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Claremont j newsletteri

fall 2013 t Issue no. 9

…But What Exactly Do in this issue

You Do? Unpacking Hebrew with Tammi Schneider by Patrick Q. Mason page 3 Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies i k Student Contributions hen I meet people outside of means studying about and seeking page 5 Wthe university context, they to understand religion rather than k are often quite interested in the fact promoting any one tradition or Thanks to Donors that I am a “ of religion.” its beliefs—the same way that a I have learned that this means historian of twentieth-century page 7 different things to Russia can study k Critical Comparative different people. “Being a professor of about and seek To my next-door to understand Scripture & Mormon neighbor, it means religion at a secular communism Studies that he tells me university like CGU means without promoting page 8 about the book he studying about and international k just read debunking seeking to understand revolution. Even Vibrancy of Mormon the Bible’s claims once that important Studies and how he threw religion rather than distinction is page 9 it in the face of his promoting any one understood, people k “fundamentalist are still a little unclear tradition or its beliefs.“ Expanding Our Circle of Bible-thumping” about what exactly I brother-in-law do on a daily basis. Influence during their last visit. To people They have a vague notion that page 10 sitting next to me on the airplane, it teach classes. But truth be means either a conversation about told, I’m only in the classroom about their own church, or about how six hours per week (though class they hated their parents’ church, prep and grading takes much more or about “those Muslims,” or about [continued on the following page] the topic of whatever book I’m reading or stack of student papers visit us online I’m grading. To the people at church, it means explaining that no, I’m not k We are currently in the final stages of revamping and updating our website. Stay a seminary or Institute teacher, and Tuned. To subscribe to this newsletter and for updates on Mormon Studies at no, my students are not rushing into Claremont please visit: baptismal fonts. claremontmormonstudies.org Being a professor of religion at a secular university like CGU Please direct any questions to [email protected].

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than that). What do I do with the rest of my time—that is, on accumulating frequent flier miles by participating when I’m not sitting around in my tweed jacket, stroking in conferences in seemingly every part of the country, my chin, and thinking deep thoughts? and beyond: Mormon History Association conferences The university, and especially the graduate university, in Calgary, Alberta, and Layton, ; the American is a place where we not only transmit existing knowledge, Historical Association in New Orleans; the American but also where we create new knowledge. Can you think Academy of Religion in Chicago; the Western History of anything more exciting or fulfilling? This creation of Association in Denver; a symposium of LDS national knowledge is accomplished through conducting original security professionals in Washington, DC; and (by research and then presenting or publishing the findings videoconference) a workshop on collaborative learning of that research. High-quality original research is often technologies in Egypt. tedious and always time-consuming, especially when one Of course, I do teach, an activity at the very heart of strives to meet the rigorous standards of academic peer the university. The Hunter Chair is designated to teach review. It often takes several years to research and write a one course per semester on , and another book, and at least a few months to write a good article. course on some other aspect of religion, usually American Much of my time is thus dedicated to research and religious history. In the past couple of years I have writing. In the past year or two I have published a number taught courses called “Introduction to Mormonism,” of articles (cited below) on topics ranging from violence in “Approaches to Mormonism,” “Gendering Mormonism,” early Mormonism to Mormon blogs to the relationship of “Mormonism and Politics,” “Religion in America to faith and history. I was pleased with the publication of the 1865,” “Religion in America, 1865-present,” “Women book War and Peace in Our Time: Mormon Perspectives, in American Religion,” and “Comparative Global which was based on an outstanding conference held at Fundamentalisms.” One of the benefits of teaching CGU in 2011 and which presents a variety of thoughtful graduate students is that I often leave our classroom perspectives on how Latter-day Saints approach discussions having learned something new and interesting perplexing issues of war and peace. I was similarly from them. I also spend several hours every week advising gratified last year when the Mormon History Association students on coursework, research, progress toward their awarded an article I published in 2011 on the concept of degrees, and career goals. “theodemocracy” in nineteenth-century Mormonism. Of course, the 2012 presidential election brought Books are the gold standard in the fields of history an onslaught of media attention, most of which has and religious studies. In addition to my first book, The since waned. Nevertheless, the contacts I made during Mormon Menace, published two years ago, I am currently election season mean that I have continued to appear working on multiple new book projects. My main book, episodically in outlets including National Public Radio, which I am working on slowly but steadily, is a biography The Daily Beast, the Wall Street Journal, ABC News, of , taking into account his entire the Washington Post, KTTV (Los Angeles), and various life – religion and politics, family and farming. Even podcasts. I have recently been interviewed or consulted more slowly, I’m plugging away on a book (co-authored for two separate documentaries on women in the LDS with BYU Idaho professor Pulsipher) that will Church. I believe this continued presence in various systematically explore a Mormon theology of peace. I am media outlets is an important element of what the Hunter also editing or co-editing two forthcoming collections Chair can accomplish in terms of public education and of essays, one stemming from our 2013 Mormon Studies outreach, and hopefully also brings positive attention and conference at CGU which honored the vaunted academic recognition to the Mormon Studies program at CGU. career of LDS Council member , and As significant as the Hunter Chair is, it does not stand another that will marshal new research on Mormonism in alone in the field of Mormon Studies. One of my favorite post-1945 America. parts of the job is networking with other scholars in Scholars test out and refine the ideas that eventually Mormon Studies and cognate fields. I have the privilege appear in print by presenting their work at professional of serving on the board of directors for both the Mormon conferences. Since the summer of 2012 I have worked History Association and Dialogue Foundation (which

