Tag Archive for 'truth'

Church as a Social Network


church-as-a-social-network

There are those among the disaffected who would like to reap the benefits of the church as a community although they may no longer share the belief system that is the foundation of the church.  For some, this works very well; for others, it’s an endless source of frustration.  I recently read a great book called Connected:  The Power of Social Networks that described how social networks work.  As a result, I have drawn up 7 Rules (tips, really) for making church work as a social network. Continue reading…

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On Failed Patriarchal Blessings


on-failed-patriarchal-blessings

Some time ago I spoke to someone I knew about a Patriarchal blessing they had received which seemed to have failed to come to pass.  We discussed it at some length and I then asked them if I could have some time to think about the issue more.  I tried to find reasons to explain the failure and then we discussed each one according to their circumstances, but I raised all as possibilities.  I admit that I was trying to be both comforting and honest, which in this situation was not easy.  The possible reasons I gave the person, as I wrote them down and initially sent them, are below: Continue reading…

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Richard Dawkins, God and Santa Claus: Belief as a Form of Abuse


richard-dawkins-god-and-santa-claus-belief-as-a-form-of-abuse

Between Christmas and New Year I had the opportunity to meet with some friends and at one point during the evening we began discussing the role of Santa Claus in raising children.  As I was thinking about what was said on the way home I recalled an article I had read in the ‘New Scientist’ which discussed whether teaching children about Santa Claus is a ‘harmless fantasy’ or whether it is a ‘cruel deception’ [1].  This then led me to consider whether believing in God is a similar relationship? Continue reading…

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The Word of Wisdom and the Temple: Personal, Political and Prophetic Dimensions


the-word-of-wisdom-and-the-temple-personal-political-and-prophetic-dimensions

Obedience to the Word of Wisdom, it is commonly known, was not always a requirement for entering the Temple or advancement in the Priesthood.  What is less clear from the historicl record is when this principle moved to become a requirement.  President Joseph Fielding Smith believed the change occurred in 1851, but an excellent article by McCue has shown this cannot be the case [1].  Others have argued that it occurred under the Joseph F. Smith administration (he seems to have been the first to have said it was a commandment – but it was only made a test of fellowship in extreme cases and informally in a letter dated Dec 28 1915 [2]).  Contrastingly Thomas Alexander argued that it happened under President Grant.  I agree with Alexander, but there is even confusion about when it was made official, was it early 20’s or early 30’s and what led to these changes?

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To Those Struggling In Their Faith


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There are many within Mormonism who struggle daily with their faith. They have been exposed to historical information they were not aware of, they were torn in political battle, they dislike the culture, or in some other way awoke to a “reality” they had not known before. It can be a lonely place in a tight knit community with such strong beliefs. And when a person is in that frame of mind, it often feels like the solution is to crawl in a hole and disappear. To further throw salt in the wound, the church doesn’t have any sort of official support group, or weeknight class, or specially trained individuals to handle such a dilemma. They are alone, and desperate, as they watch the foundation of their life get blown apart like a bomb in the basement of a skyscraper! They are often told to have more faith, to wait, read the scriptures, fast, pray, etc. But these answers now feel empty and unpromising. My heart goes out to these people. I have been there, and sometimes revisit (though I try to make the visit short). Continue reading…

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“Knowing” It All


knowing-it-all

Mormons love to use the word “know.”  We say we know God lives.  We say we know that Jesus is the Christ.  We say we know that families can be together forever.  Some say that they know the church is true or that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet (the middle initial makes him truer somehow).  People say they “know” a lot of things.  What does “know” mean in Mormonism?  Has it been overused to the point that its meaning has changed or that is has become meaningless? Continue reading…

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Egon Friedell and the Christian ‘Bad Conscience’


egon-friedell-and-the-christian-bad-conscience

This photograph was taken by Sebastiao Salgado at a gold mine in Brazil.  I first saw it in a room at the University I attend.  As an idealistic and aspiring academic I felt moved by the raw power of the worker as he resisted the guard.  Ever since then I have had a copy of this picture in my study areas.  It reminds me that my life is not just about doing good, but that I have a moral duty to alleviate as much suffering in this world as I can.  It reminds me that sometimes I need to resist those in power to protect the weak.  I believe that is part of the heritage that Christ has given us. Continue reading…

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On Agency and Accountability: An Inter-dependent View


on-agency-and-accountability-an-inter-dependent-view

Jeff Spector wrote a post on Agency a few months ago which I enjoyed alot.  The discussion led me down a slightly different path and I wanted to write a supplement to his ideas in light of some of my own thoughts on agency and how they relate to accountability.  My major contention is that the notion of individual accountability is a fallacy, or, perhaps more accurately, it is not the whole story. Continue reading…

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Prosperity vs. Religion


prosperity-vs-religion

There was a great article in Newsweek called (Un)wired For God.  It was a follow up on a prior article that had talked about the theory that people are hard-wired for religious belief (pre-disposed through our brain structure to believe in God, the supernatural, etc.) Continue reading…

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Unleashing the Analyst. A Personal Story


As I have already posted a few times, I think it’s time I introduce myself.  So, this is my story, Mormon Story style (only without the cool podcast, John, and well…okay, it’s nothing like Mormon Stories).  It’s likely familiar to many, so if it sounds like Déjà Vu feel free to move along!
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Is Prayer About God?


What does prayer mean? What is its purpose in our lives?  Today’s guest post is from jmb275. Continue reading…

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Science vs. Religion: A Poll


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When there is a seeming conflict between science and religion, people tend to make a mental choice that either favors religion or science.  Which is it for you? Continue reading…

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Intellectualism and Faith: A Would-Be Marriage!


It is easy to think yourself out of a testimony.  It’s as simple as saying “well I can’t prove God exists, or doesn’t exist, therefore I am agnostic.”   Today’s guest post is by jmb275. Continue reading…

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What is Truth?


When it comes to religion – can everyone know truth?  Can anyone?  Today’s guest post is from Justin Perry. Continue reading…

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The Gospel and Collective Memory


While I hardly want to be schmaltzy, I had a powerful experience this evening involving memory… this governing variable of my mind. Continue reading…

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