Latter Day Struggles 389: Faith & Feminism: Valerie's Vision & Maxine’s Musings
In this part one of a two-part conversation, Valerie is joined by Maxine Hanks for a deeply personal and reflective conversation exploring their parallel journeys as Latter-day Saint female thought leaders navigating faith transitions, church discipline, and personal empowerment.
This episodes is more a tender conversation between two friends than an interview where both women share of the depths of the commitment to honor their higher selves, their experiences of honoring God’s work for them to do over institutional approval, and how they both draw strength from the historical echoes of their pioneering foremothers.
The episode also dives into the complexities of holding space for both one's truth and the perspectives of those who may see them as adversaries. Pull up a chair and join Val and Maxine for the next couple of Monday episodes about letting go, leaning into one’s purpose, and choosing love over fear.
Books Referenced in this episode:
"The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy" by Carol Lynn Pearson
"Women and Authority: Re-Emerging Mormon Feminism" by Maxine Hanks
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:17 Reflecting on Past Episodes
01:18 Listener's Insight and Emotional Connection
03:27 Maxine's Perspective on Resilience
04:03 Deep Dive into Personal Experiences
04:46 Facing Church Discipline
06:13 Spiritual Guidance and Feminist Work
12:19 Connecting with Pioneer Foremothers
23:07 Healing Transgenerational Trauma
29:29 Navigating Institutional Challenges
32:59 Understanding Shadow Work
33:32 The September 1993 Purge
34:13 Spiritual Guidance and Resilience
35:04 Personal Reflections on Excommunication
36:24 Comparing Experiences
41:34 Holding Space for Different Journeys
45:16 The Impact on Families
47:24 Honoring Individual Paths
59:32 Resources for Further Exploration
01:00:59 Conclusion and Next Steps
Additional Episodes Referenced:
Ep. 179 - 182: Maxine Hanks Life Story
Ep. 222, 272: Maxine Hanks and Jody England Hansen discussing the recent garment updates
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