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Academic world training an eye on Mormonism
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Not enough room at the Y? | 6:13 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I never wanted to attend BYU. My decision to go to a non-church school was
deliberate. The story makes it sound like LDS kids knock on the door of BYU and
don't get an answer so they go elsewhere. Well, this one never knocked on
BYU's door. GO JAYHAWKS!
Veronica from Orem | 7:28 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
On the surface, this scholarship movement seems like a good idea, but the
impetus behind it might be lighter than the number of words in the article
suggests. Non Mormons are not bursting at the seams to uncover and expose a
valid academic understanding of Mormonism. And the Mormon hierarchy, for its
part, seems as closed to openness as it has always been. But it is a good sign
that within the church and from the outside world there is verifiable interest
in non prejudicial enlightenment on the topic of Mormonism. For this interest to
grow from a spark to a fire is going to take longer than most of us have to wait
for that to happen. Let's just say that Veronica will not hold her breath
while this thing unfolds into substantive reality. Yipppeeeee!
Comments continue below
Keith | 7:41 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I would love to take this course. I'm glad to hear that scholars are taking
interest in Mormonism, and I hope it gains the respect it deserves. It is a
faith that I truly love and that has made me a better, happier person in so many
ways. It kills me to hear people talk about Mormonism with ignorance and
bigotry, so I hope my religion becomes better understood.
ArizGuy | 7:47 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
The more interesting consideration will be if academia can adapt to Mormon
metrics and discover a new perspective on their former understanding of who
Jesus Christ is.
L. G. KIRKPATRICK | 8:13 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I am encouraged and gratified by the Harvard board of trustees' progressive
attitude, eye on the signs of the times, recognition of the need for and
interest in serious scholarship of varied religious tenets, and action to join
the 21st century in their action to add Mormon Studies to the curriculum.
I'd like to know, though, if they're considering Mormonism as a religion, sect, denomination, creed, cult, faith, or myth, etc.
But whichever, with Harvard's esteemed and honorable stature in the world educational community, the best I can say is, "WE'VE ARRIVED!"
I'd like to know, though, if they're considering Mormonism as a religion, sect, denomination, creed, cult, faith, or myth, etc.
But whichever, with Harvard's esteemed and honorable stature in the world educational community, the best I can say is, "WE'VE ARRIVED!"
dennyG | 8:21 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Can Mormonism pass the scrutiny of the world putting a microscope to the Church
and its' history? I think not.
Even true blue believing members hide their heads in the sand at any notion of conflict with the standardized version history/doctrine that comes out of Salt Lake now.
The Church may be a fine culture for some to live and raise their families (I don't think such), but this could be the beginning of something pretty difficult for LDS inc.
Even true blue believing members hide their heads in the sand at any notion of conflict with the standardized version history/doctrine that comes out of Salt Lake now.
The Church may be a fine culture for some to live and raise their families (I don't think such), but this could be the beginning of something pretty difficult for LDS inc.
facts | 8:56 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I hope they get the facts straight and it is not a Mormon slam class. Maybe
they'll add the Book of MOrmon to their literature classes...
William | 9:16 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
In the study and understanding of the mormon church it is helpful to recognize
that in essense mormonism is america's muslim era.
idea | 9:19 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I hope that LDS students at Harvard and elsewhere take courses that reveal the
theological underpinnings of their religion. Maybe these students can push the
LDS Corporation--which has lost the generous spirit of its origins--to abandon
the politics of bigotry that typify Mormon policies.
Mormon Historian | 9:36 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Until the archives are open to serious scholars without any restrictions there
will never be any serious studies done. Unfortunately, modern LDS leaders are
afraid of the inconsistencies and human foibles. It has been sanitized and
"mediaized" to be palatable. Personally, I find the human side to be
the most inspirational. If they (the first members and leaders) could make
mistakes, change their minds, fumble for what is right and come out ahead, so
can I. I say let the doors of the archives swing wide open, let's face our
history, learn from it and quit pretending that it all happened in a
straightforward manner. As long as we treat the LDS members as children who must
be told about the stork because they can't bear to hear the true human
story, they will have a weak faith.
Just be prepared | 9:46 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
It's a good thing for any sizeable religion to be included in world
religious studies. Just be prepared for the scrutiny of things that Mormons
claim to be factual for which there is no supporting evidence.
