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Series Title:  Conversations with Mormon Mystics & Graduates of Fr. Richard Rohr’s ‘Living School’ [Part I of IV] 

In today's opening episode of a beautiful new series exploring Mormonism's own modern mystics, Valerie sits down with the insightful Jana Spangler to chat about her first-hand spiritual growth as a student of Father Richard Rohr. 

Jana walks us through the overarching teachings of the Living School's teachers, especially what she learned personally from Father Richard Rohr and the other interdenominational leaders at his “Living School”, a program sponsored by Rohr’s Center of Action and Contemplation. They dive deep into the Mormon experience also, envisioning a shift toward more meaningful, mystical connection.

In Friday's episode Jana shares specifics about her depth experience at The Living School, including what she learned about finding the sacred in the profane, the importance of becoming non-dualistic, and embracing a Christianity that is embodied in advocacy and social justice. Don't miss her wisdom! It is beautiful and thought provoking!

Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!

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Today Valerie dives deep into four common psychological strains experienced by most people with whom she has worked experiencing an LDS faith crisis as well as how she is learning how to address each of these strains as she personally grows and walks alongside those of you on this path with her. 

She delves into critical issues such as fractured ego structures, a deficit of complex thinking skills, the problems that come from inhabiting a single-pillar spiritual worldview, and the importance of unlearning unhealthy coping patterns adopted in our early development. 

Most importantly, she talks about the healing of each of these psychological strains. Healing is possible! And likely actually! We just need a good map and some companionship. Thanks for being here! 

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In today's episode, Valerie and her friend and colleague Dr. Julie Hanks delve into the complex emotional landscape of staying somehow connected to the LDS Church. 

They explore the importance of self-definition and psychological health, advocating for boundary-setting and personal spiritual responsibility and reflect on the intricate dynamics of faith, community, and individual well-being in the context of the LDS faith. 

Because they have found THIS TOPIC to be so heavy on the minds of so many of their mutual listeners, they have decided to host a four-evening Question and Response (Q&R) series in February of 2024 to extend a lifeline to those wrestling with these challenges and offer resources for navigating faith and personal growth. Link to enroll directly below!

Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!

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Series Title: Historical Exploration of LDS Temple Admission Process [Part IV of IV]

In this thought-provoking final episode of this series, Valerie and Nathan do a final delve into the history and accompanying complexities of the temple admission process, exploring the ever-evolving criteria and the psychological impact that this process has on faith expanding members. 

This episode addresses the sensitive topics of sexual ethics, the intersection of religion, fear, and sexual intimacy, and the influence of patriarchal structures on individual sexual agency and spiritual development.  

They also offer a concise historical overview of items in the interview that have become more strict and those that have become more lax or have disappeared altogether. Subscribe to this episode for a candid discussion about LDS teachings, community belonging, and the pursuit of personal integrity in matters of faith, worship, and embodied spirituality.  

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Series Title: Historical Exploration of LDS Temple Admission Process [Part III of IV]

Welcome to episode three in this four-part series on the history of the LDS temple recommend interview!  Today, Valerie and Nathan continue this conversation by focusing on the evolution of temple admission from no process at all, to a vague, self-reflective process, to a process governed by adherence of specific theological beliefs and practices which changed depending a variety of factors discussed in this episode.

 One example they that explore is the shift in the demand for support of the practice of plural marriage to excommunication for the practice plural marriage--both connected to temple eligibility. 

They talk about how the temple recommend has become a forum for assessing and withholding worship privileges connected to issues such as loyalty, tithing, and LGBTQ identities, intellectualism, and feminism. 

As they unwrap the layers of historical context their hope is to demystify both the content and the process of the temple recommend interview, in hopes that you will feel less anxious and more empowered to connect with God through the temple if you feel that this will authentically enhance your spiritual journey. 

Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!

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Series Title: Historical Exploration of LDS Temple Admission Process [Part II of IV]

In this thought-provoking episode Valerie and Nathan delve into the complex history of the temple recommend interview, shedding light on its evolution, from admission based on personal acquaintance with Joseph Smith to the structured questionnaire used today. 

They explore the impact of historical attitudes and shifting criteria on the current practices, including the influence of culture on religious processes. Touching on the symbolic weight of Christ's sacrifice and the tearing of the temple veil, Val and Nathan discuss the psychological and spiritual ramifications of being judged for worthiness. If you are trying to have a healthier relationship with all things related to the LDS temple, join them in this education on the comings and goings of what it means to be temple-worthy in Latter-day Saint history.

