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Tag Archive

Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been tagged as “Culture”

Mormon.org FAQ: Race Restrictions

Hawkgrrrl September 21, 2010Mormon 47 Comments

We’ve explored some of the answers members have posted on the mormon.org site in the church’s new profiles campaign.  So far, we’ve discussed member answers …

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CharitychurchcorrelationCulturedoctrineLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsPriesthoodpriesthood banraceracismreligiontheologytolerance

The Blog that Ate Religion

FireTag September 18, 2010Culture, religion, science, theology 33 Comments

“The Blob” was one of those horror movies from the 1950’s that I, as a young boy, found right on the boundary of “too scary …

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Culturereligionscience and religiontheology

Mormon.org FAQ: Homosexuality

Hawkgrrrl September 14, 2010Mormon 120 Comments

We’ve explored some of the answers members have posted on the mormon.org site in the church’s new profiles campaign.  So far, we’ve discussed member answers …

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churchCulturefamilyLDSmarriagemormonmormon culturereligiontheologytolerance

Mormon.org FAQ: Prophets

Hawkgrrrl September 7, 2010Mormon 16 Comments

We’ve explored some of the answers members have posted on the mormon.org site in the church’s new profiles campaign.  So far, we’ve discussed member answers …

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churchCulturedoctrineLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonstestimonytheologytolerance

Mormon.org FAQ: Role of Husbands & Wives

Hawkgrrrl August 31, 2010Mormon 35 Comments

We’ve explored some of the answers members have posted on the mormon.org site in the church’s new profiles campaign.  So far, we’ve discussed member answers …

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churchCulturefamilyLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsPriesthoodreligiontheologytolerance

Mormon.org FAQ: Political Parties

Hawkgrrrl August 24, 2010Mormon 95 Comments

We’ve explored a few of the mormon.org profiles’ answers to tough questions on polygamy and women & the priesthood.  Today let’s take a look at …

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BloggernacleCharitychurchCulturedoctrineGovernmentLDSmormonmormon culturemormon.orgMormonspoliticsreligion

Mormon.org FAQ: Women & Priesthood

Hawkgrrrl August 17, 2010Mormon 99 Comments

Last week we looked at some of the cool profiles on mormon.org that are part of a new effort to make members real and accessible …

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BloggernaclechurchcorrelationCulturedoctrinefaithfamilyfeminismLDSmormonmormon culturePriesthoodrelief societyreligiontestimonytheologytolerancewomen

Mormon.org FAQ: Polygamy

Hawkgrrrl August 10, 2010Mormon 81 Comments

The church has initiated a new online profile campaign on mormon.org in which those interested in the church can “meet” actual members who’ve posted pictures …

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churchcorrelationCulturedoctrinefaithLDSmembershipmissionary workmormonmormon culturemormon.orgpolygamyreligionspeculationtestimony

Why Do People Struggle? (With Poll!)

Hawkgrrrl August 3, 2010Mormon 33 Comments

Through my time in the church, I’ve known many who have left the church, many others who have seemingly never had an issue, and a …

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BloggernaclechurchCulturedoctrinefaithLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsreligionstruggletestimonytheologytolerance

Pyramids-R-US

FireTag July 31, 2010apostasy, book of mormon, community of christ, Culture, education, general, Government, history, LDS, Leaders, Money, Mormon, Mormons, news, politics, repentance, righteousness, science, thought 47 Comments

Last week I spent a supper hour (it took that long) reading an article called “America’s Ruling Class – And the Perils of Revolution” by …

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book of mormonCultureGovernmenthistorymormonmormon culturepoliticspride cycletolerance

Facebook and Marital Fidelity

Hawkgrrrl July 27, 2010Mormon 42 Comments

A Salt Lake City news report in early 2009 shared some troubling statistics.  One in 5 divorces in Great Britain cited Facebook in the contributing factors that …

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CulturefacebookfamilyfidelityLDSleadershipmarriagemormon cultureMormonsreligion

Uplifting Non-LDS Music

jmb275 July 21, 2010Happiness, LDS, media, music, spirituality 32 Comments

I really like music. I like just about every kind of music. I like to choose it according to my mood to help me achieve …

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CultureLDSmormon culture

Understanding the Atonement

Hawkgrrrl July 13, 2010Mormon 36 Comments

The atonement is to Christianity what enlightenment is to Buddhism:  the foundational concept.  How do you feel about the atonement?  I admit to some mixed …

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atonementchristCulturedoctrinefaithJesusLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsrevelationtestimonytheologyworship

Ward Cliques

Hawkgrrrl July 6, 2010Mormon 44 Comments

Does your ward have cliques?  Are cliques a good or bad thing?

