Community of Christ (a.k.a. the RLDS Church) has a long and complicated relationship with Nauvoo polygamy. Although consistent in its opposition to the practice, the understandings of members and leaders regarding the introduction of plural marriage have evolved in surprising ways through the years, and the response to that evolution mirrors the Kübler-Ross model of …
Speaker: LACHLAN MACKAY
Community of Christ Meets Postmodernism
The rapidly shifting religious landscape in North America and Western Europe has had a profound impact on Community of Christ. This paper explores the ways in which this faith with a future is navigating the challenging terrain. Lachlan Mackay, Melvin Johnson
Baptisms for the Dead in Community of Christ: A Look at Scripture, History, and Theology
This session will survey the development, justification, and ultimate rejection of baptisms for the dead in Community of Christ over a span of 150 years through the lenses of scripture, history, and theology. Brittany Mangelson, Lachlan Mackay
Community of Christ Transition: From Who We Were to Who We Are
Ever wonder how Community of Christ got from its 1844 Nauvoo, Illinois roots to the progressive international world church it is today? This session will provide a multifaceted overview of the mission, history, context, culture, scripture, identity, and beliefs of this Restoration people in the 21st Century. Karin Franklin Peter, Lachlan Mackay, Nancy Ross
Worth of All Persons
This panel includes people from many different branches of the Restoration movement who will discuss what “Embracing All, Even the Least of These” means in a faith transition. What do our books of scripture say about this topic? How we act upon those words? Carla Long Lachlan Mackay Nancy Ross Dan Wotherspoon Ruth Williams
Does the Historicity of the First Vision Matter?
Does it matter if Joseph Smith’s 1838 account of the First Vision (canonized by the LDS in 1880) is not historically reliable, as some Mormon historians have argued in recent decades? In reaction to apologists who insist on the First Vision’s historicity as a litmus test for the faith, some Latter Day Saints of a …
Joseph And Emma Smith’s Nauvoo Mansion House: History And Mystery
Joseph and Emma Smith’s Nauvoo, IL, “Mansion House” has been open for tours since 1918. This illustrated presentation will explore questions related to restoration and interpretation of the home. Topics will include who gets credit/blame for the bar room, the real purpose of Joseph’s secret closet, and exterior symbolism the Mansion House shares with the …
SL10213: Joseph Smith III: From Reorganization to Community of Christ
An illustrated exploration of the life of Joseph Smith III, his impact on the Reorganization, and ways in which Community of Christ members still find meaning and value in his teachings and experience. The year 2010 marks the sesquicentennial of the 1860 Reorganization and provides an opportunity to explore how our history can be mined …