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

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?