Lecturer | Linguist | language researcher | PhD Candidate in Complex Systems
The scriptures stand as some of the most influential and revered texts in human history. Across millennia, they have shaped cultures, inspired countless individuals, and served as spiritual guides for billions. However, understanding the scriptures requires recognizing an essential distinction:
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The Book of Mormon, first published in 1830, is a foundational text for the Latter-day Saint tradition. As with any significant religious text, its language and structure are critical in shaping its themes, message, and reception. Linguists and literary analysts
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The connection between Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent deity of Mesoamerican cultures, and Jesus Christ has been a topic of much discussion, particularly in colonial and post-colonial scholarship. The idea that Quetzalcoatl may be a precursor or equivalent to Christ is
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Mesoamerica, home to the ancient civilizations of the Aztec, Maya, Zapotec, and others, was a region rich in cultural and religious traditions. At the heart of these traditions were the gods, powerful deities who shaped the lives, beliefs, and rituals
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Merry Christmas from the Billings Family! This past year seems like it past in the blink of an eye. For those that don’t know we are living in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. In the end of 2023 Jake was admitted
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Why do some words seem to be everywhere—like “the,” “and,” or “is”—while others feel like rare treasures? And how can the way we use language today reveal secrets about societies that came long before us? The answer lies in power
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Ever notice how certain words seem to pop up over and over again in conversations, books, or even your own writing? Words like “the,” “and,” “of” — they’re practically everywhere. Meanwhile, words like “serendipity” or “albatross” show up only once
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The United States’ commitment to free speech, enshrined in the First Amendment, has a complex and turbulent history. While today it stands as a cornerstone of American democracy, the road to protecting this fundamental right has been fraught with contradictions,
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The Book of Mormon has been the subject of scrutiny and debate for many reasons, one of which is its use of the word “white” in passages like the phrase “white and delightsome.” Critics often interpret this language as evidence
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Government, by definition, is a social monopoly of force. The immense power vested in police forces and armies worldwide rests in the hands of governments, granting them unparalleled potential to violate individual rights. Historically, some of the worst injustices—massive waste,
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