In this second episode examining the new policies regarding LGBT women and men and children, Brad Kramer, Nancy Ross, and Rob Vox join Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon for several rounds of speculation that tries to understand some of the possible reasons behind the changes. Applying insights from sociology, anthropology, and other fields of inquiry, they discuss issues such as group boundary maintenance (both in terms of membership and doctrine) and the re-establishment of leadership authority within the church (especially re-centralizing some of it instead of leaving it in the hands of local leaders), as well as efforts to continue to band alongside allied religious groups in efforts to preserve long-held definitions and categories, and to fight modernizing forces within society and find the ideal position in tension with fast-moving social changes. They discuss whether some of the impetus comes from efforts to head off or lessen potential liability in certain types of lawsuits, especially as possible reasons for labeling those in same-sex marriages as being in “apostasy” and adding barriers to their children participating in church rituals. In later sections they discuss ways in which the leadership might back off and mitigate at least some of the most extreme consequences from these changes that are now beginning to reveal themselves, and finally each panelist shares much more personally about their own wrestles since the policy changes came to light, as well as changes, if any, in their own determinations regarding their engagement with Mormonism going forward.
Please listen and then share your reactions, questions, and ideas in the comments section below!
Comments 6
Any possibility that some of the 15 went along with the decision to adopt this policy in order to demonstrate to the hardliners that this is a bad path? Sort of an, “Ok, I’ll go down that path with you to show you that it’s the wrong one to go down”? Something like this Elder Holland story?
https://www.lds.org/new-era/2005/07/wrong-roads-and-revelation?lang=eng
Great insight!
Yes, excellent observation. Your comment, much like this podcast (and the other ones concerning this new policy) are really twisting and bending my mind. I’m feeling such an incredible push and pull. Tension and chaos surrounds me. I’m finding myself praying for understanding as I am extremely confused about what all of this should me for me and all my brothers and sisters. Not afraid right now to say, I just simply do not know.
Thanks to all of you for sharing and your insights. This policy feels amiss and is unsettling. For me, having let go of my worry about how I relate to the LDS culture, found myself still shocked and dismayed that past informal behavior became formal and was a targeted decision. We, as societies on earth, are just unable to fully accept and understand the works of eternity. We ultimately, while here, draw tribal lines, set up protective fortresses,and ready ourselves for the invasion of whom we feel threatened by. We wage war with ourselves, physical, emotional, and even spiritual. It is just how mortals behave. We cannot help ourselves even when we think we are doing what is true and good. So I will just press forward looking steadfastly to the eternities that lie awaiting in my future and enjoy the conversations in the here and now with my fellow frustrated travelers.
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