This one really got me thinking so I have assembled my favorite passages here: There is something tragic in the fate of philosophic knowledge. It is very difficult for philosophy to vindicate its freedom and independence, which have always been threatened on different sides. Philosophy, in the past dependent upon religion, is at present dependent... Continue Reading →
“The good will have to answer for having created hell”: Nikolai Berdyaev’s Destiny of Man
I discovered Nikolai Berdyaev as a regularly cited source in the works of Terryl Givens (others I have found include Elie Wiesel and Julian of Norwich. Givens has given me a whole bibliography of spiritual writers I have yet to get to!). Berdyaev was officially a Russian Orthodox Christian who wrote both before and after... Continue Reading →
You reap what you sow: Stephen Covey’s Spiritual Roots of Human Relations
I first heard of "The Spiritual Roots of Human Relations" by Stephen Covey from an Institute teacher at the University of Utah. The lesson itself has faded from my memory, but the title of the book stuck with me. When I later was inspired as a returned missionary after reading "The Seven Habits of Highly... Continue Reading →
The ethics of creativity as explored in Sanderson’s Words of Radiance
How do you confront the existence of evil in the world? What do you do when those who are supposed to be leaders have weaknesses and failures? Why is there injustice in society, in our institutions and governments? And ourselves too? And do you confront your own imperfections and weaknesses? You're own brokenness? Can you... Continue Reading →
“Making obedience your quest” can sometimes be a faulty objective function
I served an LDS mission in Hamburg, and later Frankfurt, Germany. A mission is an absolute transformative experience. For many, it is the first "away of from" experience, and requires a bit of growing up. It is also for some the first time that faith gets real, and not just something you do because you... Continue Reading →
Book review: Godless Morality
Rating: 4/5 Godless Morality is, perhaps surprisingly given its title, written by Richard Halloway, Bishop of Edinburgh. The book was another well-calibrated recommendation from my Goodreads page. The title both intrigued me and perhaps disgusted or frightened me. A book written by a Bishop suggesting we take God out of ethics? It sounded like a... Continue Reading →
Religious voices in the public square: Response to the Salt Lake Tribune opinion piece
The LDS church recently weighed in on the marijuana debate in Utah releasing a document raising a number of legal issues surrounding the legalization of medical marijuana. The action predictably drew calls for the Church's tax exempt status to be removed for engaging in overtly political issues. An opinion piece in the Salt Lake Tribune... Continue Reading →
That twice-blest gift: On giving and recieving mercy
I wish you all a beautiful Sabbath Day! I am sharing with you my remarks from sacrament meeting this morning on giving and recieving mercy in our lives. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they than mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the... Continue Reading →
Following your still small voice, being yourself, and finding your light: David Archuleta in concert
I got tickets to the David Archuleta concert last night at a cute small old movie theater in downtown Olympia. I got to know the two sitting next to us, striking up a conversation with "So which one of you is the David Archuleta fan?" When they posed the same question, I had to admit... Continue Reading →
“Nothing will take them out of the circle of our family’s love”: Tom Christofferson’s book on being Mormon and gay
I have been waiting in anticipation to read Tom Christofferon's book That We May Be One ever since it was announced. Tom Christofferson is the brother of the LDS apostle D. Todd Christofferson. He is gay, and spent 19 years married to a same-sex partner outside the Church. Now as a member in full fellowship,... Continue Reading →
History Engineers 