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Prof’s post-election statement

In the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory, a Brigham Young University mathematics professor sounded a warning to supporters of the once and future president.

He pasted a note on his office door, David Cardon pointed out passage The Book of Mormon, the church’s signature scripture, warned that if the majority of people chose “evil,” they could face “the judgments of God” and “great destruction.”

“By almost any objective standard, Donald Trump is a bad man,” Cardon said. “Now that you have made your choice, you must wait for this prophecy to come true.”

Cardon’s message attracted attention and sparked criticism Cougar ChronicleAn independent, student-run conservative newspaper.

“Dr. Many students in Cardon’s class likely voted for President Trump; The newspaper wrote that the apparent hostility shown to Trump voters risks sowing discord and conflict among his students. “…accusing potential students of triggering ‘God’s judgment’ and placing the moral responsibility for the resulting destruction on their shoulders is inappropriate, regardless of the victor.”

The article then invited readers to message BYU school officials about Cardon’s statement.

The anti-Trump BYU professor had no regrets.

“There is no doubt that Trump is a bad man. list of crimes committed too long” Cardon replied. “… If (the scripture) bothers you, then the Book of Mormon should also bother you. If this bothers you, you probably don’t believe in the Book of Mormon.”

RealClearEducation 2020 University Free Speech Rankings He cited church-owned BYU as the school where left-leaning students were least comfortable expressing their views. Unlike their conservative classmates, progressives were more likely to sit hands-on during debates than lift them up.

At the same time, the church’s flagship university was ranked the fourth friendliest university for students with right-leaning politics.

inside 2025 rankingBYU was excluded from the overall calculation. Instead, it was listed under “warning schools” along with five other religiously affiliated colleges that “clearly and consistently stated that they (prioritized) other values ​​over a commitment to free speech.”

celebration in Latin

22nd Annual “Luz de las Naciones” (Light of Nations) celebration of Latin American culture drew tens of thousands of people to the Conference Center in downtown Salt Lake City for two nights last week.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for those who do not live in our own countries to come together, applaud, have fun and cheer,” said Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, second advisor to the Global Young Women presidency. newsletter. “And also for people outside our countries to get a taste of what it’s like to live in Latin America.”

If you didn’t win the free tickets, which sold out within minutes, you can enjoy singing and dancing by watching the recording of the performance online. publications.ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Bible Stream app or YouTube.

‘Free and fair’ election

Mormon Women for Ethical Government, a grassroots group, praised government workers, poll workers and volunteers for their commitment to democracy.

“Just like four years ago,” the organization wrote. website“The election was free and fair.”

At the same time, MWEG has pledged to work against the “anti-democratic and inhumane” rhetoric sometimes put forward during the 2024 campaign.

“These messages have raised legitimate concerns for many people about the impact of the election results on their individual lives, and we pray that we will work together as citizens and disciples to care for one another,” the group said. “…We will redouble our efforts to help our nation better align with our highest values.”

From the Tribune

• A new biography explores one man’s life compassionate and charismatic general authority Someone who was decades ahead of his time and spoke out against racism, sexism, and “ridiculous” church traditions.

• New movie “Heretic” talks intelligently about religion and Mormonism, writes scientist Matthew Bowmanespecially on one key point: Emotions matter and are even considered “evidence.”

• One eighth missionary dies This year has surpassed the total number of deaths among proselytizing forces in 2023.

• Tribune columnist Gordon Monson He suggests what Latter-day Saints and their divided churches can and should do now that Donald Trump will return as president.

• Tribune guest as the institutional church gradually loses its influence among members columnist Natalie Brown He wonders whether leaders should do less policing and more responsiveness to modern realities.

• Apostle Jeffrey Holland makes his first trip He has been abroad since his near-death experience last year.

•A historic Latter-day Saint meetinghouse A partially destroyed place may rise again at Easter.

• 100-year-old Russell Nelson, Desert Peak ShrineIt is the 200th operating temple of the 194-year-old faith and one of 31 existing or planned temples in Utah.