Daniel C. Peterson's Blog, page 1172

Why religious colleges should worry

    http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/firs...    

Answering to reality

    “You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality.”  (Ayn Rand [1905-1982])      

Archbishop Chaput at BYU

    I had the opportunity, today, of attending a lecture at BYU by Archbishop Charles Joseph Chaput of Philadelphia.  (Given the fact that the new Philadelphia Temple is rapidly rising very near to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Professor Mauro Properzi quipped in introducing him, the Archbishop will be able to enjoy his morning [Read More...]

Background information for understanding the current crisis in Yemen

    I’m not, and don’t pretend to be, an expert on the politics of Yemen.  But, for any who would like some background information on the Zaydi Shi‘ite movement out of which the Houthi insurgents emerge who have just taken control of that country — the Zaydis are quite distinct from the Ithna‘asharis who [Read More...]

New Testament 47

    Matthew 12:9-14 Mark 3:1-6 Luke 6:6-11   Today’s reading plainly belongs with yesterday’s.   Jesus is illustrating the proper attitude toward the Sabbath.   He doesn’t say that it’s okay to engage in trade on the Sabbath day, let alone to eat out in restaurants or attend movies.   But the rules for [Read More...]

“Oldest gospel fragment discovered in mummy mask”

    Jabra Ghneim brings this interesting article to my notice:   http://www.digitaljournal.com/science...   Here’s a reaction to the find from my friend and colleague John Gee, who specializes in texts out of ancient Egypt:   http://fornspollfira.blogspot.com/201...   And, while I’m at it, here’s an important heads up regarding New Testament textual criticism and the controversial [Read More...]

“John Dehlin and the Art of Baking (Narratives)”

    Yup.  Here’s another link about John Dehlin that I deem worthy of passing on:   https://dearjohndehlin.wordpress.com/...   Those who’ve come near to passing out over my posting such links are entirely free to pass on this one.   But some of you, I think, will like it and find it interesting.  If you do, [Read More...]

Putting the Kingdom of God second

    Elder Neal A. Maxwell, of the Quorum of the Twelve, was fond of this statement from the English clergyman William Law (d. 1761), who famously lived what he taught:   “If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead.” [Read More...]

News from the Middle East: Two items

      1.   http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01...   Saudi Arabia is facing a time of transition, as this generation of the royal family passes on.       2.   http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/0...   The situation in Yemen continues to deteriorate, which suggests that the rosy picture of foreign policy success in the Middle East sketched by Mr. [Read More...]

New Testament 46

    Matthew 12:1-8 Mark 2:23-28 Luke 6:1-5   I’m reminded of a story told (as I recall) by a General Authority some years ago.   It was back when he was still a local leader.  He was headed toward a Sunday meeting in a rural area, and was running just a bit late.  Hurtling [Read More...]