Posts Tagged ‘ Mormons ’

209-213: Dr. William Bradshaw: A Life of Science, Service, and Compassion.

November 5, 2010

209-213: Dr. William Bradshaw: A Life of Science, Service, and Compassion.

In this episode, John Dehlin interviews one of his former professors and mentors, Dr. William Bradshaw, on a wide variety of topics. Dr. Bradshaw has just recently retired from a rich and fulfilling career as a molecular biology professor at BYU in which he influenced thousands of students to continually be open to the best thinking of the sciences while still nurturing a robust, mature faith and spiritual life. Many report Dr. Bradshaw’s classes and their various interactions with him as pivotal to their finding a way to value the wisdom generated in both their heads and their hearts. In…

What is Mormon Stories Podcast, and How Do I Listen?

January 9, 2008

Welcome to Mormon Stories Podcast — the most popular LDS/Mormon-themed podcast on the Internet (between 4,000 and 6,000 listeners per episode) For those of you looking for some interesting, Mormon-related content to try out your new Christmas iPods — allow me to explain what Mormon Stories podcast is, and how to listen: Why do you do this? Hopefully these essays will help explain it. About the podcast: What is a podcast? A podcast is like a combination radio/TV show, but better because you can download it to your iPod (or MP3 player) and listen to/watch it whenever and wherever you…

Seeking Permabloggers for New Group Blog on Mormon Culture

January 9, 2008

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:

Is Polygamy Still Mormon Doctrine?

January 8, 2008

Stephen M and his comments about the recent PR film put out by the church entitled “Mormon Myths and Reality” inspired this post. Today’s LDS Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:61 reads: “And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood—if any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse aanother, and the first give her consent, and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he justified; he cannot commit adultery for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery with that that belongeth unto him and…

New LDS Church PR Video: Mormon Myths and Reality

January 8, 2008

So…what do ya’ll think? Honest? Candid? Refreshing? Duplicitous? Reactions, please. My reactions:

Bonus: 2 Mormon Mavericks — William D. Russell and Richard D. Poll

January 7, 2008

I wanted to share with you the testimonies of 2 heroes of mine….one new, and one old. William D. Russell: For over 40 years, William D. Russell has been a progressive voice among the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (now the Community of Christ). This is his story — from a 1993 Sunstone Symposium presentation called, “Pillars of my faith”. Richard D. Poll: In early 1994 the distinguished career of Richard D. Poll, historian, professor, writer, husband and friend, came full circle. His Liahona/Iron-rod dichotomy, borrowed from the Book of Mormon, had entered the lexicon of Mormon…

The Mormon Peace Project — Please Support

January 5, 2008

The Mormon Peace Project — Please Support

I’m becoming a big fan of William Vanwagenen (of Mormon Worker fame) — and he’s at it again. As mentioned in today’s SLTrib, if your brand of Mormonism compels you to be inclined against (instead of towards) war, please consider signing this petition. Go William go!!!!

A Quick Analysis of “What Is It About Mormonism?” — The Amazing New York Times Magazine Article

January 5, 2008

A Quick Analysis of “What Is It About Mormonism?” — The Amazing New York Times Magazine Article

Holy smokes this guy nails it: a must read for thinking/seeking Mormons. The most interesting parts to me — that are most relevant to our current political and cultural situation as Mormons with the Mitt Romney campaign — are: “This period of resisting persecution by living outside the law taught Mormons that secrecy can be a necessary tool for survival. As one apostle … later put it in a speech … “I am not dishonest and not a liar . . . [but] we have always been taught that when the brethren were in a tight place that it would…

Bonus: The Story of D. Michael Quinn — In His Own Words

January 4, 2008

No I was not able to get an interview with D. Michael Quinn — but my buddy Clay turned me on to this 1994 Sunstone “Pillars of My Faith” presentation by Michael Quinn — and it does a wonderful job telling Michael Quinn’s story, in his own words. Love him, hate him, or indifferent — D. Michael Quinn will go down as one of the most important Mormons of the 20th century. This is his story, in his own words.

The Three Reasons This Mormon Thinks Romney Didn’t Win Iowa

January 4, 2008

The Three Reasons I Think Romney Didn’t Win Iowa: He’s managed his campaign in a way to make him appear like a flip-flopper, and as lacking meaningful convictions. To many, he appears to be a blatant opportunist. I’m not saying these things are true — only that they appear to many to be true. To me, Romney does not come across as an authentic Mormon OR Conservative. He managed his Iowa campaign in a way to make him appear as if he “went negative”. What’s worse, his negative ads appeared to many to be distortions. He doesn’t communicate in an…

110: Lessons on the Costs and Benefits of Big Church Changes: From the RLDS Church to the LDS Church, With Love

