Sanctuary: Becoming the Temple

What if the temple recommend interview was never meant to be about proving our worthiness, but about preparing our hearts to encounter God?Of all the topics we received questions about while preparing for this project, it became clear that the temple recommend interview was a particular point of tension within our faith community.I felt that Ben’s compassionate spirit, paired with years of serving in this particular part of the vineyard, made him the perfect person to explore these questions with.We begin in the only place I feel we rightly can: the love of God and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Without these realities at the center, questions of worthiness and obedience can easily become entangled with shame, control, and fear.Together, we explore the stories we tell ourselves about worthiness, how much faith is enough faith, and what it might mean to see the temple less as a reward for obedience and more as a sacred, revelatory experience we prepare our hearts to receive.Ben’s hope is that the temple recommend questions, rather than feeling like gatekeeping, might become invitations to take one step closer to knowing the perfect love of God.I hope this conversation offers a little more room for compassion, curiosity, and trust in the God who is always inviting us closer.Ben Behunin is a full-time artist and the writer of 14 books, making his living primarily with his work in pottery. Ben and his wife, Lynnette, raised their two children in the vibrant and colorful downtown area of Salt Lake City, where they still live, just inches away from Ben’s whimsical studio. They invite and encourage everyone to move to the city if you can, but to lift, mend, and love wherever you are. You can learn more about Ben, his work, and his books at www.potterboy.com.Subscribe to keep up with Sanctuary! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sanctuarypod.org

I chose to begin this season with Mandy’s episode because I felt it so beautifully captured the heart of what I hoped this next chapter would be.The temple was never meant to be the final destination. Rather, it was meant to initiate us into a journey of becoming something more—of encountering our God and discovering our own Divine Nature in ever-deepening ways.Joseph Smith had a dream and vision that each of us might have our own face-to-face encounter with God. That is a radical vision, one I believe in. But the kind of encounter we are called into will require much of us—nothing less than everything.Each of us is invited to ascend that mountain. As Mandy said, there may be some clawing and scrambling up steep cliffs along the way, but the vistas awaiting us are beyond what we can now imagine.Let’s embark on that journey and discover those vistas together.Mandy holds a Master’s degree from Duke Divinity School and an undergraduate degree in Humanities from Brigham Young University. Her deep appreciation for the arts and scripture creates beautiful connections permeating every aspect of her scholarly and personal life.Academically, Mandy explores the rich theological territories of the Divine Feminine and Mary Magdalene, with rigor and spiritual insight. Her ongoing study of Biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek, enables her to examine scriptural texts with greater proximity to their original languages and cultural contexts.She shares her extensive learning through classes at Project Illumination, leading educational tour groups across diverse global destinations with Forbidden Adventures, and writing and producing her podcast, “Reflecting Light.”Mandy currently resides in Utah, where she continues her scholarly and educational endeavors, and maintains a modest collection of flamingo memorabilia.Mandy’s website.Mandy’s podcast.Mandy’s tours.Purchase her illustrated retelling of The Hymn of the Pearl here.Subscribe to keep up with Sanctuary! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sanctuarypod.org

It’s official! Season 2 of Sanctuary launches next week! This project only continues to mean more to me.It’s difficult to express just how important I believe this work is: that together, we come to a much greater understanding of the temple, the priesthood, and what Joseph Smith envisioned for the Saints.That each of us learn how to truly encounter God to greater degrees and, through that encounter, discover our role in this Great Work.This season, we are digging deeper.And my hope is that you’ll dig with us. That somewhere along the way, you’ll uncover your own Pearl of Great Price—a piece of light, truth, and revelation that becomes uniquely yours, and that has the power to transform you.I can’t wait for you to join us. 🕯️Be sure to subscribe to Sanctuary on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts- whichever platform you prefer! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sanctuarypod.org

Joseph Smith’s vision for the saints was that we would each have our own visionary encounter with God and see Him face-to-face. Season 2 of Sanctuary will begin a deeper exploration of what it means to BECOME a temple, and encounter God to greater and greater degrees.(Don’t worry, there will also still be a lot of the same Season 1 style content!)Thank you a million times for all of the support you have shown the show. It means the world to me.Can’t wait to dig deeper with you. Season 2 of Sanctuary coming to you this fall 🤍 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sanctuarypod.org

