Our Beautiful, Messy, Unfolding Story - A Conversation with Lisa Olsen Tait and Scott Hales
Nov 16, 2024
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In this insightful conversation, Lisa Olsen Tait and Scott Hales, historians and general editors of the Church's Saints series, explore the challenges of chronicling the Church's history from 1955 to 2020. They discuss the importance of transparency and the courageous stories of members navigating pivotal moments, including the priesthood ban and women’s evolving roles. The duo emphasizes storytelling's power in fostering community and how each individual's faith journey is part of a larger, rich history.
The completion of the Saints series highlights the Church's evolving historical narrative, emphasizing transparency and the importance of addressing complex subjects.
Powerful stories from Black Latter-day Saints before the 1978 ban illustrate courage and resilience in the face of adversity and advocate for change.
The podcast emphasizes the relevance of historical struggles to contemporary issues, fostering dialogue on identity and acceptance within the faith community.
Deep dives
Completion of the Saints Series
The recent release of Volume 4 marks the completion of the Saints series, which narrates the history of the Church from its inception to contemporary times. This volume stands out because it covers a significant timeframe from 1955 to 2020, addressing many recent events that many readers may recall or have lived through. It skillfully balances familiar events with new insights, allowing readers to discover previously unknown aspects of their church's history. The challenge of this volume involved condensing more than 60 years of complex history, while striving to create a cohesive narrative that remains engaging for readers.
Addressing Challenging Topics
The contributors emphasize a commitment to transparency, tackling difficult subjects such as the priesthood temple ban and the Church's globalization from the 1960s onward. They discuss the unique experiences of church members during pivotal historical moments, such as the struggles of Black Latter-day Saints before the ban was lifted in 1978. These stories illustrate not only the courage of individuals advocating for change but also the resilience and faith that characterized their journeys. By shedding light on these topics, the volume aims to foster a deeper understanding of the Church's evolving relationship with its members and history.
The Historical Shift
The conversation highlights how the Church's historical narrative has evolved over the decades, particularly in response to external societal pressures and internal challenges. The recent efforts to present a more accurate and honest portrayal of church history reflect shifts in scholarly approaches toward understanding the past and addressing sensitive topics. This shift can be traced back to earlier leaders who, while trying to protect the church's image, may have overlooked the complexities of diverse historical narratives. Recognizing this evolution can help current members relate to their faith more authentically and encourage an environment where open dialogue is welcomed.
Stories of Faith and Advocacy
Within the context of the priesthood temple ban, the podcast recounts compelling stories of individuals who maintained their faith while advocating for change. Figures like Darius Gray exemplify the blend of hope and action, as they sought to navigate complex church dynamics and demand recognition. Many members remained steadfast and formed their congregations, hoping for a day when they could receive the full blessings of the church. These narratives not only celebrate the strength of individuals but also encourage a profound understanding that faith can manifest in many forms, including patience and advocacy for oneself and others.
Faith Amid Challenges
The conversation also draws parallels between historical struggles and contemporary issues faced by church members, particularly relating to LGBTQ+ experiences. The podcast acknowledges the messiness of faith amidst societal changes and the often difficult conversations that arise within families about identity and acceptance. Historical accounts serve as a reminder that people have endured, adapted, and sought understanding during turbulent times. Ultimately, the hope is that these discussions foster a spirit of unity and understanding, allowing for personal growth while honoring the rich tapestry of the church's shared history.
This week, we’re thrilled to share a conversation with Lisa Olsen Tait and Scott Hales, two of the historians and general editors behind Saints, the Church’s official history series. With the release of Volume 4 which covers the years of 1955 to 2020, this monumental task of recounting the Church’s story from its founding to the present day is now complete.
And in this candid discussion, Lisa and Scott reflect on the Church’s evolving approach to its own history through the years. They both share a deep commitment to transparency and accuracy and discuss how this volume takes deliberate steps to address challenging topics—including the priesthood and temple ban, the Church’s rapid global growth and subsequent correlation efforts of the 1960s, and how those changes shaped women’s roles and autonomy within the community.
They share powerful stories of ordinary members navigating these pivotal moments. From Black Latter-day Saints who held onto hope during the painful years before 1978 to those who quietly and actively worked for change, these stories offer a vision of discipleship that embraced courage, resilience, creativity, and deep faith—a model that feels especially relevant today.
This conversation was a beautiful reminder that each of us is part of a rich, unfolding history—a history that connects us to generations of Saints who faced their own challenges and whose courage and faithfulness have blessed us today. We hope it inspires you to see your own place in this story. And with that, here’s our conversation with Lisa and Scott.
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