Welcome to Public Square! We’re happy to have you here.
When I was young, I was the victim of a child pornography ring. I repressed the memories of the things I experienced during that time and struggled for years with symptoms of sexual abuse that I didn’t understand. I encountered several challenges in every relationship I pursued. For example, I carried a heavy amount of blame and disgust for myself, especially related to my sexuality. I also felt ashamed and confused every time anyone with romantic interest expressed tenderness or intimacy in any form, whether physical or emotional. As I worked with a counselor years later, I was introduced to mindfulness as a practice to help cope with trauma and was able to overcome many of the negative effects I lived with every day. The tools I was given have helped me implement a daily mindful practice and to continue to enjoy greater and greater satisfaction in my relationships.
Read more about Mindfulness and Healing Sexual Trauma, including mindfulness resources and sites. Link in bio.
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#civildiscourse #medialiteracy #faithfuldiscourse #publicsquare #apologetics #sexualabuse #childabuse #porn #abuse #mindfulness #healing #sexualtrauma #trauma #peace #gentlehealing
When I was young, I was the victim of a child pornography ring. I repressed the memories of the things I experienced during that time and struggled for years with symptoms of sexual abuse that I didn’t understand. I encountered several challenges in every relationship I pursued. For example, I carried a heavy amount of blame and disgust for myself, especially related to my sexuality. I also felt ashamed and confused every time anyone with romantic interest expressed tenderness or intimacy in any form, whether physical or emotional. As I worked with a counselor years later, I was introduced to mindfulness as a practice to help cope with trauma and was able to overcome many of the negative effects I lived with every day. The tools I was given have helped me implement a daily mindful practice and to continue to enjoy greater and greater satisfaction in my relationships.
Read more about Mindfulness and Healing Sexual Trauma, including mindfulness resources and sites. Link in bio.
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#civildiscourse #medialiteracy #faithfuldiscourse #publicsquare #apologetics #sexualabuse #childabuse #porn #abuse #mindfulness #healing #sexualtrauma #trauma #peace #gentlehealing
Listen to this featured episode from Family Bro Evening, a member of the Public Square Media family.
"In this user-requested episode, we explore a little-known event in church history: the Battle of Fort Utah.
In particular, we look at the events that led up the battle, the mistakes the settlers made, and how we can learn from uncomfortable moments."
To listen in, find the July Bulletin linked in our bio.
Listen to this featured episode from Family Bro Evening, a member of the Public Square Media family.
"In this user-requested episode, we explore a little-known event in church history: the Battle of Fort Utah.
In particular, we look at the events that led up the battle, the mistakes the settlers made, and how we can learn from uncomfortable moments."
To listen in, find the July Bulletin linked in our bio.
Listen to this featured episode from the podcast Sit Down with Sky and Amanda, a member of the Public Square Media family.
"How does the world define masculinity and fatherhood, and how does God define them? What are the differences and where does the world get it wrong? Also, we’ll be taking some of your questions at the end."
To listen in, find the July Bulletin linked in our bio.
Listen to this featured episode from the podcast Sit Down with Sky and Amanda, a member of the Public Square Media family.
"How does the world define masculinity and fatherhood, and how does God define them? What are the differences and where does the world get it wrong? Also, we’ll be taking some of your questions at the end."
To listen in, find the July Bulletin linked in our bio.
The surprise summer hit “Sound of Freedom” has stirred a unique cultural reaction. It’s not unusual for a big movie to spark political reactions. “Barbie” is only the latest to see politicized takes, for example. There is something unique, however, about the discourse around “Sound of Freedom.” This is more than political talking heads bringing their political take to the latest cultural talking point. This discourse seems to be making moral judgments about those who watch and critique the film. I can’t help but be interested in the unique conversation that has cropped up around it.
What does the Sound of Freedom Controversy reveal?
Instead of presuming the worst motivations of those with differing viewpoints, we can ask ourselves, “How can they be good and believe this?” This question, open-ended and devoid of accusation, invites explanation and understanding. It promotes empathy by encouraging us to step outside of our own perspectives and consider the experiences, values, and beliefs that have shaped the other’s viewpoint. This simple reframing can bridge divides and pave the way for more productive discussions.
Read more about the Sound of Freedom Controversy. Link in bio.
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#civildiscourse #medialiteracy #faithfuldiscourse #publicsquare #apologetics #soundoffreedom #abuse #sextrafficking #2MillionFor2Million #tyranny, #dictatorship #controversy #QAnon #humantrafficking #childabuse #childtrafficking #trafficking
The surprise summer hit “Sound of Freedom” has stirred a unique cultural reaction. It’s not unusual for a big movie to spark political reactions. “Barbie” is only the latest to see politicized takes, for example. There is something unique, however, about the discourse around “Sound of Freedom.” This is more than political talking heads bringing their political take to the latest cultural talking point. This discourse seems to be making moral judgments about those who watch and critique the film. I can’t help but be interested in the unique conversation that has cropped up around it.
What does the Sound of Freedom Controversy reveal?
Instead of presuming the worst motivations of those with differing viewpoints, we can ask ourselves, “How can they be good and believe this?” This question, open-ended and devoid of accusation, invites explanation and understanding. It promotes empathy by encouraging us to step outside of our own perspectives and consider the experiences, values, and beliefs that have shaped the other’s viewpoint. This simple reframing can bridge divides and pave the way for more productive discussions.
