by Lisa M. | May 10, 2013 | Meet Some Mormons
Valerie Hudson Cassler is a feminist—and “as a feminist, I remain a steadfast member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church. Hudson Cassler, who converted to The Church of Jesus Christ from Roman Catholicism, writes, “How remarkable and in some senses ironic it still seems to me to have experienced ‘women’s lib’ by conversion to Mormonism!”
Men and Women are Equal Before God
Hudson Cassler shares what she believes are “the main points of doctrine that make Mormonism the most feminist of all the Christianities.”
“The Restored Gospel teaches that the term ‘God’ means an exalted woman and an exalted man married in the new and everlasting covenant (Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-20—the Doctrine and Covenants is a book of modern revelation). We are taught that there is no God without men and women loving each other as equals. …” (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | May 9, 2013 | Mormons in the News
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) is known for its preference for more conservative media. The booklet issued to the youth in The Church of Jesus Christ says, “Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable” (For the Strength of Youth, “Entertainment and Media”). KSL, a Utah TV station owned by The Church of Jesus Christ and an NBC affiliate, has adopted these same standards and will often choose not to air shows that are accepted and available on other networks. [1]
KSL Pulls “Hannibal” Show from Lineup
The KSL executives thought that the pilot for “Hannibal,” a prequel series to the 1991 film Silence of the Lambs, was borderline on acceptable violence, but decided to chance it. As the show progressed, however, the episodes became more and more graphic, drawing many complaints from TV viewers. The network decided to pull the program, replacing it with a network-produced news special. (more…)
by megan | May 9, 2013 | About Mormons
BYU animation students have come home with their 12th Student Emmy in 10 years for their 6-minute animated short film, “Estefan.” The film took first place in the 34th College Television Awards, joining other BYU winners such as “Kites” and “The Pajama Gladiator.” It took two years and approximately 40 students to complete the 3D animated film that centers on Estefan, a character with a lot of personality.
Lauren Oppenlander, the story layout and lead, stated that she first imagined Estefan as “a cocky barber who thought he was the best,” she told the Deseret News. However, Estefan is more than just a barber; he is an “artiste.” The film centers on the unique challenge posed to Estefan when a customer comes in with no hair. Estefan rises to the occasion and, as producer Lauren Taylor told the Deseret News, “He is so proudly stubborn. He’s tireless in finding the right solution. And of course, he knows he’s the best because of it.”
Work on the project involved a myriad of students and their talents, combining both the technical and artistic sides of computer animation. Students examined flamenco dancing and bull fighters, and incorporated elements from both into Estefan’s character. Students also worked to create the entire atmosphere and environment of the film, down to the most minute details. “Because we’re not filming live action,” Taylor said, “we need to create a person and an environment and all of the little objects that are in their environment.” Creating this environment is one of the major reasons “Estefan” took so long to produce. [1] (more…)
by megan | May 8, 2013 | Mormon Beliefs: Christian Values
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the central doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes referred to as the Mormon Church. The Book of Mormon, a book of ancient scripture that testifies of Jesus Christ, explains that the Savior’s Atonement is “an infinite atonement,” a “great and last sacrifice” to redeem the souls of all mankind (Alma 34:12-13, see also 2 Nephi 9:7). Jesus Christ did not just save those people who were alive when He was alive, nor does He save only those people who are baptized in mortality. Through baptisms for the dead, salvation is extended to all of God’s children.
Baptism: A Saving Ordinance
Latter-day Saints believe that baptism is a saving ordinance, one of several ordinances, or religious ceremonies, that must be performed in this life in order for an individual to be exalted in heaven. (See Doctrine and Covenants 128:12). Latter-day Saints also believe that baptism is by immersion in water, symbolizing the person dying and being reborn pure and free from sin. A person becomes a Latter-day Saint, or Mormon, by being baptized and then confirmed, another ordinance, a member of the Church. Being baptized is the first step on the path that leads back to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ someday. (more…)
by Charlotte Wilson | May 8, 2013 | Mormons in the News
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often inadvertently referred to as the Mormon Church) have great programs in place to help them serve the community. One of the most noteworthy programs is Mormon Helping Hands. Mormon Helping Hands reaches out to poor and struggling communities and provides volunteers to help accomplish community projects. One of the most recent Mormon Helping Hands took place in Rancho Santa Margarita, California.
Working together as families and friends
On April 27, 2013, families from all over southern California came to volunteer with Mormon Helping Hands. Men, women, and children donned the yellow vests and went to work on a landscaping project and a food drive. Parents brought their children with them, which made this day of service a wonderful family opportunity. Adult volunteers worked on applying mulch to a dog park, planting decorative plants by a parking lot, and repainting park benches. Youth and children volunteers collected food and hygiene items from neighbors and brought them to a local LDS chapel as part of a food drive for Second Harvest Food Bank.
On this one Saturday family members of all sizes had the opportunity to connect with others in the community. Through this service, parents not only taught their children about the value of hard work, but they also taught them the value of reaching out to those in need and the importance of connecting to your community. (more…)
