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 Cultural Hall and FMH).
Our slant would be:
- Practical discussions about Mormonism as a culture….
- Seeking balance from all sides of the faith spectrum (Fundamentalist, Orthodox, Moderate, Liberal, RLDS and Ex). I’m looking for at least 2 permabloggers in each of these categories.
- We hope to do a podcast episode from time to time
Permabloggers must have a deep and abiding love for Mormons and Mormonism. Those who wish the LDS church church ill in any way need not apply. Anyone who falls into the “Ex” category must be of the John Hamer variety — loves Mormons and Mormonism, and wants Mormonism to succeed…just has decided that membership isn’t for them right now. They must also be intelligent and well-read about Mormonism (which means that I won’t be posting much). Finally, they must always be respectful of other’s points of view — without exception. Screeds will not be tolerated. Speaking meanly about church leadership will not be tolerated.
All discussion must be respectful, and generally in favor of Mormonism as a people/culture/faith.
We’d like each permablogger to commit to at least one post per week — on the subject of their choosing.
Please email me at mormonstories@gmail.com if you think you qualify, and are interested.
Comments 12
“Dang” you John!!!
….you got the “I wont be posting much joke” before I could!!
We all know you will be pontificating like you were Bruce R. McConkie dont we everyone??
🙂
Cheers for the invite…I would feel honoured.
Hmm, drop me an e-mail and I’ll do a guest post or two if you are interested.
Reading the first sentence of this post gave me reason to pause. Although I read the speech at the time, I don’t remember Elder Ballard creating a rule that members must blog about the Church. Clicking through to the LDS Newsroom at LDS.org summarizes the message as follows:
A suggestion to consider doing something does not, in my mind, equate to a rule. It might be worth considering whether speaking an “act of obedience” to a suggestion is fitting. Using the word “obey” implies that a new rule has been made.
On the other hand, we do often hear about “following the counsel of the Brethren,” which is often simply used as a euphemism for “obey their suggestions”.
JohnF,
I think you’re right. I was kinda of trying to be a bit humorous…but I think you’re right. I doubt it was a commandment or anything.
I agree with KC and JohnF.
I like the name. Keep it as it is, but make it public.
Now that I’ve read the requirements, count me in!
Respectfully,
Your Father
The revised site is really taking shape all around us today. Looking good!
(Wow, I’m an actual “variety” of Mormon unto myself.) 😉
John Hamer,
Not just a variety. You are the STANDARD. 🙂
Cool site!
Looks good, and a group blogs’ an excellent idea.
Congrats,
John F. – Remember that when Joseph Smith first received the Word of Wisdom that it was a suggestion and not a commandment – but why would the Lord give us a suggestion if we weren’t supposed to follow it. I think it’s the same way with Elder Ballard.
Zane: I really do not think that when Elder Ballard suggested considering making use of New Media to converse with others about the Church he was commanding members to blog. John D. has already clarified what he meant (he was joking and doesn’t think that it was a commandment) so further argument against the thought would be against a straw man, unless you are renewing it and claiming that Elder Ballard was not making a suggestion of how to use New Media effectively to spread the Gospel but rather commanding members to start blogging.
As to the Word of Wisdom, once Polygamy was jettisoned as a means of separating us from society, something had to replace it, right? What could separate us more than making the Word of Wisdom compulsory? Every Latter-day Saint alive, though many are certainly grateful for the wisdom in the Word of Wisdom, has felt like a social pariah because of it. It has proven a very effective means (since approx. 1918) of forcing us to live apart from society in many ways, performing much the same function that polygamy did before 1904. At least that is one way of looking at it, right?
Hi, I just discovered you but am impressed. Check out my website and blog. My sister and I just put out our first book (its a stretch but I’m in the acknowledgements and co-writing the second in the series) and I have another novel out in April. I’d love to get involved. Either way, I’ll keep reading.