This is part two of a two part conversation with Dave. If you have not first listened to part one that was released last week, check that out first!I credit Dave, among others, with playing a significant role in igniting my fascination with the temple. About a year and a half ago, I was introduced to his work, and I was immediately captivated by it. His ideas opened up entirely new ways of seeing the temple and became the catalyst for a deep exploration of our sacred ordinances.Since then, I have felt a steady invitation from God to meet Him in the imaginal realms—to explore new dimensions of meaning in both scripture and the temple. Dave’s work has been a meaningful companion on that journey.In this episode, Dave takes us on a fascinating exploration of the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5–7 has long puzzled scholars because this “sermon” does not appear to be a sermon in any conventional sense. The prevailing view is that these chapters are a collection of Christ’s sayings that were remembered and later woven together by the Gospel writer.Dave offers a very different—and deeply intriguing—perspective. An extensive researcher and author of several books (which I’ll link in the show notes), he argues that the Sermon on the Mount, as well as the Book of Mormon, was written by temple initiates for temple initiates. As he guides us through each chapter, he invites us to encounter the mysteries of God in ways that may be entirely new to you.You’re going to want to strap in for this one. It’s dense, rich, and absolutely worth slowing down for. I encourage you to have your scriptures nearby so you can follow along. And honestly, this is one of those conversations that is worth a second listen. There’s so much here to absorb, and Dave offers insights you’ll likely be reflecting on long after the episode ends. This is part 1 of a 2 part episode, so stay tuned for the second half, you won’t want to miss it.Dave Butler is a writer, publisher, and speaker with a passion for scripture, the temple, and storytelling. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Plain and Precious Publishing and the author of more than twenty novels. He is especially known for his work on the Book of Mormon as temple literature. He believes many of its deepest teachings become clearer when read through the lens of temple experience, and he has written several books exploring this idea, including Plain and Precious Things, The Goodness and the Mysteries, and In the Language of Adam.Dave has shared his research through podcasts, conferences, and speaking engagements. He lives in Utah with his wife and children and enjoys playing guitar and banjo.Subscribe to keep up with Sanctuary! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sanctuarypod.org

I credit Dave, among others, with playing a significant role in igniting my fascination with the temple. About a year and a half ago, I was introduced to his work, and I was immediately captivated by it. His ideas opened up entirely new ways of seeing the temple and became the catalyst for a deep exploration of our sacred ordinances.Since then, I have felt a steady invitation from God to meet Him in the imaginal realms—to explore new dimensions of meaning in both scripture and the temple. Dave’s work has been a meaningful companion on that journey.In this episode, Dave takes us on a fascinating exploration of the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5–7 has long puzzled scholars because this “sermon” does not appear to be a sermon in any conventional sense. The prevailing view is that these chapters are a collection of Christ’s sayings that were remembered and later woven together by the Gospel writer.Dave offers a very different—and deeply intriguing—perspective. An extensive researcher and author of several books (which I’ll link in the show notes), he argues that the Sermon on the Mount, as well as the Book of Mormon, was written by temple initiates for temple initiates. As he guides us through each chapter, he invites us to encounter the mysteries of God in ways that may be entirely new to you.You’re going to want to strap in for this one. It’s dense, rich, and absolutely worth slowing down for. I encourage you to have your scriptures nearby so you can follow along. And honestly, this is one of those conversations that is worth a second listen. There’s so much here to absorb, and Dave offers insights you’ll likely be reflecting on long after the episode ends. This is part 1 of a 2 part episode, so stay tuned for the second half, you won’t want to miss it.Dave Butler is a writer, publisher, and speaker with a passion for scripture, the temple, and storytelling. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Plain and Precious Publishing and the author of more than twenty novels. He is especially known for his work on the Book of Mormon as temple literature. He believes many of its deepest teachings become clearer when read through the lens of temple experience, and he has written several books exploring this idea, including Plain and Precious Things, The Goodness and the Mysteries, and In the Language of Adam.Dave has shared his research through podcasts, conferences, and speaking engagements. He lives in Utah with his wife and children and enjoys playing guitar and banjo.Subscribe to keep up with Sanctuary! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sanctuarypod.org

This episode has been a long time coming. More than any other topic, our community has asked questions about the Divine Feminine and Heavenly Mother. There is so much to explore, especially in relation to the temple, and I hope this is the first of many conversations on the subject.Many of us feel the absence of the feminine in our stories, symbols, and ordinances. Years ago, I began my own search for the Divine Feminine, and I’ve found that She is far more present than I once realized.Katherine has spent the last decade studying and seeking Heavenly Mother. Her book, The Mother Tree, is one of the best works I’ve read on this topic, and I couldn’t recommend it more.In this episode, Katherine explains that the feminine is often veiled—not missing, but hidden. Discovering her takes faith, patience, and consistent seeking. But she is there for anyone who wants to know her, and as her children, it is our birthright to seek and know our Mother.We discuss temple symbols that may point to the Divine Feminine, Wisdom as a feminine archetype, the Tree of Life, and the connection between Heavenly Mother and nature. We also touch on how the female deity was removed from the ancient Israelite temple tradition, and how Christ—born of both Father and Mother—can help us come to know her more fully.I hope this conversation offers insight, comfort, and an invitation to keep seeking.Kathryn Knight Sonntag is the author of The Mother Tree (Faith Matters Foundation, 2022), winner of The 2022 BIBA Literary Award in Non-Fiction: Religion, The Tree at the Center (BCC Press, 2019), and No Sudden Bright Way (Orison Books, forthcoming). Her poems have appeared in Sugar House Review, Image, Colorado Review, and the anthology Blossom as the Cliffrose (Torrey House Press, 2021), among other places. She works as a landscape architect and serves as the poetry editor for Wayfare.Get The Mother Tree from Amazon.Read more of Kathryn’s work at wayfaremagazine.org.Subscribe to keep up with Sanctuary! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sanctuarypod.org

