Category Archives: Religion

The “Prosperity Gospel” and Mormonism

Posted on 02-January-2012 by

According to a recent article by Peggy Fletcher Stack in the SLTrib (1 Jan 2011): Through the ages, the idea that God materially rewards the righteous has appealed to certain kinds of Christians. Mormons are no exception. A Harper’s Magazine … Continue reading →

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Here’s to the Modern American Family

Posted on 20-December-2011 by

Last week, I went to visit my son and his family in Manassas VA; my grandson was being ordained a Deacon in the Aaron Priesthood (think of it as a Mormon Bar Mitzvah) and I wanted to be there.  After the … Continue reading →

Posted in mormonism, my family, Personalities, Religion, Social Justice | 1 Comment

A Relative in LDS Borderlands

Posted on 10-December-2011 by

Last Sunday, my aunt Kay died.  She was 94 years old, and had been suffering from dimentia.  Her death was not unexpected.  Aunt Kay and my genetic uncle had been married for 71 years.  Uncle Vincent, who is 98 (+or- … Continue reading →

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The Mormon Concept of a Pre-existence

Posted on 06-December-2011 by

I recently wrote a blog entry for IEET about the intersection of transhumanism and Mormonism.  One paragraph dealt with the Mormon version of the pre-existence: Mormons, as part of their worldview (known as the ‘Plan of Salvation’), believe in a long … Continue reading →

Posted in mormonism, Religion, Social Justice | 2 Comments

Please Do Away with Curses

Posted on 05-December-2011 by

The LDS Church has historically been plagued with alleged curses — the curse of Cain (or Ham), the curse of the Laminites, etc.  These racial (or racist) beliefs need to be seriously reconsidered.  The priesthood is now given to Afro-Americans, … Continue reading →

Posted in mormonism, Religion, Social Justice | 3 Comments

Paying for Miracles

Posted on 04-December-2011 by

I’ve never been comfortable with the concept of connecting monetary contributions with miracles or blessings or inspiration.  This idea seems wrong for several reasons: bad things also happen to people who pay their tithing and make other monetary contributions the concept seems … Continue reading →

Posted in mormonism, Religion, Social Justice | 2 Comments

Elder Ronald E. Poelman and “The Conference Talk”

Posted on 22-November-2011 by

According Peggy Fletcher Stack writing in the SLTrib (21 Nov 2011): Ronald E. Poelman, an emeritus LDS general authority known as a gentle leader who spoke often of service, unselfishness and forgiveness, died Saturday at his SLC home.  He was … Continue reading →

Posted in mormonism, Religion | 2 Comments

Mormons and the Nature of God

Posted on 21-November-2011 by

I recently attended the funeral of the youngest son of a friend and neighbor.  While it was a sad event, the funeral was short and the speakers did a good job.  The sermon by the Bishop was short and to … Continue reading →

Posted in mormonism, Religion, transhumanism | 2 Comments

Uganda: In the News

Posted on 20-November-2011 by

Uganda continues to stay in the news for a variety of reasons.  The three articles quoted below are about as diverse as you can get: According to Time magazine’s “The 50 Best Inventions of the Year” (28 Nov 2011):  The Digital … Continue reading →

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Harold Bloom’s Recent Op-ed Rant in the NYTs

Posted on 17-November-2011 by

According Thomas Burr reporting in the SLTrib (8 Nov 2011): “The secular liberals are going to mock Mormonism,” Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission [stated], ”they’re going to start doing documentaries on Mormonism and … Continue reading →

Posted in mormonism, Religion, Social Justice | 7 Comments