Entries from March 2008 ↓

Today marks the commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is the day around which this entire human drama pivots.  If there were not an Easter, there would not be a Christmas.  Were it not for an empty tomb, there would be no meaning in the cross.  Take away the reality of the resurrection and Christianity  simply becomes a collection of stories for decent living.

Today it is in vogue within Christianity to deny the reality of the resurrection.  However denying the actuality of the resurrection yet still wanting to hold on to some elements of Christ’s teachings has been a point of contention within Christianity from the first century, so this is not a new development nor a matter of an ‘enlightened’ modern mind.  The report of a man who was publicly killed coming back to life three days afterwards, being touched and interacting with multiple groups of people, is indeed foolishness to the logical mind.

I think it is nearly impossible to explain or describe the mystery and glory of the resurrection in conversation.  Such a topic is best handled by the poet, artist, and musician.  I provide two pieces to ponder: Continue reading →

Siddarthra Gautama was a seeker.  He lived 2500 years ago but his experience and thought process parallels that of many sincere seekers in this modern generation–

He grew up in prosperity and abundance, oblivious to the poverty and suffering just beyond the walls of the royal compound.  In a radical move for royalty he ventured out and there he saw death, he saw pain and suffering, and also a wandering ascetic. Disturbed by it all, the great disparities, he left his previous life, including his young wife and two young children, in search of answers to this great dilemma.

Enos was also of royal blood being the grandson of Father Lehi.  He went alone “to hunt beasts in the forests”, an activity that has not been a safe venture for royal princes historically, it was often the place of “accidents” that led to changes in power in the ancient world.  He reports that his “soul hungered” and that he an internal “wrestle” before God for his sins.

Despite their similar predicaments, their conclusions were quite different.  Gautama Continue reading →

What strikes me about this article is how it challenges the core theories and current “answers” of science.  In our modern society we tend to put ultimate confidence in the current scientific explanations and laugh at our predecessors who thought the earth was flat.  Well… I think little findings like this should keep us humble regarding our current understanding of the universe.  The universe might have a few tricks up its sleeve yet.

via National Geographic News

Anne Minard March 19, 2008
A new study is challenging the long-standing notion that the whole solar system formed from the same raw materials.

Until now most scientists had believed that the inner solar system bodies—Mercury, Venus, Earth, its moon, and Mars—had the same composition as primitive meteorites called chondrites.

But, problematically, Earth’s chemistry doesn’t quite match. Continue reading →

Toys will be our downfall (In perpetuum) Well written post about the absurd over-pursuit of entertainment in our modern world.

Dwellings of prophets (Adventures in Mormonism) Cites a great article from the Salt Lake Tribune about the living arrangement President Monson will inherit as the latest president of the LDS Church. Not quite as glamorous as the Vatican.

Enoch (Journeys in Between) Any mention of Enoch catches my eye as I long for a Zion society.

The Fallacy of Misplaced Hope (Connor’s Conundrums) Interesting post about the Obama phenomenon. I’m sticking with my prediction from three months ago that he will be our next president.

Joseph Smith Papers Fantastic new resource with key writings of Joseph Smith available and searchable online.

A Sample of Mormon Donors (Times and Seasons)   Someone spent a lot of time sorting through that big list but it made for a very interesting read.  I like that there is still a little bit of diversity in there.

Dolphin Saves Stuck Whales (National Geographic)  How do the evolutionists explain an altruistic dolphin?

My latest read was a collection of essays in a book entitled “Beyond Death–Theological and Philosophical Reflections on Life after Death.”I selected the book simply because the title caught my eye as I was skimming through the stacks one day in the library.   I really enjoyed the format of the book and commend the editors for the quality of writers they were able to attract.  The book consisted of a collection of essays of very diverse voices reflecting on the issue of life after death.  The essays included a wide range of perspectives:  Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Athiest/Humanist, Orthodox, Evangelical, and objective scientific researchers.  The writers were extremely articulate, thoughtful, and sincere in their reporting.  The greatness of the book is the all-encompassing picture that is painted; having the full spectrum in one place.  I regret that I no longer have the book in front of me to quote certain essays, however the power of the book truly lies in the panorama.  I found the discussion about the scientific study of near-death experiences particularly interesting, it really is a subject most scientists won’t touch with a ten foot pole yet it is very much a measurable phenomenon that can be examined and scrutinized.  I felt this book was an honest exploration of that ultimate question of life. 

PBS recently rebroadcast  ”The Mormons” documentary and I have heard or read various discussions on it recently so I thought I would republish my original review. (One bit of trivia for my friends- both me and my dad happen to be included in background shots during two different segments, could you pick them out?) 

I wrote the following review, not to cry evil and argue that the documentary was ‘completely biased’ or ‘wrong’ or anything to that effect. I believe in questioning and thinking deeply on information presented to me and just wanted to point out some failings that I saw that should make us stop and think.  The letter:

I was disappointed in the quality of journalism displayed in “The Mormons” documentary. It really made me question the objectivity in other programs backed by Frontline and American Experience. I do not think the filmmakers were actively trying to push an agenda but I do feel they fell into the same pitfalls and stereotypical biased reporting of the Church on the most controversial topics.  Evidence of perpetuating stereotypes and poor journalism:

Continue reading →