My brother studies psychology at the University of Buenos Aires. Some members of the church told us that a member of the church should not …
How do I help my wife overcome sexual trauma?
I am a 50+ year old life-long member who is eternally committed to a talented and caring LDS woman and our 30+ year temple marriage. …
Why is no one addressing women watching porn?
The only time porn is brought up is in the Priesthood session. I’m positive a lot of girls grow up not even realizing that some …
How forthright should parents be about their past transgressions with their children?
How forthright do you think parents should be about their past transgressions with their children? What about when a teenager or young adult is struggling …
Richard Dutcher’s Spiritual Journey
Mormon Stories podcast just published a 4-part interview with filmmaker Richard Dutcher, conducted by Dan Wotherspoon. This is the final portion, where Richard discusses his …
Sexual Naivete – pros and cons?
The following question is one I recently received on my blog that I have not answered yet. Who wants to help me out? What advice …
Erotica versus Pornography…
Seeing as how we are doing some restructuring at Mormon Matters, I am going to take advantage of this “space” to encourage communication around issues …
Looking for a Few New Collaborators/Writers/Podcasters
Mormon Matters is looking for a few new collaborators to re-work the design and purpose/mission of the blog. We are basically considering 2 things: Bringing …
Mormon Therapist on Stress Affecting Marriage
My husband and I have been married for 15 years and we have 7 children. We obviously have had a healthy sexual relationship and we …
Mormon Therapist on Sexless Marriage
My wife never touches me… I am quite frustrated in my marriage and it stems from issues of sex and intimacy. I have been married …
Mormon Therapist on “Are two parents better for kids?”
I’d like to see your reply to this: http://www.cupblog.org/?p=742 Are two parents better for kids?
Mormon Therapist on “My husband is homosexual.”
Several years ago, my husband confirmed my worst nightmare. He sat down and said that he is homosexual and receiving counseling. He has suffered from …
Mormon Therapist on Cutting Self
I first noticed signs of depression and anxiety when I was in Jr. High School. I am now happily married with two young children. With …
Mormon Therapist on Internet Infidelity
I have been happily married for 7 years. I recently came across this anonymous chat website that lets you chat with a random stranger at …
The Mormon Therapist on Teen Suicide
Recently a 16-year-old young man from our ward hung himself. It was a horrendous shock for everyone, as this was a handsome, well-liked boy. The …
The Mormon Therapist on Confession
The following is part of an answer I gave to a woman in response to a question dealing with “Do I need to tell the …
The Mormon Therapist on Sexual Education
We have reached the point where we need to begin having discussions with our child about sex. Our child is 9. One of the major …
A New Church? — The New Mormon.org PR/Marketing Campaign
Hey. If you haven’t seen it yet….a new Mormon.org PR campaign is upon us…and all I can say is…”Wow.” Seriously. Wow. An “independently minded wom[a]n”. …
The Mormon Therapist on Making Kids go to Seminary
I am looking for some advice. I have 3 children. My oldest is a freshman in high school. We are an active LDS Family. My …
Mormon Therapist on Marital Differences with living the Word of Wisdom
When one spouse does not follow the Word of Wisdom but is not being irresponsible (e.g. drinks alcohol responsibly, drinks coffee or tea), what can …
Come to….Sunstone, Come to….Sun….stone.
The wonderfully splendid Salt Lake Sunstone symposium is upon us, once again. When? August 4-7 Where? Salt Lake City Sheraton What? Lots of thoughtful Mormon goodness, …
The Mormon Therapist on Appropriate Sexual Intimacy in Marriage
Is anal sex wrong? I asked my husband to do it once because I was curious and he was more than willing to oblige. We’ve …
The Mormon Therapist on Interracial Marriage
Recently I’ve been in contact with a girl by means of the internet. We haven’t met but plan to soon. I like her a lot. …
The Mormon Therapist on “Honoring” our parents.
I have been depressed off and on for the thirty years since I joined the Church and almost ten years before that when I wanted …
The Mormon Therapist on Parental Concerns re Toddler Masturbation
Natasha Helfer Parker is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the Church with 13 years of experience working with LDS …
The Mormon Therapist on “I don’t feel safe talking to my husband about sex.”
