Latter Day Struggles

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Series Title:   Exposing the Near Enemy [Part II of IV]

In this episode Val and Nathan explore several topics relevant to the LDS faith journey through the lens of the "near enemy". Their focus in this advanced-content episode includes an analysis of: 

**Faithfulness as the near-enemy of personal integrity 

**Checklist obedience as the near-enemy of personal transformation 

**Leadership by seniority/nomination/inheritance as the near-enemy of leadership by attraction 

**Placating as the near-enemy of true reform (specific to current queer issues) 

**Pedestalizing as the near-enemy of gender equality 

This (and every) series endeavors to help faith-expanding Latter-day Saints better understand ourselves and our faith institution so that we all might connect, heal, and transform.  

Thank you for subscribing to these advanced content exclusives, intended to help our faith expanding LDS and surrounding community grow and thrive in their faith journeys. 

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 Series Title: Exposing the Near Enemy [Part I of IV]

In this opening episode of this new series Valerie and Nathan delve into the profound concept of the "Near Enemy," highlighting how certain behaviors that superficially resemble virtues actually hinder personal growth and damage interpersonal relationships. 

Drawing from Buddhist wisdom and Brené Brown's integrative work, they discuss how the near enemy behaviors can creep into all individual and systemic relationships and how these behaviors prevent genuine connection.

Episode 2 of this series will be a Latter Day Struggles EXCLUSIVE: tackling sensitive and idiosyncratic "near enemy" topics within the LDS faith tradition. 

Episode 3 will tackle less sensitive "near enemy" topics found within the faith and typical of many faith traditions and other community settings. 

Episode 4 of this series will be another EXCLUSIVE, exploring from a psychological lens some possible reasons why our LDS faith tradition uniquely struggles with its idiosyncratic "near enemy" behaviors. 

This series is groundbreaking in that it integrates an element of sound Buddhist philosophy in an effect to help our LDS community understand some of our tradition's most significant shadow parts. 

We hope that this series brings light, understanding, healing, and eventual reform. We care about the wellness of our faith tradition and those over whom it has influence. 

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Series Title: Healing from Spiritual Scrupulosity [Part IV of IV]

In this final episode in their series tackling the topic of OCD spiritual scrupulosity within the context of the LDS faith, Valerie and Brannon Patrick reflect on their own experiences as missionaries to offer a respectful critique of a culture that of vulnerable to struggles with mental health in general and spiritual scrupulosity in specific. 

Their conversation addresses the critical issue of psychological distress among missionaries, exacerbated by a culture of perfectionism, performance, and a focus on missionary success connected to personal obedience. 

Through personal stories and insights on their own faith journeys, they advocate for a healthier, more balanced approach to spiritual beliefs and the missionary experience, aiming to help individuals both on missions and beyond reclaim their sense of self-worth and belovedness.

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Series Title: Healing from Spiritual Scrupulosity [Part III of IV]

In this episode Valerie welcomes fellow therapist colleague Brannon Patrick for a discussion highlighting the profound impact of OCD scrupulosity on individuals within the LDS community. 

In an unexpected turn of events, both Val and Brannon realize that they each struggled in their adolescence with the same unnamed fear of God's disappointment accompanied by attempts to mitigate these fears with scrupulous behaviors. 

They explore how church teachings can exacerbate anxiety, particularly through doctrines that emphasize perfectionism and earning forgiveness. 

This discussion advocates for a shift towards creating a supportive, healing church environment that views God as a loving companion in our journeys, not a harsh or disappointed judge. 

Join them on Friday for a final conversation in this series about the vulnerabilities of full-time LDS missionary service on those with tendencies to struggle with spiritual scrupulosity and several recommendations on how to begin to heal as a spiritual community. 

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Series Title: Healing from Spiritual Scrupulosity [Part II of IV]

In this episode Valerie and guest author Taylor Kerby delve into the complexities of OCD scrupulosity within the context of the Latter-Day Saint faith. 

They continue their conversation tackling the following topics connecting OCD spiritual scrupulosity with the LDS faith tradition: 

1. Spiritual Exceptionalism (addressed primarily in episode 231) 

2. Low emphasis on the cultivation of personal authority 

3. High anxiety around sexuality and an integrated sexual identity 

4. A transactional relationship with God 

5. An atonement theology that leaves people feeling anxious, guilty, afraid, or shameful 

The episode concludes with a call for church leaders to know their limits and a plea to direct individuals to professional help, aiming to foster a more supportive and growth-oriented environment for all connected to the church. 

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Series Title: Healing from Spiritual Scrupulosity [Part I of IV]

In this opening episode  focused on OCD spiritual scrupulosity in the context of the LDS church, Valerie begins by interviewing Taylor Kerby, author the the book "Scrupulous: My Obsessive Compulsion for God". 

In this episode Taylor shares his journey with spiritual scrupulosity, explaining how these conditions manifested as compulsive religious behaviors fueled by some of the doctrine and practices connected to his LDS faith tradition.

This episode tackles the first of five key vulnerabilities linking spiritual scrupulosity within the LDS faith: spiritual exceptionalism, low emphasis on personal authority, anxiety around sex and the theology of the body, a transactional relationship with God, and an atonement theology sometimes leading to shame and fear. 

Friday's episode digs into the rest of the five topics--ultimately emphasizing the importance of respectful and healing dialogue and urging listeners to prioritizes love, service, and grace over perfection. This entire series is a call for greater awareness and support for those grappling with OCD spiritual scrupulosity. 

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Series Title: Exploration of Camille Johnson’s Address about Modern Mormon Motherhood [Part I of II] 

In this episode, Valerie and Nathan tackle Camille Johnson's recent address from the 2024 BYU Women’s Conference and its many contradictory and conflicting messages around personal choice, healthy and unhealthy leadership and followership, gender roles, womanhood, motherhood, career, obedience, and personal revelation. 

The conversation illuminates the need to expand the principle of personal agency and questions the patriarchal structures that constrain individual autonomy. 
This episode's foundation is an invitation to distinguish between a fear-based and a love-based relationship with our higher powers.

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Series Title: Exploration of Camille Johnson’s Address about Modern Mormon Motherhood [Part II of II] 

In preparation for Friday's sensitive-content exclusive episode 230, Valerie offers a detailed overview of the entirety of General Relief Society President Camille Johnson's recent address given at the 2024 BYU Women's Conference. 

This address was both intriguing and concerning, focusing concurrently on both following the specific directions of outside authority as the safest means of living one’s life while also encouraging women to follow the counsel of the spirit to allow God to prevail in a path that is unique to each woman. 

In this episode Val sets the stage for the deeper dive into issues that intersect the topics of healthy human development, sound theology, and a call for institutional accountability regarding the impact that past teachings have had on thousands of LDS women.
 
Join Valerie and Nathan on Friday’s episode 230 for the in-depth analysis of the address reviewed in today’s episode 229. Information on how to subscribe to their new Buzzsprout platform found below.

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Big News! Listen in and rest assured that more info is coming! Thanks for being here on our mutual faith expansion journey! 

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