Posts Tagged ‘ Mormon Culture ’

084: Introducing “Project Deseret” Podcast, with Ashley Sanders. Inaugural Episode — “The Mormon Aesthetic”

November 5, 2007

084: Introducing “Project Deseret” Podcast, with Ashley Sanders. Inaugural Episode — “The Mormon Aesthetic”

Mormon Stories listeners — today I wanted to introduce you to (again) one of the brightest young minds and most vibrant spirits I’ve encountered within Mormonism — Ashley Sanders. Some of you will recognize Ashley from a previous Mormon Stories episode. Others might recognize her name — as being one of the principal organizers for BYU’s alternative commencement. Regardless — Ashley has an amazing gift of expression, and an ardent passion for social commentary and cultural/political activism within Mormonism. Why am I telling you all this? In cooperation with Mormon Stories and Sunstone, I am proud to announce that Ashley…

077-083: “Understanding the September Six” — Paul Toscano Parts 1 – 7

October 31, 2007

When the history of 20th century Mormonism is written, Paul Toscano will likely go down as one of the most controversial and divisive figures of that era. Paul is the husband of Margaret Toscano, and was excommunicated (along with 4 others and 1 disfellowshipment) during the infamous “September Six” incident in September of 1993. This is Paul’s story — as told in his own words. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 I feel that interviews like this are essential within Mormonism for at least a few reasons: For those interested in Mormon…

MTV’s Engaged and Underage Episode 6: Mormon Temple Marriage and the Exclusion of Non-Members

March 6, 2007

MTV’s Engaged and Underage Episode 6: Mormon Temple Marriage and the Exclusion of Non-Members

(Props to Tom Grover for the Head’s up) MTV is running a series called “Engaged and Underage” on underage marriages in the U.S. One of the couples they are spotlighting is a Mormon couple — she was raised in the church, he converted. Within this episode, they explore how hard it is for non-LDS families to be excluded from the wedding ceremony in the LDS temple. It’s definitely an interesting Mormon story. Some parts are QUITE painful. To watch the episode, click here and then click on the “Engaged and Underage: Episode 6 — Play All” link at the top…

U.N.L.V. Forward Does Not Lack Family Support ( Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Meets NCAA Basketball )

March 5, 2007

U.N.L.V. Forward Does Not Lack Family Support ( Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Meets NCAA Basketball )

NY Times: LAS VEGAS, March 4 — (Again from Paula) When the cheering section for Joe Darger is at full strength, it includes his father, his mother, his 18 siblings and his father’s other wife. They wear red T-shirts, blow on red noisemakers and wave red pompoms. They appear no different from any other group in the U.N.L.V. family section — only larger and louder. “We cheer for all the players,” said John Darger, Joe’s father. “We like to get a little rowdy.” John Darger is married to Carollee Darger, Joe’s mother. He is also married to Elizabeth Darger, the…

052: J. Bonner Ritchie—On Organizations, Individuals, and Pillars of Thoughtful Faith

February 16, 2007

052: J. Bonner Ritchie—On Organizations, Individuals, and Pillars of Thoughtful Faith

To keep this podcast alive, please consider donating to Mormon Stories by clicking on the “Make a Donation” button at the top right of this blog. Also, please show Sunstone your gratitude for the following presentation by either subscribing to the magazine, donating, or purchasing some of the MP3s from their library. ============================ A few weeks ago, a very close friend of mine named Russell mailed me a CD full of his favorite Sunstone Symposium MP3s. While several of struck me as profound, one presentation in particular was groundbreaking, and almost breathtaking to me. It was a presentation delivered in…

Philip Barlow Selected as USU Leonard Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture

February 13, 2007

Philip Barlow Selected as USU Leonard Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture

It’s a great day. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Philip Barlow has been selected as the Utah State University Leonard Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture (thanks to Mormon Wasp for the heads up). Perhaps the most interesting quote from the article for me is, “At USU, Barlow will not be discussing or promoting his faith. ‘We are not teaching Mormon doctrine or theology . . . or testing the truth of it,’ said Norman L. Jones, history department chairman. ‘We are looking at what people do because they believe certain things.’” I’m excited because he’s in Logan.…

