December 2009
MormonTimes - Give it a close reading before speculating (12-31-9)
The seminary teacher was taking her students through the war with the Amlicites.
MormonTimes - What's new: 'Mormons and Masons' (12-31)
Author Matthew B. Brown describes this subject as "rugged terrain."
MormonTimes - Delilah responds to 'Mormon Media Observer' (12-31)
Following an invitation to respond to Saturday's "Mormon Media Observer" column, national radio show host Delilah Rene Luke released the following statement on Wednesday:
MormonTimes - Doubting our own doubts (12-31)
I wrote the article "Plural-marriage questions led to trust," based on a presentation Gregory L. Smith gave at the Mormon Apologetics Conference in August.
Portraits of the past: Iowa City park (12-31)
Over a four-year period, 1856-60, 10 companies of pioneers pushed and pulled handcarts as their mode of traveling to the Utah Territory.
Utah Supreme Court order buys more time for FLDS to plead case (12-30)
A Utah Supreme Court justice has issued an order granting a request by the Fundamentalist LDS Church for a motion of emergency relief in regard to the sale of dairy cows and a "sacred" parcel of land.
MormonTimes - Beloved LDS institute teacher to retire in January (12-30)
Retirement is not a term that fits S. Michael Wilcox, but he is leaving his position as an instructor at the Salt Lake University Institute of Religion on Jan. 8 after 21 years there.
MormonTimes - Mormon Media Observer: Top 10 LDS newsmakers of 2009 (12-30)
The Mormon Media Observer looks back at the year filled with LDS newsmakers.
MormonTimes - Wayne Brickey: Pioneers and Hebrews (12-30)
The route of early church history was a path of filters.
Family eulogizes Kim Peek as an intellectual gift to others (12-29)
Kim Peek was a man with many unusual gifts and challenges.
MormonTimes - LDS cleaning guru: Stop babying self-entitled young men (12-28)
The best way to help prepare a young man for a mission is to stop doing his laundry, cooking for him and cleaning up after him.
MormonTimes - The tight control theory in the Book of Mormon (12-28)
The "tight control" theory for the Book of Mormon translation suggests that Joseph dictated a fairly literal translation of the Nephite text into the scriptural language of his day.
MormonTimes - Kristine Frederickson: 'By their fruits ye shall know them' (12-27)
One of the most important reasons the Savior asks us to read scripture is because embedded on every page of holy writ is counsel and advice that offer individuals guidance and protection from the lies and deceptions of Satan and his followers.
MormonTimes - Delilah pulls kids from school, cites 'Mormon' curriculum (12-26)
Like the prejudice that ended Focus on the Family's featured article on Glenn Beck's Christmas sweater story at the end of 2008, a national radio show host has pulled her children from a Seattle-area school because she says that Stephen Covey's writings are "veiled Mormonism."
Mississippi found most spiritual, not Utah (12-25)
According to a Pew Forum survey, Utah isn't the most spiritually-minded state in the nation.
MormonTimes - Christmas 1847 in Salt Lake Valley was full of warmth, gratitude (12-24)
It was a warm Christmas, made even warmer by the day's activities. The Mormon pioneers spent their first Christmas in the Salt Lake Valley working. Some gathered sagebrush for fires. Others plowed fields. Some hunted rabbits. Others worked on their tiny cabins.
Portraits of the past: Elder Hinckley's apartment (12-24)
Early in his full-time mission to England, young Elder Gordon B. Hinckley and his companion lived in this apartment at 15 Wadham Road in Preston, Lancashire.
MormonTimes - Beaver, Duck RMs excel on field, share gospel off of it (12-22)
By now, Kevin and Devin Unga are used to all of the questions.
MormonTimes - Joseph Smith's birth was vital to God's purposes (12-22)
As Mormons join with all of Christendom in commemorating the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ this time of year, the thoughts of some might turn to observance of an event of lesser magnitude, but nevertheless vital to the unfolding of God's purposes among His children: The birth of Joseph Smith Jr., just two days before Christmas on Dec. 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vt.
MormonTimes - New Web site helps Mormon scholars share testimonies (12-22)
A new Web site, MormonScholarsTestify.org, gives scholars an opportunity to set the record clear on their thoughts, feelings and testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
MormonTimes - Mormon Media Observer: BYU media blitz in Las Vegas (12-22)
Just what did the national media have to say before the Maaco Las Vegas Bowl Tuesday night? Here's a sampling of opinion and previews of the game: BYU, Oregon State seek redemption
MormonTimes - Escondido Mormon Christmas show growing (12-21)
Sometimes the best things start small and then keep growing because of popular demand.
