This Week in Latter-days

Why is judging so rampant in Mormon culture? Surely few of us mean it to be, but it is, and a number of recent articles and incidents speak to Mormonism's difficulty with letting discipleship be personal.

Take, for example, Stirlinggate, wherein Lindsey Stirling, a lovely, outspoken, happily LDS woman wore a dress to an awards show that ruffled a few feathers. We go from praising to vilifying rather quickly.

Or gay rights activist Mitch Mayne, who cannot fathom why it's anyone's business whether or not he has a temple recommend.

Or Bryce Harper, who is seen as too "edgy" in some Mormon circles.

Join us as we talk at length about these stories and how they relate to the way we too often assume everyone else needs to be as perfect as Christ, erring not.

And in other huge news, Boy Scouts of America head Robert Gates (formerly the Secretary of Defense and head of the CIA) says the time has come to do away with the antiquated practice of barring gay leaders within Boy Scouts' ranks. The Church has opined on the matter by saying it will opine more as it the situation develops.

In other news, Mitt Romney pretended to box, we have 10 tips for how to remain faithful to your spouse, we also talk about new LDS.org menu items, temple dedications, and a bunch of other goodies.

So join us, will you?

Show Links:

* Gay Boy Scouts advisers

* Romney and Holyfield cuddle

* 10 ways you are being unfaithful to your spouse

* Lindsey Stirling freaks out lame people

* Mitch Mayne wants you to care more about him and less about a card in his wallet

* Bryce Harper is breaking down Mormon stereotypes

* New LDS.org menus

* Missionaries pulled from Burundi

* 6 lies early-returned missionaries tell themselves

* Córdoba Argentina Temple dedicated

* A history of the BYU Jerusalem Center

BYU-Hawaii gets a new president. Al, our resident alumnus, has his thoughts on outgoing president Steven C. Wheelright and inbound president John S. Tanner.

A youth Sunday School teacher was allegedly released from his calling for using the church-produced essay on race and the priesthood as supplemental material. If this is true, we cry foul. If it's not true, we cry foul on the other guy.

The Los Angeles Temple is not immune to California's drought problems, and the Church has decided to let its vast lawn die in an effort to save water. It's a cool gesture, and Solomon's temple had no lawn.

Christianity is shrinking in the US, according to a new PEW study, and Mormonism is about flat, so we're not shrinking, but nor are we growing.

Also, Mormons have the largest families of all families in all religions in America, shocking no one.

What's up with back rubs at Church? Is it too much? IS THERE TOO MUCH RUBBING?

BYU is now basically paying its "amateur" athletes via some loopholes in tuition scholarship regulations. Will this make them win? No.

Also, Utah eats candy at twice the national average, Heavenly Mother makes an appearance via a BYU art school project, the Church's approach to LGBT issues has improved its favorability ratings, a rad mission prep app that Al hates, and... your mail!

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* New BYU-Hawaii president

* BYU to pay players

* Rub the backs. All the backs.

* Sunday school teacher dismissed for using Church materials

* Los Angeles Temple dries up

* Utah loves candy

* Heavenly Mother at BYU

* Mormons have huge families

* Christianity shrinks in US

* People like Mormons more when Mormons like gays more

* Mission prep app

Online tithing payment is now officially a thing, but you must be patient with the rollout. Moreover, we should remember that tithing is confidential, so if you are entrusted with tithing knowledge, don't be casual in discussing it.

We've got some great followup to last week's discussion on apostolic health and age, including a podcast from Radio West featuring Richard Bushman and Charles Prince.

The Cedar City Temple gets a groundbreaking announcement, and the Montréal Québec Temple gets a rededication announcement. Huzzah!

So... Baltimore sucked last week. Many stakes across the Eastern Seaboard fasted for peace and renewal of Charm City. What should Mormons do when facing civil strife like this?

The Church donates money to help kids be judges in Israel. Wait....

How can you help in Nepal? Our own Dustin Homer has some ideas.

Assorted news: missionaries to return to Liberia and Sierra Leone; Elder Christofferson attends a religious freedom event in Brazil; the seal of Melchizedek on the San Diego Temple; 8 famous people who became Mormons; and a Book of Mormon spared by fire brings a family to baptism.

* Confidentiality of tithing

* Online tithing!

* Old age and Church leadership on Radio West

* Cedar City Temple groundbreaking

* Fasting for Baltimore

* Missionaries set to return to Liberia and Sierra Leone

* Inflammable Book of Mormon

* Church donates $100K to children's justice center

* Help Nepal

* Elder Christofferson in Brazil

* Montréal Temple Rededication

* Seal of Melchizedek on San Diego Temple

* 8 famous peeps who converted to Mormons

Hi. Welcome to this week's show. We are here.

Did you see Kate Kelly using GoFundMe to buy a personal laptop, then upgrade her laptop needs, then donate proceeds to Ordain Women? It was glorious. So glorious that we are now taking donations for This Week in Mormons. If you love us, donate. Give us money.