Natasha Helfer Parker is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the Church with 13 years of experience working with LDS …
The Mormon Therapist on the Color Gray
Natasha Helfer Parker is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the Church with 13 years of experience working with LDS …
The Mormon Therapist on Sex Talk
Natasha Helfer Parker is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the Church with 13 years of experience working with LDS …
Mormon Therapist on Empty Nesting
Natasha Helfer Parker is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the Church with 13 years of experience working with LDS …
The Mormon Therapist on Kids Talking Anatomy
Natasha Helfer Parker is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the Church with 13 years of experience working with LDS …
The Mormon Therapist on Effects of Pornography Use on the Spouse
Natasha Helfer Parker is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist and a member of the Church with 13 years of experience working with LDS …
Looking for an Apologist to Discuss Book of Mormon for Podcast
MM Community, I’m looking to do a podcast series for Mormon Stories on Book of Mormon Historicity and DNA. I’ve approached Mike Ash to participate, …
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 …
Greg Prince at USU 2010 — The Audio
Greg Prince, author of David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism, was here at USU today. For those interested, I recorded the audio …
Our Voices, Our Visions: An Amazing Night in Colorado City
It’s the third day of the Our Voices, Our Visions Mormon Women’s Literary Tour and we’re making the long drive on the 89 through the …
Our Voices, Our Visions: A report from the road
Monday night in Claremont, California, we kicked off the Our Voices, Our Visions Mormon Women’s Literary Tour in the company of an audience of 30 …
Ask Mormon Girl hits the road: the Our Voices, Our Visions Literary Tour
This week, I’m putting the Ask Mormon Girl column on vacation while I set out for adventure in the great Book-of-Mormon Belt. The Our Voices, …
Book of Mormon for Modern Minds?
Fascinating article from the New York Times about a new version of the Torah being released by the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, which represents …
Niblets Winners 2009
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!! …
Vote Here — 2009 Niblets Awards
Voting is now closed. Voting for the 2009 Niblets has begun. You may click the selections to view the links as many times as you …
Niblets Nominations
Nominations for the Niblets Awards are now in. A few minor changes have been made to screen for category, and to avoid duplication. Nominations that …
Mormon Stories # 112 & 113: Joanna Brooks Parts 1 and 2
I recorded my first Mormon Stories podcast in some time w/ professor, author and mother Joanna Brooks, and thought it might be nice to discuss these …
Mormon Stories 2.0 – And How You Can Help
Hey Folks, Some of you may have heard that I’ve decided to bring back Mormon Stories Podcast. For those of you who are new to …
2009 Niblets are Here!!
Mormon Matters introduces the 2009 Niblets Awards! It’s back! The opportunity to honor the unique and talented Mormon bloggers of 2009. It’s a chance to …
LDS Church News Says: “Use Proper Sources” With Gospel Teaching
(Hat tip to Michael Carpenter) This just in from LDS Church News. Correlation remains king. “A gospel teacher is not called to choose the subject …
BYU Students Hit it Big: Miley Cyrus Virus Rap
BYU (and UVU) students hit it big. 100,000 Youtube views and counting. Who says Mormons can’t have fun? (Notice Helaman Halls in the background. …
“Pretender” Mormons?
(Hat tip to Antonio Parr at BCC) To get this post, you’re either gonna have to spend 7 minutes listening to this song ..or be …
Josh and Susan Powell, and an LDS Ultimatum — “Get Active, or I’m Leaving With the Kids”
(This post has been updated) Just saw this blurb in the Deseret News this morning: When Josh and Susan Powell were first married, both were …
Glenn Beck, Gold and Moroni’s Promise
Wow. The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c Beck – Not So Mellow Gold www.thedailyshow.com Listen for Moroni’s promise at …
Mormon Blogs – What’s OK?
What should be acceptable for a blog to be considered a “Mormon” blog? All Mormon content? Only that which is respectful to the church (not …
Elder Holland Publicly Denounces Past Racist Teachings by LDS Church Leaders
“One clear-cut position is that the folklore must never be perpetuated. … I have to concede to my earlier colleagues. … They, I’m sure, in …
John Remy’s Been Summoned to a Disciplinary Council for Reported Apostasy
John Remy (an old friend of Mormon Matters) is being summoned to a stake disciplinary council for apostasy. Bummer. Sad. Our love goes out to …
5 Questions After 5 Years – From A Longtime ‘Nacle Wannabe
A cross-post from Nine Moons — written by John Dehlin by request of Rusty Clifton — in celebration of Nine Moons’ 5-year anniversary. ========= Most …
No Matter What Your Definition…
You’re all invited to attend the Sunstone “Un-Snacker” (Great fellowship and friends, but no food). It will be held on Friday, August 14, 10 PM …
Vow of Silence, by David Wilcox
I wanted to share w/ ya’ll a new song from my favorite artist — David Wilcox. It’s called “Vow of Silence” — and for me, …
Liars, Damned Liars and Statisticians
Is the church growing or shrinking? Is it even possible to measure church growth accurately? Is this a case of statistical confirmation bias? Read on …
The Doctor Is IN: An Interview with The Mormon Therapist
Natasha Helfer Parker is a licensed therapist who has counseled the LDS community for 12 years. In 2009, she began a blog called The Mormon …
Niblets Poll Closed
Voting on the Niblets is now closed. Watch for final results and in-depth report by Guest Blogger Ziff to appear Monday!
