I just finished the first volume of a new history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Saints. In many ways it is remarkable.
Continue reading “Saints, Vol 1 – A Hidden Message”Packing For Mars
Packing for Mars by Mary Roach was intended to be a diversion from recent religious readings, and it was. But, it also provided an interesting perspective for viewing church. First, a few points from the book.
Continue reading “Packing For Mars”Scripture Raisins
While looking into books to expand my study of The Gospel of Mark, I came across the following little gem from Julie Smith, Bible scholar and author of Search, Ponder, and Pray: A Guide to the Gospels. In a question and answer dialogue regarding her book she was asked: Continue reading “Scripture Raisins”
Visitors Welcome
“Membership Required” is a restriction that I have never seen on a house of worship. (Well, except for Mormon temples, which don’t say that on the outside but do on the inside–but that’s another subject.) Continue reading “Visitors Welcome”
The Prophet Shall Never Lead Us…
In a recent interview posted by Mormon Newsroom, President Russell M. Nelson made the following statement.
If you think the Church has been fully restored, you’re just seeing the beginning. There is much more to come. Wait till next year. And then the next year. Eat your vitamin pills. Get your rest. It’s going to be exciting.
Women At Church Should . . .
I attended my first FAIRMormon conference in 2012. It was a wonderful experience to associate with other church members that did not consider it unfaithful to “think” about church subjects. One of the speakers was Neylan McBaine who presented “To Do The Business of the Church: A Cooperative Paradigm for Examining Gender Participation Within Church Organizational Structure.” Continue reading “Women At Church Should . . .”
The God Who Weeps
Does God weep? Does God even care about us? Can He relate to and feel for our troubles and trials? Does God own us? Are we compelled to seek him and his will or are we truly free to choose? These are some of the questions addressed by Terryl and Fiona Givens in their book The God Who Weeps – How Mormonism Makes Sense of Life.
Continue reading “The God Who Weeps”Sufficiency
Are we missing one of the main points of Christ’s ministry?
There are a few subjects that one cannot write about, regardless of position, without appearing a fool. (So, of course, I will validate this statement with the following post.)
Continue reading “Sufficiency”
Random Seeds
A few days ago, while reading the Parable of the Sower, I saw something hidden in the weeds that intrigued me. Actually, it was hidden in the method. Continue reading “Random Seeds”
Covenant of Willingness
What do you misunderstand or just plain miss with respect to the sacrament (communion/Lord’s Supper)? Are there different perspectives that would inform your understanding and enrich your experience? Continue reading “Covenant of Willingness”