Faithful History
Richard BushmanWritten history rarely survives the three score and ten years allotted to the men who write it. Countless histories of the French Revolution have moved on to the library shelves since 1789, and no end…
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Winter 1969
This issue features a variety of articles and essays reflecting on faith, literature, and notable figures in the Mormon community. Richard L. Bushman discusses the concept of "faithful history," emphasizing the importance of accurate historical narratives in understanding the faith. Stephen L. Tanner addresses the challenges of teaching modern literature within a spiritual framework. Leonard J. Arrington provides insights into Willard Young, the son of the prophet, and his experiences at West Point. Several pieces pay tribute to President David O. McKay, including Lowell L. Bennion’s personal memories, Lafi Toelupe's tribute, and reflections from Myra Thulin, who highlights McKay’s love and concern for others. Joseph C. Muren shares thoughts on the spiritual connection embodied in McKay's ministry, while Sterling M. McMurrin and Mona Jo Ellsworth reflect on McKay's impact, including the moment of his passing. Scott Cameron recounts a personal encounter with McKay, and Lorraine Pearl shares memories of McKay as a neighbor, adding a communal perspective to his legacy. In the fiction and poetry section, Eliza R. Snow presents a poem titled "Mental Gas," while Thomas Asplund offers a fictional piece called "The Heart of My Father." Robert Marriott explores haiku as an art form, and Dennis Smith contributes a poem, "Boy Diving Through Moss." Overall, the collection provides a rich tapestry of reflections on faith, literature, and the enduring influence of President David O. McKay.
Written history rarely survives the three score and ten years allotted to the men who write it. Countless histories of the French Revolution have moved on to the library shelves since 1789, and no end…
There are certain problems which a Mormon must cope with in teaching any secular literature. What does he do, for example, with a literary work which expresses ideas and attitudes in opposition to his theology?…
A common object of humor among visitors to Mormon Country in the nineteenth century was the large number of children. Many travellers’ accounts contain a version of the story of Brigham Young’s encounter with a…
My first recollection of David O. McKay is a sermon he gave in a Sacrament Meeting which led me as a teenager to engage in critical self-examination and to leave the meeting with high resolve. …
I do not hesitate and without reservation repeat from this remote end of the big wide world the very often heard expression from the lips of about three million people who have accepted the message…
I have had but few opportunities to come close to David O. McKay, but each time has proved to be personal, memorable, and cherished deeply. I have sensed that I have had a rare opportunity in…
The deep sense of sorrow that I felt upon hearing of the passing of the prophet was incurred not because of any direct relationship I’ve had with him, nor was it the type of remorse…
It is not difficult to identify the large difference that President McKay has made in the character and historical movement of the Church. I refer to the obvious fact that especially during the period of…
The prophet is dead. Feeling a special quiet in the chapel this morning I sensed others were experiencing his going too. What did this mean to me? Why my tears and sorrow? Surely he was…
There were advantages and disadvantages to living across the street from Brother and Sister McKay. On Sunday we couldn’t play football in the street because there was always the possibility that President David O. McKay…
My grandfather used to say “There’s lots and lots of ‘man-ism’ in Mor monism.” Often we see President McKay and we think and talk of him as the prophet. I grew up in the same little valley in Northern Utah where he was from, and we saw him and thought of him as a man, of the real things he did as our neighbor.
Dear Sirs: I am enclosing a check for $20.00 as a donation to Dialogue. I sincerely appreciate the efforts which have been made by the Dialogue staff to present such stimulating material. I will do…
By the time he was twenty-five, Milovan Djilas had already served three years in prison for communist activities. His keen mind, energetic spirit, and Partisan valor endeared him to Josip Broz Tito, and before he reached…
We wouldn’t be at all surprised to learn that two (or more) different Mor mons in good standing have rather different attitudes and opinions. Aside from matters of Church doctrine, they may belong to opposing…
Czechoslovakia is much colder and darker now than it was last year. Not that the meteorological phenomena have been all that different: Prague has consistently registered temperatures as warm as or warmer than those of…
Charles to his teacher—Sir, you say
That nature’s laws admit decay—
That changes never cease ;
And yet you say, no void or space ;
‘Tis only change of shape or place—
No loss, and no increase.
In the human presence is the real salience of life. I’m interested in that—the human resonance really that exists in all things and so in my work, though somewhat modified, somewhat less than obviously descriptive—not…
A boy with joy and fear inside
stood on the plank
above the pond.
He sensed the cold, dark water
underneath,
and, daring,
What message has the Book of Mormon for our world? Does it speak to those who sense their own involvement in the greatness and the misery of secular existence? Hugh Nibley, in a portion of…
Dialogue 4.4 (Winter 1969): 86–103
Lester E Bush wrote in response to Stephen G Taggart’s book which the author tried to show that the Church came from abololonist ideas because the Church was orginially founded in New York, but when they encountered pro slavery settlers in Missouri and faced the hostiltiy from the settlers early church leaders apparently changed their mind, even though Joseph Smith eventually did a turnabout from what records have shown regarding African Americans.