This is a quick turnaround podcast episode that was both recorded and released on the day after LDS temples around the world implemented and offered to patrons a new version of endowment ceremony, as well as changes to the scripts of both sealings and women’s initiatory ordinances. We do not go into great specific detail within the conversation presented here, other than to reflect upon the greater equality now experienced between men and women within the rituals, as well as a few references to other changes. What this episode DOES include is wonderful reflections by three brilliant and spiritual seekers—Jody England Hansen, Julie de Azevedo Hanks, and Mark Crego—about their experiences from either participating in the temple since the changes yesterday or having collected a great deal of reactions from Latter-day Saints. They also join with Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon in helping frame what the temple ritual is and is not, the power of symbolic/mythic/ritual engagement in human spiritual lives, why changes to these are often made and why it is vital that they are. In these reflections, they share a bit about their journeys to come to understand sacred texts–scripture, ritual scripts and practices, etc.–in new and far more profound ways than how they had earlier in their lives.
We put this one together quickly, but the insights and their power are anything but rushed and easily forgotten. Please listen in! You will not regret it!