I found Emily through a series of clicks. It turns out, that is how I find out about a lot of things! I was online looking for local Mormon women groups and happened upon a Mormon women’s magazine where Emily had written an article (read that article HERE). Lioness at the Gate is her blog aimed at encouraging women to maintain their femininity in motherhood and their roles as women. I read some of the posts on her website and decided to email her to see if she would be interested in being interviewed for my project. She is a mom, a wife, and a writer, and is passionate about her religion. Enjoy the interview!
Joni: Before we really get started, I wanted to explain about my project. Basically I am writing about God and women’s perspectives on God and relationship with God (read the whole explanation of my project here). Do you have any opening thoughts on the project or Mormonism?
Emily: I think my initial thoughts on God are that he is our loving Father. In “Mormonism” ((we typically say The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS)), we refer to him as “Heavenly Father” or our “Father in Heaven.”
Recently as I've studied my role as a mother/woman (you can see the results of that on my blog: http://www.latg.blogspot.com/), I realize that if we call him Father, that must be his most important role -- or the one he wants to be known as -- not king or president of the universe or something. If we look at all the good traits of a father, that is what He is. We should be able to turn to Him as we would a good, kind, loving earthly father.
Emily: I think my initial thoughts on God are that he is our loving Father. In “Mormonism” ((we typically say The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS)), we refer to him as “Heavenly Father” or our “Father in Heaven.”
Recently as I've studied my role as a mother/woman (you can see the results of that on my blog: http://www.latg.blogspot.com/), I realize that if we call him Father, that must be his most important role -- or the one he wants to be known as -- not king or president of the universe or something. If we look at all the good traits of a father, that is what He is. We should be able to turn to Him as we would a good, kind, loving earthly father.