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publishes Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought), as co-authored with Armand L. Mauss, World Religions and well as on the steering committee for the Mormon Studies Spirituality Project, http://www.has.vcu.edu/wrs/profiles/ consultation of the American Academy of Religion and LDS.htm. the advisory board for the new • “Mormonism and Politics,” Forum on Contemporary published by BYU’s . I was fortunate to Mormonism, Religion and American Culture (Winter 2013): gather with a “summit” of Mormon Studies scholars in 22–29. Utah this past summer to discuss the future of the field and possible collaborations, and was thrilled to be present • “Mormon Blogs, Mormon Studies, and the Mormon as my good friend and colleague was Mind,” Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought (Fall 2012): inaugurated as the first Richard Lyman Bushman Chair 12–25. of Mormon Studies at the . I can • “’The Wars and the Perplexities of the Nations’: confidently affirm that Mormon Studies—at CGU and Reflections on Early Mormonism, Violence, and the State,” elsewhere—has never been stronger, and is poised to make Journal of Mormon History (Summer 2012): 72–89. even greater contributions in the years to come. If this little taste of what I do sounds enjoyable and • “Faith and History, -Style,” Forum on exciting, it’s because it is. Now back to work! t Uniting Faith and History, Religious Educator (2012): 142–144. Selected Recent Publications • “Visions of Zion: Changes in Mormon Social Ethics,” • War and Peace in Our Time: Mormon Perspectives, co- Christian Century (Aug. 7, 2012). edited with J. David Pulsipher and Richard L. Bushman • “ and the People: Theodemocracy in Nineteenth- (Greg Kofford Books, 2012). Century Mormonism,” Journal of Church and State • “Church of Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormonism),” (Summer 2011): 349–375.

“And What Does That Mean?” Unpacking the with Dr. Tammi Schneider by Christie Frandsen Mormon Studies Council Member

r. Tammi Schneider sweeps into the classroom, on women in the Hebrew Bible. And I am lucky enough to Dgreets her students with a brilliant smile, and before be sitting in on her class! she has even taken her seat, she launches into the day’s Her resume is impressive and awe-inspiring for me topic with irrepressible energy and enthusiasm. It feels personally. Tammi Schneider is the me I might have been to me as if the light in the room suddenly doubles in had I not chosen the life of a full-time mother instead. wattage; any lingering early morning fatigue instantly Here’s how she is described on the Claremont Graduate evaporates. I learned early on to have my books open University (CGU) website: and pen in hand or I would quickly be left far behind in Tammi J. Schneider teaches ancient Near Eastern the rapid-fire conversation that will continue without History, literature, archaeology and religion and also a lull for the next three hours. Tammi, as she prefers to women in the Hebrew Bible. Her research draws together be called, quickly puts all her students at ease with her the varied fields of archaeology, Assyriology and biblical unassuming and personable style, making me feel as if I studies in an effort to understand the ancient Near am her new best friend. But behind that gregarious and East, especially the interactions among various peoples. charming demeanor is one of the world’s premier scholars She received her doctorate in Ancient History from the

