Have Progressives Really Won this Contest of Ideas?
A response to Patrick Mason on gender and sexuality, with suggested readings for those unfamiliar with the robust rationale for Biblical marriage provided by Latter-day Saints and many scholars.
Identity
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Talking to Kids (and Adults) About the Culture War
Framing questions about culture war topics can go a long way toward understanding. It’s ok for others “to have a different religion than us.”
The Only True Love of Self
In contrast with self-worship, authentic love of self is grounded in the transcendent love of God and the real understanding of identity His love conveys to us.
Social and Cultural Implications of Russell M. Nelson’s Remarks
Sunday night President Russell M. Nelson spoke to members of the Church 18-30 years old. In his remarks, he encouraged young adults to not allow any other labels to come before three primary identities: Child of God Child of the Covenant Disciple of Christ He clarified that other identities can be important, but that there are significant eternal risks for allowing anything else to obscure our view of these core sacred identities. Certain voices online warned before the remarks that they would be “hurtful,” “terrible” or require cleaning up. Presumably, this is out of the growing perception that the plain teaching of the restored gospel is now harmful to those who identify among one of the “marginalized groups.” At Public Square, we are interested in how our convictions intersect with core issues being discussed publicly. So his remarks remind us that some of the top political columnists in the U.S. believe, “All politics is identity politics.” If our public discourse hinges so much on identity, is it any surprise that this is the topic the Lord would most want us to get right? His remarks have wide-ranging applications. One he addressed directly is political labels. We, of course, have published frequently, and as recently as last week, about the need for unity among Saints. Deprioritizing our political identities can help with this. President Nelson also remarked that if we prioritize other identities, we can inappropriately judge those who have chosen differently than us. He touched on many topics relevant to our discourse in the public square. He warned against prejudice and abuse on the basis of nationality, race, education, sexual orientation, gender, and culture. As we focus on our primary identities, not only can we improve ourselves, but that we can improve our relationships with others by focusing on their nature as a child of God first and foremost as well. That can also help unify us with Latter-day Saints by further recognizing our shared identity as children of the covenant and disciples of Christ. We hope that President Nelson’s remarks will have the effect of increasing discipleship, reducing prejudice, and increasing unity.
Living in This Strange New World
A modern new doctrine of self is at the core of cultural shifts challenging Christians today—all the more reason for disciples of Jesus to amplify their witness of God and human identity with the world.
Our Highest Identity
When we look at people as members of a group first, someone’s true character and passions may be overlooked. We feel like we understand when we understand very little.
On Symbols and Identities
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?
To the Parent of a Teen Identifying as Transgender
An open letter to Latter-day Saint parents of teens who have recently announced a transgender identity.
Visible Identities & Invisible People
It seems at times that American discourse is so engrossed in the intersectional categories of people (e.g., “that gay BYU student”), that we hardly see the unique person underneath the label anymore.
Our Deepening Divide Over Identity
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s remarks at BYU revealed an already-existing conflict over how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its critics conceive of identity. As prophets affirm repeatedly, our true identity existed long before any of our present experiences, and is remembered, more than discovered.
Coming Out & Walking Away. Why?
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.