Monthly Archives: February 2010

The Sacred Made Real: Mormonism, Iconography and the Passion of Christ

February 9, 2010

A few weeks ago I attended an exhibition entitled ‘The Sacred made Real’ at the National Gallery in London. The collection was focussed on Spanish hyper-realism (painting and sculpture) between 1600-1700. Some of the more famous artists included in this collection were: Velazquez, Zurburan and de Mena. The intent of these artists was to provide life-like depictions of the suffering of Christ in order to invoke feelings of sympathy and awe in the observers. These artists wanted to create a form of spiritual devotion through the simulated presence of the Passion. I was surprised at my own response.

2009 Niblets Results — Analysis

February 8, 2010

By Ziff

There were 1058 ballots cast in this year’s Niblets voting (counting a ballot as an IP address from which at least one vote was received). This represents a substantial decrease (21%) compared to last year’s 1347 ballots. On the bright side, I only found one minor case of likely ballot stuffing, so I just ignored it in looking at the results.

Joseph Smith Didn’t Believe in Watchers

February 6, 2010

By Bored in Vernal

OT SS Lesson #6 Hidden in our scripture reading for this week is a strange little passage which many modern Biblical scholars say was originally intended to explain the rise of the giant race of antiquity by the union of angelic beings with human wives. These verses in Genesis stirred a lively debate among early Christian theologians as they struggled to explain why God felt it necessary to cleanse the Earth with a worldwide Flood. It all starts with this odd passage inserted in the account before Noah built his vessel, the great ark.

You’re the Bishop: Poll #2

February 4, 2010

By guest

Bishop Bill back with your next installment of “You’re the Bishop.” Just to be clear, the examples I am using have been changed enough that not even my wife or former counselors in the bishopric would recognize who I am talking about.

Separating the Wheat from the Tares

February 4, 2010

By Jeff Spector

In the parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43), the servant asked the master if the tares should be uprooted and removed. But the Master says, no, because too much wheat will get lost in the process. But, during the harvest, the tares will be gathered first and destroyed.

From Patriarchy to Eternity

February 3, 2010

By Bored in Vernal

I am going to put this as simply as possible, and let’s start with a definition. Patriarchy is a social system in which the father or eldest male is head of the household, having authority over women and children. Patriarchy also refers to a system of government by males, and to the dominance of men in social or cultural systems. I know that this is a true definition, having found it on Wikipedia. However, if you disagree, scroll down and I will include definitions from as many dictionaries as I can google. Patriarchy by its very definition is not...

Unbridled Speculation Strikes Again — The Old Testament Series

February 2, 2010

By Stephen Marsh

In the classic Old Testament, Eve has her first child, then her second and one (Cain) kills the other (Able). Cain is cursed to wander. Cain’s first concern thereafter is that the other humans on the Earth, not children of Adam and Eve, will kill him as he wanders. The Pearl of Great Price does give us a different source for those humans. However, later, Noah’s great grandson, before the Tower of Babel, will divide the land between his brethren and the gentile peoples, according to their languages (Genesis 4:14, 10:5). Translations changes, in some editions, obscure that language. ...

Abstainers vs. Indulgers

February 2, 2010

By Hawkgrrrl

Mormons dig abstinence. Like many other highly committed Christians, we abstain from premarital sex. But, that’s not all; we also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, coffee, tea, profanity, R-rated movies, dating before age 16, fooling around prior to marriage, and shopping on Sundays. And some even like to add more abstinence on top of that! I had one college roommate who was determined to share her first ever kiss across the altar with her husband.

Niblets Winners 2009

February 1, 2010

By admin

Niblets voting has now concluded. We hope you have all enjoyed this year’s effort. Join us one week from today to view Ziff’s professional summary!! Niblets winners 2009 are cordially invited to use this button: View Winners below——-

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