Recent research has demonstrated that the Latter-day Saint community (especially along the Wasatch Front) has developed an unhealthy culture of passive-aggression. What can be done about this? Rather than focusing on the dysfunction, this paper will present a variety of concrete steps, learnable skills, and case studies that show us ways to develop healthy collaborative …
Speaker: Michael J. Stevens
Preventing Tragedy: A Columbine Alumna’s Theory on the Power of the Golden Rule
When we examine the lives of perpetrators of tragic events, we often see a recurring theme of exclusion. As gun and healthcare debates sweep the nation, these issues, while potentially helpful, do little to address the root issue. Christ presented the best solution when He said, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should …
EXERCISING DOMINION: SECTION 121 AND THE ABUSE OF POWER
The feminist slogan, “the personal is political,” calls attention to the profound relationship between power structures and personal life. Personal problems are often rooted in political, economic, cultural, and religious systems. Section 121 of the Doctrine and Covenants warns us that even divinely ordained power can be abused. This panel will look at power structures …
MORMONS AND MORMONISM AS POLITICAL FARCE
“Mormon humor” is a concept that would startle many non-Mormons, but despite the warning in D&C 59:15 that “much laughter . . . is sin,” Mormons have long appreciated a good laugh. Simultaneously willing to laugh at themselves and sensitive to criticism, Mormons must answer the question: If you can’t laugh at a man claiming …
SUNSTONE TOWN HALL MEETING
Bring your compliments and complaints to this session and let the SUNSTONE leadership know what we’re doing well—and where we can improve. SUNSTONE board members and staff will report on the past year and describe new initiatives and projects for the years ahead. Laura Compton, Michael J. Stevens, Stephen Carter, Mary Ellen Robertson
Panel: The Message of Christ, the First Christian
This panel will discuss Christ’s messages to his historic and contemporary followers and explore the impact of Christ’s teachings on the individual, the family, the tribe, and the human power structures in which we all operate. Jacob Baker, Janice Allred, Mark Thomas, Michael J. Stevens, moderator Paul Toscano
Sunstone Town Hall Meeting
There have been a few changes at SUNSTONE this year, including the 2011 Symposium’s move to Ogden/Weber State, using SUNSTONE’s Facebook page to promote events, launching a SUNSTONE student group at the University of Utah, and rolling out an electronic subscription via the SUNSTONE app for Apple devices (and soon on Android!). Michael J. Stevens
Passive Aggression Among Latter-Day Saints: Evidence From The Wasatch Front
When people experience disagreements or conflict,passive aggression is one of at least five possible response options. Research shows that it is generally a poor, unconstructive strategy, and is also a less common response among the US population at large. However, for Latter-Day Saints born and raised along the Wasatch Front, the passive-aggressive response appears to …
Passive Aggression Among the Latter-day Saints: Evidence from the Wasatch Front
Passive aggression is one of at least five possible responses to conflict. Research shows it’s generally a poor strategy, and it is also less common amoung the US population at large. However, for Latter-day Saints born and raised along the Wasatch Front, the passive aggressive response appears to occur at a rate two to three …
The Role of Dissent in the LDS Community and Beyond
Edited by Phillip Lindholm, Latter-day Dissent: At the Crossroads of Intellectual Inquiry and Ecclesiastical Authority collects stories from high-profile LDS dissenters, including the Michael J. Stevens, Polly Aird, Maxine Hanks, Philip Lindholm, Thomas Murphy