9/16 – Joseph the Prophet Biography, Questioning BYU Mustaches, & Temple Hat Trick

16/09/2023 1h 11min
9/16 – Joseph the Prophet Biography, Questioning BYU Mustaches, & Temple Hat Trick

Listen "9/16 – Joseph the Prophet Biography, Questioning BYU Mustaches, & Temple Hat Trick"

Episode Synopsis

Did you know Patreon donors get additional content? Listen to the hosts discuss new degrees available at BYU-I by Become a TWiM Patron.

Quick Clips:

MELISSA

The presidents of the BYUs gave speeches about the changes to the honor code and dress and grooming standards this week. Each spoke about it differently. BYU President Reese spoke of an “elevated standard”.  BYU-I President Meredith talked about it in terms of integrity and specifically stated that the dress and grooming standards are not matters of personal morality, BYU-Hawaii President Kauwe said that even some things not specifically prohibited by the standards might not be ok and encouraged men to “to carefully consult some women in your life about whether you should have a mustache or not.”


MATT

A lot of people are excited about the new three year online degrees being offered by BYU-Idaho. They get accreditation for this because they are very specific degree programs. They have been using a unique structure that pushes all of the GE requirements to the end of the program. Basically, they asked to have an accredited Bachelor’s degree that does not require GE courses. MELISSA
New Church streaming app




MATT

This month marks the 30th anniversary of the September 6 excommunications of LDS scholars. Benjamin Park has a piece about this in The Conversation and Signature Books has something coming out from a non-LDS religious historian about this moment. Looking back, what has been the impact of this moment?


MELISSA

The Church commissions a new biography of Joseph Smith



MATT



The church is going to dedicate three temples in one day this Sunday.



MELISSA

Mormons are among the most likely Americans to have a gun in their household.



Famous Mormons:

MATT

Which famous YouTuber is a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Mark Rober
Ruby Franke
The Yeager Family

Big/Little/No Deal:

MATT


LDS Bishop has a different take on church finances. He writes about all of the good things the church does with its money.




MELISSA



It is now possible to make group reservations for endowment sessions online.




MATT



The church clarifies that Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard betrayed his friendship with President M. Russell Ballard when Tim claimed that the LDS church supported his cause.




MELISSA



Few — if any — public figures since Brigham Young have done more to shape America's impression of Mormonism than Mitt Romney.




MATT



Hot off the presses this week. Richard Bushman wrote a biography of the Gold Plates and Grant Hardy has an annotated version of the Book of Mormon that will make it much easier for people to read and understand.




MELISSA



Elder Holland is released from the hospital and is recuperating at home.




Mormons Doing Goodly:

Seniors delight kids at the water park with ice cream treats. (Matt)

General Conference Predictions

MELISSA

Temples: number and locations

Fillmore or Richfield Utah
Rigby Idaho
Tremonton Utah?
Mexico City Style multi-temples in Brazil?




Female Speakers:

Last conference was a big disappointment in this area, 2 females in 5 sessions.


Topics Discussed:

Melissa - Focus on Youth, FSY successes


Any unexpected announcements?

Melissa - Significant policy changes? YES, From YW General Board
Saturday Evening session changes?