Today’s guest post comes from Ulysseus, a frequent commenter at Mormon Matters and elsewhere in the b’nacle. His website can be found here. To take …
Why Mormon History is Not What They Say
Our controversial guest post today is from Rock Waterman. Check out the original unabridged post at his blog, Pure Mormonism, so titled from his observation …
Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost
Guest Post by Jared The objective of all who are baptized by water should be to receive the baptism of the Spirit. Otherwise, our baptism …
Mormon Law: The First Half of 2010
By Jeff Breinholt On the East Coast this past 4th of July weekend, it was hotter than blazes. In addition, to heat, the arrival of …
Song Practice: Not Music to Our Ears
“We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all Song Practice Ladies, as soon as they get a …
The Next Victim
This post is by our guest, Leah. He is getting his temple recommend renewed. He has his humble face on. He has paid up his …
Best and Worst: Bible Verses!
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… and ye shall …
How Many Mormons Does It Take to Screw in a Lightbulb?
Today’s post is by Matt Workman. I waited backstage with my small troupe of comedians. One more act to go, then it was our turn …
Faith & Doubt
Today’s guest post is by Glenn. When I was at BYU, I got interested in the study of folklore – the way that traditional culture …
Home-teaching and motivation: A view from an organizational psychologist
Today’s guest post is by Benjamin O. I’ve wanted to write this for a long time. First I need to make a few disclaimers–one, to …
Choice Seer, Spokesman, and Scribe
Guest Post by Christopher C. Smith Chris has a BA from Fresno Pacific University in Biblical Studies, an MA from Wheaton College in History of …
Absolute Truth, Inclusivism, Lumen Gentium, and Emeth
Guest post by Thomas In C.S. Lewis’ final Narnia book The Last Battle, there is a powerful scene of an encounter between the Christ-symbolizing lion Aslan …
Then I Will Believe
Our guest post today is by SilverRain, who blogs at The Rains Came Down. When Jesus was suffering on the cross at Calvary, those who …
Facebook Declarations
Today’s guest post is by Matthew Workman. I lived a few blocks from Venice Beach for many years, so I thought I’d seen quite a …
Politicization of the Church
Today’s guest post is by David H. Bailey. I am concerned about the increasing politicization of the Church in the U.S. during past two or …
Reflections on Mormon May Day
by Jason B. (Mormon May Day was an international response to recent statements by latter-day McCarthyist Glenn Beck that social justice was a code word …
Tapping into the genius of youth in a church run by old men by Chris Jones
Chris Jones is a 6th generation Mormon and graduate of Brigham Young University where he studied journalism. He served a mission in the Sweden Stockholm …
Leavitt Alone, You Idiot!
Our guest post today comes from Renn Oldsbuster, a somewhat passionate (!) polygamy sympathizer who blogs occasionally at The Fall of Reynolds. Okay, yes, I’m …
Inoculation, a success story? by Heidi
I’d like to introduce a good friend of our family — Heidi. She has written the following thoughtful post. I spent most of my first …
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 …
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 …
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 …
You’re the Bishop #6: A Poll
Bishop Bill with a situation that happens to probably every bishop. Read on.
You’re the Bishop #5 (Poll)
Bishop Bill again, folks. Now for one that has nothing to do with the ward.
You’re the Bishop #4 (Poll)
OK, Bishop Bill here again with a really difficult situation.
Sexual Transgression and the Limits of the Atonement- Guest Madam Curie
Before I was baptized LDS, I had a college boyfriend with whom I was sexually active. At the time, I was under enormous pressure from …
You’re the Bishop: Poll #3
Bishop Bill back with more. We’ve had fictionalized situations in the last two installments with a YW and a YM. Now, let’s have a situation …
A Plea To Mormons: Walk A Mile In Palestinian Shoes
Guest Post by Non-Arab Arab BiV’s recent post “Sod, Seed, Salvation: Abrahamic Covenant and the Claim to Palestine” brought me out of my normal lurking. …
You’re the Bishop: Poll #2
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 …
Interfaith Marriages by guest Madam Curie
A recent post by Cr@ig on Main Street Plaza caused me to reflect on the strength of interfaith marriages. I had hoped to generate a …
You’re the Bishop: Scenario #1
Welcome to “You’re the Bishop,” a new installment at Mormon Matters. My name is Bishop Bill. Once every few weeks I’ll post a situation that …
In the Shadow of the Temple by Guest
A close friend of mine who wishes to remain anonymous recently saw in the shadow of the temple his story follows: In October, I was …
The Church in 20 Years
Where do you see the Church in 20 years? Today’s guest post is by David Heap.
