I am a political scientist, which means that I study patterns in politics. Most of the patterns in politics that I study are patterns of sexism. I work to accurately measure and carefully describe patterns of sexism in how political parties … Continued
While imprisoned in Birmingham, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote of the struggle for civil rights: “I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. … Continued
“Peace does not dwell in outward things, but within the soul. We may preserve it in the midst of the bitterest pain, if our will remains firm and submissive. Peace in this life springs from acquiescence even in disagreeable things, … Continued
On March 3, 2021, a three-part miniseries on the Mark Hofmann forgery-murder case of the 1980s premiered on Netflix, a popular subscription-based streaming service. The three-part miniseries, titled Murder among the Mormons, quickly catapulted into the top echelon of most-watched … Continued
I remember standing on the back porch of our rental in Meadow Vista, California—the steady gurgles of a running creek in the backyard, the faint smell of dry firewood in the cardboard box behind me. Dad (the contract killer, not … Continued
So, was there anything you just couldn’t find there?” I asked the newly returned missionary. He had been home from Guatemala for a few months, and I would be leaving for the same country soon. He looked puzzled at my … Continued
On November 21, 1993, the world dozed in watery light and I felt off-balance as the northern hemisphere listed away from the sun. Seasonal blues made watching PBS all day seem like a reasonable choice. Onscreen, a Ford Lincoln Continental … Continued
The author was confronted with the possibility of the death of her fourteen-year-old son. The teenager suffered for days or weeks before being treated for a cyst in his skull. As she watched her son’s suffering, she cried for the suffering of all children, all mothers, and all humanity. Although her son lived, she still felt immense grief. She draws meaning from the writings of Dostoevsky and finds in Jesus’ beatitude “Blessed are they that mourn” a reminder of the connection between grief and love, that all our sorrow for another person matters.
Historian Richard Bushman reflects on the influence art has had on his life, especially art created by his family, including his father, grandparents, great-grandparents, children, and grandchildren. As Bushman began thinking how to advance Mormon art, he partnered with Glen Nelson. They formed a group of artists, organizers, donors, and critics to promote Latter-day Saint artists, founding the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts. The center has held shows, festivals, concerts, and a symposium in New York City and Dallas, incorporating music and other performances. Despite never taking up art himself, Bushman confirms his passion for the promotion of Latter-day Saints artists’ creative work.
