Earlier this month, Mormon Matters released its 500th episode. In this two-part podcast, host Dan Wotherspoon speaks about the show’s evolution, but mostly he re-introduces some of the major themes and angles of approach to Mormonism and personal faith journeys–ideas, analogies, and framings that have come up fairly regularly in the show’s history, either directly or in passing as its panel discussions centered on specific topics.
We hope long-time listeners as well as those less familiar with the podcast and its basic sensibilities will find it fun to re-immerse in topics such as the importance of answering the call to explore one’s faith more deeply, to begin the quests of what Joseph Campbell has labeled the “hero’s journey,” to examine the different types of truth in play within human lives and how asking religion or spirituality questions solely from another field and its methodologies will never yield fully satisfying answers. To revisit Father David Steindl-Rast’s analogy of how religions begin and take their shape by comparing their starts to the eruption of a volcano and what transpires over time following the bursts.
In another section, Dan concentrates on various ways to approach scripture that might enliven them for us once more, should our current ways of reading and encountering the material in them have begun to wax cold–and he then suggests how these same approaches might also revive the way we look at and the gifts we receive through our prayer lives, temple attendance, and so forth. He then takes on questions and issues so many of us face as we as individuals interact with institutions. How do we honor both our wants and needs as well as those of the Church? What can we learn from realizing the reality of these different types of goals and how this de-fangs in some way the negativity that can be generated as they end up, as so often they do, at cross-purposes? How can we protect ourselves from being swallowed up by the institution and losing our connection with God and the primacy of our own journey and growth?
We hope you’ll enjoy this trip down memory lane, and its refreshers about important themes and sensibilities that often play out within Mormon Matters discussions!
Links:
Colorado Faith Forums website. Learn about its annual symposium, 15 September 2018, Parker, Colorado
Mormon Matters Retreat, 12-14 October, Salt Lake City. Click here for details, registration information, and about scholarships to attend or to help others attend.
Other links to things mentioned on the podcast (past shows, articles) forthcoming
Comments 1
Dan,
Bravo! Now go and give the fruit of tree of knowledge of good and evil to Dehlin and Reels. Just joking!! Well kinda of.
The approach in your narrative to how it is possible to deal with faith, truth, church, institutions, belief etc. couldn’t have been articulated better. It is so refreshing to have an objective and open perspective that doesn’t criticize, mock or make ultimate demands on the listener. I have become very weary of where the progressive side of “Mormonism” has been heading. However, you have managed to bridge the gap to both sides of the fence and make a space for those who aren’t driven by outrage mania aganst every perceived indiscretion that the Church appears to somehow provoke. I love your attitude and ability to remain mature vs. the trends that I have noticed from other podcasts from the progressive bend. You possibly may be the last beacon of hope of one who hasn’t yet jumped ship. And I hope you never do!
Though I am definitely confident we have differences politically, socially etc. I do feel you are a real brother in Christ and do appreciate your style and earnest hope that we all can get through this. Keep up the good work!!!! BTW….I’ve been a listener for many years and even still remain a TBM. Can you believe it?