Latter Day Struggles
149: Sociopolitical Forces that Led to Ezra Taft Benson's "To the Mothers in Zion"
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Ezra Taft Benson's infamous "To the Mother's of Zion" talk was shaped by historical events such as the Red Scare, feminist and civil rights movements, and the church's desire for mainstream acceptance.
- Benson's talk emphasized the preservation of traditional gender roles in response to the sexual revolution and fear of homosexuality, influenced by President Spencer W. Kimball's teachings and the conservative moral foundations of loyalty and authority.
Deep dives
Background and Context of Ezra Taft Benson's Talk
Ezra Taft Benson, a prominent figure in Mormon Church history, was deeply influenced by the political climate of the time. Born in 1899 and living through two World Wars and the Red Scare, Benson had a hard time separating church and state. The fear of communism and socialism during the post-World War II era led to a focus on the traditional family as a way to combat these social movements. The fortification of the home and the emphasis on gender roles were seen as a means of protecting American citizens. The conservative Christian right, including the LDS Church, consolidated its values during this period, with Benson drawing on ultra-conservative ideologies. This context influenced Benson's talk to the mothers in Zion in 1987, which strongly advocated for women to stay at home.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
