Author Archives: mogget

Safe? Safe?

Posted on February 17, 2012 by mogget

So, you know, this blog has that stuff about Mormon culture and all up on the masthead, but I don’t usually write much about it.  This probably has to do with a certain snobbishness on my part.  I left Utah … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 16 Comments

Ironic Unity

Posted on February 9, 2012 by mogget

Among the many threads of irony that pass through the passion narratives is this story of a second interrogation of Jesus by Herod (Luke 23:7-12): And when [Pilate] learned that [Jesus] was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him off to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Apologetics Into Doctrine: Romney’s Impact

Posted on February 2, 2012 by mogget

It appears that Andrew Sullivan published something on Mormons yesterday.  How do I know this without reading Sullivan?  Because there’s a zillion Mormons responding to his comments at sites far removed.  In fact, there’s a bumper crop of Mormon apologetics … Continue reading →

Posted in Book of Mormon, Doctrine, History, Mormon Culture, Mormon Studies, Politics | 14 Comments

Constantine’s Sword

Posted on February 1, 2012 by mogget

Sitting near York Minster in England is the statue of Constantine shown below.  Notice the contemplative look on Constantine’s face as he examines his sword.  You’d think he’d never really seen it before!  Why?  Look again, at where the tip … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Personal Issues | 1 Comment

The Creation of American Ignorance

Posted on January 27, 2012 by mogget

Over on BCC, Steve P has posted a nice summary of an article in New Scientist which attributes the decline in scientific literacy in the US to three factors:  relativism in the academy, unserious journalism, and the illiteracy of Congress. … Continue reading →

Posted in Metaphysics, Scripture, Studying Religion | 3 Comments

Christianity 101, Book of Mormon Style 3

Posted on January 24, 2012 by mogget

So in this last week we, that is me and the 17-18 year old gentlemen I teach, were looking at the Tree of Life vision and Nephi’s interpretation.  As you know, our goal is to read the BoM and look … Continue reading →

Posted in Book of Mormon, Scripture, Studying Religion | 4 Comments

9-0: Hosanna!!?

Posted on January 13, 2012 by mogget

In a 9-0 decision the U.S Supreme Court has declared that the government may not second-guess a religious community’s decision about who should serve as ministers, teachers, or leaders even when employment discrimination issues are at stake.  Why did the … Continue reading →

Posted in History, Politics, Studying Religion | 1 Comment

Christianity 101, BoM Style 2

Posted on January 10, 2012 by mogget

Another little doorway into Christianity lies, I think, in the second of the three enumerated purposes of the BoM and particularly in the phrase I have underlined: that [the remnant of the House of Israel] may know the covenants of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book of Mormon, Scripture, Studying Religion | 3 Comments

Christianity 101, BoM Style

Posted on January 7, 2012 by mogget

Tis the start of the New Year, and therefore the start of a new lesson cycle for those of us who serve as teachers in church.  What to do, what to do, we think.  A class participant who is 48 … Continue reading →

Posted in Book of Mormon, Scripture, Studying Religion | 2 Comments

Mizuko Kuyō (abortion)

Posted on June 13, 2011 by mogget

During my recent perambulations through various sacred texts searching out how major spiritual traditions claim to handle violence I ran onto a short report on a Japanese Buddhist ritual called mizuko kuyō. This is something of a memorial service for … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 13 Comments