Carlfred Broderick (1932–1999)

My mom recommended this book to me long ago, perhaps to give me some perspective on relationships and hope. Broderick was a nationally recognized counselor and psychologist at USC, and a devoted Latter-day Saint. This book is a selection from his past church and general writings, presented for a popular LDS audience. Some are from his personal life, memoir adjacent, and some are to fellow family therapists (without being very technical), and some are purely religious.

Overall the book was a nice reflection on humanity and faith. Broderick is a witty optimist. As often as he illustrates with stories of tragedy and suffering, he finds meaning and solidarity, honors the victims, and ends with hope. Broderick must have been a refreshing voice when there was more emphasis for conformity and perfection in the church.

Some of his pieces really moved me. The last chapter, "The Uses of Adversity," is one of his best known, and it was not new to me, but I still cried and laughed (which might say more about me). Was it profound or sentimental? Maybe both? But in every story of victims that resolved in peace or hope, I wondered where are the victims that are still suffering, or if they just have to hope that they will get to peace and hope eventually. Aren't there people who don't ever find believable meaning in their suffering? Aren't some tragedies just tragic, and nobody is reformed, and whatever hope for justice is left to God? Maybe that's a bleak message. And I benefitted from Broderick's uplifting style and serious engagement with the harder parts of real life.… (mehr)