Magnify The real lives of women of faith—new research on what it really means to believe
Aug 25, 2025
Jenet Erickson, a professor at BYU and a fellow of the Wheatley Institute, shares insights from recent Pew Research findings on Latter-day Saint women. They experience exceptional levels of happiness and spiritual peace, challenging popular misconceptions. The conversation highlights the importance of faith-based community, the strength found in sisterhood, and the joy derived from personal and collective spiritual journeys. Jenet's insights reveal the powerful narratives of these women, filled with conviction, support, and authentic connections that inspire resilience and growth.
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Public Image Vs. Lived Reality
- External portrayals of Latter-day Saint women often show them as strange or oppressed, but lived reality differs sharply.
- Dr. Jenet Erickson argues faith builds confidence, clarity, purpose, and deep joy for many women.
Survey Findings On Peace And Happiness
- Pew data show Latter-day Saint women report higher rates of weekly spiritual peace and happiness than many other groups.
- Erickson notes religion broadly links to greater meaning, satisfaction, and stronger relationships for women.
Gospel As A Network Of Eternal Connection
- Erickson frames the gospel as fundamentally about binding people in eternal connections across family and community.
- Those connections combat modern loneliness and provide identity, meaning, and lasting purpose.
