Faith Matters

Paul Reeve, Simmons Chair of Mormon Studies and expert on race in Latter-day Saint history, and Ramses Stewart-Johnson, founder of the North Texas Genesis Group, engage in a compelling discussion on racism within the church. They challenge the notion of historical ambiguity surrounding the priesthood and temple restrictions, diving into the historical origins and personal stories that highlight ongoing impacts. The conversation emphasizes the need for openness, empathy, and active steps to confront and root out racism in the community today.

Cecelia Proffit, a writer and Faith Matters team member, brings light to the meaning of Advent. She shares her personal journey and highlights how this season embraces both joy and sorrow. Exploring its rhythms, she explains the significance of hope, peace, joy, and love. Cecelia emphasizes slowing down amidst holiday busyness and intertwines creativity with faith. Listeners will discover practical ways to observe Advent—like journaling and storytelling—inviting a deeper connection with the sacred.

Mallory Everton, a comedian and sketch performer famed for Studio C, dives into the spiritual significance of humor. She challenges the notion that laughter is frivolous, arguing it’s a vital spiritual practice that connects us and uplifts our divine awareness. Mallory shares hilarious sacrament meeting mishaps, revealing how laughter can transform tragedy and mend relationships. With insights on how humor fosters empathy and deflates egos, she invites us to embrace childlike joy as part of our spiritual journey.

Matt Bowman, an expert in Mormon studies and associate professor at Claremont Graduate University, dives into the intricate roles of prophets and priests. He argues that prophets challenge communities from the outside, calling for repentance, while priests foster internal unity and continuity. Bowman discusses how the perception of prophetic roles has evolved since the 1950s and highlights the need for a balance between prophetic vision and priestly care. He also warns against idolizing prophets and emphasizes the importance of historical self-awareness in spiritual leadership.

Matt Whitaker, a filmmaker and director known for his WWII films, discusses his latest project, Truth & Treason, which chronicles the brave actions of Helmuth Hübener, a 16-year-old boy in Nazi Germany who challenged propaganda. Whitaker shares the long journey of bringing this story to life, including how he tracked down surviving members of Helmuth's resistance group. He explores complex themes of faith, moral courage, and the importance of speaking truth in dark times, hoping to inspire today's audiences to act with conviction.

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.