Tag Archive for 'missionary'

Insiders & Outsiders


insiders-outsiders

When it comes to Mormonism, do you feel more like an insider or an outsider? Continue reading…

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The Genius of Mormonism: Missions


the-genius-of-mormonism-missions

I wanted to do a series of posts on aspects of the LDS church that I consider to be sheer religious genius.  These are religous practices or concepts that have given Mormonism its staying power, and when compared to other religions are “best-in-class” (to borrow a term from business).  The first practice I will address is full-time missions. Continue reading…

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Family First?


family-first
In a pro-family church, why doesn’t family always come first?  We state that family comes before church, and yet there seem to be many in the church who don’t live as if they believe it.  What do we need to do to get people to believe that family (and marriage) comes first? Continue reading…
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Bloggernacle Personality Survey


bloggernacle-personality-survey

The bloggernacle seems to attract a specific subset of Mormon culture, and as a result, opinions and comments are often different from those we hear expressed at church.  One reason for this could be that some personality types thrive in organizations while others are prone to be disenfranchised.  A popular metric to determine personality type is the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the simplified version of this, the Kiersey Temperament Sorter.  These psychometrics are based on the psychology of Carl Jung.  Many have already taken this instrument and know their MBTI type or their Kiersey Temperament.  If not, you can click on this link and answer a series of short questions to find out your type.  (Click the link first, then read on to share your results and find out more). Continue reading…

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Every exmember a missionary


And now, dear friends at Mormon Matters, is your regular report from the Dark Side of the Moon.

I was reading a comment in another article here, and what Doug had said intrigued me:

This board started out as a place for middle-way thinking people to discuss problematic issues with doctrine and history. It would now appear that anyone with an opinion different then the “current LDS view” is attacked as I and many others have been. On several other discussion boards, mormon matters is considered a pro LDS blog. Gentlemen, just say the word and I’ll find another place to try and help those who don’t see the church the way you do understand that they’re not alone. I guess it’s true; there is in reality no room for a NOM in the church.

I don’t know if I have ever thought of MM as anything other than a pro-LDS blog. But I *have* always recognized that this site is of a different caliber, of course, than M* or T&S and others. So I guess, I’ll try to shake things up and offer a different perspective and hope that I don’t get chased out on a rail. Continue reading…

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People Who Helped Me Stay Mormon Part I: Jeff Burton


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Before John Dehlin, there was Jeff Burton. Continue reading…

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Through the Ears of a “Gentile”


through-the-ears-of-a-gentile

“I’m so glad I was born in this, the one true church of God.”

“Please bless the party leaders tonight [of the Republican Party] that they may be guided to make the right decisions.” Continue reading…

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The Sun Never Sets on the Mormon Empire: Cultural Colonialism


the-sun-never-sets-on-the-mormon-empire-cultural-colonialism

I was talking with a French colleague at dinner about the differences between European politics and American politics, and he made a statement that left an impression. European politics are colored by their colonialist histories and how to balance a preservation of their culture while dealing with the other cultures they have essentially subordinated over time. For example, he mentioned the Muslims in France who demanded equal consideration of their separate cultural preferences in the very strict and isolationist French culture. The French people are very concerned with preserving their culture, values, and language (even governing the number of foreign words allowed to be added per year). I believe there is a Mormon parallel to be understood. Continue reading…

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A Non-Member Kirtland Experience


a-non-member-kirtland-experience

I recently read an interesting post by a non-member couple and their visit to Kirtland.  IMO, their contrast of the Kirtland temple (Community of Christ) tour guides and the missionaries at the LDS-owned sites was cringe-worthy and brings up a few questions about how we as church members respond to (non-investigative) questions. Continue reading…

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Drop it! Who’s Worthy to Take the Sacrament?


drop-it-whos-worthy-to-take-the-sacrament

Is it ever appropriate to intervene when someone “unworthy” is going to take the sacrament?  What level of “unworthiness” makes such intervention justified?

Continue reading…

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“Preach My Gospel” and the Ripple Effect


preach-my-gospel-and-the-ripple-effect

Preach My Gospel CoverIn 2004, the Church released the long-anticipated “Preach My Gospel” manual, replacing the six discussion manuals and the pink “Missionary Guide.” This was a major development that dramatically changed processes and procedures for full time missionaries. With it, there were many shifts in emphasis and priority, the authorized Missionary Library was altered, and in many aspects, the way missionaries study and obtain information was reformed.I think it is crucial that we understand the role that this manual will have in the Church’s future leaders. In about 10-15 years, the local leadership of the church will be filled with a wave of people who served, studied, and learned using “Preach My Gospel” as their guide. In 50 years, the same will go for the General Authorities. “Preach My Gospel” will have set the groundwork that will influence their interpretation and implementations of policy and doctrine, their concept of the place and purpose of the gospel and the Church, and their ideas of what the “right” ways to do things are. Continue reading…

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