Justin Dyer: Be Ye Therefore a Perfectionist?
Perfectionism among Latter-day Saints
Today, we’re so grateful to share a conversation with Justin Dyer, a professor of religion at BYU and a researcher who has spent years exploring the intersection of faith and mental health. Justin’s most recent work focuses on perfectionism, especially within the church, and recently edited a special issue of BYU Studies Quarterly dedicated entirely to this subject.
In this conversation, Justin shares some compelling research, including the striking finding that high levels of toxic perfectionism can triple the likelihood of leaving one’s religion. He offers some profound insights into why this is the case and he talks about gospel principles that could help us replace unhealthy perfectionistic beliefs.
One of Justin’s most powerful insights is that our perceptions become a physiological reality. Stress responses not only shape how we think but also affect our ability to connect with others and feel the Spirit. This underscores the vital importance of creating church communities that are unconditionally loving, judgment-free spaces where people feel truly accepted. Justin highlights the critical difference between guilt and shame: guilt can guide us toward growth and change, while shame erodes our sense of worth and connection to God.
Most importantly, Justin offers practical, hopeful steps for healing from perfectionism, embracing a view of self-worth firmly rooted in God’s infinite love. He also shares a vision for how we can help our wards to become a place of healing and welcoming where everyone can feel like they belong.
Justin’s thoughtful research is a gift for anyone navigating these challenges or striving to build stronger, healthier relationships in faith communities. We’re so excited to share this meaningful and hopeful conversation with you.
For more from Faith Matters on mental health, check out:
The Silent Sufferers of OCD — A Conversation with Paul Peterson
OCD Isn't What You Think It Is — A Conversation with Bonnie Young
Depression and the Plan of Happiness: A Discussion with Jane Clayson Johnson
For more on helping kids develop an internally motivated sense of religiosity, check out:
For more on guilt, repentance, and forgiveness, check out:
Repentance as Transformation, a conversation between Thomas McConkie and Adam Miller
And for more on God’s infinite love and grace, check out:
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COMING UP AT THE COMPASS
What happens to American democracy if Christianity is no longer able, or no longer willing, to perform the functions on which our constitutional order depends?
In his provocative new book, Cross Purposes, the award-winning journalist Jonathan Rauch reckons candidly with both the shortcomings of secularism and the corrosion of Christianity.
Thin Christianity, as Rauch calls the mainline church, has been unable to inspire and retain believers. Worse, a Church of Fear has distorted white evangelicalism in ways that violate the tenets of both Jesus and James Madison. What to do?
Surprisingly, given that Rauch is gay, Jewish, atheist and liberal, he finds powerful answers in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has placed the Constitution at the heart of its spiritual teachings. In particular, Rauch finds a great deal to admire about the political wisdom of Dallin H. Oaks and the recent legacy of compromise and peacemaking in Utah.
Join us for this conversation between Rauch and Terryl Givens, whose writings on agency played an important role in Rauch’s argument. Those who purchase books can have them signed by the author afterwards.
Our Compass events are subsidized and made possible by private rentals of the space for wedding receptions, business retreats, birthday parties, and more. If you or someone you know has an event coming up, consider supporting Faith Matters by recommending The Compass!
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