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University of Pennsylvania. Her books include: Judges in Studies Council where I met Dr. Tammi Schneider for the Berit Olam series; : Mother of Nations; Mothers the first time. I shared with her my unfulfilled academic of Promise: Women in the ; and An dreams and without a moment’s hesitation she said, “Well, Introduction to Ancient Near Eastern Religion. She was it’s never too late! Come to my class!” That was all the the editor for the ancient Near East section of the journal encouragement I needed. Religious Studies Review, Vice President of the American It is possible I have never been a part of a more eclectic Schools of Oriental Research and edits the series People of and diverse group of people than the students who take the Ancient World for the Society of Biblical Literature. Tammi Schneider’s Women in the Hebrew Bible class. She has worked on numerous archaeological excavations in Sitting around the table, along with a handful of bright, and is presently the head of the educational program articulate, sleep-deprived female doctoral students hoping at the Tel Akko Excavations where she excavates every to follow in Tammi’s footsteps, is an impassioned Jewish year with students from CGU and the Claremont Colleges. feminist, a retired army veteran preparing for her second Along with her teaching responsibilities career in religious studies, a former district she presently serves as Dean of the School “After five minutes attorney making the leap from her lucrative of Arts and Humanities. in Tammi’s class the legal career to follow her lifelong teaching Oh, yes, and did we forget to mention dream. Tammi’s disciples run the gamut that she is a wife and mother of 2 young differences that divide in age and ethnicity, political and religious daughters? us cease to matter.” affiliation, and sexual orientation. We even It seems that Tammi has accomplished have a few brave men, including a delightful the “impossible dream” for women. She has the best of divinity student from Haiti and a doctoral candidate both worlds: an exceptionally successful career and a from . I am the oldest, undoubtedly the most richly rewarding home life. It would be easy for me to feel conservative, and possibly the least qualified academically. intimidated by someone like her, but Tammi’s genuine But after five minutes in Tammi’s class the differences warmth and friendliness dispels all intimidation. that divide us cease to matter. Tammi molds us into a Dr. Schneider defies stereotyping. She is an out- respectful and caring community of learners where all spoken feminist who is also a devoted and happy wife feel free to express opinions, be heard and understood, to and mother. She is a meticulous Hebrew scholar with listen and be changed. And together we are transported a delightful sense of humor. She is an ambitious and into the world of the Bible that Tammi opens up to us. accomplished academic who takes the time to coach her Her teaching style is dynamic and engaging and what daughter’s soccer team. She is a formidable critic of sloppy I call “organized spontaneity,” with lots of twists and scholarship with a heart so tender that I have seen her turns and diversions along the way of textual exploration. weep in class. Tammi once said “People who speak slowly bore me” – no How did I find myself studying with this world-class one is boring in Tammi Schneider’s class! She sprinkles scholar? My passion for all things biblical was kindled her lectures liberally with stories of her family, social by a semester abroad in Israel during my sophomore commentary, and tales of her adventures on Israeli year at University. When I returned archaeology digs or dealing with elitist snobs at academic from that life-altering experience, I changed my major conferences. But it is the Hebrew text which draws us all from chemical engineering to ancient scriptures and back. over-loaded my course schedule every semester to make Those in the class who can read Hebrew (once upon up for lost time. I married after my junior year at BYU a time I would have been in that group…) take turns and followed my husband to Duke University where he reading a verse of the day’s text, followed by Tammi’s attended law school and I enrolled in classes at the Duke favorite question: “And what does that mean?” And then Divinity School (I believe I was the first LDS student the magic begins as Tammi “unpacks” each word of the to attend there). But as soon as our first baby arrived, I text, sharing nuances and possibilities in that Hebrew abandoned my academic dreams for motherhood. I have word that none of us had ever known. I have had more absolutely no regrets about that choice, but I was left with “ah-ha” moments in Tammi’s classes than all of my other a lingering hunger for all the things I never got the chance classes combined as she reveals the truer meanings of to learn. Fast forward many years, after the last of my 11 these age-old words. children left for college, I was invited to join the Mormon Among many other academic “claims to fame,” [see Schneider, 6]

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Student Contributions

We asked students to provide some details about their recent academic work. Included here are some of their contributions to the field.