Studying Mormonism... | 10:05 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
The problem I see with studying Mormonism as merely a subject is that, without
the spirit or without faith, it will simply be a study of imperfect men and
women who struggled with the times. Too many of the Mormon scholars who have
been excommunicated blurred this line opting for the more secular approach. The
most basic tenet of the restored gospel as, I believe, was revealed to Joseph
Smith is that the only way to fully understand the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints is to study the scriptures, particularly the Book of Mormon,
and kneel on your knees and ask God for guidance. This, as said before, requires
faith.
Unfortunately, the intellectual establishment believes they are too smart (or prideful) to rely on the spirit (which will teach you all things as spoken by Christ) or feel a need for faith which requires humility. They tend to rely solely on their above-average intellect and try to persuade others that they know better than us. There is a reason why it says in the scriptures not to 'rely on the arm of the flesh'.
Unfortunately, the intellectual establishment believes they are too smart (or prideful) to rely on the spirit (which will teach you all things as spoken by Christ) or feel a need for faith which requires humility. They tend to rely solely on their above-average intellect and try to persuade others that they know better than us. There is a reason why it says in the scriptures not to 'rely on the arm of the flesh'.
Alpine | 10:08 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Vindication for BH Roberts and his "comprehensive" view of Mormon
history and Mormon studies! As he said, "We have no need to be afraid of
the truth for, in the end, only the truth will stand."
I hope there will be some memorial to Brigham H Roberts in the naming, perhaps, of these new endowed chairs. I hope, too, that states where the history of the church is rooted - Vermont, New York, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois - will not let too many years go by before their great universities get on the Mormon studies bandwagon.
"And in the days of these kings, the God of Heaven shall set up a kingdom..."
I hope there will be some memorial to Brigham H Roberts in the naming, perhaps, of these new endowed chairs. I hope, too, that states where the history of the church is rooted - Vermont, New York, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois - will not let too many years go by before their great universities get on the Mormon studies bandwagon.
"And in the days of these kings, the God of Heaven shall set up a kingdom..."
DeLaval Milker | 10:18 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
We do like that 'fastest growing' claim, don't we?
Deb | 10:40 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I'm glad to hear this and hope other schools follow. It's important to
teach the truth - the whole truth and nothing but. People have the right to know
the whole truth before jumping into something they really don't believe in.
Giving "the milk before the meat" is not ethical. It is not Christian.
hmm | 10:47 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Could someone please define "ghettoization"?
Timely--Good Public Relations | 10:42 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
It is about time. This new Mormonism Studies Program besides being at Harvard
Divinity School will literally compete in some way. Watch, once the doctrine is
studied, researched and processed, it could be a GOOD thing. Why not? It will
just give some of those protestant ministers a "run for their money."
I am enthused to watch how the assignment given "Are Mormons
Christians" come to to pass to shed some light on the TRUTH. Students of
the faith will thrive, those non-Mormons will have to decide for themselves and
maybe even read the Book of Mormon along the way. It is a good move and I have
nothing but respect, praise for the objectivity of this kind of scholarly
approach. There will be No politics in the way either. Institute can always do
the rest.
Who knows? It could open the way for good to come to pass and more knowledge of LDS' to bridge the gap of communication and stop the bigotry so prevalent in the media and the religious right. If those not afraid of the truth search it out, they will dissect it and find it. I know. a mc, AF, UT
Who knows? It could open the way for good to come to pass and more knowledge of LDS' to bridge the gap of communication and stop the bigotry so prevalent in the media and the religious right. If those not afraid of the truth search it out, they will dissect it and find it. I know. a mc, AF, UT
Shamrock | 10:51 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
The FASTEST GROWING RELIGION IN THE WORLD.
Hmmm.
What about the rather inconvenient fact that people are leaving in droves?
Hmmm.
What about the rather inconvenient fact that people are leaving in droves?
Frederick of Logan | 11:06 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I have two concerns about Harvard teaching a course(s) on the LDS faith. It
looks like they are already referring to us still as "Mormons". That
has got to be corrected. I hope the school does not advertise in their
curriculum a course called "Mormonism" My second concern is "who
is going to write the curriculum so that is absolutely accurate." I sure
hope that it will be done by LDS scholars. Next, just a little concern. Who will
monitor the course for awhile so that it is be taught without prejudice.
