The Graduate Theological Union: The Birthplace of Sunstone Twenty-six years ago, some divinity students at the Graduate Theological Union Launched Sunstone, a publication to explore Mormon theology. In light of recent efforts to develop Mormon Cultural Studies Utah Valley State College, what about a partnership with the GTU to advance the idea of Mormon studies? …
Event: Southwest Symposium 2001
The Welcoming Church: Changes in the RLDS Church
The Welcoming Church: Changes in the RLDS Church This panel is comprised of pastors from the Community of Christ Church (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) who lead inclusive congregations that minister not only to mainstream church members, but also to members that society deems ‘on the fringes.” Most significantly, …
LDS Cosmology as the Dominant Force in Contemporary Theological Epistemology
LDS Cosmology as the Dominant Force in Contemporary Theological Epistemology LDS cosmology has had little influence on world theology. Yet as ‘the church comes out of obscurity,” its doctrine should become a major influence. Based on principles in the Doctrine and Covenants, it is possible to formulate a comprehensive theory that derives the eternal “continuous …
New Creationism
New Creationism A new band of creationists now uses sophisticated arguments for an ‘Intelligent Designer” as the author of creation. This paper argues that (1) creationism is thinly disguised evangelical biblical literalism; (2) the “new” creationism is the old one in “designer clothes”; (3) the new creationism is less scientific than the old; and (4) …
The Development of Anti-Gay Mormon Theology
The Development of Anti-Gay Mormon Theology Over the past forty years, LDS church leaders have issued several statements and publications about homosexuality. Does a review of these yield a consistent theology? Who is included? David Combe, Nadine A. Hansen
Visionary People: Dream Interpretation and the Modern Church
Visionary People: Dream Interpretation and the Modern Church In the past, God used dreams and visions to guide people. Might he use dreams and visions in the modern Church for personal revelation? I will share evidence of dream guidance (from the 1800s to present) and encourage individuals to develop an ability to remember and interpret …
Missing Hymns
Missing Hymns This session explores several issues relating to LDS music: (1) The ‘new” hymnal published in the 1980s contains some new gems but is minus some old favorites. Where did they go, and why? (2) We have hymns venerating the Intermountain West; Glen Cornett contributes two new “hymns” that celebrate previously unheralded parts of …
Headquarters Culture and the Rest of Mormonism Past & Present
Headquarters Culture and the Rest of Mormonism Past & Present The doctrine of ‘gathering” created a distinctive culture at the headquarters of the LDS church. Under Joseph Smith, this “headquarters culture” differed from that in distant locales. This situation had profound consequences following Joseph Smith’s 1844 martyrdom. This paper examines the significance and changes of …
The Aftermath of Prop. 22
The Aftermath of Prop. 22 During the campaign for California’s Proposition 22, a Church spokesman stated members were not required to support the effort and no one would be disciplined over the issue. After my family publicly opposed the proposition, however, I was threatened with excommunication and was made to feel an outcast. Still, many …
Ecology and LDS Culture
Ecology and LDS Culture This paper examines the relationship between Mormonism and the natural environment. Scripture and Church teachings could provide an ethic of conservation and reverence for the natural world, but that has not materialized. What role could the Church play in solving environmental challenges? Peter Ashcroft