Tidbits

Hugh Nibley Quotes from Approaching Zion

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The following quotes are from Hugh Nibley’s Approaching Zion volume, and were compiled by Chad Merrill.  I am grateful that he shared them with me, and gave me permission to share them with you. They are great quotes from that singular book, one of my favorites of all time, and one which I am currently re-reading for the nth time.

In these quotes, Nibley is highly critical of his fellow Latter-day Saints, in our love of wealth and covetousness, lack of living the law of consecration (and our apparent confusion of it), our quibbling over free lunch, lack of faith in the Almighty, and our misunderstanding the purposes of life. “Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself” (D&C 105:5). Do we truly believe the Lord? What’s our progress report? Please share your thoughts in the comments.   [Read more…]

The Purposes of TempleStudy.com

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Recently I’ve had an interesting, yet somewhat disheartening, discussion wherein a reader of this website questioned my motives, goals, reasoning, and aspirations.  If you’d like to browse it, you may begin here.

Let it be known far and wide that my desire is that I might, in the smallest measure, be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to bring about His purposes in righteousness.  Ultimately, that is all.  Appendages to this might be found here.

Reflections on Temple Discussion

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Of course many of you know that we had a discussion about the temple this past Sunday on Google Hangouts.  I hope you were able to listen in or watch.  If not, a recording is available.

I’m curious to get your feedback on the fireside discussion.  Some questions in my mind are:

  • Was it helpful to you? In what way?
  • Did you learn new things?  What?
  • Did you enjoy it?  Why?
  • Were you nervous about what might be said?  Did we assuage that fear?
  • What did you think of the length?  Shorter?  Longer?
  • What did you think of the contributors?  (Be nice!)
  • Was the material we addressed accessible and understandable?
  • Did the discussion encourage you to go learn more on your own?
  • Do you believe it is helpful for the Church in general, both for members within the Church to learn about the temple, and for outsiders to gain a greater understanding of our temple traditions? (Ok, that’s a loaded one.)
  • Any concerns? Suggestions? Critiques?

Before I schedule the next one, which might be as soon as this coming Sunday, August 12, I want to get your take on this, so we can improve it or cancel it.  Please take a moment to share with us your thoughts in the comments below.

Temple Prep Live Google Hangout Fireside Series

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Temple Prep Live Google Hangout

Temple Prep Live Google Hangout

I’m sure many of you are aware of the new Google+ Hangout feature, but let me explain briefly. Essentially it is a group video chat, where you can see video and hear audio from all the other participants in the chat. Google also provides a “On Air” feature which will broadcast the Hangout video and audio live on Google+, YouTube, and anywhere the video is embedded into a website. This provides the opportunity for live events to be broadcasted around the world quite easily, and for many people to participate in them, both by contributing directly with their webcam, or by just viewing the live broadcast, or viewing the recording later.

Some enterprising members, such as Sheila DuBois, have begun using Google Hangouts to broadcast live “firesides” on Sundays. I think this is an innovative use of the technology to help build up the kingdom, and allows members of the Church to connect in ways previously not possible.   [Read more…]

Hugh Nibley’s on Twitter! And has a Blog

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Hugh Nibley [off the record]

Hugh Nibley [off the record]

Well, not really.  But it sure seems so!  

Nibley’s family organization Hugh Nibley & Associates has organized a Twitter feed and a new blog, HughNibley.net, dedicated to Hugh Nibley’s work.  The Twitter feed includes quotes from Hugh at least once every day, as if he were tweeting, which I’m sure he would scoff at, but is fun nonetheless.  What would Nibley write in a 140-character sound bite?  You’d be surprised some of the concise, off-beat, meaningful, spot on, quirky, poignant, strange, and humorous things that have already been posted.

The HughNibley.net blog is meant to publish more of Hugh Nibley’s work, including ebooks, and new materials.  They explain:

[Read more…]