Mormon or Morals: Do Denominations Matter in Today’s Political Scene?

"Are Mormons Christians?"

This question is, unfortunately, not unfamiliar to most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite a Christ-centered theology, certain doctrines that differentiate Latter-day Saints from our Christian brothers and sisters also cause us to, well, not be considered Christians or brothers and sisters by them.

Thanks to evangelical minister Rev. Robert Jeffress, that debate has come to the forefront yet again in the race for the 2012 Republican nomination. While introducing Texas Gov.…

Forget-Me-Nots and New Beginnings

The five petals of the forget-me-not flower represent five important messages from G-d to remember. (Photo by dawnzy58 on Flickr)

Shana tovah u'metukah!

I love autumn. It, to me, seems more filled with the promise and anticipation of new beginnings than a cold January new year - so it seems perfect to come back from a summer's hiatus to write about the sweetness…

Could a Mormon Make the White House?

Could religious differences dissuade people from voting for a qualified Mormon candidate?

"No religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." - Article IV, U.S. Constitution

Between two prominent Latter-day Saints tossing their hats in the ring for the 2012 Republican presidential candidacy and Broadway buzz for the Tony award-winning Book of Mormon: The Musical, there…

Comparing Broadway’s ‘Mormon’ Hit to LDS Missionary Reality

Elder Jay Bostwick, second from left, and other LDS missionaries visit with Elizabeth Musembi and her family in Kilungu, Kenya. The Musembis were pioneers among LDS members in Kenya.

The talk of the town on Broadway these days is The Book of Mormon: The Musical. The brainchild of South Park creators Matt Parker and Trey Stone, the…

Finding Joy in Joseph’s Journey

Latter-day Saints LOVE Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Blame it on the show's witty lyrics and catchy tunes, the blend of Broadway and Bible, or an affinity for all things Osmond, but Joseph has got to be one of the most frequently produced shows in the State of Utah (not to mention by LDS congregations nationwide).

This summer I'm joining the ranks of the "Tribe of Joseph," so to speak, as a wife in a community theater production of…

This Year in Jerusalem: Passover at BYU’s Jerusalem Center

Students and guests of BYU's Jerusalem Center enjoy a Passover Seder led by Hebrew teacher Ophir Yarden (standing) in October 2010.

"Next year in Jerusalem."

Each Passover Seder ends with this traditional phrase, but 82 BYU students won't have to wait until next year. The students, who are studying at BYU's Jerusalem Center, recently observed Pesach before departing for their homes in the United States.

With…

Getting ‘Close Up’ with DeMille’s Ten Commandments

James D'Arc, curator of BYU's Motion Picture Archive, showcases some of the concept art from Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments," including the frog plague (center) and the parting of the Red Sea (right).

For a classic cinemaphile like myself, few things beat getting a close-up of Hollywood history - especially when it involves one of the film industry's biggest icons, Cecil B. DeMille.

To get…

A Modern-Day Esther

I love being a woman.

Between International Women's Day last week and Purim this weekend, I've spent a lot of time lately reflecting on what it means to be a woman - feminine yet fierce, courageous and strong, charitable and sweet. Men are great, too, don't get me wrong - but there is something remarkable about women throughout history.

Last night as I reread the account of Esther, I was so impressed again by her courage…

A Code of Honor

The Marriott Center, home of BYU Basketball

Admittedly, I am not a sports fanatic - but as a BYU alumna living in Utah, there's been no escaping talk this week of how Brandon Davies, starting forward of the currently #3-ranked men's college basketball team, was kicked off the team this week after news broke that he'd violated…

Lessons Learned from Chichester Psalms

The first time Chichester Psalms crossed my path was my junior year of high school. Little did I know then that Leonard Bernstein's gorgeous musical work would profoundly impact my life for years to come.

A new choir director had started at our suburban Los Angeles school that year - only the second director since the school opened in the 1960s - and his arrival ruffled some feathers, my own included. Among the points of controversy was the director's selection…