In elders quorum class today, we had a great discussion about baptism.
The instructor started off by noting that the topic of baptism seems basic and hard to delve into, but I think our discussion disproved that position.
He started off asking the class to share how their view regarding baptism now compares to our view of it when we were baptized. Several of us shared our thoughts, and it was interesting that all who did were baptized at 8 years old. Continue reading
The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles released a statement today that appears to be in response to the church discipline of Kate Kelly and John Dehlin. In it, they state the following:
In God’s plan for the happiness and eternal progression of His children, the blessings of His priesthood are equally available to men and women.
In the October 1977 general conference, Elder Bruce R. McConkie gave a talk that was later titled “The Ten Blessings of the Priesthood”. Here are the 10 blessings he discussed:
What would happen if LDS women get the priesthood?
Women don’t currently have the priesthood in the LDS church (well, some argue that some women have it but can exercise it in the temple endowment). Unless you’ve lived under a rock for the past month, you’re probably fully aware of this fact. It was all over the news, blogs, and social media.
I don’t want to hash out any of the related events that have occurred—there are are plenty of others who have done that. What I am interested in doing is exploring what the LDS church would look like if LDS women did receive the priesthood. (I have no idea if they ever will. Presumably, we’ll just have to wait to find out.) Continue reading
A couple of years ago, I nearly receiverd two callings. Our bishopric prayed about a new calling for me and felt inspired that God wanted me in that calling. Our stake presidency prayed about a different calling for me and felt inspired that God wanted me in that calling.
How can both have received a confirmation regarding each calling?
I’m sure you’ve heard by now, but the New York Times reports that John Dehlin and Kate Kelly face excommunication with church leaders.
I’m not going to discuss the morality or the logistics of these actions. I’m sure there will many others who will. What I am interested in is how this will affect the Bloggernacle.
Our Thoughts has been around for 11 years. It’s one of the oldest LDS-themed blogs, and about six months after it’s founding is when others started to pop up everywhere.
The Bloggernacle has served as a great vehicle for discussion difficult issues or questions without anyone fearing judgement or retribution. People felt comfortable expressing their doubts, and many found it cathartic and encouraging.
With Dehlin and Kelly facing excommunication, will it change the Bloggernacle. Will people stop asking difficult questions or sharing troubling doubts? Will people end up leaving the church because there’s nowhere to work through their challenges?
What do you think?
When you hear the word “heaven”, how do you interpret it? Celestial Kingdom? All the kingdoms of glory? Something else?
Do you think gay Mormons should receive church discipline (excommunicated, disfellowshipped, probation, etc.) for kissing someone of the same sex?