The theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is founded on the premise that Jesus Christ restored his Church through the prophet Joseph Smith after appearing to him in vision. Gordon B. Hinckley once related the story of a man who heard this story from a bishop and described the account as “more Disney than Disney.”

The depth of Roman Catholicism is so great it can keep those in the the faith captivated for many lifetimes. And because of the Church’s position in society — a religion with one billion adherents, a head office that is actually a state, and endless criticism for moral positions that grate secular society — it is no wonder that can become obsessed with their own position in the world. I spend an inordinate amount of time reading Catholic web sites and a theme that seems to emerge is that we are part of a mistreated, misunderstood minority. Catholics should absolutely defend themselves against prejudice and repression. And if nothing else, combat plain ignorance. It is also important to overcome the horrendous stereotype that the Church is a breeding ground for sexual abusers. But once in a while it is good to look around and see what religious group is really is taking it on the chin these days.

Charity Tillemann-Dick is an accomplished speaker, presenter, and soprano singer. She has performed in prestigious concert halls across Europe, Asia, and America in front of celebrities, presidents, and world dignitaries. In 2004, Charity was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, a rare condition that causes the arteries in the lungs to harden, forcing the heart to work harder and harder to pump blood throughout the body. Left untreated, Charity was not expected to live longer than five years. But since her diagnosis, Charity has received two double lung transplants and continues to speak, sing and perform across the country.

Mitt Romney. Broadway smash “The Book of Mormon.” HBO hit series “Big Love.” Mormonism seems to be center stage these days. Religion scholar Matthew Bowman looked at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – past and present – in The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith. I recently had the chance to talk with Bowman about his book, the rise of “the Mormon moment,” and what American voters should know about Romney. Here are excerpts of our conversation. Previously you had mainly studied the evangelical Christian church. Why are you now writing about Mormonism?

An interview with BYU Head Football Coach Bronco Mendenhall shed further light on the uniqueness of the school’s programs.

Monthly Theme: Jesus Christ Restored the Fulness of the Gospel Through Joseph Smith.

Scholars and faith leaders joined together on Saturday, 14 May 2011, for a symposium at the University of Oxford in England marking 400 years of the King James Version of the Bible. The event, which was jointly organized by Harris Manchester College and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, celebrated the impact of the Holy Bible on culture, religion and literature.

The creators of the play Book of Mormon have created the Amos and Andy for the South Park set. We may laugh, but our grandchildren will shudder as decent folk do at “wits” of the last century whose favorite dance was to “jump Jim Crow.”

It’s a “New Year,” a time for thinking about how we might consider adjusting our lives to live with more purpose and meaning. When we live in a world seemingly dominated by negative news coming from every direction, living with faith sufficient to maintain a spirit of hope and optimism can become a non-stop challenge. Looking for more “positives” in our lives, while standing firm in our convictions and beliefs, isn’t an easy task. But when it’s achieved, we can become a more powerful people, filled with mental, physical, and spiritual strength.

Finding a hotel room June 18 in Downtown Madison might be a little tricky. That’s the night the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will make its first-ever appearance here. After the concert at Overture Center, the 600-person traveling group, which includes about 330 singers, 65 orchestra members and numerous spouses and crew members, will stay overnight in Madison. They will take up parts or all of five hotels.