Are Mormons really more persecuted than other faiths or do Mormons just perceive that because the criticism is aimed at us? Are there as many …
Roadshows: Are They Gone Forever?
Today’s post is by Ghost Writer. Definitely Definitely Watch The Video Above – all will be explained later
“What Children Know”: A Children’s Rebuttal to Elder Ballard’s Conference Talk
Late last night as I was putting the finishing touches on my Monday morning blog post, I heard a faint knocking on the front door …
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?
Mormons as Trinitarians
Mention the word “Trinity” to a group of Mormons and the response you’ll get probably will be “I don’t believe that false doctrine of Satan!” …
Life and Affliction (part two with another to come)
An older friend of mine remarked that time seems to fly by now. She quipped that it felt like she was changing the sheets every …
Are More Missionaries Staying Native?
I know this is really anecdotal, but almost everyone I know is serving a stateside mission. I have wondering about this situation and wonder (if …
The Amazing Adventures Of “The Mormon Answer Man”
Look up there . . . . who’s that emceeing the Ward Roadshow? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the Mormon …
Deep in the Heart of Mormondom
Outside of my own library and the virtual community I’m connected to through the internet, Mormondom has very little impact on my immediate environment in …
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Ben Stein is prominently featured in an upcoming documentary called “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed,” where he takes a stab a neo-darwinism, and seeks to bring …
“The Whole Church is Under Condemnation”: The Talk that Changed the Church
April 1986: President Benson presides over his first General Conference. Did anyone listening to his humble little talk, called “Cleaning the Inner Vessel,” realize that …
My Top Ten Non-Mormon Lives
Not long ago I was watching a Tyler Perry movie and found myself applauding an action of one of the characters. This was an action …
What is Jesus’ Personality Type (MBTI)?
For the unindoctrinated, MBTI (Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator) is a psychometric that classifies people into one of 16 profiles. It is primarily used to help people …
Liberal Mormonism II: Why I am a Liberal Mormon
I was raised in a household of faith. My parents are believers who encouraged discussion of religion in their home. I’ve asked around and found …
A Forever Backward Intelligence
“The idea of a forever forward is not more or less simple than that of a forever backward. Yet, in our culture, one idea is …
Putting the Fun Back in Fundamentalist
Another chance to turn your brain off…and laugh.
The Purpose of the Church
As members of the LDS Church, we recognize that the Gospel was “restored” to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith and that he founded …
News from the Mormon Literary World
If you’ll indulge me, I’d like to let Mormon Matters readers know about a recent interesting development in Mormon literature that I’m involved in as a publisher (definitely …
Trickle-Sideways Mormonomics and Consecration’s Legacy
“Elders are agreed on the way and manner necessary to obtain celestial glory, but they quarrel about a dollar. When principles of eternal life are …
Gathering the Good of Other Faiths
In speaking of other faiths, Joseph Smith admonished early church members to “gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them …
Elijah: Prophet, Seer, and Mass Murderer?
1 Kings Chapter 18 tells the story of Elijah and the priests of Baal. We read that Elijah and Ahab confront each other, and Elijah …
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
Too Quick to Pry and Judge?
I don’t necessarily disagree with the points made by BYU law professor Lynn D. Wardle in his Salt Lake Tribune editorial regarding the Elliott Spitzer …
What If They’d Put Nauvoo in Iowa?
Nauvoo was a mistake. At the close of the Missouri Mormon War in the winter of 1838-39, the Saints crossed the icy Mississippi. The people …
“The Gods Too are Fond of a Joke.” -Aristotle
A chance to turn your brain off…and laugh.
Liberal Mormonism I: Diagnosis
Let me be clear about a few things. First, I have been diagnosed as a liberal Mormon. Second, liberal Mormonism has been discussed before in …
Thoughts on President Monson
I was recently asked by a journalist for my observations on the new Mormon prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and I thought I’d share my responses …
Game: Identify the Mormon
Let’s play a little game. In order to be eligible to play, you MUST NOT be a current viewer of American Idol. If you are …
The Future of Mormon History
This past Thursday, Claremont College hosted a very good panel discussion with Richard and Claudia Bushman and Richard Turley on the future of Mormon history. …
I Have Never Been Omnipotent, But I Have Loved
Consider the following lists of attributes of God:
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 …
Part 3 Testimony: “Forget Jesus, I have an Announcement!”
