Faith Matters

Author Kurt Francom discusses the concept of a disappointed God and its effects on shame and growth. He emphasizes sin as a response to inner wounds and the importance of vulnerability in healing. The conversation highlights God's unconditional love and acceptance, promoting grace and redemption. Other topics include addressing childhood wounds, authenticity in Mormon culture, self-discovery, personal worth, and the transformative Campfire Prayer practice.

Jen and Sam Norton share their journey of supporting youth in the church while maintaining standards. They emphasize inclusivity, bridging generational gaps, and providing a gentle path to following Jesus. The podcast touches on topics like embracing 'come as you are', compassionate approaches to youth repentance, creating safe spaces for restoration, and exploring certainty and expression in faith.

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.

Scholar Eric Huntsman discusses the importance of embracing Holy Week traditions and rituals, exploring the significance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. He suggests getting more creative with Easter traditions to connect more deeply with Christianity and scriptural journey, inspiring listeners to enrich their Easter Weekend experiences.

Listen to Kathy Clayton and Bill Turnbull discuss the power of curiosity and open hearts in creating unity within a diverse church community. They share personal experiences of learning to love unexpected individuals and embracing differences for connection. The conversation highlights the transformative effects of curiosity and understanding in fostering unity despite disagreements.

Exploring the theme of eternal unification through Jesus Christ's atonement, the podcast highlights the idea of overcoming separation in our suffering. The conversation with Kerry offers fresh insights and leaves room for the mystery of the atonement. Emphasizing contemplation during Holy Week, the episode touches on the beauty of mystery in the atonement and practical takeaways on showing mercy towards others' flaws and mistakes.

The podcast delves into the conflict in Israel and Gaza, discussing the challenges of peacebuilding and the importance of fostering love in resolving disputes. Chad Ford shares insights on peacemaking initiatives and reflects on scripture interpretations on peace and violence. The conversation highlights the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the need for empathy and grace in conflict resolution. It explores the importance of embracing humanity and shared goals to achieve peace, despite ongoing challenges and tensions.

Book of Mormon scholar Grant Hardy discusses the significance of The Annotated Book of Mormon, exploring themes like sin, righteousness, and reciprocity. The podcast delves into complex theological topics, societal issues like wealth and transparency, and the importance of self-reflection and community growth within institutions.

Lenore Skenazy shares her radical decision to let her nine-year-old son navigate NYC alone, sparking a debate on overprotective parenting. The discussion delves into societal fears, media influence on child safety perceptions, and the importance of fostering independence in children to alleviate anxiety. It challenges the culture of extreme caution and advocates for empowering kids through unstructured play and life skills.

Dive into the tense early chapters of the Book of Mormon with guest Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, exploring family conflicts and societal consequences. Discover the importance of accepting differences, promoting peace within families, and embracing diverse perspectives. Reflect on forgiveness, reconciliation, and the power of peacemaking to create positive ripple effects in relationships and society.