Find out about the feature-length documentary Far Between, currently in production from empathy First Initiative (EFI) which explores the question, “What is it like to be homosexual and Mormon?” learn about other programs sponsored by EFI that will enable you to engage in constructive dialogue with friends and family on this often divisive topic and …
Event: Salt Lake Symposium 2011
Devotional. Dare We Question Scripture?
In this devotional, we will consider 2 Nephi 5:30 (CofC) / 2 Nephi 6:12 (LDS) and focus on a responsible interpretation of this significantly prejudicial text in the Book of Mormon. Dale E. Luffman
“I Am A Mormon” And “I Am A Scientologist”: Recent Marketing Efforts In Mormonism And Scientology
In addition to being uniquely american religious movements, the lDS Church and Church of Scientology were founded by individuals who perceived themselves as offering a unique theological or spiritual corrective. Joseph Smith re-established the one true Christian church, and l. Ron Hubbard’s techniques of dianetics and Scientology put forth a spiritual view of humans that …
Sister Wives Go To Court
In 2003, the US Supreme Court struck down laws criminalizing sex between gay and lesbian individuals, finding that those laws violated the individuals’ rights to privacy and intimate association. Could the same logic apply to anti-polygamy laws? a recent lawsuit, Brown V. Herbert, argues just that. What are the legal claims in the Brown lawsuit, …
Mormon Epic: A Poetic Tribute To Joseph Smith And The Restoration
The Restoration of Primitive Christianity and the emergence of Mormonism as a world religion is a story worthy of an epic poem. Now Mormon poet Ron Wilcox has written the first books of such an epic, with Joseph Smith as the latter-day odysseus-achilles hero at the center. Wilcox’s poem captures Joseph’s soul and the beginnings …
Why Mormonism Can Abide Gay Marriage
The LDS Church has publicly opposed efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in Hawaii, Alaska, and California; its Proclamation on the Family declares marriage to be between a man and a woman. Nevertheless, a strong moral case for LDS same-sex marriage exists and is articulated here with 26 supporting reasons. Brad Carmack
Choose The Right—But Which Is Right? Mormons And Immigration
Given that immigration was a significant topic during Utah’s last legislative session and remains a pressing social issue in the Western US, SUNSTONE presents this panel discussion about immigration. The prominence of Mormons in utah gives immigration discussions a particular flavor here, with Mormons represented on different sides of the issue. Panelists will discuss how …
Why Do Women Fight Against Their Own Interests?
This presentation considers why, along with other underprivileged groups, Mormon women so often fight against their own interests. The answer emerges from sociological theory, which explains that society ends up shaping the very thoughts in our minds so that the world as it is seems natural and normal, the end result being that many of …
Prophet
This paper considers the experiences, ministry, prophetic work, and church groups started by three different but related twentieth-century prophets in lesser-known Latter Day Saint denominations. Otto Fetting, Thomas B. Nerren, and William A. Draves each claimed and produced messages reportedly given by a resurrected John the Baptist. None claimed to be “a prophet,” nor did …
Why We Stay
This perennially well-received session features the stories of those who chose to remain active, dedicatedLlatter-day Saints even in the face of difficult challenges to traditional faith. How have these members wrestled with their faith and emerged more determined than ever to remain in the latter-day Saint community? Kent G. Olson, Jody England Hansen, Michael J. …