This part 3 of Testimony is just for fun. I will give you four examples of some of the stranger testimonies I have heard. No …
Socioeconomics of Utah Mormonism: One of many case studies in theo-economic failure
I grew up in the capital of Mormonism, the heart of Salt Lake Valley. I straddled the two dominant cultures in that valley and experienced …
A Soldier’s Walk for Peace
Sgt. Marshall Thompson, a Mormon GI from Utah, who served in Iraq speaks about his Anti-Iraq War protest walk, his experience in Iraq, his hopes …
Mark Your Calendars — 2 Upcoming Conferences IRL
Meeting together in person to exchange ideas, you ask? Haven’t you heard of the “internets” John Hamer? Hasn’t the awesome nature of the MormonMatters Blog …
Boycott 10,000 BC The Movie
When I saw the trailer for this movie one giant big ‘THING’ came to my mind . . . . Human Kind didn’t live in …
Prophetic Counsel About Sex Within Marriage: A Brief History
Over the years, the LDS First Presidency has made various statements about sexual relations between husband and wife. Unsurprisingly then, Mormons seem to hold divergent …
Mormons as “Restorationist Christians”
According to the all-knowing Wikipedia, the Latter Day Saint movement (including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is “Restorationist” (as apposed to Orthodox …
Politics Mingled With Scripture
The bloggernacle has seen a good deal of political chatter this past year. Mormons have typically been political active, and are usually pretty predictable voters. …
Deconstruction and the Book of Mormon Part 3
Orson Scott Card has written some on King Mosiah, but I’ve got another point. He flees the land of their first inheritance. He arrives in …
Women’s Retreats — Slumber Parties for Grownups
I always loved a good slumber party when I was a kid. The unlimited unhealthy snacks, eardrum-splitting music and endless giggling held enormous charm to …
Part 2 – Testimony: “And then we went to the Grand Canyon…”
In part 1 on Testimony, I discussed that oft heard phrase, “I know the Church is True.” In this 2nd part, I’d like to focus …
Geraldine Ferraro and the Mormons
No, I don’t have any profound knowledge about Mormonism and Ferraro, but the recent uproar over her comments about Obama have raised a question in …
“Anti-Nephi Lehies”: A Possible Explanation? A New Church Folk Doctrine?
There seems to be a lot of head scratching over the converted Lamanites suddenly taking the name “Anti-Nephi-Lehies” in The Book of Mormon. (Alma 23:17) …
New Sins for a New Century.
Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti, the head of the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Catholic Church, was asked by the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano what, in his opinion, …
How Mormons Are Buddhists & Vice Versa
A few months ago, I gave a talk in Sacrament meeting in which I discussed how studying other religious faiths and their scriptures had enriched …
Imagine: An Honorable Release
General Conference, April 2008 President Thomas S. Monson steps to the pulpit and says: “Brothers and sisters, thank you for your prayers. They have sustained …
“She’s a Monster”: A Media Generated Controversy
I am not an Obama supporter and this article is not politically motivated. It is actually a commentary on how the media often creates a controversy …
What Comes Next for the FLDS Church?
Since news first broke that the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (or FLDS church) was building a new Zionic city in …
What is “The Church”?
I know the church is true. I love the church. They are disaffected with the church. We go to church. I discovered that the church …
Gathering God’s Words to “All Nations”: When, Where, How, and Who Cares?
