⁠S2 Episode 024: *LDS* Venice Jardine, Scholar/Anthropologist (Part 2)

“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. 

Instagram: @thatschurchpodcast

Summary

Keywords

Latter-day Saints, faith, inspiration, purpose, challenges, conflicting beliefs, serving others, common ground, community, empathy, understanding, relationships, beliefs, church, love

Takeaways

Faith can provide inspiration and purpose, even in the face of challenges and conflicting beliefs within a religious community. Serving others and looking for opportunities to help can bring fulfillment and a sense of belonging. Finding common ground with people who have different perspectives can lead to greater understanding and acceptance. Church can be a place to connect with others and make a positive impact, regardless of personal beliefs or doubts. Being in community with people who have different beliefs and perspectives is important for personal growth and understanding. Listening and understanding others, even if we don't agree with them, is crucial for building relationships and fostering empathy. Church and community provide support and a space to struggle together, rather than expecting everyone to have the same beliefs. God loves every person and wants to be in relationship with them, regardless of their beliefs or struggles. Jesus understands and empathizes with the individual experiences and pain of each person.

Chapters

Introduction and Personal Experiences

Stories of Inspiration and Purpose

Navigating Conflicting Beliefs

The Power of Serving Others

Finding Meaning in Church

Church and Community: Supporting Each Other Through Struggles

God's Love for Every Person, Regardless of Beliefs

Jesus: Understanding and Empathy for Individual Experiences

Conclusion

Sound Bites

"I really realized that church wasn't about what I could get out of it as much as what I could give."

"If we go to church and start looking around and at other people and stop worrying about ourselves and our own righteousness, our own reputation, our own standing... that's the real purpose of church."

"It doesn't have to be about me... I really hadn't stepped back to think, well, what can I do for others?"

"It is incredibly stretching and difficult to be in community with people that you totally disagree with."

"It's not about changing someone's mind all the time, but trying to understand them and trying to just see them and see what they're about."

⁠⁠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.

S2 Episode 022, Part 2: Shame, Racism and mission experiences

Topics Covered:

1. **Growing Up in the Church**:

- Tara's adoption from Lake Charles and moving to South Jordan, Utah.

- Her experiences being raised in a predominantly white family with both biological and adopted siblings.

2. **Childhood and Church**:

- Reflections on a joyful and active childhood.

- Anecdotes about neighborhood games and childhood memories.

3. **Vulnerability and Safety**:

- Discussing feelings of safety and support within her family and church community.

4. **Adolescence and Pushing Boundaries**:

- Exploring teenage years and the challenges of navigating personal identity.

5. **Different Perspectives on the Ward**:

- Contrasting experiences and views within the church community.

6. **Fraternity Parties and Scripture Study**:

- Balancing social life with religious obligations during young adulthood.

7. **Different Family Dynamics**:

- Insights into the varied family structures and relationships.

8. **Conflicting Values**:

- Managing tensions between personal beliefs and church teachings.

9. **Navigating Peer Pressure**:

- Strategies for handling peer influence and maintaining personal integrity.

10. **Lack of Education and Understanding**:

- Addressing gaps in education, particularly around sensitive topics.

11. **Shame and Rejection**:

- Dealing with feelings of shame and the impact of rejection from peers and community.

12. **Seeking Connection in Unhealthy Ways**:

- How a lack of understanding and support can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

13. **Repression and Stifling of Sexuality**:

- Discussing the effects of inadequate sex education and the repression of natural sexual development.

14. **Exploring Sexuality and Coping Mechanisms**:

- Personal stories of sexual awakening and the challenges of reconciling these with religious teachings.

15. **Changing Narratives and Portrayals of Sexuality**:

- How narratives around sexuality and gender have evolved within the church and society.

16. **Female Empowerment and Representation**:

- Celebrating stories of female empowerment and the importance of representation.

17. **Experiencing Shame and Repentance**:

- Comparing experiences of confession and repentance in different religious contexts.

18. **Mission Experience in Georgia**:

- Sharing insights and challenges faced during her missionary work, including dealing with racism.

19. **Institutionalized Racism in Mormonism**:

- Addressing systemic racism and ignorance within the church and broader community.

Join us for a deep and heartfelt conversation with Tara Herbert as we explore her journey through adoption, childhood, adolescence, and her evolving relationship with faith and identity.

S2 Episode 021: *Atheist* Tara Herbert (Part 1 )

The Journey of Faith & Identity: PART 1 on Religious PTSD - Motherhood - Finding spirituality in Atheism & philosophy

This Juneteenth we have a very special & intriguing episode.

⁠S2 Episode 020: (LDS) Baggage & Unity: PART 2 Patrick Mason on Baggage in the LDS church & Unity Among all churches

⁠S2 Episode 019: *LDS* Bridging Faiths: PART 1 - Patrick Mason on Proclaiming Peace - Religious EXODUS - Strong LDS Women.

Welcome to the Season Two premiere of "That’s Church"! In our first episode, we sit down with Patrick Mason, a renowned author and scholar whose expertise in religious studies illuminates our understanding of faith and community. As the author of influential books like "Planted" and "Restoration," Patrick shares his profound insights into navigating faith in a complex world.

This is our last episode for Season 1. We have so much in store for you in Season 2. Listen to the end to hear just some of the amazing people we have lined up. There’s so many more exciting things happening and we can’t wait to share it all with you. 

We also love the conversation with Brittany Mangelson and Jason Eyre through this and part 1 and 2.

✨Learn along with us about the Orthodox views of Saints and who they are. 

✨We talk to Father Paul about Pre-earth life and after death. 

✨ Father Paul talks about mercy and forgiveness and important life lessons.