Latter Day Struggles

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Series Title: A Deeper Look at the Sacrament [Part II of IV]

In this episode Val and Nathan move deeper into their conversation about the LDS interpretation of the sacrament, focusing particularly on healthy possibilities of expanding the definition of "sacrament". They also delve into the LDS definition of "setting apart" and question the health of this idea as a further expression of creating hierarchies. 

They analyze how the concept of "setting apart" negatively impacts the potential healing nature of the sacrament by creating multiple versions of unnecessary hierarchy and detail all of the ways this plays out in current practice. 

Finally, they imagine a newer, broader, more inclusive definition of both the traditional Sunday sacrament and through seeing life as sacramental in nature. Please join them by subscribing to this podcast. Its paradigm shifting!!

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Series Title: A Deeper Look at the Sacrament [Part I of IV]

In this thought-provoking opening of a new series, Val and Nathan engage in a deep exploration of the sacrament's significance in Christian practice and how it might sometimes diverge from the inclusive message of Jesus Christ. 

They set this series up by comparing and contrasting the history and diverse practices of sacrament across various denominations. Val then dons her "therapist hat" and discusses why and how embodied ceremonies can be a powerful tool for brain growth, learning, and meaning-making and how the concept of the sacrament has the potential to be a rich means of communion with self, God, and others. 

They also offer thoughts on how the sacramental ceremony can become less meaningful and even harmful when misappropriated for various reasons, which will be explored in detail in this series. 

This four-part series is intended to not only explore deeply the concept of sacrament broadly in the LDS faith, but also greatly broadens the concept of sacramental worship in a way that faith-expanding Latter-day Saints can embrace as an expression of their own growth journey. 

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

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Series Title: Some Complexities of the BYU Experience in 2024 [Part II of II]

In this second episode of a two-part series, Valerie and guest expert, Brian Dille broaden and deepen their conversation about the balance between BYU policies, academic integrity, and the psychological well-being of the student body. 

In this episode Brian reads his letter addressed to BYU’s current president, expressing his concerns about the constraints on academic freedom, his advocacy for marginalized students and allies at BYU and his overarching concerns for the institution's direction. 

Throughout the discussion, both Brian and Valerie advocate for the creation of safe, welcoming spaces throughout the worldwide LDS landscape, underscoring the necessity of comforting those in pain and using love and grace as guiding principles to navigate this complex landscape. Don’t miss this series!!!

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Series Title: Some Complexities of the BYU Experience in 2024 [Part I of II]

In this episode Valerie welcomes special guest Brian Dille, a BYU alumnus and member of a professional organization responsible for accrediting institutions of higher learning in the USA. This series tackles the complex and pressing issue of academic freedom at Brigham Young University, especially in light of recent curriculum changes where the “musket” talk was made required reading for all incoming BYU freshmen. 

Brian and Valerie delve into the definition and historical context of academic freedom, exploring its crucial role in scientific progress and how it relates to current issues connected to BYU's relationship with academic accreditation. Friday's episode stresses the impact of the "musket talk" on all individuals at BYU and how integration of this talk signals not only concern for academic freedom but also the need for ongoing corrective dialogue inviting love, inclusion, and reform in an effort to protect those on the margins at church and on the campuses of church-operated schools. 

Join Valerie and Brian for both of these powerful episodes as they navigate some crucial Latter Day Struggles with respect, insight, and a firm commitment to honest discourse.

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Series Title: The Impact of Gender Inequality in the LDS Faith [Part IV of IV]

In this final episode of this 4-part series focused on issues of women and equality in the LDS church, Valerie and Nathan explore how healthy identity development is stifled for both men and women due to the patriarchal structure of the church. They discuss how a patriarchy cultivates a robust false self ego identity in the "one up" male gender and how the structure of the church stifles healthy ego development in the “one down” female gender in several ways (which they discuss in detail in this episode). This entire series calls for a reevaluation of the current unequal distribution of opportunities for the growth and development of the true self in the LDS church and invites this church to become a place where all humans are nurtured in the development of their whole selves. 

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Series Title: The Impact of Gender Inequality in the LDS Faith [Part III of IV]

In this conversation Valerie and Nathan explore words—because words matter. They talk about the expanding use of the words "authority" and "power" connected to females and priesthood, thereby encouraging LDS women to understand their already-existing status in the church, while (significantly) never ever connecting women's roles and responsibilities to priesthood "keys". 

Val and Nathan discuss how these semantics games tend to land on modern-day LDS women (not well!) and further begin a discussion about how this disparity in equality shapes the psyches in the women of this organization. 

They further contend that not having priesthood "keys" is *not* about women desiring status, attention, or prestige. It is about longing for their spiritual system to support their innate equality in the eyes of God. It is about providing women with a spiritual context wherein they are allowed to grow and thrive as human beings. 

Friday's final episode in this series breaks down five ways that women's development is stifled due to their unequal status in the LDS church. Subscribe to catch this [and every past and future Friday] episode. Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!

