Marriage for Elites Only? + Today’s Digest

Our daily rundown of the articles from around the web that we feel our readers would enjoy and appreciate. We hope to highlight the best of what’s around.

Public Square Bulletin recommends:

The Benefits of Marriage Shouldn’t Only Be For Elites

W. Bradford Wilcox—Institute for Family Studies

Today the rich marry much more often than the poor. The benefits of marriage are clear and consistent. Wilcox wonders how to close this gap.

Thoughts and Prayers Do Help

David Bashevkin—Wall Street Journal

Russell M. Nelson spoke in May about how praying for those in need inspires him to action. So I wanted to recommend this recent Wall Street Journal article that delves into the concept and why it would be a mistake to throw away “thoughts and prayers.”

Susa Young Gates: ‘Daughter of Mormonism’

Jerry Winder—From the Desk

Susa Young Gates is an essential figure in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ. This Q&A with her biographer is succinct, fascinating, and essential for anyone looking to quickly understand her life and accomplishments.

Walmart Settles Religious Discrimination Dispute

Tom Raabe—American Spectator

One of the most interesting religious freedom cases making its way to the Supreme Court involved a man that Wal-Mart refused to promote because as a Seventh-Day Adventist he required one day off a week. But Wal-Mart unexpectedly settled the case before it could make the high court. The reasoning may interest you.

Jesus in Recent Latter-day Saint Art

Chad Nielsen—Times and Seasons

This overview of Anthony Sweat’s recent presentation about depictions of the Savior includes links to many of the beautiful images that Sweat references and is definitely worth a leisurely read.

When Outrage Sells, Disciples Choose Peace

Dialogue

The Final Lesson of Peacemaking: Ask Better Questions

Health

Primum Non Nocere: A Berlin Museum’s Warning Against Silence

Our Culture of Contempt

Four Corners

What Past Attacks on Mormons and Catholics Teach Us About the Threat to Muslims

C.D. Cunningham

“Surviving Mormonism” and the Real Story of Institutional Harm

Are Surviving Mormonism’s stories typical? Comparative data show rare failures in an institution ahead on reform.

Dan Ellsworth

Church Choirs and the Sound of Belonging: Where Harmony Still Exists

Why do ward choirs matter? They build unity, model male-female harmony, bridge communities, and teach belonging.

Jeff Bennion

When Law Meets Love: Dallin H. Oaks’ Ministry to Sexual and Gender Minorities

Dallin H. Oaks pairs law with love, showing humility, outreach, and a call to hold truth with tenderness.

Jacob Z. Hess

Why are Some Latter-day Saints Hesitant to Talk about the Family Proclamation?

The Family Proclamation is beloved by members around the world. So why are some afraid to talk about it?

Cassandra Hedelius

Motherhood, Mortality, and the Myth of Control

A near-death experience at 39 leads a mother to challenge her perceptions of entitlement, faith, and mortality.

CATEGORIES

Researching Disaffection: The Neglected Variable of Conversion

It is important to understand the lived experience of our faith, including the reasons why people step away. But real understanding of these experiences is not possible unless we account for the variable of conversion.

A woman contemplates her reflection in a mirror, symbolizing introspection on her own identity.

The Givenness of Divine Gender Identity

Is identity subjective or divine? Ancient philosophy and modern debates converge to redefine gender perceptions.

Elder Patrick Kearon called as an Apostle

Elder Patrick Kearon was born on July 18, 1961, in Carlisle, Cumberland, England. He married Jennifer Carole Hulme in January 1991 and they have four children. Kearon joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1987. He has served in various church roles, including stake president and Area Seventy. Professionally, Kearon has worked in multiple countries and industries, and ran his own communications consultancy. He has been involved in civic and community service, including on boards of charities and educational institutions. For more details, please visit his bio on the Church’s website. Elder Patrick Kearon’s messages in General Conference convey a strong emphasis on compassion, healing, obedience, and resilience through Christ’s Atonement. In his 2016 talk, “Refuge from the Storm,” he calls for empathy towards refugees, linking this to the Church’s history and Christian responsibilities. Kearon says, “Our response to refugees […] is a litmus test of our discipleship.” His 2022 talk, “He Is Risen with Healing in His Wings: We Can Be More Than Conquerors,” offers solace and empowerment to those facing abuse, underscoring the transformative power of Christ’s Atonement. “No matter our suffering,” he affirms, “we can find comfort in Him.” His 2010 address, “Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You,” highlights the importance of obedience to gospel teachings, using a personal story to stress the necessity of full-hearted dedication to Christ for genuine peace. These messages collectively illustrate his unwavering commitment to fostering a Christ-centered life marked by deep compassion, adherence to spiritual guidance, and the pursuit of healing and strength through faith. For more details and the full context of these quotes, please visit the talks on the Church’s website: Refuge from the Storm He Is Risen with Healing in His Wings: We Can Be More Than Conquerors Come unto Me with Full Purpose of Heart, and I Shall Heal You