5/27 – Pres. Oaks Love & Law, Latter-day Saint Idol, & Cody Wyoming Temple Dispute

MAILBAG? MATT

A listener wrote in regarding our discussion on church finances:

“I think there is a balance somewhere in between full-disclosure and what we’ve got now - where, as Melissa said, we can read articles on the church news to see where we are spending money.  I would like something like a line item budget.  You don’t have to tell me exact numbers, but what about letting us know that we spend 20% on temples, 15% on disaster relief, 35% goes into savings, etc.  I’d be interested in your thoughts on a middle-of-the-road type financial disclosure from the church”

QUICK CLIPS (A FEW OF THE WEEK’S STORIES)

MELISSA

Church sends weekly emails of inspiration

MATT

I think we should discuss two things from President Oaks Devotional. The first is these two figures he presents:

President Oaks asks young people to consider what they miss when marriage is intentionally delayed. President Oaks mentions a couple of causes: shortage of affordable housing, and increased student debt. What else is behind these trends?

The second is his response to a question from a Young Woman in the US who is concerned with how other members of the church act on social media and at stake youth activities regarding LGTBQ issues. He says two things that I think we should discuss. 1) He tells young people that their church leaders and parents can help them understand eternal principles and then emphasizes the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. The states that “With these truths as your guide, you can make inspired choices that will bless you throughout eternity” then 2) He emphasizes the two great commandments and says, “Anyone who does not treat individuals who face gender identity challenges with love and dignity is not aligned with the teachings of the first and second great commandments.” What is the best way to stand up for the truth on these moral questions?

MELISSA 

American Idol winner is LDS

MATT

Plans For 101-Foot Mormon Temple In Cody Spark Opposition, Petition Drive

MELISSA

Has the church increased transparency about what happens inside temples?  Related: Status of all 133 temples announced by Pres. Nelson

MATT

Central American Youth encouraged to serve missions

MELISSA

Mental Health awareness https://www.thechurchnews.com/

MATT

What does anti-Mormon bias look like in academia? A Q&A; with Patrick Mason “I’ve heard students of faith at Utah State University and the University of Utah say they are sitting in classrooms where at least their perception of ...