A Thoughtful Faith - Mormon / LDS (general)

This episode explores how Lincoln synthesizes his Mormon Christianity and transhumanism. He talks about the body of Christ and the atonement.  He helps us understand our responsibility to become one in the body of Christ.

Direct download: A_thoughtful_Faith-100-LincolnCannonPt3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:01pm NZDT

Lincoln Cannon serves as the President of the Mormon Transhumanist Association. In this episode he really explores the essence of transhumanism and how it has shaped his deep faith in Mormonism.  He explains how he sees Joseph Smith as a transhumanist and addresses our Mormon transhumanist doctrines.

Direct download: A_thoughtful_Faith-099-LincolnCannonPt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:53pm NZDT

 

Lincoln Cannon serves as the President of the Mormon Transhumanist Association, an internationl nonprofit that has become the world's largest advocacy network for the ethical use of technology and religion to improve the vitality of our world.  In this episode he speaks about his personal history, how tragedy shaped his perspectives on God and Faith, and how he came to be passionate about Mormon transhumanism. 

Direct download: A_thoughtful_Faith-098-LincolnCannonPt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:43pm NZDT

Church Talks from the ATF Podcast community

Direct download: Got_a_Sermon_June_7_2105.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:07pm NZDT

Direct download: Harder_to_Stay_Harder_to_Leave_part_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:29am NZDT

Direct download: Hard_to_Stay_Harder_to_Leave.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:27am NZDT

In Part two of this interview James Ott, the director of Red Willow Couseling & Recovery, talks about different types of addiction within the context of Mormonism. He discusses the biology of addiction and the different issues that loved ones and addicts face together.  He talks about healthy approaches to addiction and also the spiritual aspects of recovery. In this episode he also addresses the role the church plays in the addict's life and makes suggestions for improvements.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-095-JamesOttPt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:18am NZDT

James Ott, the director of Red Willow Couseling & Recovery, explores addiction in the LDS community. This topic is often ignored but James suggests the urgent importance of this discussion. He addresses the history of the Word of Wisdom in Mormonism and how it has impacted LDS culture. He defines addiction and talks about how we can establish healthy boundries with the addicts in our lives. 

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-095-JamesOttPt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:07am NZDT

The recognition of adult singles in the LDS Church is usually a footnote buried in the dominate family rhetoric of Mormon culture, and yet it is estimated that 30% of Mormons are single.  Julie Lefgren has never married is a life-long, active Mormon and is now in her mid-40s.  Currently an adjunct professor of Chinese at BYU her life paths have wandered the globe, explored other cultures, focused on learning Mandarin and works hard on developing and maintaining deep friendships with those she meets.  In the winter , when not teaching, you will find her searching for a powder shot on the Utah ski slopes and in the off-season traveling, fishing and generally being outdoors.  But many of her life choices have revolved around assisting in the parenting of her 21 nieces and nephews.  

A lifetime of never marrying, not having children and yet staying active in the family-centric Mormon Church can be distressing. In our discussion Julie  addresses with candor the pain of that path, but also how to achieve happiness and peace too.  With Julie we look in depth at this interesting, and yet often invisible space of Mormon single adults.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-094-JulieLefgrenPt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:33pm NZDT

The recognition of adult singles in the LDS Church is usually a footnote buried in the dominate family rhetoric of Mormon culture, and yet it is estimated that 30% of Mormons are single.  Julie Lefgren has never married is a life-long, active Mormon and is now in her mid-40s.  Currently an adjunct professor of Chinese at BYU her life paths have wandered the globe, explored other cultures, focused on learning Mandarin and works hard on developing and maintaining deep friendships with those she meets.  In the winter , when not teaching, you will find her searching for a powder shot on the UT ski slopes and in the off-season traveling, fishing and generally being outdoors.  But many of her life choices have revolved around assisting in the parenting of her 21 nieces and nephews.  

A lifetime of never marrying, not having children and yet staying active in the family-centric Mormon Church can be distressing. In our discussion Julie  addresses with candor the pain of that path, but also how to achieve happiness and peace too.  With Julie we look in depth at this interesting, and yet often invisible space space of Mormon single adults.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-094-JulieLefgrenPt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:09pm NZDT

Kirsty Money has given up a lot in order to speak with her own authenticity.  Naturally quietly spoken and by preference, not in the lime light, Kristy reflects on the mechanisms both private and public, domestic and religious  that have sought to cause her shame and silence her.  She reflects on the spiritual and cultural tensions that cause her to simultaneously recoil from the shame of her outspokeness and embrace the spiritual transcdence that comes from living with authenticity.

Direct download: Kristy_Money_on_Shame_and_Identity.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:15pm NZDT

A faith crisis within a marriage can be devastating and painful particularly when only one of a couple begins to question their attachment to the religion that bought them together.  Gina Colvin and her husband Nathan McCluskey discuss their experience over the last eight years.

Direct download: 092_Colvin_and_McCluskey.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:55pm NZDT

Lindsay discusses her motivation for and her journey as a public historian into the waters of Mormon polygamy.

