BYU perspectives

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A Garment-Checking Case Study: The Story of Litia

On January 27, 2025, the magical community of middle-aged mothers, reluctant boyfriends, and new wave feminists waited with bated breath to watch the 29th season premiere of The Bachelor. It would be a glamorous affair topped with glittering virgin mimosas and manicure kits and gossip magazines, as the beautiful, 31-year-old Grant Ellis took the screen.…

Evacuation Orders: Reflections on Faith and Community

BYU perspectives, Faith and identity

This past fall, I felt myself begin to crack again. I felt the threat of becoming a million disparate pieces. Also this past fall, Dr. Yolanda Pierce of Howard Divinity School gave a lecture at BYU on syncretic religious practice among early black Americans and what lessons we can learn from them. I attended. During…

Being Pro-Choice Within the Latter-Day Saint Community

BYU perspectives, Faith and identity

It takes courage to be “Pro-Choice” in the LDS community. In a Christian religion as traditional and conservative as ours, it is no surprise that the majority of the members are anti-abortion. Many members see abortion as an attack on the foundational values of family, and immediately write it off. What is often ignored is…

Understanding Our Responsibility of Dominion Over Nature

BYU perspectives

According to the Bible, the first humans were created during the sixth creative period after the light was separated, the seas and mountains were organized, and the planet was beautified with various plant and animal species. Placing human creation here sets Adam and Eve — and the rest of us as their successors — apart…

Freddie Fox: A Personal Letter on Life and Choices

BYU perspectives

To: Freddie Fox From: Lily Warnock Polite greetings and such. Listen, Freddie Fox, I’m not going to lie to you or sugarcoat things. The situation is quite grim. My dad has laid down an ultimatum: I either get myself a real adult job after graduating college (in just a few months!) or I get married.…

John Curtis: Advocating to Protect Democracy and Stand Up to Trump

BYU perspectives

On Monday, March 17, ahead of Rep. John Curtis’ lecture at BYU, a crowd gathered outside to send a clear message: Utahns want Curtis to stand up to Trump and defend democracy. The rally, made up of BYU students, professors, Provo residents, and even people who traveled from Salt Lake and Utah counties, called on…

Multi-Level Marketing and Mormonism in Utah

BYU perspectives

On my drive south from Salt Lake City to Provo, my eyes can’t help but dart from the road up to the plethora of billboards that line I-15: Young Living, doTERRA, Nu Skin. Their commonality? All MLMs—multi-level marketing companies, or, more appropriately named, schemes. Utah just happens to be the global capital of these “Be-Your-Own-Boss-Babe”…

Dating as a Woman of Color at BYU: Experiences and Challenges

BYU perspectives, Student inclusion

Within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it’s well known that marriage is a central part of the faith and is highly encouraged of its members. Filled with young students from about 18 to 30 years old who are generally of the LDS faith, it comes as no surprise that BYU has a…

Bishop Roulette: Navigating Spiritual Leadership at BYU

BYU perspectives, Faith and identity

“Welcome to your freshman year here at BYU! As part of your commitment to keeping the Honor Code, you will be required to attend church each week. Luckily, you will have a ward family to help you maintain regular church attendance and hold to the gospel standards. At the head of this family is your…

Man UP! The Path to Compassionate Masculinity in Today’s Culture

BYU perspectives

As a man, I am keenly aware that masculinity seems to be having quite a cultural moment. In a recent interview, Facebook CEO and billionaire Mark Zuckerberg argued that corporate culture has become “neutered” through diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, insisting that corporate America has lost its masculine energy. Influencers like Andrew Tate and Nick…