April 2008 Entries
By: The Baron
It’s been a while since we’ve used mathematics to discuss gospel subjects, so let’s introduce two common problems in computer science:
Problem 1: Imagine a lake, which due to an amazing geological miracle happens to be shaped in a perfect rectangle. On the lake are N boats, each at their own unique (X,Y) locations on the lake. The task is: Find the two boats that are closest in distance to each other.
By: Paradox
Who'd have thought that Doctrine and Covenants seminary would prepare me to take on a bigot from the New York Times?
By: The Baron
[Part 10 in a multi-part series on Science & Religion from an LDS perspective. Previous entries in the series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9]
As a side note to the general science vs. religion discussion, let’s take another aspect of science and see how it could apply to some religious principles in general, and story in LDS history in particular.
Here’s a simple example to introduce some of the concepts of dimensional theory.
By: The Baron
“Defending marriage” is an oft-discussed topic both in the LDS world, and elsewhere. Few General Conferences go by without the topic being raised in some form--albeit often in vague and unspecific terms.
In the US today, divorces are mounting—an estimated 10% of the US adult population is now divorced, up from 8% in 1990, and 6% in 1980--and along with them come the wide variety of serious social problems they can cause.
By: The Baron
[Part 9 in a multi-part series on Science & Religion from an LDS perspective. Previous entries in the series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8]
In the previous section, we looked at how evolution may be reconcilable with creationism in general. Now let’s look at some specifics regarding the Biblical account of man’s creation: Adam, Eve and the Garden of Eden.
By: Starfoxy
Like many others, I dated a few people that were not good matches for me. Most of the people I dated were good guys, we just had different expectations, needs, and priorities. However, one of the people I dated exhibited abusive tendencies. I did not see his behavior as such and nearly married him. Even though I didn't marry him, the time I spent with him took a heavy toll on my self-esteem and changed my life for the worse in many ways. He never crossed the line into outright abuse (physical or emotional), and so I have hope that his marriage is a happy one. But this post isn't about him, it's about Curtis.
By: The Baron
When it comes to religious stumbling blocks--issues that believers of any religious tradition find hard to reconcile together with current teachings or policy--the 'inaction of God' is a common one. Basically, the idea that God has the omnipotent power to overcome any large or small problem we face in mortality...but chooses (for some reason) not to do so. Many people just can't accept the idea that a living God is compatible with the prevalence of evil in the world today, where God appears to remain passive.
Answers to the problem of God's inaction (meaning, of course, not answers answers, but rather alternative ideas to help reconcile the problem) generally include: free agency and a higher view of ultimate purpose of mortality (as discussed a number of times on this site and elsewhere).
I believe, paradoxically, however, the bigger stumbling block to those who doubt God's existence is not heavenly inaction, but heavenly action.
By: Stady Canton
I meant no disrespect. It was my first General Conference, my first Solemn Assembly, and to top it off I was "participating" via AM radio.
By: The Baron
[Part 8 in a multi-part series on Science & Religion from an LDS perspective. Previous entries in the series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7]
Before hitting ‘evolution’ proper, we should first define and discuss some additional terms that are relevant to the debate.
(1) “Creation”
What does it mean to be ‘created’, or for something to have a ‘creator’?
By: Starfoxy
When I was called as the primary chorister it was 3 weeks before the Primary Program. I had been in the ward for two weeks, and had never had a calling in primary before. The previous chorister had moved from the ward the week before we moved in, and substitutes had been doing singing time for the three weeks before I started. After struggling through the program I found myself adrift in my calling. I didn't know the kids. I didn't know how to teach the kids songs. I didn't know what they responded to, games they were familiar with, or even the basic songs they knew. The first few weeks were full of awkward moments with me singing by myself songs that I was certain everyone knew. I found myself wishing over and over again that I had been given a list of songs the kids knew. That way I could have known which songs we could just sing, and which songs I would have to teach them (or else sing solo).
By: Eric Nielson
The First Presidency recently sent a letter to Bishops and Brach Presidents warning them about a false doctrine that has been circulating through the church.