Mormon Matters

This two-part episode uses the recent Japanese earthquakes and tsunamis as a springboard for a robust discussion of nature, and especially natural disasters. Often we hear claims that the upheaval and suffering caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, tornados, famine, and the like are “God’s will,” that God is sending a message through these events. And certainly there is certainly scriptural precedent for that view, and even modern prophetic utterance. But are there other, more nuanced and perhaps more ennobling ways to frame natural disasters within a theistic worldview? And if there are ways of seeing these upheavals that can lead to increased faith or broadened and deepened spirituality or love for God and the world, are any of these healthy approaches hinted at or embedded in particular Mormon views and practices? We know you’ll enjoy this dynamic discussion (so good we had to double our normal podcast length!) between Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon and panelists George Handley, Duane Jeffery, and Joanna Brooks. We encourage you to also visit and contribute to this episode’s blog discussion.

This episode features a panel discussion of the potential candidacies of Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman as they consider a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination. Have American attitudes towards Mormonism shifted significantly since Romney’s first campaign was often sidetracked by the “Mormon Question”? Has the Church’s involvement with Prop 8 helped or hurt the Mormon image for Republican voters? Does Glenn Beck being a high-profile Mormon have any effect on the potential electability of LDS candidates? Please enjoy host Dan Wotherspoon and panelists Joanna Brooks, Jenny Nettesheim, and Jennifer Liddell as they discuss these and other issues related to Mormonism and today’s politics. The podcast also contains an update on current protests and debates in Wisconsin regarding collective bargaining for public employees.

In this episode, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon and panelists Kristine Haglund, Dallas Robbins, and Philip Barlow discuss two topics: 1) The LDS Church’s recent reaffirmation of the King James Version as is its official Bible translation, and 2) the changes it has made to chapter headings in the online version of the Book of Mormon (changes that will be carried forward in future printings) that de-emphasize the idea of darker skin as a curse from God. What is the significance of this renewed commitment to the KJV instead of switching to newer, more scholarly Bible versions based on older manuscripts, translated into more modern English, and increasingly the Bibles of choice for other Christians? What are the possible positive and negative impacts of the Church’s continued use of this translation on missionary efforts, scriptural literacy among the rising generation, and so forth? What do the new Book of Mormon chapter headings say about the continued fading of Mormonism’s history of equating skin color with God’s blessing or cursing? What steps might be next? What steps should be next?

A discussion of BYU's suspension of BYU basketball player Brandon Davies for his honor code violation. Joining us today are Joanna Brooks, Tom Grover, Ashley Sanders and host Dan Wotherspoon.

A discussion of: 1) sexuality as a single LDS church member, 2) the 5 Browns sexual abuse news, and 3) immigration and the LDS church.

An Analysis of Mitt Romney’s ” Faith in America ” Speech Pt. 2

An Analysis of Mitt Romney’s ” Faith in America ” Speech Pt. 1

Same-Sex Marriage and Mormonism

Book of Mormon Introduction, Lamanites and Native Americans

The International Church

Inoculating the Saints — Listener Feedback

Our Discussion on Inoculating the Saints Pt. 2

Our Discussion on Inoculating the Saints Pt. 1

Inoculating the Saints (with Kevin Barney, Blake Ostler and Mike Ash)

Our Favorite Books on Mormonism