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 …
Voting — 2008 Niblet Awards
And the nominees are . . .
Last Chance for Niblet Nominations
Niblet Nominations are now CLOSED. Enjoy perusing these links over the weekend, and the voting will commence on Monday!
David Foster Wallace
Totally worth the read if you haven’t read it before. http://www.moreintelligentlife.com/story/david-foster-wallace-in-his-own-words It’s a commencement speech given a few years back by a famously gifted author …
Welcome to the Niblets Nominations!!
Mormon Matters introduces the 2008 Niblets Awards! Comments are now closed. If you have further nominations, click HERE. The opportunity to honor the unique and …
Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson: Tributes are in order
Two pop icons are gone on the same day. A clingy swimsuit; multiple noses – that hair; the moonwalk – Angels; Demons. So much to mourn; …
Bloggernacle Rankings: BCC is #1!
According to alexa.com, By Common Consent is currently the top ranked site in the Bloggernacle. Congratulations to our esteemed colleagues; you have earned the distinction …
Mormon Matters Now on Facebook and Twitter!
We have sold our social networking souls! Please follow us! On Twitter! This link has been updated… On Facebook! If you join the facebook blog network, …
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Supreme Court Decision Poll
The US Supreme Court just announced it will not hear arguments regarding the US military’s “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. [poll id=”10″]
Even Kung Fu Masters Eventually Leave Us
David Carradine died today in a hotel in Thailand. Go with God, Grasshopper.
Dancing through the Sidebar
There are only two new articles in the sidebar this week, but they are important ones. Comment on either of them – or any other …
CA Supreme Court Upholds Prop 8; Gay Couples Remain Married
The link to the article summarizing the CA Supreme Court decision is in the sidebar to the left. In summary, the court allowed Prop 8 …
MM Poll: Your Favorite Scriptures
Mormon Matters has installed a new polling feature, so thought I’d get the ball rolling with a fairly simple one, so here goes.
Barack Obama’s Mother Has Been Baptized into the LDS Church! No joke!!!
I’m not kidding. Here’s the link to FamilySearch.org (Update: It appears as though the church has taken the record down…but you can find a screenshot …
Marie Osmond Supports Gay Marriage
Wow. Marie Osmond openly supports gay marriage. First Steve Young’s wife. Now this. Will announcements like this eventually impact broader LDS opinion going forward (at …
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 …
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 …
General Conference Open Thread
Impressions and reactions welcome. Just keep it civil.
How Hitchens, Dawkins and Harris Got it Wrong — And Right
Man I love this article. It’s an interview with a Harvard Psychiatrist and Director of Harvard’s “Study of Adult Development” — discussing the importance and …
Bill Marriott Takes a Stand?
Does this represent Bill Marriott taking a stand? What does this mean?
If you were prophet, what would you change?
Here’s an exercise for the ‘Nacle If you had complete control of the church, what would you change? The only 3 requirements are that any …
Twittering Conference
Check this out…. Start by going here. You can watch conference with twitter-based comments showing up to the right. To participate in the conversation, go …
General Conference Thread (Open)
Rome temple?!?!? In the shadow if the Vatican?!?!?! Wowzers!!! Other thoughts?
Open Thread: US Presidential Debate #1
Apparently the debate will go forward, despite McCain’s earlier statement that he would be spending time working on the economy instead, and Obama rejoinder that …
Open Thread: Ike Hits Houston
News about Ike on cnn.com gives some up to date information on what is happening there. I wanted to open a thread for those on …
The LDS Church, Homosexuality and Suicide: How Can We Prevent It?
