The arrival of a messenger who heralds an era of prolonged peace and equality may be one of the only events in the Book of Mormon attested to by external sources. In Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) traditions, the Peacemaker and the Mother of Nations encourage ceremonies of condolence and thanksgiving missing from the settler colonial narrative in …
Speaker: Thomas W. Murphy
WILL THE REAL LAMANITES PLEASE STAND UP?
In a book just off the press, Armand Mauss traces the changing definitions and understandings of the term “Lamanite” across Mormon history and explains why such changes have occurred, not only with regard to Lamanites but also in reference to black Africans, Jews, Anglo-Ephraimites, and Israelites in general. These changes make for a fascinating study …
SIN, SKIN, AND SEED: MISTAKES OF MEN IN THE BOOK OF MORMON
This presentation critically examines the use of folk biology to naturalize the power and authority of white men in Mormon scripture. It identifies challenges facing Latter-day Saint communities in light of recent advances from the biological sciences. Is the Book of Mormon’s assumption that skin color reflects sinfulness consistent with biogenetic understandings of human physical …
Author Meets Critics: All Abraham’s Children: Changing Mormon Conception of Race and Lineage
SL03091, This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the March on Washington, at which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, and the thirty-fifth anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination. It also marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the revelation reversing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ policy of …
Shifting Foundations: The Failures of Mesoamerican ‘Limited Geography’ As the Setting for Book of Mormon Events
SL03091, This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the March on Washington, at which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, and the thirty-fifth anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination. It also marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the revelation reversing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ policy of …
Sin, Skin, and Seed: Mistakes of Men in the Book of Mormon
Are concepts that sinfulness is reflected in skin color consistent with biogenetic understandings of human variation? Are patriarchal concepts of a procreative seed consistent with modern biogenetic procreation? Is Israelite heritage of Nephites and Lamanites reflected in the genes and biology of Native Americans? I will argue that new scientific evidence indicates we should relegate …
DNA and Lamanite Identity: A Panel Discussion
DNA and Lamanite Identity: A Panel Discussion Science often complicates the sancta simplicitas of theology. Genetic research promises to help genealogists define and refine family trees. But this technological blade can cut both ways. What is a benefit to LDS genealogists may be a detriment to Book of Mormon literalists. Initial findings of geneticists have …
From racist Stereotype To ethnic Identity: Instrumental Uses Of Mormon Racial Doctrine – The Mark Of The Curse: Lingering Racism In Mormon doctrine?
From racist Stereotype To ethnic Identity: Instrumental Uses Of Mormon Racial Doctrine – The Mark Of The Curse: Lingering Racism In Mormon doctrine? Thomas W. Murphy, Keith E. Norman, Janet Ellingson
Native Americans and The Book Of Mormon
Native Americans and The Book Of Mormon Thomas W. Murphy, Kerrie Sumner Murphy, Cyd A. Crue