CharitychurchcliqueCultureFIRO-BinclusionLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsreligionsocial networktolerance

Song Practice: Not Music to Our Ears

guest July 3, 2010Mormon 19 Comments

“We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all Song Practice Ladies, as soon as they get a …

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choristerchurchCulturehymnsLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonspractice songworship

Priesthood as a Puberty Rite

Hawkgrrrl June 29, 2010Mormon 22 Comments

A unique aspect of Mormonism is that all males over age 12 can hold an office of the priesthood, and that they are expected to …

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aboriginalsCultureLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsPriesthoodpuberty ritespurificationreligion

Wandering Mormons as Nephites

FireTag June 27, 2010book of mormon, doctrine, doubt, faith, families, Jews, Mormons, salvation, scripture 14 Comments

More than two years ago, the Holy Spirit began insisting that I re-read the Book of Mormon. Of course, I didn’t immediately recognize the impulse …

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book of mormonCulturedoctrinefaithmormon culturerevelationscripturetheology

Faith, Knowledge, Belief and Stochastic Theory Part 3: Putting It All Together

jmb275 June 23, 2010faith, religion, testimony, thought 14 Comments

In part one I introduced the problem I see with our current understanding of faith, introduced some basic statistics, and weakly drew a comparison to …

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Culturefaithmormon culturereligionrevelationtestimony

Mormonism: Nature Religion or Social Religion?

Hawkgrrrl June 22, 2010Mormon 20 Comments

“God against Man.  Man against God.  Man against Nature.  Nature against man.  Nature against God.  God against nature–very funny religion!” ~Dr. D. T. Suzuki.  Is …

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churchCultureJoseph SmithLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsmountain of the lordmythologynature religionreligionsacred grovesocial religiontempletheology

How Many Mormons Does It Take to Screw in a Lightbulb?

guest June 19, 2010Mormon 45 Comments

Today’s post is by Matt Workman.  I waited backstage with my small troupe of comedians. One more act to go, then it was our turn …

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comedianCultureHumorLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsstand-uptolerance

Faith & Doubt

guest June 19, 2010Mormon 46 Comments

Today’s guest post is by Glenn.  When I was at BYU, I got interested in the study of folklore – the way that traditional culture …

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book of mormonCharitychristchurchCulturedoctrinedoubtfaithLDSleadershipMoralitymormonmormon cultureMormonsreligiontheologytolerance

Equal Parenting: Feasible or Not?

Hawkgrrrl June 15, 2010Mormon 55 Comments

There was an interesting article in NYT about the parenting equality in Sweden.  Sweden’s practices are probably the most advanced in terms of creating parental equality, …

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CharitychurchCulturefamilymormonmormon cultureMormonstolerance

Mixed Belief Marriages

Hawkgrrrl June 8, 2010Mormon 86 Comments

What should a church member do if their spouse is a non-believer?  This is something that many couples encounter, either because one spouse ceases to …

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CharitychristchurchCorinthiansCulturefaithfamilyinterfaithLDSmarriagemormonmormon cultureMormonsPaulreligiontolerance

Facebook Declarations

guest June 5, 2010Mormon 15 Comments

Today’s guest post is by Matthew Workman.  I lived a few blocks from Venice Beach for many years, so I thought I’d seen quite a …

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BloggernacleCulturefacebookHumorpoliticsreligion

A Control Freak’s Lament

Euhemerus June 2, 2010depression, doubt, fear, Mormon, questioning, repentance 8 Comments

I’m a control freak. Yep, both professionally, by training, and naturally. I like to be in control of machines, robots, airplanes, my life, my spirituality, …

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Culturetestimony

Eternal Progress vs. Eternal Increase: A Poll

Hawkgrrrl June 1, 2010Mormon 30 Comments

One of the distinct LDS doctrines is that of eternal progression:  the idea that we continue to grow and develop as individuals throughout eternity unless …

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BloggernaclechurchcorrelationCulturedoctrineeternal increaseeternal progresseternal progressionfamilyLDSmarriageMoralitymormonmormon culturereligionrevelationtheology

The JST of the Bible and Early Christianity

jmb275 May 26, 2010christianity, church, LDS, Mormon, mormon, theology 25 Comments

Early Christian Theological Differences I recently read Misquoting Jesus by Bart D. Ehrman. One of the interesting realities on which Ehrman elaborates is that early …

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correlationCulturedoctrineJoseph SmithLDSrevelationtheology

AZ Immigration Law vs. LDS Interests?

