In Sunday School the talk turned to the council in heaven and Satan’s competing plan of salvation. Why, the teacher asked, does God allow Satan to try to sabotage God’s plan? (more…)

Today would be Betsey’s 8th birthday. This is what I wrote on her birthday four years ago. (more…)

Testigos de Jehovah (Jehovah’s Witnesses) got under my skin when I was a missionary. One of the things that bugged me most was the infantile delight they took in telling you that they knew what God’s name was.

None of them ever could explain *why* knowing that his real name was “Jehovah” mattered and mostly they seemed surprised that I asked. If I were an uncharitable man, all the evidence would have pointed to them caring about God’s real name only because, “nyah, nyah, I know something you don’t know.” (more…)

On the sweetness of Mormon life. (more…)

Heaven Haven, by Gerard Manley Hopkins: (more…)

On the sweetness of Mormon life–
I am waiting to pass the sacrament. Our newest deacon explains to me in whispers why “Rock of Ages” is wrong for an opening hymn. (more…)