Seeking Help in Preparation for a Series on Women’s Issues Within Mormonism

February 7, 2007

I am literally sickened with embarassment that I have now surpassed 50 episodes on Mormon Stories, and I have yet to do an episode on Women’s issues and the church. I would like to atone for this soon, but I need your help. In all honesty (and isn’t this classic?), I know virtually NOTHING about feminism or women’s issues within Mormonism. Here’s what I’m thinking:

My Reflections from My Interview with Richard Bushman

February 7, 2007

Most of you will likely consider this a rambling mess, but I wanted to post my reflections from my interview with Richard Bushman somewhere–so I’m doing it here. I include these comments in audio form at the beginning of part 5, but here they are in text form:

051: Richard Bushman Part 5 — Final Thoughts (For now)

February 7, 2007

In the 5th and final part of this multi-part interview with Dr. Richard Bushman, the world’s foremost scholar on Joseph Smith and early Mormonism and author of Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, John Dehlin offers some final thoughts on his time with Brother Bushman, and Dr. Bushman himself provides some final musings on the challenges of dealing with tough Mormon issues. He then concludes with his testimony of Joseph Smith. To access this interview, subscribe via iTunes, or click here to listen to the audio directly. To provide direct feedback to me or to Dr. Bushman about this episode, please…

048: Richard Bushman Part 2 — The Art of History, Joseph Smith’s First Vision Stories, and Joseph’s Participation in Folk Magic and Treasure Digging

January 25, 2007

In part 2 of this multi-part interview with Dr. Richard Bushman, the world’s foremost scholar on Joseph Smith and early Mormonism and author of Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, we tackle 4 main topics. First, brother Bushman provides a high level review of the major Joseph Smith biographies that preceded Rough Stone Rolling, including Fawn Brodie’s “No man knows my history.” Next, brother Bushman discusses the art of writing history, and the challenges involved in trying to arrive at “the facts” and “the truth” for both historians, and readers of history. Finally, we discuss in depth the first 2 of…

047: Richard Bushman Part 1 — Experiences as a Mormon Historian

January 22, 2007

047: Richard Bushman Part 1 — Experiences as a Mormon Historian

In part 1 of this multi-part interview, Dr. Richard Bushman, the world’s foremost scholar on Joseph Smith and early Mormonism and the author of Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, discusses his years as a Mormon historian–including his struggle with faith as a Harvard undergraduate, his decision to get a PhD in history, and his experiences with Leonard Arrington, Dialogue and Sunstone. He also discusses the role of candid, honest history within the modern LDS Church. To access this interview, subscribe via iTunes, or click here to listen to the audio directly. =================== As a side note, I’m simultaneously elated and…

046: Understanding Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Part 5: Anne’s Beliefs and Testimony

January 21, 2007

To keep this podcast alive, please consider donating to Mormon Stories by clicking on the “Make a Donation” button at the top right of this blog. =================== In the final portion of our 5 part interview with Anne Wilde (Mormon Fundamentalist and Polygamist), Anne shares with us her views on a plethora of topics, including the Adam God Theory, Blood Atonement, Blacks and the Priesthood, feminism, and homosexuality. She also discusses her view of the future–both for Mormon Fundamentalism, and the world. And in my favorite part of the entire series, Anne concludes by sharing with us her testimony.Your story,…

045: Understanding Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Part 4: Modern Polygamy Gone Wrong and Right

January 19, 2007

To keep this podcast alive, please consider donating to Mormon Stories by clicking on the “Make a Donation” button at the top right of this blog. =================== When many of us, as Mormons, think about 21st century polygamy, we often associate it with what we see on TV, or read in the paper: 60 year old men taking 13 year old child brides. Incest. Wifes being reassigned to other husbands. Welfare fraud. Basically, we think about the most egregious examples to come from the isolated, closed communities of the Fundamentalist LDS Church, led by Warren Jeffs. And while this ugly…

044: Understanding Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Part 3: Anne’s Story

January 17, 2007

In part 3 of this 5 part series, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist) discusses her story–recounting how she went from being a traditional member of the LDS Church: BYU graduate, married in the temple, and mother of 3 children–to becoming a practicing Mormon Fundamentalist and polygamist–all while remaining active in the LDS church, and raising her children in her Salt Lake City ward.