Hawkgrrrl May 25, 2010Mormon 50 Comments

A recent article in the Arizona Republic highlights the negative impacts to the LDS church of the new Arizona law that steps up enforcement of …

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ArizonaCharitychristchurchCulturefaithfamilyGovernmentimmigrationLDSMexicomormonmormon cultureMormonsPearcepoliticsreligiontolerance

Church History: Principles

Hawkgrrrl May 18, 2010Mormon 78 Comments

There has been a lot of discussion in the b’nacle about what the church can do from a practical standpoint to address the thorny issues …

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Bloggernaclechristchurchcommunity of christcorrelationCulturedoctrinefaithhistoryLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonstolerance

Church Vernacular and the Magical Worldview

jmb275 May 7, 2010apostasy, doctrine, Logic, Mormon, mysticism, testimony 32 Comments

It is Sunday, and Mike and his new bride, Valerie, are up visiting Mike’s family for the weekend. Mike is a physics major and has …

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Culturelawreligiontestimony

Mormonism and Catholicism: Who Can Mock This Church?

Hawkgrrrl May 4, 2010Mormon 17 Comments

There was a great article in the New York Times this week:  Who Can Mock This Church?  While it was about Catholicism reeling in the …

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catholicismCharitychristchurchCulturefaithGodgrass rootsLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonstheologytolerance

Putting Things on a Shelf

Hawkgrrrl April 29, 2010Mormon 78 Comments

People like to talk about putting things that bother them about the church on a shelf.  Of course, the problem is that for some, the shelf …

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BloggernaclechurchcorrelationCulturedoctrinehistoryJoseph SmithLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsput on a shelftestimonytheologytolerance

Raising the Bar: The Honorably Excused

Hawkgrrrl April 27, 2010Mormon 81 Comments

The church decided to “raise the bar” in 2002 on entry requirements for missionaries, effectively preventing those with a history of serious sin from repenting and …

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churchCulturefaithfamilyLDSmissionmissionarymormonmormon cultureMormonsraising the barservicetestimony

Kudos to the Church!

jmb275 April 21, 2010accountability, church, depression, families, media, Mormon, pornography 70 Comments

We spend a lot of time in the bloggernacle analyzing, critiquing, and otherwise discussing the church and its culture. I think there is value in …

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CultureLDSpornography

Temple Recommend Assumptions

Hawkgrrrl April 5, 2010Mormon 34 Comments

Maybe it was an upcoming family wedding.  Or maybe it came out some other way.  Have you ever been in a situation when you became …

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BloggernacleCharitychurchCulturefaithfamilyLDSMoralitymormonmormon cultureMormonsreligiontempletemple recommendtestimonytoleranceworthiness

Mormon Myths as Transferable Charisma

Aaron R. aka Rico March 23, 2010church, doctrine, faith, Folklore, General Authorities, historicity, LDS, Leaders, Mormon, President Monson, prophets 19 Comments

Richard Bushman has recently given a presentation on ‘Joseph Smith and the Routinization of Charisma’. One of Bushman’s arguments seems to be that Charisma was …

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churchCulturefaithJoseph Smithmormon culturePriesthoodQuestionrevelationtruth

What I Learned in Nursery

Hawkgrrrl March 22, 2010Mormon 14 Comments

Many of us have been told that no matter what the calling you have, you will learn from it and grow.  I imagine that’s probably …

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CharitychurchCulturefamilyLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsreligion

A Marital Confession

Aaron R. aka Rico March 16, 2010accountability, children, Culture, feminism, Mormon, Priesthood, repentance, women 27 Comments

A recent visit at FMH and John Dehlin’s Mormon Stories interview with fmhLisa (Butterworth) has made me realise something about myself that I am not …

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churchCulturefamilyGodLDSPriesthoodrelief society

You’re the Bishop #6: A Poll

guest March 15, 2010Mormon 26 Comments

Bishop Bill with a situation that happens to probably every bishop.  Read on.

