Humans have always sought out human connection. Belonging inside one’s tribe has always been a priority. This session will discuss the role that evolution has played in human survival and help deconstructed Mormons sense what it means to lean into human connection in a new way, where authenticity and vulnerability matter to a greater degree. …
Speaker: Bill Reel
Faith Development Primer: An Introduction to How and Why Our Faith Shifts
Faith development is simply a part of life. We all start off at the ego-centric level as young children, then as we grow older, we eventually reach the ethno-centric level. However, there are more stages beyond that, eventually leading us to cosmic-centrism. This session presents a basic roadmap of these various stages. Bill Reel
Moroni’s Gold Plates: Were They Real?
Much of Mormonism’s claim to truth hinges on whether there were real metal plates, golden in color, written upon by ancient Americans who came from the Holy Land. This session takes a historical dive into what witnesses said about the plates, which data points stand out, and whether claims the Joseph Smith fabricated the plates …
Seer Stones, Folk Magic, and Alvin’s Hand
Mormonism’s beginnings are deeply connected with the folk magic practice of the Smith Family and Joseph Smith himself. This session will expound on the Chase family, water witching, magic circles, guardian spirits, throat slit Spaniards, Obadiah Dogberry, Joseph’s seer stones, and of course Alvin’s hand. Once we understand these narratives, Mormonism’s beginnings look quite different. …
Why We Stay
This perennially well-received session features the stories of those who have chosen to remain active, dedicated Latter-day Saints even in the face of challenges to traditional faith. Dan Wotherspoon, Sydnie Cazier Olsen, Bill Reel, Eric Samuelsen, Jerri A. Harwell
The 2 Nd Reformation Keeping A Record Of The Mormon Internet Experience In The Beginning Of The 21 St Century
As the Internet becomes a dominant factor in religious life, it is important that we begin to record, and if possible, quantify the ways in which members of the Church, in all their variety, perceive and experience each other, the institution, and theology through blogs, podcasts, discussion forums, and websites. Is this collective experience beneficial …
Handshakes Drawn Swords
Plural marriage was announced as an official doctrine of the LDS church in 1852. Although not cannonized as Doctrine and Covenants Sec 132 until 1876 it nonetheless became the pivot point of 19th century Mormonism until it’s reluctant abandonment near the end of the century. The apologists tell us that all is in order and …