Thousands of people either leave or contemplate leaving the LDS church each year. However, many feel a great deal of ambivalence towards this decision, since leaving the Church often has very serious familial, social, occupational, and even psychological implications. Many members caught at this crossroads see only two paths: (1) stay active as a full-blown, …
Event: Northwest Symposium 2007
THE DEMOCRATIZATION OF MORMON STUDIES
The last several years have seen a remarkable shift in how LDS scholars and the Church itself approach historical and contemporary topics affecting Mormons, with unparalleled access to archives, personnel. and information-sharing. At the same time, once-prominent institutions in Mormon studies are greying and fading in popularity, and formerly controversial topics no longer raise eyebrows. …
INTERPRETING NOAH’S FLOOD IN A SCIENTIFIC AGE
As a point of departure, this panel will refer to an article published in the fall 2007 issue of Dialogue, “On Balancing Faith in Mormonism with Traditional Biblical Stories: The Noachian Flood Story,” by BYU professors Clayton White and Mark Thomas (accessible at HTTP://WWW.DIALOGUEJOURNAL. COM.) This article argues that faithful Latter-day Saints may appropriately harmonize …
GOD LOVETH HIS CHILDREN, A NEW LDS PAMPHLET ON HOMOSEXUALITY
A new pamphlet about homosexuality appeared on the church’s website in late July, 2007. The pamphlet is entitled God Loveth His Children, and, among other things, says that the Church does not know what causes same-sex attractions but does not believe sexual abuse and sexual experimentation in childhood are responsible. It declares that same-sex attractions …
THE FUTURE OF SUNSTONE
Sunstone is at an important crossroads, resulting in a new, board-approved strategic plan. We’re very pleased to share this vision with you and to have you join with us in creating Sunstone’s future. JOHN DEHLIN
HOW TO BE PEACEMAKERS IN A WORLD IN CONFLICT
Back by popular demand! Picking up where he left off at last year’s symposium and drawing from vast experiences, J. BONNER RITCHIE, a long-time teacher, Consultant, and bridge-builder between groups in the Middle East, will lead a guided conversation about ways of thinking and practical strategies we can all employ in becoming more effective peacemakers …
“THIS I BELIEVE,” MORMON STYLE
NPR’s syndicated show “This I Believe” features short essays by people from all walks of life sharing and discussing the beliefs and core values that ground their lives. In this session, we’ve invited several Sunstone friends to utilize this basic format to speak about ideas within Mormonism or the wider spiritual world that animate their …