8 Comments
User's avatar
Jennifer Patel's avatar

Having genuine discomfort and unease of how to “faithfully” teach teenagers about the restoration and Joseph Smith’s complexity, I asked my SIL and mother for their thoughts. One responded with a clear message, “what complexity?”; the other’s response was basically, “but you wouldn’t want to be an atheist.” The responses were even more demoralizing for me since I do value their examples of faith. What a gift this article is to me. It mirrors my personal struggle, validates my concerns AND shows a way forward. Thank you Laurel. This has resonated deeply. ❤️

Expand full comment
Candice Wendt's avatar

This is just incredible and just so validating and honest. Feeling seen by this. Shared with some others and they said they couldn't love it enough. I love how you rejected polygamy at church openly as a Beehive! The start to an independent thinking life.

Expand full comment
Michelle Melville's avatar

A gift. Thank you for publishing this essay for a new generation.

Expand full comment
Jennifer Bruton's avatar

One of my favorites from the latest issue. Gorgeous and poignant.

Expand full comment
Samuel B. Hislop's avatar

Thank you for sharing this! Still relevant as ever nearly 40 years after its first publishing. I'm sharing with several friends and family who will find this helpful.

Expand full comment
Emily Thrasher's avatar

I first read this in Mormon Feminism years ago. Such a great read!

Expand full comment
Kandis Lake's avatar

Laurel - I always admire and appreciate your work and words. Thank you!

Expand full comment
Robert Hall's avatar

Thank you Laurel.

Expand full comment