Dr. Benjamin Park Interview: the end of Relief society autonomy, and the beginning of modern Mormon conservatism

In this episode, I interview Dr. Benjamin Park (My cohost Wil Wood was out of town) , an associate professor at Sam Houston State University. Together, we explore the question: Why do we think the way we do? Why are my parents so deeply partisan? For example, why did the Church become so closely aligned with the Republican Party, when Utah was a swing state for much of the early 20th century? We also examine when and how the Relief Society began to lose some of its autonomy, eventually being reduced to what some have called a “handmaiden to the priesthood.”All of this is viewed through the historical lens of a powerful figure in the First Presidency: J. Reuben Clark. Dr. Park argues that Clark may be the most influential architect of both modern Mormonism and Mormon conservatism over the past century. If you're not already following Dr. Benjamin Park, I highly recommend that you do. He provides essential context for many of the issues modern Saints are wrestling with today. You can find him on YouTube under Professor Benjamin Park.And while you're at it, consider picking up a copy of his book American Zion—and for extra credit, buy it locally at Benchmark Books in Salt Lake City.Thanks for listening.