Faith Matters

In this engaging conversation, Bill Turnbull, co-founder of Faith Matters and an expert on Mormon history, and Bethany Brady Spalding, a practitioner and writer focused on faith and gender, dig deep into the complexities of polygamy as presented in Doctrine and Covenants Section 132. They explore theological tensions, the contrast between ancient and modern marriage ideals, and the implications of consent. The duo questions the necessity of Section 132 today and shares insights on navigating faith while honoring the higher principles of love and partnership.

Carol Lynn Pearson, a poet and playwright, delves into the complex legacy of polygamy, calling it a profound mistake that still haunts Latter-day Saints. She discusses its ties to patriarchy and advocates for a shift toward partnership. Pearson shares her personal journey of reconciling faith with past trauma, urging listeners to trust their moral intuitions. She emphasizes honoring foremothers without perpetuating harmful practices and encourages bravery in rewriting narratives, inviting a fearless approach to teach future generations about this sensitive topic.

Brittany Chapman Nash, a historian at the Church History Department and author specializing in 19th-century Latter-day Saint women's history, joins Patrick Mason to delve into the intricate world of early polygamy. They explore the personal stories of women often overlooked in history, examine the motivations behind plural marriage, and discuss its profound impact on the community’s theology and social structures. Brittany highlights the complex emotional landscape of those involved and reflects on how this legacy frames modern perspectives within the faith.

Nate Oman, a law professor and co-founder of the Latter-day Saint blog Times and Seasons, dives deep into the complexities of sealing practices and polygamy. He shares how discomfort can lead to revelations, using historical figures like Joseph Smith. Nate reveals the evolution of sealing doctrines, highlighting shifts from plural sealings to a focus on family lineage. He candidly discusses the patriarchal aspects and their gradual transformation over time. Listeners will discover that engaging with these messy histories can ultimately lead to deeper faith and understanding.

Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Harvard professor, teams up with Patrick Mason, an expert in Mormon history, to delve into the complexities of Joseph Smith's polygamy. They discuss how historians piece together evidence of Smith’s involvement, the social and gender dynamics at play, and the ramifications of polygamy in today's context. Laurel shares insights from her comparative polygamy course and examines the theological motives behind plural marriage, offering a candid exploration of its lasting legacy in modern Mormonism.

In a compelling discussion, Sharon Eubank, Director of Latter-day Saint Charities and author of 'Doing Small Things with Great Love', dives into the ethics of humanitarian work. She sheds light on the concept of the 'second disaster', where well-intentioned aid can inadvertently cause harm. Sharon emphasizes the power of local relationships and the importance of respecting dignity. With practical steps for immediate action, she encourages listeners to think critically about how they can make a real impact in their communities.

In this enlightening discussion, Medlir Mema, the Head of the AI Governance Programme at the Global Governance Institute and Professor at BYU-Idaho, dives into the intersection of faith and artificial intelligence. He compares AI to the discovery of fire, highlighting its transformative potential for society. Topics include the existential impact of AI on jobs and identity, the importance of aligning AI with human values, and how it might reshape trust in institutions. Medlir urges faith communities to engage actively with these changes to ensure a future grounded in deep values.

Join Cynthia Winward and Susan M. Hinckley, co-hosts of the At Last She Said It podcast, as they dive into their transformative faith journeys. Cynthia shares her 'dark night of the soul' that reshaped her beliefs, while Susan discusses her 'silence crisis' and the liberation found in honest dialogue. They explore how speaking up can heal, the challenge of embracing uncertainty, and the importance of women's voices in faith discussions. Their conversation encourages navigating the complexities of belief with trust and mercy.

Jeff Burningham, an entrepreneur and former gubernatorial candidate, discusses his transformative journey and the insights from his book, The Last Book Written By a Human. He reflects on a profound experience by the Ganges River, framing it as a metaphor for life's constant changes. Jeff critiques the achievement-driven 'old game' and advocates for prioritizing presence and inner awareness. Fascinatingly, he presents AI as a 'cosmic mirror' that reveals our true selves, urging a return to love, family, and nature amidst rapid technological advancements.

Arthur Brooks, a behavioral scientist and author, delivers a poignant keynote on loving enemies and overcoming division. He tackles the deeper issue of contempt, arguing it fuels national disunity more than political differences. Drawing from personal experiences and science, he challenges listeners to elevate their standards from mere tolerance to truly loving their opponents. With insights on emotional roots of division and practical assignments like 'disagree better,' Brooks inspires a movement towards moral courage and small acts of kindness.