Mormon Bloggers

On 5 November 1937 at the New York Times Book Fair, author and editor Henry A. Wallace (who later went on to be Vice-president of the United States) stated the following while speaking on the subject “Good books of the Nineteenth Century”: “Of all the American religious books of the nineteenth century it seems probable that ‘The Book of Mormon’ was the most powerful.  it reached perhaps only one percent of the people of the United States, but it affected this one percent so powerfully and lastingly that all the people of the United States have been affected.”      The Book of Mormon is “others’ words“ in the greatest sense.  First of all, it is a compilation of the words of numerous prophets.  More important, however, is the fact (and millions upon millions have now testified to its truth) that it is the word of God.  His words should have the utmost presidence when discussing “others’... Read the rest of this entry »

This piece of history is from a Primary Lesson: Soon after the Church was organized, some of the members began to apostatize, or leave the Church. They quit attending Church meetings, opposed the Prophet, and persecuted the Saints. People apostatized for various reasons. For example, one man left the Church because his horse died while he was traveling to join the Saints in Missouri. Another man apostatized after he saw Joseph Smith playing with children. He thought a prophet should be too serious to play with children. One man saw that his name was misspelled on a Church document and thought that meant Joseph Smith was not inspired by God. Other people left the Church because they did not receive the help they expected with their financial problems. Some members left the Church because they could not forgive other members for actions that had offended them. After leaving the Church, these offended people often became the Church’s worst enemies. Ezra Booth joined the Church in 1831 after... Read the rest of this entry »

If you are interested in listening to or watching the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this weekend, there are several ways to do so. [List has been updated.] Note: There are four sessions total that will be broadcast live today (April 2, 2011) and tomorrow (April 3, 2011). Live broadcasts are at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., MDT. Each session lasts two hours. The priesthood session (for young men ages 12 and up and adult men) is not broadcast live, but will be made available later online. -The General Conference page on lds.org has live video feeds in English, Spanish (Español), Portuguese (Português), French (Français), and American Sign Language. Live audio feeds of conference are provided in about 70 different languages -You can go to this website to find out how to find general conference on cable, Dish / DirecTV / Satellite, or radio. Find detailed schedules as well as information on whether translations are available. - You can watch the iPad... Read the rest of this entry »

About a thousand other people and I enjoyed an evening with Richard Bushman last night. He spoke about Joseph and Emma for about 40 minutes and then entertained questions from the audience for another 40 minutes. While his insights on Joseph and Emma were interesting, I found the questions more fascinating, because they reflected a lot of the issues I blog about. For those who don’t know, Richard Bushman is the author of Rough Stone Rolling, the 2005 biography of Joseph Smith that has become the definitive account of the prophet’s life as told from the viewpoint of a faithful historian. I took advantage of the opportunity to have him autograph my copy and was not the only one in the audience who waited in line to do so. Open and honest discussion It was wonderful to see so many people interested in learning more about this great man and the beginnings of the Mormon Church. Every time he finished answering a question a dozen more hands shot up. We could have been there for several more... Read the rest of this entry »

To understand what Mormons believe and why, it’s important to understand who Joseph Smith was (a prophet of God, like Moses or Abraham) and why his life and role are important to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (because through him the gospel and Church of Jesus Christ were restored). Mormons do not worship Joseph Smith, but we honor him as someone who was called of God to do an essential work for the salvation of God’s children. It started with what we call his First Vision at age 14. He was deeply concerned about the salvation of his soul and was searching for a church to join. Verses in the Bible in James 1:5-6 inspired him to pray and ask God what he should do. On a spring morning in 1820, he went to a grove of trees near his home and sought God in prayer. In answer to his prayer, the world was changed forever. Joseph was visited by God the Father and by Jesus Christ. In his own words, Joseph Smith describes the experience: “I saw a pillar of... Read the rest of this entry »

[Edited for some glaring grammatical mistakes, and begging for your understanding regarding the remaining ones.] I’ve been thinking–and of course reading–about the so-called shaken faith thing. What I’m about to say, is given without documentation, just some personal observation. Look forward to my presentation of some of the “hidden” Mormon history (usually “hidden” in the [...]  Read More →