At a recent General Conference, Elder Oaks reiterated the Book of Mormon prophecy that “the Lord will eventually cause the inspired teachings He has given …
Unto the Pure
Not too long ago I came across an interesting passage in the New Testament that caught my attention and gave me pause. It is found …
My Disenchantment with Church and State—Part 2 The State
MY DISENCHANTMENT WITH THE STATE Perhaps I should blame Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Amy Goodman or John Pilger for my enlightenment. Or perhaps I should …
The Jagged Little Pill We Call Mormonism
. . . . there I was writing my ex-wife a letter trying to explain what a Temple Marriage and Sealing is and what it …
The LDS Church and the BSA: Part 2 Why Scouting Won’t Disappear
After what has been discussed about Scouting in the Church, I wanted to share some inside information that I have to explain why the Church …
“Believest thou…?”: Faith, Cognitive Dissonance, and the Psychology of Religious Experience by Wendy Ulrich, Ph.D
Once upon a time there was a young man that grew up in a wonderful Mormon family. Though he had no regrets about growing up …
My Disenchantment with Church and State—Part 1 The Church
MY DISENCHANTMENT WITH CHURCH As long as I can remember, I was always rebellious against what I felt was unjust coercion, but I feel it …
Scouting is a What?
By the 1980s the Church had clear and convincing statistical evidence that Scouting had no net positive effect on the long term success of LDS …
The Unfinished Restoration: A Global Vision
Mormons tend to think of the Restoration as a discrete series of events that began with the First Vision and concluded with the Martyrdom. Because …
My Top Ten Cultural Sins, or Why I Don’t Mark My Scriptures
10. I don’t mark my scriptures. The last time I did was 12 years ago and it was to make it easier to find the …
Religions in Their Own Words – Morality in Representing Other Religions
Several posts ago, I wrote about the morality of other Christians referring to Mormons as non-Christian without explaining their non-standard use of the word “Christian.” …
Clinton Comes to Kirtland
I was in the offices of the new Kirtland Temple Visitor Center last Thursday when the call came through. According to the mayor’s office, Bill …
The Church and the BSA: part 1
In 2010, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) will celebrate its Centennial anniversary. In 2012, the Church will celebrate its centennial contract with the BSA. …
Can We Laugh Here?
It seems almost every Sunday in our ward someone takes the time to crack a joke from the podium. I find this ever so wonderful …
Testimony Part 1: ” I Know the Church is True”
The first time I attended the LDS Church was a Fast and Testimony Meeting at the University Ward in Berkeley, California. Coming from a background …
Reed Smoot Hearings: A Review and What it Says About Today
Title: The Mormon Church On Trial: Transcripts of the Reed Smoot Hearings Editor: Michael Harold Paulos Publisher: Signature Books Reviewed by Nicholas S. Literski For …
What Happens When We Die? A “New” Perspective?
This past wave of media attention on Mormonism has not been very kind. In a number of venues and outlets, ranging from national network news, …
“Please bless the food that it may change on a molecular level to provide us with additional strength that we would not get otherwise…”
I’m out of the YSA circuit now, but when I was there I often heard the prayer, “Please bless the refreshments, that they may nourish …
What If Everyone Found Out the Mormon Plan of Salvation Was True?
Let’s perform a thought experiment. Pretend like there is no Mormon Church at all. But one day Jesus Christ returns and the Millennium beings. Christians …
My Open Letter to Glenn Beck
Well, I’m back after a bit of an illness. I don’t know if this post will generate any interest, but I thought I’d share it. …
What Do Joseph Smith and Gladys Knight Have in Common?
When I was a kid in Southern California, it was obvious to me that there were two kinds of people in the world: Mormons and …
The Parable of the Elephant
Sometimes I recall nuggets of spiritual wisdom but cannot remember when or where I picked them up. One in particular has increasingly taken on new …
My Mormon Midlife Crisis
I always thought the midlife crisis was just a cliché. But now I’m 41, and I’m finding myself in the midst of an all-too-real midlife …
Why we need more apostates
Explosive Church growth has had a real impact on one of the core experiences many LDS had growing up — knowing apostates. The lack of …
Neo-Fundamentalism Part 3: LDS Premillennialism
Mormons in 1830 were in league with a slew of millennialist faiths (Shakers, Campellites, and Adventists) on the brink of actualized utopia after the resurgence …
A Baptist Point of View of Being the One True “Church”
One stumbling block to communication between Mormons and other types of Christians is our use of the word “church” — sometimes at least — as …
A style of our own
Whenever I heard about a “style of our own” I thought back to Moroni’s robe and David O McKay’s vision of the City of God. …
The Danzig Case: Does the LDS Church Influence Members to Oppose Same Sex Marriage?