As a lover of poetry, I was especially excited to bring Darlene Young on for a conversation about two passions close to my heart. One day, I was struck by the realization that poetry and the temple feel deeply similar to me. Both feel like crossing a threshold — moving from the concrete into the abstract, the mundane into the sacred, mortality into eternity. Darlene has an extraordinary gift for capturing these realities in her poetry and drawing readers into the space where the two meet.In this conversation, we explore the possibility of heaven in the here and now — in ordinary life — as well as how approaching the temple the way we might approach poetry can open us more fully to the gift being offered there. We talk about progression, yearning, and what Eve might teach us about navigating the tension between hungering for more while also learning to trust in our inherent wholeness.Like poetry, the temple can feel deeply open-ended. In a mind-driven culture that often seeks safety in definitive answers, what might it look like to develop the capacity to sit within that openness, allow it to work on us, and begin learning not only with our minds, but also with our bodies and hearts? I have found profound transformative potential in leaning into and embracing the mystery, something I feel the temple continuously invites me into.You can meet and learn from Darlene Young, Thomas McConkie, Kathryn Knight Sonntag, James Goldberg, George Handley, Meghan Farner and more at the Wayfare Festival on July 11 in Heber City Utah! You can learn more and RSVP here, and take 20% off the regular ticket price with code SANCTUARY.Darlene Young is the author of three poetry collections (Count Me In, Here, and Homespun and Angel Feather), two of which have won the Association for Mormon Letters’ awards for poetry. She is a past resident of the New York City arts residency sponsored by the Center for Latter-Day Saint Arts and a recipient of the Smith-Pettit Foundation Award for Outstanding Contribution to Mormon Letters. Darlene teaches writing at Brigham Young University and has served as poetry editor for Dialogue and Segullah journals. Her work has been noted in Best American Essays and nominated for Pushcart Prizes. She lives in South Jordan, Utah. Find more about her at darlene-young.com.Subscribe to keep up with Sanctuary! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sanctuarypod.org

Something I have wrestled with in my own faith journey is how I can simultaneously feel such a strong witness of restored gospel truths and ordinances while also recognizing immense truth and beauty in other religions. In this conversation, Dave shares his journey of developing a deep love and appreciation for all faith traditions, and how embracing other religions has not threatened his own faith but has actually deepened and informed it. Together, we explore ritual as a means of connecting to the divine, forming our identity, and discovering the common threads of ritual across faith traditions—something Dave attributes to God inspiring people “in their own language and symbols.”One temple teaching I love is the invitation to participate in God’s work of circumscribing all truth into one great whole. Joseph Smith was a seeker of all truth and implored us to be the same. This conversation felt like an opportunity to reach wider, embracing more truth and, ultimately, more of humanity within the arms of our faith. Dave offers a vision of rooting ourselves deeply in our faith while also reaching far and wide to gather all of God’s children to the table. I am finding that, rather than separating us from the rest of humanity, temple worship invites us into deeper communion with the whole human family and our shared longing to encounter the divine.David Butler is a speaker, author, and storyteller who helps people see faith and scripture in fresh, hopeful ways. Through teaching, tours, and creative faith projects, he invites others along to discover wonder, grace, and a deeper love for God.Follow Dave on Instagram Listen to Dave’s podcast Don’t Miss ThisEnroll in Dave’s Holy Envy courseExplore Dave’s toursSubscribe to keep up with Sanctuary! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sanctuarypod.org

As a feminist and lifelong member of the LDS faith, Deidre brings an important voice to this community. In this episode, she shares her own temple journey, which—like mine—began with challenges but ultimately evolved into something deeply meaningful. She describes the temple as a space that empowers her as a woman and expresses her belief that it holds a vision of who women truly are and who God is inviting them to become.In the second half of the episode, we explore the garment. Deidre has drawn fascinating meaning from it, some of which we discuss here. I highly recommend reading her article for Wayfare, where she delves more deeply into this topic—it was an impactful read for me. She speaks about the garment as a symbol of the veil and suggests that, in wearing it, we are perpetually standing before the veil, declaring, “Here I am,” and communicating to God our openness, trust, and willingness to submit to His will. Step by step, God has drawn me into this holy surrender, transforming me and setting me free in more ways than I can express.Deidre Green is Assistant Professor of Latter-day Saint/Mormon Studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. She is the author of multiple books, chapters, and articles related to feminist theology, Kierkegaard, and Mormon Studies. Deidre co-edited with Eric Huntsman Latter-day Saint Perspectives on Atonement (University of Illinois Press, 2024) and authored Jacob: A Brief Theological Introduction.Read Deidre’s Wayfare article on Garments here.Subscribe to keep up with Sanctuary! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sanctuarypod.org