribute to its growth and development.
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!
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