Roger | 11:22 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
To William 9:16. The concept of muslim religion being seminal to mormomn
development is interesting, is there any resource literature on this subject.
jgmats | 11:31 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Where does your information that "they are leaving in droves" come
from ?
To DaLevel and Shamrock | 11:38 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
The claim was "among the fastest growing religions" not THE fastest
growing. As far as people "leaving in droves"...will you please back
that with something factual rather than opinion?
shadow | 11:55 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Harvard will now become acceptable to the conservatives hiding out in Utah.
Obama, law school grad will be the #1 guy in the Nov. election. That is
amazing. Pretty soon the conservative Utah gentry will be building up Harvard.
Then it is on to Princeton and Yale.
Kind of funny, actually. Lots of little bumps in the road on this one, though. I am presently reading a book called The Chaos of Cults, 8th edition, 1949, by Jan karel Van Baalen, and there it is: "Mormonism", pp. 134-163. Just bought the book at a library book sale. This will keep me occupied for an hour or two this afternoon while I enjoy the spring sunshine.
After the Mormonism chapter, in case you don't have your own copy of this well recognized and accepted standard, is the chapter on Seventh-Day Adventism. Their history might keep me in thoughts for the whole weekend.
Don't get too excited about what you wish for. The world might come back to thinking of Mormonism as a cult. Probably because it fits the definition and not the politically correctness that seems to be about in our open society.
The shadow knows.
Kind of funny, actually. Lots of little bumps in the road on this one, though. I am presently reading a book called The Chaos of Cults, 8th edition, 1949, by Jan karel Van Baalen, and there it is: "Mormonism", pp. 134-163. Just bought the book at a library book sale. This will keep me occupied for an hour or two this afternoon while I enjoy the spring sunshine.
After the Mormonism chapter, in case you don't have your own copy of this well recognized and accepted standard, is the chapter on Seventh-Day Adventism. Their history might keep me in thoughts for the whole weekend.
Don't get too excited about what you wish for. The world might come back to thinking of Mormonism as a cult. Probably because it fits the definition and not the politically correctness that seems to be about in our open society.
The shadow knows.
All that glitters... | 11:58 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008
...is NOT gold! Beware of the new America and the new godless civilization
inwhich we live!
re:Studying Mormonism | 12:06 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
This is exactly the reason why Mormon scholarship from Mormons will never be
taken seriously. Relying on faith and the spirit, and using that as
justification for locking up potentially damaging historical evidence in the
archives, is not legitimate scholarship and the rest of the academic world
considers it a joke. To Frederick of Logan, you sure hope that the curriculum at
Harvard will be done by LDS scholars? Are you serious? So that students will get
the sanitized, whitewashed, and faith-promoting version of LDS history that has
little or nothing to do with reality? Harvard is a little smarter than that, I
reckon.
CougarKeith | 12:14 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Wow, would I love to teach a class on "Mormonism"! What an opportunity
to teach the TRUTHFULNESS of the doctrines the "Mormons" believe and
how they believe the atonement works so people will stop thinking they have to
Work to be saved. It is so misconstrued as to the truth. Teaching their history,
their beliefs, and whys and where four's would be awesome! Being a convert
I have a particular insight as to the way people perceive the the faith. It
would be wonderful to help them have a fuller understanding of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, heck I would volunteer to teach the class for
free locally if there was enough interest.
Sad to say | 12:15 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I have learned that Mormons are not nice people
Talk behind your back and tell false lies about people they don't know
They do this in the Home School meetings
Their kids are un ruley and not taught any manners
That's Mormonism
Talk behind your back and tell false lies about people they don't know
They do this in the Home School meetings
Their kids are un ruley and not taught any manners
That's Mormonism
Sad to say is saying | 12:45 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Sad to Say: looks like you are ahereing to the same thing that you accuse others
of.
RE: Sad to say | 12:48 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Do not clump all Mormons into one category. People are people first and we all
have our right to choose how to act and behave. I am sorry you have had some bad
experiences with the Mormons you have come across, but there are those of us out
there that ARE different and who are nice and accepting of all people. Do not
assume that because of a minority that the majority are that way.
Jazz Fan | 12:57 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I wonder if the 'Academic World' will give F.A.R.M.S. a seat at the
table.
Perspective | 1:02 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
"Mormon Historian | 9:36 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008" I agree with you.
