Embark on a historical journey with Shiloh Logan, a PhD student with a keen eye for the interwoven threads of religion and politics. This conversation pulls back the curtain on Ezra Taft Benson's formidable legacy within the LDS Church and American conservatism. As we navigate the corridors of the past, Shiloh illuminates the philosophies that fueled the controversial Cliven and Amon Bundy, and how Benson's teachings continue to resonate within the LDS community and beyond, challenging modern perceptions of government and individual liberties.

The episode traverses the complex terrain of the LDS Church's engagement with American culture, from the historical perspectives of Brigham Young to the delicate dance of modern leaders wrestling with Benson's political echoes. Discover how religious convictions are deeply entangled with the political ideologies of church members, and the balancing act the church endures in aligning evolving doctrines on race and inclusivity with the staunch conservatism of some of its followers. Shiloh's insights provide a rich backdrop for understanding the internal dynamics and external perceptions that the LDS Church contends with in contemporary society.

Concluding our exploration, we shed light on the broader implications of the LDS Church's intricate relationship with American identity. This episode is a mosaic of religious history, legal debates, and the shaping of American society through the lens of a minority faith. As Shiloh guides us through these narratives, we're left with a deeper appreciation for the complex ways religion and politics have interplayed in the American story, and how they continue to evolve and redefine the nation's character. Join us as we unravel the enduring impact of Mormonism on the fabric of American life and thought.

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Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

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twitter: @varnvlog
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Current Patreon at the Sponsor Tier: Jordan Sheldon, Mark J. Matthews, Lindsay Kimbrough, RedWolf, DRV, Kenneth McKee, JY Chan, Matthew Monahan, Parzival, Adriel Mixon