churchCulturedoctrineGospel Doctrinemormon cultureMormonsreligionteach

You’re the Bishop #5 (Poll)

guest March 9, 2010Mormon 42 Comments

Bishop Bill again, folks.  Now for one that has nothing to do with the ward.

bishopBloggernacleCharitychurchCulturefamilyLDSleadershipmarriagemormonmormon cultureMormonsreligion

You’re the Bishop #4 (Poll)

guest March 2, 2010Mormon 115 Comments

OK, Bishop Bill here again with a really difficult situation.

bishopBloggernacleCharitychurchCultureLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsreligiontolerancetranssexualworship

Church as a Social Network

Hawkgrrrl March 1, 2010Mormon 32 Comments

There are those among the disaffected who would like to reap the benefits of the church as a community although they may no longer share the …

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churchCulturefamilyGodideasintelligenceLDSMoralitymormonmormon cultureMormonsNOMreligionsocial networkstolerancetruth

Memorialising the Holocaust: Post-memory and the Latter-Day Saints

Aaron R. aka Rico February 28, 2010history, Holocaust, memory, Mormon, surviving 9 Comments

According to Arrington and Bitton, “most individual responses of modern Mormons involve a kind of tie with the past”[1] . History is central to the …

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Culturehistoryreligion

Bad, Worse and Worst

Aaron R. aka Rico February 25, 2010abuse, Culture, doctrine, LDS, sexuality, thought, violence 32 Comments

I would like to use Genesis 12 (and an interesting post by Aaron B from BCC) to examine the inverse of Elder Oak’s famous talk …

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Culturedoctrinemormon cultureOld Testament; Sunday Schoolopinion

Wired World Views: Preserving the Other’s Truth

FireTag February 23, 2010diversity, general, Government, liberal, Mormon, politics, science 14 Comments

In a February 2, 2008, cover story in New Scientist, Jim Giles asked whether political leanings were genetic:

“Across the land, liberals and conservatives are slugging it out, trying to convince each other that their way of thinking is right. They may be wasting their breath.”

CultureGovernmentMoralitypolitics

Is God Still Progressing? (Poll Included)

Hawkgrrrl February 23, 2010Mormon 32 Comments

Last month, one of the RS/PH lessons was about the nature of God.  Since the lesson was only about a page and a half long, …

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christchurchcorrelationcorrelation committeeCulturedoctrineeternal increaseeternal progressionfamilyGodLDSmormon culturePriesthoodrelief societyreligionscripturetheology

Self-Esteem and Sexuality: Another approach to Chastity

Aaron R. aka Rico February 22, 2010Culture, Mormon, sexuality 21 Comments

I want to take a lead from Hawgrrrl, who recently posted on the value of Sex Education in trying to reduce the rate of unwanted pregnancies …

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CultureLDSmormonmormon culture

You’re the Bishop: Poll #3

guest February 18, 2010Mormon 48 Comments

Bishop Bill back with more.  We’ve had fictionalized situations in the last two installments with a YW and a YM.  Now, let’s have a situation …

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BloggernacleCharitychastitychurchCulturedisciplinary councilLDSleadershipmormonmormon cultureMormonsPriesthoodreligionrepentancerevelationtestimonytheologytolerance

The Sacred Made Real: Mormonism, Iconography and the Passion of Christ

Aaron R. aka Rico February 9, 2010art, correlation, Culture, doctrine, Mormon, theology 31 Comments

A few weeks ago I attended an exhibition entitled ‘The Sacred made Real’ at the National Gallery in London. The collection was focussed on Spanish …

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artcorrelationCulturemormon cultureprayerworship

You’re the Bishop: Poll #2

guest February 4, 2010Mormon 34 Comments

Bishop Bill back with your next installment of “You’re the Bishop.”  Just to be clear, the examples I am using have been changed enough that …

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Aaronic priesthoodappearanceBloggernacleCharitychurchConfederate flagCultureLDSmodestymormonmormon cultureMormonsPriesthoodracismreligionsacramenttoleranceworship

Abstainers vs. Indulgers

Hawkgrrrl February 2, 2010Mormon 32 Comments

Mormons dig abstinence.  Like many other highly committed Christians, we abstain from premarital sex.  But, that’s not all; we also abstain from tobacco, alcohol, coffee, …

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CharityCulturefamilyLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsreligiontolerance

Church Growth and the Tendency toward Liberalism

Aaron R. aka Rico January 31, 2010church, correlation, Culture, diversity, doctrine, General Authorities, Mormon, prophets, religion 50 Comments

