Our Authors, ElsewhereProfile: Jeff Spector is a 1st generation Mormon who converted from the Jewish Faith in 1982. He was born in Hollywood, Ca and grew up in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. He was a Bar Mitzvah at age 13. After graduating from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo with a degree in Engineering, he moved to San Jose, California and went to work for the Hewlett-Packard Company, where he has been for over 31 years. He met his wife, Debbie, also a convert, on a cruise ship (no, not the Love Boat!) and they were married in February of 1982. Jeff joined the Church in June of 1982. They have 5 children. They were sealed in the Oakland Temple in August 1983. Jeff’s interest in all things Mormon began when invited to participate in a Mormon computer bulletin board (pre-Internet) which discussed Mormon doctrine and history. Because of the heavy involvement of people critical of the Church, Jeff did a significant amount of research to learn the truth about the claims they were making. In the process, he acquired a ton of books and other materials. Jeff’s love for the Temple and his travel for work has enabled him to visit 40 different Temples on every continent except Africa. Jeff and family left San Jose after 24 years and now reside in Colorado Springs. Jeff is also an award winning television show producer, noted author, University Lecturer and Religious Educator. In his spare time, He is a percussionist and Principal Timpanist with the Little London Winds.
This past week, Peggy Fletcher Stack wrote an excellent article entitled ”How Beards Became Barred Among Top Mormon Leaders.” I encourage you to read it. In the end, I have nothing more to add to it than the personal observations that sre very near and dear to my face. I grew my beard during a [...]
The traditional Jewish celebration of the Passover, which started Monday night, can illustrate the rich symbolism found in the Old Testament and show how the symbolism of the Passover points directly to Jesus Christ. Please note that the original Passover observance is described in Exodus, chapters twelve and thirteen. The modern Seder evolved from this [...]
I have always been fascinated by the selection of the Pope by the Roman Catholic Church. And certainly over the last two weeks, it has been interesting to watch and listen as clergy and lay persons in the media have been speculating about how the selection would be made. In spite of our religious differences, [...]
Not sure how many people are really aware of the trial going on in Phoenix Arizona these days. It is now broadcast all day on HLN. But there is a Mormon connection to the trial and crime. Jody Arias is accused (and has admitted) killing her former boyfriend, Travis Alexander in Mesa, Arizona, a heavily [...]
We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Articles of Faith 1:4) Another of the unique doctrines of the Church of [...]
About 3 ½ years ago, I wrote a post for Mormon Matters entitled “Prooftexting for Fun and Prophet.” As explained, prooftexting is using quotations from a document to establish a point or prove something whether or not that quotation is in context or not. While its use is pretty universally applied in many areas of [...]
For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own [...]
So like millions of others, I watched Manti Te’o on the Katie Couric Show yesterday. And, I suppose, like millions of others, I came away with mixed feelings. I thought he came across as a very nice, polite, soft-spoken guy. He seemed quite sincere. I can’t quite assess truthfulness because it is clear he did [...]
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23) At one time or another we all lie. It is mostly to ourselves about one thing or another, but sometimes to others. In some cases, it is a “kind” lie such as, “no, that color looks great on you” or “I’ll [...]
In February 2011, I wrote this blog about how I though some people love their guns more than they love God. In other words, they love their guns more than they care about the people that die each year by guns. I still believe that there is a segment of the population that this applies [...]
I was thinking about what things I would focus on this coming year and what things I probably would not. So it is in that vein that I compile this list. Gay Marriage – In my mind, it is now inevitable. So in spite of all the protestations over the past few years, just sit [...]
Well, here we are less than 48 hours before pant-gate. I know we are all dying to go to church to see who wears what. There are many interpretations on this Sunday’s event, or possibly non-event. Here are a few I gleaned. It’s not about the pants, it’s about equality. It’s not about the pants, [...]
As we wrapped up the latest Mormon Moment with the Romney defeat, I asked the question, “What Now for the Mormon Moment?” One of the articles we discussed was Stephen Manfield’s The Mormonizing of America from the Huffington Post. I thought it was an excellent article which characterized how and why Mormons are successful and [...]
Well, at least the election is over. No matter who you wanted to win, you couldn’t be sad that the robocalls, the TV and radio ads and the junk mail have stopped. If you were in a swing state up for grabs, it was non-stop, day and night. So, now what for the Mormon moment? [...]
Throughout the history of the Church, there have been General Authorities who have stood out as the intellectuals or keepers of the Doctrines of the Church. I am wondering who those leaders are today? I have my ideas and I am anxious to hear yours. This is not meant as an exhaustive list, but some of [...]
I am discussing four items of a political nature today that has caught my eye this past week or so in the News. Mitt’s In! So it appears that the United States will have its first real Mormon Presidential candidate that has a chance of winning the Presidency in Mitt Romney as Rick Santorum drops [...]
Based on the controversy surrounding the Trayvon Martin case, it seems clear that we have not achieved a color blind society here in the US and we have a long way to go in race relations in this country. And as we approach Easter this coming weekend, it is a shame the simple lessons of [...]
As we all know, what most people know about Mormonism could fill a thimble. And many people get whatever knowledge they do have in little sound bite pieces or headlines. Most do not do any in-depth investigation to find out more about us. They are more apt to react to a negative report about the [...]
This year’s Republican Primaries have been different in so many ways: the weak field, the shifting anti-Romney front runners, the large number of debates, etc. The other big distinction has been the focus on religion and religious values. Sure, Romney’s Mormonism did get a lot of attention the last time and certainly did influence the [...]
The latest salvo of the ultra-conservative circus is accusing President Obama of “Trampling on Religious Liberty.” According to The Heritage Foundation, “The Obama Administration’s mandate under the Obamacare statute that many religious employers provide health care coverage for contraception, abortifacients, and sterilization tramples upon their free exercise of religion. The Obama Administration should immediately exempt [...]
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