These is My Words has an interesting (and very sympathetic, I think) treatment of religion — similar to many frontier-type renditions of simple belief in God while not trusting “organized” religion very much.

Everything that Jennifer at Conversion Diary talks about (faith, discernment, Adoration, etc) is what I admire most about you guys!

“I was proud of my brother (even though it wasn’t the same speech I would give) because he shared a message that was important to him. God is mentioned in graduations all over the country (esp in the South, I should say, but also in Harlem and The Bronx), Allah is mentioned in commencements in Cairo.

Separation of church and state means that the state does not support a religon, not that we restrict the 1st amendment rights of public speakers.

As for the better quotes of Franklin, I’m sure there are, but these two quotes actually seem quite apropos to me for a graduating class facing life decisions including choosing a career in the midst of recession.

The first quote says that there is something (call it a “divine being” like Franklin, or “humanity” if you prefer) greater than ourselves, and that we can best serve something greater than ourselves by serving others. By not putting our own greed first.

The second quote reaffirms that we need the help of something greater than ourselves in order to succeed. It encourages humility.

Frankly, desire to serve others (in Peace Corps, Habitat for Humanity, New Orleans rebuilding, etc) and humility (rather than corporate greed and malfeasance like we see in the finance sector, etc) are two things I wish every graduate would embrace.

Finally, you’re absolutely right that my brother is sheltered and naive, and that he will hopefully learn a lot as he travels outside of Utah. One thing he will learn (that I learned in Japan, NYC, Cairo, Europe, and Florida) is that many people are able to discuss matters of religion and state, and God and Christianity/Islam/Judaism/Atheism/Agnosticism/etc/etc without an immediate polarization of us versus them.

Mormon – Non-Mormon relations in Utah are sometimes so acrimonious, they remind me of race relations in the South. I hope someday (we) Mormons can be more Christ-like and that non-believers (or however I should categorize the “others”) can forgive us for our frequent insider-group shortsightedness.”

Oh, and I love the pics!

I love that line about hopelessly unsophisticated in your faith. It’s true, isn’t it? We supposed to be so smart and clever, and we girls were brought up to take over the world. To step back from the tenets of reason and give credit instead to God makes us rubes in the eyes of many.

I love the mountains in the background – beautiful. Memories of my tiny years in Colorado.

Best of luck and Godspeed to your brother on his mission. The dedication to missionary work is what I most admire about y’all!

I was expressly forbidden from mentioning God in my valedictory speech. (For your sake, I won’t say how long ago I gave it .) Though this was in the South and I’m fairly certain more of the student body believed in God (or Allah, we did have a few Muslims) than most of the schools here, LOL.

I’ve actually wondered about why the scriptures always say to preach repentance first. I’ve come to the conclusion that repentance is the good news—it’s the message of hope. Understanding, accepting and believing repentance entails faith in Jesus Christ, in the entire plan of salvation.

(Oh, BTW, I’m reading These is my Words this week on your recommendation!)