What leads to people transitioning out of the Church? How do transitions evolve? How do relationships with the Church and still active loved ones look once someone has transitioned? This panel will explore those questions, and others, through hearing the transition stories of the panelists. Allan Mount, Heather Beutler Shaffer, Jake Garrett, Dallin Johnson, Melvin …
Event: Salt Lake Symposium 2019
The Truth That Once Was Spoken: Love As The Fufillment Of Our Faith
The future of institutional Mormonism does not look very bright. It has become what Moroni prophecied of in Mormon chapter 8 of the Book of Mormon. However, the Book of Mormon teaches that there will be a latter-day City of Peace called Zion, a city that is defined by everyone knowning the Lord and being …
Quantum Physics and the Light of Christ in the Biblical Creation Story
Modern cosmology reveals Genesis 1 as a metaphor for creation of the universe, and the dual, wave/particle personality of light—the “complementarity principle”—defines the spiritual and physical creations and provides a scientific basis for the “fall.” God’s observation (“God saw…”) was the trigger that manifested each “day’s” physical creation from the spiritual.” Adam’s “transgression” was partaking …
Welcome to Mormon Transhumanism
People are starting to recognize parallels and complements between Mormon and Transhumanist views. On one hand, Mormonism is a religion of the Judeo-Christian tradition that advocates immersive discipleship of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, Transhumanism is a mostly secular ideology that advocates ethical use of technology to expand human abilities. However, Mormonism and Transhumanism …
Queer Mormon Transhumanism
Queer Mormon Transhumanism is concerned with a specific subset of Mormon and transhumanist goals. It is the presenter’s belief that science and technology, the gender revolution, and Mormon theology need not be at odds with one another. Queer Mormon Transhumanism is concerned with reconciling the tensions of these intersections by illuminating how queer Mormon theology …
Panel Discussion: Mainstream Mormon Women Go Plural
This session features a panel of women who chose to leave mainstream Mormonism to live the polygamous lifestyle. Panelists include the stars of a popular reality show and women from a variety of polygamous sects. This is your chance to pick their brains on how and why each came to choose plural marriage, how their …
Ask a Sex Therapist
Come enjoy a candid Q&A where any question is welcome. This has been a well attended session in the past where sexual topics can be broached in a sex-positive, evidence-based, and humorous approach. Coming from a culture where sexuality can be treated in rigid ways, it can be healing to have safe spaces to talk …
The Book of Mormon Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: How Digital Analysis, Hermetics, and Chaos Theory Change What We See
The Book of Mormon has a long history, but how it was seen by its original readers is quite different from how it is seen today. This presentation explores the path from the early 19th century to today and how Mormonism’s founding text may be seen in the future. Brian W. Kassenbrock, Steve Florman
Across the Aisle: Communicating Through Differences in Faith and Belief
This session is a discussion group centered on the theme of how to engage with people whose faith/belief is different than your own. Both active, believing Mormons and post/ex/etc-Mormons will be represented. This session will be a discussion with ample participation from the attendees, with the panelists mostly there to help guide the conversation and …
Finding Spiritual Paths After Mormonism
Though some leave the faith of their fathers, they still continue to seek truth and knowledge. This panel will explore how different individuals in the Mormon spectrum have connected with their own spirituality post-Mormonism. Roman Bateman