The Church’s emphasis on the traditional family, complete with preexistent and post mortal stages as part of the plan of salvation, has received near-canonical status with “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” But the call to be a Zion community means commitment to “line upon line, precept upon precept” growth and the concept of …
Event: Salt Lake Symposium 2016
The Mormon Church In The Spanish Speaking World
The LDS Church in Latin America is a different animal from its United States counterpart—especially Utah’s church. This session presents 10-minute videos of people who, until recently, were members of the Church in Spain, Colombia, Peru, and El Salvador. The stories showcase the influence of the Church, the attitudes and practices of its members, and, …
Free Byu A Conversation About Religious Freedom Among The Cougars
Though the LDS Church religious freedom a watchword for the past few years, little of that freedom can be found at Brigham Young University. Students who question the faith too far can face expulsion from the school. To combat this unfair treatment, former students and allies founded FreeBYU, an organization dedicated to promoting freedom of …
The Throne Near Kolob A Portrait Of Power
There are few images that have endured as long in western religion as that of a powerful god upon a throne. Though kings are scarce these days, and thrones difficult to find, the popularity of the Game of Thrones television series indicates that the archaic image still holds sway in the modern psyche. This throne …
Ready For Revelation
Ordain Women’s theme for this year is Ready for Revelation. Mormonism is founded on a deep appreciation for continuing revelation, but what does “continuing revelation” mean and how does it happen? By using examples from Mormon history, panelists will discuss the process of revelation and how small changes preceded big revelations. The panel will examine …
Truth Beauty And Goodness A Way To Bridge Differences Between Mormons And Former Mormons
When people leave the Mormon Church, tensions can rise up between them and their still-faithful families and friends. By turning to the ancient idea of truth, beauty, and goodness we can find a way to close the gap between believers and nonbelievers, diminishing these tensions and replacing them with love. Jon Ogden
Power From The Margins Reclaiming The Promised Land
Decolonization is a conscious resistance to, and re-centering of, power arrangements between indigenous and settler-colonial societies. Decolonization is different in a society where the colonizer has a permanent presence. The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who interpret and actualize the mission of the Church are largely informed by settler-colonialism. In …
Entreat Me Not To Leave Thee Cognitive Dissonance In The Lds Convert
Being a convert who experiences cognitive dissonance can feel like Naomi’s invitation for the widowed Ruth to leave and return to a former way of life. However, like Ruth, many converts who doubt still want to stay with their new tribe. This session will use the story of Ruth to explore the experience of converts …
Claiming The Mormon In Ex Mormon Reimagining Cultural Identity And Loss
Mormonism is more than religion, it is a cultural identity that encompasses nearly every aspect of an individual’s life. It can be a dazzling experience to be a willing part of the fold. However, if you choose to leave, what happens to your identity? Can you remain an “ethnic Mormon” even after your faith subsides? …
John Burton Slave Of Parowan Utah 1797 1865
John Burton (1797–1865) was born to slave parents, and eventually joined the Mormon Church. Burton’s Mormonism transcended race, bondage, culture, and geography as he journeyed west with several owners from Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, and frontier Utah. He was one of the three African Americans in Brigham Young’s 1847 company to Utah and remained in …