379: When Mormon Polygamy Comes to Primary in 2025
Send us a Positive Review!Join Valerie and her guest Jana Spangler in the next two Monday episodes as they delve into the complexities of polygamy within the Mormon church, focusing on the year 2025 when several significant events around this topic unfolded. They discuss how early Mormon history, particularly Joseph Smith's revelation on polygamy, has impacted the faith journey of many members. Additionally, they explore the recent polygamy-related additions to the 'Come Follow Me' manual and what this means for teaching younger generations about this challenging subject.  The conversation extends to practical advice for LDS church-attending parents and teachers navigating the the polygamy topic with children both at home and at church, with a focus on fostering critical thinking both in children and in the adults who are shepharding them in their spiritual growth and development. This episode promises a thoughtful examination of faith, history, and the ongoing struggle to reconcile and/or let go of difficult Mormon doctrines.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:17 Discussing Polygamy in 202505:34 Historical Overview of Polygamy15:18 Polygamy's Impact on Modern Faith32:19 Personal Reflections on Polygamy43:42 Controversy and Church Teachings50:58 Questioning Narratives and Personal Feelings51:21 Teaching Complex Ideas to Children53:01 Gender Dynamics in Religious Teachings58:20 Revised Teachings on Polygamy01:11:37 Parental Guidance and Critical Awareness01:23:17 Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Faith01:35:38 Concluding Thoughts and Future TopicsSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website
-------- Â
1:24:58
--------
1:24:58
377: When One's Soul has the Audacity to Grow, Right there in Church
Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Two-Hundred Year Old Mirror: How the Faith Expansion Journey has Always Made Christian Leadership Sweat! [Episode II of II]In this thought-provoking episode, Valerie and guest Casey McFarland dive into part two of their series comparing the dynamics between orthodox leadership and progressive membership in both the early Christian church and in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They explore the discovery of the Gnostic Gospels and how their divergent beliefs sparked friction with orthodox leaders of the time. The conversation addresses the parallels between historical and contemporary challenges, such as the struggles around authority, the role of women, and the push and pull between rigidity and progressive thought.  The fascinating conclusion: What we are experiencing is utterly predictable, has happened before, and is more about the frictions around community, cohesion, and the inevitability that some souls much grow...even in a correlated space! Did you hear their announcement about the Latter Day Struggles 2026 trip to Italy? Listen in and catch up if you didn't!   Previous episodes referenced:  159: LDS University Students Pressured to Not Ask Hard Questions 160: Why Scientific & Academic Inquiry IS Spiritual Seeking!Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:20 Comparing Modern and Early Christian Dynamics01:12 Recap of Last Episode01:21 The Gnostic Gospels and Early Christian Writings03:45 Role of Women and Educated in Early Christianity06:40 Evolution of God and Spiritual Development07:38 Historical Parallels in Religious Thought10:38 Authority and Questioning in Faith18:11 Modern Reflections on Historical Religious Tensions24:54 Inclusivity and Development in Faith Traditions26:42 Contradictions in Logic and Authority28:16 The Role of Satan in Early Christian Debates31:30 Personal Experiences and Institutional Authority34:05 The Struggle for Inner Authority and Faith Development38:27 The Tension Between Tradition and Progress50:15 Invitation to Italy: Exploring Early Christian History53:38 Closing Remarks and Future PlansSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website
-------- Â
51:53
--------
51:53
375: When God Refuses to Be Church-Correlated
Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: A Two-Hundred Year Old Mirror: How the Faith Expansion Journey has Always Made Christian Leadership Sweat! [Episode I of II]In the next two Monday episodes you are going to LOVE this conversation between Valerie and her friend Casey McFarland (of @pioneerparadox) as they discuss a fascinating aspect of early Christian history that is sure to resonate with you on your own faith expansion journey. They delve into the world of early Christian Gnostics and their progressive beliefs that challenged the early church general leadership by claiming that while a church can be a useful resource in one's journey towards spiritual light and truth, God could be found within each of us and is not controlled by any other human person or institution. If you don't want to feel alone in your wrestles with institutional authority, these two episodes will hit home in every way. Also stay tuned for the end of the episode where Casey & Val make an exciting announcement that you will not want to miss! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:11 Casey's Background and Interests03:26 Early Christian History and Book Discussion06:49 Comparing Early Christianity and Modern LDS Church11:48 The Role of Early Christian Leaders30:40 Valentina and Progressive Early Christians36:43 Ancient Philosophical Schools and Heresies37:32 The Threat of Competing Beliefs38:24 Valentina's Following and the Church's Response40:00 Gnostic Beliefs and Self-Discovery40:59 Quotes from Gnostic Texts43:13 Gnostic Christianity vs. Traditional Christianity48:23 The Concept of Maya and Moksha52:58 Stages of Faith and Compassion01:01:34 The Transforming Power of LoveSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website
-------- Â
1:08:41
--------
1:08:41
373: What Caterpillars Can Teach us about Blind Conformity
Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: An Exploration of ‘Fabricated Fellowship’ & ‘Harmful Religiosity’ on the Path Towards Healing Spiritual Community [Part IV of IV]Join Valerie and her special guests, Steve and Ginger Hitz, in the final episode of a profound four-part series focused on the crucial role that community can play in fostering environments of growth and spiritual flourishing. In this episode one focus is on the harms of blind conformity and the importance of learning to trust ourselves in the pursue light, truth, and love. Remember: spiritual community can be a helpful re-'source'. it is not the foundation of one's connection with THE Source.Tune in to hear practical advice on fostering meaningful connections within and beyond traditional church settings, and discover the power of embracing your spiritual journey with intent and authenticity.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:27 Overview of the Series and Book01:49 Barriers to Authentic Fellowship04:20 The Parable of the Caterpillars07:20 Breaking Free from Conformity09:35 Personal Stories and Reflections12:48 Creating Authentic Connections18:03 Managing Tension and Spiritual Growth25:54 Family Mantra and Community Support36:24 Closing Thoughts and EncouragementSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website
-------- Â
43:32
--------
43:32
371: To Find Divinity, Look No Further than the Mirror
Send us a Positive Review!Series Title: An Exploration of ‘Fabricated Fellowship’ & ‘Harmful Religiosity’ on the Path Towards Healing Spiritual Community [Part III of IV]In this thought-provoking episode, Valerie and guests Ginger and Steve continue to delve into discuss their book, 'Igniting the Holy Flame.' In this episode the topic turns to a core principle key community spiritual healing. Paradoxically, the more each individual in a community is trusted to find God within, the more they bring this True Self to their communities around them. Healthy souls create healthy communities. This episode delves deeply into the importance of finding one’s true inner self, the impact of meditation on spiritual growth, and how to navigate the tension between individual faith journeys and traditional religious expectations.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Series Overview00:30 Recap of Previous Episodes01:29 Today's Topic: The True Self02:12 Guest Introductions and Personal Reflections02:37 Challenges in Religious Communities03:38 Reading from 'Igniting the Holy Flame'05:08 Discussion on True Self and Spiritual Growth06:31 Meditation and Personal Practices15:47 The Role of Patriarchy in Religious Systems19:28 Managing Tensions and Personal Authority21:38 Celebrating Individual Faith Journeys37:09 Closing Thoughts and Summary39:15 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview40:49 Final Remarks and Listener SupportSupport the showSupport the show Listen, Share, Rate & Review EPISODES Friday Episodes Annual Access $89 Friday Episodes Monthly Access $10 Valerie’s Support & Processing Groups Gift a Scholarship Download Free Resources Visit our Website
The Latter Day Struggles Podcast addresses beliefs and issues within the LDS faith that are challenging to talk about but vital to discuss for those trying to navigate their relationship in or around the church. Valerie and her guests invite psychological maturity, theological health, and institutional integrity.
USA