Proclaim Peace

10 Episodes
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By: Faith Matters

Welcome to the Proclaim Peace podcast! Co-hosts Jennifer Thomas, Co-Executive Director at Mormon Women for Ethical Government and Patrick Mason, Professor at Utah State University, explore a peaceful reading of the Book of Mormon by talking with guest experts who show us how to create peace in turbulent times. Subscribe to the show on YouTube or your favorite listening app and follow along at https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/ for show notes and more resources.

The Holy Work of Peacemaking: Insights from Sarah Perkins
#13
07/16/2024

In this episode, Jennifer and Patrick are joined by Sarah Perkins to discuss Abinadi from the Book of Mormon, highlighting his role as a bold prophet delivering a message of repentance and calling for change. They draw parallels between Abinadi and other prophets throughout history who speak out against societal injustices. The hosts reflect on the importance of discerning true authority from those who simply criticize without offering solutions. Join them as they explore the timeless lessons from Abinadi's story that are relevant in today's world.


[00:01:34] True prophets preach divine redemption.

[00:06:42] Limits...


Navigating Factions and Fraying Societies: A Message of Hope with Eva Witesman
#12
07/02/2024

In this special episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer Thomas and Patrick Mason are joined by a live audience in Salt Lake City to hear a conversation with guest Eva Witesman. The episode introduces the Summer Hope Experiment, a program aimed at promoting civic and emotional healing before the upcoming election season. Drawing on the Book of Mormon, they encourage listeners to lean into conflict to become peace builders and reflect on the impact of collective unity on our nation and society. 

[00:05:08] Hope and peace building strategies.

[00:09:24] Defining peace at four l...


Building Bridges Through Dialogue: Lessons from Zeniff and Ammon with Becca Kearl
#11
06/18/2024

Exploring the theme of peacemaking through the lens of the Book of Mormon, hosts Jennifer and Patrick are joined by the Executive Director of Living Room Conversations, Becca Kearl, and delve into the story of Zeniff from Mosiah 9. Starting with a mission of aggression, Zeniff's preconceived notions about the Lamanites and Nephites are challenged as he confronts the complexities of the situation. The episode discusses the power of narratives in shaping our perceptions and the importance of reevaluating our ingrained stories to cultivate peace.


[00:01:41] The power of narratives.

[00:05:57] Defining peace as a...


Empowering the Future: Healing Generational Trauma in Rwanda with Emile Kayitare
#10
06/04/2024

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer and Patrick are joined by Emile Kayitare, founder of Rwanda’s Empower the Future, a non-profit supporting families affected by genocide. They discuss their favorite sermons in the Book of Mormon: the Sermon at the Temple and King Benjamin's address. They delve into the powerful impact these sermons had on their lives and highlight key passages that resonated with them. 

[00:02:42] Children's role in societal peace.

[00:04:39] Rwandan genocide and reconciliation.

[00:09:07] Genocide in Rwanda.

[00:15:27] Divisive language and its impact.

[00:20:45] Eff...


The Journey to Peace: Nurturing Attachment to God with Annie Bentley Waddoups
#9
05/21/2024

On this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, Jennifer and Patrick are joined by Annie Bentley Waddoups. They emphasize the importance of reading the scriptures with fresh perspectives and how peace is intricately woven into the histories of individuals and families in the book. By lingering over scriptures like 2 Nephi and Jacob, they uncover valuable lessons about how individual attachments are formed to parents, both earthly and heavenly. Join them on this journey of discovering the profound message of peace within the Book of Mormon.


[00:02:36] Nurturing Children in Community.

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From Division to Unity: The Journey to Anti-Racism with Michalyn Steele
#8
05/07/2024

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, Jennifer and Patrick delve into the crucial topic of racism and its impact on peace. They emphasize how racism hinders personal and societal peace and discuss the importance of eradicating it to progress towards positive peace. Drawing from the Book of Mormon, they make a compelling case that racism is incompatible with building Zion and highlight the necessity of eliminating it for a harmonious society. Tune in to explore how addressing racism is fundamental to becoming better peacemakers.

[00:01:41] Racism impacts building of Zion.

[00:04:02] Race and...


Peacemaking Within and Across Religious Traditions with Eboo Patel
#7
04/23/2024

In this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, Jennifer and Patrick are joined by Eboo Patel to discuss how religion, despite being a source of ultimate peace, can also lead to conflict due to the world's religious diversity. They explore the inevitability of conflict around matters of faith and highlight the importance of handling it productively. Drawing insights from the Book of Mormon, they emphasize the significance of teachings that focus on God's saving work for all of humanity. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on navigating religious conflicts and becoming better peacemakers in various aspects of life.

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Active Peacemaking: Following Christ's Example with Chad Ford
#5
04/09/2024

Exploring the often overlooked 2 Nephi in the Book of Mormon, this episode delves into the rich content and theology it offers. Jen and Patrick are joined by Chad Ford to  discuss the contrast between the action-packed 1 Nephi and the more mature, world-weary prophet in 2 Nephi, highlighting the lessons on peace and family dynamics found in the scripture. They recommend ways to see Christ as the true hero of the Book of Mormon as they reflect on the significance of the different peace narratives portrayed in the scripture.

[00:02:14] Growing Up in 2 Nephi.

[00:06:08] Conflict transformation a...


The Art of Conflict Styles: Navigating Relationships with Grace with Emily Taylor
#5
03/26/2024

On this episode of the Proclaim Peace Podcast, hosts Jennifer and Patrick are joined by Emily Taylor to address listener feedback about the relationship between conflict and peace. They explore the idea that conflict is not necessarily bad and delve into two verses from scripture that provide valuable peacemaking advice. The hosts challenge the notion that peace and conflict are opposites, emphasizing the importance of understanding the role of opposition in achieving true peace.


[00:02:15] Conflict as raw peacemaking material.

[00:05:25] Definition of peace.

[00:09:02] Finding peace in adversity.

[00:12:42] Transformative mindset shift on...


The Word and the Sword: Reframing Nephi and Laban with David Pulsipher
#4
03/12/2024

In this episode, Jen and Patrick are joined by David Pulsipher to delve into the uncomfortable topic of conflict, violence, and the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking. They share their personal experiences and struggles with addressing conflict head-on. Despite the initial discomfort of the story of Nephi killing Laban, they recognize the value in unpacking difficult situations. This episode aims to explore the importance of navigating conflict and the growth that can come from embracing uncomfortable conversations.

[00:01:11] Peacekeeping vs. peacemaking.

[00:04:14] Dealing with violent scriptures.

[00:09:02] Peace and...