Some time ago, as a guest I wrote a post entitled ‘Academic freedom in the Church‘ which tried to explore some of liberalizing tendencies seen …

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churchcorrelationCulturedoctrinehistorymormon culturetolerance

True or Bizarre: A Poll

Hawkgrrrl January 27, 2010Mormon 47 Comments

While there are moral truths that all religions tend to share (don’t kill, don’t steal, be nice to people, etc.), religions also include “bizarre” differentiators …

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BloggernaclechurchcorrelationCreedsCulturedoctrineLDSMoralitymormonmormon cultureMormonsreligionrevelationtheologytolerance

You’re the Bishop: Scenario #1

guest January 21, 2010Mormon 86 Comments

Welcome to “You’re the Bishop,” a new installment at Mormon Matters.  My name is Bishop Bill.  Once every few weeks I’ll post a situation that …

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bishopBloggernaclechurchcleavageCultureLDSleadershipmodestymormonmormon cultureMormonsPriesthoodrevelationtolerance

Dysfunctional Families or Church?

Hawkgrrrl January 19, 2010Mormon 37 Comments

Exit stories are the tales told when someone leaves the church.  The internet is full of these stories, and in many, there is drama in …

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CharitychristchurchCulturefaithfamilyLDSmormonmormon culturereligiontolerance

On Failed Patriarchal Blessings

Aaron R. aka Rico January 17, 2010doubt, Mormon, Patriarchal Blessing, Priesthood 93 Comments

Some time ago I spoke to someone I knew about a Patriarchal blessing they had received which seemed to have failed to come to pass.  …

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churchCulturedoctrinefaithPriesthoodtheologytruth

Follow the [blank]: A Poll

Hawkgrrrl January 12, 2010Mormon 18 Comments

In the church, we learn how to be good followers.  There are many things we are told to follow:  the prophet, good examples, our parents’ …

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christchurchcorrelationCulturedoctrinefaithLDSleadershipmormonmormon cultureMormonsProphetreligionSpirittestimonytheologytolerance

Richard Dawkins, God and Santa Claus: Belief as a Form of Abuse

Aaron R. aka Rico January 3, 2010abuse, doctrine, doubt, God, Mormon 124 Comments

Between Christmas and New Year I had the opportunity to meet with some friends and at one point during the evening we began discussing the …

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churchCreedsCulturedoctrinefaithfamilyGodprayerreligiontruthworship

Top 10 Ways GAs Eat Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

Hawkgrrrl December 27, 2009Mormon 8 Comments

I was inspired by jmb275’s recent post on the Mormon Cultural Articles of Faith, so I thought I’d post an oldie but a personal favorite.  …

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churchCulturefunnyGeneral AuthoritiesGeneral ConferenceHumormormonmormon cultureMormonsReese's Peanut Butter Cupsreligion

Sex Ed: A Poll

Hawkgrrrl December 21, 2009Mormon 49 Comments

Which is more effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies:  abstinence education or conception education?

chastitychurchCNNCulturefamilyGleeLDSMoralitymormonmormon cultureMormonsreligionsex education

Articles of Faith of Mormon Culture

jmb275 December 18, 2009BYU, Folklore, funny, LDS, Mormon 13 Comments

My only regret is that I cannot take credit for this wonderful bit of humor! They were originally posted by an author found here.  Please …

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Culturefunnymormon

EQ to HPG: Rites of Passage

Hawkgrrrl December 16, 2009Mormon 51 Comments

Whether you are 18 or 88, married, single, widowed, or divorced, with or without kids, and regardless of your socio-economic status, if you are an …

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churchcorrelationCulturedoctrineElder's QuorumfaithHigh Priests' GroupLDSmeetingsmormonmormon cultureMormonsPriesthoodreligionSundaytheology

‘Christmas’ or ‘Winter Festival’: I’m not sure I care!

Aaron R. aka Rico December 14, 2009christ, christianity, church, Discrimination, diversity, doctrine, Mormon, testimony, theology 22 Comments

This must be the the third year that I have heard people bemoan government plans to change the name of Christmas to ‘Winter Festival’ or some …

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christchurchCulturedoctrinefaithGodGovernmentreligiontheologyworship

The Church in 20 Years

guest December 14, 2009Mormon 29 Comments

Where do you see the Church in 20 years?  Today’s guest post is by David Heap.

churchcorrelationCreedsCulturedoctrinefaithfamilyhistoryLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonspoliticspredictionsreligionrevelationscripturetheologytolerance

Have you ever received a Christmas card from the First Presidency?

