This article is no longer available at Public Square Magazine. After further review, the Editorial Board determined that several claims made in the article are presented without sufficient context. Further, we believe that the way certain claims are made could lead to unintended conclusions about the Church or its leaders. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The Public Square Magazine Editorial Board
Are Surviving Mormonism’s stories typical? Comparative data show rare failures in an institution ahead on reform.
Why do ward choirs matter? They build unity, model male-female harmony, bridge communities, and teach belonging.
Dallin H. Oaks pairs law with love, showing humility, outreach, and a call to hold truth with tenderness.
Some found it odd that the Church would ask people to stop using “Mormon” after its “I’m a Mormon” ad campaign. What if that was kind of the point?
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: Jesus’ Alternative to Self-Esteem H. Wallace Goddard—Meridian Magazine While the gospel has some similarities with the self-esteem movement, Goddard, a parenting expert, looks at the research, and suggests that there may be weaknesses to the self-esteem movement that the gospel can rectify. Religion and the American Constitutional Experiment John Witte Jr.—Canopy Forum An excerpt from the upcoming book of the same name, this fascinating take gives a whirlwind tour of religious freedom, the role the founders and courts have played in developing it, and what we might expect in the next decade. The Perils of Heterodoxy Adam M. Wakeling—Areo Increasingly the information we get is filtered through a smaller and smaller group of individuals, so being independent-minded is important. But this route also comes with dangers that, left unchecked, could prove problematic. Exercising the Virtues Allen Porter—Law & Liberty Physical fitness is an important expression of a virtuous life. The patterns we develop should be consciously chosen and acted on and should be done to shape our minds and bodies in accordance with a higher purpose. Six Theologians Every Thoughtful Person Should Read Bruce Riley Ashford—First Things Excuse the uncharacteristic click-bait headline. This article outlines some of the most influential thinkers in orthodox Christian thought. While none come from the Church of Jesus Christ, each makes thoughtful observations that can not only increase your inter-faith understanding but provide fresh insights into your own faith as well.
“Why can’t I just stop?!” Understanding the brain’s own learning capacities can help us answer this maddening question that comes up with any addiction. It may also help us find a way out.
Over the centuries, the Catholic Church had evolved from non-violence to a “just war” doctrine. Dorothy Day responded with a new pacifist theology.
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