Category Archives: Religion

Whiter Shade of Pale, LDS Style

Posted on 04-September-2021 by rogerdhansen

In April, my grandson Thomas and I were in Kampala, Uganda. Thomas, who was recently released from his LDS mission, wanted to attend a Church meeting. So we headed off to Sacrament Meeting. As we entered the church foyer, on … Continue reading →

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Importance of Place in Art: Minerva Teichert’s Temple Mural

Posted on 01-April-2021 by rogerdhansen

The disposition of Minerva Teichert’s mural in the Manti Temple is currently a hot topic in Mormondom. The original proposal was to document it and then destroyed it. Church officials have since decided to preserve the mural but relocate it … Continue reading →

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Wonderful Advice from Richard Bushman to LDS Church Leaders

Posted on 01-January-2021 by rogerdhansen

LDS Church leaders should worry less about doubters and more about how to engage the youth (of all ages) in the work of Christ. I contend that helping the poor, disadvantaged, homeless, etc. is the foundation of Christianity. Mormon scholar … Continue reading →

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Two Important Op-ed Pieces This Christmas Season

Posted on 27-December-2020 by rogerdhansen

Two very insightful op-ed pieces were published during this Christmas season. They suggest that instead of feeling trapped by our 2020 conditions, we should look beyond our small world and look at the bigger global picture. There is much good … Continue reading →

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Tithing Is Giving 10 Percent, But to Whom Is It Owed?

Posted on 24-December-2020 by rogerdhansen

At the end of the year, Mormons have tithing settlement. The members meet with their Bishop to discuss whether they have paid a full 10 percent of their earnings to the Church. In Mormondom, tithing is strictly defined as donations … Continue reading →

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My Strangest Christmas

Posted on 23-December-2020 by rogerdhansen

Back in the mid-60’s, missions to foreign-speaking countries were at least 2-1/2 years, with the extra half year tacked on to learn the language. I was called to Europe, and spent 3 Christmases in France or Belgium. The last was … Continue reading →

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LDS Doctrine: When Do the Body and Spirit Unite?

Posted on 22-December-2020 by rogerdhansen

Mormons are dualists: They believe that humans are made up of body and spirit. When the two elements unite is an open question. According to the latest Church handbook (as quoted here): “The handbook changes ‘temple ordinances are not performed … Continue reading →

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Comments on McKay Coppins’ Recent Article in The Atlantic

Posted on 19-December-2020 by rogerdhansen

McKay Coppins is LDS (Mormon) and active. I separated myself from the Church after my LDS mission. But my name is still on the Church membership records. In a recent article “The Most American Religion” in The Atlantic, Coppins writes … Continue reading →

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LDS Leaders Bare Their Souls

Posted on 17-December-2020 by rogerdhansen

In a recent article in The Atlantic, author McKay Coppins relates two incidents relayed to him by LDS General Authorities. The first by Elder M. Russell Ballard: “Ballard told me about a trip he’d made to Greece on behalf of … Continue reading →

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