Latter-day Saints draw strength from doctrines of the eternal nature of family and from religious practices that unify our community. Many of these strengthening teachings and practices are shared by other communities, and this is something to celebrate.
Marian Edmonds-Allen and I discuss “covenantal pluralism” which can fix LGBTQ+ and faith divides. We review her history, and religion helping LGBTQ+ rights.
The topic of identity and associated symbols has been much discussed of late, especially by those harboring substantial concerns. I wonder what else could be learned if we listened more deeply to what these identities and symbols mean to those who have come to find value and importance in them?
I chat with Greg Matsen of the Cwic show about Elder Holland’s BYU talk. We talk politics, CRT, religion and teaching policy. Fun to agree-and disagree-with him!
In Faith Matters’ podcast, “Elusive Unity at BYU,” Church teachings about sexuality and the family are characterized as in profound conflict with the “real experiences” of Latter-day Saints identifying as LGBT+. In what ways might unexamined assumptions about identity be contributing to this same divide?
This last weekend, we participated in our semiannual General Conference, listening to the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Here are some themes that stood out to our staff.
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.
An open letter to Latter-day Saint parents of teens who have recently announced a transgender identity.
For those in America’s dominant Protestant faiths, their understanding of God and their relationship with Him provides a model for how they believe they should interact with their spouses and children.
The intensity of feelings around vaccine mandates makes clear comprehension of what other people actually believe more difficult, and less likely across the board. Mapping out summary positions held on key questions might help a little, at least as a step in the right direction.
Although text has been the primary medium of communication in the restored gospel, there are exciting ways in which fresh visual depictions can expand our understanding and appreciation—including in sensitive areas like race and gender.
One plan requires agency, the other requires power. Where have we seen this before? A few more thoughts on CRT, Christianity and BYU.
