Volume 41, No. 4
Winter 2008
The Winter 2008 issue begins with Armand L. Mauss looking at declining church membership in Western Europe, as well as the hurdles the church must overcome in order to continue growing in that region of the world. Gary James Bergera follows this by providing an in-depth look at Ezra Taft Benson's time and legacy as the United States Secretary of Agriculture from 1953-1961. Next up is Clyde D. Ford who elaborates on the connection between Biblical scholarship in the twentieth century, including the work of James E. Talmage, and the Modernist movement of the early twentieth century. Finally, Kevin L. Barney explores the nuances of the Mormon doctrine of Heavenly Mother while looking at scriptural evidence as well as evidence in modern scholarship to try to clarify some of the ambiguity regarding beliefs about Her regarding her story and worship practices. This is followed by several works of poetry, a heartwarming work of fiction about a young couple, and multiple reviews.
Contents
Articles/Essays
How to Worship Our Mother in Heaven (Without Getting Excommunicated)
Kevin L. BarneyDialogue 41.4 (Winter 2008): 121–147
In this essay, I shall begin by describing what we can learn about our Mother in Heaven from the scriptures. I then will draw from those descriptions some (very modest) suggestions for how we might actually worship, or at least honor, Her in ways that should not be considered offensive or heterodox by traditionalists. This essay is therefore a little exercise in religion-making. It is my hope that I will be able to express my mediating thoughts in a way that will not be deemed offensive by those of either school of thought on the subject.
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Classic Articles
How to Worship Our Mother in Heaven (Without Getting Excommunicated)
Kevin L. BarneyDialogue 41.4 (Winter 2008): 121–147
In this essay, I shall begin by describing what we can learn about our Mother in Heaven from the scriptures. I then will draw from those descriptions some (very modest) suggestions for how we might actually worship, or at least honor, Her in ways that should not be considered offensive or heterodox by traditionalists. This essay is therefore a little exercise in religion-making. It is my hope that I will be able to express my mediating thoughts in a way that will not be deemed offensive by those of either school of thought on the subject.
Read more
Fiction
From Great Heights
Ryan Shoemaker“How about a quick swim?” Carolyn asked, pointing to a lighted swimming pool glimmering through the fence of a large apartment complex on North Temple. Norman smiled and continued to drive. “I’m serious,” Carolyn said.…
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