Latter-day Faith

This episode provides a chance for listeners to bask in the presence of two powerful wise women elders, Lyndsay Pulsipher and Theresa Roth. Brought on the show by LDF host Dan Wotherspoon, a huge admirer of the way each of them meet the world, including life among the Mormons, Lindsay and Theresa share about their lives and spiritual paths, as well as the practices that allow them to center in love even when interacting with difficult people and situations. In addition, both women are life-long educators and share wonderful insights from these careers as well as from their own families.  These is one of these episodes that is difficult to describe and simply must be experienced. Settle in and bask. 

In this episode, the wonderful mentor, coach, and educator, Melanee Evans, joins host Dan Wotherspoon for a deep dive into our spiritual core (our "home"), the creative nature of thought, "living from inside-out," and other profound concepts and their connections to our real, lived-lives, and especially how they offer us a way to true joy and peace. The conversation begins with Melanee sharing about her unique upbringing and life since that ultimately led her to find and study the ideas she shares here. All along, Dan shares his excitement for these concepts and the many new ways to expound on the key idea at the foundation of most contemplative, eastern, and many other traditions--and here at Latter-day Faith. And for fans of Elder Marlin Jensen, you'll get to know him a bit better as Melanee shares about the very important role he has played in her life. You won't want to miss this conversation. It's a long one and can be listened to in chunks, but most likely you will be sucked right in and find yourself listening to all of it in one sitting!

LDS community dynamics in the U.S. (and also in certain other places in the world) have shifted greatly in the past two decades, as someone's politics have largely overshadowed their religious identity. As our guest this episode, Stephen Carter, argues, we now likely know more about someone who identifies themselves as a political conservative (or a liberal or a progressive) than from their being a Latter-day Saint. This has led to many fascinating changes. Among the largest of these, we are now seeing more and more church members who have been radicalized politically beginning to doubt the inspiration of the prophet and other leaders, whereas it was generally those more politically liberal who were the wrestlers with that question. Stephen also suggests that it is now political conservatism that is driving Mormonism than Mormonism  influencing members' political leanings. And this is true not only in the LDS church but many others as well. Where can we find escape from politics these days? Stephen argues that the current trend is toward "short-form" religions rather than traditional ones with large, sweeping, mythic arcs that suggest answers for where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going (or, at least, what is the highest form of human flourishing. Drawing on work by scholar Amanda Montell, he notes that it seems that folks leaving traditional worship spaces and communities are gravitating toward fitness groups, such as SoulCycle and CrossFit, and to internet influencers, gurus, etc, that don't require giving ascent to a full religious/mythic worldview so much as gaining "results now." The jolt once recognized as Spirit is now the positive feelings we gain as we note our self-improvement, and when in communities that have formed among those who "gather" in these ways, in person or online, and are not "high-cost" groups. Tying back to the today's politics and religion intermingling, Stephen proposes that now more than ever, we need spaces and community ties that are free from political cultishness and that look forward to future generations and provide them. He believes religions and religious participation might need to be what saves the future by working on "hearts knit in love" and that have a sense of what the big-picture world is and true peace and joy.  Ultimately, he proposes that it is worthwhile (to us and to the future) to continue to engage with others in religious spaces, even if we sometimes don't like it at all and fail to receive spiritual uplift. It is the continuation of the religious space and community that is vital. And, of course, at each point in the conversation, LDF host Dan Wotherspoon argues that it is still very possible to experience joy and life- and people-affirming love while at church and in settings dominated by a religious worldview. Please enjoy this fascinating tour through several topics woven together masterfully! And don't let the argument for "Why We Should Attend Church Even If We Might Not Like It" scare you off!

"Authority" takes many forms. According to the gospel writer Mark, people responded to Jesus's teaching in the following way: “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22). What does that mean? What is going on between the speaker and the hearer that would cause the latter to react like this? And how does this sort of authority differ from authority that is embedded in one's particular position? What does it mean when someone or some text is described as "authoritative"? What is the obligation of a member of a group that sees certain people or scriptures in that way? Are they required to agree with everything that person or text says, or is there room for each person to weigh these words, this person, or this text against their own lived experience and what it leads them to think or believe is true and/or inspired? And, if so, are there bounds to what they can say about their disagreements within group settings? What about "priesthood authority"? Does it differ from "priesthood power"? If so, how? What might Joseph Smith have meant when he wrote from Liberty Jail that "the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man." Is someone acting out of alignment with the principles of righteousness no longer "authorized" to serve within the priesthood office to which he (or she--coming soon?) has been ordained? That doesn't seem to be the case. So what is it that is lost? In this episode, you will find an expansive conversation between LDF host Dan Wotherspoon and his partner in Latter-day Faith and the Faith Journey Foundation, Mark Crego, on these and other aspects of "authority." What are the qualities of someone who we might designate as an "authority" for us? Does this make them "authoritative" in our lives in all things? And, finally, what about the title of "general authorities" that is granted to certain LDS male church leaders? How do most Latter-day Saints view that title with regard to their own spiritual lives? Is there a different (and better) way to understand this title? Tune in! 

Activation Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicidal ideation. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, there is always professional help available to assist you, both in the short and long term. If you’ve reached a crisis point, please reach out to a trusted person or call a suicide hotline. Do not be alone with these thoughts running through your mind! The title of this episode mentions mental illness, but the real emphasis is on the first part: Living and Loving and Growing Strong. As you will hear, today's guest, Diane Bartholomew, is incredible and her spiritual walk powerful and inspiring. As you get to know her a bit here, you will see that the struggles with depression and bi-polar disorder (type 2) she's faced have opened her up to a deep and abiding sense of being unconditionally loved, first within her family, and also by God, and how this love has empowered her to fight and grow into an open-hearted and inviting person who meets challenging situations thoughtfully and powerfully.  The discussion also goes into how uninhibited journaling has been an important spiritual practice as she experiences life's ups and downs. She and Dan also talk about the dynamics of interpersonal relationships within groups as well as in one-on-one conversations, which Diane prefers and really leans into. In this we can all learn so much. Meet the incredible Diane! This conversation is one that is sure to inspire and stay with you as you meet your challenges, whatever they are. 

