Episode 113: Police Training Gaps, CBT for Crime Reduction, Trump's Tariffs, and Four Strains of LDS Thought

The Latter Day Lens

Send us a text

We experienced some technical difficulties this week ...please be patient with the broadcast.

Welcome to Latter-day Lens with Shawn, Levi, and Matt! This week, we're tackling some heavy hitters that touch our communities and our faith. From tragic gaps in law enforcement training and the debate around talk therapy's place, to Trump's controversial trade tactics and a provocative look at different 'types' of thinking within Church leadership – buckle up!

(00:00) Introduction with Shawn, Levi, & Matt

Thoughts on General Conference

(08:00) Topic 1: Unprepared? Police, Autism, and Tragic Consequences

• We discuss the heartbreaking case of Eric Parsa and the systemic issues it reveals.
• Despite disabilities factoring into potentially half of police killings, specialized training is lacking in most states.
• Discussion (Shawn leads): Are police being asked to do too much without the right tools? How does our community understanding (or misunderstanding) of disability intersect with public safety and accountability?

(20:30) Topic 2: Therapy vs. The Gospel? Levi Tackles Talk Therapy & Crime

• Levi explores the evidence: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) does seem to reduce crime.
• But where does talk therapy fit with faith? Some LDS members (like Levi's upbringing) express apprehension.
• Discussion (Levi leads): Does talk therapy work? Is it compatible with the restored gospel? Should the government step in to make it more accessible, and what are the implications?

(29:50) Topic 3: Trump's Tariff Math: Genius Strategy or Economic Myth?

• Breaking down President Trump's aggressive tariff formula targeting trade deficits.
• Is a trade deficit really a sign of weakness? We explore how deficits can actually benefit the US economy (affordable goods, high-value sector focus, attracting investment).
• A quick look at the history: How did Presidents gain so much tariff power from Congress?
• Discussion (Matt leads): Is Trump fixing a non-existent problem? What are the real-world impacts of these tariffs versus the stated goals?

(44:04) The Big Question: Effort, Law, Grace, Community – Four LDS 'Churches'?

• We dive into historian Matthew Bowman's intriguing op-ed categorizing LDS leadership thought into four strains: Effort (Nelson), Natural Law (Oaks), Grace (Freeman), and Community (Gong).
• A brief look at the core ideas and representatives of each "ideal type."
• Discussion (All Hosts): Is this framework useful or just academic hair-splitting? Does it accurately reflect different emphases you see? Which resonates most, and can they coexist healthily?

(53:30) Final Thoughts & Get In Touch!

• What stood out to you? Let Shawn, Levi, and Matt know your perspective!
• Subscribe to Latter-day Lens wherever you listen!
• Rate & Review us – it helps others find the conversation.