Mar
30
The Restoration of the Priesthood has beaten the Book of Mormon in a poll of the most influential forces in today’s Mormonism. The final vote was 18-13. I would like to thank everyone who participated.
So, does this tell us anything interesting? Also, any suggestions for the return of Historical Mormon Smackdown next week?
Mar
29
Here it is. Your votes have determined that these are the two most influential forces in Mormonism today.
1 – The Book of Mormon vs. 11 – Restoration of the Priesthood
Vote and Comment below!
Mar
28
And the winners are:
11 Restoration of Priesthood Authority 21
1 Joseph Smith 17
1 The Book of Mormon 26
6 Sacrament Meeting 10
So, the championship game tomorrow will be
1 The Book of Mormon vs. 11 Restoration of Priesthood Authority
Maybe this means good things for George Mason.
Mar
27
1 Joseph Smith vs. 11 Restoration of Priesthood Authority
1 Book of Mormon vs. 6 Sacrament Meeting
Vote and comment! Please!
Mar
26
The Elite Eight results are:
1 – Joseph Smith 23
9 – Gordon B. Hinckley 22
11 – Restoration of Priesthood Authority 24
12 – Saving Ordinances 11
1 – The Book of Mormon 31
8 – The 2nd Official Declaration 4
6 – Sacrament Meeting 26
10 – Relief Society 7
The final four matches are:
1 Joseph Smith vs. 11 Restoration of Priesthood Authority
1 Book of Mormon vs. 6 Sacrament Meeting
Wow! That Joseph Smith/Gordon B. Hinckley match came down to the wire (overtime, even)
[edited to reflect the actual bracket]
Also, after yesterday’s games, I suddenly don’t feel so bad about having an 11 seed make the final.
Mar
25
The Joseph Smith/Gordon B. Hinckley race is a tie. Do not let it be so! The race is extended until tomorrow.
Mar
24
1 – Joseph Smith vs. 9 – Gordon B. Hinckley
11 – Restoration of Priesthood Authority vs. 12 – Saving Ordinances
1 – The Book of Mormon vs. 8 – The 2nd Official Declaration
6 – Sacrament Meeting vs. 10 – Relief Society
Please Vote and Comment Below!
Mar
23
Since we are all in an uproar regarding free will (see here, here, and here), I’ll toss my idea into the mix. Hypothetically, I am a compatibilist.
In this I mean that, hypothetically, I could see the material aspects of our selves and the world in which we find ourselves as sufficiently influential as to determine some or all of our actions. I am willing to see this as being the way that the God has established the world (or that this is the way it is always set up). In this, I am suggesting that the material world may be designed to bring people to a point wherein they have to make a decision regarding their interaction with God.
In my mind, Camus’s famous essay, The Myth of Sisyphus, is quite helpful. Although Sisyphus has no control over his fate, he is allowed control over his own will. The will is Sisyphus’s alone and, in the essay, he chooses to make his fate his choice, creating an existential hero.
I am saying that it is possible to be a compatibilist if you allow people this one act of free will: whether or not they will submit to the will of God. That act, in similitude of Christ’s act of submission, may be our one true use of free will.
Mar
23
I am writing up proposals and applications at the moment, so things have been too hectic of late to keep every thing straight at MMDM headquarters. As a result, I forgot to close the polls yesterday. So, today is the break between the Sweet Sixteen and the Elite Eight. Friday will be the Elite Eight games. Monday will be the Final Four. Wednesday will still be the championship game.
Are you all with me?
