As an act of obedience to Elder Ballard, I’m looking into the option of turning Mormon Matters into a group blog (like T&S, BCC, the Cultural Hall and FMH).
Our slant would be:
- Practical discussions about Mormonism as a culture….
- Seeking balance from all sides of the faith spectrum (Fundamentalist, Conservative, Moderate, Liberal, RLDS, and Ex)
- We’d have a podcast as well
I’m looking for at least 2 permabloggers in each of these categories. Permabloggers must have a deep and abiding love for Mormons and Mormonism. Those who wish the LDS church church ill in any way need not apply. Anyone who falls into the “Ex” category must be of the John Hamer variety — loves Mormons and Mormonism, and wants Mormonism to succeed…just has decided that membership isn’t for them right now. They must also be intelligent and well-read about Mormonism (which means that I won’t be posting much). Finally, they must always be respectful of other’s points of view — without exception. Screeds will not be tolerated. Speaking meanly about church leadership will not be tolerated.
All discussion must be respectful, and generally in favor of Mormonism as a people/culture/faith.
We’d like each permablogger to commit to at least one post per week — on the subject of their choosing.
Please email me at mormonstories@gmail.com if you think you qualify, and are interested.
Too bad DKL is already taken.
Should be interesting, how many total bloggers do you have?
“Dang” you John!!!
….you got the “I wont be posting much” joke before I could!!
We all know you will be pontificating like you were Bruce R. McConkie dont we everyone??
:-)
Cheers for the invite…I would feel honoured.
Stephen,
We’re looking for around 10-15. I’d be happy to have you aboard.
And maybe each week you could endeavor to invite a non-Mormon guest (not an ex)? (For which, currently, I would nominate John W. Morehead.) https://johnwmorehead.blogspot.com/2008/01/armand-mauss-on-angel-and-beehive.html
Sounds like fun. I would like to be part of it. There is also another great blog at bookofmormononline.net that everyone should check out.
I’m not sure exactly what participation would entail, but if there is an interest I would be happy to participate as the need arises.
John,
Please email me.
I’d be interested.
Hey–I sent an email a few days ago, but haven’t heard anything back. I’m assuming you’re pretty busy… When you have some time, I would appreciate some sort of notice of rejection. : )
Thanks.
I would love the opportunity to participate as a regular blogger on that basis. I have had an abiding interest in the intellectual side of the church since my early teens when my family went on a church history tour. My first crisis of faith occurred in Quebec during the 1970’s on my mission when my companion and I got our hands on a book of letters of Brigham Young to his sons. `
After finding a letter from the Prophet to his eldest son who was leaving to preside over a mission in England the Prophet suggested that they both give up their use of tobacco. Naively I wrote to the Ensign and asked why a Prophet and his son both broke the Word of Wisdom years after it had been declared binding on church members. The First Presidency replied that I would have to wait until the next life and ask them myself. Incidentally my companion at the time was Lyn Jacobs who went to become an associate of Mark Hoffmann selling the Salamander Letter to the church on Hoffman’s behalf. I am glad to say I ended up on the testimony side of that crisis and although I wish some things about the Church were different as many of us might, I am active and fully supportive of the church.
I have since read Davis Bitton’s comment that one General Authority was particularly incensed at their having published the letter.
In any event Leonard Arrington long ago explained that the tobacco was used as an anesthetic associated with dental pain.
Shenpa and Tatiana,
Please email me directly. Wade…I’ll be back w/ you in a sec.
John
I think that open and honest discussions regarding Mormonism are helpful. I find this idea concerning because it just reinforces stereotypes about the LDS church and its members – “When the prophet (apostle Ballard) speaks, the discussion ends.” Why not just do it because it’s a great idea? Why not open it to honest discussion among those who view the LDS church critically as well as its apologists?
As a former Mormon, I find little comfort in the “openness” of such discussion groups you suggest – it appears it will be nothing more than an extension of the Mormon PR effort instead of place for open and decent discussion.
There’s this one comment, within the amazing Richard D. Poll essay “What the Church means to people like me” (linked to in the RCPoll podcast below), where Richard said how incredibly hard it is to attempt to accomodate any and all comers, to include contenders both for and against the Church, within a single forum. Thus isn’t it probably wise Mormon Matters Blog limits discussion to those respectful to the premise of The Restoration?
I would apply, but for the requirement to not speak meanly about church leadership. I think its problematic discussing church issues and deceptions without being able to freely describe the attributes of those whose antics we have followed around. Maybe I just don’t have what it takes to be a permablogger. I don’t think you’ll get the balance you seek (from ALL sides of the faith spectrum) if you eliminate the constituency out there that is critical of the leadership. But hey, it’s not my blog, its yours. You make the rules..
Hi, John,
I may be able to blog on Scouting and Music. I’d like to learn to be an effective blogger in any case. Why don’t you email me. We’ve talked before.
JM