042-043: Understanding Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Parts 1 & 2: Polygamy in the Early LDS Church and the Rise of Mormon Fundamentalism

January 16, 2007

In part 1 of this 5 part interview, Anne B. Wilde (Independent Mormon Fundamentalist, polygamist, and founder of Principle Voices) discusses the early practice of polygamy within the LDS Church. In part 2, Anne discusses the rise of Mormon Fundamentalism after the LDS Church decided to stop teaching plural marriage as an official church doctrine. She also discusses the schism within Mormon Fundamentalism, resulting in the various sects that exist today, in the 21st century.

Understanding Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Part 2: The Rise of Mormon Fundamentalism

January 13, 2007

Please click here to support Mormon Stories by “Digging” this podcast, or click on the post link above to find the “Sustain This!” button. In part 2 of this 5 part interview with Anne B. Wilde, Anne discusses the rise of Mormon Fundamentalism, and its progression to today. For part 1 of this interview, click here. The audio tends to lag a bit, but it’s good enough to release (for now).

Understanding Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy Part 1: Polygamy Within The Early LDS Church

January 13, 2007

Please click here to support Mormon Stories by “Digging” this podcast, or click on the post link above to find the “Sustain This!” button. This video begins part 1 of a 5 part interview with Anne B. Wilde: co-founder of Principle Voices, a support and advocacy group for Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamy. Anne herself practiced polygamy for around 30 years (though her husband recently passed way). She is an extremely articulate and thoughtful woman. Anyway, let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy! More to come.

040-041: Deseret Book’s Acquisition of Seagull and Covenant–Adventures of a Mormon Book Author–Christopher Bigelow

January 8, 2007

(To keep this podcast alive, please consider donating to Mormon Stories by clicking on the “Make a Donation” button at the top right of this blog).What’s it like to actually try to publish a Mormon-themed book? As an author, how many copies are you likely to sell, and how much money do you stand to make? And how do Mormon authors view the implications of the recent acquisition of Seagull Book and Tapes and Covenant communications by Deseret Book? As we continue part 3 in our series on this acquisition, we interview Christopher Bigelow, president of Zarahemlabooks.com, and author of…

039: Lowell Bennion–Mormon educator and humanitarian–through the eyes of Mary Lythgoe Bradford (An interview by Stirling Adams)

January 4, 2007

To keep this podcast alive, please consider donating to Mormon Stories by clicking on the “Make a Donation” button at the top right of this blog. Lowell Bennion is without a doubt one of the most important Mormon figures in the 20th century. Along with T. Edgar Lyon, Lowell Bennion founded the University of Utah LDS Institute, and taught and inspired many of the great Mormon minds of the 20th century, including Eugene England, and many of the founders of Dialogue and Sunstone. Lowell Bennion was also commissioned to author several Sunday school and priesthood manuals for the church in…

037-038: Deseret Book’s Acquisition of Seagull and Covenant–A Conversation with Kent Larsen

January 2, 2007

To keep this podcast alive, please consider donating to Mormon Stories by clicking on the “Make a Donation” button at the top right of this blog. Well, it’s been a long time coming, but I’m finally ready to bring back Mormon Stories Podcast. Thanks for your patience. As many of you know, Deseret Book recently decided to acquire Seagull Book and Tape and Covenant Communications — 2 of Deseret Book’s top competitors in the LDS book publishing and retail market. In parts 1 and 2 of a series on this topic, LDS book publisher Kent Larsen of http://www.mormonpavillion.com and http://www.motleyvision.org…

Seeking Comments/Questions for My Next Interview: Polygamy Spokeswoman Anne B. Wilde

