Rituals and the Real: Stories and Transformative Storytelling Folklorists distinguish between the setting of a storytelling event and the universe created within the story. The world of the teller and what she tells overlap, simultaneously exist, and react upon and against each other. Theoretical frameworks developed by narratologists and anthropologists help us explore the meaning …
Mormons and the Cross
Mormons and the Cross The cross, perhaps the most potent and ubiquitous symbol in Christendom, has been essentially rejected as a symbol by the LDS Church. Mormons do not wear crosses, and no Mormon chapel or temple is adorned with a cross. For other Christians, who see the cross as the very emblem of Christ’s …
Selections from Sermons on the Stewardship of the Earth
Selections from Sermons on the Stewardship of the Earth Utah Interfaith Power and Light, a local unit of a national ecumenical, environmentally oriented group of ministers and lay church folk, recently held an Earth Day sermon contest on the theme: ‘This Spring, Change the World by Reaching Out to Your Faith Community and Beyond!’ This …
Generations and Religion: Subtle Changes and Unresolved Challenges
Generations and Religion: Subtle Changes and Unresolved Challenges Professor of Religion and Society, and the director of the Walter H. Capps Center for the Study of Ethics, Religion, and Public Life at University of California, Santa Barbara. He is a consultant on religion and society issues for PBS, NBC, and Religion and Ethics Newsweekly and …
SW08017: DECONSTRUCTING THE ‘MITT MOMENT’
DECONSTRUCTING THE ‘MITT MOMENT’ This panel will explore various aspects of Mitt Romney’s recent presidential bid, ranging from its impact on outsider perceptions of Mormonism, its doctrines and people, to Mitt’s and Mormonism’s portrayal in political cartooning. In what ways has this campaign been an eye-opening experience for Latter-day Saints? Following the panelists’ comments, we …
SW08016: ‘WHAT WOMEN KNOW’: WOMEN IN DIALOGUE
‘WHAT WOMEN KNOW’: WOMEN IN DIALOGUE Julie Beck, general president of the Relief Society, delivered an October 2007 conference address on the topic of women’s roles and sphere of influence, highlighting the phrase ‘Mothers Who Know.’ As President Beck spoke, the Bloggernacle lit up with discussion on her emphasis on mothers as nurturers and the …
SW08015: MORMONS AND THE CROSS
MORMONS AND THE CROSS The cross, perhaps the most potent and ubiquitous symbol in Christendom, has been essentially rejected as a symbol by the LDS Church. Mormons do not wear crosses, and no Mormon chapel or temple is adorned with a cross. For other Christians, who see the cross as the very emblem of Christ’s …
SW08014: MORMONISM AND IMMIGRATION
MORMONISM AND IMMIGRATION Mormons tend to be strongly conservative about immigration matters. But should they be? Is there anything in Mormon theology that requires a hard-line immigration approach? Some hardliners cite the 12th Article of Faith as support for a conservative approach to immigration – is this a necessary conclusion? And are there aspects of …
SW080013: STORIES FROM THE BORDERLANDS
Many of us at this symposium are in the LDS “Borderlands” in one way or another, and we’ve all had interesting, funny, or troubling experiences. We’ve also overcome difficulties and challenges (or we wouldn’t be here!). In this session, I will share a few reflections and experiences on Borderlander topics, but I mainly want to …
SW08012: THE LEGACY OF PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY
THE LEGACY OF PRESIDENT GORDON B. HINCKLEY In this session, panelists and audience members are invited to share both personal and analytical reflections about the life and legacy of President Gordon B. Hinckley, who died 27 January 2008. What will be the lasting legacy of this beloved prophet’s presidency and leadership during his long-time Church …