Defending Muslims

Defending Muslims

Posted by in Religion on 22. Sep, 2012 | No Comments Yet

I heard a saying once that goes, “Once you get to know people, it’s impossible to hate them.” I’m not sure if this is always true on the individual level, but on the collective level it seems to be. Put in other words, there are good people everywhere.

The Works of God or the Works of Man?

The Works of God or the Works of Man?

Posted by in Religion on 22. Sep, 2012 | No Comments Yet

A beautiful area in northwestern Spain called Las Médulas prompted some thoughts on the implications of seeing God’s hand in everything, even if it turns out he’s not actually involved in everything, and what the pros and cons of making such an assumption are.

I Don’t Like Commandments

I Don’t Like Commandments

Posted by in Religion on 16. Sep, 2012 | No Comments Yet

I’ve noticed I have a strong distaste towards the word “commandment” when used in the religious sense. The commandments. Keep the commandments. The Ten Commandments. Et cetera.

Early Thoughts on Rearing Bilingual Kids

Early Thoughts on Rearing Bilingual Kids

Posted by in Being Dad on 03. Sep, 2012 | No Comments Yet

As we stand about six weeks out from the birth of the little girl who will make us parents, we’re constantly batting back and forth parenting ideas. Soon theory will need to become practice, and one practice I’m determined to employ is teaching my kids Spanish from birth.

Expectations Going into Parenthood

Expectations Going into Parenthood

Posted by in Being Dad on 19. Jul, 2012 | No Comments Yet

“Yeah, being a parent will be a challenge, but it’ll be more rewarding than challenging,” the naive dad-to-be says to himself. “Heh, just you wait and see…” comes the smirk from been-there-done-that parents. I think many of life’s experiences can benefit from properly managed expectations.

God: Supreme Ruler or Nurturing Father?

God: Supreme Ruler or Nurturing Father?

Posted by in Religion on 20. Jun, 2012 | No Comments Yet

Maybe the two categorizations I present in this blog post’s title aren’t mutually exclusive, but I can definitely say which of the two comes closest to characterizing the God I like to envision.

Early Thoughts on Becoming a Parent

Early Thoughts on Becoming a Parent

Posted by in Being Dad on 25. May, 2012 | 1 Comment

I’m excited to be a dad. I’m scared to be a dad. It’s going to change my life unlike any other event I’ve experienced. There’s no going back.

When We Do Not Have the Words

When We Do Not Have the Words

Posted by in Religion on 22. Apr, 2012 | No Comments Yet

Something I like about being Mormon is our emphasis on praying using our own words as opposed to fixed language. But what can we do when spontaneous prayers feel hollow or empty?

The Enabling Power of the Atonement

The Enabling Power of the Atonement

Posted by in Religion on 31. Mar, 2012 | 1 Comment

This post is adapted from a talk I recently gave to my home congregation about the enabling power of the Atonement.

So What If Romney’s Politics Aren’t Based on Principles?

So What If Romney’s Politics Aren’t Based on Principles?

Posted by in Politics on 26. Mar, 2012 | No Comments Yet

Ever since Mitt Romney declared his intentions to become the Republican nominee for president in 2008, one of the chief criticisms directed at him has been that he isn’t ideologically pure enough, that he isn’t a “true” conservative, or that he’s changed positions on key issues too many times. In other words, he’s weak on Republican principles. But is that necessarily a bad thing?

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