Read more about the Sound of Freedom Controversy. Link in bio.
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#civildiscourse #medialiteracy #faithfuldiscourse #publicsquare #apologetics #soundoffreedom #abuse #sextrafficking #2MillionFor2Million #tyranny, #dictatorship #controversy #QAnon #humantrafficking #childabuse #childtrafficking #trafficking
What could all the various fields of study become when they are “bathed” in sacred truths?
Juxtaposing the digitized influence of TikTok with the past history of moral education, have we lost the path forward? Could Brigham Young University be modeling a better way?
We’ve experienced for ourselves what it’s like to raise unpopular Christian truths in a secular academic context. Professor Edwin Gantt spoke of the pushback students would likely receive from more secular-minded colleagues in future careers in such a moment.
That’s when you will have a choice, he continued. You can either say, “You’re right, I shouldn’t have brought my personal religious beliefs into this.” Or, we can start a dialogue, “Help me understand your perspective a little more?”
Some fear that standing up for these other perspectives necessarily means “driving wedges.” Professor Stephen Yanchar noted raising honest questions via critical thinking “has a reputation of being an attack.” But he insisted, this can all be “loving, kind and gentle—a part of relationship building.”
Other speakers concurred, insisting we can discuss disagreements with charity. “But the most charitable thing we can do is tell the truth,” emphasized Rich Williams.
Read more about Moral Education. Link in bio.
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#civildiscourse #medialiteracy #faithfuldiscourse #publicsquare #apologetics #moral #morality #standards #education #spirit #spiritofgod #learn #learning #educationsystem #kindness #virtue #criticalthinking #dialogue #discussion #arguments #religion #religiousbelief #perspective #secular #isaiah #disciple #discipleship #truth
What could all the various fields of study become when they are “bathed” in sacred truths?
Juxtaposing the digitized influence of TikTok with the past history of moral education, have we lost the path forward? Could Brigham Young University be modeling a better way?
We’ve experienced for ourselves what it’s like to raise unpopular Christian truths in a secular academic context. Professor Edwin Gantt spoke of the pushback students would likely receive from more secular-minded colleagues in future careers in such a moment.
That’s when you will have a choice, he continued. You can either say, “You’re right, I shouldn’t have brought my personal religious beliefs into this.” Or, we can start a dialogue, “Help me understand your perspective a little more?”
Some fear that standing up for these other perspectives necessarily means “driving wedges.” Professor Stephen Yanchar noted raising honest questions via critical thinking “has a reputation of being an attack.” But he insisted, this can all be “loving, kind and gentle—a part of relationship building.”
Other speakers concurred, insisting we can discuss disagreements with charity. “But the most charitable thing we can do is tell the truth,” emphasized Rich Williams.
Read more about Moral Education. Link in bio.
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#civildiscourse #medialiteracy #faithfuldiscourse #publicsquare #apologetics #moral #morality #standards #education #spirit #spiritofgod #learn #learning #educationsystem #kindness #virtue #criticalthinking #dialogue #discussion #arguments #religion #religiousbelief #perspective #secular #isaiah #disciple #discipleship #truth
Listen to this featured episode from the Raising Family Podcast, a member of the Public Square Media family.
"Is there a way back from the decay of chastity in our current society? (20:15) How do we teach our children to be compassionate with people who live differently than we do without normalizing that behavior? (37:20) Do we vote for policies that encourage agency or for policies that reflect our moral beliefs? (43:26)"
To listen in, find the July Bulletin linked in our bio.
Listen to this featured episode from the Raising Family Podcast, a member of the Public Square Media family.
"Is there a way back from the decay of chastity in our current society? (20:15) How do we teach our children to be compassionate with people who live differently than we do without normalizing that behavior? (37:20) Do we vote for policies that encourage agency or for policies that reflect our moral beliefs? (43:26)"
To listen in, find the July Bulletin linked in our bio.
A request for tolerance is not a free pass; it is instead an invitation to moral reflection. In the end, there are some things that we cannot tolerate—and should not.
All tolerance within the context of the restored Gospel is ultimately founded on a moral law—the conviction that there are absolute rights and wrongs.
We may not all agree on what those rights and wrongs are: that is why we must be tolerant. But it is not intolerant to have such disagreements or to express them and stand up for our convictions.
Read more about Tolerance, link in bio.
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#civildiscourse #medialiteracy #faithfuldiscourse #publicsquare #apologetics #tolerance #disagreements #conflict #tolerate #reflection #morality #moral
A request for tolerance is not a free pass; it is instead an invitation to moral reflection. In the end, there are some things that we cannot tolerate—and should not.
All tolerance within the context of the restored Gospel is ultimately founded on a moral law—the conviction that there are absolute rights and wrongs.
We may not all agree on what those rights and wrongs are: that is why we must be tolerant. But it is not intolerant to have such disagreements or to express them and stand up for our convictions.
Read more about Tolerance, link in bio.
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#civildiscourse #medialiteracy #faithfuldiscourse #publicsquare #apologetics #tolerance #disagreements #conflict #tolerate #reflection #morality #moral