Mormon Stories Podcast

In this three-part episode, Dan and Laurie Gallagher discuss Laurie's loss of testimony as Dan remained a believer -- and how they both worked through their issues to actually improve their marriage and family relationships.

In this three-part episode, Dan and Laurie Gallagher discuss Laurie's loss of testimony as Dan remained a believer -- and how they both worked through their issues to actually improve their marriage and family relationships.

In this three-part episode, Dan and Laurie Gallagher discuss Laurie's loss of testimony as Dan remained a believer -- and how they both worked through their issues to actually improve their marriage and family relationships.

In this three-part episode, long-time listener Glenn brings on his divorced parents and fellow siblings to discuss the family divorce from an LDS perspective.

In this three-part episode, long-time listener Glenn brings on his divorced parents and fellow siblings to discuss the family divorce from an LDS perspective.

In this three-part episode, long-time listener Glenn brings on his divorced parents and fellow siblings to discuss the family divorce from an LDS perspective.

Janet Bennion is an associate professor of anthropology, specializing in alternative sexuality in nontraditional religious movements in the Intermountain West, specifically among Mormon fundamentalist polygynists. She has a Ph.D. in Anthropology from University of Utah and a Masters in Social Organization from Portland State University. Her doctoral expertise lies in cross-cultural perspectives of sexuality, gender and society, and women of the fundamentalist world. Her scientific publications include two major ethnographic works and two comparative analyses of Mormon polygynous women, as well as many peer-review journal articles. Women of Principle: Female Networking in Contemporary Mormon Polygyny (Oxford University Press 1998) offers an in-depth study of gender roles and sexual norms in the Apostolic United Brethren sect in the Bitterroot Mountains of Montana, cataloging women's conversion stories. This ethnography shows that while abuses do exist, some women achieve ironic ascendance and satisfaction in fundamentalism. Desert Patriarchy (University of Arizona Press 2004) presents her theory explaining the role of the desert environment (Chihuahua, Mexico) in the development and maintenance of a patriarchal gender ideology. Her model identifies several factors -- male supremacy, female network, non-secular education, imbalanced sex ratios, alternative sexuality, and circumscription -- which work to facilitate the longevity of desert patriarchal communities.

Daymon Smith, an LDS anthropologist and author of 'The Book of Mammon,' delves into the LDS Church's shift from spiritual to financial, raising questions about the ethics of using tithing for investments. He critiques the church's welfare initiatives, exposing disconnects between resources and congregant needs. Smith discusses the material privileges of church leaders compared to regular members and explores tensions between artistic expression and corporate interests, particularly regarding the City Creek Mall project. This complex dynamic of spirituality vs. wealth offers a thought-provoking look at modern Mormonism.

In this fascinating discussion, Daymon Smith, an LDS anthropologist and author of 'The Book of Mammon', explores the LDS Church's corporate structure and its implications. He delves into the church's evolution from its founding to its modern financial complexities, discussing the balance between spiritual identity and institutional frameworks. The conversation covers the tension between non-profit and profit-driven entities within the church, including how commercial interests affect scripture marketing and garment production amid ethical dilemmas. Prepare for some thought-provoking insights!

Daymon Smith, an LDS anthropologist, delves into the birth of the correlation department within the LDS Church and its significant impact on modern beliefs. He explores how early doctrinal speculation among church leaders led to the necessity for a unified doctrine. The conversation shifts to the challenges faced during the transition from diverse theological perspectives to a structured curriculum post-World War II. Smith also discusses the personal journeys of disillusionment among members and the costs of maintaining unity in faith.