Author Archives: Eric Johnson

Reading between the lines on the issue of perfection (Part 1)

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Eric Johnson

A recent article in the July 2014 Ensign magazine titled “Becoming Perfect in Christ,” written by Seventy Gerrit W. Gong, caught my eye. I’m not one to make many predictions, but when I saw the title, my immediate response was … Continue reading →

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, Salvation, Worthiness | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

The definition of doctrine

Posted on August 14, 2014 by Eric Johnson

It’s only a short article located in the early pages of the July 2014 Ensign magazine, which is the official monthly organ of the LDS Church. But I believe this piece, titled “We Teach by the Power of the Holy … Continue reading →

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, Prophets | Tagged , , , , | 24 Comments

Follow the Prophet?

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Eric Johnson

It wasn’t long ago when an advertising campaign for basketball superstar Michael Jordan emphasized just three words: “Be like Mike.” The slogan became very popular and sold plenty of shoes. This came to my mind as I read an article … Continue reading →

Posted in Mormon Leaders | Tagged , , , , | 57 Comments

Liberty University and the Glenn Beck saga (Part 2)

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Eric Johnson

As noted in Part 1 of this article (posted earlier this week), on April 25, 2014 Liberty University held a convocation that featured Mormon celebrity Glenn Beck as speaker. Beck told the student body (among other things), “I share your … Continue reading →

Posted in Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry | Tagged , , , , | 23 Comments

Liberty University and the Glenn Beck saga (Part 1)

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Eric Johnson

Let me state upfront that, besides wearing my apologetic hat, I am a parent of a Liberty University (LU) graduate. My oldest daughter graduated on May 10, 2014, and we’re very proud of her accomplishment. I’m sure you don’t want … Continue reading →

Posted in Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

The Good News of Repentance?

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Eric Johnson

In the December 2013 Ensign, Brian D. Garner of the Church Correlation Department wrote a five-page article titled “The Good News of Repentance” (pp. 40-44). As I was reading this piece—subtitled “There is great joy in heaven whenever we repent … Continue reading →

Posted in Forgiveness, Repentance, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

Should the cross just be an afterthought?

Posted on April 21, 2014 by Eric Johnson

How one viewed the historical events remembered over the past week makes all the difference in the world. Yesterday some families woke up and had the kids hunt for Easter eggs before putting the ham in the oven and driving … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Jesus Christ | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 40 Comments

New church essay distances LDS Church from Joseph Smith

Posted on April 1, 2014 by Eric Johnson

Breaking news as reported by Peggy Fletcher Stuck: Over the past few months, there have been essays published on LDS.org concerning the First Vision, Race and the Priesthood, plural marriage, the Book of Mormon translation, and Becoming Like God. Now, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Mormonism, Joseph Smith, LDS Church, Mormon History | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Going After Historical Issues

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Eric Johnson

In an article found in an LDS Church manual (The Pearl of Great Price Teacher Manual Religion 327, pp. 54-55) that gives instructions to the LDS instructors comes this amazing statement: Joseph Smith—History. Overview Have students read the five italicized … Continue reading →

Posted in Authority and Doctrine, Joseph Smith, Mormon History | Tagged , , , , , , | 30 Comments

Mormonism: A Religion Only Understood by Its Own?

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Eric Johnson

I was speaking to somebody recently about ministry in Utah. This man, a professional clergy member who recently moved to Utah, told me proudly, “Our church will never host any class teaching about Mormonism. After all, it not only could … Continue reading →

Posted in Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry | Tagged , , , , | 24 Comments