Aaron R. aka Rico December 10, 2009christ, General Authorities, LDS, Leaders, Mormon, Mormons, prophets 17 Comments

This year I received a Christmas card from the First Presidency.  I have heard that Church employees get one, but it has not been my …

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ChristmascorrelationCultureFirst PresidencyPriesthood

Really Elder McConkie? You think Education is Worship!

Aaron R. aka Rico December 8, 2009Culture, doctrine, education, faith, General Authorities, LDS, Mormon, religion, sacrament meeting, spirituality 38 Comments

From an outsiders perspective, Mormon worship services may be perceived as lacking actual worship.  We spend two and a half  of our three hours in classes …

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christchurchCulturedoctrinefaithmormonrevelationtheologyworship

Twilight Poll: Anti-Feminism or Fanciful Fiction?

Hawkgrrrl December 4, 2009Mormon 14 Comments

Because of the New Moon movie, Twilight is getting a lot of discussion in the media.  Since the author, Stephanie Meyer, is LDS, a few …

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abuseanti-feministauthorsBellabook of mormonBreaking DawnCulturedomestic abuseEdward CullenEntertainment WeeklyfeminismHumorLDSliteraturemormonmormon cultureMormonsNew MoonpatriarchysexismStephanie MeyertheologyTwilight

Mormon Blogs – What’s OK?

John Dehlin December 3, 2009Mormon 68 Comments

What should be acceptable for a blog to be considered a “Mormon” blog?  All Mormon content?  Only that which is respectful to the church (not …

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BloggernacleCharitychurchCulturefaithLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonspoliticstheologytolerance

Anish Kapoor on Spirituality

Aaron R. aka Rico November 30, 2009Culture, faith, Mormon, spirituality 7 Comments

On the BBC, there is a great series of Art documentaries entitled ‘Imagine’.  Alan Yentob, a Television Executive, presents them and in the most recent, …

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artCulturefaithLDSmormon cultureworship

Is Morality Universal?

Hawkgrrrl November 30, 2009Mormon 44 Comments

Is morality a social construct or is it universal, transcending time and culture?  Or is it a little bit of both?  Read on to find …

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churchCulturehaidtJonathan Haidtlegal historyMoralitymormonmormon cultureMormonsreligiontheologytolerance

10 LDS Things I’m Thankful for

Hawkgrrrl November 25, 2009Mormon 32 Comments

Thanksgiving is, IMO, the perfect holiday:  good food, a day off work, and no presents to worry about.  In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted …

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churchCulturedoctrineGodLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsreligiontestimonythanksgivingtheologytoleranceworship

Musings on Modesty & Mormonism

guest November 24, 2009Mormon 45 Comments

Today’s guest post is from Reuben Collins who also blogs at Single Speed.

BYUchurchCulturedoctrineLDSmodestymormonmormon cultureMormonsreligionrevelationsportstoleranceyouth

To Those Struggling In Their Faith

Euhemerus November 13, 2009doctrine, history, LDS, Mormon, Mormons, new order mormon, orthodox, questioning, religion, surviving, testimony, theology 22 Comments

There are many within Mormonism who struggle daily with their faith. They have been exposed to historical information they were not aware of, they were …

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CulturefaithLDSmormonmormon culturereligiontestimonytruth

“Knowing” It All

Hawkgrrrl November 2, 2009Mormon 126 Comments

Mormons love to use the word “know.”  We say we know God lives.  We say we know that Jesus is the Christ.  We say we …

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certaintychristchurchCulturefaithfast and testimony meetingJesus ChristknowledgeLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsProphetreligiontestimonytruth

Ghosts: What Are They?

Hawkgrrrl October 27, 2009Mormon 60 Comments

Do you believe in ghosts?  Have you ever had a ghostly encounter?  If you do believe in ghosts, what do you think they are doing?  …

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Culturedeathfuneralghostshumiditymormon culturephotographyreligionrevelationspiritsspookytheology

De-centralising the Spirit: Between Charisma and Bureaucracy

Aaron R. aka Rico October 26, 2009church, Culture, faith, LDS, mormon, religion 36 Comments

In a lecture entitled ‘A Historian’s Perspective on Joseph Smith’, Richard Bushman shows an interesting trend in religious cultures that surrounded Joseph Smith.  This trend centers …

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correlationCulturedoctrineGodLDSmormon culturerevelationtestimonyworship

Was Jesus a Buddhist?