Elders L. Tom Perry and Richard G. Scott were both hospitalized last week. It's been revealed that Elder Perry has thyroid cancer and Elder Scott has gastrointestinal bleeding. At the time of recording, Elder Scott was still in the hospital, but he has since been released.

All missionaries are safe in Nepal. It's a pity countless thousands aren't.

The popular BYUtv drama Granite Flats is coming to Netflix, representing BYUtv's first foray into third-party streaming.

There's a new Central Eurasian Mission! Geoff is too geeked-out happy about this, but it's interesting news. Make sure to check out our write up.

Mormons are masters of SEO and social media, and a new piece on Forbes goes into greater detail on Salt Lake's machinations and strategy in the digital space. It's really interesting.

A woman writes a BuzzFeed article in which she laments being 38 and single in Mormon culture, citing how irksome it is to be asked constantly about kids and marriage. Except it turns out she doesn't want kids at all. So...

The US Supreme Court started hearings this week on same-sex marriage laws. A landmark ruling is expected in June. We've got an initial rundown for you.

Other news: The Star Valley Wyoming Temple breaks ground; FHE turns 100 (sort of); USC adds an LDS studies program; is swearing in music worse than in movies? And Utahns are pretty OK with the Church's influence in state politics, unless you ask a Democrat.

* Buy Kate Kelly a laptop

* Go Fund US!!!! 

* Granite Flats on Netflix

* Missionaries safe in Nepal

* How Mormons pwn the Internet

* New Central Eurasian Mission

* Feel a Man's Hand on Me 3(?)

* Apospitals

* Swearing in ...

What are the main challenges the Church will face as it enters its third century of existence? Correlation? Doubt? Female ordination movements? Apathy? Let's talk about it.

How do you deal with profanity and inappropriate language at work? This is a genuine question. We want answers.

Jana Riess says that even though it's wonderful Ms. Virginia proclaims her modesty, aren't beauty pageants in and of themselves immodest? An interesting take.

We are going to have awards this year. Who wants to meet us at the Ramada in Mesquite?!

Other stuff: the story of six missionaries who narrowly missed being on the Titanic; new temple presidents; the world's least religious countries.

 

Links:

* Third century challenges

* New temple presidents

* Beauty pageants are not modest

* Six missionaries and the Titanic

* World's least religious countries

We go through a number of Mormon missionary myths, because they are important. So very important. But really, what myths do you have?

Mormons are the most reliable Republicans. It's shocking.

There's a petition to excommunicate Harry Reid. Let's talk about how misguided this is.

Marco Rubio could technically be the first Mormon president! Take that, Mittie!

The Church has signed a friend-of-the-court amicus brief about protecting the definition of marriage. In a related note, Josh Weed and his wife - the openly gay man happily married to his wife - take issue with their example being used to support the brief, as they do not support it.

Did you know that former Mormons can still be business savvy and make a modest clothing line? It's madness!

A Vivint bro dresses down for Obama. 'cause respect.

Open house tickets for the Payson Utah Temple are now available!

Apparently Brian Williams was "obsessed" with Mitt Romney's garments.

Hey, and there's a great podcast right now from LeadingLDS about active church leaders experience same-sex attraction. Seriously, listen to it.

* Modesty on the Today Show

* Former member launches modesty clothing line

* Mission myths!

* Petition to excommunicate Harry Reid

* Ms. Virginia is modest

* The best wrestler in the world

* Brian Williams loves Mitt's underwear

* Mormons are the most reliable Republicans

* Marco Rubio!!!!!!!

* Amicus brief from Church

* The Weeds are not on board with Church SCOTUS stuff

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It's time for our awesome General Conference recap show! We look forward to this every six months and hope you'll join us as we discuss our impressions and feelings about the various talks given throughout the 185th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

There are highlights all over the place, but as a recap, here's everyone who spoke:

General Women's Session

* Filling Our Homes with Light and Truth - Cheryl A. Esplin

* The Family Is of God - Carole M. Stephens

* Defenders of the Family Proclamation - President Bonnie L. Oscarson

* The Comforter - President Henry B. Eyring

Saturday Morning Session

* "Is Not This the Fast That I Have Chosen?" - President Henry B. Eyring

* The Plan of Happiness - President Boyd K. Packer

* We'll Ascend Together - President Linda K. Burton

* The Parable of the Sower - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

* Choose to Believe - Elder L. Whitney Clayton

* Why Marriage and Family Matter - Everywhere in the World - Elder L. Tom Perry

Saturday Afternoon Session

* Therefore They Hushed Their Fears - Elder David A. Bednar

* Why marriage, Why Family - Elder D. Todd Christofferson

* The Music of the Gospel - Elder Wilford W. Andersen

* Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying - Elder Dale G. Renlund

* Truly Good and without Guile - Elder Michael T. Ringwood

* The Lord Is My Light - Elder Quentin L. Cook

Priesthood Session

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We're joined by Garrett Batty and Adam Abel, director and producer, respectively, of the upcoming faith-based LDS drama Freetown, which depicts the true-life story of Mormon missionaries struggling to escape war-torn Liberia in the early 90s.

