In the News

Former Federal Judge, and Wheatley Fellow, Thomas Griffith shares his thoughts on the critique that follow choices made by the Supreme Court. He argues for the justices are able to seperate the decision making with the way to which they entered the Supreme Court.

Hal Boyd voices his perspective on being a christian in modern times. Boyd’s post comes in response to a talk given to Ensign College by President Dallin H. Oaks of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Oak’s addressed students of Ensign College along with Elder Clark G. Gilbert, the church comissioner of education, on May 17th of 2022 in Salt Lake City.

Jenet Jacob Erickson, an Associate Professor of Religious Education at Brigham Young University and Wheatley Institute Fellow, shared her thoughts on Supreme Court draft leak regarding Roe v. Wade. The draft penned by Justice Samuel Alito seeks to overturn the Roe v. Wade case of 1973 that granted the right to receive an abortion.

This week, Newsweek published an opinion editorial featuring the 2022 State of Our Unions study on marriage. Newsweek’s op-ed focuses on the benefits of marrying earlier in life rather than later, highlighting research from the 2022 report.

In a recently published commentary in the Wall Street Journal, Wheatley Fellow Jenet Erickson, and her co-author J.D. Vance, raise important questions about the wisdom of President Joe Biden’s $225 billion budget proposal for daycare. Apart from questioning the cost, Erickson and Vance question how to ensure efficacious care for millions of children moved abruptly into childcare.

Wheatley Fellows, Jenet Erickson and Justin Dyer in addition to Morgan Gardner, wrote an article for Deseret News on how both single and married Latter-day Saint women are significantly more likely to report a deep sense of spiritual peace and well-being — along with better happiness and family life, all of which are tied to higher levels of religiosity.

Wheatley Institute Family Director Jason Carroll wrote an article with Wheatley Fellow Brian J. Willoughby for the Institute of Family Studies about the harmful effects of pornography use on marriages, mentioning recent studies linking pornography use to decreased marital commitment and satisfaction, worse mental health, and increased rates of divorce.

Wheatley Fellow and Deseret Magazine executive editor Hal Boyd wrote an brief article for Deseret Magazine about recent developments in American religion and secularism, introducing a series of articles about America's decline in, and return to, religious activity—including an article written by Reverend Andrew Teal, who visited Wheatley Institute last fall.

Wheatley Fellows Jenet Erickson and Loren Marks contributed an article to the Public Square Magazine exploring the sacrifices made by mothers and their profound impact on a child's life. They argue that well-intentioned feminist efforts have begun to devalue the vital institutions of marriage and family, placing more importance on autonomy and prestige—when family and motherhood bring a deeper satisfaction. They look at the issue through a religious lens, comparing scripture and prophetic teachings to data and statistics, including a recent report in collaboration with Jason Carroll, Wheatley Institute's Family Initiative Director.