Month: December 2011
First Nephi 1 and the Language of the Egyptians
The Book of Mormon, according to some critics, is little more than a dull regurgitation of Bible verses. Plagiarism from the Bible and other sources in Joseph’s environment is offered…
Of Crocodiles and Kings
In Lewis Carroll’s delightful poem, “The Walrus and The Carpenter” from Through the Looking-Glass, the loquacious Walrus and Carpenter talk a group of foolish young oysters out of safe waters…
The Unintended Consequences of Giving Money
Money is one of the most welcome gifts and one of the most useful things to give people, especially those who need it. But giving money sometimes fails to help…
Don’t Begrudge Other Folks Their Miracles
“Do Big Tragedies Negate Small Miracles?” was a post from 2009 that I’d like to mention again today. It deals with the discrepancy between some people testifying of small miracles…
“No Justice, No Faith”? The Danger of Misunderstanding God’s Justice
Today I was at Orlando’s most wonderful and magical attraction, the Orlando Temple. In many ways much better than that other Magic Kingdom place out here where the lines are…
Greetings From China: Photo Essay, Part 18
Here are some mostly recent photos from China, mostly Shanghai and mostly walking distance from my home. This collection is part 18 of 18. I’m starting at the end. Part…
The Role of Obedience and Endurance: Peter’s Perspective
It’s almost an article of faith in anti-Mormon literature that the LDS Articles of Faith rule us out as Christians. After all, they call for that most unchristian, unbiblical attribute,…
Lessons from Fleas
In sacrament meeting recently, we heard a talk on gratitude that quoted from the inspiring story of Corrie Ten Boom in her book, The Hiding Place. The story involves Christian…
America’s Surrender?
Did any of you notice what your elected representatives just did to the future of freedom in America? Giving up the 6th Amendment is kissing freedom good-bye in the long…
Lessons from a Dropped iPad
There have been so many unusual blessings and small miracles in my adventures in China that frankly, I have become a bit spoiled. It started to seem like everything I…