Is New Moon the New Cool? -By Amita Benedetti
For anyone vaguely familiar with the Latter-day Saints, the many parallels between the Twilight Saga and the Church’s theology will be apparent. As a mother …
Musings on Modesty & Mormonism
Today’s guest post is from Reuben Collins who also blogs at Single Speed.
Romantic Paternalism
Mormon Matters welcomes our newest guest poster. Kate Kelly graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in Political Science. She served a mission for …
The Gay Rights Paradox
Today’s guest post is by John G-W. LDS Church spokesman, Michael Otterson, downplayed the significance of the LDS Church’s public backing of gay rights legislation …
The Whole Enchilada
Guest post by Paul Swenson So what? So, what if I’m one of those cafeteria Mormons?
Joseph Smith: Treasure-seeker or Prophet
One of the most controversial aspects of Joseph Smith’s early life—and one not especially well known among most Mormons—is his adventures as a treasure-seeker. His father was likely a treasure-seeker before the family moved to New York from Vermont, where divining rods were the common medium in the search. Sometime in the early 1820s, Joseph was introduced to seer-stones, a common scrying device in western New York. Joseph quickly developed a reputation as a talented seer, and was known to peer into his stone to direct fellow treasure-seekers in their hunts. When Joseph was gaining notoriety as the Book of Mormon was being prepared for publication, local antagonists in Palmyra were quick to ridicule his treasure-seeking activity. A local newspaper editor, Abner Cole, referred to treasure-seers as clear “impostures” in an article on Mormonism and wrote a piece of satire that mocked the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith’s treasure-seeking.
LaJauna on Life – Lesson #1: Deserving Charity
Today’s guest post is by LaJauna. Hiya there folks, please allow me to formally introduce myself to you all: My name is LaJauna L. Jentsen, …
What if the Brethren decided to allow gay marriage? by Justin Perry
What if the Brethren decided to allow gay marriage? They’d have to do a lot of back-peddling to explain why they were suddenly in favor …
Single Mormon Chick
Intro: Everybody blogs, right? Why not me? Looking for my niche, my angle, and the one thing that seemed to make me stand out in …
Expounding on Light
This is a guest post from Heber13. As a guest author, a brief introduction is appropriate. I am a direct descendant from members of the …
Mormon Dating Sites – What the Heck?!?
In a church that requires chastity but a world in which random hookups are the norm, what about the plight of single adults who are well …
The Disillusionment Phase
Today’s guest post is by Kate from Myriad Mormon Musings. Here is a brief introduction, in her own words, followed by her post: “My name …
Looking Forward to the Good Life
I’ve spent some time over the years thinking about questions that remain in regards to the logistics of the afterlife.
Speculation: Christ Uncrucified
Today’s post is by Orchard. The following narrative is purely speculative in nature, but I think the thought experiment has merit. I am a fan …
Missionary Lessons from the Land of Oz
This is a guest post from S Faux at Mormon Insights. Preface: Listed below are some secrets for “trunky” LDS missionaries (Elders and Sisters) with …
Trying to Understand My Friends Who Didn’t Leave the Faith
Here is a modified excerpt from a 60-page writing that I made for close friends and family members when I decided to leave the church …
Sacred Space
Today’s guest post is by Joe Geisner. Over on Juvenile Instructor, Jared T. and Ben have done a wonderful job of reporting on the “Sacred …
Dancing through the Sidebar
Comment on any of the following articles – or anything else from the sidebar – or any other article of interest to this forum that …
Our Soldiers Need FAR MORE Than Tribute
This post is from S.Faux: On this upcoming Memorial Day it will be easy to post flags outside our homes and then just enjoy the …
What’s My Age Again?
Today’s guest post is from Bishop Mike Young of the Spanish Ford 401st Ward. He writes: I was reading Mark Twain‘s, “Captain Stormfield’s Visit to …
LDS worship skills
Today’s post is by The Chorister. I just read a book called In the land of invisible women: A female doctor’s journey in the Saudi …
That We Could All Be Like – Satan?
