This session is a discussion of the relationship between the NAACP and the LDS Church, which went through four phases: (1) the LDS Church being ignorant of the existence of the NAACP, (2) contention between the two organizations, (3) cautious recognition of the existence of the two organizations, and (4) friendly cooperation between the two …
Event: Salt Lake Symposium 2019
The God-Image in Mormonism
The image of god in Mormonism is not static, but an archetypal phenomenon that is revealing itself to us and transforming in an often unsettling way. This session will provide an intellectual understanding of the numinous experience of god (the mysterium tremendum et fascinans) as it relates to Mormonism. Specifically, how it promotes individuation from …
The Malnourished Children of Madagascar
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 …
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 …