Naked Mormonism with Bryce Blankenagel
(Recording at Torgersen-Peterson International Studios)
Intro: Bryce tells us about himself and the podcast. Whatever he’s comfortable sharing.
Body: Background information and discussion about Mormon attitudes about sex, women, and especially masturbation.
Possible topics to include:
-Law of chastity with emphasis on how this is a VERY BIG DEAL to Mormons. Apostle Spencer W. Kimball, in his book Miracle of Forgiveness, quoted Heber J. Grant as saying, "[t]here is no true Latter-day Saint who would not rather bury a son or daughter than to have him or her lose his or her chastity—realizing that chastity is of more value than anything else in all the world."
-Boyd K Packer & the little factories nonsense. (Bryce recently came under fire from listeners over his coverage of Boyd K Packer’s Death in Special Episode Edition 10, titled ROT IN HELL Boyd K. Packer!!!. We can briefly discuss this or not. IMO, it would be interesting as an example of social awkwardness integrating into society outside the church.)
-How did Mormon attitudes about sex, sexuality, and women impact you growing up?
-Do Mormon attitudes about sex, sexuality, and women continue to have an impact now that you’re out of the church?
-Do you still find yourself feeling guilt and shame over breaking the Law of Chastity?
-What advice would you offer your younger self?
Conclusion: Maybe it’s confirmation bias, but I notice more and more thoughtful criticism from progressives within the church in the form of podcasts like Mormon Stories, Blogs like Feminist Mormon Housewives, and the Ordain Women movement. Do you think this gentle prodding from within will have an impact on the church? For example, will the First Presidency receive a revelation regarding homosexuality in the same way they did regarding giving black men the priesthood in 1978?
