Exponent II is good reading!!

This one looks very interesting! Officially on my radar.

It’s the problem with modern journalism, in my view. We’ve become so concerned with objectivity, we sometimes remove humanity from the equation.

Which is to say that an annotated record might not even mean much since they frequently seem more than happy to ignore it. And I know annotations can be removed, but that also requires First Presidency approval, as far as I understand.

If he was excommunicated for sex abuse related reasons, one would assume his record would be annotated and he would have needed First Presidency approval for rebaptism. I directly know of a case out here where a man with an annotated record was FP-approved to be called into the YSA bishopric.

One wonders what was the extent of Wade's church discipline and what they knew at the time. On the one hand, it would seem they maybe didn't know the extent of his crimes. On the other, we've seen many times that church leaders give men a slap on the wrist if they present as sufficiently penitent.

But even given that, I don't think it's a good idea for most people. There are so many toxic and problematic things about LDS missions, many things I regret from my own mission, and many things it's taken decades to unpack. For most people, the benefits probably don't outweigh the potential harm.

For me personally, serving a mission was probably a net positive. At that point in my life I really needed the structure, purpose, and direction that the mission provided, despite the manifold problematic elements it entailed. But it gave me a much needed kick in the pants I desperately needed.

They would also have finished a year of college before serving and probably another year or two after returning. Having nearly completed their degrees, these women might be more inclined to postpone childbearing to finish their degrees and maybe even have a career.

Whereas before, they were maybe not dating as intentionally, going on a mission, getting back nearly 21, and probably not getting married until 23 or later.

I believe that when they lowered the age to 19 from 21 we saw a lot more LDS women choosing to go on a mission and choosing not to date seriously before getting their call. I know multiple examples of this personally. Now LDS women can serve right out of high school and get back before they're 20.

Hosts a thoroughly smug apologetics podcast entitled "The Church is True."

Excited for any excuse not to attend church. 🙃

OK, I'm glad it wasn't just me! 😅