So what was it? What did your ward pass out to its mothers/all women on Mother’s/Every-Woman-Over-18 Day?
Mormon Law, Mormon Markets, and Mormon Thought
Markets are a big deal in my intellectual life. For a living, I teach and think about the law that makes markets possible. By and large, I think that markets are really cool. I think that they are probably the single greatest engine for the material betterment of the human race. Poverty causes a great deal of misery. Economic development strikes me as the single greatest way of alleviating poverty. Markets are what make economic growth possible. I also think that markets serve important political purposes by facilitating peaceful cooperation between those with violently opposed political and religious beliefs. Markets, however, pose something of a problem for Mormon thought.
Why I am biased against Mormon students[1][2]
[1] Now updated with footnotes!
A Bundle of Bandlos
Have You Read All These Books?
I’ll bet all of us with sizable book collections have heard this question from time to time.
Moments
I. This morning, driving Daughter to school:
Sunday – the latest book by Craig Harline
I’ll start this book review with two anecdotes of my own, from a Mormon ward in Belgium. Last Sunday, in church, the bishop’s sister told us that her little boys were so excited because they were looking forward to the swimming party in the afternoon. The bishop’s own family and the families of his siblings were going to enjoy a pleasurable family Sunday afternoon: togetherness, games, swimming, fun and food, and it would probably last until late in the evening.
Educational equality between spouses: Not a one-way street?
In October conference, President Hinckley made an interesting statement about marriage, education, and equality between spouses.
Wanted: Mormon Folk Songs
I love Mormon folk songs.
The new useless statement on church doctrine
Reader Rebecca V. points out a fascinating new church newsroom statement intended to clarify the meaning of church doctrine.
Tongues in Court
In doing research on 19th century church courts, I recently came across a legal issue that I haven’t seen before: What exactly is the evidentiary value of speaking in tongues?
More than a Sidebar Link
This may be the best thing you ever read in the Bloggernacle.
The Church of Latter-day Global Nomads
“Global nomads” is apparently how marketing demographers refer to people who make a practice of living outside their native country. I imagine it’s supposed to make the expatriate experience sound adventurous, upscale, and fashion-forward, but mostly the phrase strikes me as a bit silly and pretentious. That being said, it’s remarkable how perfectly suited Mormonism is as a church for global nomads.
Javelin Man
I consider my brother-in-law to be a twisted genius (in a good, vaguely Wierd-Al-Yankovich sort of way). I am happy to say that the fruits of his desire to be a rock star, his labors as a scriptorian (his favorite Book of Mormon character is Teancum), and his calling as a road show director are now available on YouTube. Without further ado, here is the song that has rocked family reniuns for years…”Javelin Man”
Checking our e-male
According to the pronoun counter at the He/She Ratio website (hat tip: Feminist Law Profs), Times and Seasons uses a female pronoun 43% of the time and a male pronoun 57% of the time. For comparison purposes, here are some other websites, with corresponding percentages of female pronouns:
Two by two
All right — let’s hear everyone’s thoughts and reactions on evening two of “The Mormons.” (Or are we all watching Law & Order instead?)
Mormons discussing “Mormons”
Just in case 141 comments and counting on this thread aren’t enough for you, there are discussions of “The Mormons” up at Mormon Mentality, Mor-Mormon Mentality, Faith Promoting Rumor, Feminist Mormon Housewives, Dave’s Mormon Inquiry, Millennial Star, Mormanity, and a few threads over at The Blog of Satan ™. All this commentary leaves me with barely any time to watch the show!
Mountain Meadows in LDS consciousness
On the “Mormons” thread, reader Kevinf notes his own surprise and chagrin at the fact that his 29-year-old daughter didn’t know about Mountain Meadows. I’m less shocked; when I was 29, I really didn’t know much about the topic, either. Here’s a question for our readers: At what age, and through what avenue, did you learn about Mountain Meadows?
“The Mormons” Open Thread
Well . . . what did you think?
“The Mormons” on PBS
We have never suffered a shortage of outside experts who would explain us to ourselves and the world.
One possible solution, Julie
Bribery.
–snap–
That was me. Snapping. Wanna know why?
Modesty and culture
How much do ideas about modesty, decency, and obscenity depend on cultural context? Consider that recently, actor Richard Gere was widely criticized in India for publicly engaging in a vulgar, lewd, obscene, immodest, and indecent act. He was burned in effigy, and a warrant issued for his arrest; he was called a sign of decaying morals, and of the erosion of values. What was his crime? He kissed a woman, on the cheek, in public.
Essential texts in Mormon Studies by non-Mormon authors
I haven’t a clue.