Today we have a guest post from Bishop Mike T. Young of the Spanish Fork 401st Ward.
Joseph Smith and Wealth Redistribution
This article by a guest blogger originally appeared at Gospel Doctrine Underground. We want to thank the author for allowing us to re-post it here. …
LDS Worship – Part III
David Stout is a Disciples of Christ minister. This is the third and final installment of his insightful commentary on LDS Sacrament Meeting Worship. To …
LDS Worship – Part II
The following is the second part of the series written for us by David Stout, Disciples of Christ minister, about his perception of LDS worship. …
Quals or quants?
Today’s post is by The Chorister. I’m an education professor. In academic research, we talk about quantitative research and qualitative research. In order to avoid …
LDS Worship
David Stout, Disciples of Christ minister who wrote a very thought-provoking post for us a few weeks ago, has agreed to write a short series …
The Untold Story of Black Mormons by Guest
When I served a mission in eastern Canada in the early 90s, there were many things I was grateful for (warm boots, wool suits, fairly …
Why Mormon Doctrine Is NOT Mormon Doctrine
Many people both within the Church and outside the Church think that Bruce R. McConkie’s book, Mormon Doctrine, is the official declaration of LDS church …
There’s more than one way to (not) abide it . . .
Today’s post is by The Chorister. Sometimes I get really frustrated with my relationship with the church and find myself increasingly feeling like I don’t …
Dissecting Porn: A look at some interesting statistics.
Today’s post is by Orchard. First off an introduction of myself is in order as this is my first actual post! I’ve been around for …
Faith and Logic: Finding and Navigating an Individual Balance
NOTE: This is a guest post by David Stout, Disciples of Christ minister. I write from the perspective of a Disciples of Christ minister whose …
Shipbuilding: Tasks or Vision?
Spending a week in the Pacific Northwest on vacation, surrounded by boats and the vastness of the sea, when I read this quote from Antoine …
Baptism Rant
Today’s post is by guest blogger The Teacher.
What is Truth?
When it comes to religion – can everyone know truth? Can anyone? Today’s guest post is from Justin Perry.
Revelation & Things
Today’s post comes from The Teacher. Section 8 of the Doctrine & Covenants refers to “another gift” Olivery Cowdery had, called at different times “the …
The Purposes of God Cannot Be Frustrated
The title is from DC3:1. Today’s guest post is from Bouvet and is in reference to this year’s Doctrine & Covenants manual, Lesson 4 is Remember …
Oliver Cowdery Was Punk’d!
When you hear the name Oliver Cowdery, you probably think of the story that culminates in the revelation that became Section 9 of the Doctrine …
Is God a Mormon?
NOTE: This is another post from our newest author – Faithful Dissident. Whether we’re Mormon, Baptist, Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim, we all believe that God …
The Age of (Un)Accountability
NOTE: This is the first post for a new Guest Author – The Faithful Dissident. We look forward to many more to come. Growing up …
Guest Post: How Would You Have Reacted?
Introduction: The following is from a post by Reuben at SingleSpeed titled “Harmonica at Church”. He has agreed to let us post it here, with …
Joy to the World…
Today’s post is by Rachel Maw. I’m the kind of person that could listen to Christmas song all year long.
“Mormon Fundamentalists” on Law & Order
Did anyone watch Law & Order last night on NBC? If you didn’t, you missed an interesting parody based on the events that transpired in Texas with …
Persecution Complex
Today’s guest post is from The Captain. The urban dictionary defines the term persecution complex as follows: One of the top fifteen factors that can …
The New Mormon Brand
Today’s post is by Wade Nelson. THE NEW MORMON BRAND In my view the Prop 8 campaign in California that just ended has turned out …
What is a Testimony?
Ironically, some of you with “strong testimonies” may think that those struggling with their testimony make only a small percentage of us here today. The …
The Church as a Tool
What is the church to you? A family you must learn to love? A path you must follow? A checklist of items you must do …
Strange LDS Missionary Clothing Ritual: Is It Eco-Friendly?
by Guest Poster Dr. B. Last Sunday in church I spoke with four missionaries who told me of a strange ritual that used to be …
Hymn #114: Come unto him
Today’s post is by The Chorister. This is one of my favorite hymns. We hardly ever sing it in Sacrament meeting, which is a real …
Freak Out! Handling History
What do you do when you learn about something shocking that you did not previously know in Church History? Freak out? Retreat into a stupor …
Leave the Church, Leave it Alone
This post is by Heather B. We have all heard this mantra; if you are involved with church related discussion boards, you have probably heard …
The Song of the Righteous is a Prayer unto Me
Today’s post is by The Chorister. Last week while I was playing the organ for Sacrament meeting, it hit me that often, the only time …
Singing Lies About Your Jesus
Today’s post is by guest Nikki. If you say something true about Jesus, but your Jesus is a different Jesus, is what you said about …
How should we know? Ask him yourself!