January 1, 2008

This is a presentation given at the 2000 Salt Lake Sunstone Symposium entitled: “The Decade of the Sixties: The Early Struggles in the RLDS Shift from Sect to Denomination”. It is a discussion of how, during the 1960s the RLDS Church made very decisive steps toward shedding its sectarian past. It began the decade clearly rooted in the sectarian world view. But by the end of the decade, many of the church’s leaders and a reasonable number of its members had adopted liberal views, down-playing traditional unique Latter Day Saint doctrines. Today, the RLDS Church (or Community of Christ as…

109: How to Stay in the LDS Church after Losing Your Faith

January 1, 2008

In this seminar (recorded live at the 2007 Northwest Sunstone Symposium in Seattle), I discuss techniques for staying in the LDS church after a major trial of faith. Additional links include: The essay from which I based this presentation. The PowerPoint deck from this presentation. The music used in this presentation (please purchase from the authors if you like) The videos from this presentation

Helen Whitney on Mormons Owning Their History and Doctrine (Secrecy)

December 27, 2007

Definitely a must-watch….

Some Bonus Material, and a Break

December 25, 2007

Dear dear friends, Family and work duties are demanding that I (as I’ve done in the past) take a break from Mormon Stories for a bit. As a parting gift, I wanted to leave you with a few extra goodies (some of which many of you will have already seen/heard/watched): My Workshop Entitled: How to Stay in the LDS Church after Losing Your Faith The essay upon which this workshop is based: How to Stay in the LDS Church after Losing Your Faith Along with the audio, PowerPoint deck, music, videos and a PDF from this workshop My “Why People…

“Mary did you know?”: (A Christmas Card to the World Pt. 2)

December 24, 2007

A dear neighbor of ours here in Logan, UT created these 2 music videos as Christmas cards to her friends and family. I wanted to share these with the rest of you. If you enjoy, please share with others.

Breath of Heaven: (A Christmas Card to the World Pt. 1)

December 23, 2007

A dear neighbor of ours here in Logan, UT created these 2 music videos as Christmas cards to her friends and family. I wanted to share these with the rest of you. If you enjoy, please share with others.

108: The Best Articulation of My Own Mormon Testimony That I’ve Ever Found — Elbert Peck and “Remnants of His Faith”

December 21, 2007

In the 1995 Salt Lake Sunstone symposium, Elbert Peck spoke in the annual “Pillars of my faith” presentation about the “Remnants of his faith.” This presentation represents (to me) the closest thing I’ve ever found to expressing how I now feel about my Mormon faith. I hope some of you will find value in it as well.

7 Reasons This Mormon Thinks Mitt Romey Will Win the 2008 Republican Nomination

December 21, 2007

7 Reasons This Mormon Thinks Mitt Romey Will Win the 2008 Republican Nomination: Fred Thompson is not energetic enough Giuliani is too corrupt (mafia connections), too sexually immoral (for conservatives), and too politically liberal John McCain is too old, has had too many cancer scares, has anger issues, and has questionable enough ethics to disqualify. He’s also last election’s news (actually — 2 elections ago) Huckleberry is completely unelectable in the generals — for his name, as well as for his past hateful rhetoric, and his entrenchment in “The Christian Right” which will turn off too many moderates and liberals.…

Mitt Romney Is Really Close to Winning the Republican Nomination

December 19, 2007

Mitt Romney Is Really Close to Winning the Republican Nomination

I think it is looking more and more likely that Mitt Romney is going to win the Republican nomination (which was my original prediction, and has been my inclination all along). Romney is now tied for the lead with Giuliani in national polls, and I will eat my trousers if Huckleberry, McCain or Thompson win the Republican primaries. I think Huckabee will go down in flames like Howard Dean….within the next 6 weeks, I predict. I really do think that it is now Mitt’s to lose. Now the general election…that’s another thing entirely. I’m still putting my money on Billary.

The LDS Church (Sort of) Answers 21 Questions about Mormon Doctrine at FoxNews.com

December 19, 2007

It looks as though Fox News worked w/ the LDS Church to publish answers to some of the typical questions regarding Mormon doctrine. Most of the answers seem relatively accurate…here are the few that did not seem right to me (either because they come across as “partial” or “technical” truths, but not the “whole truth”): Q: Does the Mormon Church believe its followers can become “gods and goddesses” after death? The Church’s Answer: “We believe that the apostle Peter’s biblical reference to partaking of the divine nature and the apostle Paul’s reference to being ‘joint heirs with Christ’ reflect the…

107: Elbert Peck and Sunstone Magazine Pt. 4 – The September Six and the Decline of Sunstone

December 19, 2007

In part 4 of this 4 part series, Elbert Eugene Peck (editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986 to 2001) discusses the 1993 September Six excommunications, the decline of Sunstone, and his thoughts on Sunstone’s future.

