LDS temples are enigmatic and problematic for non-Mormons, especially for non-Mormon scholars of Mormonism. Most information about temples—their history, use, theological significance, sociological and psychological importance—is readily available from Mormon Studies scholars and even the church itself, and temples are open for public tours before dedication. On the other hand, aspects of temple ceremonies, in …
Speaker: DONALD WESTBROOK
A PEOPLE’S HISTORY? RECENT MORMON AND SCIENTOLOGY ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS
In addition to being uniquely American religious movements, the LDS Church and Church of Scientology were founded by individuals who perceived themselves as offering unique theological or spiritual corrective. This presentation offers a comparative analysis and critique of recent marketing efforts by both churches to introduce the public to ordinary Mormons and Scientologists via the …
FELLOW CITIZENS, FELLOW CHRISTIANS?: CATHOLICS, MORMONS, AND BOUNDARIES BETWEEN THE BODY POLITIC AND THE BODY OF CHRIST
Support of Proposition 8 fostered positive relations between many Catholics and Mormons (as well as Evangelicals and others) in a cause of shared moral concern. This presentation argues that social and political collaboration has also caused a unique warming of interfaith relations between the Catholic Church and the Mormon Church that has the potential to …
“I Am A Mormon” And “I Am A Scientologist”: Recent Marketing Efforts In Mormonism And Scientology
In addition to being uniquely american religious movements, the lDS Church and Church of Scientology were founded by individuals who perceived themselves as offering a unique theological or spiritual corrective. Joseph Smith re-established the one true Christian church, and l. Ron Hubbard’s techniques of dianetics and Scientology put forth a spiritual view of humans that …
SL10316: The Future of Catholic-Mormon Dialogue: Bridges Between Rome and Salt Lake City
Dialogue between the LDS and Roman Catholic churches might improve by evaluating the extent to which both depend on extra-Biblical sources for doctrine. One fruitful entry point might be to jointly consider the dynamic between scripture and tradition. How comparable is the Catholic dynamic between scripture and tradition to the Mormon dynamic between scripture and …