Direct download: Lindsey_Hanson_Park.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:02am NZDT

A chat with feminist Mormon non-Mormon LGBQT activist, Sara Burlingame.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-90-Sarah_Burlingame.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:51pm NZDT

Discussions and readings about the life of, and from the work of Eugene England.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-089-The_Life_and_Writings_of_Eugene_England.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:05am NZDT

Kirk and Lindsay van Allen discuss their repudiation of Mormon polygamy and Doctrine and Covenants Section 132.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-088-vanAllen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:41pm NZDT

Its not often that Mormon couples with similar progressive political dispositions get hitched.  Kristy Money and Rolf Staubhaar are one very fortunate couple.  To find each other in a faith tradition that has embraced a more conservative cultural bent is rather miraculous, but not really unexpected, in a broader social world that is asking hard questions of social institutions.  With Kristy -a  feminist activist, and Rolf -  an advocate and an academic interested in  social activism their relationship is indicative of a new wave of educated Mormon.   Less inclined to feel bound by the ideological expectations of Mormonism, and unwilling to  sit quietly in their dissidence they have determined that the Mormonism of the future can and ought to be more critically conscious andinnovative - where our community direction is owned more by the people than an invisible leadership.  They are as passionate about their faith as they are about their ideas and philosophy - and are aching to be able to bring their whole selves into their religious experience without fear or judgement.   In so many ways they are a quintessential young Mormon couple, fresh out of graduate school with young children, but full of ideas and dreams for a more expansive and inclusive vision of  the faith that has their devotion.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-087-MoneyStraubhaar.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:57pm NZDT

Gina Colvin interview Bob Rees, former Dialogue editor, poet, author, essayist and blogger.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-086-BobReesPt3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:59pm NZDT

Gina Colvin interviews Bob Rees, former editor of Dialogue, author, poet, essayist, blogger.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-086-BobReesPt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:54pm NZDT

Gina Colvin interviews Bob Rees, former editor of Dialogue:  A Journal of Mormon thought, author, poet, essayist and blogger.  

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-086-BobReesPt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:49pm NZDT

085:  Dialoguing as Women of Colour:  Bryndis Roberts & Jennifer Gonzalez Part Two

The second part of my discussion with Mormon feminist women of colour, Bryndis Roberts and Jennifer Gonzalez.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-085-RobertsGonzalezPt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:49pm NZDT

085:  Dialoguing as Women of Colour:  Bryndis Roberts & Jennifer Gonzalez

So often the conversation in the Mormon moment is dominated by white  men and women who are both dominant numerically in the church, but have also claimed the space at the heart of contemporary LDS cultural debates.

In this episode I discuss the dilemmas facing women of colour in Mormonism with Bryndis Roberts and Jennifer Gonzalez.  Both are busy women both in the church and in their legal professions.  Bryndis is a relatively new member of the church who lives in Atlanta, Georgia and serves as a Relief Society President.  Jennifer Gonzalez works in immigration law and has served most recently in the Young Women organization.  

Both women are active participants in the 'Feminist Mormon Women of Color' - FEMWOC group.  Bryndis is on the Executive Board of Ordain Women.

 

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-085-RobertsGonzalezPt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:31pm NZDT

In January of 2014, former New Zealand Bishop, Ganesh Cherian posted a heart-wrenching blog at KiwiMormon called 'A Former Bishop's Doctrinal Dilemmas'.  This was on the heals of the first of the series of LDS.org
 essays and was his response and in many ways his 'coming out' as a formerly orthodox Mormon turned 'doubter'.  In this interview we discuss the origins of his faith transition which began with his realization that US culture has a great deal to do with the current state of the LDS church, for good and bad.  We talk about his life in the LDS faith, his experience as a bishop, we discuss his concerns about the church and where he would like to see the church go and become in the future.

Ganesh and his wife Lindy are the parents of five boys and live in Wellington New Zealand where Ganesh is a business man, a social entrepreneur, and works with charities both at home and abroad.

Note that this interview was recorded before the polygamy essays were released.  Unfortunately the sound quality of Ganesh's computer was not great so my apologies for the persistent buzz!  Enjoy.

Direct download: a._AThoughtfulFaith-084-GaneshCherianPt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:51pm NZDT

In January of 2014, former New Zealand Bishop, Ganesh Cherian posted a heart-wrenching blog at KiwiMormon called 'A Former Bishop's Doctrinal Dilemmas'.  This was on the heals of the first of the series of LDS.org
 essays and was his response and in many ways his 'coming out' as a formerly orthodox Mormon turned 'doubter'.  In this interview we discuss the origins of his faith transition which began with his realization that US culture has a great deal to do with the current state of the LDS church, for good and bad.  We talk about his life in the LDS faith, his experience as a bishop, we discuss his concerns about the church and where he would like to see the church go and become in the future.

Ganesh and his wife Lindy are the parents of five boys and live in Wellington New Zealand where Ganesh is a business man, a social entrepreneur, and works with charities both at home and abroad.