Many of you may be aware of an ongoing case in Utah involving Peter and Mary Danzig. I’m not going to summarize here, as you …
Why I Am Not a Disaffected Mormon
There seem to be a number of disaffected Mormons lurking the Bloggernacle these days. I am not one of them. Here is why.
Discrimination Like I’ve Ever Seen Before
In Little Rock, Ark on a relatively calm September day in 1957 the all-white Central High School tries to blocked nine African American students from …
A Veil Runs Through It: A Mormon Cosmogony
The Earth we perceive with our physical eyes is billions of years in age. Life began to inhabit this sphere eons ago and evolved to …
A guide to edifying Others
It is easy to realize that you are right and everyone else is wrong. A number of people have asked just what they should do …
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 …
BYU and the Honor Code
As a current BYU student, I am bound by the “honor code,” a document that all students are required to sign in order to enroll. …
The Improbable versus the Even More Improbable: The Existence of Jesus
The following article, despite appearances, is not about whether or not Jesus existed. I accept that He did exist as an article of faith. This …
The Ammon Approach: Redefining Missionary Work
When it comes to Church growth, the Church sets high expectations for itself. Likening the Church to that scriptural stone that rolls forth to fill …
Overview and Discussion of Church Growth
According to Beliefnet.com the 10 largest churches of 2007 in the US are:
The Sad Story of Sally, Native American Daughter of Brigham Young
I came across the following story while reading The Mormon Experience: A History of the Latter-day Saints by Leonard Arrington and Davis Bitton. It deeply …
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 …
Lost Hemisphere: A Traditional Book of Mormon Geography
When I was 6 and my sisters were 5 and 3, we read the Book of Mormon with my parents as a family. I was …
Peculiar People: Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses
For a religious community that is often misunderstood and sometimes maligned or mocked, we don’t learn much from our experience. I can’t tell you how …
The Prophetic Accomplishments of President Gordon B. Hinckley
“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” – Amos 3:7 In the scriptures and throughout …
Deconstructing the Book of Mormon, Part Two
Deuteronomy 15:12-15 “in the seventh year, you shall let him go free from you …” or 16-18 “be your servant forever”
Cool Website Enables Collaborative Timelines
We recently discovered a nifty little website called xTimeline which allows people to collaborate on-line in a similar fashion to a wiki. Folks sign up …
God is a What?!
So many people think they know exactly who and what God is. Most of what they base their certainty on is a combination of logic …
The First Black Apostle of the Restoration: A Black History Month Story
I think we’ve now achieved consensus in the United States that without regard to race, everyone should have an equal opportunity to enjoy life, liberty …
Gay Christian Awarded Approximately $94,000 for Discrimination by The Church of England.
John Reaney took the Hereford diocesan board of finance to an employment tribunal after his appointment as a youth worker was blocked.
“It’s More Than a Religion”: Mormonism as Family
Story 1 From p. 102 of An Abundant Life: The Memoirs of Hugh B. Brown: (Brown addressing a group of 75 LDS servicemen during World …
WWJB: What Would Jesus Blog?
It’s been a few months since I first came out to my family and friends. I’d been living a secret double life for too long, …
The Book of Mormon: Paving the Way for the Doctrine & Covenants
In my last post I discussed one possible view of the Book of Mormon as a basic doctrinal text and thus a foundation for Mormon …
Mormon Superheroes
Dr. Deseret is the sovereign State of Deseret’s official superhero and defender. She takes performance-enhancing drugs to ensure her fighting prowess. She is part …
Reconstruction Part 2: Abandoning “Being Right” In Search of “Having Joy”
In part one of this reconstruction journey, I talked about how being hyper-focused on being right intensifies the impact when you come to see that …
The Reason for the World
Continuing the disclosure of my musical hobbies, I enjoy playing the piano. I haven’t taken lessons for several years, but I’ve got a nice little …
Mormon Family Shrinkage
I’m the oldest of ten kids. I spent my teen years (1979–1986) living across the street in Bountiful, Utah, from a family with eleven kids. …
Can Mormons Be Savvy Voters?
