In my previous discussion of “A Rational Theology” by John Widstoe, I discussed two methodologies of deriving a full LDS theology in use during the …
Putting Things on a Shelf
People like to talk about putting things that bother them about the church on a shelf. Of course, the problem is that for some, the shelf …
What the Golden Rule Does NOT Say: or, “Jesus wouldn’t recognize that rationalization.”
One of my monthly New Year’s Resolutions last year was taken from Matthew 7:9-12, a slight change in my original plan. (See here.) These verses state: …
Limiting Revelation: The LDS Concept of Stewardship
OT SS Lesson #15 A scripture in the Doctrine & Covenants encourages us to “be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of [our] …
Raising the Bar: The Honorably Excused
The church decided to “raise the bar” in 2002 on entry requirements for missionaries, effectively preventing those with a history of serious sin from repenting and …
Casting Joseph Smith
Telling the story of Joseph Smith on film has been the ambition of many artists for a long time. Joseph’s place and influence in the …
Is prayer a form of “deity panhandling”?
I’m teaching the Priesthood lesson today. You may have had this lesson already; we may be a week behind you. Before I get into the …
Speculation: Adam and Eve, Evolution and the new lesson manual; where did you go?
In our group someone asked about evolution, the fossil record and Adam and Eve. Of course we began to speculate.
Top 10 Reasons Why This Mormon is Excited About the South Park “Book of Mormon” Broadway Musical
Yep. Those wacky, irreverent South Park guys (Trey Parker and Matt Stone) are up to their old shenanigans. They’re bringing down the irreverence anvil once again …
Buttprints in the Sand
Today’s guest post is from Glenn. Some of you may have seen this before. I wish I could claim authorship, but no – it belongs …
Brigham Young: Prophet, Pioneer . . . Environmentalist?
Although Brigham Young is one of the most well-known Presidents of the LDS Church, perhaps second only to Joseph Smith, it seems most Mormons are …
What if the “Sunday School Answers” were:
First, do no harm Be kind Help others I see nothing but good coming from praying, reading the scriptures, and keeping the commandments. But it …
After Action Report: The Community of Christ Did WHAT?
Headline in the Independence Examiner for Thursday, April 15, 2010: “Delegation Takes No Action on Human Sexuality Issues: Church Will Continue Dialogue.” Headline by John …
Kudos to the Church!
We spend a lot of time in the bloggernacle analyzing, critiquing, and otherwise discussing the church and its culture. I think there is value in …
The Gospel of Mammon – Chapter 2: [SEALED]
A translation. Of an ancient record. Written by the hand of its author. [For an explanatory introduction to the Gospel of Mammon, click thou on …
White and Delightsome or Pure and Delightsome? (Cognitive dissonance 2)
I’m 1/16 th Chippewa and don’t even look a little Indian! I figure from my knee down is pure Chippewa and for whatever reason I …
God and Mammon
We are conflicted about wealth in the Church. A goodly portion of members are neo-Calvinists, certain that fore-ordination and inherent grace are both manifested by …
The Top 10 LDS Musicians You’ve Never Heard Of: Roxy Rawson
When I created Linescratchers, I began with a desperate hope that I wasn’t commencing on a long wild goose chase. After all, the idea that …
Symonds Ryder and a Crisis of Faith
Once again, the story of Symonds Ryder has been misused to illustrate a point about leaving the Church over something inconsequential. Undoubtedly there have been …
Top 10 Reasons for and Alternatives to Viewing Porn
Porn is a subject that irritates many members. Some wish it didn’t have to be discussed as much as it is, while others think it …
A Rational Theology Part 1: Scientists and Apologists
While looking through the bookshelves of a close relative, I discovered a rather significant library of old Mormon books. Most of these books were published …
Giving Back His Name
“Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name …
The Gospel of Mammon – Chapter One: Money Changers & the Great and Spacious Building
A translation. Of an ancient record. Written by the hand of its author. [For an explanatory introduction to the Gospel of Mammon, click thou on …
Mormon Vegetarianism
Brett Wilcox lives in Sitka, Alaska, with his wife and their four children. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Brett works with Alaskan adolescents in an …
Sailing Single-Handed: A Navigation Guide for Single Latter-day Saints
The following is an excerpt from Sailing Single-Handed: A Navigation Guide for Single Latter-day Saints, by Christopher P. Halloran. Every four years, a small group …
Guest: A Survey of Mormon Culture and Belief by Matt W.
Matt W. from NCT has been working on a Survey of Mormon Culture and Belief. He has agreed to guest post the survey here. The …
The God of the OT vs. the Golden Calf
OT SS Lesson #14 Sometimes I have a hard time with the Jehovah of the Old Testament. I’m not always sure how much of the …
Joseph and Muhammad
I have been fascinated by other religions! The cultures, customs, and beliefs vary wildly from religion to religion, and yet, so many have common threads, …
Comparing Religious Observance: Mormons and Jews
I thought it would be interesting to map the religious observance of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) and the Jews. I’ve …
Temple Recommend Assumptions
Maybe it was an upcoming family wedding. Or maybe it came out some other way. Have you ever been in a situation when you became …
If Easter Be Not True
I’ve learned a few things from teaching swimming lessons to tiny children for over 30 years. One of the most obvious is that some kids …
Conference Moments
To get you in the mood, I’m sending some of my favorite Conference Moments from the past, in no particular order. Join me and share …
Increased Civility in Our Conversations
On this Good Friday, I want to make a request based on a wonderful post I read over at By Common Consent by one of …
Radical Retention
Our guest poster, Jason M. Brown is a life-long ‘Niblian’ Mormon who grew up in Southern California. He served an LDS mission from 2001-2003 in …
What makes a good home teacher?
Nope, not April Fools. 🙂 I have mixed feelings about my experiences with home teaching. My father taught me from an early age about visiting …
The Seder, Social Justice, and Leroy Jessop
OT SS Lesson #13 At a Passover Seder this week, President Barack Obama’s message to American Jews focused on social justice. Obama said that the …