"Just be prepared," there is as much "supporting evidence" for Mormonism as there is for any religion. Find the archeological remains of any religious sites, of Moses, Jesus, etc.. Troy, the site of one of one of the most read novels in the world for more than 2,000 years was only "discovered" within the last 150 years or so.
"Just be prepared | 9:46 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008,"," I think Pres. Eyring's father would disagree with you that there is a conflict between intellect and spirit. After all, Brigham Young studied Mormonism for two years before he joined -- don't you think his honest intellectual study had some benefit? As, "Timely--Good Public Relations | 10:42 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008 " put it, intellectual honesty in these classes will require studying the texts.
"Just be prepared," there is as much "supporting evidence" for Mormonism as there is for any religion. Find the archeological remains of any religious sites, of Moses, Jesus, etc.. Troy, the site of one of one of the most read novels in the world for more than 2,000 years was only "discovered" within the last 150 years or so.
"Just be prepared | 9:46 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008,"," I think Pres. Eyring's father would disagree with you that there is a conflict between intellect and spirit. After all, Brigham Young studied Mormonism for two years before he joined -- don't you think his honest intellectual study had some benefit? As, "Timely--Good Public Relations | 10:42 a.m. Feb. 23, 2008 " put it, intellectual honesty in these classes will require studying the texts.
Perspective | 1:02 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Speaking of intellectual dishonesty, "Shamrock | 10:51 a.m. Feb. 23,
2008," even the most adamant arguers that the church has people
"leaving in droves" fail to recognize their own arguments disprove
their point. For example, if only 30% of the Mormons in the world are
"active" in the church, those 4 million active members would exceed
TOTAL membership in the early 1970's. Hoisted on your own petard, my
friend.
"Shadow," quoting a book from 1949 as the "standard?" Really? LOL!
"Shadow," quoting a book from 1949 as the "standard?" Really? LOL!
Happy in Happy Valley | 1:11 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Great, just what we need someone else teaching what we believe without a
correlated curriculum and no spirit of discernment to limit unflattering
history.
Now we�re really going to seem peculiar.
"Some things that are true are not very useful."
Now we�re really going to seem peculiar.
"Some things that are true are not very useful."
Not such a good idea | 1:27 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Not such a good Idea. I don't need someone telling me what and how I
believe. Just more liberals and non-believers who will attack my culture and
religion. Please stay way Harvard, it will cause more harm than good.
Truth? | 1:46 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I am a member of the church, who has come to know through many years of study,
the church is not interested in telling the truth about its history. Those
historical facts such as the Book of Abraham, that show the church to be a fraud
are covered up.
It is True.... | 2:05 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
...a people are opening there eyes to that fact.
Welcome aboard brothers and sisters. We have ARRIVED!
It is truly inspiring of the acceptance of our faith on this level.
Welcome aboard brothers and sisters. We have ARRIVED!
It is truly inspiring of the acceptance of our faith on this level.
Roger | 2:14 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Once and for all, would someone PLEASE tell me, when did the LDS Church
leadership ever claim Mormonism was the "fastest growing religion in the
world?"
The only people I EVER hear this from are LDS critics, attempting to somehow shove words in the mouth of the LDS Church.
I find it interesting how critics argue their case against Mormonism. They put Latter-day Saints in a box, telling them what they believe, how they act and think. (just read a few of the previous comments) Then when the Latter-day Saints attempt to explain where the critic is incorrect, the critic responds with one of the following.
"I know more about the LDS Church than you ever will."
"Just admit that I'm right and you're wrong."
"You're just a brainwashed member of an evil cult corporation."
Even before the LDS Church was organized in 1830, critics have consistently attempted to attack it, undermine it, denounce it and expose it. And the results so far? Thousands of LDS wards, branches and stakes in over 150 countries and territories, 120+ temples completed or under construction worldwide, and an average one LDS chapel completed every single day.
The only people I EVER hear this from are LDS critics, attempting to somehow shove words in the mouth of the LDS Church.
I find it interesting how critics argue their case against Mormonism. They put Latter-day Saints in a box, telling them what they believe, how they act and think. (just read a few of the previous comments) Then when the Latter-day Saints attempt to explain where the critic is incorrect, the critic responds with one of the following.
"I know more about the LDS Church than you ever will."
"Just admit that I'm right and you're wrong."