There’s a lot of talk in the media and across the ’nacle to the effect that Romney’s Mormon identity was the critical factor that torpedoed …
New Rules for Church Music
My favorite part of any church service is the music. Even when the music is poorly done — which all too often it is — it has …
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: …
Breaking News: Romney Dropping Out
The wires are alive with the story that Romney is dropping out of the race. More as the story develops. See Breitbart, TIME and CNN …
Neo-Fundamentalism Part 2 – Historical Millennialism*
Last time I discussed a sub-culture of the LDS church that is increasing as an influential force, especially given the current state of unease in …
“Theoconservativism” – Extremism under the Guise of Religion?
Being a latitudarian, I hold the separation of church and state as part of my sacrosanct liberality.
The Book of Mormon: Keystone
A few months ago I decided to try an experiment as part of my Sunday School lesson in Gospel Principles. This was a fairly advanced …
9 Mormons Who Ran for President
During this campaign season I’ve been helping Newell Bringhurst and Craig Foster edit their forthcoming book, The Mormon Quest for the Presidency. The book tells …
The Church is a “what”?
I’ve a friend who is a linguist who often addresses things by asking people to find metaphors for them. It is interesting to ask people …
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. …
Passage to Zarahemla: An Interview With Chris Heimerdinger
Anyone who has ever set foot in Deseret Book should recognize the name Chris Heimerdinger. His signature novel, “Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites,” was the …
The Power to Move Mountains and More!
I’ve been reading through a new compilation of early patriarchal blessings, given by the first Mormon Presiding Patriarchs: Joseph Smith Sr., Hyrum Smith and William …
Deconstructing the Book of Mormon, Introduction
While in law school I had the chance to talk with Jack Welch about the kingmen in the Book of Mormon. From that discussion in …
Reconstruction Part 1: Like a Wave, Driven and Tossed
Not so long ago I thought I knew certain things were true and wavering was a self-inflicted condition. I also really thought I was an …
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, …
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. …
Whose Record is 4th Nephi?
In the latter part of the Book of Mormon, we see a resurgence of the name “Nephi.” First, we have Helaman’s son, Nephi (Helaman 3:21) …
Personal Reflections on President Hinckley
“Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah! Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.” -W.W. Phelps, “Praise to the Man,” Hymn #27, LDS Hymnbook, 1985 …
Joseph Smith, On His Own Terms
In studying Joseph Smith in the 1970s I was struck by how often Joseph Smith would remind the brethren that they did not know as …
Avoiding the Very Appearance of Evil… (the CleanFlicks story)
Latter-day Saints are often taught to avoid the “very appearance of evil. ” This makes sense for any group that believes deity has called it …
President Hinckley Passes Away At Age 97
The LDS Newsroom reports: President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has …
The Deconstruction of Mormonism
I am trying to keep to a once-a-week blog post, generally on Sunday evening. The passing of President Hinckley is surely sad news for all …
LDS Myths about Reorganized Latter Day Saints
My uncle emailed me the other day. The bishop in his ward gave a talk about the Kirtland Temple and explained how the LDS church …
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 …
Culture Shock in Orem
A couple Sundays ago in our singles ward, we were reminded on no uncertain terms that if we were not currently enrolled in a BYU …
Church’s (Official?) Position on Biblical Interpretation
Brother Jensen thinks the story of Jonah spending three days in a whale’s belly is not literally true, but is a beautiful metaphor of Christ’s …
What Ethical Standards do Mormon Consumers Have?
Amy Goodman from Democracy Now Interviewing Charles Kernaghan, the executive director of the National Labor Committee
Should I Care if My Christian Neighbors Call Me a Non-Christian?
