Prelude to ‘Defense of Marriage’ Campaign: Civil Discrimination Against Feared or Despised Minorities America’s “Defense of Marriage” campaign against legal unions for homosexuals is the most recent example of using lofty slogans to defend the denial of civil rights to feared or despised minorities. Catholics, Mormons, Protestants, Jews, African-Americans, Asian- Americans, Native American Indians, and …
Event: Salt Lake Symposium 2000
The Power of God
The Power of God It is often said that the God of the Latter-day Saints is finite. However, this is not very often conceded by Latter-day Saints themselves. Saying that God is finite seems to be a very good starting point to solving the problem of evil, on the one hand. But, on the other …
LDS ‘Headquarters Culture’ And The Rest Of Mormonism: Past And Present
LDS ‘Headquarters Culture’ And The Rest Of Mormonism: Past And Present The Mormon doctrine of “Gathering” created a distinctive culture at the headquarters of the LDS church. During founder Joseph Smith’s life, this “headquarters culture” had pronounced differences of theology, Church practice, and culture from the experience of Mormons who lived distant from the headquarters. …
Little Mormon Magazines: Sinking, Swimming, And Treading Water
Little Mormon Magazines: Sinking, Swimming, And Treading Water The eagerness of Mormons to communicate about issues of interest has led to the launching of many special-interest periodicals, beginning in 1833 with the Evening and Morning Star in Independence, Missouri. But not all of these little ships make it past shoals to the deep ocean of …
Perusing the Decalogue
Perusing the Decalogue The Decalogue (“ten words”) is one of six similar law codes found in the Pentateuch (the “five books of Moses”). Since it constitutes the basis of Judeo-Christian-Muslim religious law, a careful reading and understanding of it is vital. The Decalogue occurs in two versions–one in Exodus, another in Deuteronomy–which (especially the events …
Dancing With the Sacred
Dancing With the Sacred The experience of dancing/playing like a child with a Shuar tribesman in Ecuador’s rainforest and not knowing he was one of the jungle’s most powerful shaman led me to questions about knowing. How much would I have missed had I “known” he was a revered Holy Man? How much do any …
What Does God Write in his Franklin Planner? The Paradoxes of Providence, Prophecy, and Petitionary Prayer
What Does God Write in his Franklin Planner? The Paradoxes of Providence, Prophecy, and Petitionary Prayer Traditional theism claims that God is provident. This means that God is the supreme governor and ruler of the universe. Everything is planned out, and nothing contravenes his will. Furthermore, everything is planned out for the best. How should …
Pillars of My Faith
Pillars of My Faith This is Sunstone’s perennially best-attended session. Here speakers share the events and concepts that animate their religious lives: a little soul bearing, a little spiritual journey, a little intellectual testimony-bearing. This self-reflective night is about the things that matter most, plus spirited congregational hymn singing. Kim Bateman, Carol Lynn Pearson
Against The Grain: An Interview With Historian, Educator, And Author Brigham D. Madsen
Against The Grain: An Interview With Historian, Educator, And Author Brigham D. Madsen As chief historian for Patton’s Third Army in Germany and observer of WWII War crimes trials at Nuremberg, Brig Madsen honed empirical skills he applied to an illustrious career as a Peace Corps manager in Washington, D.C., Vice President and history chair …
Mormonism On The Big Screen: What To Make Of Richard Dutcher’s Motion Picture Success, God’s Army?
Mormonism On The Big Screen: What To Make Of Richard Dutcher’s Motion Picture Success, God’s Army? Utahans have flocked to see God’s Army more than any other movie this year. Since opening in Salt Lake City in March, it has played, is now playing, and continues to open in major cities throughout the United States, …