DiaBLOGue

Creationism and Intelligent Design: Scientific and Theological Difficulties

March 16, 2018

Many religious believers today are comfortable with the notion of an evolutionary process over many millions of years as God’s means for achieving the creation. In other words, they believe that, while God governed the creation in some sense, it proceeded largely by natural laws and processes that can be uncovered by diligent research. An open-ended philosophy of this sort is entirely consistent with modern scientific knowledge, and for many (myself included), the “war” between science and religion ends here. 

“All Find What They Truly Seek”: C.S. Lewis, Latter-day Saints, and the Virtuous Unbeliever

March 16, 2018

The apologetic works of Clive Staples (“Jack”) Lewis have transcended denominational boundaries to reach an impressively diverse Christian audience. From the beginning of his apologetic career in the mid-1930s, Lewis received letters from Catholics, Evangelicals, Presbyterians, and other Christians thanking him for his inspiring words. Fans from various Christian traditions who felt a certain kinship with Lewis often expressed regret or bewilderment about his allegiance to the Anglican Church.

René Girard and Mormon Scripture: A Response

March 16, 2018

This short piece responds to Mack C. Stirling’s article, “Violence in the Scriptures: Mormonism and the Cultural Theory of René Girard,” 43, no. 1 (Spring 2010): 59–105. I offer a counter-interpretation of what I take to be (1) the thrust of Girard’s own work on scripture and (2) the implications of that thrust for Girardian interpretation of specifically Mormon scripture. 

Road Trip: The Strange Travels of Mark Sanford and Brigham Young

March 16, 2018

In the backwash from the 2008 U.S. presidential campaign, scandals at virtually all levels of government have plagued the American political landscape. Governors have been especially prominent in the media-intensive cavalcade of investigations, confessions, promises of redemption, and resignations. Illinois faces the prospect of having consecutive governors occupying the state penitentiary simultaneously. In New York, peccadillos atop the executive branch have come with such stunning rapidity that as many as six people may end up serving as the Empire State’s governor and lieutenant governor in less than two years. 

El Problema del Dolor/The Problem of Pain

March 16, 2018

Buenos días, hermanos y hermanas. Para los que no me conocen, me llamo Cristian Anderson. Nací en el Lago Salado, Utah, y viví allí hasta los 18 años cuando fui a San Francisco para estudiar biología. Después de un año de estudios salí de misión a Houston Sur en el estado de Texas. Al regresar a la universidad conocí a mi esposa, Marina Capella. Ella nació en Los Ángeles y pasó la mayor parte de su vida en un suburbio que se llama Fontana, hasta que salió a estudiar en la misma universidad que yo. Nos conocimos en octubre y nos casamos en septiembre del siguiente año en el Templo de San Diego, hace 7 años. Todavía somos estudiantes, pero en menos de dos meses Marina recibirá su doctorado de médica pediatra y vamos a mudarnos a Boston, al otro lado del país donde ella estudiará medicina en Harvard y yo trabajaré en el Museo de Historia Natural. 

Terryl Givens and the Shape of Mormon Studies | Terryl L. Givens, The Book of Mormon: A Very Short Introduction

March 16, 2018

In response to a review by Jan Shipps of Richard Lyman Bushman’s Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, Bushman remarked: “As more and more historians work to situate Mormonism in American history, Mormons like me want to join the discussion. We will write better if we are less defensive, more open to criticism, more exploratory and venturous, but even with our inhibitions and parochialisms, we should come to the table with our Mormonism intact.” 

The Best Place to Deal with Questions: An Interview with Brady Udall

March 16, 2018

Kristine: As you well know, Mormons are always interested in famous Mormons’ relationship to the Church. From what I’ve read, it seems that you like the Church, like Mormons, but never were really a believer, never “gained a testimony,” in the vernacular. 

Brady: That’s right. I grew up in the Church, went on a mission. I’m proud to be a Mormon. I did what you’re supposed to; I prayed and hoped to be a believer, but it just never took.