Starting with Primary, Pioneer, and Polygamy, then Prophet, Priesthood, and Patriarch—and now Pride—P-words have been a strong presence in my life. Like most things, all of it is personal, and none of it is personal. This session will explore some parts of my journey, including a proposal to enter into a polygamist marriage, and how …
Speaker: Jody England Hansen
Moving Past Black And White Thinking About God Religion And Mormonism
One of the most difficult tasks in a faith journey is to enter into complexity, to be willing and able to move from clean, simple views of truth, history, and knowledge into more uncertain and uncharted territories—all with the hope (but no guarantee) that we’ll find something in which to center ourselves. Panelists will present …
The Gospel According To Sunstone Devotional 2016
This devotional is about heartbreaking and healing personal conversations I’ve had with culturally conservative or newly liberal Church members, leaders, Mama Dragons, and LGBT+ loved ones about the November policy. I’ve encountered questions, conflict, and pain. It seems the November policy is another reason to either be more sure of what you were already certain …
Mormons And Marijuana
In 1970, the US Congress placed marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act because they considered it to have “no accepted medical use.” Since then, 23 of 50 US states and DC have legalized the medical use of marijuana, fueling a heated public debate. This panel will explore how the debate interacts with …
Mormons And Marijuana
In 1970, the US Congress placed marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act because they considered it to have “no accepted medical use.” Since then, 23 of 50 US states and DC have legalized the medical use of marijuana, fueling a heated public debate. This panel will explore how the debate interacts with …
Why We Stay
This perennially well-received session features the stories of those who chose to remain active, dedicatedLlatter-day Saints even in the face of difficult challenges to traditional faith. How have these members wrestled with their faith and emerged more determined than ever to remain in the latter-day Saint community? Kent G. Olson, Jody England Hansen, Michael J. …
SL10131: Rediscovering Eugene England in the 21st Century
The Eugene England Foundation has launched EugeneEngland.org, a comprehensive website that makes the life and writings of one of the most influential Mormon thinkers and activists easily accessible to another generation. Panelists will discuss the new website, photos, the Eugene England papers at the University of Utah’s Marriott Library, and draw on journals and correspondence …
Ecclesia Mortis: Why Are Church Meetings So Boring?
Ecclesia Mortis: Why Are Church Meetings So Boring? Just as parents bring toys and Cheerios to entertain their children at church, I bring the adult equivalent: essays, books, note pads. But why are church meetings so boring? Why don’t they engage? Is it my fault, or is there something more systemic about the dull monotony? …
This I Believe
This I Believe This session is modeled on This I Believe, the 1950’s radio series revived and broadcast on NPR. Participants crystallize an aspect of their core beliefs into a 350–500 word essay. Come hear essays from old and new friends-and we’ll have time during the session for the audience members to begin writing essays …
DOO-BE-DOO-BE-DOO: WHAT ARE THE BEATITUDES ALL ABOUT?
DOO-BE-DOO-BE-DOO: WHAT ARE THE BEATITUDES ALL ABOUT? The first part of the Sermon on the Mount must have been controversial at the time, when every action seemed to be guided by law and one’s position meant everything. Christ promises blessings and happiness to people that have nothing to do with what they have nor their …