153: The State of LDS Faith Crisis Ten Years Post 2014 Official “Faith Crisis Report” Research
Sep 4, 2023
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Valerie shares her findings on the main causes of LDS faith crisis, including emerging issues in 2023. She discusses the psychological perspective of those in crisis and the relational suffering due to rhetoric. Valerie also talks about the interventions she uses to help people heal and how they look and feel as they recover. The podcast covers diverse demographics, challenges faced in relationships, and the importance of recognizing faith crisis as a normal part of growth.
45:30
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Quick takeaways
Faith crisis within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not limited to progressive individuals, but also includes lifelong faithful members, highlighting the importance of recognizing this phase as a sacred process of faith expansion.
Common pain points in faith crisis include betrayal trauma related to the sanitization of church history, challenges with LGBTQ issues, relational trauma affecting marriages and parent-child relationships, and trust issues stemming from transparency and integrity problems within the institution, causing distress and disorientation for individuals undergoing faith crisis.
Deep dives
Understanding the State of LDS Faith Crisis
The podcast episode delves into the topic of faith crisis within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The host discusses the Faith Crisis Report, conducted by a group of scholars, which aimed to understand the phenomenon of people leaving the church. Surprisingly, the report found that the population experiencing faith crisis was not limited to progressive individuals, but also included lifelong faithful members. The podcast explores the growing number of people in various leadership positions who are leaving the church and investigates the reasons behind it. The host also shares her own experiences and insights from working with individuals in faith crisis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing this phase as a sacred, albeit challenging, process of faith expansion.
Pain Points in Faith Crisis
The podcast highlights several pain points commonly experienced by individuals going through faith crisis. One major issue discussed is betrayal trauma, particularly regarding the sanitization of church history. Additionally, LGBTQ issues are identified as a significant concern, as many individuals on the queer spectrum or with queer family members face challenges reconciling their faith with the church's stance on homosexuality. Another pain point is relational trauma, often affecting marriages and parent-child relationships. Trust issues arising from transparency and integrity problems within the institution are also explored. These pain points create distress and disorientation for individuals undergoing faith crisis.
Needs of Individuals in Faith Crisis
The podcast addresses the specific needs of individuals navigating faith crisis. One crucial need is a better understanding of the growth process and realizing that faith crisis is a normal part of human development. The importance of recognizing different stages of faith and the benefits of skepticism and growth is highlighted. The podcast also emphasizes the significance of autonomy and personal authority, helping individuals cultivate a sense of personal sovereignty and making informed choices regarding their faith. Building supportive community connections is another crucial need in faith crisis, especially for those facing challenges with family members or within their social circle. Furthermore, the podcast emphasizes the importance of understanding trauma psychology, systemic influences, and the differentiation process, providing context and empowering individuals to navigate their faith crises effectively.
Theological Considerations in Faith Crisis
The podcast explores theological aspects significant to those experiencing faith crisis. It delineates the detrimental effects of a transactional view of God and the harmful ideas of self-worthiness tied to loveability. The host incorporates diverse perspectives, including insights from Terrell and Fiona Givens, Richard Rohr, and other theologians, to offer a more expansive and healthier theology. The concept of unfusing God from the church and overcoming spiritual exceptionalism are essential components of theological exploration. Additionally, the podcast highlights the need to understand the psychological implications of theology and the connection between theology and psychology. It aims to promote a more nuanced and empowering theological framework for individuals in faith crisis.
Series Title: Valerie’s 2023 Sunstone Symposium Address [Part I of II]
In the next two episodes Valerie will share with you her findings following hundreds of intense hours working with members of the LDS church in faith and trust crisis this past year since she opened up her first growth, processing, and support groups as a trauma therapist serving her own faith community.
These observations might be of particular interest as they come exactly 10 years following the creation of an exhaustive report (linked in full below) created for (then President) Dieter F. Uchtdorf as a way to help LDS general authorities better understand the nature of the suffering of so many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in faith and trust crises.
Valerie’s analysis in this episode and Friday’s episodes covers the following (among other things):
The current main causes of LDS faith and trust crisis
The emergence of some issues in 2023 that were less prominent in 2013
What people in faith and trust crisis generally are experiencing from a psychological perspective
The relational suffering of those in LDS faith and trust crisis due to the standard rhetoric about “those who doubt”
The psychological interventions that Valerie uses to help people heal from the trauma of faith and trust crisis
How people look and feel as they heal from this experience both in relationship to themselves, others, and the LDS church
Valerie feels a deep personal commitment to help each person who comes to this platform. Thank you for trusting this platform as you work through this challenging but ultimately rewarding experience of spiritual growth!
**More sensitive or more psychologically advanced themes are saved for paid Friday episodes to protect the content creators from being mischaracterized by less familiar consumers.**
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