Today’s post is by Wade Nelson. I served my mission in Quebec in the mid 1970’s and hate to admit it but spent more time …
Children and Testimonies
Today’s post is by Andrew C. This past Sunday, we attended a different ward for a relative’s baby blessing. This particular ward is located in …
Hymn #114: Come Unto Him
Today is a guest post from The Chorister.
Remember Dieter Uchtdorf?
Today’s post is by Wade Nelson. Remember Dieter Uchtdorf?
Mormonism and the State of Nature
Today’s post is by Andrew C. As a registered Democrat and a political junkie, it’s difficult for me not to notice politics at church. I’m …
yes, Jesus loves me?
Mosiah 3: 19 19 For the anatural bman is an cenemy to God, and has been from the dfall of Adam, and will be, forever …
Prophetic Smackdown: Moses vs. Joseph Smith
Today’s post is from an anonymous guest blogger. The critics of the church like to point the finger at Joseph Smith, citing polygamy, concealing polygamy, …
Continuing Problems with Mountain Meadows
Today’s guest post is by Joe Geisner. Most bookstores in Utah have sold out of the new book on the Mountain Meadows massacre with a …
Segregated Sundays
Today’s post is by Rachel Maw. I was scanning through the news stories over at cnn.com when I came across this article, “Why many Americans …
I’m Okay; You’re Okay
I have one component to my life that prompts little discussions from the lowliest church member to most recently the temple president and I really …
The Gospel Caught on Tape?
by Joe Geisner, guest blogger If one had a camcorder in Jesus’ day and had been at the feeding of the multitudes, would you have …
Mormon Christians
A guest post by our friend Dan Does the label “Mormon” truly explain who we are? Does it truly embody everything that we believe in? …
Is there always a Trigger before Revelation? – James Leverich
I’ve always felt in my own life there needs to be a need before I get divine help or inspiration. For example if I’m having …
A California Mormon visits the other Zion
By Joe Geisner (guest blogger) No I am not talking about Utah. I left Sam Brannan’s Zion for Joseph Smith’s Zion on April 11, 2008. …
Roadshows: Are They Gone Forever?
Today’s post is by Ghost Writer. Definitely Definitely Watch The Video Above – all will be explained later
Happy Valley – A True Life Story
Today’s post is by Ghost Writer. Coming to a theatre near you (if you live in Utah) March 28th
the stuff of loving
This post is by Heather B. I believe that transparency is the way we love. A friend once told me, “You can’t love someone if …
Bookends #2: Book of Mormon Studies–Orson Pratt
Today’s post is by Terry Foraker. Ever since its initial publication in 1830, the Book of Mormon has been the subject of countless studies. This …
Who are these Anti-Mormons?
This post is by Heather B. I’m not a member of the LDS church, although I was once. I’ve had many members ask me over …
For time and all eternity
This post is by Heather B. My husband and I were married and sealed to each other in an LDS temple over 6 years ago. …
Bigfoot, the Three Nephites and the Lost Tribes of Israel
Today’s post is by SuperNerd. I would like to give a shout out to all the Ward crazies…Where have you all gone? Every Ward has …
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection…
This post is by Heather B. About a week ago, I had to explain death to my four year old. It was one of those …
McConkie In Action
Today’s post is by Wade Nelson. I hope this doesn’t come across as a slam on Elder McConkie. While I disagree with many of his …
Family Concerns
Today’s post is by Wade Nelson. Apart from a brother who has been inactive for many years, I come from a family whose members have …
I’m Right and Everyone Else is Wrong!
Today’s post is by Zane Chartrand. When I was a missionary I once knocked on a door and after I had introduced my companion and …
Bookends #1: The Screwtape Letters
Today’s post is by Terry Foraker. Welcome to Bookends, a new column where I give you a peek over my shoulder at what I am …