"You're just a brainwashed member of an evil cult corporation."
Even before the LDS Church was organized in 1830, critics have consistently attempted to attack it, undermine it, denounce it and expose it. And the results so far? Thousands of LDS wards, branches and stakes in over 150 countries and territories, 120+ temples completed or under construction worldwide, and an average one LDS chapel completed every single day.
Don | 2:41 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I dunno Roger, I also cannot find any statements from the church that it was the
fastest growing; however it is what I have always been taught and like all
things I am taught from church leadership I believe them to be true.
ThemUs | 2:51 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Roger,
Calm down. Just ignore their comments. They are all jealous of us because we are growing so fast.
Like a stone cut out of a mountain, we will fill the earth.
Calm down. Just ignore their comments. They are all jealous of us because we are growing so fast.
Like a stone cut out of a mountain, we will fill the earth.
Why Not? | 2:58 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I attend school in the true "Happy Valley" (the one established by
Paterno not Edwards) and I'm glad that there are schools other than BYU
that have classes that discuss our religion. I wish my school offered a class
on the subject. However, that will likely never happen b/c I attend a state
sponsored school. Nevertheless, I believe religion should be discussed at state
sponsored and private schools.
Good or bad it will spark an interest in the Church and give members an opportunity to answer questions and share their testimonies.
Go State!
Good or bad it will spark an interest in the Church and give members an opportunity to answer questions and share their testimonies.
Go State!
Hypocrites | 2:58 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Mormon bashers love pointing out where the LDS Church has allegedly been
dishonest or secretive. Too bad they can't practice what they preach. Ed
Decker is a perfect example of a Mormon basher who often lies when attack the
LDS Church, and his loyal followers clearly have no problem with it.
Truth? | 1:46 p.m. pointed out an example of where the LDS Church has allegedly hidden its history. The problem of course is that many LDS writers and scholars have written about the Book of Abraham, and Book of Mormon DNA, archeology, polygamy and anything else you can name. So how is the LDS Church hiding these issues?
Of course, the critics have an easy out. Just personally attack any LDS leader, scholar or writer who tries to explain LDS history and doctrine and the case is one. Just make blanket attacks against the LDS Historical Department, BYU, FARMS and FAIR and the critics win.
And if you want proof of this (and we all know critics love to seek for proof) just read the comments of people like "dennyG | 8:21 a.m." and "Sad to say | 12:15 p.m."
Truth? | 1:46 p.m. pointed out an example of where the LDS Church has allegedly hidden its history. The problem of course is that many LDS writers and scholars have written about the Book of Abraham, and Book of Mormon DNA, archeology, polygamy and anything else you can name. So how is the LDS Church hiding these issues?
Of course, the critics have an easy out. Just personally attack any LDS leader, scholar or writer who tries to explain LDS history and doctrine and the case is one. Just make blanket attacks against the LDS Historical Department, BYU, FARMS and FAIR and the critics win.
And if you want proof of this (and we all know critics love to seek for proof) just read the comments of people like "dennyG | 8:21 a.m." and "Sad to say | 12:15 p.m."
Re: Cougar Keith | 3:11 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Utah Valley State College, soon to be Utah Valley University has a Mormon
Studies dept. It tells about it in the article so well written here in the
DesNews.
You never know, you can be an influence for good to spread the word of truth.--
P.S.
An observation:
I see how the personal attitude of the writer comes through and tells more about you than what you write about, the negative comments are what I refer... The positive comments are very supportive, on the other hand the negative are the opposition.
Timeley, Good Public Relations. Y
You never know, you can be an influence for good to spread the word of truth.--
P.S.
An observation:
I see how the personal attitude of the writer comes through and tells more about you than what you write about, the negative comments are what I refer... The positive comments are very supportive, on the other hand the negative are the opposition.
Timeley, Good Public Relations. Y
Better than nothing | 3:13 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I'd rather have academic scholars try to explain the LDS church practices
than HBO - Big Love. At least they will strive for accuracy.
