As they begin to experience shifts of faith, many Latter-day Saints and others within the Christian tradition come to think of Jesus Christ differently than what they did when they were younger, and for most who undergo these shifts, the transition from one understanding to another is fraught with a great deal of angst. It takes time to “unlearn” traditional stories and to formulate new ones based upon our own experiences and encounters with Jesus over and against what we had “received” from others. It’s confusing. It feels transgressive as we come to gain new sensibilities from those we see in our communities. But, even with this wrestling and searching and the disorientation of the period in which we are changing, it is vital that we take it on. Jesus and his teachings really come alive when not seen primarily through institutional lenses that often emphasize actions and beliefs that are geared toward conveying how much we “need” them in order to be saved.
In this two-part episode, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon has brought together separate recordings he made with nine different friends over a ten-day period in which they shared their journeys and the fresh views they have gained, or are now moving toward, in response to the following question: “What do you believe is the “good news” of the gospel as taught by Jesus of Nazareth?” What they shared is wonderful! Some played with similar themes (“kingdom of God within us” or “losing one’s life in order to find it”) but each with their own unique emphases and flavoring unique to them. We think you will very much enjoy what you find here!
In Episode 532 (Part 1), you’ll hear from Susan Hinckley, Barbara Roberts, Tom Roberts, Scott Turley, and JoDee Baird
In Episode 533 (Part 2), those sharing are Thomas McConkie, Cynthia Winward, Matt Jones, Jana Spangler, and Dan Wotherspoon