⁠⁠S2 Episode 023: *LDS* Venice Jardine - Scholar & Anthropologist (Part 1)

“I’ll Stay Where You Want Me To Stay”: How Latter-day Saints Navigate Conflicting Social Values While Remaining Committed to Their Faith.

This was the Thesis Venice spent years of research and case work on and we will benefit from her conclusions.

Summary 

Venice Jardine, a social cultural anthropologist, discusses her research on how Latter-day Saints navigate conflicting social values while remaining committed to their faith. She explains that sociocultural anthropology focuses on the study of present-day cultures and how people interact within them. Venice shares her own faith journey and how she came to focus on this particular area of research. She highlights the importance of community and divinity ethics in the LDS Church and how they contribute to the decision to stay in the faith. Venice also emphasizes the significance of having non-judgmental support and a sense of belonging within the community. In this part of the conversation, Ashlie and Venice discuss the importance of speaking and listening to process emotions and struggles. They emphasize the need for empathy and validation when someone opens up about their difficulties. They also discuss the value of living simply and prioritizing values. Venice shares her research experiences in France and Thailand, highlighting the differences in culture and the challenges of being empathetic within one's own culture. Venice Jardine discusses the importance of empathy and understanding in building bridges between different faiths and cultures. She shares her experience as an anthropologist and how it has helped her step into someone else's shoes and appreciate their beliefs and experiences. Venice emphasizes the need to listen, be curious, and avoid assumptions when engaging with others. She also highlights the diversity within the LDS Church and encourages individuals to find their own unique expression of faith. Venice shares a personal embarrassing story and mentions her favorite places to live, including Germany and Thailand.

Takeaways

Sociocultural anthropology focuses on the study of present-day cultures and how people interact within them.

The LDS Church emphasizes community and divinity ethics, which contribute to the decision to stay in the faith.

Having non-judgmental support and a sense of belonging within the community is crucial for individuals navigating conflicting social values.

Verbalizing one's beliefs and struggles can be therapeutic and help individuals solidify their faith.

Service and contributing to the community are important aspects of staying in the LDS Church. Speaking and listening are important for processing emotions and struggles.

Empathy and validation are crucial when someone opens up about their difficulties.

Living simply and prioritizing values can bring greater fulfillment.

Cultural differences can present challenges in being empathetic.

Research experiences in different cultures can enhance understanding and empathy. Empathy and understanding are essential in building bridges between different faiths and cultures.

Listening and being curious about others' beliefs and experiences can lead to greater understanding and connection.

Avoid making assumptions and be open to learning from different perspectives.

The LDS Church is diverse, and there are many different ways of expressing and living faith within the community.

Personal experiences and stories can help break down barriers and foster empathy.

Keywords

social cultural anthropology, faith journey, conflicting social values, commitment to faith, community, divinity ethics, LDS Church, non-judgmental support, sense of belonging, speaking, listening, processing, empathy, validation, living simply, values, culture, research, empathy, understanding, building bridges, faith, culture, anthropology, diversity, LDS Church, listening, curiosity, assumptions.