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
The Walking Wounded
By Jana Riess — May 20, 2014
A couple of weeks ago I posed a question on Facebook: What was the most discouraging thing a teacher ever told you about yourself? I was surprised by the dozens of answers I received – and by their specificity.
Possible long-term sexual consequences of Mormon modesty: A guest post by Mette Ivie Harrison
By Jana Riess — May 16, 2014
Mette Harrison asks, "Could it be that our insistence on talking about male desire and female purity is leading to problems for married couples who do not know how to negotiate an equal sexual interaction?"
Idaho to allow same-sex marriage, beginning Friday
By Jana Riess — May 14, 2014
Yesterday, a federal judge lifted a ban on same-sex marriage in Idaho. To me this is great news, though the 24% of Idaho that is Mormon may not feel the same way.
Mormon “Gospel Topics” series addresses Mountain Meadows Massacre
By Jana Riess — May 13, 2014
Yesterday, the LDS Church released a "Gospel Topics" statement about violence in 19th-century Mormonism. With refreshing candor, the Church takes full responsibility for the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
The prophetic gender gap in Mormon scripture
By Jana Riess — May 12, 2014
What was odd about yesterday's Primary lesson was not just the curriculum’s complete erasure of female prophets from history but the confusion it created by including male leaders from scripture who were NOT prophets and calling them prophets.
Best. Mormon. Comic.
By Jana Riess — May 9, 2014
Comic book character "Enid" is a sharp, funny 15-year-old Mormon girl who wears "I Heart Dieter" t-shirts and argues with her seminary teacher. Creator Scott Hales talks about Enid and the daily comic's growing cult following on Tumblr.
Mormon apostles now on Twitter! But what will they tweet?
By Jana Riess — May 8, 2014
"@TheRealDieter: God is love. You are loved. Be happy and grateful! Also, now is the time on Sprockets when we dance." And 14 other hypothetical tweets from Mormon apostles.
Mormons respond to Supreme Court case on public prayer
By Jana Riess — May 6, 2014
It’s all too easy for a religious majority to overlook the presence or needs of religious minorities. But in Mormon history, we have enough examples of being religiously oppressed that we ought to remember a bit more clearly what it feels like.
Beautiful, inspiring “I’m a Mormon” video on post-partum depression
By Jana Riess — May 3, 2014
Love this "I'm a Mormon" video in which former world squash champion Leilani Rorani talks about having postpartum depression after the birth of her third child -- and about how hard motherhood can be, alongside its many rewards.
Mormons for a platitude-free Mother’s Day
By Jana Riess — May 2, 2014
Well-meaning people, in the face of the pain that litters the minefield that is Mother’s Day, often resort to generalities and platitudes. But this is a mistake. What can save the Mother’s Day church experience are flesh-and-blood stories of broken people doing their very best.
Cliven Bundy is Mormon? Noooooooo
By Jana Riess — April 30, 2014
So Cliven Bundy, the right-wing rancher who made news for opposing the federal government and then for making racist remarks, turns out to be Mormon. Terrific.
What I learned from Glen Stassen
By Jana Riess — April 28, 2014
Glen Stassen (1936-2014) didn't just teach me about the importance of Christian ethics, but about being gracious in the face of change and hard work. He will be missed.
Who owns the name “Mormon”?
By Jana Riess — April 24, 2014
I listen to the Mormon Matters podcast, get Primary ideas from Mormon Mommy Blogs, and learn about new books from the Association of Mormon Letters. But the LDS Church is making a stand about organizations and businesses like these that lay claim to the name "Mormon."
African Americans and the Mormon experience
By Jana Riess — April 23, 2014
BYU professor Margaret Blair Young will speak in Cincinnati this weekend on black Mormon pioneers.
Utah has the 4th-worst pay gap between men and women. Is Mormonism responsible?
By Jana Riess — April 21, 2014
Why does Utah have such a dismal record in women's earnings, and is Mormonism really to blame?
