The Cooperative Paradigm

This article is an in-depth and interesting examination of the role of women in the LDS church. I'm putting it up here on my blog because I want to have access to it in the future, and because I think it is a worthwhile read for men and women who engage in Church service.

As a woman in the church I have always felt that my worth and value were professed emphatically. The doctrine has never portrayed women in an inferior capacity. I also believe that there is room for improvement in the way that this translates into leadership and administration. The cooperative paradigm described in the article is an approach that respects church structure and revealed truths while opening the right doors for moderate change.

Paradox

Lately, I've been mulling over the seeming contradictions and challenges that religion can present in a modern world - the tension between sophistication and hope, the paradox of proof and faith. I believe that there is a place in this world for both, in fact, I don't find the two to be contradictory at all - they are meant to work together to bring us to truth.

I stumbled on this article that I felt captured a lot of what has been swirling around in my head: Mormon and Modern.

Here is the excerpt that particularly resonated with me:

"Mormons welcome truth from whatever source and take the pragmatic view that where religion and science seem to clash, it is simply because there are insufficient data to reconcile the two. Latter-day Saints approach such tensions as challenges to learn, not contradictions to avoid. This productive tension can enrich both mind and heart. All understanding, whether spiritual or rational, is worked out in constant questioning and discovery. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “By proving contraries, truth is made manifest.” Latter-day Saints do not expect God to simply hand down information. He expects us to wrestle with the complications of life through prayerful searching and sound thinking."

General Conference

This weekend is the 181st semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Two days to listen to some of the most brilliant men and women in the world give counsel on the most important issues of our time - how to help those in need, how to pursue peace on our own lives, how to build strong families and raise responsible children, how to face the personal challenges that threaten our own happiness and well-being.

I look forward to this weekend every year and I always come away feeling stronger.

If you're interested in catching any of the conference it will be available here, here, here and here starting Saturday morning at 10 am MST. 

Walk by faith

What a clever and thoughtful print.

I feel like I've made a few leaps of faith lately and Heavenly Father has landed me on my feet. Maybe having this up in my house would help me remember that lesson.

Choose Faith

"Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism."
-Richard C. Edgley

A wonderful story

The Modern Hive is one of my favorite blogs, and as IKF and I begin our life together and try to plan for our future, this story made me smile and gave me a lot of hope.

I've only been doing this for two weeks, but first thing that I've learned is that marriage takes faith. Big giant leaps of faith. To let go of your former life that was familiar, to let go of the safety of the family you grew up in, to commit to someone you barely know that you'll be with them for the rest of your existence... Even knowing that you will both evolve during that time.

I'm grateful that IKF has been willing to take these leaps with me.