Jana Riess

Senior columnist Jana Riess is the author of many books, including "The Prayer Wheel" (Random House/Convergent, 2018) and "The Next Mormons: How Millennials Are Changing the LDS Church" (Oxford University Press, 2019). She has a PhD in American religious history from Columbia University.

All Stories by Jana Riess

Spirituality writer Lauren Winner asks: Who is God in the Bible?

By Jana Riess — May 6, 2016
Scripture says God is like a pregnant rock, or a tree, or clothing. Lauren Winner says these metaphors in the Bible seek to stretch our imaginations and help us envision a God who is much bigger than we thought.

Mormon senator’s death marks the end of an era for a Trump-free GOP

By Jana Riess — May 5, 2016
Former Utah Senator Robert Bennett died yesterday. Maybe it’s a blessing that he won’t live to see the further implosion of the political party—and the nation—he worked to build and protect.

Historians to discuss Joseph Smith’s polyandrous children, Mormons on YouTube, and Winston Churchill’s investigation of the LDS Church

By Jana Riess — May 3, 2016
Did Joseph Smith have a child with a woman who was married to another man? Why did Winston Churchill launch an investigation of the LDS Church in England? And other highlights from this year's Mormon History Association conference.

Gay Mormon rocker no longer singing praises for his faith

By Jana Riess — April 30, 2016
Tyler Glenn's new solo video "Trash" says the Mormon religion is claustrophobic for LGBT people—and since the video ends with the singer's mock death, apparently fatal.

Mormon leaders’ push to help refugees is an antidote to some members’ frustrations

By Jana Riess — April 29, 2016
Given the LDS Church's "fetishization of the family," guest blogger Brandt Malone says the recent Mormon emphasis on helping refugees puts the focus back where it should be: on what Jesus would do.

Odd baby names show Mormons are unique … like everyone else

By Jana Riess — April 25, 2016
Kaisen? Haizley? Wraylynn? Guest blogger Jennifer Mansfield explores what Mormons gain by giving their children such unusual names.

Mormon growth slows to its lowest level since 1937. Here’s why that’s great news.

By Jana Riess — April 19, 2016
Why has Mormon growth slowed so much since the heady gains of the 1980s and 1990s, and why is this numeric stagnation considered a step forward?

Are Mormons in their 20s and 30s leaving the LDS Church?

By Jana Riess — April 14, 2016
More young adults appear to be leaving the Mormon fold, but the rate of their exodus is less severe than their peers in the Millennial generation.

Mormon fasting is a chance to “sit with discomfort”

By Jana Riess — April 9, 2016
"I am learning how to be uncomfortable" in a Mormon fast, says guest blogger Mette Harrison. "I am learning that I don’t have to have answers or to feel spiritually ecstatic."

Apostle suggests Mormons were saved from Brussels attacks and Fiji cyclone

By Jana Riess — April 7, 2016
Elder Oaks suggested the Lord intervened to save Mormon missionaries and a Mormon temple. Isn't God bigger than this?

The first Mormon women: Polygamy, healings, and more

By Jana Riess — April 6, 2016
Membership in Relief Society used to be something you had to apply for, and several other surprises from the first 50 years of Mormon women's history.

5 Mormon General Conference highlights in tweets

By Jana Riess — April 4, 2016
I was bracing myself to be disappointed by General Conference, but it was uplifting and (dare I say it?) EVEN FUN AT TIMES. Here are my fave tweets.

Mormons to open Starbucks locations inside LDS temples

By Jana Riess — April 1, 2016
A surprising new arrangement to put a Starbucks inside every LDS temple has Mormons wondering: Is coffee now kosher?

Bracing myself for LDS General Conference

By Jana Riess — March 31, 2016
The opening session on Saturday was amazing, so why am I apprehensive about this weekend's LDS General Conference?

Dear Mormon bullies: Haters NOT gonna hate on my watch

By Jana Riess — March 26, 2016
They imagine they help the LDS Church by abusing its teachings and covering their unethical verbal assaults by feigning prayerful affection. They're wrong.
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