Yesterday’s results:
9 – Gordon B. Hinckley 25
11 – Hugh W. Nibley 2
11 – Restoration of Priesthood Authority 19
9 – Word of Wisdom 7
8 – The 2nd Official Declaration 16
11 – Mormon Doctrine 9
6 – Sacrament Meeting 16
4 – Temple Building 10
So, the Elite Eight matches are: Read more »
Mar
22
1. Don’t read the Book of Mormon. Indeed, this can only inform the anti-Mormon about its true content. Doctrines will be discovered, insights will be obtained, and most importantly, the spirit might be felt while reading it. If one does feel something divine within its pages, put the book down immediately, fight the feelings inside, and do something else. Make a loud noise, clap your hands, kick the dog; anything to avoid seeing something divine before you. Instead of reading the Book of Mormon and subjecting yourself to its childish 19th-century dogmatic interpolations, pick up a book or pamphlet about the Book of Mormon, especially if written by a non-Mormon, because of course only the non-Mormon can be totally objective about its message and content. By extension, don’t read the D&C or PofGP either. This will only add to the confusion and madness. Stay informed about the book, just don’t read it. Or just read your Bible. After all, the Bible is God’s word, and is a perfectly believable book with no strange stories, characters, or incredible situations, unlike that weird Book of Mormon (see #6 for more).
2. Avoid original sources. Why plough through thousands of pages of Joseph Smith’s journals, the Journal of Discourses, or other autobiographical sources when you can just pick up a perfectly decent abridgment of all this material by such noteworthies as Ed Decker or Jerald & Sandra Tanner? These folks are reliable and objective in their research, and after all, they were Mormons at one time! So that means that they undoubtedly know their stuff and have no malicious agenda whatsoever—they’re totally objective! Original sources cannot possibly reflect the reality behind the situations they describe, especially sources produced by the Mormons. Original sources will only slow you down and misdirect your research.
3. McConkie’s thoughts = everyone’s thoughts. First off, if you really want to know the ins and outs of Mormon doctrine, just buy the book by that very name! A book by any other name just isn’t the same. Surely a volume with such a name as “Mormon Doctrine” contains exactly what the title purports – an exhaustive and authoritative treatment of the doctrine of the Mormon church. And don’t be tricked into thinking that the ideas expressed in Mormon Doctrine are outdated, biased, or non-representative. Every Mormon reveres this guy (he was, after all, one of their apostles!), and they all adhere to this book like the Book of Mormon itself. This book should be your most valuable tool in learning about the Mormons. It’s handy, too. It’s arranged just like a dictionary. Just pick the doctrine you want to know about, turn to it, and voi-la, you’re an expert on Mormonism.
4. Don’t stay current. Avoid reading Journal of Mormon History, Dialogue Journal, or others. These works are mostly written by Mormon outcasts and gays who are well on their way to becoming Protestants or atheists anyway. They certainly have an ax to grind, so reading this material might actually lead you to think that Mormons think differently among themselves, which is surely not the case. They all conform to the “prophet,” dontchya know? Staying current might actually alert you to upcoming trends in defense of Mormonism, which should only be handled by experts (like your pastor or local “professional” counter-cultist). Staying current will also take time away from reading Mormon Doctrine or one of the Tanner’s books/pamphlets.
5. Consult outside sources. Never, ever ask a Mormon about Mormonism. They’ll only tell you what you want to hear, make themselves sound much less cultish than they really are, or try to pass themselves off as people who worship the same God that you do. This could lead to a friendly invitation to a church basketball game, barbecue, or a “family night” at the Mormon’s house. Avoid these activities, for there the Mormon will try to seduce you into their fold with nice words and a bowl of green jello. Always go to “professionals” for the answers.
6. Ignore hypocrisy. It’s best not to bring up beliefs or problems of faith that you share with the Mormons. Don’t mention difficulties in translating ancient texts. Don’t mention that the KJV, the long-time English language standard Bible, talks of anachronisms like steel bows, domesticated animals before they were domesticated, etc. Avoid discussing difficult aspects in any system of belief – the nature of God, revelation, life after death, etc. Don’t talk to the Mormon about the patristic writings, and how some of the early church fathers discussed such issues as a corporeal deity, eternal nature of souls, human deification, or a pre-mortal life. Don’t talk about how some of the writers of the New Testament used and abused Old Testament passages for their own exegetical agendas. Don’t talk about how the Christian Church has been manipulated by its leaders through the ages, especially such topics like the Crusades or the Inquisition, because for all it’s ugliness, the Christian Church is the imperfect perfection. Showing respect or “faith envy” for the Mormons leads to nowhere.
So there you have it. Becoming an “expert” anti-Mormon is much easier than one might think. Following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an “expert” anti-Mormon.
