Mormon Culture
Matriarchy and Patriarchy at Baptism
My brother called me up a few days ago and asked me if I would serve as a witness to his son’s baptism. Of course! I’d be honored. Then I realized why he asked me. Traditionally, it seems that grandpas serve as witnesses at LDS baptisms. But grandpa died a year ago. While I was […]
Mixed Feelings About 2-hour Block/Pageants
I am probably in the minority. I think I’m going to miss weekly Sunday School. Having said that, I’m sitting here in the hall skipping Sunday School. So why would I miss it? I’ve taught gospel doctrine twice. It is one of my favorite callings. It helped kick start my gospel study and forced me […]
Is the Church Running Scared? (Plus Elizabeth Smart Notes)
The LDS Church has been subject to increasing leaks and protests lately. MormonLeaks has been publishing internal documents (some mundane, some embarrassing), and some people have been sneaking cameras into church to record Protest-imonies. Apparently Jeremy Runnells and Sam Young have had excommunication proceedings posted online as well. Is the LDS Church becoming even more […]
Please Give Me Advice for a Calling I Don’t Want
After a few pleasantries, including how busy my life is, here’s the gist of a conversation with a counselor in the bishopric. Counselor: Brother, the reason why you are here is that we have prayed on our knees, and the bishop feels inspired to call you to be the building coordinator. Now you don’t have […]
Elder Oaks: Be One, Unless You’re Gay
I attended the “Be One” celebration last night at the Conference Center. It was truly an amazing service. I encourage you all to watch it. Gladys Knight, the Bonner Family, the Be One Choir, and all the performers were amazing. I got a little emotional as I listened to these wonderful black performers discuss the […]
A Couple of Interesting Sacrament Meetings
I’ve attended a couple of interesting Sacrament Meetings the past 2 weeks. In one, the bishop got up an asked a few rhetorical questions. “How would you react if the church suddenly asked for 20% tithing, rather than 10% tithing? What would be your reaction if the church suddenly said once/month home teaching isn’t good […]
When Modesty is a Matter of Life & Death
I hate modesty posts. This is my first modesty post. I appreciate how it is a big issue with some people, and I think the church often goes overboard, but it’s just not that interesting of a topic to me. However, I want to share with you a situation that happened with my sister just […]
Baptist Church Problems with Race
Mormons have long had a problem with race regarding the ban that resulted in blacks being denied priesthood and temple blessings until 1978. Mormons aren’t the only ones with racial problems though. According to Wikipedia, In May 1845, the Baptist congregations in the United States split over slavery and missions. The Home Mission Society prevented slaveholders from […]
Coke on Campus
According to the Salt Lake Tribune Sometime this spring, LDS Business College in Salt Lake City began selling Coke products — with caffeine — in its cafe. The church-owned Joseph Smith Memorial Building, across from downtown’s iconic Mormon temple, had long since shrugged off the supposed taboo. It makes no difference: The faith’s flagship school […]
BYU/Studio C’s Interracial Couple
My kids love to watch Studio C. For those of you unfamiliar with Studio C, it is a sketch comedy show on BYU-TV, and they also publish comedy routines on YouTube. It definitely appeals to the pre-teen, teen crowd, but adults will find some of their routines funny too. Here’s one where Sleeping Beauty has […]
Mormon Heretic 