“And it came to pass that Adam, being tempted of the devil—for, behold, the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency; And they were thrust … 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
“That which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; … Read more
One interesting thing about prophets, if you truly believe in them, is that not only can a current prophet see into the future, but past prophets have seen our present. This is the situation in Mormon Chapter 8 when Moroni says, “Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are … Read more
“A confidence trick is an attempt to defraud a person or group after first gaining their confidence, used in the classical sense of trust. A confidence trick is also known as a con game, a con, a ripoff, a scam, a grift, a hustle, a bunko (or bunco), a swindle, a flimflam, a gaffle or … Read more
I keep intending to write something for this blog about my reaction to the 2016 Presidential Election, but I can’t seem to do it. Every time I hear, read, or think of the phrase “President-elect Trump” I feel like I have entered an impossible, surreal, nightmare world. Sometimes I even get a little dizzy. Instead, … Read more
The Utah LDS vote was of interest to the media in the 2016 Presidential election because of the wide gap between Donald Trump’s (lack of) character and LDS values. Trump’s early attacks on immigrants led the Church, on December 8, 2015, to release a statement on religious freedom that contained two quotes from Joseph Smith. … Read more
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17-18) To me, … Read more