Matters of the Heart 2: On “Masturbatory Rage”: A Theatrical Call to Repentance

March 23, 2012
By

ON “MASTURBATORY RAGE”: A THEATRICAL CALL TO REPENTANCE
 By Allan Davis

In this episode of Matters of the Heart, Allan Davis shares a short meditation about a call to repentance related to his transitioning relationship to Mormonism that he received last fall while attending the theatrical performance of a play called Church. A great listen for all who are undergoing the process of re-evaluating their own religious identity and stance related to their childhood faith and religious community. And everyone must, of course, listen to find out what the author means by “masturbatory rage”!

On "Masturbatory Rage": A Theatrical Call to Repentance [ 14:52 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

  • Paula

    Well done! Such an apt metaphor.  This puts words to the reason I always make sure Mormon Matters is part of my week.  I think Dan really makes an effort to keep us listeners out of the echo chamber.

  • http://birdsofashmae.com/ Ashley Mae Hoiland

    Allan,
    Thank you for writing and sharing such nice thoughts.  I think it is easy to convince ourselves that skepticism is so noble, when really, what often requires more faith and courage is to take a place among the quiet believers, even when we still have questions.  I think it is still so important to explore, question, search out, but we don’t need to tout our concerns as the whole of our religion.  Great essay!  I’ll pass it along. 

  • Jason

     Allan,
    What a beautiful essay.  You put clear words to a struggle that I think I experience at a more subconscious level.  You provided a helpful litmus test with which I can examine my own motives, and with which I hope to act in a less self-serving, less self-congratulatory manner.  Thank you.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Rolf-Straubhaar/17800265 Rolf Straubhaar

    Wonderful–something I definitely needed to hear, and a perspective that I think would be very healthy to hear more in Open Stories settings, given the easy transition from anger or frustration to self-importance.

  • Greg Anderson

    How many times have you clicked on an “innocent-looking” link only to be blindsided by some kind of explicit sex web site? So why would I deliberately click on a link with the word “masturbatory” in it?

    (P.S. I didn’t listen to this podcast and, as long as it invokes such imagery, no thank you anyway..)

    • cwinchesteriii

       Masturbatory is a perfectly legitimate word.

  • Maggie

    Wow, that’s a powerful metaphor.  Of course I can’t help but think of the Glen Becks and Rush Limbaughs of the world – I’ve always wondered how they can consistently maintain such a high level of rage without stroking out. But this sort of behavior happens on all sides, anger and rage are compelling. It can feel really good to get all enraged over this or that, but this is a powerful reminder that this kind of behavior is unproductive and self congratulatory.

    When we start yelling, we’re expressing an emotion not an argument. 

  • Sunbeam

    Oh this is wonderful, so wonderful.  It’s amazing to me how without ever having met you how I love you people, John Dehlin, Dan Wotherspoon, and now Allan Davis.  Thanks for sharing. 

  • Pangwithc

    greg anderson sounds like a massive tool. masturbatory is an adjective that doesnt have to refer to sex. what a prude

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/RR5UM5NAIAZQNDK2CPEUWNSLBA jeffrey

    A stroke of genius!

  • http://www.facebook.com/drewskione Andrew Arthur Marsh

    Zehr gut. The title drew me in, & I am glad that I took a listen.

  • Salty Mormon

    Great Podcast. I love the idea of “Keep looking.” I’m still here, still looking, waiting, and hoping to see things a knew. Thank you!