MormonTimes - Mike Ash: Translation of the Book of Mormon (12-21)
According to some of Joseph's closest associates as well as those who saw Joseph translate the Book of Mormon, when Joseph looked into the Urim and Thummim he was able to see the English translation.
MormonTimes - Remember the Prophet Joseph Smith's birthday (12-20)
At this busy and wonderful time of the year, many people's thoughts turn to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, and rightly so as we seek to draw closer to him and find ways to help and serve others as he did.
Muslims attending BYU focus on similarities between Islam, LDS tenets (12-20)
He's been to LDS general conference and sacrament meeting, given a family home evening lesson and shared his beliefs during fast and testimony meeting.
Temple Square lights a Christmas tradition for the past 44 years (12-20)
For Jeremy and Trudy Smith, a visit to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights has been a family tradition for 12 years, ever since their first daughter was born.
MormonTimes - Twilight, New Moon, Mormons and chastity (12-19)
Many media commentators critiquing the film
MormonTimes - Top religion news, dishonors for typo, and Conan O'Brien (12-19)
So how do Mormons rank in the top national religion stories of 2009? Which typo in an LDS college publication has earned notoriety? And what does a St. Louis Post Dispatch columnist think about the Mormon Song episode on 'The Late Show'?
MormonTimes - Memorials for Missouri pioneer sites (12-18)
The Pioneer Research Group incorporated as a nonprofit group and elected officers among the volunteers who have helped memorialize 20 Mormon pioneer sites in southwestern Iowa and eastern Nebraska over the past 15 years.
MormonTimes - 'In the Company of Angels' inspiring (12-18)
David Farland's new novel "In the Company of Angels" re-creates the experience of the Mormon handcart pioneers the way that can only be done by a great novelist.
MormonTimes - Non-LDS caretaker watches over Sacred Grove (12-17)
Scattered throughout what Mormons call the Sacred Grove are a few living witnesses of the First Vision of Joseph Smith.
MormonTimes - Mormons, Catholics unite in Mesa Temple Christmas program (12-17)
Twelve years ago, the president of the Gilbert Arizona Stake thought that the Gilbert community would be benefited and community relationships strengthened if his stake and the local parish of the Catholic Church could interact and build a bridge of friendship using an interest common to both -- music.
Portraits of the past: Preaching in Preston (12-17)
Market Square or Market Place in Preston, Lancashire, England, is a site of historical significance to Latter-day Saints.
MormonTimes - Like McDonald's, you know what you're getting with the church (12-17)
It has long been a joke that we Mormons attend a "McDonald's Church" -- no matter where you go, you know what's on the menu.
MormonTimes - Temple, family trees at heart of new site (12-17)
Mormon family trees are on display online.
Conan O'Brien mocks Orrin Hatch--and the Mormons (12-16)
"Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien and his minions took aim at Sen. Orrin Hatch earlier this week--and their shotgun blast hit members of the LDS Church in general.
MormonTimes - Mormons in media: Gee, thanks 'Tonight Show' and 'Big Love' (12-16)
In response to Sen. Orrin Hatch's musical gift to Jews, a Hanukkah song, Conan O'Brien's "The Tonight Show" decided to return the "favor."
MormonTimes - Jerry Earl Johnston: Following Mormon Battalion's footsteps (12-16)
I never drive to California without thinking of Mormon Battalion boys and their amazing trek.
MormonTimes - Sugar Creek tested Saints in Feb. 1846 during Nauvoo exodus (12-16)
On his way to Carthage, Ill., Joseph Smith described the Saints as "the best people under the heavens." Then, with solemn foresight, he added, "Little do they know the trials that await them."
MormonTimes - Joseph Fielding McConkie's book helps 'unlock' the scriptures (12-16)
"Between the Lines: Unlocking Scripture with Timeless Principles," Joseph Fielding McConkie, Digital Legend, 2009, 188 pages, $17.95
Texas rests in trial of polygamist group member (12-15)
An expert testified a 2005 marriage was not legal in the west Texas trial of a polygamist group member accused of tying the knot with a 15-year-old.
MormonTimes - Apostolic visit boosts Filipino Mormons (12-15)
Elder Quentin L. Cook visited the Philippines to conduct a priesthood leadership conference and preside over a mission president's seminar Nov. 12-16.
Gila Valley Temple dedication set (12-15)
Dedication and open-house dates for the Gila Valley Arizona Temple have been announced by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Dedication dates for Gila Valley Arizona Temple announced (12-14)
Dedication and open-house dates for the Gila Valley Arizona Temple have been announced by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
BYU singers to compete in 'The Sing Off' (12-13)
The members of the a cappella group Noteworthy have always set their sights high. But the BYU students didn't really think they'd be appearing on an NBC television show.
