In dialogue with each other and Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon, panelists Joanna Brooks, Todd Decker, and Jason Brown provide a far-ranging discussion that draws important distinctions between an LDS culture that seems to writers, pundits, and many outsiders to be quite like the picture painted by the Harper’s article (which is,  of course, accurate in certain ways) and the long history of Mormon theological teachings about the dangers that are inherent in wealth and prosperity and divorcing oneself from the labor of one’s own hands, the sacredness of community, and economic systems that forefront care for one another. These are difficult issues, and this podcast is full of terrific observations, both light and serious, and wonderful invitations for deep self-examination. Can and will those who find themselves recognizing that they a sympathy with the Occupy movement or have other hesitations about capitalism as it operates today do more than just talk?

Please listen. We welcome your comments below!

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Links to sites recommended by podcast panelist Jason Brown:

The Mormon Worker

LDS Left

LDS Dems

Occupywallst.org

www.movetoamend.org

The Corporation–a documentary in several parts  available through YouTube

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Gadianton, by Eric Samuelsen. An incredible and powerful story and critique of the idea that something can be “just business,” that corporate decisions don’t have high personal costs. It wrestles with a Mormon-led computer firm that chooses to downsize in order to increase company profits. It is set in St. George, Utah, and the action of the play is interspersed with characters reminiscing on the atomic explosions in the Nevada desert and the radiation fallout that affects families in the area still today–government decisions that didn’t adequately count personal costs. And you simply have to experience for yourself all that comes from the inclusion of Gadianton!, a play within the play (that leads to its title character coming to life and whispering in the ear of one of the main play’s protagonists). Highly recommend! Potentially one of the best hours of reading you’ll ever spend.

Note: This file contains the play, as well as a short follow-up essay by the author about the controversies that surrounded Gadianton when it was produced at BYU. Sunstone also somehow saved the file in the same grouping as a commentary on Mormon culture that is also excellent but not related to the play. So if you want to go directly to the play, it begins on page 6 of this file.

Anecdotally, this question came up in a work setting a few years ago. Our Salt Lake City location had a much smaller percentage of charitable contributions than our other locations. At the time, many employees stated that this was because they already donated so much time and money at church. Yet, despite our tithing and time commitments, we have been admonished repeatedly in General Conference to do more charitable work. Do members of the church feel they are off the hook? Is this part of the motivation LDS have in conducting garage sales?

So, what is the allure of selling one’s trash on the curb? Why do Mormons enjoy this past time? Here are some theories:

• One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Joseph Smith was often accused of being a treasure hunter. Perhaps bargain-hunting is a modern-day equivalent. At some garage sales, it might take a seer stone to find anything of value.
• Economic motivation. Are Mormons poor (due to having lots of kids, more single income households, and paying 10% tithing)?
• Commitment to recycling. Mormons have been taught to “make do or do without” and to be industrious and to take care of their things.
• Charity might not take some of these things. Seriously. That wreath you made at Homemaking? The book with the food stain on the cover? Your toddler’s used underwear?
• Meet your neighbors. Garage sales can instill a sense of community as people sift through your occasionally too personal and sometimes disgusting cast-off possessions.
• Kids can learn entrepeneurship. And it keeps them out of your hair for the day if they run the whole thing.

Still, every time I see a yard or garage sale, I always think that it would be better to donate those goods to charity rather than trying to make a buck by “casting your pearls before swine” (loose interpretation there). It also seems a little unsavory to me to show the world your discarded objects.

Along the lines of “good, better, best” where do garage sales fall?

• Good – not having a surplus of goods. Teaching our kids the value of living frugally.
• Better – “recycling” surplus goods through garage sales. Teaching our kids the value of money through a hands-on capitalist experience.
• Best – charitable donations of surplus goods, time, and money. Teaching our kids the value of service and love.

So, what do you think? Why are garage sales so popular among Mormons? And is it better to donate to charity than to hold a garage sale? Do Mormons donate less to charity than non-Mormons? If so, why? And just for kicks, what’s the most repellent, kitschy or perplexing thing you’ve ever seen offered at a garage sale?