Jacob Z. Hess, Author at Public Square Magazine

Celebrating the Overwhelming, Relentless Love of God

A conversation with Francis Chan—the extended version of an interview that appeared in Deseret News Magazine.

The Fantasy Story Americans Love to Tell about Science

Does religious commitment by a scientist or university corrupt the neutral scientific process? Only if you’ve come to believe a popular myth about science itself.

The Gentle Power of Dave Joseph, Dialogue Legend

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Tributes

A tribute to a friend, teacher, and mentor to many young dialogue practitioners—including myself. Dave passed away October 25, 2021, and was memorialized this last weekend in Rhode Island.

Are Utahns Uniquely Drawn to Pornography?

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Mental Health

Some still like to claim that Utah has a uniquely high rate of porn use in the nation—purportedly related to cultural norms that “suppress” and “shame” sexual expression. This popular story only survives out of widespread ignorance over the science of pornography itself.

Long-term, Short-term

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Health, Pandemic

In advance of the likely approval and administration of COVID-19 vaccination to many younger children, it’s worth revisiting an important question in pharmacological research generally: How long does evidence gathering need to extend in order to deem an intervention “safe” or “effective”?

COVID-19 Vaccination as an Abrahamic Test

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Health, Pandemic

For those who have never had any serious reservations with conventional medicine or the prevailing public health pandemic response, prophetic encouragement to get vaccinated for COVID-19 seems obvious, non-controversial—even a no-brainer. But for those who have honest questions about our mainstream approaches to preserving healing and protecting against disease, following this counsel can feel terrifying—and go against everything they believe.

Coming Out & Walking Away. Why?

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Identity, Sexuality & Family

You’ve probably only ever heard one answer for why so many LGBT+ identifying brothers and sisters are walking away. But the full truth is rarely so popular—or so simple.

Have You Heard the Biggest Church Lie?

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Faith, Gospel Fare

Some who step away from the Church of Jesus Christ insist they’ve been lied to in a grand deception they’re only now recognizing. To all my wonderful brothers and sisters this committed to integrity and the whole truth, I would ask you to hear me out. Can you be open to seeing even more than you’ve seen before?

It’s Time to Stop Calling Your Grandpa a Liar

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Dialogue, History

Those who indict prior generations for “lying” because their histories differ from modern-day telling’s in scope or emphasis, plainly demonstrate what anthropologists call “ethnocentrism.” That’s a problem. And it’s time to hold these accusers more accountable for the real-life, human impact of their allegations.

Yes, We Really Do Need to Talk About Race

Posted by Meagan Kohler | Dialogue, Racial Healing

It’s not just folks on the political left who we’d love to go deeper in exploring meaningful questions. These are some of our questions for brothers and sisters on the political right as well.

Honest Questions about Race for Fellow Disciples

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Dialogue, Racial Healing

An open letter to Pro-CRT Latter-day Saints at BYU and beyond—inviting a good-faith dialogue that honestly engages some of our meaningful disagreements.

Why should I believe you? Why should you believe me?

Posted by Arthur Peña | Dialogue, Persuasion

Behind our beliefs, there looms the figure of Authority. Can we effectively evaluate the truth of a claim without dealing with what authority we trust?

There’s One More Atheist in Heaven

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Faith, Tributes

Gary Wilson provided research clarity to the ill effects of pornography on the brain, for this he was harassed and hounded in life. His death gives us an opportunity to praise his work.

The Most Reviled Minority in America?

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Health, Pandemic

It’s understandable that many would have questions and concerns with the percentage of people declining the COVID-19 vaccine. But rather than make space for a human exchange about serious fears on both sides, incendiary rhetoric makes such conversation impossible, by insisting the only reason for dissent is selfishness or blatant ignorance.

Excommunication as a Protection Against Spiritual Violence

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Editorials

When someone is harming others’ faith, is it “spiritual violence” to excommunicate them? Or not to?

Is Vaccine Dialogue Even Possible?

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Editorials

Honest conversation about vaccination might be more challenging than any other issue. Why? And is it even worth trying?

Struggle Doesn’t Make You Special

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Church & State, Faith

Those who wrestle are not a separate category of humans. That describes all of us. If so, the key question is not whether we are “willing to wrestle,” but rather, where that wrestle ultimately takes each of us.

Now’s Not the Time to Downplay Sexual Addiction

Posted by Vinny Barborka | Sexual Abuse, Sexuality & Family

Even after the killer in Atlanta’s heinous shooting recently spoke of his sexual addiction as a contributing influence. Some have taken this as an opportunity to minimize and even ridicule the idea of such a problem. The millions of men and women grappling with the same deserve better.

Are We Pursuing Impossible Conversations?

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Dialogue, Persuasion

How discussions are pre-loaded for failure.

A Short History of Social Media Bans

Posted by Jacob Z. Hess | Media & Education, Social Media

Conservatives are feeling singled out and targeted on social media. But the history of bans across major platforms confirms a more complicated picture.

Author: Jacob Z. Hess