If I had a dime for every time another Christian told me that my church was a cult I’d be a wealthy man. Cliché, I know, but true. Why would one Christian deny another Christian her Christianity? This post is intended to answer this question at a very basic level. To get quickly to the point, it is likely that the primary reason is theological. As a movement, Mormonism does not explore theology in mainstream pursuits. We just don’t. So... Read more

The Palestinian people are enigmatic to the lion’s share of Mormons in America. That sounds like a pretty broad stroke of the brush but please know I’ve been watching and listening with great care for the last thirty years. I’ve lived on the Mount of Olives (West Bank) on multiple occasions and I’ve visited the Gaza Strip several times. I’ve lectured at every major Palestinian University (and there are several on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip), and... Read more

I am Bethany’s dad. She was born with significant special needs. She is dynamic, personable, and always outside herself. She always turns the conversation to you. “When is your birthday?” “Who is your teacher?” “Do you like Elsa?” “What are you going to dress up as for Halloween?” and so forth. The conversations she strikes, which are many, are always about the people around her. Bethany teaches beautiful lessons to those who watch closely. Unfortunately, some don’t watch. In fact,... Read more

As reported by the Deseret News, the Church released two new essays on LDS.org. One on Heavenly Mother, the other on women, the Temple, and the priesthood. An exciting day. Thanks to Mark Wright for putting this out there on Facebook. Spread the word and read the essays. I am consistently suprised by how many Latter-day Saints have not read these very important essays published by the Church. Follow the link below which will take you to the news story... Read more

Two days ago, Elder Dallin H. Oaks delivered a ground-breaking speech at the Second Annual Sacramento Court/Clergy Conference. I trust you are aware of the speech. Among other things, he spoke to the issue of Kim Davis, the county clerk in Kentucky, and her refusal to sign marriage licenses for same-sex couples. He also spoke to the need for all parties to collaborate for mutual interests across the board. Civility encouraged. The text of this speech is available on mormonnewsroom.org.... Read more

For the better part of 30 years, and most recently over the last two days, I have polled my students with the following question: By the show of hands, how many of you have visualized defending your food storage with a shotgun? Without fail, almost every hand of every boy or man is raised—some sheepishly, others with great gusto. The women in the room rarely raise their hands. In fact, they are always astonished to learn that Mormon men actually... Read more

Shariah law is God’s law. Plain and simple. It is not far from a Mormon that when asked “What do you believe?” rehearses a few Articles of Faith in order to concisely and clearly communicate fundamental and orthodox beliefs of the Church. The Mormon will not quote sections of House Bill 295 or the First Amendment of the Constitution. In the mind of the Mormon there is no need to quote a manmade law because the Articles of Faith are... Read more