MormonTimes - New presidency at Mesa Arizona Temple (12-13)
Elder Daryl H. Garn and his wife, Irene, have returned to their home state of Arizona, where they will serve as the new Mesa Arizona Temple president and matron.
MormonTimes - Philippine ambassador turns on D.C. temple lights (12-12)
With the press of a button, His Excellency Willy C. Gaa, ambassador to the U.S. from the Republic of the Philippines, and Elder Jay E. Jensen of the Seventy, recently illuminated half a million lights on the grounds of the Washington D.C.
MormonTimes - Denver Post: Multifaceted Larsen mixes faith, football (12-12)
At this point, Spencer Larsen might prefer that the team drop the position designation next to his name on the Broncos' roster.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir, guests unwrap musical magic (12-11)
Each year the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square and Bells at Temple Square offer a musical gift not only to the community but to the world.
BYU film panel calls for more movies with high morals (12-11)
How much swearing is acceptable in a family oriented movie?
Doctor explains her changing diagnoses of Brian David Mitchell (12-11)
Dr. Jennifer Skeem said her first evaluation of accused Elizabeth Smart kidnapper Brian David Mitchell was a "blue plate special."
Mitchell hearing ends with 2 sides split over competency to stand trial (12-11)
After 10 days, almost 30 witnesses and hours of testimony, the federal competency hearing of accused Elizabeth Smart kidnapper Brian David Mitchell concluded on Friday.
Salt Lake Temple not facing extended closing (12-11)
For some time now a false rumor regarding the closure of the Salt Lake Temple has been circulating. The church has confirmed there is no truth to this rumor.
MormonTimes - 'Priesthood' explores power of faith, blessings (12-11)
"Priesthood Power: Blessing the Sick and the Afflicted," by Larry Barkdull, Covenant Communications, 79 pages, $11.95
Christmas comes to town with Brian Stokes Mitchell (12-10)
It was a good thing that Brian Stokes Mitchell had already sung with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the Tanner Gift of Music concert.
MormonTimes - Despite opposition, Phoenix temple inspires thanks (12-10)
Paul Gilbert was feeling serendipitous.
MormonTimes - Christmas gifts for your Mormon scholar (12-10)
The facts are indisputable: There is no way to slake the biblio-appetite of your scholar. Even if all 30 volumes of the Joseph Smith Papers were on the shelf, your scholar would still be dreaming of an imaginary four-volume J. Golden Kimball Papers (including the much-anticipated expletive facsimile volume).
Witness defends his report declaring Mitchell competent (12-9)
Dr. Michael Welner returned to the witness stand Wednesday to finish defending his evaluation of accused Elizabeth Smart kidnapper Brian David Mitchell.
MormonTimes - The Prophet Joseph Smith needed the plan (12-9)
Scientists who deal in very large numbers sometimes marvel at the Creator, who deals in even larger numbers.
MormonTimes - 40 years later, 'Lingo' still merits discussion (12-9)
Time will tell if Jared and Jerusha Hess' latest contribution to the Mormon cinema canon, "Gentlemen Broncos," will have even half the cultural impact that "Napoleon Dynamite" had in 2004.
MormonTimes - Seeking ethics and civility in new media (12-9)
In the era of emerging social media, anyone who posts information on a blog, tweet, Facebook or e-mail ought to be aware of some simple rules, law and principles.
MormonTimes - Tribute paid to long-time sports director (12-9)
Ron Gerber had served for 30 years as an area sports director for the LDS Church, until his release in October as Utah Area sports director.
MormonTimes - Book tells of miracles without seagulls (12-9)
What if the crickets attacked the pioneer's crops and the seagulls didn't come? The children's book "Eliza's Field of Faith," tells about how the crickets destroyed the crops in Dry Creek (now Lehi), Utah in 1852.
MormonTimes - Mormon films look for Christian audience (12-9)
David Austin's two-day visit to Utah was packed with meetings, presentations and discussions about finding and producing Mormon-made films that might appeal to the general Christian inspiration market. A blizzard hit on the first day, Dec. 8, messing up the tight schedule. But Austin didn't mind.
MormonTimes - Miguel the Mormon will be missed (12-9)
My friend Miguel is heading home to Mexico. He sent his wife and three children back and planned to stay in Utah and work for a year. But he couldn't do it. He missed them too much.
Elder Royden G. Derrick dies at 94 in Salt Lake City (12-8)
Elder Royden Glade Derrick, 94, a former Utah industrialist and an emeritus general authority for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Dec. 7, 2009, at his Salt Lake home of causes incident to age.
Brian David Mitchell seeks, sees signs from God, forensic psychologist says (12-8)
Brian David Mitchell believed he had to follow the commands of God when he allegedly kidnapped Elizabeth Smart and now wants to be martyred, an expert witness testified Tuesday.
