Daniel C. Peterson's Blog, page 850

BOM Alma 30

    The story of Korihor, which occurs in Alma 30, has long been a favorite among Latter-day Saints — perhaps because, to some degree at least, it seems so sadly and repetitively applicable.   Almost precisely one year ago, I wrote a column for the Deseret News entitled “Korihor and ‘Social Darwinism.'”  Perhaps you [Read More...]

“Underwater Remains of Ancient Naval Base Found”

    Maybe underwater archaeology is just on my mind right now, but here’s some new archaeology relating to one of the most important battles in the history of Western civilization:   http://www.seeker.com/underwater-rema...   Sadly, there’ve been lots and lots of battles.  And many of them are rightly called “important.”  But only a few — Hastings, [Read More...]

“Mormon Missionary is a Finalist in Miss World New Zealand Contest”

    This isn’t something that you read every day:   Mormon Missionary is a Finalist in Miss World New Zealand Pageant   Of course (as you might have expected), she’s actually a returned Mormon missionary.   In any event, I wish her well.   Posted from Stockholm, Sweden  

BOM Alma 29

    Today’s reading, Alma 29, begins with a very famous passage (29:1-2).  It’s one, in fact, that I can scarcely read without slipping into the rhythm of a famous Mormon song.   For a long time, candidly, I really didn’t like that song.  But it’s grown on me, and its message is, if anything, [Read More...]

A childhood without books?

    “A childhood without books – that would be no childhood. That would be like being shut out from the enchanted place where you can go and find the rarest kind of joy.” Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002), Swedish author and creator of (among other things) Pippi Longstocking   Posted from Stockholm, Sweden    

“‘Mysterious Object’ May Be First ‘Extinct’ Meteorite”

    An intriguing discovery from a stone quarry in Österplana, Västra Götaland, Sweden:   http://www.space.com/33163-first-exti...   Posted from Stockholm, Sweden  

“The Technology That Will Resurrect ISIS-Destroyed Antiquities”

    The self-proclaimed “Islamic State” has committed unusually gruesome mass murders wherever it’s been able to gain power, but it has also practiced the destruction of cultural monuments, historic buildings, and archaeological sites with industrial efficiency.   This article sets out the way in which cutting edge technology is being deployed in order to preserve information [Read More...]

“Former GOP senator endorses Clinton after Orlando shooting”

    I doubt that Larry Pressler’s endorsement will carry much weight with anybody — he was, after all, a moderate Republican, and he’s been out of the Senate for quite some time — and I don’t agree with the principal reason that he raises (according to this article).   Still, if you read the piece, [Read More...]

“Salt Lake City cop’s public, albeit brief, rant about Mormons won’t stop his promotion”

    http://www.sltrib.com/home/4001211-15...   What do you think?  Had Kevin Stayner gone off against Jews and/or Judaism in, say, New York City or Miami, would that have affected his career?  Had he publicly expressed his contempt for believing, orthodox Catholics in Boston or Los Angeles, would his department have taken notice?   Posted from Stockholm, [Read More...]

Books and Happiness

    For, so long as there are interesting books to read, it seems to me that neither I nor anyone else, for that matter, need be unhappy. Selma Lagerlöf (1858-1940)   Posted from Stockholm, Sweden