Mar
22
Ben S has a great piece up over at M* on openness theology and the question of how the OT presents God’s omniscience, but he didn’t use (didn’t need) an example of the same sort that is a favorite of mine. Since I had been meaning to write a bit on this, I’ve decided to dash off a little something on the matter, just to complement his remarks.
Mar
22
OK folks, here’s what you’ve been waiting for: publication of the long-lost Gospel of Judas. After being a source of irritation to early church leaders, it went missing about 1,500 years ago. Now due to be published the end of next month, so as to again become a source of irritation to church leaders… Skullduggery, lies, theft…all the good stuff, and just in time for “Da Vinci Code,” too.
Original title: “Long-lost Gospel of Judas to Be Published,” originally dated 19 Dec 05 and published by Religion News
Mar
21
The results from yesterday are:
1 – Joseph Smith 29
3 – Bruce R. McConkie 5
12 – Saving Ordinances 24
10 – Tithing and Consecration 7
1 – Book of Mormon 27
3 – Doctrine and Covenants 3
10 – The Relief Society 19
12 – The Young Men’s Program 11
I am satisfied with those answers.
On to today’s polls:
Read more »
Mar
21
The name of the book comes from one of its main themes: the departure of the sons of Israel from Egypt. There is much more to the book than this, however. There is the introduction of the zenith of prophets in OT tradition, Moses, as well as specifics surrounding Torah (chs. 20-23) and the tabernacle (chs. 25-40).
Various theories abound regarding the book’s historicity, especially with the presence of Israel in Egypt. These theories range from the pharaoh of the Exodus being Ramses II (1279-1213 BCE), to the whole book being written at a very late date and having no historical reality whatsoever. Various clues within the book show the reader that either theory is workable, which is problematic for those in the field of Biblical Studies. In the end, the writers of the book probably did not have the same ideas of accurate historicity that modern minds have, and the book is probably a mixture of myth and reality. It is best read as a story in its final form, demonstrating that God is one who intervenes in real history (and not a deity who acted only in primeeval times) for his people.
The book has been the catalyst for much of Israel’s tradition. Indeed, several festivals look back to the Exodus tradition in reverence: passover, unleavened bread, festival of booths, festival of weeks, etc. The main idea of the book throughout tradition, if one wishes to make reductionistic conclusions surrounding its content, probably boils down to Exodus 20:3 (1-6). The contention between worshiping Yahweh alone and incorporating him syncretistically into other pantheons continues throughout the remainder of the Pentateuch and well into the Historical Books (Joshua through Kings). Another key verse in the book is Exodus 7:16, which reads:
The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, sent me to you to say, “Let my people go, so that they may worship me in the wilderness.”
The verse shows implicit causation — pharaoh is to let the Hebrews go so that they may cease to serve him and start to serve Yahweh. The people, then, exchange one master (pharaoh) for another (Yahweh). The book is primarily a story of oppression and redemption through the power of God.
The book begins rather abruptly, insomuch that if one blinks enough, the childhood of Moses might be missed. The author clearly wants to introduce Moses, but at the same time wants to move the story along quickly in order to get to the main setting in Egypt and then in the wilderness. The book ends climactically with the blessing of the presence of Yahweh’s glory (kabod) at the tabernacle. This motif is repeated when the temple of Solomon is dedicated in 1 Kings 8. The presence of Yahweh (or rather, the presence of “his name”) is the paramount blessing in the narrative.
For Mormon studies, the book became the allegorical focal point of our own exile from the midwestern United States to the desert of the Salt Lake Valley, especially as manifested in hymns such as “Redeemer of Israel.” Also noteworthy is the emphasis on the divine cult, the giving of the law to the people, and the reward of the presence of God in his own “dwelling place” (Heb. mishkan), all characteristic goals of Mormon ritual and worship. Likewise, discussion of the anointing of Aaron and the priests before entering the tabernacle (40:12-15) has mention our rituals.
Mar
21
As near as I can tell, Joseph Smith seems to have identified all the men named John in the NT as John the son of Zebedee. And he seems to have also identified those works traditionally associated with someone named John as written by this same John the son of Zebedee.
