[Thanks, David G., for sending in the post below.]

[5]through whom we received the grace of apostleship to bring about, for his name’s sake, trusting obedience among all the Gentiles, [6]among whom you are also called of Jesus Christ) – [7]to all that are in Rome, beloved of God and called as saints: grace to you and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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I’ve recently heard a few comments regarding how the gospel is so focused on the individual.  I wonder just how much focus is really on the individual, as opposed to a focus beyond the individual, which I’ll loosely refer to as the community.  The community can take many forms such as the people we live around, who we work with, our ward, our family, our culture, or Zion. Why is there such a desire for the gospel to be about the individual?  Is there any potential danger to remaining focused on the individual?  Likewise, is there any advantage to considering the gospel from a community perspective?  What are the dangers of a community model of gospel living?

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“And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes, and that there should nothing come upon you which was grievous to be borne—-and of all these things which I have spoken, ye yourselves are witnesses this day.” (Mosiah 2:14)

“[The president of Uruguay,] Mr. Mujica, 77, shunned the opulent Suárez y Reyes presidential mansion, with its staff of 42, remaining instead in the home where he and his wife have lived for years, on a plot of land where they grow chrysanthemums for sale in local markets.” (New York Times)

(Not sure if Benjamin would have legalized marijuana though….)

The new missionary age policy announced this past General Conference may have overshadowing perhaps an even bigger and more long-lasting set of changes also implemented by the Church–new teaching guidelines  (Teaching the Gospel in the Savior’s Way) and a new youth curriculum (Come, Follow Me) for Youth Sunday School as well as Young Men/Young Women.  While the missionary guidelines will affect those who serve missions, these new materials and coordinated teaching approach will affect all youth in the Church. Read the rest of this entry »

I am excited to share some information related to a current project on our wiki site. For the rest of this month we will be focusing on improving the content around Ether ahead of the Sunday School lesson. Read the rest of this entry »

PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
AAR/SBL/ASOR

Regional Meeting
Seattle University
Seattle, Washington
May 3-5, 2013

SPECIAL TOPICS: MORMON STUDIES
Description of the goals and rationale
This special topic of Mormon Studies promotes the exploration of a wide range of topics relating to Mormonism. This section seeks to provide scholarly inquiry into Mormon history, culture, belief and practice, theology, scripture, and the role of Mormonism in contemporary politics. This section encourages the study of Mormonism from multiple disciplines and methodologies. This section will better equip those in the academy to teach on the subject of Mormonism and actively promotes opportunities for interfaith dialogue. Read the rest of this entry »