Mormon Matters was a weekly podcast that explored various topics within Mormonism, ranging from the latest news within the Mormon world, current events in the wider culture that would be good to explore from Mormon angles, or general theological or historical topics that deserve deep dives. The podcast was hosted by Dan Wotherspoon, Ph.D., a past editor of Sunstone magazine and popular speaker and contributor to online discussions about today’s Mormonism.
Prior to this website shifting to a focus on the Mormon Matters podcast, it had its origins as a large group blog about Mormon topics, and these discussions can still be found in this site’s history. See the button directing you to the blog. Although there have been no new postings since 2011, many of those older posts have been found through web searches, resulting in comment threads once more enjoying fresh voices and conversation.
To provide feedback about any of the podcasts, suggest topics or guests for future Mormon Matters episodes, or if you have any questions about this site and Mormon Matters episodes or events, please contact mormonmatters@gmail.com.
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Dan, I just want you to know that the Church Handbook podcasts are responsible for my being able to find a way forward this week. I just donated because I want this to continue to be a place for intelligent dialogue. Thank you from the bottom of my broken heart.
Carol, I am so pleased that these episodes have been helpful to you. They were godsends to me, too, helping me sort through things, re-gaining perspective. Such a tough time.
I really appreciate you writing, and for the wonderful donation. What a boost! Thank you!!!
Dan
Dan, I have listened to several interviews over the las few months. I understand you stay in the church. I still do not understand what the church means to you and others that have chosen to stay? Does God lead the church or is it an organization as you regularly refer to as? I sum up my departure by saying; I can see the good in the church, but I cannot see the divine. Do you see the divine in the LDS church? If so where?
I’ve been listening to these podcasts since returning from my mission. They both challenge and promote my faith. They have helped me through difficult paradigm shifts, but have also induced new and painful ones. Either way I am grateful for the way in which they help me critically engage with current church issues, challenge what is given to me but still hold on to my believe in the divine (even if sometimes only by my fingertips).
They only problem I have is knowing how and when to share my new paradigms with those I love. I often feel that they are not worth mentioning, but at other times I feel that they distance me from others in a way.
Any thoughts?
(Oh and Dan seems like literally the nicest guy. I would love to just have a chat with him about life.)
Please tell me about the music and who sings it…totally awesome.
Thanks much
Mar
I only recently discovered this podcast, and I am so grateful for it! Thank you Dan! I have especially enjoyed the podcasts featuring Jennifer Finlayson-Fife as her wisdom has blessed my life and the lives of so many women. Please consider a follow-up to the episode with Carol Lynn Pearson about her book, “The Ghost of Eternal Polygamy.” I would love to hear a panel of experts weigh-in on the effects of this doctrine and offer insights on how we can move forward, participating in classes/meetings that touch on this topic. Thank you!
Dan. I have found peace in your podcasts as I journey along this journey called life. I listened to 2 different podcasts lately that really touched me. 1. Your recent conversation with Tom Roberts. My best friend growing up was Catholic and I always enjoyed their type of spiritual traditions , Especially Midnight Mass! 2. Bob Rees, interrupting general conference with Holy Week. I loved his thoughts on the Savior and realized I need to focus more on my Savior.
Brings me to an ideas that occurred to me;
I’ve never enjoyed the Christmas season because of the super focus on materialism. Why can’t we in our bldg on Christmas Eve focus on the Savior and have some sort of a Mormon Midnight mass. Open to the entire community focused only on the Savior. Probably not at midnight and more of an open house where can come and quietly reflect on the Savior. I really don’t know what it would like or how it would be received by our local institutional church. I just know we need to reach out and be more open and focus on what we have in common. It would also be a safe space for less active. What do you think??