Sunstone Magazine

Join Ordain Women executive board members as we discuss what it takes to recognize and exhibit personal faith and sacrifice in the face of everyday obstacles and institutionalized sexism. We will be exploring topics such as ecclesiastical sexual abuse, hostility towards feminist thought in ward culture, and how defining one’s individual feminism can be your biggest asset. Come join us in understanding what ‘faithful agitation’ means to Ordain Women. http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15112.mp3 Danielle Mooney, Mark Barnes, Kristy Money, Lorie Winder Stromberg, Bryndis Roberts, Debra Jenson, Sean Carter, Joanna Wallace, Gina Colvin

The Book of Mormon shows that real peace can only come if the roots of a conflict are identified and the foundational stories and beliefs that gave rise to the conflict are rejected. These foundational narratives were at the heart of Nephite and Lamanite hatred, trapping both communities in a cycle of violence. By looking closely at the slaying of Laban, we can see how it fits into the larger Book of Mormon structure and reveals both the cause of and solution to violent conflicts. http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15273.mp3 Joshua Madson

In this presentation, I will explore the impact on individuals, couples and families as they navigate religious issues, faith transitions and find their way in or outside their faith. I will also discuss the challenges and benefits on personal growth, relationships and parenting. Finally, I will address practical ways we can create the space where multi-belief relationships can flourish. Or can it be done? http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15235.mp3 Verlyne Christensen

This session compares and contrast the Protestant “Just War” doctrine with historic Mormon attitudes. How did the Saints go from an essentially pacifist worldview to accepting war-time service in place of a mission and writing torture laws for the president? http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15176.mp3 Brooke Swallow, Kenneth Lines

Parents need more help than ever to understand the world their children are navigating. In this presentation, Alisha and Kristin will present strategies for continually talking to your children about healthy sexuality instead trying to cram it into one, dreaded “talk”. What defines comprehensive sex education for toddlers, kids, and teens? http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15177.mp3 Kristin Hodson, Alisha Worthington

This panel will provide insight into the lives and experiences of those who identify as both Mormon and bisexual or biromantic. What kind of experiences have developed from that intersection? http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15212.mp3 Alaina Hendricks, Michael Timothy, Cami Trujillo, and James D. Goates

Since the 1960s, unorthodox Mormons coalesced around print publications like Sunstone and Dialogue to engage in independent thought about Mormonism. Many of those people are now parents and grandparents. This panel will discuss the challenges of raising children in the Mormon faith, but outside the mainstream. Parents will discuss “inoculation,” navigating the politics of church youth programs, and balancing faith and criticism. Finally, the panel will discuss the consequences of a Sunstone upbringing. Does being raised in a Sunstone home inoculate you against faith crises? What is it like growing up in an unorthodox home? http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15153.mp3 Katie Davis Henderson, Mark Davis, Ana Nelson Shaw, Michael G. Nelson, Jerilyn Pool, Amanda Farr Knickerbocker

The main assumption of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy is that humans have inherent value. Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 teaches that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. But often aspects of LDS doctrine have been used to accuse and shame. This presentation will use REBT to explore how re-conceptualization can promote healing. http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15274.mp3 Mica McGriggs, Tristin Roney

Women are strikingly absent from the scriptures. Or are they? Using satire, stories, and a little dose of scripture, come listen to Jerilyn Hassell Pool excavate stories of women never before told. http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15215.mp3 Jerilyn Hassell Pool

The Church’s history with adoption and foster care is gray area. Efforts like the Indian Placement Program and sometimes-coercive and secretive practices of LDS Social/Family Services were guided by wrong-headed ideas about the superiority of some familiesÑwhite families, wealthy families, temple-sealed familiesÑover others. Mormons who become foster parents are vulnerable to some of the same false ideas. This panel will discuss best practices for foster and foster-adopt parents by sharing personal experiences and answering audience members’ questions. http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15123.mp3 Amanda Farr-Knickerbocker, Ana Nelson Shaw, Jo Overton, Marisa McPeck-Stringham, Brittni Scott, Heather Young, Desiree Miller

Mormon Fundamentalism is often unfairly conflated with dangerous behavior. The reality is that Mormon Fundamentalists are a very diverse group of people with a variety of life experiences and practiced beliefs. Using personal experiences, this panel will explore the spectrum between practicing fundamentalist tenants and becoming a religious extremist. http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15154.mp3 Lindsay Hansen Park, Trevor Jeffs, Kristyn Decker, C. Jane Kendrick, and Stan Shepp

Thoughtful and faithful middle ways are found in many of the great religious traditions. After exploring the middle ways of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Episcopalianism, this presentation will explore a uniquely LDS middle way identity that is distinctly not “middle ground.” http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15216.mp3 Mark Crego

For several generations, a canonical mischaracterization of God the Father has blinded Latter-day Saints to God the Mother, altered perceptions of the relationship between the mind/spirit and body, and fostered the political conservatism ascendant in Mormonism. This paper deals with the disparity between the concept of deity currently dominating Latter-day Saint conversation and the concept presented in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants. http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15275.mp3 Jimmy Jones

Few concepts are as foundational to world religions as sin. But what is sin? Is it a violation of eternal law? A heart turned in on itself? Behaviors that create negative karma? An action? A state of being? This interfaith panel will explore sin from a variety of theological perspectives and will tackle not only what sin IS, but what people of faith are supposed to do about it. http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15236.mp3 Katie Langston, Robin Linkhart, Caru Das Adikhary, Fatimah S. Salleh

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” was first read to the women of the Church at the Annual Women’s Meeting in September of 1995. In the years following, the Proclamation has become a standard Mormon wall decoration, gone on to inspire Primary songs, and been referenced in marriage equality legal briefs. This panel discusses how the Proclamation has affected Mormon culture during the past two decades. http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL15217.mp3 Nadine Hansen, Bryndis Roberts, and Christian Anderson