Alan Clark Scholarship, . Conversion, Ingolf U. Dalferth and Michael Ch. Rodgers, eds. (Tübingen, Germany: • “‘Perverted by the Most Frantic Mohr Siebeck, 2013), 69–80. Enthusiasm’: The Embrace of Spiritual Gifts Maclane Heward in Early Mormonism,” Mormon Scholars • “‘Our First Mission’: Advancing Mission Taunalyn Rutherford Foundation Summer Symposium, Brigham Methodology during the 1835 Mission of Young University, 2013. the Twelve,” Mormon History Association • Taught World Religions and Book of • “‘We believe in the gift of tongues’: The Annual Conference, June 2013. Mormon at Brigham Young University 1906 Pentecostal Revolution and Its Effects during the summer of 2013. on the LDS Use of the Gift of Tongues in Chase Kirkham • Religious Education Dissertation Grant, the Twentieth Century,” Mormon Historical Brigham Young University. Studies 14, no. 1 (2013): 67–80. • “The Pre-Adamites and the Politics of Time,” Mormon History Association Annual • Traveling to India to conduct oral history Conference, June 2013. research with Mormon and Sikh women in Jon England December. • “The Great Debate: America’s Pastor Caroline Kline John Philip Newman Confronts Mormon Hunt Steenblik Apostle Orson Pratt,” Mormon History • Margo L. Goldsmith Memorial Fellowship, Association Annual Conference, June 2013. Claremont Graduate University. • “Kierkegaard on the Question Concerning Technology,” Kierkegaard and the • “Nothing So Pleases God as a Thin Body: Richard Livingston Present Age Conference, Brigham Young Holy Anorexia From Tertullian’s Carthage University, November 2013. to Alpine Utah,” Sunstone Symposium, Salt • Dissertation Grant, Claremont Graduate Lake City, August 2013. University, 2013–2014. • “Heavenly Mother: ‘The Throbbing Hunger of Women’s (and Men’s) ,’” Sunstone • Taught at State University– Symposium, , August 2013. Alexandria Griffin Fullerton, • “Through the Lens of Love: Kierkegaard’s • “The in , 1949–1970,” Department, “Religion and Science” (CPRL 397). Call to See with the Change of Eternity,” Mormon History Association Annual The Seventh International Conference, Conference, June 2013. • Taught at Chaffey College, Philosophy “Honoring the 200th Anniversary of Department, “Introduction to Religion” the Birth of Søren Kierkegaard,” St. Olaf Lincoln Hale (PHIL 80). College, June 2013. • Hugh W. Nibley Fellowship 2013–2014, • “In Pursuit of Plurality: A Response to • Summer Fellow, St. Olaf College, Hong Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Ayse Kadayifci-Orellana” published in Kierkegaard Library, June–July 2013.

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New Students Join the Program

Maclane Heward Maclane has been teaching seminary at Lone Peak High School in Northern Utah County for the last four years and has been granted a one year leave-without-pay to complete coursework at CGU. He completed a B.A. in Public Relations (2008) and a M.A. in Religious Education (2013) both at BYU. His master’s thesis focused on the first mission of the Twelve Apostles in 1835. Maclane served a mission to Jackson, Mississippi from 2003 to 2005. He and his wife Maria have been married for seven years and have three children, two boys and a girl. Matthew Pitts Matthew is from West Jordan, Utah. He graduated with a BA from Brigham Young University where he studied Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies. Upon receiving his degree Matthew traveled with his wife to Jerusalem where they lived for six months as he completed a Hebrew study program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. After settling in Pleasant Grove, Utah for three years, Matthew decided to continue his education. He earned a law degree from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, the law school of University, in New York City. Matthew also earned a concurrent MA in Modern from Yeshiva. Matthew is currently enrolled as a PhD student in the History of and Religions of North America program. His areas of interest include the intersection of law and religion, including the historical effects of changes in the legal system on religious doctrine and practice within American Christian and Jewish congregations. He is also interested in the comparative study of and Mormonism. He served a LDS mission in Venezuela, Maracaibo. He and his wife Jaime have three young sons: Simon, Eli, and Lot. Jeffrey Turner Jeff grew up in Redwood City, California. He attended Washington State University, where he graduated with a B.A. in philosophy and a B.A. in religious studies. While at WSU he converted to Mormonism. Jeff is a first year Master’s student in the general religion program. His research interests include nineteenth-century European emigration, pamphleteering, and international transfer of ideas. He and his wife Lexie currently live in Upland, California.

