Tag Archives: LDS

Posts from the Past: Mathemagical Power vs Priesthood Power

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Both the Applied Scientist and the Magician are similar in that they each practice an art that purports to control or forecast natural events, effects, or forces. The Scientist invokes the powers of materialism and naturalism while the Magician invokes the immaterial and supernatural, but each seeks control.

…I call this kind of power through technique Mathemagical power, and it stands in contrast to Priesthood Power, though we sometimes forget it.

The Priesthood, contrary to Mathemagical Power, is inseparably connected with the powers of heaven and can only be controlled or handled upon principles of righteousness.

Read Mathemagical Power vs Priesthood Power, originally posted on July 19th, 2005

Guest Post: What Goes Around…

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Another guest post from E. Paul Whetten. You can read Paul’s previous post here.

Several days ago I was having a real heart-to-heart discussion with my teenage daughter about obedience. During the discussion I explained to her that my demand for obedience was not a power trip for me. I am larger and stronger than her and, if it came down to it, I could force her to comply with my requests by brute strength (at least until the cops came). My desire for her to be obedient was much more important than my personal ego. I explained that her mother and I have been around the block a few more times than she has and can see things that are beyond the horizons of her personal experience. More importantly, if she learned to be obedient in the small things that we asked of her (i.e. pick up your room, do your homework, stop beating your sister with a board, etc.) then obedience would be easier for her in the big moments of decision. (i.e. – chastity, word of wisdom, tithing, no dating till your 16, etc.)

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Random Mormon Poll #7: Healthcare Debate

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Photo credit: USAToday

Photo credit: USAToday

In a recent OP/ED published in USAToday, Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the House, D-Calif., and Steny Hoyer, House Majority Leader, D-Md., said that ‘‘Un-American’ attacks can’t derail health care debate.

This week’s poll focuses on the so-called uprisings at recent health care town halls around the country.

M* is interested in your thoughts and opinions on the health care debate. Be sure to register your vote in the poll and share your comments.

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Friday Forum: Gospel Throwdown!

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On a recent visit to the temple, you happen to encounter a professional anti-Mormon (aka, card carrying member of the Fluffy Bunny Nice Nice Club) standing outside the temple gates. As you walk to your car, he calls out to you and asks you to go to Denny’s with him for a Bobby-Flay-style gospel throwdown.

He pulls out a triple combination and proceeds to read D&C 71:7-9 to you:

7 Wherefore, aconfound your benemies; call upon them to cmeet you both in public and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their dshame shall be made manifest.

8 Wherefore, let them bring forth their astrong reasons against the Lord.

9 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no aweapon that is formed against you shall prosper;

How do you respond to this request?