Progressive Bishop w/ an Unbelieving Wife – Martine & Stuart Smith Pt 3 | Ep. 1742

On Mar 19, 2023

Martine and Stuart Smith are back in part three as they discuss the “heavy hand” of Priesthood Authority from their Stake President; from false teachings affecting lives, being told not to watch a particular show, making youth “covenant” to go on missions and never date non-Mormons, only to see him be released and excommunicated for embezzlement. Martine had sympathized with the Stake President, who was sometimes unemployed and had five children. She later found out that this Stake President had put her membership status as “on probation” though she had never been notified as per policy, and that she had been “blacklisted” from certain callings. The couple began attending Sunstone, where they explored the gray areas of life and Mormon feminism.

During this time, they began to question the Church’s teachings, including the Plan of Salvation, which involved separating families more than bringing them together. They also researched the lives of polygamous women and the Equal Rights Amendment. Stuart, an intellectual, was called into the bishopric as an unorthodox member. They stayed in the Church for its utility, but also for their son’s sake. Martine became the RS Pres during the Sept Six Era, a time of more progressive leaders and scholars at BYU and at Women’s Conferences and in leadership.

Eventually the walls crack on their belief and Martine and Stuart find they can no longer stay in a church that goes against their values.

Show Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/martine-stuart-smith/

Martine & Stuart Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxq5opj6GqOCEEDV9TG4qj_l40TqfmHMV

00:00:00 Stake President gets excommunicated over embezzlement but not other misbehaviors
00:28:30 Martine reads controversial Emma Smith biography, Mormon Enigma
00:37:00 Deconstructing “eternal” families & other things
00:55:00 Experiencing cognitive dissonance while serving in leadership positions
01:18:45 Moving back to Utah for new job, aging parents, and son at BYU
01:29:05 Martine & Stuart find out their neighborhood is home to many Church authorities & benefit from increased church activity despite doubts
01:42:33 Martine attends BYU, Stuart is called as Bishop
02:00:00 Stuart’s time in the Bishopric
02:17:15 Martine struggles with depression and undiagnosed ADHD
02:23:30 Martine’s LGBTQ awakening happens during her run for legislature
02:30:45 Martine realizes she no longer believes
02:48:30 Stuart sees the utility of Mormonism for some people despite his personal doubts of its truthfulness
03:05:00 Martine’s last Temple Recommend renewal & her troubling revelation during an Endowment Ceremony
03:21:15 Martine bears a last “Honest Testimony”
03:38:00 How do they navigate life and relationships out of the Church?

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Mormon Stories Podcast is the longest-running and most successful podcast in Mormonism – hosted by Dr. John Dehlin. At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We also occasionally interview scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1) Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology, 2) Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis, and 3) Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions.

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