Seeking Input on a New Screencast: “The ‘Other’ Mormon Heroes”

December 17, 2007

I’m working on a new screencast similar to the others I’ve released to date (“Why they leave” and “Blacks and the LDS Priesthood“). This one is entitled: “The Other Mormon Heroes: What a Difference a Few Decades Can Make” — and it runs about 45 minutes (takes a few minutes to load). It is in VERY rough form, but I’d love any feedback any of you are willing to offer. I’m specifically interested in things like: Where do I get the history wrong? How do I make it more interesting/effective? How can I improve the tone? Also, this one should…

Sunstone Magazine Quoted Today on NBC’s Meet the Press

December 16, 2007

Kinda fun. Sunstone magazine (or San-stone) was quoted today on NBC’s Meet the Press interview with Mitt Romney. You can access the entire interview here, and the question/quote begins around time code 4:37. Go Sunstone!!!

Trying to See the Positive in This Whole Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Lawrence O’Donnell Thing

December 16, 2007

Holy moly. This guy ( Lawrence O’Donnell ) is a maniac! He’s not backing down in the slightest — guns are a’blazin!!!! I knew this was coming…the whole “litany of dark Mormon doctrines played out in the mainstream press” thing. Do we (as Mormons) owe Mitt Romney / Lawrence O’Donnell / Mike Huckabee a sneer, or a thank you? Time will tell. Unfortunately, as a 5th generation, semi-informed, active Mormon — I have to admit that Mr. O’Donnell gets it pretty much totally right in his enumeration of a few of the “dark” Mormon doctrinal and historical secrets. For example….…

106: Elbert Peck and Sunstone Magazine Pt. 3 – “Alternative Voices”

December 16, 2007

In part 3 of this 4 part series, Elbert Eugene Peck (editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986 to 2001) discusses the events leading up to the 1993 September Six excommunications, including the “Alternative Voices” speech by Dallin H. Oaks in 1989, and the First Presidency’s “Statement on Symposia” in 1991 — all of which contributed heavily to the decline of Sunstone from 1993 to present. *** Warning: This episode contains some profanity ***

Elder Ballard Encourages Mormon Blogging and Podcasting

December 16, 2007

Wow. This really is unbelievable. LDS Apostle M. Russell Ballard is openly encouraging faithful LDS Church members to blog and podcast, and is mentioning specific blogs. I’m truly speechless. There’s even a press release on the subject, and the full transcript. Man. Hold on to your hats, folks. This is gonna get interesting.

105: Elbert Peck and Sunstone Magazine Pt. 2 – The People of Sunstone

December 13, 2007

In part 2 of this 4 part series, Elbert Peck (Editor of Sunstone Magazine from 1986 to 2001) discusses many of the central people of Sunstone, including Leonard Arrington, Bonner Ritchie, Eugene England, Lavina Fielding Anderson, Ed Kimball, Orson Scott Card, Peggy Fletcher Stack, Scott Kinney, and many others.

The LDS Church and FAIR Address the Teaching of Jesus and Satan / Lucifer Being Brothers

December 13, 2007

For those interested, the LDS Church has been very open/candid about the belief that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers. “On first hearing, the doctrine that Lucifer and our Lord, Jesus Christ, are brothers may seem surprising to some—especially to those unacquainted with latter-day revelations. But both the scriptures and the prophets affirm that Jesus Christ and Lucifer are indeed offspring of our Heavenly Father and, therefore, spirit brothers. Jesus Christ was with the Father from the beginning. Lucifer, too, was an angel “who was in authority in the presence of God,” a “son of the morning.” (See Col. 1:15;

Calling All European Mormons: EMSA Conference 2008, Call for Papers

December 13, 2007

Hey…if my buddy Ronan is involved, it’s worth your time. What? The European Mormon Studies Association Annual Conference. Organized together with the Department of Comparative Religion at Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland When? 21–22 August 2008 Who? Keynote Address: Heikki Räisänen, Professor of New Testament Exegesis Emeritus, University of Helsinki Call for Papers: “Mormonism and the Christian Tradition”

Baptist Press Does an Analysis of Mormonism / the LDS Church in the Context of Mitt Romney

December 12, 2007

This is kinda interesting. Baptist Press is doing a multi-part series on Mitt Romney and Mormonism. The currently released articles include: An Introduction: When Mormons Come Part 1: About the Mormons Part 2: Mormons and the Bible Part 3: Archeology and the Book of Mormon Part 4: Mormonism and the Book of Abraham Is Mormonism Christian? Part 1 Is Mormonism Christian? Part 2 Christian / Mormon Doctrinal Differences What do you all think about this? Is this accurate? Totally inaccurate? Mean spirited? Friendly?

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