Dr. Julie de Azevedo Hanks is the guest for this podcast discussion that focuses on moving our homes and families, and in doing so wider communities, toward genuine gender equality. In it, she introduces us to a model she created as part of her doctoral dissertation, which she calls the “Partnership Model of Family Organization.” She shares fascinating ideas about families and linking with others that match LDS ideas of Zion and even the life of gods, as well as acknowledging how the organization structure and the gendered roles it perpetuates work against full actualization of the church’s members. After introducing the larger societal structure as a “dominator” one in which everything is ranked in importance and power, in which men’s work is valued more than women’s, in which nurturing takes a back seat to breadwinning and climbing the ladder, etc., Julie proposes “partnership” instead. She takes us through eight elements of partnership families and how we can work toward their actualization in our own homes and relationships. LDF host Dan Wotherspoon jumps in (interrupts?) with questions, connections, and angles, keeping us tied to real, lived reality as Latter-day Saints rather than focusing on the 10,000-foot, more theoretical view. It’s a great dynamic! You’ll learn a lot, recognize yourself in much of what’s discussed, and thoroughly enjoy this episode. Dive in!

This episode releases two weeks after LDS Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland addressed BYU faculty, administrators, and staff, during which he reiterated the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ position on marriage as being only between a man and a woman. He also addressed the activism on the BYU campus supportive of LGBTQ+ students, especially the participation of those who work for the church-supported institution, directing them to refrain from taking part in them. For many students, faculty, and others in the wider Latter-day Saint community who are welcoming and fully accepting of those who identify as queer, these remarks along with the apostle’s delivery tone were especially hurtful. How do those so affected become re-centered and come closer to peace after such an (unnecessary) setback? In this episode, Lisa Hansen, the director of Flourish Counseling whose clientele are LGBTQ+, joins LDF host Dan Wotherspoon to talk about "resiliency." What does that term mean? Look like? And how do we develop it within ourselves? It is a deep and rich subject, one only coming into focus in psychological circles within the past decade. Lisa very skillfully introduces us to this concept and quality with a particular emphasis on the extra difficulties experienced by minority communities, especially our queer brothers and sisters. If you think you already understand resilience, you don’t. This conversation is rich and full of many “oh my gosh, I hadn’t thought of that” moments. This is an episode to listen to multiple times and to share with those who are open to better understanding LGBTQ individuals, as well as themselves. Listen in!

In this episode, Latter-day Faith host Dan Wotherspoon reflects on the life of his wonderful friend, mentor, sounding board, and wise soul Curt Bench who passed away recently. In sharing about Curt and the pivotal role he played in Dan's life, his hope is that we each will take time to consider the people who have made a genuine difference in our lives, especially those who found joy in who we are and have helped us come to understand ourselves more deeply and perhaps point us toward our genuine spiritual gifts. Dan also reflects on the importance of finding more of those kinds of people in our lives. Sometimes they will fall into our orbit naturally, but we also shouldn't hesitate to actively try to develop friendships that might be transformative for us. In the final section of this episode, Dan reads an essay of Curt's that is found in the 2021 book, Why I Stay, volume 2 (Signature Books). In it you will get to meet Curt in his own words as he describes his journey within Mormonism and how he had found fulfillment there even amidst everything that is less than ideal. A part of that journey was his finding examples of others who inspired him in much the same was that Curt inspired Dan. This is a very personal episode. Thank you for allowing this indulgence.

No two life paths are the same, and this is also true with spiritual ones. Here at Latter-day Faith we talk a lot about "inner work" and practices that are often associated with Christian mysticism. Yet, as Marty Erickson, this week's guest, points out, not everyone wrestling with Mormonism or struggling to discover their own spiritual way relates to the mystic path. Where are they to go? How might they discover the spiritual practices and stories and journey that is right for them?  This episode discusses certain ideas that might prove helpful in this discovery process, but even more than that explores such liminal spaces--their difficulties as well as the gifts of the wrestle. Toward the end, Marty draws wonderful and illuminating parallels between spiritual and social justice work. You will love this conversation! Listen in!

Levi Peterson is one of Mormondom's most celebrated authors and writing teachers who, in this episode chats with LDF host Dan Wotherspoon shortly after the release of his latest collection of short stories, Losing a Bit of Eden. His most famous novel is The Backslider, and he has written, among many other things, a celebrated biography of LDS historian Juanita Brooks (who was the first to document in a scholarly way the events of the Mountain Meadow Massacre) and a wonderful autobiography, A Rascal By Nature; A Christian by Yearning. In their conversation, Levi shares a bit about his writing process and the ideas that launched several of his works, his upbringing as a faithful Mormon for whom the church and certain teachings never quite fit but how and why he continued to regularly attend church and gather with fellow Latter-day Saints. He shares about his encounters with Juanita Brooks and how he became fascinated by her and knew that she deserved a thoughtful and scholarly biography, as well as about longtime friendships with Mormon writers and scholars and their impact on his life, especially Lavina Fielding Anderson and Eugene England. Finally, he speaks about the arc of Mormonism and Mormon culture during his lifetime and reflects on certain LDS leaders.  This is a fun, wide-ranging conversation that you will enjoy immensely as you come to get a feel for Levi, now 87 years old, and his personality and charisma. He and his works truly deserve celebration and continued reading. Listen in!