Hawkgrrrl October 19, 2009Mormon 32 Comments

The NT doesn’t give much insight into Jesus’ life between age 12 and 30. Did he encounter Buddhism and seek personal enlightenment? Or are these …

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buddhismCultureenlightenmentJesus ChristLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsreligiontestimonytheologytolerance

Egon Friedell and the Christian ‘Bad Conscience’

Aaron R. aka Rico October 18, 2009apostasy, books, Charity, christ, Culture, Discrimination, diversity, meekness, meetings, Mormon, religion 28 Comments

This photograph was taken by Sebastiao Salgado at a gold mine in Brazil.  I first saw it in a room at the University I attend.  As …

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christchurchCultureGodtruth

Common Consent: Democracy or Prophetocracy?

Aaron R. aka Rico October 4, 2009church, Culture, LDS, Mormon, Mormons 19 Comments

At 10:00am on a brisk August morning in 1844 Sidney Rigdon addressed the Saints.  Brigham Young spoke briefly before the break and at length in the …

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churchCultureGovernmentPriesthoodrevelationtheologyworship

Saturday Session Thoughts

Hawkgrrrl October 3, 2009Mormon 118 Comments

These are just a few quick observations from today’s sessions, not every talk, though, nor every observation.  I also want to direct attention to the …

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CharitychurchcorrelationCulturefosGeneral Conferencehomosexualitymormonmormon cultureMormonsreligionrevelationtestimonytheology

“Moderation in All Things”: A Poll

Hawkgrrrl September 25, 2009Mormon 35 Comments

The phrase, “moderation in all things” is a euphemism usually (but not exclusively) associated (by Mormons at least)with the Word of Wisdom.  It usually means …

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BloggernaclechurchcorrelationCulturedoctrineLDSmoderationmoderation in all thingsmormonmormon cultureMormonsobediencereligiontheologytoleranceWord of Wisdom

The Genius of Mormonism: Ordinances

Hawkgrrrl September 15, 2009Mormon

This is the next installment in my series about what gives Mormonism staying power and makes it an effective religion at winning and retaining adherents.

baptismchurchCulturedoctrineendowmentfaithLDSmormonmormon cultureMormonsordinancesPriesthoodreligiontemplestheology

Too Much of a Good Thing: A Birth Control Poll

Hawkgrrrl September 9, 2009Mormon 89 Comments

Does the church discourage birth control?  Are couples encouraged to breed as quickly and frequently as nature allows?  Take this poll to share your feelings …

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birth controlCulturedoctrinefaithfamilyLDSmarriagemormonmormon cultureMormonsreligionrevelation

Prosperity vs. Religion

Hawkgrrrl August 24, 2009Mormon 18 Comments

There was a great article in Newsweek called (Un)wired For God.  It was a follow up on a prior article that had talked about the …

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Insiders & Outsiders

Hawkgrrrl August 17, 2009Mormon 41 Comments

When it comes to Mormonism, do you feel more like an insider or an outsider?

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Belief vs. Action

Hawkgrrrl August 13, 2009Mormon 100 Comments

Which is more important – belief or action?  Is faith without action better than action without faith?  Is belief without action better than acting despite …

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Liars, Damned Liars and Statisticians

John Dehlin August 5, 2009Mormon 48 Comments

Is the church growing or shrinking?  Is it even possible to measure church growth accurately?  Is this a case of statistical confirmation bias?  Read on …

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Gender vs. Sex

Hawkgrrrl August 4, 2009Mormon 26 Comments

The Proclamation on the Family states:  “Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.”  What is meant by gender?  …

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Science vs. Religion: A Poll

Hawkgrrrl July 21, 2009Mormon 85 Comments

When there is a seeming conflict between science and religion, people tend to make a mental choice that either favors religion or science.  Which is …

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Early Mormonism in Context

Hawkgrrrl July 16, 2009Mormon 22 Comments

We tend to view Mormonism in the context of its current contemporaries:  Baptists, Catholics, Muslims, Buddhists, and atheists (among many others).  But how does Mormonism …

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Mormon Dating Sites – What the Heck?!?

guest July 9, 2009Mormon 72 Comments

In a church that requires chastity but a world in which random hookups are the norm, what about the plight of single adults who are well …

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I Have Seen the Axe

Hawkgrrrl July 7, 2009Mormon 173 Comments

Alice Walker, who wrote about the heartbreak of female genital mutilation quoted an African proverb in the beginning of her book Possessing the Secret of …

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Groupthink

Hawkgrrrl June 30, 2009Mormon 34 Comments

“Groupthink” is what naturally happens when a group becomes sedentary and sluggish.  When change is introduced or new people are introduced, they challenge the “groupthink.” …

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Bloggernacle Rankings: BCC is #1!

