Judaism

Women and Temples

By Mormon Heretic March 14, 2012 23 Comments

It’s amazing what you can learn on the Bloggernacle.  Layne at Feminist Mormon Housewives expressed concern about a policy at a temple she attended.  As Young Women’s advisor, she took the young women in her ward to perform baptisms for the dead.  Apparently the unnamed temple she attended had a policy that women currently experiencing […]

Atonement Theories

By Mormon Heretic February 12, 2012 2 Comments

National Geographic has put together a 3-DVD set about the life of Jesus in a series called Science of the Bible.  Each DVD contains a different aspect of his life.  In a documentary called The Arrest, they document the ancient Jewish practices at the temple and events leading to his arrest.  The producers of the […]

Interesting Presentations at Weber State

By Mormon Heretic August 7, 2011 18 Comments

Due to a scheduling conflict, Sunstone was forced to find a new venue for this year’s conference. Rather than stay at the Sheraton in Salt Lake City as they have for the past few years, the conference moved to Weber State University in Ogden. I was only able to attend the Saturday conference, but wanted […]

The Apocryphal book of Judith

By Mormon Heretic July 31, 2011 3 Comments

Many people refer to “the Apocrypha” as if it is a clearly defined set of books.  The work “apocrypha” means literally “things hidden away.”  In modern usage, an apocryphal book is any book not part of the Bible.  In that sense, the Book of Mormon could be called an apocryphal book; there is a new […]

Were Israelites Not Slaves to the Egyptians?

By Mormon Heretic April 17, 2011 18 Comments

With Passover beginning on April 19, I thought it might be nice to look at a new theory of the Exodus.  If you want to see some of the previous theories, click here for my post on Questions about the Exodus.  I just reviewed a video from the History Channel called Bible Battles.  The film […]

Should We Credit Luther for the Apocrypha?

By Mormon Heretic March 26, 2011 14 Comments

There are many Christian stories not contained in the Bible.  For example, I have reviewed the First Infancy Gospel of Jesus, the Gospel of the Birth of Mary, and the Gospel of Judas (to name a few).  These writings are referred to as apocryphal writings.  Some Christians have referred to the Book of Mormon as […]

Thanksgiving and Happiness

By Mormon Heretic November 24, 2010 Leave a comment

I just finished a book called Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom.  Mitch is asked by his rabbi to deliver his eulogy, and the book details his efforts to get more acquainted with the rabbi.  There is a wonderful message about gratitude and happiness that I wanted to share for Thanksgiving. The rabbi was […]

Walking Arm in Arm with Others

By Mormon Heretic November 20, 2010 5 Comments

Mitch Albom wrote a book titled Have a Little Faith.  Mitch grew up Jewish, but as he left for college and started a career in sports writing, he left many of his Jewish roots behind.  Years later, his rabbi approached him with a special request.  From page 1 of his book, “Will you do my […]

Did Peter Get Demoted? Was James the Real Leader of Early Christianity?

By Mormon Heretic August 22, 2010 32 Comments

I just finished the book Saint Peter: A Biography by Michael Grant.  I think it is misnamed.  I don’t feel like I know Peter any better, but it is a good book for learning about early Christianity.  The author describes how tough it is to really understand Peter both at the beginning, as well as […]

Questions About the Exodus

By Mormon Heretic April 11, 2010 28 Comments

Sorry there was no post last week.  I had planned to put this one up, but this has turned out to be one of my longest posts since my Priesthood Ban post.  This post is over 6000 words (14 pages), so be forewarned.  I’ve combined three different videos, so that’s why it took so long.  […]