- Last Lemming on 15 Thoughts on The Thing This Week: “There is no interest whatsoever in any form of Christian Nationalism among Church leaders or any member of note. Consider Kai Schwimmer, who I would love to be able to dismiss as a member of no note, but no longer can. Since March, he has been the political director of College Republicans of America and, as of this week, a deputy clerk in the Utah County Clerk’s office with the specific assignment of bringing first-time voters to the polls. He has publicly refuted the notion that “Christian nationalism isn’t Christian” and supports a “one family, one vote” model of voting–in direct contravention of the 19th amendment, which Elders Cook and Christofferson explicitly endorsed in their recent video. Four months ago, he was a member of no note–now, he is gaining influence and making the news on a regular basis. You have been very consistent in sounding the warning up until now. Don’t start dismissing real threats now.” Jun 13, 07:53
- on 15 Thoughts on The Thing This Week: “I think this controversy would land differently if we hadn’t spent most of our history teaching that every other Christian denomination is in a state of apostasy and lacks divine authority. I see the current complaint here as essentially “why won’t you include us” from an institution whose foundational claim is that inclusion in their own community is the only one that ultimately matters. Our recent pivot away from this has not been well received.” Jun 13, 07:44
- on 15 Thoughts on The Thing This Week: “Regarding point 15, you may be right, but I remember seeing some kind of poll showing that an unfortunately high percentage of LDS people in the Trump era endorse views that align with Christian nationalism. There was also “Deseret nationalism”. Not sure if that is still a thing.” Jun 13, 05:44
- on Musical Archaeology: Recovering the Sophisticated Sound of Pioneer Utah: “Very interesting. Thanks, Chad.” Jun 12, 08:35
- on Musical Archaeology: Recovering the Sophisticated Sound of Pioneer Utah: “I’m trying to imagine the instrument distribution in a seven-member orchestra. I am failing.” Jun 12, 06:52
- on Mimicry or New Religious Hotspot: Jesus-Figures and Joseph Smith-Figures in 1st Century Palestine and 19th-Century New York: “We still accept the 9th Article of Faith as scripture. The passage of time hasn’t superseded it. The Restoration – the thing that Joseph Smith helped launch, not just the parts inspired by Christian Primtivism – wasn’t a completed project in 1844, and still isn’t. Circumstances change and prophetic guidance is still needed, and it isn’t hard to see it happening, if you’re willing to see it. I’ve certainly trying my best to change people’s minds! People have a lot of bad and wrong ideas that I wish they would change. A particular problem is people choosing to hang onto misguided expectations or assumptions about the Church, when they would be much happier with their religious life if they let go of those assumptions, but they cling stubbornly to assumptions that are only making them miserable.” Jun 11, 23:12
- on Mimicry or New Religious Hotspot: Jesus-Figures and Joseph Smith-Figures in 1st Century Palestine and 19th-Century New York: “Jonathan Green – Your quote, I believe was published in 1842 and the only official revelation since was section 132. (canonized) So its not a stretch to question an ongoing restoration IMO. Ongoing revelation, which is what I think is what the statement is actually referring to, sure but you can make a good case that that is not happening as well, again, imo. Maybe you can tell me what Nelson actually restored from the primitive church, that would help me better understand? Or does restoration mean something else to you? I think most understand that when we comment here we are not trying to change anyone’s mind but simply sharing views on the subject. I for one have appreciated your views even though they are sometimes the complete opposite of my own.” Jun 11, 16:16
- on Mimicry or New Religious Hotspot: Jesus-Figures and Joseph Smith-Figures in 1st Century Palestine and 19th-Century New York: ““…and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” I don’t know what to do with comments that people are sick of hearing about an ongoing Restoration, or about Joseph Smith. A few weeks back it was someone sick of hearing so much about kindness. It’s like wandering into a library and complaining about the relentless promotion of literacy.” Jun 11, 11:17
- on Mimicry or New Religious Hotspot: Jesus-Figures and Joseph Smith-Figures in 1st Century Palestine and 19th-Century New York: “LHL- IMO the “ongoing restoration” was just a Nelson thing. I am old and I dont remember any past leaders using that phrase but instead they said “the church has been restored.” I was not a fan of Nelson claiming he was restoring anything that hadn’t been. Of course the rank and file will quote Nelson until Oaks starts saying some new catchphrases. Stephen C – Nice Mauricio Berger mention! That story was fascinating to me.” Jun 11, 08:26
- on Mimicry or New Religious Hotspot: Jesus-Figures and Joseph Smith-Figures in 1st Century Palestine and 19th-Century New York: “Love the post and comments. What kind of philosophy of a theological could get traction in today’s world? And where. Could it withstand scrutiny over years, tens of years, or more? I’m thinking we’ll see AI Christianity, Judaism and really any tradition. AI LDS? Will the prophets of these new schisms reveal their source? Or will AI reveal itself to the world, requiring our devotion. I’ve been pondering Jacobs prophecy. “…for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls.”” Jun 10, 22:17
