Exploring Homogeneous examples in LDS Culture with Dr. Julie Hanks

The Paul Cardall Podcast

ABOUT JULIE DE AZEVEDO HANKS

WEBSITE: https://www.drjuliehanks.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/drjuliehanks

Dr. Julie Hanks, PhD, LCSW. is a licensed therapist, coach, author, relationship expert, media contributor, blogger, speaker, and performing songwriter with 28 years experience counseling women, couples and families. In addition to owning Wasatch Family Therapy, LLC and serving as executive director, Dr. Hanks is an emotional health and relationship expert and top online mental health influencer with an extensive and engaged social media following. As sought after media personality Dr. Hanks’ advice has been interviewed for The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Day, Parenting, Reader’s Digest, Redbook, and numerous other publications, and has appeared on-camera on Fox News, Fox Business News, KSL TV’s Studio 5, Discovery Health, TLC, and Reelz Channel.

After speaking to large women’s groups of Latter-day Saint women on preventing emotional burnout for a decade and working with hundreds of women in her clinical practice who were overwhelmed and felt “never good enough”, Dr. Hanks felt compelled to write her first book The Burnout Cure: An Emotional Survival Guide for Overwhelmed Women.

Her latest book The Assertiveness Guide for Women: How to Communicate Your Needs, Set Healthy Boundaries, and Transform Your Relationships draws from her years of clinical practice helping women to find their authentic voice in their lives, their relationships, and in the world. Grounded in attachment theory, this self-help book takes a comprehensive view of assertiveness and is filled with exercises and practical advice.

As an award-winning performing songwriter, “Julie de Azevedo” has written dozens of songs, contributed to numerous projects, and produced 10 solo CD’s over the past 30 years. Her most recent CD “The Gravity of Love” is a digital EP of 6 new songs about relationships.

Dr. Hanks’ most valuable experience has been “in the trenches” of family life as a wife to Jeff Hanks and mother of 4 children, 1 daughter-in-law, and 2 grandchildren.

MORE ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

Paul begins by engaging in a conversation with Dr. Julie De Azevedo Hanks, who balanced her career as a recording artist with her pursuit of a Ph.D. in therapy. She specializes in working with clients who are Latter-day Saints or have connections to the LDS culture, assisting them in addressing social issues and ensuring their beliefs are applied in a healthy manner to avoid any harm caused by theology.

Dr. Hanks responds to Paul's inquiry about why people from other faiths often perceive Mormons as exceptionally kind individuals with strong family values. They delve into the social dynamics within the predominantly homogeneous culture, particularly in Utah, where a substantial LDS population exists. Paul briefly touches upon the history of Mormons facing persecution, such as the extermination order issued by Missouri against the religious sect. He inquires about the possibility of a generational persecution complex. Dr. Hanks doesn't attribute it to a fear of persecution, but rather to a sense of familiarity. She notes that Latter-day Saints have demanding responsibilities and suggests that Mormons should openly communicate their values to friends and neighbors to establish mutual understanding of their boundaries and commitments.

Paul highlights the unique aspect of the LDS Church, where individuals are actively assigned roles, integrated into small groups, and are actively involved in the community, unlike in most other churches where members need to initiate their participation. He emphasizes the absence of monetary compensation within the LDS Church and how this communal involvement provides a strong support system for every family. Dr. Hanks commends this support system and the sense of safety it fosters, with mentors guiding the youth in their service and teaching roles.

The conversation shifts to the historical practice of polygamy within the Mormon community and its association with women's disenfranchisement and objectification during that era. They discuss the belief in eternal marriage, emphasizing that it lasts forever.

Dr. Hanks and Paul delve into the declining church activity, which saw families conducting religious services at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also discuss the impact of scientific discoveries addressing questions that were traditionally considered mysteries of God in religious contexts. The internet is mentioned as a tool enabling individuals to research the controversial aspects of the Mormon faith's history. Paul queries Dr. Hanks about the possibility of people finding truth and happiness outside of the Mormon culture. She admits to being molded within the LDS faith but believes that truth can be found everywhere. Paul then questions whether Mormons are considered Christians, to which Dr. Hanks recalls being told she wasn't a Christian while attending a private evangelical school as a child. Lastly, Paul inquires about Dr. Hanks' perspective on the salvation of individuals who leave the Mormon faith or have family members who do so. She expresses her belief in the vastness of God's mercy and encourages avoiding placing limits on salvation for those whose experiences are different.

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ABOUT PAUL CARDALL

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