December 30, 2006

OK…I’ve lined up my next interview–Anne B. Wilde, spokeswoman for Principle Voices. I met her at the Sunstone symposium last August–and she is an amazingly delightful woman. I hope to do the interview mid-next week. Please post any questions or comments you’d like me to present to Ms. Wilde in advance. About Ms. Wilde: Anne was born and raised in the LDS Church, coming from generations of prominent pioneer ancestors. She graduated with honors from BYU in Business Education, and was married in the Los Angeles Temple a year later. After extensive study and research, she determined that the original…

Songs of Praise: Young LDS Rock Star Talks About Faith

September 26, 2006

Songs of Praise: Young LDS Rock Star Talks About Faith

Both my mother, and my friend Eric, forwarded me this link, so I thought I’d share. It’s about a young LDS rock star named Brandon Flowers–lead singer for the Killers. Full text below….

AskGramps.com, Moregoodfoundation.org, and the Desperate Need for Official Answers

September 18, 2006

The More Good Foundation is referring people to a newer web site entitled: http://www.askgramps.org. Generally it seems to be a well-intended, good hearted, somewhat informative repository of unofficial answers (and I openly applaud both sites for what they are trying to do). Still, after reading around this site, here are some of the more interesting and/or troubling answers….

“Only the Gospel” Video, LDS Teen Motivation, and the Mormon World View

September 18, 2006

Published by a youtube user entitled “ldsteencenter“, this new video is powerfully interesting. The primary audio track is a female singing “I know that my Redeemer lives.” The video track consists of natural disasters, wars, and calamities, interspersed with pictures of Jesus, Gordon B. Hinckley, Book of Mormon quotes, etc. The secondary audio track is excerpts from General Conference talks. The end shows hundreds of new converts on baptism day, climaxing in more pictures of the Savior. Definitely an effective use of multimedia (depending on what your goals are).

How you can help Richard Dutcher/States of Grace (DVD to be released soon)

September 13, 2006

For those of you who are fans of Richard Dutcher and/or States of Grace, the DVD is being released in October. Apparently, Deseret Book and Seagull Book have not yet decided if they want to carry it. In addition, Richard’s distribution company is in strong need of grass roots support of the DVD. I recently received an email from them, asking to spread the word on the many ways we can help promote Richard, and this wonderful movie (which I consider to be the best LDS movie ever made–hands down). Here are some of the things you can do (all…

Dr. Armand Mauss Interviewed Today on KVNU’s “For the People”

September 7, 2006

Dr. Armand Mauss Interviewed Today on KVNU’s “For the People”

Today Armand Mauss was interviewed on Logan’s local radio show: KVNU‘s “For the People” with Tom Grover and Ryan Yonk. To listen to the interview, click here. I love Armand Mauss. I think his should be a household name within Mormonism, and his books required reading. A big thanks to Dr. Mauss and Tom Grover/Ryan Yonk for doing the interview.

Super Lame Interviewer Nancy Grace Talks with Elizabeth Smart

August 29, 2006

I’m sure you’ve all seen this, but if you haven’t, check out this SUPER lame Elizabeth Smart Interview on CNN with Nancy Grace.

“Understanding (LDS) Homosexuality” Videos also available on DVD and VHS

August 19, 2006

“Understanding (LDS) Homosexuality” Videos also available on DVD and VHS

These videos are also available in videocassette and DVD format. If you wish to obtain a copy, please send an email to Dr. Ron Schow

RadioWest Interview: Mormonism and Pop Culture (Featuring South Park)

August 18, 2006

I love Doug Fabrizio (met him at Sunstone last week). I really enjoyed this interview w/ Mark Pinsky and Dennis Potter. It includes some interview footage w/ Southpark creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone on Mormons and Mormonism. This was a *really* enjoyable listen for me. Check it out here.

Understanding LDS Homosexuality Video Pt. 3: “Embracing our Homosexual Children”

August 17, 2006

In part 3 of this 3 part series on LDS homosexuality, we learn about a devout LDS family (the Horstmanshoffs), wherein 4 out of 11 children are homosexuals. The purpose of this video is to help LDS families learn how to truly love and embrace their homosexual children, and their partners (vs. merely tolerating them).

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