Author Archives: Allen

Excommunication

It was late. I pulled up in front of my home, exhausted from the events of the evening. I was drained, both physically and emotionally. I summoned what little strength I had left, picked up my scriptures, climbed out of the car, and walked toward the front door. As I walked into the house, I… Read More »

Understanding the Mix

Most everyone knows that I publish free online newsletters for a living. That may sound like a bit of a contradiction—earning a living from publishing something free. In light of an e-mail that I received from someone the other day, I figured I better lay out a bit of information about how it is possible… Read More »

Movie Day: Moms’ Night Out

I didn’t have high expectations when I went to see Moms’ Night Out today with my wife. I’m not sure that the movie-going public has high expectations, either, as we went to a late matinee and comprised, between us, about 33% of the people in the theater.

Welcoming Criminals and Terrorists

I just received an e-mail that passed on what the person called “a profound message,” under the subject of “IDAHO – my kind of state!” The passed-on message said “This sign actually exists just inside Idaho near the border with Washington.”

The Lure (and Peril) of Our Temporal Rameumptoms

For those of my non-Mormon friends, please bear with me. I am starting this essay with a story from the Book of Mormon, but this story isn’t about Mormonism; it is about humanity. I have no doubt that even if you don’t believe in the Book of Mormon, there is value to be found here.… Read More »

Poignant Bumper Sticker Memes

I enjoyed general conference earlier this month, and in fact wrote a good deal about it and the goings-on by other groups at conference time. One of those groups is Ordain Women, which sponsored an event designed to heighten awareness of those who would like to see women be ordained to the priesthood.

Worthwhile Causes and Double Standards

This past weekend I spent what I considered an enjoyable time at general conference. As I noted in an earlier post, there were two major events planned in conjunction with the conference—one by Ordain Women and the other by American Atheists. In observing the Ordain Women event and considering the way that their efforts have… Read More »