Jana Riess
Do Mormons leave the Church because they ‘got offended’?
By Jana Riess — January 27, 2017
Elder Bednar says that many former Mormons left the fold because they chose to be offended by something. New research raises the question: Does this explanation hold water?
Mormons and evangelicals, again. Sigh.
By Jana Riess — March 9, 2015
I just experienced a sad and ugly reminder of how far Mormons and evangelicals have to go in understanding each other.
Guilt is good? Oy! #NowTheyTellMe
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — November 5, 2014
Studies show no one religion has a corner on guilt. (But you should still call your mother more.)
Mormon underwear: Church says there’s “nothing magical or mystical” to see here, folks
By Jana Riess — October 20, 2014
I can understand why it seems strange to non-Mormons that our holy garment is underwear, but to me that is exactly the most beautiful thing about it. What article of clothing could we choose that would be more profane, at the end of the day? What could be more tied to the messiness of being human?
Mormon doubts? Let’s talk about them
By Jana Riess — October 3, 2014
If you're a Mormon who struggles with doubt, join our book club. Over five Fridays, we'll be reading "The Crucible of Doubt" in chunks and discussing it.
“Should I marry a non-Mormon?”
By Jana Riess — August 14, 2014
A Mormon reader asks whether she should marry her Greek Orthodox boyfriend.
Mormon leader Uchtdorf translated to heaven; begins to glow
By Jana Riess — April 1, 2014
The LDS Church announced this morning that Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency has been translated to heaven. “He was simply too good for this world,” said a church spokesman about the wildly popular Mormon apostle.
Where do smart, sexy, single, Mormon thirty-somethings fit in the Church?
By Jana Riess — March 13, 2014
How do single Mormon women in their 30s stay faithful? And how many has the Church already lost?
“Princess Bride” star joins cast of BYUtv series “Granite Flats”
By Jana Riess — February 28, 2014
1980s icons Cary Elwes and Christopher Lloyd have signed on to appear in the Mormon-produced cable series "Granite Flats."
Is Salt Lake City the “most godless” city in America? Try again
By Jana Riess — January 31, 2014
Mormon-dominated Salt Lake City ranks lowest among US cities in Bible reading. Um, what?
The moral hazard of Justin Bieber
By Jana Riess — January 23, 2014
Justin, if you want to get drunk, do it in your own mansion with your sports car safely in the multibay garage. Don't mess with the precious lives of innocent people.
Do Mormons get fair treatment in the media? A Q&A with J.B. Haws
By Jana Riess — December 17, 2013
How is Mormonism portrayed in the media, and how has that changed over the last few decades? Do Mormons get fair treatment in the press? Today, BYU historian J.B. Haws talks about his new book, "The Mormon Image in the American Mind."
Can God take a tweet? ‘The Twible’ delivers holy writ with Twitter wit
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — November 13, 2013
(RNS) Jana Riess, popular Mormon blogger at Religion News Service, spent four years tweeting every book of the Old and New Testaments with pith and wit. Now, the complete collection -- each chapter condensed to 140 characters -- is on sale as "The Twible."
The Mormon Themes in Elizabeth Smart’s Memoir
By Jana Riess — October 26, 2013
Elizabeth Smart did not lose faith, despite crushing circumstances. “The human spirit is resilient,” she says. “God made us so.”
LDS Leader Dieter Uchtdorf Addresses Those Who Leave the Mormon Fold
By Jana Riess — October 5, 2013
In today's General Conference, LDS apostle Dieter Uchtdorf addressed the question of "If the gospel is so wonderful, why would anyone leave?" His compassionate approach was a breath of fresh air.