Mar
20
Here we go:
1 – Joseph Smith vs. 3 – Bruce R. McConkie
10 – Tithing and Consecration vs. 12 – Saving Ordinances
1 – The Book of Mormon vs. 3 – The Doctrine and Covenants
10 – The Relief Society vs. 12 – The Young Men’s Program
Please vote and comment below.
Mar
19
So, my wife left the Deseret Book catalogue sitting out, and I felt like maybe I ought to pick it up and take a look. I saw most of what I usually see: yet another J.F. McConkie / Robert Millet collaboration (yawn), new cover designs for old classics (the new Miracle of Forgiveness is spiffy!), and plenty of artwork (none of which is of my stripe). It’s no SBL catalogue, but it seems like a pretty good one for its intended audience.
Now, on page 41, something caught my eye. It’s called “Essential Gospel Library.” Here they featured 3 books and refer the reader to the website (click here) for more. So I went there to see what the essentials were, according to the DB marketing machine (and Correlation?). I was pleasantly surprised and also mystified. Surprises: Discourses of President Gordon B. Hinckley, vols. I & II. I didn’t even know these existed. Very cool. I won’t tell you what books left me mystified, but the list got me thinking. I’m sure there are other posts similar to this in the ‘nacle, so let’s start a new one — nice ‘n fresh!
What are your favorite UNcorrelated essentials for Mormon studies?
3 Rules:
1. You can name as many as you like, but let’s keep the reasons why we like them brief (but not non-existent) but informative. No more than a couple of sentences for each recommendation.
2. Explain why you like such-and-such uncorrelated material in an informative, intelligent way. Saying “this is good” doesn’t help other readers much.
3. No rule here. I just wanted the rules to have the magic number of three (“Trilogy! Trilogy!”). 
Let’s have fun.
Mar
17
Yesterday’s results:
9 – Gordon B. Hinckley 19
4 – Joseph F. Smith 3
11 – Mormon Doctrine 14
2 – The Bible 8
10 – Relief Society 13
3 – The Church Educational System 8
12 – Saving Ordinances 12
16 – The Companionship of the Holy Ghost 11
Read more »
Mar
17
Ordained Women in the Early Church: A Documentary History
Kevin Madigan and Carolyn Osiek, ed. and trans.
Baltimore: Johns Hopkins, 2005. 220 pp.
The big question is “Were they?” and the answer is “Yup,” but there’s some details to be filled in twixt here and there.
Mar
16
Yesterday’s results:
3 – Bruce R. McConkie 20
10 – David O. McKay 9
9 – Word of Wisdom 29
13 – Zionism 0
1 – The Book of Mormon 27
5 – The Lectures on Faith 1
6 – Sacrament Meeting 18
2 – The Missionary Program 10
Only one upset. I am still torn on that one.
Today’s matches (the final ones for this round):
Read more »
Mar
15
Yesterday’s results:
11 – Hugh Nibley 16
2 – Brigham Young 15
10 – Tithing and Consecration 22
3 – Physical Divine Beings 8
8 – The 2nd Official Declaration 17
4 – The Pearl of Great Price 13
12 – The Young Men’s Program 17
1 – The Welfare Program 13
The last two results of which obviously prove that the bloggernacle is wrong, just wrong (also, the BY results may be off). Oh well.
Today’s matches:
Read more »
Mar
15
This Sunday, the boys in our ward scout troops will have their Board of Review, which is the meeting in which advancement is discussed with those on the board. The meeting will be held immediately after church, and each boy is required to wear his scout shirt.
Which creates a dilemma – can the boys pass the sacrament wearing a scout shirt?
Unfortunately, somebody in the ward feels they cannot. The leader of the deacon’s quorum came into Elder’s quorum on Sunday and asked for volunteers for passing the sacrament. This boy, who is stalwart and wise beyond his years, seemed a bit confused by the whole thing. One of the fellas in the quorum spoke up and told the boy several things:
1.In certain very poor areas of the world, the requirement is “a clean shirt.” Color made no difference.