Schneider, continued from page 4 to them and allow those actions to imprint on my heart: Lot’s wife, Tammi is perhaps best known for speak for them, to once again give Hagar, Tamar, Jael. her original approach to textual them a voice that has been silenced With the inimitable guidance of analysis which she calls “Verbing the for far too many centuries. As I Dr. Tammi Schneider, I am learning Characters.” She carefully looks at listen to what these women have to to unpack these ancient sacred the verbs which are attached to each say to me, a 21st century woman stories where I have discovered a female character – verbs that each whose life is both dramatically world populated by very real women one does and verbs that are done different and surprisingly similar to – a delightfully diverse array of to her. By this simple yet brilliant theirs, I am overwhelmed with what women with passions and problems and ingenious technique, she has I hear and what I have learned and very much like my own, who met discovered aspects of these women how I have been changed. My newest the challenges of their lives with that no one has ever seen before. best friends are these magnificent courage and grace. These women These women spring to life before ancient women, some of whose have now become friends and sisters our very eyes as we look carefully names were never even recorded, but who inhabit not just the pages of my at what they did and what was done whose lives have made an indelible scriptures but a place in my heart. t

Page 6 http://religion.cgu.edu t http://www.claremontmormonstudies.org Claremont Mormon Studies Newsletter t fall 2013 Thanks to Our 2012–2013 Donors laremont Mormon Studies represents a donors, nine new students were able to enroll in the Cunique opportunity to create wider worldwide Mormon Studies program at Claremont Graduate understanding and appreciation of Mormonism. In his University. Together with these students, the current 2007 endorsement of the Howard W. Hunter Chair of Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies, BYU Claremont Mormon Studies, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland and Notre Dame-trained Dr. Patrick Mason, who has remarked that as President Hunter considered ways in been called upon to provide his insights in diverse which the Church could be better understood beyond settings from the White House, to the Wall Street the language of faith, he had a vision of secular academic Journal, to National Public Radio, to the academy, is centers fostering a better understanding of the Church producing world-recognized, cutting-edge scholarship through the language of scholarship. If President Hunter and commentary on Mormonism. The first recipients “were alive today,” said Elder Holland, “he would be of Claremont’s Robert L. Millet Fellowship, Taunalyn expressing his deepest gratitude for the vision that is Rutherford and Clayton Christensen, are exemplars of linking his name, and that of the Church he loved, with this flourishing academic environment. such a distinguished institution as Claremont.” We extend our deepest gratitude to the following As we fast-forward six years, we’re pleased to report individuals who donated to the Claremont Mormon that President Hunter’s prophetic vision is now coming Studies Program and the Howard W. Hunter Foundation to fruition. Last year, thanks to the support of generous during this past year:

$500,000 or above • Mary Lythgoe Bradford • Bryant and Betty Rossiter • Roy and Carol Christensen • Charles Schofield • Bruce and Helen McGregor • Dr. Greggory and Dorothy Winder DeVore • Carol Pearson $100,000 or above • Val and Alice Hemming • Craig Nelson • Menlo F. Smith • Mark McPaullin • Gordon and Barbara Mauss $50,000 or above • Cynthia Kofford • Robert and Diane Wilson • John and Hawkins • Morris and Dawn Thurston • Dallas Brent Tolton • Brian and Lisa Palmer Up to $1000 $10,000 or above • Dr. Tammi Schneider • James Wilkinson • Armand and Ruth Mauss • Dr. R. Lanier Britsch • Donna West • Stephen and Jane Bradford • Regina Vigneault • Robert and Diane Wilson • Russ and Christie Frandsen • Brooke Jones Williams • Bill and Marilyn Wright • Craig and Theresa Rossell • John R. Williams • Gerald Bowns • Don and Jette Laws • John and Shirley Carmack • Christopher and Jennifer Halloran • Rob Briggs • LeGrande and Marguerite Eliason • Guy Murray • Anonymous • Glen Franks • Donald C. Houle • Betsy VanDenBerghe $5000 or above • Randall H. and Carole Johnson • Jacqueline Howard • Weatherford and Lisa Clayton • Milan D. Smith • Anonymous $1000 or above • Ed Tolman We did our best to include all 2012–2013 donors, but we • Frank and Anna Rolapp • Joseph and Marilyn Bentley apologize in advance for any oversights and request notification of any donors inadvertently left off or listed incorrectly. For any corrections, please email Christie Frandsen at [email protected].