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Series Title: The Impact of Gender Inequality in the LDS Faith [Part II of IV]

In this episode Valerie and Nathan delve into the topic of organizational structures and how these structures powerful communicate their values to their constituents. 

They break down many examples of how the value of each member of any organization is communicated through how the system is structured AND that the way an organization structures itself always communicates a message far more powerful than any public statement of value made to or about it’s constituents. 

This conversation sets the stage for two more conversations forthcoming, where Val and Nathan further explore the influence of systemic structures on personal empowerment and the broad, often untapped potential of women within faith organizations in general and the LDS faith in particular. 

This series is intended to raise the consciousness of our LDS organization so that we may see how longstanding [and sometime unquestioned] organizational structures and practices are negatively impacting many women within this organization. 

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Series Title: The Impact of Gender Inequality in the LDS Faith [Part I of IV]

Join Valerie as she explores a variety of topics connected to the 2024 rebirth of the Law of Common Consent demonstrated by LDS women throughout the world who recently voted "opposed" to claims that women in the LDS church have more authority than women of other church's worldwide. 

In this episode, Valerie processes a variety of topics including: 

** Several reasons why the LDS church has chronic struggles with allowing women equality. 

**A conversation about historical lack of collaboration with systems of learning, knowledge, and worldwide restoration enlightenment. 

**A maladaptive commitment to "immovability". 

** A conversation about the need to address intersectionality of the feminine divine and queer issues in LDS "eternal family" theology. 

**Encouragement to embody love as the foundational energy of lasting spiritually-empowering social reform. 

Friday's episode begins a three-part conversation between Valerie and Nathan addressing how structural issues within the LDS church powerfully communicates its value of women, regardless of what is spoken *about* women or *to* women.

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Healing from LDS Faith Crisis: The Personal Journey of Nick [Part II of II]

In this poignant second part of their conversation, Valerie and her guest, Nick, delve deep into the turbulent emotions surrounding Nick's evolving relationship with the Book of Mormon and its author, Joseph Smith. 

Nick candidly opens up about his journey from idealizing the scripture as a source of solace during his Navy days, especially during deployments to Iraq, to confronting the stark realities of Joseph Smith's life, which led to feelings of betrayal and grief. 

Despite these challenges, Nick has navigated through his anger to a place where he can still recognize the comfort this book provided him, while also expanding his definition of spiritual connections beyond traditional religious confines. 

Valerie and Nick's discussion underscores the complex nature of faith, the process of healing, and the importance of authenticity in one's spiritual journey. They invite their listeners to embrace the idea that one can find scripture in diverse sources and emphasize that personal growth allows one to appreciate the duality of both the good and the harmful parts of one's beliefs. 

This episode is a testament to the resilience of faith and the freedom found in exploring spirituality on one's terms.

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Healing from LDS Faith Crisis: The Personal Journey of Nick [Part I of II]

In this heartfelt episode, Valerie and special guest Nick take an intimate look into the personal journey his healing and self-discovery. They dive deep into Nick's past, discussing the challenges of reconciling his relationship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while confronting lifelong negative beliefs about himself. 

Nick candidly shares his experiences with loneliness, sexual shame, and his reliance on pornography as a coping mechanism. Together, they explore the significance of nurturing one's inner child, the detrimental effects of internalized shame, and the beauty in transforming pain into compassion and understanding for both oneself and others. 

As they dissect the complex emotions tied to faith and sexuality, both Valerie and Nick underscore the importance of self-compassion, removing judgment, and fostering open conversations as tools for healing and growth. 

Friday's episode continues this conversation between Nick and Valerie as they explore another aspect of his LDS faith expansion personal journey: Healing from betrayal trauma connected to the Book of Mormon. 

If you want to find peace in your relationship with the Book of Mormon, listen to this tender episode.Info on how to subscribe to listen to Friday’s episode is directly below. See you there!

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

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SUBSCRIBE: All Friday episodes of Latter Day Struggles can be accessed through ⁠⁠⁠a paid subscription ($9.99/month), available here⁠. Thank you for supporting Valerie’s professional commitment to your LDS Faith expansion journey!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

For a step-by-step guide on how to subscribe and support the podcast, click here.

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SUPPORT: Like what you’re hearing at Latter Day Struggles Podcast? You can support Valerie by making a one-time donation to her business Venmo account or by becoming a recurring donor on Patreon.⁠
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SUPPORT GROUPS: As a trauma therapist, Valerie continues to help our LDS faith expansion community become more psychologically and spiritually healthy. All support groups are currently full, however, a new evening group is scheduled to start in September 2024. To learn more click here.
——————————————————————————————————————LATTER DAY NIGHT LIVE! Register for our latest 3-part webinar series “A Couple’s Guide to Faith Crisis & Expansion.” Valerie will host a question/answer session directly after the class. First session April 3rd 8:30 CST. Come ask Val your burning questions and be part of the conversation! Register for a spot here.
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CONSULTING: Interested in doing individual or couples work with Valerie or a member of her trained team? Time-limited packages with Valerie and extended work with her team of coaches and therapists are available ⁠here.

Support the show

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