Thoughts and stories, by Pal

  Don't we learn the most from the adversity we go through?  It seems so after!  There are those who are suffering all over the world right now!  Let's pray for them.  Especially Afghanistan!  Could a Loving God Allow Such Suffering? By  Daniel C. Peterson  · August 19, 2021 A reader of my blog “ Sic et Non ” has raised the venerable problem of evil.    Philosophers term it the question of “theodicy,” which focuses on whether and (if so) how, given the existence of evil, a belief in God’s goodness and in divine providence can be justified.  For the faithful, this is often one of the thorniest and most difficult of challenges.  And it seems, at least temporarily, to have cost my reader his faith in a benevolent God. In a recent blog entry titled “ On a Disagreeable God ”, I had written that “the God who revealed himself through the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Restoration” is a kind and benevolent Father who wants to give us eve...

  This article is inspired, I believe!  We need to get our own inspiration, but as for me, I will follow the prophets! 9 Things I Consider When Prophets Disagree with My Politics By  Jeffrey Thayne  · August 15, 2021 Sign up for Meridian’s Free Newsletter, please  CLICK HERE Cover image via Church Newsroom. Editor’s Note: The following was originally posted in 2019. We decided to republish it because the themes seemed important to revisit in light of recent events. Last year, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urged members in Utah to vote against Proposition 2, a state referendum what would decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. It’s a proposition that I would have otherwise supported. This month, the Church updated its policies to forbid carrying firearms on Church properties (except where required by law) — a policy that I would normally oppose, as I believe that responsible concealed carry can save lives. A few years ago, the...

  This is a very thoughtful and perceptive article about what we notice about history and what may be sensationalized! It’s Time to Stop Calling Your Grandpa a Liar By  Jacob Z. Hess  · August 17, 2021 The following first appeared  in Public Square Magazine . Part one in a video series on history and truth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a specific focus on the growing cottage industry of “Mormon”-oriented podcasts and social media influencers, and more especially those whom they have managed to persuade. How many of you were taught in your American history class about a period where the  CIA supported Latin America coups and even some of the right-wing dictators who took over ? Or maybe you heard about  tens of thousands of poor, mentally ill, and racial minority folks forcibly sterilized  in the last century on U.S. soil for being considered “unfit to procreate”?  If not, is that because your American history teacher was...

  This is a wise, and inspiring article, from Meridian Magazine! “What’s Up With the Brethren?!” By  Duane Boyce  · August 15, 202 The First Presidency’s message last week regarding Covid-19 caught many members by surprise. Though many welcomed it, for those who feel that some members of the government and its agencies have been incompetent and hypocritical—and perhaps even dishonest—it felt like capitulation. Or worse, retreat. With shock, some members have found themselves thinking: “For the first time in my life I actually think I disagree with the Church. How am I supposed to think about  that ?” People who have defended the Church from critics are now, in clear consternation, finding  themselves  feeling critical. This reaction is not surprising. Such members feel that in more than one way righteous principles and personal liberty have been under massive attack in our society. (You name the issue. There are many.) To the degree such members feel the go...