In this two-part podcast, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon and panelists Gina Colvin, Charles Harrell, and Chris Cobb take on all of these issues, and much more. Are there different, healthier ways to view the question of Mormon teachings and doctrinal discourse? Is doctrinal presentation, especially in Church curriculum, a straightforward process of teaching truth, or is there much more at play–assumptions (cultural, Western, cognitive, gendered, and countless other types) motivating what is selected as more or less important? The panel explore what it means when leaders might say that this or that doctrine is “binding” upon members and whether or not it is actual “doctrines” that are canonized or simply sources (scripture) that are granted authoritative power–and, as is evident about any scripture, whatever doctrines might be offered therein call always to a wonderfully wide spectrum of interpretation? The panel also explores whether we might be in a moment within Mormon development when doctrines are being scaled back, when less emphasis is being placed upon teachings and more on community, doing good in the world, “becoming” better Christians/human beings.

As The Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Volume 5: October 1835–January 1838 editor Christian Heimburger says, it was not uncommon in the days of the early Church for men to resolve their conflicts with physical blows. But on December 16, 1835, a particular physical confrontation resulted in the members of the Twelve Apostles to hold a special council for one of the men involved, while the other was left unable to "sit down or rise up without help," according to the new Joseph Smith Papers volume.

With all the challenges that come with living in the latter-days, it can sometimes be difficult to recognize the love that God has for us. In her recent BYU Women's Conference address, sister Carol F. McConkie, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, shared four ways for us to know God loves us.

Almost three months after Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, Presiding Bishop Gary E. Stevenson, Philippines Area President Brent H. Nielson of the Seventy and other leaders visited Church members in Tacloban on Jan. 27 to see how principles of welfare and self-reliance are working in the storm-devastated area.

25 Days of Christmas Memories

"The way you choose to respond to someone who looks at pornography will have a huge impact on your relationship with them, and their relationship with themselves."

You may not recognize the name Tyler Castleton, but odds are you’re familiar with Kenneth Cope, Gladys Knight, Kurt Bestor, and Jericho Road. Tyler Castleton has written songs and produced albums for the biggest names in LDS music—and now, he’s stepping into the spotlight himself.

Among other things, the Word of Wisdom is evidence that the relationship between our bodies and our spirits is both intimate and significant. The repeated scriptural counsel about caring for and protecting our bodies—counsel given from Old Testament times to the dispensation of the fulness of times—must in part tell us that damaging our bodies will also damage or spirits.

You can argue that religion is just another childish thing that an interplanetary species should leave behind. But we seem rather attached to our gods and goddesses, so it seems just as likely that we'll take religion into space with us. Which brings us to Mormonism.

In a 2015 Seminar for New Mission Presidents, President Henry B. Eyring told about how he used one of his unique hobbies to remember a life lesson he learned from President Gordon B. Hinckley.