2.That priesthood can be utilized and carried regardless of how one dresses for church, so long as ample effort was made to appear neat and clean.
3.That wearing a scout shirt is an honor, and to preclude a boy from passing the sacrament because of a scout shirt is teaching the wrong thing about priesthood (and, by extension, scouting).
Should they pass the sacrament, or defer the honor to others wearing white shirts?
Mar
15
The entry on “paradise” in the bible dictionary found in the LDS edition of the AV has some points that give me pause. Here is the passage:
Mar
14
Pi Day: the 14th day of the 3rd month, at about the 15th hour, which would be 3 PM…
Mar
14
Yesterday’s results:
1- Joseph Smith 26
12 – James Talmage 6
11 – Restoration of Priesthood Authority 22
2 – Continuing Revelation 10
3 – The Doctrine and Covenants 28
7 – The 1st Official Declaration 4
4 – Temple Building 24
9 – The Young Women’s Program 8
In today’s matches:
Read more »
Mar
13
1 – Joseph Smith vs. 12 – James Talmage
2 – Continuing Revelation vs. 11 – Restoration of Priesthood Authority
3 – The Doctrine and Covenants vs. 7 – the 1st Official Declaration
4 – Temple Building vs. 9 – The Young Women’s Program
Vote and then comment below!
Mar
10
First of all, let’s get yesterday’s final results out of the way:
4 – Joseph F. Smith 36
13 – Chieko Okazaki 8
9 – Gordon B. Hinckley 32
8 – Spencer W. Kimball 10
16 – The Companionship of the Holy Ghost – 29
1 – “As Man is, God once was; As God is, Man may become” 13
12 – Saving Ordinances 33
5 – 3 Kingdoms of Glory 9
2 – The Bible 24
15 – Jesus the Christ 18
11 – Mormon Doctrine 25
6 – The King Follett Discourse 17
3 – The Church Educational System 35
14 – Church Movies and Art 7
10 – Relief Society 38
7 – Visiting Teacher 3
With that out of the way, let’s look over next week’s match-ups and engage in some analysis.
Read more »
Mar
9
What, you might ask, is the Heliand? As good Saints, you will remember that Nephi “likened scripture” to himself, his people, and his situation. Well, he wasn’t the only one. In the 9th century an unknown Northern European warrior-monk-poet took it upon himself to “liken” the Gospels to his own people and situation: a chieftain society, a defeated people, a nation forcibly Christianized by Charlemagne. The result was the Heliand, a re-imaging of the Jesus story.
Mar
8
The results from yesterday:
3 – Bruce R. McConkie 22
14 – Orson Scott Card 3
10 – David O. McKay 17
7 – Eliza R. Snow 5
13 – Zionism 12
4 – Heavenly Mother 10
9 – The Word of Wisdom 21
8 – Plural Marriage 1
1 – The Book of Mormon 21
16 – The Young Women’s Values 1
5 – The Lectures on Faith 13
12 – Zeal without Knowledge 9
2 – The Missionary Program 14
15 – Conferences 8
6 – Sacrament Meeting 21
11 – The Elder’s Quorum 1
Some surprises, I think.
On to this day’s matchup (and this round’s final group):
Read more »
Mar
6
There have been a lot of tight battles thusfar in the Tournament. Some upsets that you think, “What was the seeding committee thinking?” and some close battles that make you think that the committee was thinking. Well, more of the same this week.
Read more »
Mar
3
I apologize. Things are busier now than I planned for and I need to install a new program to try and get the polls working properly. The game will resume on Monday and the rest of the first round matches will take place next week. Thanks for your participation thusfar.
The winners from today are:
2 Brigham Young 25
15 Eugene England 6
11 Hugh Nibley 26
6 Emma Smith 3
3 Physical Divine Beings 21
14 Dispensationalism 8
10 Tithing and Consecration 15
7 Temple Covenants 13
4 The Pearl of Great Price 16
13 The Father and the Son 12
8 The 2nd Official Declaration 15
9 The Proclamation on the Family 13
1 The Welfare Program 26
16 The Perpetual Education Fund 2
12 The Young Men’s Program 28
5 Personal Food Storage 2