Unflattering history? | 3:10 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Some who post here, Mormon and non-Mormon alike, make the illogical conclusion
that since there are unflattering events and human mistakes in the church's
history, that the truthfulness of the entire church is undermined. Not so. I
have no doubt that there are many embarrassing statements, actions, and other
events that were made by--suprise--imperfect church leaders and even prophets,
and I also have no doubt that the church doesn't go out of its way to shine
the light on these things. NEWSFLASH: only One perfect Man ever walked the
earth, and prophets and church leaders have made even egregious mistakes since
the world began, literally. Does exposing Joseph Smith in a contradiction mean
that the Book of Mormon isn't true? Of course not. Check the Bible and
see prophets and apostles making mistakes, saying incorrect things, even
committing serious sins. Does that undermine the truthfulness of the Bible?
Duh. To balance your look at church history and doctrine, try reading "A
Marvelous Work and a Wonder" after reading the anti-Mormon trash.
Don't just study why something is false; study why it's true.
You'll find that Mormon doctrine is in greater harmony with the Bible than
any other "Christian" religion--cult?--in existence.
OOps, correction re UVSC | 3:13 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I just re-read the article in reference to Mormon Studies at UVSC. The comment
in the article was "there is a delay because of elitism and bigotry"
I stand corrected by myself instead. No criticism necessary. I repented and have been forgiven! ;)
Set the facts straight I was premature, and maybe hopeful for the Mormon Studies to be right here in Happy Valley. We can always support it and keep working on it coming to fruition. M-studies deserves to be a part of the religion education. Notice I said religion, not religious? Thanks...
Timely, Good P. R.
I stand corrected by myself instead. No criticism necessary. I repented and have been forgiven! ;)
Set the facts straight I was premature, and maybe hopeful for the Mormon Studies to be right here in Happy Valley. We can always support it and keep working on it coming to fruition. M-studies deserves to be a part of the religion education. Notice I said religion, not religious? Thanks...
Timely, Good P. R.
KingM | 3:15 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
Hypocrites,
Only fundies rely on reverse cultists like Ed Decker. You don't have to tell lies or follow people with their own religious agenda to find out the truth. Just google "book of abraham translation" or "first vision versions" or polygamy and read what you'll find. And by all means, go to FARMS or lds.org and read the faith-promoting view and see if it holds up. You may find that it does, but you may be surprised by what you learn.
If it's true, it will look better after you do your research. If it's true, you have nothing to fear from looking at both sides.
Only fundies rely on reverse cultists like Ed Decker. You don't have to tell lies or follow people with their own religious agenda to find out the truth. Just google "book of abraham translation" or "first vision versions" or polygamy and read what you'll find. And by all means, go to FARMS or lds.org and read the faith-promoting view and see if it holds up. You may find that it does, but you may be surprised by what you learn.
If it's true, it will look better after you do your research. If it's true, you have nothing to fear from looking at both sides.
shadow | 3:52 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
UVSC will have a Mormon studies program? More blatant than usual, but perfectly
understandable. You can't make this up, huh. Tax dollars at work?
Next UNLV will have a course on how gambling can make you rich.
Long ago in mother russia I asked some college age russkies why they still had to study Karl Marx and the whole package. Didn't they already know all of the answers? What was the point? Couldn't they read it all again, at home... or at the factory?
They said in unison: you never know when you are going to need it... to keep your job.
The shadow knows.
Next UNLV will have a course on how gambling can make you rich.
Long ago in mother russia I asked some college age russkies why they still had to study Karl Marx and the whole package. Didn't they already know all of the answers? What was the point? Couldn't they read it all again, at home... or at the factory?
They said in unison: you never know when you are going to need it... to keep your job.
The shadow knows.
Mary | 3:56 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I just think that this is great. I have studies the "religions of the
world" and could never understand why some religions were taught and some
where not. This class, I would hope, is not about feeling the spirit or
conversion, as none of the other classes I've taken were about that. It
should simply be about history, doctrine, tenets, and standards. Then, it would
be taught as any of the others, to help others understand where it came from,
where it is now, and where it is going in the future. I don't know why
this turned into a "gotta feel the spirit vs. gotta prove it wrong"
thread...oh yea, because everyone has to push their beliefs and bash the
other.....I am proud that Harvard is accepting the LDS church as another
religion of the world.
qualified | 4:14 p.m. Feb. 23, 2008
I was concerned that the main qualification for teaching the course at harvard
was that ms. proctor grew up a mormon. It says nothing of her testimony or
current belief. I hope she isn't another Rod Decker. I would hope that any
college would make sure that the teacher is in good standing with the church and
qualified, not on some antagonistic agenda.
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