Two interesting comments from outsiders on the controversial recent policy change

The first is from Noah Feldman, and appeared in the Bloomberg View:

“Mormons’ Peace with Gay Marriage Only Goes So Far”

I almost called this post “Two comments from Gentiles on the controversial recent policy change.”  But then I thought, “No, can’t do that.  Noah Feldman is Jewish.”  Then I thought, “But that would be funny.”  But then I thought, “No, never mind.  It would probably take too much explaining.  And somebody would probably be offended.  (Or would try to be, anyhow.)”

The second item, from the superb conservative magazine of religion and public life First Things, refers to “the Benedict Option,” a phrase that has been circulating quite a bit over the past few years among some faithful non-Mormon Christians who’re appalled by a number of current social, political, and cultural trends.  The reference isn’t to the recent Pope Benedict XVI, but to St. Benedict of Nursia (d. ca. AD 480), the founder of Western monasticism.

“Same-Sex Marriage and the Mormon Benedict Option”

Being “in the world, but not of the world” may be taking on a different, richer, more difficult meaning.