Episode 186: What Happened to Community? | A Conversation with Candice Wendt
“Life as a member offers relatively little social time or enjoyment,” writes Candice Wendt. “Being in the ward is mostly about passive listening and being told to follow leaders and go to the temple. […] You’re more likely to get asked to clean our very dirty building than be asked to dinner.” In Episode 186, Candice joins Susan and Cynthia for a discussion of some of the ways church has changed, with more focus on things like covenants and temple attendance, and less on community. It’s a conversation about what we’ve lost, what’s important, what remains, and what it all might mean in the lives of members and the future of the organization.
Notes & Quotes:
Read more from Candice in ALSSI Say More: At Last She Writes It No. 4, 11/2023 and No. 12, 3/2024
The Insidious Exchange of Community for Covenants, by Candice Wendt, Exponent II blog, 5/10/2024
Watch Out for These 3 Gender Biases in Performance Reviews, by Paola Cecchi-Dimeglio, Harvard Business Review, 6/26/2023
Living on the Inside of the Edge: A Survival Guide, by Christian Kimball
Life to the Whole Being: The Spiritual Memoir of a Literature Professor, by Matthew Wickman
As I think about community within the Church, I'm reminded of why I love the concept of a continuing restoration. I find myself charmed by the fact that the swinging pendulum (representing our spiritual focus) seems determined not to rest. In the 1960s we were into the second great commandment (loving our fellowmen). In the 2020s we have been caught up by the first great commandment (loving God).
How nice if the pendulum would just stop in the middle!
Or, would that be nice? If everything were perfectly balanced, where would we find the opposition in all things to challenge us? What would prompt us to bring our agency to bear and lobby for change? Would we find ourselves "lulled away into carnal security" saying, "All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well"? Would we do nothing? Would we give up both the wrestle and the delight of making progress in our lives?
Imperfection appeals to me. It gives me opportunities. It compels me to make choices. It gives me a reason and the courage to speak up. It inspires me to act.
Indeed, I rejoice in imperfection. It motivates me to grow.