Video shows Mitchell in control of FBI interrogation, expert witness says (12-7)
Two FBI agents grilled Brian David Mitchell during an interrogation shortly after his arrest in 2003.
MormonTimes - Church History Museum D&C tours (12-7)
The Church History Museum, located in downtown Salt Lake City, is providing a series of theme tours relating to the Doctrine and Covenants.
MormonTimes - Joseph's translation shows remarkable consistency (12-7)
After Martin Harris lost the first 116 pages of Book of Mormon translation he was released from his duty as Joseph's scribe.
MormonTimes - Lighting the way at the Mesa temple (12-7)
Thousands of volunteers spend countless hours taking special care in setting up the Mesa Temple Garden Christmas lights display, called "Celebrate the Life of Christ in Lights and Music."
MormonTimes - Mormon youths celebrate strength, courage for 2010 (12-6)
Wanting to capture the enthusiasm that accompanies a brand new year, general auxiliary leaders in the church have created a DVD that they hope will inspire Mormon teens to live on a higher level.
BYU professor remembered for Africa work (12-6)
On a day in June 1978 in Johannesburg, South Africa, a black man named Moses ran down a long set of church steps, while a white man in his mid-thirties ran up.
Tidings of Joy: Bring the spirit of Christmas to others, says Pres. Monson (12-6)
As people contemplate how they are going to spend money to buy gifts this holiday season, let them also plan for how they will spend their time in order to help bring the true spirit of Christmas into the lives of others, said President Thomas S. Monson.
MormonTimes - 'American Idol' changed Jon Peter Lewis (12-5)
When Jon Peter Lewis stepped on the "American Idol" stage five years ago, he had no idea how his musical career would change.
MormonTimes - 'Altered State' novel compelling (12-5)
"Altered State," by Gregg Luke, 2009, Covenant Communications, 272 pages, $15.95
MormonTimes - Paula Hawkins, first Mormon woman U.S. senator, dies (12-5)
Paula Hawkins, the feisty, self-described "housewife from Maitland" who in 1980 became the first Mormon woman elected to the U.S. Senate, died Friday, Dec. 4. She was 82.
MormonTimes - Mormon Messages on YouTube reaching millions (12-5)
Since the launch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Mormon Messages channel on YouTube in August 2008, its influence has grown to reach millions. Situated among the endless variety of videos available on YouTube, the dozens of videos currently available on Mormon Messages have been viewed a total of 7.5 million times.
BYU professors: Glenn Beck doesn't speak for all Mormons (12-4)
Glenn Beck's radio show draws roughly 8 million listeners a day.
Expert paid $500,000 for report on Elizabeth Smart kidnapper (12-4)
After Dr. Michael Welner interviewed Elizabeth Smart for five hours, he said he learned that even though Brian David Mitchell claimed to be doing God's work, "lust trumped religion."
MormonTimes - Novel 'fills in the blanks' of Alma's life (12-4)
"Alma," H.B. Moore, Covenant Communications, 2009, 308 pages, $16.95
Doctor deems Elizabeth Smart kidnapper competent (12-3)
Dr. Noel Gardner called it a "clear and simple case."
MormonTimes - City Council OKs added height on Phoenix temple (12-3)
After a meeting full of heated discussion, the Phoenix City Council voted unanimously to accept the planning commission's recommendation and approved plans to build a Mormon temple in the northwest part of the city.
MormonTimes - Blogstars: Creative Mormon women make it big on the Internet (12-3)
Prominent Mormons aren't hard to come by these days, whether it's Donny or Mitt. We see them in the headlines, talk about them in the foyer and watch from afar.
MormonTimes - Info melts bias; Reid’s high-stakes game (12-2)
Most Mormons have long suspected what three political science professors have confirmed: Increased knowledge about Mormons and their faith helps remove stigma attached to them. That news comes as the nation's highest-ranking Mormon risks his political future on heath care reform.
Mitchell: Elizabeth Smart could have left 'anytime' (12-2)
A number of law enforcers who investigated Elizabeth Smart's abduction took the witness stand Wednesday during the third day of a federal competency hearing for Brian David Mitchell.
MormonTimes - General conference DVD blesses African Mormons (12-1)
More than 900 Mormons in the Africa West Area traveled to their local meetinghouses on Nov. 1 to listen to the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speak in general conference.
MormonTimes - Mormon missionaries talk to Central Michigan Life (12-1)
Two young women stand Tuesday afternoon on the corner of Ottawa Court and Washington Street. One wears a long skirt and the other jeans.
Witnesses describe Mitchell's life before Elizabeth Smart kidnapping (12-1)
Witnesses painted Brian David Mitchell Tuesday as an intelligent but controlling man with disturbing traits of pedophilia during the second day of his competency hearing.