The Week in Mormonism, 12/6/15: Joseph Smith Journals, context for The Policy

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The Joseph Smith Papers Project has released Journals Volume 3. “[These journals give] an exhaustive account of the creation of the Council of Fifty organization and also Smith’s candidacy to be the president of the United States. It also elaborates on plural marriage practice, the growing political power of Smith and a number of controversial teachings.”

Rational Faiths posts three fantastic articles about the policy on children of gay parents. First, Brian Dillman looks at the Church’s treatment of LGBT issues over the last couple years. “We can tell by the leadership’s actions that homosexual people simply are not to be included or trusted in our day to day lives.” Next, Benjamin Kroll explains the parallels between the Church’s explanations for withholding priesthood and temple blessings from blacks, and rhetoric on homosexual issues today. Finally, Matt Mosman explains that since we don’t believe our leaders are infallible, disagreeing with them can be compatible with building the kingdom of God.

By Common Consent posts their 2015 book guide. And Salon interviews Johanna Brooks on Mormon Feminism — both her new book, and current events.

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