Event: Southwest Symposium 2008

SW080013: STORIES FROM THE BORDERLANDS

Many of us at this symposium are in the LDS “Borderlands” in one way or another, and we’ve all had interesting, funny, or troubling experiences. We’ve also overcome difficulties and challenges (or we wouldn’t be here!). In this session, I will share a few reflections and experiences on Borderlander topics, but I mainly want to …

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SW08014: MORMONISM AND IMMIGRATION

MORMONISM AND IMMIGRATION Mormons tend to be strongly conservative about immigration matters. But should they be? Is there anything in Mormon theology that requires a hard-line immigration approach? Some hardliners cite the 12th Article of Faith as support for a conservative approach to immigration – is this a necessary conclusion? And are there aspects of …

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SW08015: MORMONS AND THE CROSS

MORMONS AND THE CROSS The cross, perhaps the most potent and ubiquitous symbol in Christendom, has been essentially rejected as a symbol by the LDS Church. Mormons do not wear crosses, and no Mormon chapel or temple is adorned with a cross. For other Christians, who see the cross as the very emblem of Christ’s …

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SW08016: ‘WHAT WOMEN KNOW’: WOMEN IN DIALOGUE

‘WHAT WOMEN KNOW’: WOMEN IN DIALOGUE Julie Beck, general president of the Relief Society, delivered an October 2007 conference address on the topic of women’s roles and sphere of influence, highlighting the phrase ‘Mothers Who Know.’ As President Beck spoke, the Bloggernacle lit up with discussion on her emphasis on mothers as nurturers and the …

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SW08017: DECONSTRUCTING THE ‘MITT MOMENT’

DECONSTRUCTING THE ‘MITT MOMENT’ This panel will explore various aspects of Mitt Romney’s recent presidential bid, ranging from its impact on outsider perceptions of Mormonism, its doctrines and people, to Mitt’s and Mormonism’s portrayal in political cartooning. In what ways has this campaign been an eye-opening experience for Latter-day Saints? Following the panelists’ comments, we …

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SW08002: GRAPPLING WITH THEODICY: WHY DOES AN ALL-KNOWING, ALL-LOVING, AND ALL-POWERFUL GOD PERMIT EVIL AND OTHER BAD THINGS TO HAPPEN?

GRAPPLING WITH THEODICY: WHY DOES AN ALL-KNOWING, ALL-LOVING, AND ALL-POWERFUL GOD PERMIT EVIL AND OTHER BAD THINGS TO HAPPEN? Here’s your chance to start your day by flexing your intellectual and spiritual muscles in response to one of the most vexing issues in all theological discourse: the problem of evil. Guided by the speaker, this …

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SW08003: THE MORMON QUEST FOR THE PRESIDENCY

THE MORMON QUEST FOR THE PRESIDENCY With Mitt Romney’s run for president, many have been asking whether America is truly ready for a Mormon president. But Romney is actually only the latest in a long series of Mormon presidential candidates stretching back more than 150 years. In recent decades, eight other Mormons have run for …

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