Atheism and secularism threatens Latter-day Saints Robert D. Hales observed, “We live when the darkness of secularism is deepening around us. Belief in God is widely questioned, and even attacked in the name of political, social and even religious causes.” (“Seeking to Know God,” Ensign, Nov. 2009) LDS Professor Hyrum Lewis declared: “Atheism has been … Continue reading “There is a God: How to Respond to Atheism in the Last Days”
When I think of the petition “So help me God,” I am reminded of the phrases: “God helps those who help themselves.” “God helps those who cannot help themselves.”“God help those who get caught helping themselves.” Presidential Oath Prior to the inauguration of President Obama, an atheist filed a lawsuit to prevent Chief Justice Roberts from … Continue reading “So Help Me God”
I quickly dismiss most conspiracy theories. But like other people, I am tempted to accept a few. For example, I suspect the Soviets and Cubans were behind the assassination of President Kennedy. They wanted revenge for having lost face during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the American assassin had stayed in Moscow and Cuba, which … Continue reading Beware: Conspiracy Theories
"God told me to do it" In some cases of religious civil disobedience or religious illegal activity the perpetrators claim they should not be held accountable because they were acting on behalf of God. "The devil made me do it" Sometimes, perpetrators of illegal conduct claim they should not be held liable because they … Continue reading Suing Satan and “The Devil Made Me Do It” Defense
One of the great failures of the modern era is that heroes have been replaced with celebrities. Tienanmen Square Heroes are men and women who inspire us because of their great achievements and/or their exemplary acts of courage and conviction. Heroes have changed the course of history for the better. Heroes have saved lives at … Continue reading Don’t Confuse Heroes with Celebrities
After a lifetime of experience as a judge, bishop, and father, I am convinced that we are never, ever, in a position to judge another’s heart. Prospective jurors often ask to be excused saying, “I cannot judge another person.” I explain: “You are not being asked to judge whether the defendant is a good person … Continue reading We Can Never Judge Another’s Heart
“Dear Satan and Your Whore” One of my biggest challenges as a judge is to quickly differentiate between a person with an “attitude,” or a person who is eccentric, or a person who has mental health issues. This is not always easy. If the person “cops” an “attitude,” I am very fast and firm in putting … Continue reading An Eccentric Criminal’s Letter to Me: “Dear Satan and Your Whore”
(When I was growing up, there was a separate National Holiday for Lincoln's birthday (Feb. 12) and Washington's birthday (Feb. 22), our two greatest presidents. Those holidays are now smooshed into one Presidents Day, and so no one remembers when Lincoln and Washington were born. Some people think that is for the best. I don't.) … Continue reading In Honor of Presidents Day: The “Top Five” Founding Fathers
(I have performed countless civil wedding in my judicial capacity. Here is my wedding talk.) Ten Laws of Matrimony Over the years, I have become convinced that to have a strong and happy marriage, we must abide by the laws of matrimony. Let me briefly share with you ten of those laws. First, a strong … Continue reading Ten Laws of Matrimony: In Honor of Valentine’s Day
Coming to America The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, can succeed through hard work, study, ingenuity, sacrifice, teamwork, and perseverance. In many nations, a person’s birth predetermines their future. Were they born into nobility or royalty or serfdom? Where they born into the upper class or … Continue reading What Makes America Great (Pt 6/6): The American Dream
The London Edition 