Evangelical Christians have been very vocal over the last century in denouncing Mormons as a “non-Christian” religion. Even the more moderate Catholic and Protestant sects …
Puddleglum as a Skeptical Believer
My wife says I have a naturally skeptical personality, sometimes to the point of pessimism. I have probably passed up being a millionaire many times by …
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?
A Primer on Neo-Fundamentalism
There is a fascinating community of—I’ll call them neo-fundamentalist LDS (NFLDS) for now—out there who illuminate a cultural template that I find greatly missing on …
Polygamy, what it really implies (Part Two)
Leaving aside the implications of polygamy as to the lessened value of males to society and to families, the other question that arises is just …
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 …
Album Review: First Light—Scenes from the Restoration
I count my enjoyment of film scores as my eccentric musical hobby. While others examine the credits of movie posters looking for actors or directors, …
Got Gender?: A Modest Proposal
Men don’t understand women very well. I understand them even less because I grew up with brothers. No sisters. This may have contributed to my …
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 …
MYTHBUSTERS: The “One True Church”
There are a lot of myths both inside and outside Mormondom about the LDS claim to be the “one true Church.” That claim is difficult …
Converts to the Church: Quality versus Quantity
In 2006, there were more than 272,800 convert baptisms in the Church. A year later, I wonder how many are still active? As President Hinckley …
JS and MLK — Blood Brothers?
This is the first in my posts with the title “The Continuing Crisis.” Each will discuss issues that either are, or should be, front and …
“I don’t know that we teach it”
In the latest LDS manual for priesthood and Relief Society sunday meetings, it features the teachings of Joseph Smith and will be in use for …
What Is “Mormon Doctrine?”
In my first post I discussed why God was concerned with creating creeds and using them as a test of one’s allegiance to God. In …
God as Codependent
If there is something truly unique about Mormon doctrine, it is the image of God. I agree with Sterling McMurrin, that its not always easy …
Defending the Faith
I’ve never been very political. It’s not that I’m a total slacker – I always read the platforms of both parties and I keep up …
As Christ Noted
The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. I thought I’d also note that the same is true of the Church. The …
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 …
“Sorceries, and Witchcrafts, and Magics”
By about 325 A.D. the Nephites had reached this point: “And it came to pass that there were sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics; and the …
The Only Truly Creedless Church on the Face of the Whole Earth
“[Unlike the Latter-day Saints] Methodists have creeds which a man must believe or be asked out of their church. I want the liberty of thinking …
Why I Voted for Mitt in Today’s Michigan Primary
I just got back from my neighborhood polling place, where I voted for Mitt Romney in the Michigan primary. Let me tell you why… Mitt …
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 …
Polygamy, What it Really Implies (Part One)
Polygamy gets a fair amount of attention from time to time, but very little thought of what it means or what it implies as far …
The Continuing Crisis
Well folks, this is my first post in this community. I’m glad to be here. Those who know me will recognize the title of this …
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 …
Do You Happen to Know So and So….
Have you ever noticed how small the LDS Church world is? It is not uncommon to run into people who know people you know. I’ve …
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 …
10 Things Every Mormon Needs to Know
In my view, the needed changes in Mormon culture do not require Church members to depart from their leaders’ counsel. To the contrary, I believe …
What’s Wrong with the Creeds of Christendom?
After nearly 1800 years of silence, the heavens at last reopened. The boy prophet knelt before God the Father and the Son, who told him …
Snack Time
My favorite time in the nursery was snack time. Oh, it’s not what you might think. I didn’t love snack time because I could snitch …
“Preach My Gospel” and the Ripple Effect
In 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 …
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!!!!!
Planet Kolob to Mormons: It’s not our weird beliefs, it’s our credibility
We know there’s a problem. Here’s how the bulk of us as Mormons see the problem: SYMPTOMS: Americans have an anti-Mormon bias which manifests itself …
Yet Another John
I don’t know what the prevalence of the name John on Mormon Matters says about this site or our parents’ predilection for monosyllabic British boy’s …
Greetings from Stevo/Steve/Stephen from the UK….
Hey there everyone,
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 …
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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 …