Understanding Mormonism - Tracing Woodgrains | Maiden Mother Matriarch 109
Oct 9, 2024
auto_awesome
Tracing Woodgrains, a writer on Substack and former producer for Blocked & Reported, shares his journey as an ex-Mormon with deep roots in the faith. He discusses the challenges of reconciling his identity as a gay man within a traditional community. Key topics include the evolving norms around sexuality, generational shifts in family structures, and the struggles faced by those leaving the church. The conversation touches on intellectual challenges post-Mormonism and the implications of declining fertility trends among Mormons.
Growing up in the Mormon church created a strong cultural and community identity, making questioning norms a significant challenge.
Ex-Mormons often experience a spiritual crisis, struggling between familial ties and their evolving personal beliefs after leaving the church.
Societal changes and declining fertility rates among Mormons signal a cultural shift, indicating challenges for the church's future relevance.
Deep dives
Growing Up in the Mormon Church
Growing up in the Mormon church profoundly influenced personal identity and community. The environment was immersive, with strong religious practices woven into daily life, such as nightly scripture readings and mandatory religious study in schools. Children were expected to participate actively in church activities from a young age, reinforcing a collective identity. This cultural immersion created a robust framework for Mormon belief, making it challenging for individuals to question or deviate from the norms established by the community.
Challenges of Leaving Mormonism
Leaving Mormonism often comes with significant internal conflict due to the deep-rooted connection individuals have with their community and its values. Many ex-Mormons experience a spiritual crisis as they grapple with the teachings of the church and their own emerging beliefs. The social pressure to conform can lead to a reluctance to fully confront personal doubts about the faith, culminating in slowed processes of questioning. Ultimately, those who leave often reflect on the struggle between familial ties, cultural identity, and personal truth.
Impact of Intellectualism on Belief
Intellectualism plays a crucial role in the departure from Mormonism for many, as it often leads to tensions within the doctrine. Ex-Mormons commonly reflect that their push for internal consistency exposes contradictions within church teachings, making it difficult to reconcile their beliefs. The emotionally charged nature of religious faith can complicate logical reasoning, often leading to a reevaluation of core beliefs. This intellectual examination, coupled with difficult truths about the faith, can push many towards atheism or secular viewpoints, as they seek clarity outside the church's frameworks.
Mormonism's Adaptation to Society
Mormonism has historically lagged behind broader societal changes, struggling to adapt to evolving cultural norms. While the church has attempted to change teachings on race and marriage—such as the move away from polygamy—it still faces significant internal and external tensions. These adaptations often come after societal pressures mount, reflecting a struggle to balance tradition with acceptance. As a result, many young Mormons are increasingly questioning outdated doctrines, impacting the church's growth and relevance in a rapidly changing world.
Declining Fertility Trends and Secularization
Recent drops in fertility rates among Mormons mirror broader trends of secularization seen in developed countries. Traditionally, Mormons have encouraged early marriage and childbearing, but these numbers indicate a significant cultural shift. Increasing secular values and pressures make fewer young Mormons adhere to the expectation of having large families, leading to a decline below replacement levels. This trend indicates not only changing personal values but also a broader integration of Mormons into the secular landscape, posing challenges for the future of the faith.
My guest today is Tracing Woodgrains, writer on Substack and (until recently) producer for the Blocked & Reported podcast. We spoke about Trace's life as an ex-Mormon. His family have been Mormons for seven generations and he was born and brought up in Utah. But he left the church as an adult, came out as gay, and is now married to a man. We discussed t…
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode