Disqus - Latest Comments for CelestialTones

Re: Fewer Boys Is Better . . . for Boys | Mark Bauerlein | First Things

CelestialTones — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 14:11:27 -0000

I don't know that sensitivity and caring can't also be a masculine virtue, if that's what you are getting at.

Re: Fewer Boys Is Better . . . for Boys | Mark Bauerlein | First Things

CelestialTones — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 14:10:31 -0000

Very plausible.

It may be that their being a female majority in the classroom of a mixed class means that there are less boys for the boys in the class to compete with, less "goofing around" so to speak, less fear of looking "nerdy", and more of a sense of even needing to compete with the girls in the class.

But if we have a single-sex classroom where there is a strong culture of high expectations and academic and social excellence, and this is facilitated by male mentors who know what they are doing and know how to make that happen, it may make just as much if not more of a difference for those boys.

Of course, for mixed classrooms, as far as policy, I'm not sure how we are going to be able to always ensure there are more girls than boys in a class. What percentage is the sweet spot, so to speak? And doesn't this only apply to English/reading classes?

Re: Fewer Boys Is Better . . . for Boys | Mark Bauerlein | First Things

CelestialTones — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 14:06:54 -0000

Great point. Not all single-sex schools are going to be created equal. We see the same thing with charter schools.

Re: Fewer Boys Is Better . . . for Boys | Mark Bauerlein | First Things

CelestialTones — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 14:01:51 -0000

Perhaps it is not so much the presence of girls in a classroom as it is the culture we carefully sculpt, preserve, and even enforce by our expectations, in the classroom, that leads to a higher achievement among boys. I have heard anecdotally (though not seen specific data) that certain single-sex schools that have such a strong culture with respectable leading male mentors who set the tone for it are able to achieve great things for boys not only academically but socially, to the point that the girls from the co-ed schools prefer these boys over their male peers in their own schools.

I was also under the impression that the way we teach boys from a rather female-dominated view of "Sit still and please the teacher" was detrimental to the learning styles of many boys. I'm not sure how to square what was shown in these studies with that idea. Then again, it may just be the area of reading that this holds true for boys needing girls around, since reading is very much an experience of stillness and concentration.

Seems there are a lot of seemingly contradictory experiences and studies. Perhaps there is something underlying them all that we are just missing.

Re: In Bondage to Pornography | Carl R. Trueman | First Things

CelestialTones — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 20:08:22 -0000

Of course, the fruits of true and good religion are not the same as the fruits of pornography.

I will say though that while the images certainly have an influence on the brain and are correlated with neurochemical reactions, it does not mean that one completely loses their agency either. I don't like the idea perpetuated that one is simply a slave to pornography with no hope of recovery or no say in how he will live his life. I think that may end up bringing about a situation of learned helplessness that is detrimental to rising above pornography usage.

Re: In Bondage to Pornography | Carl R. Trueman | First Things

CelestialTones — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 20:05:01 -0000

I don't see it as either/or, but rather a reciprocal relationship as part of our fallen natures.

Re: In Bondage to Pornography | Carl R. Trueman | First Things

CelestialTones — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 20:03:15 -0000

Except that sugar actually has some role to play in brain and body function. What exactly is the functionality of porn, other than isolation and its attendant loneliness, decreased connection with actual human beings which is in fact a factor in good mental and emotional health, perpetuation of unrealistic expectations concerning sexuality and what people (i.e. women) want in a sexual relationship (which certainly doesn't help when we are talking about consent), habituation to normative sexual activity with one person and as a replacement the ever-constant seeking after novelty that is associated with infidelity, etc.?

If we are talking about a spiritual sexual ethic, the God-given purposes of sexuality are that of bringing children into this world (they are an heritage of the Lord) and bringing husband and wife close together not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well and cementing their relationship (they twain shall be one flesh).

Re: http://www.modernmormonmen.com/2011/06/on-topic-of-queers-and-marriage.html

CelestialTones — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 13:09:41 -0000

I'm bi. Contractual consensual agreements between members of the same sex, otherwise referred to as gay marriage, is the law of the land and I respect that. I don't see it in any case having ever threatened our own faith, the closing of temples, etc. that I have ever been aware of. We also see how the church has gotten around it in other countries by separating the legalities from the spiritual ordinance that marriage really is to us. Nothing is going to change God's ordinances or purposes for marriage, regardless of what other people do. I can totally empathize with what gay members go through given my own sexuality. My own path is that of finding an eternal companion and raising a family. I've known since I was a boy that I have always wanted to be a father. The journey is certainly not easy, and I'm grateful for the many empathetic people in the Church and out of it who have helped me in my own personal journey. I respect how hard it is for those who are exclusively attracted to the same sex and I don't shame them in taking whatever decisions they feel are best for their mental health. There are some that stay celibate and active in the church, even some who end up deciding they will marry someone of the opposite sex because they feel that's what the Lord has led them to do. Still others feel that the Lord has let them know it's okay to be in a committed same-sex marriage. I respect all their decisions, and realize my only job is to keep on loving them and sharing the blessings of the Atonement of Christ with everyone around me, regardless of their choices or present circumstances.

The words of a hymn always guide me in such tough and sensitive issues that people go through, such as with this topic:
"Who am I to judge another, when I walk imperfectly? In the quiet heart is hidden sorrow that the eye can't see."

With that in mind, I continue to seek to follow the Lord and His counsel through the inspiration I receive in my own personal study as well as the words of the prophets and apostles that are confirmed to me by the Spirit's voice.

Re: Modern Mormon Men: Why My Son Said He Didn’t Believe in Evolution — and Why That Troubled Me

CelestialTones — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 12:56:29 -0000

Great post! I have similar thoughts about the intersections of faith and the natural sciences.Thanks for sharing.

Re: Modern Mormon Men: Advice for My 16-Year-Old Son About Stepping Up His Game with Girls

CelestialTones — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 11:50:30 -0000

Have you read the book "The Road Less Traveled" by M. Scott Peck? Your #5 advice is almost textbook what he talks about with the difference between falling in love and truly loving a person. Great list! Only criticism I would have is that while sometimes dating does suck, like you said, it doesn't always have to if you make efforts to make it less sucky.

Re: Sex Offenders Can Be Nice Guys: How Making Jared Fogle a Monster Encourages Abusers

CelestialTones — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 16:25:09 -0000

Your story is one of bravery and at the same time immense pain for me. I can only imagine what it is like for you and your precious children.

As a boy who was abused by an older boy, and had an uncle who was a convicted offender (though he never did anything to me), I grew up both in serious confusion about my sexuality and with this fear that I too would become an offender. Please, continue to share your story, if it helps even one person it is worth it, painful as it is.

What pedophiles (especially those who have not offended) need is access to treatment. Unfortunately, the social stigma that comes with even admitting you have an attraction to kids (regardless of whether you have ever acted upon it) and the way mandatory reporting laws are so variable (though there purpose is of course understandable) make it so that many of even younger pedophiles (such as the young man who molested me) are afraid to even get treatment for fear of being reported simply for their thoughts.

I wouldn't wish death or anything else horrible upon him. Just that he could get the help he so desperately needed. We are all humans craving after love and affection, especially as kids. I wish for a world where children don't have to cry anymore...don't have to be physically, verbally, emotionally or sexually abused anymore.

Re: Modern Mormon Men: MMM Movies: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

CelestialTones — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 19:17:44 -0000

Such a good book, still need to complete watching the movie. They picked a great casting for the boy and his dad in my opinion.

Re: Modern Mormon Men: Giveaway 21: Winner & Movie Review

CelestialTones — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 19:15:11 -0000

This was honestly one of my favorite movies. Not only is it a cute story, but it's a meaningful one and a bit of a tear-jerker. Really spoke to the child in me, even as a 20-something LDS male.

