By Common Consent, a Mormon Blog

This article in the NYTimes (registration required) details how Mormon women are less depressed than their gentile counterparts. Thanks to Sumer Thurston-Evans for finding it! The study, performed by a BYU sociologist, may indicate (in her words) “a reflection of the higher standards that are espoused” by the Church. So all ye women-folk, are you less depressed because of your Church membership?

Oh, and yes, the study also found that Mormon women “do score lower on measures of self-esteem.” I guess that’s because we emphasize Faith, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works and Integrity higher than Divine Nature and Individual Worth. My wife’s remarks: “I’m feeling happy with my low self-esteem.”

Last night the wife and I got into a little tussle, as I tried patiently to explain to her the law of divine marriage. She was naturally a little upset that I’d already taken several spiritual wives, but I was shocked, and a little taken aback, that she was so unwilling to accept the restored gospel.

Anyone else out there have this problem? What do you do to preside righteously in your home in such a situation?

Warning: what you are about to read may contain conservative content not suitable for all By Common Consent readers.

One of the most puzzling discussions I regularly have with other church members is about music. Because it’s a topic I care about, and because I’m the ward music chairman, the choir director, the Sacrament Meeting chorister, the RS pianist, and (until recently) the Primary chorister, I tend to be the go-to gal on music in my ward.
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