Faith without religion.
Exploring Personal Faith Journeys and Community Leadership
In our recent live broadcast, we had the privilege of hosting the esteemed John Dehlin, founder of Mormon Stories and a prominent figure in discussions surrounding the LDS community. Our conversation was structured into three parts, each delving into different aspects of John’s life and work.
In Part One, we explored John’s backstory, beginning with his early life. He shared insights about his birth, family dynamics, and the religious environment he grew up in. John reflected on his personal religious insights, worries, and disconnects throughout his formative years, including his experiences in grade school, junior high, high school, and college before embarking on his LDS mission. We paid special attention to how he navigated the expectations placed on young men within the LDS framework. John concluded this segment by recounting his mission experience, his return home, marriage, family life, and his journey leading up to his first Mormon Stories interview.
Part Two shifted focus to the inception and evolution of Mormon Stories. John discussed the personal challenges he faced while gathering these stories, including his educational pursuits, family life, and involvement in his local ward. He shared which specific stories resonated with him and prompted a more assertive stance toward the LDS institution. This segment highlighted John’s personal transformation over the past decade, touching on both significant milestones and difficult moments, ultimately leading to a reflection on his current identity as a man, father, and leader within the community.
In Part Three, we examined the concept of spiritual leadership within the context of the LDS community. I identified three key figures, including John, who provide meaningful guidance to those transitioning out of Mormonism. We discussed the unique approach John takes in his leadership role, emphasizing the importance of supporting individuals in their spiritual journeys without imposing traditional religious frameworks. John articulated his vision of spiritual leadership, focusing on inclusivity and understanding.
In the final moments of our broadcast, we addressed a provocative statement regarding common misconceptions about Christianity. I challenged the audience to reconsider their understanding, suggesting that many views are shaped by longstanding religious traditions that may not align with the core tenets of Christianity. This segment aimed to encourage critical thinking and open dialogue about faith and belief systems.
Overall, our time with John Dehlin was enlightening, offering valuable perspectives on personal faith journeys, community leadership, and the complexities of navigating religious identity.
