In this enlightening conversation, Patrick Mason, a peacebuilder and scholar, reflects on his recent transformative trip to Rwanda, confronting the legacy of the 1994 genocide. He discusses the duality of horror and healing present in the country’s recovery efforts. Patrick poses challenging questions about God's presence during suffering and the nature of evil. The dialogue emphasizes the power of reconciliation and individual actions for community change, urging listeners to cultivate compassion and understanding in a divided world.

Valerie talks with Patrick Mason, a university professor and mentor for young adults in the LDS church. They discuss the fear of constructive conflict within the Latter-day Saint community, the challenge of finding spaces for open dialogue, and the need for creativity and transformation in the church. Patrick emphasizes the importance of conflict resolution skills and creating safe spaces for meaningful discussions.

We’ve been thinking and talking a lot recently about a phenomenon that sometimes happens and that we’ve occasionally felt ourselves — something you might call a “spiritual whiplash.” It can happen when we’re really uplifted by something: maybe a book we’ve read, an inspiring group of people we’ve been around, or even a transcendental experience in nature. We’re feeling fed, and our cup is full… but then, we come back down to earth. We’re faced with the realities of the mundane, and the imperfections and humanity of the people all around us, including ourselves. So — what are we supposed to do when this happens? Is it realistic to expect to stay in this spiritually uplifted state all the time? What about when even our Church meetings don’t feel like they’re recharging our batteries, but instead are draining them? When we’re feeling fed by something, how do we take that feeling with us to share in our everyday settings and communities, rather than resenting the contrast between them? How can we look at members of our communities as God might, rather than judging them for not meeting our standards — or even judging them for what we perceive as them judging us?To discuss these issues, we brought back a trusted friend and mentor, Patrick Mason. Patrick is the Leonard Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture at Utah State University, and a frequent guest on this show and advisor to Faith Matters. He’s spoken and written quite a bit on this topic, including in his book Planted. He was an amazing conversation partner as we worked our way through some of these questions. We can’t thank him enough for coming back on.As a note, we referenced our recent Restore gathering several times in the conversation, including presentations that were given by Brian McLaren, Jared Halverson, and Jody Moore. We also reference a few faith development frameworks that you’ll hear, including Brian’s which you can learn more about in his book Faith After Doubt.

Author and Mormon studies professor Patrick Mason discusses the four-stage community in faith journeys. He highlights the stages of simplicity, complexity, perplexity, and harmony. The conversation explores embracing dissonance, growth through faith challenges, diverse experiences in Mormon wards, cultivating charity in church communities, and finding grace in mundane moments.

Patrick Mason, an expert in religious studies, discusses the question of who the Church is for. Topics include the tension within the Church, the focus on the end goal versus loving others, different visions of God in the Doctrine and Covenants, the expansiveness of the vision of heaven, and the tension, alignment, and growth within the Church.