Mormon Folklore

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Welcome

Apr 6th, 2007 by Stephen Erastus Knudsen III

Glenn’s Welcome:
This website is dedicated to the exploration of traditional expression (aka “folklore”) in LDS culture. I do this through satire — through the voice of Stephen Erastus Knudsen III — a fictional character. I am a faithful practicing Mormon. I believe. I doubt. I love the church. I struggle with the church. I express those conflicts through this satire. If you like satire, please read on. If not, this may not be the site for you.

Stephen’s Welcome:

My name is Stephen Erastus Knudsen III. I am not ashamed of my righteousness. I was named after the martyr Stephen who, according to Acts 7:55-56, looked up and saw Christ on the right hand of the Father (please, no jokes about “being stoned” – I have heard that my entire life — that is hardly appropriate).

I decided to contribute to this blog because of all of the skeptical misconceptions I hear about the Truth of Mormonism (especially from the other contributors to this site). They would have you believe that all of our beliefs are “folklore.” Perhaps that is merely a reflection of the shallowness of their faith, but as for me and my house, I feel a deep desire to set the record straight on a number of issues, and I will not be silenced, even as my namesake was not silenced. I therefore humbly submit myself to your judgment — weigh my humble words and determine for yourself their great and marvelous worth.

If you would like to contact me, I would be more than happy to share my experiences and perspectives with you. Perhaps we could even become friends. I think that would be highly appropriate. You can ask me a direct question here on this blog by clicking on Ask Knudsen. However, if you prefer to hide your light beneath a bushel, you can email me at mormonfolklore@gmail.com — I promise I will not judge you unrighteously.

Please address me as Stephen, or Elder Knudsen, but I implore you, out of respect towards my namesake, do not call me “Steve.” I prefer the use of my full proper name rather than the more slothful, vulgar short-cut.

Finally, if you care to invest the time and wish to be enlightened, you may read my bio here (simply click on the highlighted word).

14 Responses to “Welcome”

on 28 Apr 2007 at 4:11 pm1Costanza

You sound just like my friend Dwight K. Schrute. That is all.
on 28 Apr 2007 at 7:27 pm2Adam

Is this a parody of some self-righteous, arrogant Mormon who has believed everything that was ever shoved underneath his eyes?

I certainly hope this is some kind of attempt at comedy, because if not, its sad.
on 28 Apr 2007 at 10:32 pm3Stephen Erastus Knudsen III

Who is Dwight K. Schrute? At first I thought maybe I had forgotten to memorize one of the General Authorities.
on 28 Apr 2007 at 10:53 pm4DKL

Mark Butler? Is that you?
on 28 Apr 2007 at 11:29 pm5Bored in Vernal

DKL:
hahahahaha
on 29 Apr 2007 at 7:09 am6Costanza

You guys didn’t visit the site eary enough. It started out as a serious discussion of Mormon folklore. My guess is that the guy who runs it has decided to create a character through whom he will channel all of his collected folkloric materials.
on 29 Apr 2007 at 10:41 am7Stephen Erastus Knudsen III

For the sake of Elder Bednar and the Bretheren, I will choose to NOT be offended by that.
on 30 Apr 2007 at 1:06 am8Glenn

If you are right Costanza and this really is just a channel for folkloric materials, I hope it is at least informative and somehow respectful. Satire can be very tricky. A little goes a long way, and this may get old very quick.
on 30 Apr 2007 at 11:43 am9Costanza

I actually think that it’s a pretty brilliant idea. Good Brother Knudsen is the great archetype of all of our “folk” tendencies.
on 07 Jun 2007 at 12:26 am10Prudence McPrude

There’s not enough room for the both of us, Knudson. Get thee hence!
on 08 Jun 2007 at 5:17 am11Stephen Erastus Knudsen III

Dear Prudence,

Open up your eyes. I am here to stay, at least until I am translated again. But why the hostility? I was recently made aware of your contributions to the straight and narrow path and can say that I have been somewhat impressed with them. You seem to know who you are and what you stand for at least. So no need for a lack of civility. Cheer up. The sun is up, the sky is blue, its beautiful, and… (what are these feelings?)
on 08 Jun 2007 at 6:04 am12Fenevad

There’s not enough room for the both of us, Knudson. Get thee hence!

I was going to suggest that the two of you get a room, which would solve the problem…
on 08 Jun 2007 at 10:01 am13Peter Goode

Brother Stephen,

I for one think You have more than enough righteousness to withstand the competition of one Prudence McPrude. What has Sister McPrude done to tear down iniquity and false doctrine? We have seen your fruits. Keep thrashing the nations, brother!
on 12 Jul 2007 at 1:04 am14Simonds Ryder

What happened to everyone? I go on vacation for a couple of weeks and the posts stop. I never knew I wielded so much power . . .