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The Critical Comparative Scripture Program and Mormon Studies by Andrew Smith PhD Student, Critical Comparative Scriptures

s I am, at the moment, the unwritten, which provide the basis of law, respect for authority, etc.). Asole member of CMSSA who for the whys within that discourse. In short, CCS examines not only is pursuing a degree in the Critical In this sense, little-s “scripture” is a what scripture is but what it does for Comparative Scripture program at categorization of texts, objects, and us and what we make it do for us, CGU, I have been asked to give some discursive norms that determine whether we are conscious of such insight into that program and how it the forms and functions of that action or not. relates to Mormon Studies. discourse. It is a broad category This theoretical lens can be of use The Critical Comparative that includes big-S “Scripture(s),” in Mormon Studies in discovering Scripture (CCS) program can be, in commonly understood as the holy and analyzing the norms, attitudes, many ways, exactly what the average writings or canon of a given religious and texts that govern Mormon person probably thinks when they tradition. discourse. Perhaps it could be said hear the words put together. Yet, at In a similar way, the CCS that Mormon Studies is uniquely the same time, it is also something program is also broader than situated to be primed for such study. completely different, more simply the discourse of comparative Because Mormonism acknowledges complex and theoretically driven, religion. It is concerned with an open canon and a broader expanding beyond simply looking “scripturalization,” or the way definition of scripture as that at the Scriptures of one tradition in in which the “script” or “text” which is spoken or expressed by comparison to those of another. (the words, language, politics of those with authority “when moved Theoretically, this program is discourse, etc.) constructs and is upon by the Holy Ghost” (D&C based on critical self-assessment transformed into the formation 68:4), are potentially within discursive formations itself, or the phenomenon that more open to the understanding accomplished by analyzing closely underlies and governs how we view that differing “texts” can be the underlying power structures, the world around us, our place with authoritative and functional, to hierarchies, and unspoken (perhaps in it, and how we function therein. differing degrees, in their formation unrecognized) forms of that In this sense, CCS fully encompasses and identity, than someone, for discourse. This involves asking some the study of religion as one instance, who subscribes to the of the most basic questions, such as: determining factor in this process. idea of sola scriptura. Mormons what are you, as a member of said However, it also extends beyond the can take authoritative cues, not just discourse, doing? Why? What does scope of what is normally defined as from the , but also it mean that you are doing it this religion to include many other fields from the Church hymnals, from way and not another? The answers or subfields. For example, the study the words of latter-day are compared to other formations of “nationcraft” or how a national and apostles, from articles in the to assess descriptive and relative discourse will use symbols, signs, Ensign, from rituals and ceremonies, differences, helping to further and language (such as flags, mottos, from patriarchal blessings, and develop understanding of the whys pledges of allegiance, uniforms, from other unspoken or unwritten and hows of both formations. The education, etc.) to socialize and sources. Thus, Mormon Studies term “scripture” comes to refer, condition its citizens by imparting as a discipline may benefit from then, to the “texts,” both written and values (such as freedom, the rule examinations of these specific “texts”

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and how they have influenced notwithstanding, ritual remains, benefit from scholarship in this and continue influencing the in many ways, an open field for manner. While there are many development of Mormon discourse academic study, especially as a aspects of CCS that could be seen and individual spirituality. factor in the growth and ongoing as problematic (and some I have It is in the category of seeing development of religious traditions my issues with, theoretically and ritual as scripture or authoritative and formations. This is especially spiritually), there are approaches and text that determines, socializes, and the case in Mormonism, where it theoretical lenses found in CCS that influences our religious formations, is doctrine that “in the ordinances could be of use in and shed light on where I will be headed with my (i.e., rituals) thereof, the power of Mormon Studies. t dissertation in regard to Islamic godliness is manifest” (D&C 84:21), and Biblical ritual. Past works and the tradition could potentially

