When the early church began to grow in power and influence and worldliness, the ancient doctrine of the Two Ways was quickly replaced by the doctrine of the Two Parties. The former specified that there lies before every mortal, at every moment of his life, a choice between the Way of Light and the Way … Read more
In the earliest Hebrew religion there were several Gods. El Elyon (God Most High, El), His wife, El Shaddai (Elat, Asherah, Wisdom, Sophia), and their Son, Jehovah (The Lord God). In Proverbs, chapter 8, the female Goddess, Wisdom, speaks about how she, too, was present at the creation. When he prepared the heavens, I was … Read more
“We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe.” — Senator John McCain In the United States, we like to believe that we make important decisions logically and rationally. When asked how they decide who to vote … Read more
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” (Proverbs 29:2) The United States is not a democracy. It is a form of corporate totalitarianism. Political theorist Sheldon Wolin explained that our democracy was poisoned by a unique fusion of economic and political power that he … Read more
“Rejecting our ideals won’t make us stronger; it will make us weaker. We were the leader of the free world, a moral as well as financial and military force. But we’re throwing all that away.” — Paul Krugman The Latter-day Saints believe that this land of America is a “land of promise,” a choice land … Read more
“Gratitude is central to Mr. Trump’s politics. He demands it of his followers, his cabinet and, indeed, of all citizens. He deploys gratitude against his enemies and critics to embarrass and shame. Being grateful is not an option. It is a requirement. Donald Trump has made “thank you” divisive.” — Diana Butler Bass Like Caesar … Read more
In my late teens I read some essays by Leo Tolstoy (“On Patriotism” and “Patriotism and Government“). I learned that patriotism is a tool the powerful use to control the masses, and that patriotism leads to war. For some time afterward, I was leery of patriotic displays and skeptical of patriotic expression. Now, of course, … Read more