In a Psychology Today interview, sociologist Duncan Watts takes a critical look at common sense and shows how dangerously bad we are at predicting certain outcomes. Common Sense Atheism is one of my favorite atheist blogs. Here, its author Luke Muehlhauser recounts the blogs history and most important posts. An…
Be Fruitful and Multiply…or how about Not?
The United Nations released a report this week that the world’s population could top 10 billion by the year 2100, raising shortages in food and water in many areas. The NYT gives a good summary. A major concern is Africa, as the population on that continent may triple by 2100…
“Every Member a Missionary” is so pass
The Deseret News recently re-posted a story from the Mormon Times on members being missionaries that included 10 tips. Here is my translation of the 10 tips: “Be a friend” = Pretend to like people so they will think you’re nice and they will want to know “why” you are…
Me, My Inner Catholic Boy and Coming out
I moved out of the family home two months ago. Since then, I have not been to an LDS Church except to watch Priesthood Session of April Conference with my son. I have no immediate plans to attend sacrament meeting anytime soon, and I certainly have no plans to attend…
Sunday in Outer Blogness: Boundaries Edition!
This week Rob explained one reason outsiders have trouble understanding Mormon experiences: others don’t always get that Mormons have a different idea about boundaries. Take, for example, a Mormon mom who got angry that someone politely declined her kid’s proselytizing effort (because — if it’s a kid then politeness dictates…
Oh how racism haunts Mormonism
You remember the whole Brandon Davies basketball debacle a few weeks ago? You know, the situation where a black BYU basketball player was suspended for having sex with his girlfriend? Yeah, so, it turns out someone did a little digging and found out that:Of the 70 athletes suspended from BYU…
We’ve got their attention!
LDS, Inc. is hemorrhaging members, particularly young people, and they are trying to adjust their organizational structure to stem the tide. The recent change in ward structures in Salt Lake is a direct response to the mass exodus of young people out of LDS, Inc. When I saw the initial…
Sunstoning: The Borderlands
I recently had occasion to make a business trip, and one of the things I took with me to read on the plane was the current issue of Sunstone. Most readers of this blog will be familiar with this publication, but for those who are not, Sunstone is the closest…
Easter Sunday in Outer Blogness!
I’ve never quite committed to memory the algorithm for figuring out the date of Easter each year (other than “look on my calendar”). Anyway, it appears to be Easter here in Switzerland today, and probably elsewhere. Also, many people celebrated Earth Day as well. In the holiday spirit, it has…
Orientation, Selfishness and Female Ordination
Many Mormons understand their orientation to be to their spouse. This is commendable, because it demonstrates dedication and fidelity. However, a spouse for Latter-day Saints means someone of the opposite gender. Homosexuality gets compartmentalized as an affliction that can lead to selfishness if not kept in check. This selfishness is…