The Claremont Journal of Mormon Studies, Inaugural Issue

The Claremont Journal of Mormon Studies

Inaugural Issue now Available

Download (PDF) the digital version of the first issue of the Claremont Journal of Mormon Studies. This issue includes an editor introduction to the Journal, "Where Is the 'Mormon' in Mormon Studies?" by Loyd Ericson. Other articles include:

• "The Inspired Fictionalization of the 1835 United Firm Revelations" by Christopher C. Smith
• "The Great God, the Divine Mind, and the Ideal Absolute: Orson Pratt's Intelligent-Matter Theory and the Gods of Emerson and James" by Jordan Watkins
• "Prolegomena to Any Future Study of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon" by Joseph M. Spencer

Conservative Artwork censored at BYU?

Excerpts of "BYU Censors Artwork for Being Too Conservative" by Jon McNaughton, plus selected comments.
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This is a sad day for me to have to write this.  ... After recent events I had to let the public know why I have chosen to pull all my art from the BYU Bookstore.

My letter sent to the BYU Daily Universe:

I have a simple question for BYU…what in the heck is going on over there?!  I am an artist who has sold his work at the BYU Bookstore for many years.  But in light of recent events, I cannot in good conscious show my art there any longer.

Modern Mormonism: Myths and Realities

"Life is much, much too short to spend our days either attacking those who are different or exhausting our strength and resources defending our own point of view...I have come to know, through both painful and sweet experiences, that building friendships and nurturing relationships is vital in coming to settle doctrinal differences" (99).

So writes Robert L. Millet, who has spent the past decade conversing and writing specifically, though unofficially, with Evangelical Christians about the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While "readily admit[ting] that there are doctrinal differences between Latter-day Saints and more 'traditional' Christians," Millet is troubled by those who claim Mormons are not Christian and hopes for a more "broad and inclusive vision of Christianity" (xv). In his new book "Modern Mormonism: Myths and Realities" Millet hopes to model a respectful "Bible based discussion" by approaching eleven "key issues" he has frequently encountered as objections to the LDS faith (xvii). ...

'The Book of Mormon' movie?

Excerpts of Trey Parker and Matt Stone's 'Book of Mormon' to become a feature film? by Scott Wampler, Examiner.com
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Trey Parker and Matt Stone--are currently enjoying a tidal wave of positive reviews for their first Broadway musical, The Book of Mormon.  The show's been selling out since it opened, has wowed critics, and appears well on its way to cleaning up at this year's Tony awards.  So, how 'bout a movie version for all us peons that can't make it to NYC?  From the sound of things, it'll happen sooner rather than later. 

Tower of Babel - in Africa ?

Excerpts of Evolutionary Babel was in southern Africa by Ferris Jabr, New Scientist
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Where did humanity utter its first words? A new linguistic analysis attempts to rewrite the story of Babel by borrowing from the methods of genetic analysis – and finds that modern language originated in sub-Saharan Africa and spread across the world with migrating human populations.

Christian History

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a copy of Christian History Magazine in my mailbox this week.  I had previously subscribed, but was saddened when Christian History ceased publication as the Internet took its toll on many magazines and journals.  However, they are back in business, working on a donations only basis.

Their past publications have been informative, not too academic, with each issue focusing on a particular period, event or person in history.  For me it was the perfect way to acquaint myself with the rich history of Christianity.

Current Issue of Christian History

Review: "Howard W. Hunter: Man of Thought and Independence, Prophet of God"

... "Telling the stories of the prophets can be a tricky business.  There are several audiences for these books, and I'm guessing that it's an impossible task to satisfy everyone.  There are those who enjoy the Gibbons approach of reporting the laudatory episodes and exciting challenges in their lives.  Others want a critical approach – one that factors in all aspects of a prophet's life, even if these aspects might not be considered faith promoting.  Does a book need to be one or the other?  I think not. " ...

'The Book of Mormon' -- the musical

"Mormons were portrayed as naive, sweet, innocent and stupid. [The show was] a religious experience."

Excerpts of 'Book of Mormon' musical called surprisingly sweet by Peggy Fletcher Stack, The Salt Lake Tribune

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"The Book of Mormon," opened for previews at the Eugene O'Neill Theater with a standing ovation.

The production is bawdy, sexually explicit and irreverent. Many believers would see it as a blasphemous assault on scriptures. But the satire and tone were not as hostile as many Mormons feared.

Salt Lake leads nation in breast implant inquires

Excerpts of Salt Lake City Leads Nation in Breast Implant Interest, realself.com

Salt Lake City has the highest interest in breast implants in the nation, according to new RealSelf data. Columbia, South Carolina has the least.

To measure the interest in breast implants, and other cosmetic procedures, our team looked at millions of

Saints Without Halos -- Mormon history resource

Scott Kenney has resurrected his Mormon history website, Saints Without Halos.  After a period of time offline, Scott has decided to restore his site.  Some of his research towards a biography of Joseph Smith in the Kirtland era is included, as are notes regarding Wilford Woodruff, Joseph F. Smith and more. The site contains a wealth of information.