I just noticed the recent debate raging (again) in the blogosphere about baptism for the dead. Not that there are a lot of new ideas on the topic, but it’s somewhat interesting to see the same ideas get kicked around again. (See here and here; see also Adam’s recent post on the same subject here). And, while I was noticing this little debate, I also noticed that one of the members of Begging to Differ is a self-identified Mormon (who also, I should note, has stated that he does not intend to blog much about religion).
One of my own friends at law school picked up on it on her blog, which got a lot of people asking her questions, which resulted in my having to respond… It’s a strange thing to be discussing with non-members at a fairly liberal law school. (And then my wife tells me that her Relief Society lesson this week was partly about how to respond to people when they have questions about temple ceremonies. oy!)
I’ve mentioned that I’m LDS a few times at Begging to Differ and elsewhere. In general, though (and please don’t take offense), my experience has been that most Internet discussions of religion, unless all the participants share common assumptions, aren’t very productive. Naturally, other people’s mileage may vary. I also experience a bit of anxiety when I’m writing to a non-Mormon audience and figure they’ll take my personal opinions as Mormon orthodoxy.
Besides, I prefer blogging about pop-culture, music, mentos commercials, paranormal activities, robots, and reactionary politics.
Until recently, I didn’t even realize there were so many Mormon bloggers out there.
Also, I should mention that I’m an anti-BYU Utah State Aggie (and Duke Blue Devil), something that tends to cause Mormons and non-Mormons alike a bit of confusion and consternation.
Greg,
No offense taken; hey, if we all thought that LDS blogging was the most interesting thing to do, the blogosphere would probably be a lot less interesting.
As for the non-BYU approach, as a Sun Devil myself, I applaud it — but many of my co-bloggers are probably less sympathetic.
:)
(By the way, did you know that the ASU Sun Devils owe their name to a Duke transfer way back in the 50’s; who was affectionately called the Blue Devil for a while, and then a sports writer made the offhand remark, “he’s not a Blue Devil anymore, he’s a Sun Devil now” — and the name stuck, eventually becoming the team name as well).
I didn’t know that. Very cool.
All I can say is that Blue Devils are very hard to live with in March. Also, it takes much longer to get to and from Boston when your husband refuses to drive through Connecticut…
Kaimi, I didn’t know that you were a Sun Devil. I went there myself, but had never heard the Blue Devil story. Interesting stuff.
Greg, I also endorse the non-BYU approach, and happen to like the Aggies (they got gypped this past March). There are more non-BYU’ites out there than you might expect.
“There are more non-BYU’ites out there than you might expect” — even among the BYUites (assuming that we are talking sports).
Who talks about sports?
Being a BYU-ite, but not a sports fan, it doesn’t bother me. Heck, my wife went to Utah State. Personally, I’m looking forward to kicking Zoobie rear (hopefully) in next year’s IP moot court competition.
Being a BYU-ite, but not a sports fan, it doesn’t bother me. Heck, my wife went to Utah State. Personally, I’m looking forward to kicking Zoobie rear (hopefully) in next year’s IP moot court competition.