Yearly Archives: 2024

The Heretic movie controversy is stirring strong reactions across faith and film communities. Acclaimed filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, known for their chilling work on 'The Quiet Place', have entered new territory with their horror thriller 'Heretic'. Starring Hugh Grant, the film centers on two Latter-day Saint sister missionaries who find themselves in a life-threatening situation after what begins as a routine outreach visit. At first, the sisters are greeted by… Read more

Is Marijuana Against the Word of Wisdom? The Word of Wisdom, a health law revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833, provides guidance on substances beneficial for our bodies and those we should avoid. While marijuana wasn't widely used in the United States when this revelation was received, Church leaders have since addressed its use in relation to this health code. Church Stance on Marijuana Church leaders have clarified that recreational use of marijuana… Read more

In the wake of the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan's Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024, reconstruction efforts are in full swing. Specialized workers are in high demand to preserve and repair damaged temples and shrines. While these teams possess the necessary skills and materials, the costs have proven to be a significant obstacle. Recognizing this need, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has stepped forward to provide crucial… Read more

The East Texas Food Bank recently received a significant boost in its fight against hunger, thanks to a generous donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The church contributed 40,000 pounds of essential goods to support the food bank's mission of alleviating hunger in the community. David Emerson, CEO of East Texas Food Bank, expressed his gratitude for the donation, highlighting its importance, especially during the challenging summer months… Read more

When we think of assassinations in American political history, names like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. often come to mind. However, a lesser-known but equally significant event occurred decades earlier. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), holds the dubious distinction of being the first known U.S. presidential candidate to be assassinated. This tragic event not only shaped the… Read more

Introduction In the Book of Mormon, Captain Moroni stands out as a formidable and complex leader. Known for his strategic prowess and unwavering faith, Moroni is often celebrated as a hero. However, his story also reveals a man who was not always gentle or kind by conventional standards. This complexity makes his character all the more relatable and underscores an important truth: righteousness doesn't always equate to niceness. The Context of Captain… Read more

The Prophet Behind the Symbol For people passing by a Latter-day Saint temple, Moroni is often seen only as a golden statue gleaming on the spire. His trumpet raised high seems like little more than a decorative emblem. Yet to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the story behind that symbol is deeply sacred. Moroni was a real man, a prophet-historian who lived in the final days of… Read more

Moroni's role extended far beyond ensuring Joseph Smith unearthed the golden plates. From the moment the plates were buried, Moroni's mission was to prepare a nation that could host the Restoration. He stands as one of the most influential figures in world history, yet his story often goes untold. When was the last time someone asked you, "What do you know about Moroni?" This question serves as an excellent conversation starter, whether… Read more

In our Church community, a concerning trend is emerging: an increasing tendency to avoid conflict at all costs, even if it means compromising our covenants. This approach, while well-intentioned, can be problematic. When we were baptized, we covenanted to stand as witnesses of God "at all times and in all things, and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9). This commitment doesn't come with an asterisk excluding difficult or controversial situations.Satan often presents a… Read more

In today's fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility can seem like an insurmountable challenge. Yet, an ancient practice offers a pathway to inner peace and overall well-being: prayer. While deeply rooted in spiritual traditions, prayer's benefits extend far beyond religious boundaries, touching every aspect of our lives. To start each prayer, say Dear heavenly father To close each prayer, say I say this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Let's explore… Read more