The Vibrancy of Mormon Studies at CGU by Alan Clark President, Claremont Mormon Studies Student Association

s a member of the Claremont scholars. Through the last year an academic discipline. Scholars AMormon Studies Student and a half, we have been honored engaged in research are often Association, and as a student at to meet with many other scholars invited to make presentations. Claremont Graduate University and discuss their works, such as Patrick Mason offers a course over the last year and a half, it is , , on some aspect of Mormonism wonderful to be able to see and David Campbell, John Turner, Reid each semester. The conversation participate in the vibrant academic Neilson, Michael Quinn, Laurie continues from the classroom to life at CGU. The growing impact of Maffly-Kipp, and others. the Claremont Mormon Studies the Howard W. Hunter foundation There is no better place to engage Student Association lunch meetings can be seen throughout the last in Mormon Studies than CGU. where students are able to present calendar year. Last March, Patrick Yet what that means is somewhat current research they are doing Mason, Howard W. Hunter Chair elusive. Many people hear that I and receive feedback from others. of Mormon Studies, organized a attend CGU, so they assume that That research gets presented at local conference in honor of Armand I am getting a PhD in Mormon and national conferences which Mauss, a long time scholar of Studies. That is not exactly how our reinforces Mormon Studies as an Mormon Studies and instrumental program functions. In my opinion, academic discipline and creates developer of the Mormon Studies three unique opportunities for more awareness of the LDS Church program here. During the students exist because of the Howard and Mormon culture in history conference, students and visitors W. Hunter foundation of Mormon and the modern world. CGU is enjoyed the opportunity to hear Studies at Claremont Graduate at the forefront in promoting and from Richard and Claudia Bushman, University. promulgating Mormon Studies in , Paul Reeve, Matthew First, CGU is a focal point for the academic world. Bowman, and many other stellar the creation of Mormon Studies as Second, master’s students and

[see Vibrancy, 11]

http://religion.cgu.edu t Http://www.claremontmormonstudies.org Page 9 Claremont Mormon Studies Newsletter t fall 2013 Expanding Our Circle of Influence by Lincoln Hale Vice President, Claremont Mormon Studies Student Association

n 2011 I began my search for PhD programs. There availability to me especially helped me to feel wanted by Iwere several schools and programs on my radar but the school and needed in the Mormon Studies Program. Claremont Graduate University was not one of them. I mention all this, not simply as a reminiscence, but as a I was the only Mormon at a markedly liberal graduate reinforcement of the importance of making our program school of theology. My focus was ancient biblical studies widely-available. The Claremont Mormon Studies and I was particularly interested in biblical languages. At (CMS) website (claremontmormonstudies.org), the CMS this time, the Mormon moment was in full swing and by sponsored conferences available online and eventually as virtue of my membership in the LDS Church I became, publications, the CMS Newsletter available in print and (and I must say, without merit), the resident authority online, and the Howard W. Hunter Chair’s availability to on all things Mormon. I was surprised at how many interested individuals not only played an important role people, both colleagues and professors, wanted to hear a in bringing me to CGU but also, and more importantly, Mormon perspective in our class discussions and also in continues to attract remarkable students, accomplished my research papers. This led me to write and/or present scholars, and generous donors to Claremont. on topics such as the canonization of both biblical and Claremont is now a major center for Mormon studies. modern scripture, Deuteronomical legal cases compared Mormon scholars want and need to come to Claremont to with legal cases, Mormon perspectives present their work. CGU provides a setting that supports, on various books of the Bible, and more. critiques, and promotes Mormon studies scholarship As I was in the beginning stages of finding the right in ways other venues cannot. In seeing the potential of PhD program, a colleague, knowing I was a Mormon, our program, Jeffrey R. Holland said that Howard W. emailed me a link to a presentation delivered at a Hunter believed a Mormon Studies Program at CGU conference held at Claremont Graduate University in “could greatly impact scholars, opinion leaders, and March of 2011. This conference eventually turned into public policy-makers, ultimately from all over the world.” the incredible publication: War and Peace In Our Time: This is a challenge, I believe, we are taking seriously. Mormon Perspectives, co-edited by our very own Patrick Elder Holland also said that “President Hunter always Mason and . This conference, and wanted us to talk with those beyond our own circle, to the fact that it was available to me online, not only put communicate first and foremost in our language of faith CGU on my radar but set me on a course to learn more but wherever possible to add the language of scholarship, about the university’s programs, and more specifically its which would expand our circle of influence even farther.” Mormon Studies Program. Amazingly, CGU has blazed a trail that others are still In my search, I came across the following, including the University of Virginia, which claremontmormonstudies.org website and began by recently created its first ever Chair of Mormon Studies, reading every back-issue of this, the Claremont Mormon appropriately named after CGU’s inaugural Chair of Studies Newsletter. It better acquainted me with Dr. Mormon Studies, Richard Lyman Bushman. CMSSA Mason, Dr. Bushman, Dr. Armand Mauss, Dr. Karen students are presenting and publishing original research. Torjesen, and others who pioneered and propagated Conferences, both regional and national, are now holding the Mormon Studies Program here at CGU. Almost more Mormon Studies sessions and panels than ever immediately, I contacted Patrick Mason and he graciously before. No longer crutched by political candidacies, answered every question I threw his way. I eventually broadway productions, nor in vogue media fads, the saw Dr. Mason present research at the AAR National academic study of Mormonism is not only standing on Conference in San Francisco in November of 2011. At that its own two feet but proliferating. While our presence is same conference, I also met Dr. Tammi Schneider, several growing stronger, we must continue to expand our circle CMSSA students, and many others at CGU’s reception. of influence by providing outstanding scholarship and I felt well-connected to the school but Dr. Mason’s making it even more widely-available. t

