Mormon doctrine decrees that opposition exists in all things, to the extent that everything that manifests is a compound in one (2 Nephi 2:11). We are also invited to grow and develop in capacity toward the fullness of our divine potential. These two Mormon concepts provide ground for a new social and political movement. In …
Event: Salt Lake Symposium 2012
CONSTRUCTING ZION: DOCTRINE IN DOMESTIC SPACE AND LAND USE IN THE FLDS SECT
Land-use decisions reflect doctrine in the Colorado City/Hildale FLDS community. The group believes that gaming the US government for resources is a noble act in retribution for oppression. A loophole in Utah and Arizona law means that if your house is a certain percentage unfinished, you do not have to pay property taxes. The FLDS …
IF YOU WERE RELIGION EDITOR OF THE LOS ANGELES TIMES, WOULD YOU STILL BELIEVE?
In 2006, Clifton Jolley was invited to respond to a SUNSTONE presentation by Los Angeles Times religion editor William Lobdell. In Lobdell’s subsequent book, Losing My Religion (2009, HarperCollins), a significant part of the concluding chapter is devoted to describing the effect of Jolley’s remarks on Lobdell, and to the confusion those remarks still cause …
INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE AND THE BEGINNING OF THE PRIESTHOOD AND TEMPLE BAN ON BLACK AFRICANS
The ban denying priesthood and temple blessings to black members of the LDS Church existed for more than a century before being repealed via revelation in 1978. Many Latter-day Saints have tried to justify the ban, as when BYU professor Randy Bott offered an explanation in a recent Washington Post interview; his justification was condemned …
A MORMON APPROACH TO MEDITATION IN THE CONTEXT OF OTHER TRADITIONS AND SOCIAL ACTIVISM
This session will detail John’s development of Integral polarity practice (IPP), an approach to meditation, awareness, and action aligned with patterns of the Restored Gospel. IPP is not an improved way to practice Mormonism, but a series of practices to help one deepen in awareness, become more integrated, grow to higher levels of human development, …
SLIPPERY TREASURES: AFFINITY FRAUD IN MORMON UTAH
Affinity fraud is broadly defined as fraudulent financial, political, or education schemes in which the defrauders gain the trust of the victims through shared identity or community. This presentation will cover the history of ponzi schemes in Utah, including the Valcor scandal, the largest fraud in Utah, and will also consider smaller schemes and multi-level …
SELECTIVE MORAL PRINCIPLES: MORMONS AND TORTURE
The LDS Church has taken a stand on many social issues because of their moral content, including abortion, birth control, and gay marriage. But in the case of torture, although condemning inhumane treatment of others, the Church failed to join with other groups in any serious attempt to designate torture as outside the realm of …
WILFORD C. WOOD–ECCENTRIC AND VISIONARY (1893-1968)
Wilford C. Wood was a visionary in many ways: first, he purchased property in Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania that later became official LDS historic sites. Second, he collected historical artifacts such as the death masks of Joseph and Hyrum. Third, he claimed visions the LDS community considered appropriate only for apostles. An example of …
FAITH AS A DEADLY SIN OF PRIDE
In an April 1989 General Conference talk, Ezra Taft Benson said, “Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion.” This presenter agrees. An unquestioned, aggressively supported faith tends to dismiss logical argument and evidentiary consideration, thereby involving the abdication of one’s responsibility as a thoughtful moral agent. This is a form of pride that continues …
WHAT KEEPS MORMONS AND EVANGELICALS FROM COOPERATING POLITICALLY?
Although Mormons and Evangelicals in the US typically share conservative social values, Evangelicals’ theological opposition to Mormonism periodically generates friction between Mormons and the Evangelical Right. Recent examples include Mitt Romney’s 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, Focus on the Family’s 2008 decision to pull a Glenn Beck interview from its website, and a 2004 effort …