5 Ways the Church’s LGBTQ Approach is Morally and Spiritually Bankrupt
Like the naked emperor, the Church’s approach to LGBTQ issues has been exposed…James Patterson explains why the approach doesn’t add up.
Lessons from my Mission President
I was strongly influenced by my Mission President, Halvor Clegg, in my understanding of how the Holy Ghost speaks to humans. First I share an edited list of instructions he gave us about getting answers to questions we had as missionaries. Second some examples of how...
The Church Is Yours. Take It Back.
In the wake of the terrorists attacks in Paris, there is a call for Muslims worldwide to purge the violence and extremism out of Islam. I agree that they should, but I realize it is difficult task, that would be like asking all Christian Faiths to unite and get rid...
OxyMormons #3
A weekly ‘political cartoon’ about Mormonism (or bi-weekly…or monthly…). Click on comic to see it in full size.
Apparently 18 Is the New Age of Accountability
Premise: Nothing can stand in the way of Jesus's saving power. If a physical ordinance is needed to connect a person with this saving power, it must be available to anyone who needs it: which is everyone past the age of accountability. Since the Church will not...
Why Should I Trust the Church?
So, how about this new policy? Haha. So today Facebook’s newsfeed algorithm drew my attention to a heated battle of words that was being waged over all this. I’m sure we’re all witnessing the same spectacle. The following comments in particular caught my attention:...
The Problem with Beauty
I don’t really want to talk about lipstick and sexist jokes. It seems like a distraction from bigger and more pressing problems. But it is still an issue that needs addressing, and out standards of beauty are creating pressing problems. I've often tried to explain why...
The Good Son
Don't worry. All is well. I'm sorry if I caused you any undue anxiety. I know there have been many voices speaking ill of the anointed. This last weekend these voices rose to a crescendo unlike anything I've ever seen. But you can rest easy, for my voice will not join...
Did You Keep Your Baptismal Covenants this Week?
As my Sunday school teacher said, this is the time when God is sorting the wheat from the tares, when we find out who’s on the Lord’s side, when Christ’s followers step forward. He couldn’t be more right. The Saints’ duty was cut and dried this week the way it rarely...
How Mormon Music Changed My Life
My earliest memories are of my mother singing. She is an excellent pianist and vocalist, and she loves playing and singing. She sang a wide range of songs, but many of them were church-related. She sang Primary songs, she sang hymns, and various solo arrangements for...
Polygamy Baggage vs Same Sex Marriage
As part of the new policy changes affecting gay LDS church members a restriction was put in place which denies children of parents in a same sex relationships access to naming and blessing ceremonies, baptism, and priesthood ordinances. A portion of the updated policy...
Pain and Suffering
I may not understand your suffering completely, but I will suffer with you.
Flowers and Ashes
At one point in my life, I was president of my wards Young Women's organization. I am sure that comes as a shock to many who may be acquainted with me online, but it is true- my ward trusted me with about 20 girls, aged 12-17. Among them, was a 12 year old whom I'll...
9 Facts About the Church’s New Policy Changes
Fact #1: The policy changes punish children. In any other circumstance, with a parent’s approval, a minor age 8 or older can be baptized into the church. Unless it is a child of a same-sex couple. In this case, even if the parents approve the child cannot be baptized....
Lipstick: Can I Look Like Me Without It?
“I don’t know why we make this process so hard.” Well, Elder Ballard, that’s because no one ever told you you had to change your face in order to look like a man. You didn’t go through this weird transformation at puberty where suddenly, everyone started telling you that in order to look like your own gender, you had to change your body. Being a woman is about who a person is inside. If you identify as a woman, then congratulations, you look like yourself, therefore you look like a woman. Sticking crap on my face doesn’t make me look like more of a woman. Taking it off doesn’t make a difference either.
OxyMormons #2
A weekly 'political cartoon' about Mormonism (or bi-weekly...or monthly...). Click on comic to see it in full size.
LGBTQ Mormon Crisis
Two Printable handout for bishops and stake presidents that talks empirically about LGBTQ suicides:
The LGBTQ Mormon Crisis: Responding to the Empirical Research on Suicide
Youth Suicide Rates and Mormon Religious Context: An Additional Empirical Analysis
The Barker Brothers’ Projects
These videos were created for Latter-day Saint parents and allies to voice their love for their LGBT brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. They want to give a message of comfort and support to other parents who are navigating the difficult conflicts that can arise in families around this issue.
“Cogito!” (“I think!”) follows the intellectual adventures of a recovering academic outside the walls of academia.
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