[Unedited] Joanna Brooks with Krista Tippett

Mormon Feminism

Joanna Brooks, a scholar and Mormon feminist, shares her journey through the intellectual and feminist landscape within the Mormon community. She recounts her experiences at Brigham Young University, where she encountered a vibrant world of Mormon liberal thought, only to witness a backlash against feminist faculty in the early 1990s 1. This period was marked by excommunications and a speech labeling feminists as threats to the church, leaving a lasting impact on her 1. Despite these challenges, Brooks highlights the Mormon tradition's respect for intellectual pursuit, emphasizing the importance of questioning and seeking knowledge from a young age 2.

   

LGBTQ+ Struggles

The Mormon community's struggle with LGBTQ+ issues is a poignant topic for Brooks, who describes the emotional turmoil following the church's involvement in Proposition 8 3. This political stance led to personal conflicts and strained relationships within the community, prompting many to question their faith and church involvement 3. Brooks also addresses the challenges faced by Mormon parents of LGBTQ+ children, who grapple with balancing their beliefs and familial love 4. She emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and support, drawing from her own experiences of navigating faith and family dynamics.

   

Obedience vs. Conscience

Brooks explores the tension between obedience to church doctrine and personal conscience, a common dilemma for many Mormons 5. She discusses how individuals navigate these conflicts, often without clear-cut solutions, and the impact of institutional pressures on personal beliefs 5. The contradictions within the church, particularly regarding gender roles and equality, further complicate this balance 6. Brooks reflects on the strength women draw from their faith, despite these challenges, and the diverse ways they manage these contradictions in their lives.