On February 25th, 2000 — in the heat of the LDS Church’s Prop 22 efforts in California to ban same-sex marriage — a young LDS …
Ralph Nader in Utah
Friends in Utah and in Surrounding States — Seeing Ralph Nader speak (as a Congressional Intern) was a highlight of my life. He remains a …
10 Reasons Why Gay Marriage is Wrong (for fun)
1) Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.
Jeff Nielson’s “Open Letter to California Mormons” Encouraging Oppposition to LDS Church on Gay Marriage Issue
Professor Jeffrey Nielsen, whose op-ed two years ago against the LDS Church’s stance on gay marriage led to his demise at church-owned Brigham Young University, …
Open Thread: Your experiences in church today w/ the LDS anti-gay marriage statement
Do tell….what were your experiences today w/ the LDS Church’s anti-gay marriage statement in your local ward? Feel free to share experiences of friend and …
News Flash: LDS Church WILL Be Actively Opposing Gay Marriage in California This November
News Flash: The LDS Church WILL be actively opposing gay marriage in California this November, and is encouraging members to actively oppose gay marriage in …
From the Great Wall to the Bloggernacle With Love
Clay Whipkey and I are in China — and visited the Great Wall 2 days ago. As we contemplated what to discuss on top of …
Open ‘Nacle Invitation: What were your favorite moments/quotes from General Conference?
An open ‘nacle invitation: What were your favorite moments/quotes from General Conference?
A New Take on Fundamentalism, Faith and Curiosity — Or….Does Mormonism Inspire Curiosity?
How does this apply to Mormonism?
BYU Baseball Player Kent Walton Reinstated on Team!!!!
I LOVE it when low-level ecclesiastical leaders are overruled (for the right reasons). And here’s the coverage from the SLTrib. From the Salt Lake Tribune: …
Robert Millet & Krista Tippet Pt. 3: Robert Millet as a Budding “Sunstone” or “New Order” Mormon
As I’m sure you’ve discovered by now — my takeaways from this interview between Krista Tippet and LDS Theologian and BYU Religion Professor Robert Millet …
BYU Baseball Player Expelled for Not Attending Enough Church?
[Updated — More on the story here.] Apparently BYU (and the LDS church) have expelled BYU’s best baseball player for (allegedly) not attending church enough. …
Robert Millet & Krista Tippet Pt. 2: Mormon Missionary Work Targeted at “Helping People Accept Jesus as Their Savior”?
The more I listen to this interview — the more I enjoy and respect Dr. Millet. I have even listened to the extended interview now, …
Robert Millet & Krista Tippet Pt. 1: “God as Man” Doctrine “Theologically Tangential”
I really, really enjoyed Krista Tippett’s latest interview with (perhaps) the LDS Church’s arch-theologian: Dr. Robert Millet. I have about 4 or 5 posts in …
Krista Tippett Interviews Robert Millett on Mormonism for “Speaking of Faith”
I love Krista Tippett’s “Speaking of Faith”, and I love Mormonism — which makes this a must-listen. I hope it’s good. What did you think?
The Delbert Stapley / George Romney / Negro Letter, and Modern Applications
A friend just forwarded to me this letter written by LDS Apostle Delbert Stapley to then Michigan Governor George Romney dealing with Negroes, race, the …
The Mormon Times: Uncorrelated Mormon News from Deseret News?
What do ya’ll think? More steps towards openness in the church? If so, hooray!!!!!
Looking to turn Mormon Matters into a Group Blog
As an act of obedience to Elder Ballard, I’m looking into the option of turning Mormon Matters into a group blog (like T&S, BCC, the …
Huckabee is Changing His Tone: Won’t Go Negative on Romney
This is great.
Episode 020: An Analysis of Mitt Romney’s ” Faith in America ” Speech Pt. 2
In Part 2 of this series, review the “Mormon angle” of Mitt Romney’s much anticipated religion speech entitled ” Faith in America “, delivered on …
Episode 019: An Analysis of Mitt Romney’s ” Faith in America ” Speech Pt. 1
In this episode, we review Mitt Romney’s much anticipated religion speech entitled ” Faith in America “, delivered on December 6, 2007. Panelists include: John …
Audio Replay / Podcast of Mitt Romney’s ” Faith in America ” Speech
This is a replay / podcast of Mitt Romney’s ” Faith in America” Speech.
Episode 18: Same-Sex Marriage and Mormonism
In this episode J. Nelson-Seawright, John Hamer, David King Landrith and Rosalynde Welch discuss same-sex marriage within Mormonism.
