Mormon Bloggers

Particular doctrines, specific beliefs, and sacred rites of passages of most religions set forth, in what James Talmage refers to as, “formulated creeds” (Talmage, 1976). One of the very first of these creeds ever to have established did not come out of the First Century of the Common Era but came out of the third [...]  Read More →

I’ve been reading C. Terry Warner’s book Bonds That Make Us Free (again!). I first came to this book when a friend’s son went through a wilderness program in Arizona and the parents all got a copy of Warner’s book. I read it then (about ten years ago) and I’ve read it a few times since. With each reading I collect more tools, more understanding. I won’t summarize the book; I couldn’t do it justice. But I want to share a thought that came to me while reading. In a chapter I read recently, Warner suggests that one step toward healing a relationship is to ask ourselves if we might be wrong. I could think instantly about how this works. I thought about spats I’ve had with my wife. In our particular dynamic over the years we’ve developed a rather well-rehearsed bit of Kabuki theatre. She raises a point of view. I disagree in a way that is shaper than it needs to be, sending a message not only that I think she’s wrong, but that... Read the rest of this entry »

Often religious people make blanket statements that may seem strange to those unfamiliar with religion. A common example is when God is given credit for human accomplishments. The Christian belief in giving thanks and glory to God is seen often in popular culture; as sports figures, musicians, actors, etc. often thank God publicly. On a reality TV program I once saw a religious young woman give God credit for her success in an endeavor. Afterwards they showed a team mate commenting that she accomplished the task under her own power and that she wasn’t giving herself proper credit when she praised God. In essence he said, ‘It’s a shame that she sees it as God’s accomplishment because she’s the one who physically accomplished it, she denies her self worth and abilities when she attributes it all to God.’ (According to my recollection, it’s been years since I saw it.) I can see both sides of this argument. An article about Elder David Bednar by Elder... Read the rest of this entry »

So we are supposed to become perfect? Well, it’s going to be a long project, and we need patience. But peace can be with us all the way, the peace that the Savior promised to give to his followers.  Read More →

Easter is a month away and my thoughts are turning to one of the most sacred events in the history of humanity. While our culture and society today has created a more commercialized version of Easter as that of easter egg hunts, the easter bunny, and an excuse to munch on chocolate (as well as [...]  Read More →

The following dialogue is occurring over at TILM’s blog. 6 Responses to this post. Posted by Timothy Berman on January 12, 2010 at 7:40 pm So, would you agree that if someone posted the following Billboard message, that it is okay and correct? Christians celebrate and worship Human Sacrifice as an appeasement to a better life. Reply This first comment [...]  Read More →

I recently had my first on-the-airplane-gospel-conversation; the sort of conversation that Prophets and Apostles recall in General Conference talks- and the sort of conversation that always seems successful.I’ve always been able to spread the news of the gospel by way of example or simple conversation to appreciative friends who are curious about what I believe, and who don’t probe me because they know I’m “Mormon”. It’s always been fairly easy for me to answer questions and explain gospel principles to my close friends and familiar acquaintances, so I suppose it was time for me to have a more startling experience.As I sat in 16-F, I was relieved that I had a window seat; window seats have always been my favorite. I was looking forward to a relaxing flight during which I could finish up some reading, write a few letters, look out the window whenever I felt like it, and spend some quality time with my iPod; and above all, I was looking forward to being... Read the rest of this entry »