In this episode, we dive into the intricate tapestry of family dynamics and religious expectations with Carly’s cousin-in-law (that’s a thing…promise), Abbie. Abbie shares her personal journey of navigating her upbringing within the church, the challenges of balancing personal beliefs with familial expectations, and the profound impact these experiences have had on her family life. Join us as we explore the complexities of faith, identity, and the courage it takes to forge one's own path. This episode is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience found in embracing one's truth.

Through the conversation, Carly, Rob, and Abbie discuss Abbie's journey through faith, family, and personal growth. They explore the complexities of growing up in the church, the challenges of navigating expectations in marriage, integrating expectations when starting and joining a family, and the importance of storytelling in healing. Abbie shares her experiences of questioning experiences related to church during her teenage years, the impact of her mother's illness on their church attendance, and the beauty found in both pain and joy. The conversation highlights the gray areas of belief and the significance of finding one's own path in spirituality.

In this conversation, Abbie, Rob, and Carly explore the complexities of navigating faith transitions, particularly within the context of Mormonism (specifically as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). They discuss the challenges of having difficult conversations with loved ones, the importance of creating support systems, and the healing that can come from open dialogue.

Abbie shares her personal journey of investigation and the emotional turmoil that often accompanies leaving a faith. They emphasize the need for compassion and understanding in conversations about spirituality and the diverse paths individuals take in their spiritual journeys.

Season two starts in August, and we are so excited to share these new topics with you! Please like, share, comment, rate, and review wherever you end up listening.

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Our last episode of the official Season 2! We will be back again with weekly episodes starting on August 7.

We are looking to interview experts in the different aspects of patriarchal systems…know someone? Send them our info. We’d love to chat!

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LDS Faith Crisis Report PDF (complete)

Includes the graphs we reference throughout:

* GRAPH 1: Faith Crisis Stages (from the report linked above):

* GRAPH 2: Cycle of Disaffection (from report linked above)

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Summary

In this conversation, Trevor McGinty shares his journey of faith transition, detailing his upbringing in the church, experiences during his mission, and the challenges faced in his marriage and family life. He discusses the complexities of church leadership interactions, the expectations of church involvement, and the personal struggles that led to questioning his faith and the church's history. Trevor's story highlights the importance of personal growth, community, and the search for integrity in his faith journey.

As we sat down with Emilie and Ashlie, it was like talking to old friends. Never mind that Emilie and Carly grew up in the same valley at the same time, several parts of all of our stories had intersecting points.

In this conversation, we explore the intersection of personal growth, faith, and LGBTQ+ experiences. We discuss navigating relationships within the church and the evolution of understanding faith, highlighting how spirituality can be deeply personal and subjective.

Ultimately, we find we all are advocates for love, acceptance, and the importance of creating safe spaces for all individuals. We discuss the challenges of publicly questioning faith and share personal experiences and insights on navigating these transitions, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and connection among individuals facing similar struggles.

We’d love to know what you think!

Show notes:

That’s Church on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatschurchpodcast/

That’s Church on Apple Podcasts:

That’s Church on Spotify: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/thatschurch/

Ashlie’s account, The Nuanced Mormon, on Instagram: https://instagram.com/the_nuanced_mormon

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This conversation explores a conversation with Jason and Jennifer Shelton, our old neighbors. Jason grew up in the Jehovah's Witness faith and later left it, fell into addiction, and has emerged on the other side living a sober, family-filled, loving life.

They discuss the challenges of growing up in a high-expectation religion, including the impact of shunning, the struggle for personal identity paired with the deep desire to maintain family relationships, and the journey towards sobriety and mental health.

The Sheltons reflect on their family dynamics, the emotional toll of leaving the faith, and the misconceptions surrounding those who choose to leave. Their story highlights the importance of connection, understanding, and personal growth after leaving a restrictive belief system.

Can you relate to their story? Join the FREE subscriber chat here:

Join us on instagram: @blackandwhiteandgold

In this enlightening conversation, Jess Lee shares her journey of ancestral connection and spiritual identity, transitioning from her upbringing in the LDS faith to embracing a pagan belief system. The discussion explores the nuances of genealogy versus ancestral work, the importance of honoring one's ancestors, and the challenges of generational healing. Jess emphasizes the need for open communication and understanding in navigating faith transitions, while also celebrating the beauty of cultural diversity and the shared human experience of seeking connection and peace.

Jess’s Instagram: @rootandspirit

Find us online as well: @blackandwhiteandgold

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