Mormon Stories 1445: Recovering Agency Pt. 3 - Examining Mormon Mind Control w/ Luna Lindsey Corbden

Recovering Agency: A Critical Look at Claims of Mind Control in Mormonism

When does religious belief cross the line into coercion? This is the question tackled in episode 1445 of the Mormon Stories Podcast, where Luna Lindsey Corbden discusses the concept of Mormon mind control. Corbden's insights serve as a clarion call for believers and skeptics alike, prompting a reevaluation of how religious teachings might encroach on personal autonomy and agency.

Background: Mormonism and Agency

The concept of agency is central to Mormon doctrine. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are taught that agency is a divine gift, allowing individuals to choose between right and wrong. However, Luna Lindsey Corbden offers a more skeptical view. She suggests that the Church's structure and teachings might foster an environment where true agency is limited, framing Mormonism as what she terms a "high-demand group." This perspective raises considerable questions about the dynamics of faith, obedience, and institutional control.

Key Claims and Evidence: The Mechanics of Influence

Corbden's arguments are built on well-documented psychological and sociological principles. One significant point she makes is the parallel between Mormon practices and the findings of the Stanley Milgram obedience experiments. The experiments demonstrated the alarming extent to which individuals would obey authority figures, often against their better judgment. Corbden aligns this with Mormon teachings, where obedience to Church leadership is heavily emphasized and dissent is discouraged.