In select passages of Joseph Smith’s writings are the makings of a new, extraordinary religion. Unlike traditional monotheistic belief systems, with their complex layers of doctrines, rituals, and practices, the religion of experience makes no claims and affirms no premises. Its basis is the autonomy of the individual as manifested in the fundamentals of human …
Event: Salt Lake Symposium 2012
JOSEPH SMITH, MORMON TESTAMENT, AND THE BIBLE: ADDITIONS TO THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS
Joseph Smith has been called a “prophet puzzle” by historians who find him enigmatic. Part of the answer to the prophet puzzle lies in Joseph’s adherence to the themes and teachings of the Bible. It is this preoccupation with the Bible and its precepts, scope, and ancient, non-Western settings that make Smith’s teachings seem strange. …
STUDENT POLITICAL ACTIVISM AT BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY, 1965-1971
On 11 May 1970, Ernest L. Wilkinson stated, “There is certainly a spirit of unrest throughout the country and while it is manifest only slightly at the BYU it is nevertheless manifested here.” Student political activism at BYU during the late 1960s to early 1970s was, like student activism elsewhere, as much a function of …
SUNSTONE TOWN HALL MEETING
Bring your compliments and complaints to this session and let the SUNSTONE leadership know what we’re doing well—and where we can improve. SUNSTONE board members and staff will report on the past year and describe new initiatives and projects for the years ahead. Laura Compton, Michael J. Stevens, Stephen Carter, Mary Ellen Robertson
IN MEMORIAM: PAUL SWENSON
The death of writer and poet Paul Swenson in February 2012 left a hole in the heart of SUNSTONE. Following remarks from panelists, there will be open mic time for family, friends, and fans to share memories and thoughts about Paul. Stephen Carter, Phyllis Barber, Alex Caldiero, Carolyn Campbell
CHANGING REVELATORY MESSAGES: A MORMON EXAMPLE
Like other individuals, Joseph Smith developed his ideas over time, as evidenced by the expansion of themes in his revelations and by his recollections of his early life assuming a theological nature. He seemed unconcerned that some of his ideas changed or contradicted previous positions. Joseph was able to express his interpretation of events as …
COMPASSIONATE OBSOLESCENCE: COPING WITH TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
Increasingly alarmed at the pace of technological change, workers and policy-makers struggle with persistent unemployment after a “jobless recovery” and as a wide range of jobs are automated and outsourced. Even (or perhaps especially) those at the forefront of technological innovation find it hard to keep up. Despite its challenges, this era also presents unprecedented …
HEAVENLY MOTHER AND THE LETTER OF THE LAW
President Hinckley has told us that Jesus Christ forbids our praying to Heavenly Mother. But heavenly parents who refuse communication with their children seem unworthy of their status as gods, and a mother who will not hear or acknowledge her children is not a helpful role model for Latterday Saints. Therefore, there must be some …
MONOGAMY UNDERGROUND: THE BURIAL OF PLURAL MARRIAGE IN THE GRAVES OF JOSEPH AND EMMA
This paper examines the history of the gravesite memorials dedicated to Emma and Joseph Smith, exploring their meaning as RLDS/Community of Christ monuments to monogamy, and situating them within the broader context of restored Nauvoo where the idealization and practice of plural marriage in the LDS past is largely elided. The history of the burials …
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PERSONAL FAITH IN POLITICS AND POLICYMAKING?
This panel considers the role of personal faith and belief in politics and policymaking. What is the appropriate/constitutional way for individual conscience to contribute to the formation of our laws and policy? John Mejia, Brian S. King, Tim Chambless