This panel will discuss the LDS Church’s increasing focus on Religious Freedom and the impacts it would have on the LDS Church and society. Clifford Rosky, Troy Williams
Speaker: Troy Williams
The State Of Queer Activism In Zion
This panel will discuss the activities of being a faith organizer in Wyoming, particularly her work leading up to the 2015 legislative session that saw the narrow defeat of the non-discrimination bill in Wyoming. Sara will discuss her interactions with Catholic, Evangelical, and Mormon faith leaders, what she learned about the state of discourse in …
MORMONS AND MORMONISM AS POLITICAL FARCE
“Mormon humor” is a concept that would startle many non-Mormons, but despite the warning in D&C 59:15 that “much laughter . . . is sin,” Mormons have long appreciated a good laugh. Simultaneously willing to laugh at themselves and sensitive to criticism, Mormons must answer the question: If you can’t laugh at a man claiming …
Parody Never Faileth: The Role Of Humor, Satire, And Kitsch In Mormon Culture
Mormons love a good laugh—and sometimes are willing to laugh at themselves. Join us for a lighthearted and light-minded Thursday evening plenary session wherein we will enjoy a closer look at the amusing, the humorous, and the absurd in Mormon creations. We will examine Jana Riess’s Twible project, a slide show featuring LOLcats with a …
The San Luis Shrine Missionary Desecration: Juvenile Recklessness or Criminal Acts?
The San Luis Shrine Missionary Desecration: Juvenile Recklessness or Criminal Acts? In March 2008, Catholics of San Luis, Colorado, were outraged when they found photos online that depicted LDS missionaries vandalizing-and allegedly desecrating- their shrine. Forgiven, but not forgotten, the act evokes a 1972 public relations debacle when two LDS missionaries served six months in …
KISSING THE DAMNED: EMBRACING A QUEER-POSITIVE SEXUALITY IN THE HEART OF ZION
KISSING THE DAMNED: EMBRACING A QUEER-POSITIVE SEXUALITY IN THE HEART OF ZION Much has been explored about the conflicts that arise from being gay and being Mormon. The stigma of shame has often led many LGBT members to experience their sexuality in shadow, cheating on spouses, meeting on the “down-low,” and drug abuse. However, years …
TELEVISION SHOWS THAT HAVE ENHANCED MY SPIRITUAL LIFE
Is television really the moral and spiritual wasteland it is often accused of being? Does network television offer more than just salacious sleaze and lowest-common-denominator humor? Are there intelligent, well-written shows with a fully functioning moral compass? Are there characters whose example, good, bad, or much more complex, inspire hope and impart transformative wisdom? Panelists …
Self Definition of a Post-Mormon: Leaving it and Leaving it Alone
Since the Church teaches that membership is necessary for salvation, is it possible to see people who leave the Church as anything but lost sheep at one extreme, or enemies of the truth at another? Many who leave the Church consider themselves to be not lost sheep, not enemies of the truth, but seekers who …
Mormonism On The Big Screen: What To Make Of Richard Dutcher’s Motion Picture Success, God’s Army?
Mormonism On The Big Screen: What To Make Of Richard Dutcher’s Motion Picture Success, God’s Army? Utahans have flocked to see God’s Army more than any other movie this year. Since opening in Salt Lake City in March, it has played, is now playing, and continues to open in major cities throughout the United States, …