Many Mormons understand their orientation to be to their spouse. This is commendable, because it demonstrates dedication and fidelity. However, a spouse for Latter-day Saints means someone of the opposite gender. Homosexuality gets compartmentalized as an affliction that can lead to selfishness if not kept in check. This selfishness is…
Category: Priesthood
Church Handbook of Instructions – 2010 version available online
Not sure who or why, but you can download a full scan of the Church Handbook of Instructions – 2010 version here: http://martinluther537.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/2010-church-handbook-of-instructions-book-1a.pdf http://martinluther537.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/2010-church-handbook-of-instructions-book-2a.pdf Here’s his summary of what is in them and why he’s doing it: http://martinluther537.wordpress.com/
Drinking Coke
We’ve discussed before how difficult it is to determine official mormon doctrine. Policies and guidelines seem to change with the generations, with geographical area or with personal revelation. I’ve heard from two different sources that someone very high up in mormon priesthood and corporate leadership drinks coke on a regular…
worst home teacher ever
Stetson Hallam, a 20-year old sophomore at BYU, was rebuffed by one of the girls for whom he was a home teacher. His response: Catch her in their apartment complex, use a stun gun to immobilize her, then attempt to handcuff her (unclear what he was planning after that). But…
The Nature of Ritual
I heard this story this morning- about an exhibit at the Jewish Museum in New York: An exhibit at the Jewish Museum in New York looks at some of the many ways people are re-imagining Jewish ritual. From “green energy” synagogues to a prayer shawl that doubles as an apron,…
Sunday in Outer Blogness: Power Edition!
Continuing our discussion of John R’s impending excommunication, Holly has written an interesting series on the power of the priesthood (specifically, on its power to corrupt), see Men with First Names and Sweaty Palms, Stunted and Misshapen by the Priesthood, and The Priesthood is Magic. The angryyoungwoman, also inspired by…
Every exmember a missionary.
These days, I don’t talk religion that much with people offline that much, and even when I do, I keep my religion/lack thereof cloudy until someone asks outright (it’s amazing how many people will talk and talk presuming you’re Christian and never ask you if you feel otherwise…but maybe that’s…
A Convert’s Conscience
Although he appears to be a star professor at BYU, I have only become aware of Robert Millet’s efforts during the last two years. As a convert, I have to admit that his approach to investigators distresses me somewhat. I know that Millet means well when he suggests to side…
In addition to touring the temple…
I heard this story on Friday on NPR. I support the Utah LDS church’s movement towards openness and honesty. I admit, this effort seems a little like a drop in the ocean. Yet I have to acknowledge the attempt. One of the comments Quentin Cook made was that they were…