- Gary Bergera on A Review: Blood Vessels: Vigilante Violence in the American West: “Thanks, Chad.” Jun 2, 09:14
- on A Review: Blood Vessels: Vigilante Violence in the American West: “Yeah. I’m loving that we’re starting to get more books that aren’t specifically about Mormon history that include Mormon history as part of their story, since that offers a different look at the context in which our history took place.” Jun 2, 09:11
- on A Review: Blood Vessels: Vigilante Violence in the American West: “Thanks for the review. It’s always interesting to learn more historical context.” Jun 2, 08:34
- on Freedom of Reaction: How Did You Participate in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 5/31?: “I am back in Ukraine, and I am sort of glad I missed the U.S. fifth Sunday discussion. It sounds like OP’s ward handled it by not allowing any discussion – that might have been a wise approach. In the sacrament meeting opening prayer, the sister asked for God to return to the country. The sacrament meeting speaker told of her faith amidst her evacuation from the east and the loss of her son and her joy in her daughter. She read what she styled as a poem, but was the 23rd Psalm. There were no children, as parents have taken them to safety out of the country – there is a Primary president, but no Primary. There were maybe up to 30 people in attendance, including ten or so men, but only four wore ties.” Jun 1, 19:59
- on Thoughts on Future Projects: “This post and comments strongly feel like a good ol’ boys club. Admittedly, anything related to LDS history is pretty much a branch of that club. Of these choices, I would be most interested in the Documents project if it would include historical context, what events prompted the statements, what problems were they meant to address or prevent, and include some that may have been superseded or rescinded. You are correct that you choices and commentary would likely be controversial, but it may provide insight into how these things come about.” Jun 1, 17:45
- on Freedom of Reaction: How Did You Participate in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 5/31?: “We had 3 speakers in Sacrament Meeting that all spoke in one or another about being peacemakers. Usually I get frustrated when everyone is talking about the same thing, but they all were different enough that it was quite enjoyable. I am outside the US, so we didn’t have the lesson on the US Constitution. We had a discussion about strengthening marriage that seemed to go well. Since it was a 5th Sunday, we had a Munch and Mingle. I really enjoy fellowship in that short of environment. Overall, with the good talks, the nice discussion, and the social time, I definitely felt like a “fellowcitizen with the saints”” Jun 1, 14:57
- on Freedom of Reaction: How Did You Participate in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 5/31?: “Here’s a few of my thoughts in reaction to what happened in Church yesterday (5/31): One of the speakers in sacrament meeting mentioned the name of a brother in our ward who is a Ph.D. Student in Near Eastern Studies, and has become the de-facto scripture expert in the ward. This led me to think about stereotypes and how education, personality and other factors create certain roles in our wards and branches, and other groups. Does every ward have someone who is considered the ward scripture expert? Is there always someone who is the extremely friendly greeter, who seems to know and be friendly with everyone? Is there always a family history expert? How do these things happen? Another speaker mentioned that some might find the talk to be a “trauma dump.” After hearing the talk, I can see how the speaker would fear that. But as I’ve studied about literature and speaking, I realize that people have a need to express themselves. One of the brilliant things about LDS practice is that we get people involved, and we give opportunities for members to speak, give testimony, teach, etc., and express how they feel and what they think. Of course, they are always speaking to an audience, and are probably adjusting what they say to fit the audience (and there are social pressures that usually keep them in acceptable bounds). But these opportunities mean we can not only receive lessons and talks, but also express ourselves. The lesson on the Constitution indicated that it is built on respect for the rule of law, a bedrock principle that allows us to live the law of God. Unfortunately (in my mind at least) the lesson didn’t go into what we should do when the rule of law isn’t respected, and when the Constitution itself is under attack. Will we be able to live the law of God without it? ” Jun 1, 11:59
- on Thoughts on Future Projects: “Thanks for pointing that out Mike. I hear that one had a good editor. I’ve added that to my to-read list. And thank you to everyone in general for the thoughtful feedback.” Jun 1, 11:25
- on Thoughts on Future Projects: “On of my favorite entries in my book “Counselors to the Prophets” published by Eborn Books is the the chapter on George A. Smith contributed to that project by C. Kent Dunford. I agree that George A. would be a fascinating book-length biography, and would happy to share that chapter with you for reference if you start down that path (Kent Dunford died in 2024 at the age of 90. Great scholar!).” May 31, 22:00
- on Thoughts on Future Projects: “Kerry, it was actually while reading your John Steele bio that it clicked that we need a George A. Smith bio.” May 31, 17:19