John Dehlin June 23, 2009Mormon 16 Comments

According to alexa.com, By Common Consent is currently the top ranked site in the Bloggernacle.  Congratulations to our esteemed colleagues; you have earned the distinction …

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The Genius of Mormonism: Missions

Hawkgrrrl June 22, 2009Mormon 61 Comments

I wanted to do a series of posts on aspects of the LDS church that I consider to be sheer religious genius.  These are religous …

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Spirituality, Rationality, Mentality, Duality

jmb275 June 21, 2009Mormon 10 Comments

Today’s guest post is by jmb275. In my first guest post, I talked about intellectualism and faith. A few of the commenters pointed out that …

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Bloggernacle Personality Survey

Hawkgrrrl May 23, 2009Mormon 40 Comments

The bloggernacle seems to attract a specific subset of Mormon culture, and as a result, opinions and comments are often different from those we hear …

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Thorns in the Side: Villains in the Mormon Mind, Part I

Russell October 31, 2008Mormon 16 Comments

Everyone loves a good villain…the bellowing laugh with hands thrown up in the air utter triumph. As a child, I found Dr. Claw of Inspector …

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Righteous Gentiles Part 1

Russell October 16, 2008Mormon 16 Comments

So, in honor of the broad-mindedness that is Mormon Matters, I would like to suggest a list of the top ten “Righteous Gentiles.” In orthodox …

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Through the Ears of a “Gentile”

John Nilsson May 7, 2008book of mormon, catholicism, christianity, church, Culture, faith, inter-faith, LDS, missionary, Mormon, politics, religion, restoration, sacrament 37 Comments

“I’m so glad I was born in this, the one true church of God.” “Please bless the party leaders tonight [of the Republican Party] that …

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The Sun Never Sets on the Mormon Empire: Cultural Colonialism

Hawkgrrrl April 24, 2008catholicism, christianity, church, Culture, history, inter-faith, international, LDS, missionary, missions, Mormon, mormon, Mormons, Utah 62 Comments

I was talking with a French colleague at dinner about the differences between European politics and American politics, and he made a statement that left …

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My Top Ten Non-Mormon Lives

John Nilsson April 1, 2008Mormon 11 Comments

Not long ago I was watching a Tyler Perry movie and found myself applauding an action of one of the characters. This was an action …

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My Top Ten Cultural Sins, or Why I Don’t Mark My Scriptures

John Nilsson March 4, 2008Mormon

10. I don’t mark my scriptures. The last time I did was 12 years ago and it was to make it easier to find the …

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“Please bless the food that it may change on a molecular level to provide us with additional strength that we would not get otherwise…”

AdamF March 1, 2008Culture, Mormon 40 Comments

I’m out of the YSA circuit now, but when I was there I often heard the prayer, “Please bless the refreshments, that they may nourish …

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What Do Joseph Smith and Gladys Knight Have in Common?

John Nilsson February 29, 2008Culture, feminism, gay, mormon, new order mormon, orthodox, politics 23 Comments

When I was a kid in Southern California, it was obvious to me that there were two kinds of people in the world: Mormons and …

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BYU and the Honor Code

KC Kern February 22, 2008Mormon 118 Comments

As a current BYU student, I am bound by the “honor code,” a document that all students are required to sign in order to enroll. …

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“It’s More Than a Religion”: Mormonism as Family

John Nilsson February 13, 2008Culture, Mormons 14 Comments

Story 1 From p. 102 of An Abundant Life: The Memoirs of Hugh B. Brown: (Brown addressing a group of 75 LDS servicemen during World …

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Culture Shock in Orem

KC Kern January 26, 2008Culture 11 Comments

A couple Sundays ago in our singles ward, we were reminded on no uncertain terms that if we were not currently enrolled in a BYU …

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