Well, it is that time of year again! The FAIR Conference is
just around the corner, and I thought I would take a few minutes to talk about
what I am excited for in this year’s conference. And believe me, there is a lot
to be excited for in this year’s line-up.
First, FAIR is doing a few things different this year, and I
am not just talking about the new location (which I am excited about, since it
is closer to home for me, and it looks like a very nice venue). They are doing
two panel discussions on what seem to me very timely issues. One, on the first
day, about Mormon Feminism, and another, on the second day, on the “faith
crisis” that has become a major talking point in the Mormon internet community
these days.
Panelist for the first discussion will include Valarie Hudson, an
internationally renowned feminist, widely published political scientist, and was
recently published in the Ensign; Wendy
Ulrich, an accomplished psychologist (PhD), business woman, and author of LDS
books; Neylan McBain, founder and editor of the non-profit Mormon Women Project,
a business woman, and religion writer in both major national outlets and LDS
venues; Kris Fredrickson, who teaches (at BYU and UVU) and publishes on Women’s
studies, religion, and history; and Maxine Hanks – one of the infamous “September
Six.” Yes, this panel is full of some heavy hitters. If you are interested in issues
related to women and the Church, you will not want to miss this!
The faith crisis panel looks to be equally exciting,
featuring, again, Maxine Hanks, who recently returned to the Church after being
excommunicated (with 5 other intellectuals) in September 1993; as well as Don
Bradley, a brilliant Mormon historian who first lost his faith through history
and then regained it; Bill Reel, a convert and Bishop who went through a faith
crisis and now hosts a podcast meant to help others through similar struggles; and
Janet L. Eyring. These are all people who have lost their faith and then found
their way back. Again, if you or someone you know is currently struggling with
their faith in the gospel, this panel is going to be a must hear experience!
While FAIR has done panel discussions in the past, this will
be the first time they have done any since I have been attending the conference
(my first time was 2010), I am excited to be there for these important and
timely discussions.
Besides participating on the two panel’s, Maxine Hanks will
also be giving a presentation titled “Working With the Church: Another Narrative.” As one of the famed September
Six who are often held up as “Exhibit A” of the evidence that the Church is
anti-intellectual, I am very interested in seeing what she has to say about her
experience.
Another speaker that peaks my interest is Seth Payne. Payne
is a lifelong member of the Church, but he openly admits to not believing in
the founding stories of the restoration. Nonetheless, he remains active and
interested in the Church, and is presenting on “Why Mormonism Matters: Pastoral
Apologetics and the LDS Doubter,” another presentation that I think should be
of interest to those who are either struggling or know others who are struggling
with doubt.
Ralph Hancock, a very impressive conservative thinker and
commenter on religion and politics, will discuss the necessity of political
apologetics in light of Mormonism and the new liberalism. Given my political
science background, I am very interested to see what he has to say. This year
will also feature humor columnist Robert Kirby, writer for the Salt Lake Tribune, who will talk about
why we Mormons should be willing to laugh at ourselves. I’ve been told that
Kirby is a very good and very popular public speaker, so this should be a very
good presentation.
This year’s slate doesn’t just feature some of these
interesting “outside-the-box” type presentations. There are also a number of
solid presenters covering topics people have come to expect from FAIR. Don
Bradley will discuss the historical setting and context on the First Vision –
and I can promise you, he has something new and worthwhile to say on this
topic. Ron Barney, Executive Director of the Mormon History Association and
former Church Archivist, will also discuss Joseph Smith’s visions, and Lynne
Wilson, who has an MA in Religious Studies and a PhD in Theology and American
History will also discuss Joseph Smith in context of the Second Great
Awakening. Having recently switched my major to History, and being very
interested in Joseph Smith, these are some of the presentations I most look
forward too. Others interested in Church history should also be eager to hear
what these well researched scholars have to say about Joseph Smith and his
history.
With all of that said, the Book of Mormon has always been my
number one interest, and with that comes an interest in understanding how the
Book of Mormon relates to the real world. With that in mind, one of the
presentations I am most eager to hear is Mark Wright’s, on role of the “heartland”
in the Book of Mormon.
This doesn’t cover all the presentations for this year, but
gives you a good sampling. You can see the full line-up and speaker bio’s on
the FAIR website. It is going to be an exciting conference this year, and I
would encourage anyone with an interest in the topics I have mentioned here, or
any of the other topics being covered by this year’s speakers, to attend. The conference
will be on August 1-2 (a Thursday and a Friday) from about 8:00am to 5:30pm
both days. Tickets can be purchased through the FAIR Bookstore, with the option
of getting lunch included (which can be pretty convenient). If you can’t attend
for whatever reason, there is also online streaming available.
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