Referenced in this episode: The History of Temple Admission Standards: ⁠Journal of Mormon History Vol. 24, No. 1, 1998 (usu.edu)⁠⁠Temple Recommend Evolution – Wheat & Tares (wheatandtares.org)⁠

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Series Title:  Historical Exploration of LDS Temple Admission Process [Part I of IV]

In this profoundly enlightening four-part series, Valerie and Nathan explore the complex issues surrounding worthiness and temple recommend interviews within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

They delve into the hurtful misinterpretations of unworthiness, the struggle for direct spirituality versus patriarchal intermediaries, and they make sense of the discomfort and anxiety that many people feel due to the temple recommend interview process as members spiritually evolve. 

Their conversation also touches on the broader landscape of temple observance across various religious traditions as a way to see that temple worship is common and life-giving to many amongst spiritual traditions worldwide.Friday's episode begins the historical analysis of the changes in the interview, exploring such topics as word of wisdom, chastity, cursing, and plural marriage...just to name a few!  See you there! 


Referenced in this episode: The History of Temple Admission Standards: Journal of Mormon History Vol. 24, No. 1, 1998 (usu.edu)Temple Recommend Evolution – Wheat & Tares (wheatandtares.org)Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!

https://valeriehamaker.com/one-one-consultations/

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Series Title: A Sweeping Conversation on the New Mormon History, Hierarchy, & Social Justice [Part IV of IV]

Welcome to this last episode in this four-part series with esteemed guest Greg Prince, scientist, author, and scholar with deep ties to Mormon studies. In this episode, Val and Greg continue to examine the history of LDS hierarchy with a special focus on the gutsy and progressive Hugh B. Brown. 

Their conversation about the importance of diversity in any body of leadership leads to an exploration of the broader implications of the LDS Church's aging leaders (due to their succession-by-seniority-policy multiplied by advancements in medicine in the past several decades), discussing the possible need for succession policy reform, such as emeritus status, to maintain church vitality and address the concerns of the young faithful. 

Greg and Valerie touch on several important subjects, including the treatment of LGBTQ individuals and the ways in which a possible generational disconnect could be shaping the future of church membership. Don't miss this in-depth discussion, which extends an ongoing invitation for reflection and discourse in the LDS community.

https://valeriehamaker.com/one-one-consultations/

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Series Title: A Sweeping Conversation on the New Mormon History, Hierarchy, & Social Justice [Part III of IV]

In today's part III of Valerie's series with Greg Prince they delve into an era that Greg claims we should all better understand as we navigate our 21st century LDS faith. This episode casts a spotlight on the leadership of David O. McKay, with a special focus on his complex relationship to the eventual lifting of the temple/priesthood ban, his handling of Ezra Taft Benson's anti-communist obsession, and his questionable handling of McConkie's infamous "Mormon Doctrine." 

This conversation illustrate the intricate interplay between policy, revelation, and societal readiness that shaped church decisions during McKay’s presidency. 

Valerie and Greg also navigate through challenging themes, such as the potential for power to corrupt, the church's structural comparisons to a corporation, and the high expectations placed upon church leaders. The discussion also delves into the personal impact of church policies on its members and the importance of actively owning one's faith. 

FRIDAY'S episode is a seamless continuation of this conversation with a special focus on some scientific findings (researched by himself and Lester Bush) around leadership vulnerabilities of any kind of formalized genontracry. Please subscribe to listen! Info below! Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!

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Hello Latter Day Struggles friends! In this bonus episode, I share the details of many of the ways that I am supporting your LDS (and surrounding) faith expansion journeys. As a psychotherapist trained in intimate and family relationships, trauma, and group-work, I could never have guessed that my specific course-work would lead me to LDS faith crisis because when I was in this intensive training process, I didn't even know what faith crisis was and had not experienced anything of the sort in my own life. YET. Well, God works in mysterious ways, right? When life happened and my eyes began to be opened to spiritual growth that I didn't even know was possible (for both me and thousands having similar experiences), I was ready *enough* to step into this space due to the preparation that I didn't even know was happening. So take a listen to this quick informational episode and join me for whatever portion of my offerings work for you. I love you all! Here's to a happy and thriving 2024 in our faith expansion journey together! ————————————————————To enroll in Val’s webinars and new group go to latterdaystruggles.com. ————————————————————To enroll in the first session of Val and Dr. Julie Hanks’ “Do I Stay or Do I Go” Q&R series go to drjuliehanks.ask.me.

https://valeriehamaker.com/one-one-consultations/

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