The recent policy changes in the LDS church treat polygamy and same-sex marriage as analogous in two ways. First, they are explicitly defined as "apostasy," resulting in automatic church discipline. Second, the children of such relationships receive the highest level of scrutiny before they are allowed to join the church. Why are these two kinds of relationships, and the children of such relationships, subject to such treatment? We might note that other sexual and relationship sins will result … [Read more...]
Polygamy and Same-Sex Marriage: The Contagion Theory
November 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Some non-arguments against ordaining women to the LDS priesthood
April 4, 2014 by 5 Comments
I’m sure all these things have been said before and better, but in order to satisfy my need to respond to some of the assertions presented as self-evident arguments against opening the LDS priesthood to women, I collect my responses here. Here are my top five non-arguments [with a sixth I couldn’t resist]:1. Men and women are not the same.2. Women have moral authority.3. There is no scriptural precedent for ordaining women.4. There is scriptural precedent for the denial of equal t … [Read more...]
Hans Mattsson and Joseph Smith’s polygamy
July 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The online LDS response to the NYT article describing Hans Mattsson’s struggle with doubt about the Mormon faith that he had once believed in has been interesting to watch. Most responses have been generous and sympathetic, realizing that some serious soul-searching within the community is in order, while others have been more reactionary. One aspect of this discussion I have found particularly interesting has been the conversations that have ensued over Mattsson’s confusion and concern over Jos … [Read more...]
The Gender of “Church” in the BoM
July 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
I still have a “church” itch as the idea is found in the BoM. So below, in no particular order, are some observations and thoughts as they stand now:Gendered imagery in the Bible illustrating the relationship between God (or Christ) and his people, represented by Israel, Jerusalem or the Church, is pretty common. In Revelation alone, there are multiple striking images such as the Cosmic Woman of Revelation 12, the Whore of Babylon (Revelation 17) or the “Bride, the wife of the Lamb” in Revela … [Read more...]
100 Years of Seminary. And BTW Gay Marriage
January 22, 2012 by 26 Comments
In 1971, Elder Boyd K. Packer gave a talk in which he stated: The gospel might be likened to the keyboard of a piano—a full keyboard with a selection of keys on which one who is trained can play a variety without limits; a ballad to express love, a march to rally, a melody to soothe, and a hymn to inspire; an endless variety to suit every mood and satisfy every need.How shortsighted it is, then, to choose a single key and endlessly tap out the monotony of a single note, or even two or three … [Read more...]
I’m pitching the Whipple biography with all my might
May 27, 2011 by 6 Comments
Title: "Swell Suffering": A Biography of Maureen Whipple Author: Veda Tebbs Hale Publisher: Greg Kofford Books Genre: Biography Year: 2011 Pages: 456 ISBN13: 9781589581241 Binding: Paperback Price: $31.95Yes, I'm cross-posting this book review from lifeongoldplates.com, my old haunt, my book review depository. I'd like to add one comment in this version of the review. I failed to mention that this book has one pretty serious, in my view glaring, error. Basically it's this: Whipple deserves a … [Read more...]
Blessed are the virgins?
March 8, 2011 by 12 Comments
Mormons often congratulate themselves for having a relatively healthy theological view of sexuality, at least within the boundaries of heterosexual marriage. One problem, however, is that this positive theology of (certain kinds of) sex comes at the expense of a positive evaluation of sexual chastity. Let me explain. … [Read more...]
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