In The Heretical Imperative, sociologist Peter Berger de-fangs the term “heretic,” helping us see the forces at play in producing heretics as natural and inevitable. No group, once formed, remains pure. Some members of that group will notice the changes and suggest ways in which the group has lost its original purity, and how to …
Speaker: Charles Randall Paul
EMPATHY, SYMPATHY, AND COMPASSION: CHALLENGING VIRTUES FOR LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Empathy is the ability to understand and, on a deeply caring level, respond to the needs of other creatures. Alma speaks of followers of Christ as those who are “willing to bear one another’s burdens, . . . mourn with those that mourn, . . . and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.” …
SL09312 Panel: In Memoriam: Truman G. Madsen
Truman Madsen left a significant imprint on Mormon theology and philosophy. Come hear from friends, colleagues, and former students about the lessons learned from this influential Mormon thinker. Following panelists’ remarks, audience members will also have time to share their remembrances. Karen Marguerite Moloney, Bill Heersink, Claudia L. Bushman, Donald Q. Cannon, Jake Zollinger, Charles …
SL09363 The Treachery of the Heretic
Conflict within religions is often far more potentially damaging than disagreements between them. At the heart of intra-religious conflict is the feeling of betrayal. The heretic is a member of the family who has chosen to destroy the family from within. This treachery is personal. But it feels different for the heretic, who feels she …
Was Mitt’s Run for the White House Good News for Mormonism?
Was Mitt’s Run for the White House Good News for Mormonism? 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 …
Violence in the Scriptures: Rene Girard and Mormonism
Violence in the Scriptures: Rene Girard and Mormonism An overview of Rene Girard’s mimetic theory of human culture will be presented with emphasis on an important corollary, the nonviolence of God. Several Biblical texts will be used to illustrate Girard’s theory. Then selected texts from the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of …
INOCULATING THE SAINTS: THE PROS AND CONS OF PROACTIVELY TEACHING CHURCH MEMBERS ABOUT DIFFICULT MORMON ISSUES
INOCULATING THE SAINTS: THE PROS AND CONS OF PROACTIVELY TEACHING CHURCH MEMBERS ABOUT DIFFICULT MORMON ISSUES Would fewer members leave the Church if they were taught about the stickier issues of LDS history and theology in faithful, institutional settings rather than stumbling upon them on the Internet or from other sources? Perhaps fewer members would …
WHEN CULTURES COLLIDE: MORMONISM IN CONTEXT OF ONGOING DISCUSSIONS OF COLONIALISM, CONVERSION, AND GLOBALIZED RELIGION
WHEN CULTURES COLLIDE: MORMONISM IN CONTEXT OF ONGOING DISCUSSIONS OF COLONIALISM, CONVERSION, AND GLOBALIZED RELIGION Mormonism is famous for its missionary zeal, driven by its self-understanding as being the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and the desire to fulfill the biblical prophecy of Christ’s gospel being taken to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Informed …