The discussion of white shirts over at Mormon Matters has gotten me thinking about inclusion. You know the deal: A number of different general authorities (including Elder Nelson and Elder Holland) have suggested it’s good to encourage young men to wear white shirts while blessing and passing the sacrament. Some are ok with the idea and agree that there’s symbolism in the action: white shirts mirror the white of baptism and the temple. Others are not ok, and find this another intrusive near-commandment that allows some to judge the righteousness of others. You can guess where I stand. I’m the guy who shaved his beard happily to work in the temple. And, as I told a young friend who questioned why, I would gladly have shaved my head if they’d asked me to. Those who make those decisions can make whatever decisions they like, and I can choose to accept them, and that’s ok by me. Others don’t feel the same way, and think there are too many rules. The... Read the rest of this entry »