Mormons Issue Welcome to the New Catholic Pope
When white smoke appeared at the Vatican, many Mormons were glued to their televisions or computers, waiting for the decision and then to learn the identity of the new Pope. That might seem odd, since Mormons are not led by the Pope. However, Mormons and Catholics have many shared values, particularly in the areas of traditional families and opposition to most abortions. They also have a shared history of working together to care for the poor and needy, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Did Proxy Baptism Make Obama’s Mother Mormon?
Filed under: Mormon Temples: Purposes and Promises, News, Public Issues, Saving Ordinances, Temples, Work for the Dead
The stories are circulating the internet that President Obama’s mother is now a Mormon according to Mormon records, because a posthumus baptism was done on her behalf. It’s important to understand how names come to be submitted and what it means when the work is done. It does not mean she is a Mormon; nor does it mean her name has been added to church membership records.
Mormons are instructed they must only submit names of direct ancestors and their immediate family (parents, siblings, etc.) unless they have permission from the family. Not every Mormon knows the rule, however, although it is written in the places where submissions are made, and many feel they are helping people they consider special by submitting their names. Therefore, when a name is inappropriately submitted, it is due to a misunderstanding of the rules by the member who submitted it. Since they can be submitted online, there is generally not a worker who can ask them about the names they’ve submitted. The church itself does not submit these names and does not give permission for the practice. Of course, as you go further back into a famous person’s genealogy, there are LDS church members who can legitimately submit the names because they are also descendants of the ancestors. Read more
Lessons Learned from American Idol: No Excuses
Watching the early audition videos at the beginning of an American Idol season can be strangely fascinating. The auditions draw all kinds of singers: the seasoned pros who want to bring their career to a higher level, the closet singers who hope to be “discovered” as the next big talent, and even those who are not serious about singing but thought it would be fun to try out.
Keith B. McMullin Addresses Secularism
The word “secular” is defined in Webster’s dictionary as describing something that is not overtly religious, or something that is of a temporal rather than a religious concern. As residents of the planet Earth, we obviously have needs and concerns that may not seem directly related to religion. We have to earn livings, go to school, shop at the store, and interact with people regularly over matters that do not involve church.
“A Life Full of Riches”
During the Christmas holidays in particular, it’s easy for our hearts and minds to be drawn to material possessions. Advertisements everywhere lure us to believe that we need this gadget or that car or this house or that lifestyle in order to be happy. But are these things really necessary for happiness? Here’s what Karl R. Green said in the December 24, 2007 issue of Newsweek magazine:
Mormon Fasting May Reduce Risk of Heart Disease
Mormons have long been known to have fewer incidents of heart disease than the general public. One reason commonly attributed to this is their keeping of a law called “The Word of Wisdom.” Received by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, it prescribes a code for healthy living, including abstinence from tobacco and alcohol. It can be found in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Questions About Tithing
The Wall Street Journal recently ran a story about an ongoing debate by churchgoers in general about tithing. The traditional definition of tithing is the practice of giving ten percent of your income to your church. But some folks are questioning this practice.
Video Game Violence
The recent release of a game touted as “the most violent video game ever” has again opened up the question of whether such violent entertainment really has an effect on viewers and participants.
“Golden Compass” Controversy
A movie billed as a children’s fantasy currently has a lot of controversy surrounding its alarming premise.
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