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 …
Event: Southwest Symposium 2008
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 …
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 …
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 …
SW08001: NOBODY KNOWS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF BLACK MORMONS
NOBODY KNOWS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF BLACK MORMONS We are very pleased to be able to screen the long-awaited documentary, Nobody Knows: The Untold Story of Black Mormons, and to be able to discuss it with DARIUS GRAY, one of the driving forces behind the film and a noted author and historian about Black Latter-day …
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 …
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 …
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 …
SW08004: ‘WHAT HAS ATHENS TO DO WITH JERUSALEM?’ A PLACE FOR THEOLOGY IN MORMON STUDIES
‘WHAT HAS ATHENS TO DO WITH JERUSALEM?’ A PLACE FOR THEOLOGY IN MORMON STUDIES From its very beginnings, Mormonism has had an uncomfortable relationship with theology. The term itself has a notorious place in the LDS lexicon and is conscientiously avoided in reference to the study of Mormon doctrine. Theology vs. revelation, theology vs. prophetic …
SW08005: CONFESSIONS OF A KNIGHT ERRANT: THE POETRY OF A FAITHFUL REBEL
CONFESSIONS OF A KNIGHT ERRANT: THE POETRY OF A FAITHFUL REBEL Though better known to Mormon audiences for his non-fiction (his Defending Zion received the Mormon History Association’s Best Documentary History Award) and even his fiction (his first short story was published in Sunstone way back in 1976) Roger Robin Ekins has written – though …