Page 10 http://religion.cgu.edu t http://www.claremontmormonstudies.org entering Mormon Studies. Claremont Mormon , continued from page 9 Vibrancy Some people have asked me how Studies Newsletter it is valuable to pursue Mormon doctoral candidates are able to Studies outside of the universities A joint publication of the include Mormon Studies as an in Utah? A comparison with BYU Howard W. Hunter Chair of emphasis in their degree programs. may help understand the value of Mormon Studies There are currently students at the CGU Mormon Studies program. Claremont working on degrees in BYU and CGU serve different Claremont Mormon Studies English, Women’s Studies, American purposes. BYU strengthens personal Council Religion, Critical Comparative spirituality and trains students on Scriptures, Ancient Christianity, how to incorporate their personal Claremont Mormon Studies Politics, and Philosophy of Religion beliefs into their everyday lives. Student Association and Theology, who have integrated Because the student body of BYU some aspect of Mormon Studies is predominantly LDS, it mainly k into their individual programs. offers a devotional perspective on Howard W. Hunter Chair The emphasis on Mormon Studies Mormon Studies. CGU provides of Mormon Studies included in their programs of study an opportunity for students Patrick Mason informs their individual research to study Mormonism through in new and fascinating ways, while the more general framework of k highlighting the significance of academic discourse. It allows them Mormon history and culture to learn about different narratives Claremont Mormon Studies Council as it relates to American and and perspectives outside of the Chairman international history and culture. traditional Mormon narrative, Steve Bradford Third, CGU creates a diverse which are often not available in a community of scholars and ideas devotional setting - not because k within the field of Mormon Studies. these narratives are antagonistic Mormon and non-Mormon but because CGU caters to a more Claremont Mormon Studies students are able to discuss facets of diverse body of students. The study Student Association Mormon Studies together in an open of Mormonism benefits from President academic environment. While this both members and non-members Alan Clark does occasionally happen at other evaluating it as an American universities and places like Brigham religious culture and as the Vice-President Young University, it does not occur burgeoning international faith it Lincoln Hale as often as it does at Claremont has now become. Both schools offer k Graduate University. The variety vital and helpful programs. Yet only of disciplines and perspectives since the creation of the Howard brought to the table from each W. Hunter foundation for Mormon student allows for the cultivation of Studies has an academic setting like new directions in Mormon Studies CGU existed. As Mormon Studies and the refinement of old ones. The continues growing and academic general faculty at CGU are more approaches to it proliferate, informed about Mormonism than Claremont Graduate University will Howard W. Hunter Chair of at most other universities, and they maintain its central place in the field, Mormon Studies too incorporate considerations on thanks to the generosity and interest 831 N. Dartmouth Ave. Mormon history and culture into of all those who have contributed in Claremont, CA 91711 their research as they work with the past, and those who contribute their students. It is an amazing now and in the future. t atmosphere for anyone interested in