Any mainstream, believing Latter-day Saint is likely to feel at least some ambivalence about what may be coming over the horizon in addition to same-sex “marriage”:   http://dailysignal.com/2015/07/24/how-the-media-is-promoting-polyamory-the-new-marriage-equality/?utm_source=heritagefoundation&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=morningbell&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRohu63LZKXonjHpfsX56e4sXaGwlMI%2F0ER3fOvrPUfGjI4ATMNiMK%2BTFAwTG5toziV8R7jHKM1t0sEQWBHm   One thing, though, is absolutely clear:  There’s a whole lot more historical precedent, worldwide and in all eras, for polygamy — or, more precisely, for polygyny — than there is for gay “marriage.”   On what non-arbitrary and principled basis can our overlords fail to endorse it when they’re… Read more

      http://www.tabletmag.com/scroll/192442/researchers-ancient-scroll-discovered-in-israeli-contains-verses-from-leviticus?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=post&utm_content=RESEARCHERS%3A+ANCIENT+SCROLL+DISCOVERED+IN+ISRAEL+CONTAINS+VERSES+FROM+LEVITICUS&utm_campaign=july2015   Thanks to Jabra Ghneim for calling my attention to this item.     Read more

      Some interesting this way comes, from Brant Gardner:   http://gregkofford.com/blogs/news/35937733-preview-em-traditions-of-the-fathers-the-book-of-mormon-as-history-em     Read more

    Luke 14:25-33 Compare Matthew 10:37-38   This passage exhorts us to an interesting mix of prudence and absolute commitment.  I suppose that what makes such a mix possible is the idea that the decision to follow Christ should be a thoughtful, reflective, and serious one.   It’s reminiscent of the advice sometimes given to those considering marriage:  Keep your eyes wide open before the wedding, and half shut afterwards.   If you make a covenant, keep it.  If… Read more

    Here’s an interesting “exchange” between two respected Latter-day Saint academics:   http://www.wheatandtares.org/17915/richard-bushman-on-mormonism/   http://welcomingtheother.blogspot.com/2015/07/a-response-to-richard-bushman.html     Read more

    “I said to the almond tree, ‘Sister, speak to me of God.’ And the almond tree blossomed.” Nikos Kazantzakis (d. 1957), Report to Greco     Read more

    He’s a believer, but he demands no boycotts and doesn’t call for bombing the theater:   http://www.idahostatesman.com/2015/07/23/3907718_review-a-mormons-perspective-on.html?rh=1     Read more

    Luke 14:15-24 Compare Matthew 22:1-14   When I hear occasional reports of multigenerational members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints abandoning their covenants, cutting themselves off from the legacy of their ancestors, and rejecting their one-time faith, I’m afraid that I’m reminded of this parable.     Read more

    This is a fascinating find.   And one of the dates involved is of particular interest, from my point of view:   http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/07/150724-Maya-hieroglyph-shrine-Tikal-Calakmul-Guatemala-archaeology-stele-discovery-Peten-epigraphy/   Thanks to Zander Sturgill for bringing the article to my notice.   Posted from Logan, Utah     Read more

    In honor of the Pioneer Day weekend, I post, yet again, a link to one of my favorite online videos.  It’s less than six minutes long, showing the determination of Latter-day Saints in Cameroon to make their way to the then newly-dedicated Aba Nigeria Temple:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rf8xoDoj2jA   Every time I watch it, I’m moved.  I’m inspired — and  chastened — by their dedication, commitment, and faith.   Posted from Logan, Utah     Read more