Christopher D. Cunningham, Author at Public Square Magazine

Mormon Isn’t Our Name. Why Are Some Still Using It?

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Editorials

Two years since President Nelson requested discontinuation of the term “Mormon” to describe the Church, some journalists still opt to use it. Why?

Understanding the Latter-day Saint Experience in American Politics

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Q&A

Interview with the authors of the new book Contingent Citizens: Shifting Perceptions of Latter-day Saints in American Political Culture. Looking at how Latter-day Saints have been engaged and excluded from politics in the United States since the Church’s inception.

Injustice, Civil Unrest, and Finding Peace in the Book of Mormon

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Editorials

If we seek to end direct violence without paying more attention to structural and cultural contributors, will we be successful? Not if we’re paying attention to advice from the Book of Mormon.

Mapping Public Disagreements about Covid-19 Response

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Editorials

However nice it would be to feel unified in our response to COVID-19, there are many ongoing differences in perspective between thoughtful, good-hearted people. Could it help to map out fairly what those disagreements are?

Is “Cancel Culture” a Myth?

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Editorials

Rather than defensively dismissing words as false, look seriously at the problems. How can we keep the marketplace of ideas open and functioning?

In Defense of America

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Editorials

America was founded on the principle that “all men are created equal”. Despite calls to isolate or secede, this is worth saving.

Douglas Laycock: How Will New LGBT+ Rules Affect Religious Liberty?

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Q&A

The Supreme Court’s recent decision on LGBT+ employment protections combined with existing religious rights could eventually lead to a “fairness for all.”

Taking Nephi Seriously

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Essays

1st Nephi: A Brief Theological Introduction provides valuable scriptural insights by focusing narrowly on the intention of it’s author, Nephi.

Working from Home? Let Me Show You the Ropes

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Editorials

As the coronavirus pandemic is spreading throughout the world, working from home is becoming the new norm — but will it change how we interact?

Make The Good Times Stop: Pop Culture’s Fixation on Eternal Oblivion

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Editorials

Between Coco and The Good Place pop culture sure wants the afterlife to end. Is that because our religious culture isn’t providing a better vision?

That Big Religious Freedom Case Is Not What You Think

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Covering the Coverage

The “biggest religious freedom case” of the Supreme Court’s current term may have more to do with the complicated relationship between courts, regulatory agencies, and state legislators than religion.

How Social Media has Changed the Religious Experience

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Editorials

The experience of faith has changed a lot this decade, with some significant changes arguably arising from how faith has responded to the ascendance of the social web.

Can the Supreme Court Bring Us Together, Rather than Drive Us Apart? Part 2

Posted by Christopher D. Cunningham | Editorials

If we’re only feeling angrily estranged by the Supreme Court, maybe we’re missing something important. These stories might leave you strangely hopeful.