Note that this interview was recorded before the polygamy essays were released.  Unfortunately the sound quality of Ganesh's computer was not great so my apologies for the persistent buzz!  Enjoy.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-083-CherianPt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:47pm NZDT

In this Episode Curtis Henderson explains how he came to understand that Polygamy wasn't ordained of God.  He speaks about his views on Joseph Smith's prophetic mantle, accepting that he was a man capable of great works and great mistakes. Curtis speaks about his quest for knowledge and truth, and explains how he has held on to his faith in Mormonism despite it's troubled history. He gets to the heart of personal responsibility and inspires us to follow our consciences and the evidence when addressing such a difficult topic like this. 

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-082-CurtisHendersonPt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:53pm NZDT

Mormon polygamy arouses very strong feelings as the response to the latest LDS.org essay bears witness.  Outside of the official rhetoric which positions the practice as historical (kind of) there are a multipicity of complex emotional reactions.  In this episode we discuss our personal positions on the topic of polygamy and Joseph Smith's involvement with the practice.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-Renshaw_Patterson_Grimes.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:02am NZDT

 In this episode, film producers Kendall Wilcox and Jon Hastings discuss the purpose of their film project 'Far Between' which has thus far captured the stories of over 300 participants.

Direct download: a._AThoughtfulFaith-078-HastingsWilcox.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:01am NZDT

Kirk Caudle made headlines over the summer when he resigned from the church after working as an online religion instructor for BYU-Idaho. However he still attends church regularly and has strong ties to Mormonism, making him a fascinating guest for A Thoughtful Faith.

 

In Part 1, Kirk talks about growing up in the church and the influence that had on his pursuit of Mormon Studies. He also talks about his background in religion and history and the lead-up to his work with BYU-Idaho.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-078-KirkCaudlePt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:18pm NZDT

Steven Peck reviews Mormonism and Science. He speaks about truth and discovery and how God interacts with us. He discusses how a God of the Gaps will fail us. Then he speaks about his book A Short Stay in Hell. The book pesents an amazing thought experiment. Steven addresses time and space within an eternal perspective and how these ideas came together in this story. 

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-077-StevenPeck-Pt3.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:47pm NZDT

Steven Peck discusses the New Atheist movement and how is devotion to science increases his faith and has shaped his understanding of God’s character. He speaks about the nature of faith and his feelings about caring for the earth as a faithful steward.  

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-076-StevenPeckPt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:23pm NZDT

Steven Peck discusses how his faith in Mormonism interacts with his understanding of Science and evolution. He discusses the position of the Mormon Church on science and evolution. He elaborates on how he feels Mormon doctrine encourages Scientific thought. He also addresses his feelings about the scriptural accounts of the creation, on historical statements of the Brethren reguarding scripture and science and he addresses climate change. 

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-075-StevenPeckPt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:53pm NZDT

A conversation about the debates surrounding the use of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints Campus after it closed its doors in 2009.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-074-Ord.Pt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:44am NZDT

A discussion about the community debate over the use of the recently closed Church College of New Zealand campus.  

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-073-McDonaldWarwickPt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:36am NZDT

This podcast looks at the community debates in New Zealand about the future of the Church College of New Zealand Campus following the school's closure in 2009.  

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-072-McDonaldWarwickPt01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:27am NZDT

Patrick Mason currently holds the Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University in California. He is the author of several books and a recognized expert on the intersection of religion and politics, as well as a scholar of religion as it relates to issues of war and peace.

 

In Part 2 we tackle:

  • Mormonism and politics, including Mitt Romney
  • Mormon concepts of war and peace (and how we can be better at promoting the latter)
  • and finally, I'll talk to him about his awesome blog post that talks about embracing "cafeteria Mormonism"
Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-071-PatrickMasonPt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:02pm NZDT

Patrick Mason currently holds the Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University in California. He is the author of several books and a recognized expert on the intersection of religion and politics, as well as a scholar of religion as it relates to issues of war and peace.

 

In Part 1 we talk about:

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-070-PatrickMasonPt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:57pm NZDT

James Patterson joins the ATF family as a new co-host and joins me now to discuss his evolution from devout to faithful doubter.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-James_PattersonPt69.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:25am NZDT

For the last 3 years, the Hann family has captured the attention of British media and are featured in several reality TV shows. Their family has received not an inconsiderable amount of recognition in the UK and beyond - not just as a large family, but as a large Mormon family.

In this episode, Gina Colvin talks to the Hanns about their experiences in the spotlight, as well as their experiences in the church.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-68-EmmaRoyHannPt2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:56am NZDT

For the last 3 years, the Hann family has captured the attention of British media and are featured in several reality TV shows. Their family has received not an inconsiderable amount of recognition in the UK and beyond - not just as a large family, but as a large Mormon family.

In this episode, Gina Colvin talks to the Hanns about their experiences in the spotlight, as well as their experiences in the church.

Direct download: AThoughtfulFaith-67-EmmaRoyHannPt1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:53am NZDT