In other news, Brandon Flowers is really disappointed in Mitt Romney, even though they once brunched together.

Some updates: the BYU student who alleges he was kicked out of his housing for coming out as gay has settled his case out of court; also, follow up on our piece from last week about the LDS Church's influence in the Utah state legislature.

Also, Harry Reid is retiring. Farewell, Mormon Democrats.

Did you know you can meet your true love at General Conference? Just never break the stare! GAZE INTO HIS EYES!

The first ever missionary from Bosnia and Herzegovina is off to serve in England. That's cool.

Can Mormons engage in wine tasting? One of us is seriously asking.

Should Women's Conference be only for women since Priesthood session is only for men??

And of course, General Conference predictions. Make sure to follow us on Twitter and keep up with our beloved Tie Tracker.

Links:

* Daguerreotype of Wilford Woodruff discovered

* Evicted from BYU housing, then settling

* Brandon Flowers is disappointed with Mitt Romney

* True Love at General Conference

* Women's Conference for women

* Mormons and marijuana

* Sister missionaries injured on bikes in Idaho

* First Bosnian missionary

* Utah politics update

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Seriously, what's up with the stigma about beards? Why do many church leaders passively nudge men to be clean shaven? What's up with that? How is this still a thing?

BYU endures a catfishing scandal. The real crime is that these women put up with it for YEARS.

Are we still getting the same benefits from our church history sites? A piece at By Common Consent discusses the watered-down history now available in Nauvoo but the rise of testimony-bearing in place of education. Your thoughts?

Missionaries are not going to be on Facebook for the next few months, so you won't get canned messages in your groups. But we have the real skinny on why they are gone and when and if they are coming back.

Meet the Mormons is coming to home video, and with it, over an hour of bonus features, including an entire segment that was cut about an Italian-born artist. Football coaches > artists.

We discover and interesting article by a former member of Utah's state legislature in which the heavy influence of LDS lobbyists is discussed. It makes sense, but we don't want to pretend we are comfy with every aspect of it. Some of it is pretty galling.

Other stuff: new scripture translations are going digital before print; there's a ward council app; you'll soon be able to (more easily) pay tithing online; a tour of the homes of prophets; Glenn Beck gets mantled (WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?!); we have zero tolerance for sexual abuse, Ancestry.com's founder is arrested for sexual abuse; and a Russian documentary says Mormon missionaries are American spies, even the non-American ones.

Clicks:

* Catfishing at BYU

* Church history sites are more spiritual, less educational

* Russian documentary - Church responds (in Russian)

* Prophetic homes

* Glenn Beck gets mantled

* No tolerance for sexual abuse

* Ancestry.com founder arrested

* Meet the Mormons - the super serious director's cut

* LDS Church involvement in Utah politics

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Utah brings back firing squads, but why? Is "blood atonement" a real thing that guides Utah politics?

Meet the Mormons grossed about $6M at the box office, and the Church recently donated the proceeds, totaling $1.6M to the American Red Cross. Good job!

It turns out one can purchase coffee, tea, etc. at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii. This has left us perplexed, for the PCC is way more obviously LDS than, say, City Creek. It's actually run by BYU.

Cyclone Pam has hit the Pacific hard, and as of recording, there are still a few missionaries in Vanuatu unaccounted for.

A sister missionary in Argentina dies of E. coli, of all random things. And in the process, we learn that the Church swings pretty hard for the grieving families if their missionary dies in the field.

Utah's LGBT anti-discrimination passes the state legislature. Even mainstream media have praised the Church for pushing hard to pass the bill. Is it truly a compromise?

The Salt Lake City 1st Stake is dissolved. #1. Not in chronology, but in order. All the rest of you in SLC stakes are now off by a quantity of one in your nomenclature.

The Church has announced what are likely the final temple dedications of the year: the rededication of the Mexico City Mexico Temple and the dedication of the Tijuana Mexico Temple. All told, that'll be five new temples in 2015 and one rededication, which makes for a banner year.

Mitt Romney is going to box Evander Holyfield and our lives are complete.

A guy in Rexburg actually steals from people AT THE TEMPLE.

Wanna sing with MoTab? They have a way to make you feel included in their upcoming Atlantic tour.

Also, gun control and hunting!

 

 Links!

* Missionaries in cyclone (update)

* Sister missionary dies in Argentina

* Anti-discrimination bill for LGBT passes Utah legislature

* Salt Lake City 1st stake discontinued

* Temple dedications

* Tijuana Mexico Temple open house

* Utah brings back the firing squad

* Meet the Mormons donations to Red Cross

* Mitt Romney to box Evander Holyfield

* The Temple Thief

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