Mormonism is known for its often unique and idiosyncratic use of standard Christian vocabulary. This paper looks at the interpretations of some standard Mormon “proof texts” and considers some of the most widespread and egregiously misunderstood passages that bear directly on Mormon belief and practice. Richard C. Russell, Brian H. Stuy
Event: Salt Lake Symposium 2005
In Pursuit Of The Elusive Joseph Smith
Why is Joseph Smith still remembered when many other would be prophets and religious innovators have faded into obscurity? I believe much of the answer lies in the symbiosis of leader and follower that worked to shape the stories Joseph Smith told about himself. If this is so, will we ever be able to know …
The Classical Hebrew Prophets: Those Magnificent Men And Their Dangerous Doctrines
The classical Hebrew prophets contributed greatly to the intellectual and spiritual foundations of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Though their messages are ancient, their relevance is modern, for the prophets were “dissident intellectuals” who taught us by their examples to challenge both religious and political authorities. How does the role of Joseph Smith as a prophet …
Succession Crisis In The Community Of Christ
W. Grant McMurray’s surprise resignation this past November as president/prophet of the Community of Christ created what could be termed a succession crisis. This paper will discuss McMurray’s career, as well as the succession issues it raised, and how Steve Veazey, one of the younger members of the Twelve, was selected as the new president/prophet. …
How Reliable Are Our Memories? Memory Creation And Retrieval In Relation To Martha Beck’s ‘Leaving The Saints’
Martha Beck’s memoir, Leaving the Saints, in which she claims to have recovered memories of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her father, LDS scholar Hugh Nibley, has raised new interest in Mormon circles about how memory works. This session explores how memories are created and retrieved, as well as issues related to memory …
The Apostle Paul, The Submission Of Women, The Husband As Household ‘Head,’ And Slavery
The Apostle Paul is often considered to be the ultimate “Male Chauvinist Pig,” supportive of both slavery and the subordination of women to men. A proper translation of his writings, especially of the words translated as “submit” and “head,” shows that the passages that appear to support the patriarchal status quo were actually intended to …
Joseph Smith & The Shaman’s Vision: A Forgotten Paradigm For The Life Of The Mormon Prophet
This presentation continues my consideration of the merits of the paradigmatic model of Joseph Smith as a shamanic personality as the most comprehensible way to understand and embrace his life and work. Utilizing the research of C.G.. Jung and Mircea Eliade and others on archetypal patterns of ancient religions and healing practices, this session furthers …
Pain, Sorrow, Suffering, Failure, Despair And Occasional Moments Of Transcendence: The Wisdom And Insights Of Karen Armstrong
Former nun Karen Armstrong writes that she “failed” at every important endeavor she undertook until she began exploring the value of religion and the idea of God not from the viewpoint of a specific doctrine, but from the position of someone baffled by her own experiences and open to the doubts and beliefs of others. …
The Mormon ‘Scarlet Letter’: ‘S’ For Single
Is Bigger Better?: Meditations On ‘Size’
In today’s academic and political climates, using the word “hierarchy” can cause shudders, especially when one applies it to value judgments. I’ve long been enamored with process theologian Bernard Loomer’s concept of “size” as a way of talking about hierarchical relationships. Dan Wotherspoon, James McLachlan