The classic theological puzzle known as the “problem of evil” arises when we assert the existence of an all-powerful God who is also perfectly loving, …
514 –515: Thoughts on the October 2018 General Conference
The October 2018 General Conference has just ended, but certainly not the discussion of it! Not for many, many months in our wards, stakes, and …
501: Centering in God: Experiences and Insights from the Living School for Action and Contemplation
This episode features reflections on a wonderful experience the two panelists and I shared this past week in Albuquerque, NM. All three of us—Jana Spangler, …
479–480: (Encore) Mormon Views on Satan and the Origins of Evil
Most religions, cultures, and philosophies contain stories or theories about human evil and its origins. Some, including Mormonism, place a major portion of the blame …
477–478: Improving the Way Mormons Discuss Anger
This episode begins with a description of occasions in which one of our guests expresses feelings of anger over something only to be told one …
476: A Healer’s Healing Journey: An Interview with Dr. Julie de Azevedo Hanks
Dr. Julie de Azevedo Hanks has over the past decade-plus become a leading voice in mental health, marriage and family, women’s issues, and faith journey …
467–468: The Work of Peace in Mormonism and the Religious World: An Interview with Charles Randall Paul
Many long-time Mormon Matters listeners will recognize the name Charles Randall Paul, (or, as host Dan Wotherspoon calls him 90 percent of the time, “Randy” Paul). He …
462–463: Lessons From the Historical Jesus
James and Judith McConkie have taken a deep dive into something relatively few Mormon scholars and teachers have researched: the historical Jesus. Latter-day Saints have …
443: Seeking a Good Death: Spiritual Practice and Framings to Help Us Prepare Now for Our Eventual Deaths
In this follow-up episode to our early December shows titled “Mormons Encountering Death”(MM 430–432), former hospice chaplain and meditation and contemplation teacher Phil McLemore joins …
181: Grieving (and Can We Do it Better?)
The death of loved ones and other difficult transitions really shake us up, and it is very natural for us to want and need to …
174–175: The Chaplains on . . . Suffering
When we meet someone who is suffering, whether physically or emotionally, we naturally want to be of service to them. Sometimes our fears overcome us, …
119–121: The Problem of Evil and Suffering
One of the most prominent and difficult issues in philosophy of religion addresses the dilemma that arises when one asserts the existence of an all-powerful …
94–95: Suicide
Suicide affects all of us, and involves so many devastating emotions. Grief (as one of the panelists refers to it, a very “complicated” form of …