Awesome Website Here’s the website we’re talking about in the show: Scriptures Citation Index  Read More →

We cannot decide on our own what the Lord is thinking or what he desires of us.  When left to ourselves we scatter in so many different directions, like sheep without a shepherd.  If there is anything the Bible teaches, it is that the Lord does have a singular and specific mind.  We are always in great need of a prophet, some one to guide us among so many opinions and interpretations We’ve gone from one official state religion established in the Old Testament in ancient times with a single anointed prophet to hundreds of variations of Christ’s original church from the New Testament as well as numerous self-proclaimed religious leaders in modern times. Christian Religion has also become a convenient, watered-down thing for many in the world.  In fact, so many times it appears casual at best.  There are also different sects and creeds militantly centered on one passage of scripture, selectively ignoring other scriptures and doctrines.  And today... Read the rest of this entry »

Children and youth participate in this video to tell the Christmas story. They talk of prophecies of Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah and Micah, as well as Book of Mormon prophets such as Nephi (who was a prophet about 600 years before Christ’s birth), Samuel the Lamanite (who prophesied of Christ’s birth and the signs that appeared on the American continent at the time of Christ’s birth), and Alma (who was one of the many Book of Mormon prophets who spoke of the Savior’s coming and His atoning sacrifice). It’s beautiful to hear the children and youth in this video share the nativity story, as well as their faith in Jesus Christ and His mission — and what that means for us. The video ends with these words from one of the youth: “As you picture Christmas this year, remember that Christ’s life and atonement are the greatest gifts we could ever have, and the best gift we can give to Christ is to try to live like Him.” Video: “Picture... Read the rest of this entry »

 Michaelangelo Buonaroti, hailed as one of the most masterful artists in history, enjoyed much fame during his life.  He was given the distinction of being the first artist to have his biography published during his lifetime.  He was referred to, in Florence and around Italy, as Il Divino, or “The Divine One.”  Once he entered the forefront of the Renaissance art society, his fame spread, and throughout his life he received commission upon commission by the most respected patrons in Italy.   Although reported to be somewhat arrogant regarding his talents, his own words provide a deep insight.“If people knew how hard I worked to gain my mastery, it would not be so wonderful.”   Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michaelangelo Hesiod  (c. 700 BC) The early Greek poet and author, Hesiod, a contemporary of Homer, believed as well in diligence. “Mediocrity is easy, it can be had in quantity. ... Read the rest of this entry »

So in continuing the second day of the Thanksgiving countdown, I wanted to talk about how I am grateful for the gospel in my life.  And in being grateful for the gospel, this includes being grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ because without Him there would be no gospel.  I am so grateful for the wonderful blessing the gospel has been in my life.  The incredible thing about the gospel is that it affects everything for the better.  I cannot think of a single aspect of my life that has not been improved by my living the gospel. Sometimes I wonder why I was blessed to be born into a family that already accepted and lived the gospel of Jesus Christ and was part of His Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, whatever the reason was, I don’t think I could ever thank Heavenly Father enough for this blessing in my life.  Looking back on my life, I know I would not be the person I am today without the gospel of Jesus Christ, and thus I wouldn’t... Read the rest of this entry »

Recently, one of my best friends shared a fantastic story with me that they learned during a District Conference that they had a little while ago, and I wanted to share it with you as well.  One speaker at this particular District Conference started talking about how they were on an airplane flight that went by Mount Kilimanjaro.  The speaker discovered the Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest summit in the African continent, but in actually reality, it isn’t a difficult climb.  The summit is said to be approximately 19,341 ft above the main sea level, but with six different routes up to the top, it is said to be an easy climb.  In fact, some routes are even more of a hike than a climb.  However, when doing some research about the climb, one will find that usually only about 50% of the people that start the climb make it to the top!  Why is that? The speaker went on to explain that the climb is so relatively easy that many people climb too fast, and they begin... Read the rest of this entry »