The Bountiful Children’s Foundation is an NGO that addresses malnutrition among Latter-day Saint and other children in the developing world. The foundation is currently serving the needs of malnourished children in over 200 congregations in 20 countries. Recently the Foundation expanded its operation to Madagascar, one of the poorest (and yet most beautiful) countries in …
Event: Salt Lake Symposium 2019
Smith, Smith, Smithereens
The powerful Restorationist movement of the 19th century, couched in a fervent eschatological view of an eminent Second Coming of Christ, helped establish the notion in thousands of earnest hearts and minds that doctrinal and practical reform was needed as a means to help usher in Jesus’ return. Most churches focused on any level of …
Polygamy: Beyond Mormonism
Polygamy is common in most large mammals, from deer to elk to the great apes and more. Is polygamy natural amongst humans? Would modern young people benefit from practicing a non-patriarchial polygamy? How do modern Americans feel about polygamy? Tom has traveled the country asking these questions, and the answers may surprise you. Tom Bennett, …
The Role of Reason in the Transformation of the RLDS Church to ‘Community of Christ’
The RLDS Church went through the process of transitioning itself from sect to denomination over the past half-century or so. Two causes often cited are the increase in graduate education and the effect of missionary work in non-Christian nations. This paper will contend that the life of the mind is the primary reason for the …
Different Views on Priesthood
There is a diversity of thought about priesthood and its role in Mormonism cosmology of authority. This panel of individuals from various Mormon movements will discuss their understanding of how priesthood functions and who has authority. Deven Ransom, Joe Darger, Joanna Smith, Charlotte Erickson, Various members of Mormon traditions
Relational Trajectories of Ex-LDS Children and Their Active LDS Parents
Ex-LDs individuals face a unique and perhaps turbulent time in their relationship with their parent if the individual decides to leave the LDS Church. To explore this phenomena, we propose the following questions: “What turning points exist within the relationships of ex-LDS children and their active LDS parent?” and “What trajectories occur in relationships of …
Toward an Inclusive Heaven
What are some ways to think about how disabled, neuro atypical, mentally ill, nonbinary, transgender, gay/bi and others will manifest in the resurrection? Is a cured/fixed version the best we can offer? Who might be offended/hurt by this approach? Mette Harrison, Kalani Tonga
Who Wears the Pants?
Recently, the LDS Church changed the dress code for its female missionaries. This change was widely accepted by the Latter-day Saint community as a nod to the evolving views of its members and leaders. However, in 2012, Mormon feminists began a campaign called ‘Wear Pants to Church Day’ in an effort to normalize the wearing …
Bringing Book of Mormon Artifacts to Augmented Reality
Through the power of augmented reality, Book of Mormon artifacts come to life! Learn how the gold plates, the Urim and Thummim (breastplate and spectacles) and other artifacts were modeled in 3D using historical research and eyewitness accounts. See how these and other artifacts can be viewed on your mobile device as if they existed …
Faith Crisis as Disorienting Dilemma: Road to Transformation
As greater numbers of believers suffer a faith crisis, better tools are needed to help with understanding and recovery. Mezirow’s Ten Phases of Transformative Learning—an adult learning theory—can assist in alleviating pain by guiding reflection and an exploration of new possibilities. Indeed, with a healthy process of acquiring new knowledge, identity, and relationships, transformation can …