Let’s talk about the gold plates

Let’s talk about the gold plates. The critics, disaffected and secularists seem to be telling us that the witnesses to the book of Mormon only saw them with their spiritual eyes. The Mormon apologists seem to think they actually saw the plates. Never mind the pesky details of the fact that it was recorded that …

Worthiness in the LDS church

Are we not taught from a young age that we have infinite worth in the church? But then we are also interviewed by a bishop and stake president, in the case of a temple recommend, as to whether or not we are ‘worthy’. Some of the things that determine this ‘worthiness’ are whether or not …

I wrote a “contact us comment” to Fair Mormon and it went like this:

I’d have to say, the mental gymnastics you guys do to try to excuse church leaders, try to hold together or reconcile inconsistencies in the church, and bag on the “critics” as if we’re persecuting the church when really we’re just shining a light on things, it’s embarrassing for the church. It makes me embarrassed …

The Sarah Whitney Letter

Don’t think Joseph was a sexual predator? Read this letter and get back to me on that thought. Nauvoo August 18th. 1842 Dear, and Beloved, Brother [Newel K. Whitney] and Sister, Elizabeth Smith Whitney, and &c. Sarah Ann Whitney— I take this oppertunity to communicate, some of my feelings, privetely at this time, which I want you three Eternaly to keep in your own bosams; for my …

We Believe in Slavery, Just Kidding, We Never Said That

Brigham Young was the second president of the Mormon church, and the first governor of Utah. In a speech to the joint session of the legislature, Jan 23 1852, he had this to say, “I have this section in my hand, headed “An Act in Relation to African Slavery.” I have read it over and …

1832 Version of the Vision from Joseph’s Journal

The earliest account of the first vision was Joseph Smith’s journal in 1832, he talks about seeing “The Lord” (who we assume he means is Jesus) and that He forgave Joseph’s sins. He does not mention God the Father. He does not mention the darkness that threatened to overtake him. He does not mention being …

Letter to a friend

I just emailed this to a friend, whose name I will keep out. Thought it was worth sharing. Decided to drop you another response.  It was good to see you last month, thanks for saying hi.  I would’ve talked to you more but had a lot of people around trying to talk to me.  It …

thinking out loud

I know, it’s already taken by Ed. But I couldn’t think of what else to call this post. A couple things on my mind. I guess one, my ex got engaged this past week. I don’t know why it’s even a thing for me, I really don’t care and already knew he was getting married. …

Off the Deep End

Here’s a little poem I wrote yesterday morning to Taylor. I don’t know if I’ll send it, but if he starts up his text-rants again I just might. I woke up and thought, I feel a poem coming on, so I wrote until I finished. Enjoy. Off the Deep End You tell me I’ve gone …

Worth defending

“In general it is true that nothing which cannot stand up under discussion and criticism is worth defending.” Elder James E. Talmage- Improvement Era, January 1920 This quote. So so true. And by Talmage no less. Yes, if we have thi do mental gymnastics till our brains hurt, maybe it’s not true or worth defending.