Re: Modern Mormon Men: Orson Scott Card’s Songmaster: The Power of Songs and Negative Emotions in Mormon Music

CelestialTones — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 19:07:28 -0000

Interesting that you mentioned Come, Come Ye Saints, as I have often felt that that hymn was one that expressed some of the most powerful emotions that I have felt while singing hymns. Reverently and Meekly Now is another one, as well as Be Still My Soul, Come Ye Disconsolate, and Where Can I Turn for Peace.

Re: LDS leader uses family as example of harmony between church, gays

CelestialTones — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:02:55 -0000

No. Re-baptized, apparently.

Re: LDS leader uses family as example of harmony between church, gays

CelestialTones — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 14:01:51 -0000

Fair enough! I'm glad to hear that and am sure he is happy in his choice. I wish him the best, and look up to him greatly! (I'm active and LGBT myself. If it weren't for those small and simple things and my own testimony and conversion, I don't honestly know where I'd be...)

Re: Gay gene study replicated more than 20 years later

CelestialTones — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:38:08 -0000

Ok, so has anyone ever bothered to see if heterosexual twins share this same gene? Are we comparing to other possibilities here?

Re: LDS leader uses family as example of harmony between church, gays

CelestialTones — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:14:58 -0000

Source???

Re: At the UN, Conservative Christian Agenda Cloaked in Human Rights Language

CelestialTones — Thu, 16 Oct 2014 12:18:14 -0000

Well said, Reverend! They also forget about how many of the children born in these 'traditional' families are LGBT!!! So if they are really about protecting children...they are sure doing a crappy job of it....
~An LDS Christian who cares about children and his LGBT brothers and sisters, as well as the numbers of LGBT youth who are trying to take their own lives because of family, religious, and community rejection.
http://familyproject.sfsu.e...
http://mormonsbuildingbridg...

Re: Holden family of 7 finds happiness in one another, emphasis on faith

CelestialTones — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:17:16 -0000

Fair enough. I happen to find it quite Biblical. But like I said, we all have differing opinions and perspectives. Just out of curiosity, what denomination, if any, do you belong to? I used to be Catholic as well as Baptist. I confess I haven't been to too many other faith services, though I really would like to attend others when I am able.

Re: Holden family of 7 finds happiness in one another, emphasis on faith

CelestialTones — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:10:07 -0000

Why thank you Guest, nice to know what people think of me simply based upon my beliefs ;) We all have our biases and our struggles with pride, do we not? I certainly don't claim to be perfect as a member of this Church.

Re: Holden family of 7 finds happiness in one another, emphasis on faith

CelestialTones — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:07:50 -0000

So just what makes "news" news, then? Does any one person have a monopoly on what "news" is?

Re: Holden family of 7 finds happiness in one another, emphasis on faith

CelestialTones — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:06:19 -0000

Have you met this family? We would do well not to judge an entire family on the basis of what we perceive others might be like. I certainly have never been taught hate for women, gays (I have plenty LGBT individuals just in my family alone, and have a transgender friend who has attended Church activites), or anyone else for that matter.

Re: Holden family of 7 finds happiness in one another, emphasis on faith

CelestialTones — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 22:03:47 -0000

As a biromantic demisexual, Hispanic, garment-wearing Latter Day Saint who loves science, psychology, and fully accepts the evidence for evolutionary theory, I applaud you totally for what you do to raise such a wonderful family and don't think that people in our faith are any better or worse then the next family down the road. I think all people trying to do good and raise a family should be lauded and supported. I don't think the intention was to at all make others seem lesser. Simply to share a particular family's stories and experiences. Surely, there is much diversity and it should be celebrated. Perhaps BDN could do a whole series of different families with different backgrounds. Someone could suggest it to the editors.

Re: Holden family of 7 finds happiness in one another, emphasis on faith

CelestialTones — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 21:57:21 -0000

Everyone has the choice to disregard or ignore the article. No one has taken away anyone's free will to do as they please. If someone posts a front page story about a man who keeps bees for a living, is that pushing bee-keeping on anyone? Do they have to read it or become bee-keepers themselves?