Episode 17: Book of Mormon Introduction, Lamanites and Native Americans
Recently, the LDS Church made a change to the introduction page of the Book of Mormon that has garnered much press. The change seems to …
Episode 16: The International Church
Today Ronan James Head, J. Nelson-Seawright and John Fowles discuss issues surrounding the international nature of the LDS Church.
Episode 15: Inoculating the Saints — Listener Feedback
Today Eric Soderlund (Equality) and Mayan Elephant join John Hamer, Ann Porter and I discussing their reactions to our “Inoculating the Saints” discussions. A big …
Open Line Saturday (September 1st) on Mormon Matters
OK…we’re trying something new. We’re going to invite you, our listeners, to call in and join us for Mormon Matters tomorrow. The time: 8:30pm – …
Episode 14: Our Discussion on Inoculating the Saints Pt. 2
In part 2 of this episode David King Landrith, Blake Ostler, John Hamer and I discuss the recent Sunstone panel entitled, “Inoculating the Saints”. A …
Episode 13: Our Discussion on Inoculating the Saints Pt. 1
In this episode David King Landrith, Blake Ostler, John Hamer and I discuss the recent Sunstone panel entitled, “Inoculating the Saints”. A big thanks, as …
Episode 12: Inoculating the Saints (with Kevin Barney, Blake Ostler and Mike Ash)
With this episode we begin a 3-part series dealing with the idea of “Inoculating the Saints.” This first episode hails from the 2007 Salt Lake …
Episode 11: Our Favorite Books on Mormonism
In today’s episode, J. Nelson-Seawright, David King Landrith and I discuss our favorite books on mormonism (listed below). J. Nelson-Seawright’s Recommendations D. Michael Quinn: The …
Episode 10: Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Part 2
Part 2 of this discussion.
Episode 9: Big Love and Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Part 1
Today’s episode is on HBO’s “Big Love” and Mormon Fundamentalist polygamy. Panelists include: John Hamer, Ann Porter, Tom Grover and host John Dehlin. Extra Readings …
Episode 8: A Review of “States of Grace” and “Orthodox Paradox”
In this episode we are excited to have Rosalynde Welch as our producer/moderator!!! The 2 main topics are: A review of Richard Dutcher’s “States of …
Episode 7 Part 2: Equal Partnering and “Presiding” in LDS Marriages and Raising Gay LDS Children
In this follow-on episode, we discuss equal partnering and “presiding” in LDS marriages and raising gay LDS children. Panelists include: Ann Porter David King Landrith …
Episode 7 Part 1: The Other “One True Church” and the Obama/Mitt Romney Scuttle over Sex Education
In part 1 of this episode, we discuss: The Pope’s recent statement that says, “other Christian communities are either defective or not true churches and …
Episode 6: LDS Church Finances and the “Approaching Mormon History” Press Release
In today’s episode we are joined by 2 of our fabulously wonderful regular panelists: Ann Porter and John Hamer. In addition, we are delighted to …
Desperately Seeking Conservative LDS Panelist(s)
While we’ve had some wonderfully bright and articulate conservative or traditional LDS panelists so far here on Mormon Matters (John Fowles, Rosalynde Welch, Julianne Hatton) …
Episode 5: Mormon Feminism, Women, and Claudia Bushman Part 2
A continuation from Episode 4. Thanks again to Dr. Bushman, Taryn and Rosalynde!!!! And of course, to hear more of (and to purchase!!!) the wonderful …
Episode 4: Mormon Feminism, Women, and Claudia Bushman Part 1
Today we release part 1 of a 2-part conversation reviewing the recent Mormon Stories series on Women in the LDS Church (Part 1, Part 2, …
I’ve Applied a Fix: Please Help Me Test
I’ve applied a fix: please help me test. If you’re using iTunes, please delete your subscription to Mormon Stories, and re-subscribe and see if you …
Problems Downloading
Several people are having problems downloading this podcast (either it doesn’t download, or it only downloads a portion). Please, please, please help us troubleshoot. If …
Episode 3: The Mountain Meadows Massacre
Note: Mormon Matters podcast is now available through iTunes. You can subscribe to the podcast by clicking on the iTunes button at the top right …
Announcing Mormon Matters
Mormon Matters is a weekly audio program exploring current events, popular culture, politics and spirituality within Mormonism — first as a podcast, and eventually by …