Claremont Mormon Studies j newsletteri

Spring 2010 t Issue n o . 2

A Center for Mormon Studies in this issue b y Richard L. Bushman Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies, Claremont Graduate University Spring 2010 Semester Events page 2 e have used the phrase “a But partly it is a matter of fact. national center for Mor- Through experience as much as ik W mon Studies” since the Claremont through calculation, we have found On the Mormon Trail, program began. Perhaps it seems a that Mormon scholars like to come June 1848 page 3 little presumptuous considering the to Claremont for their conferences. scores of scholars all over the world Sunstone West meets here every k at work on Mormonism, and the other year. The Society for Mormon Snapshot of Faculty and much larger accumulation of Mor- Philosophers and Theologians held mon scholars in Salt Lake City and their annual conference here last Student Work page 4 Provo. At Claremont we have one spring and plans to come every third k full-time faculty member augmented year. The Mormon Scholars in the by the capable adjunct teaching of Humanities will meet here in May Fall 2009 Lecture Series Claudia Bushman and Armand for their annual conference, this Recap page 6 Mauss. Twenty-five year on the theme of k students at most are “There is an interest the family in his- dealing with Mor- among Mormon scholars tory, literature, and Mormon Studies and the monism in one form society. In addition “Overflowing Surge” page 7 or another compared nationally in presenting we have held our to hundreds in Utah their work at Claremont.” own conference on and elsewhere in the Mormonism and being produced is available to them country. And yet we persist in call- Polities, Mormonism and Engineer- not only through journals and books ing ourselves a national center. Why ing, Mormon Women, and looking but in the persons of the scholars do- the chutzpah? ahead to Spring 2010 on the state of ing the work. Partly it is a frame of mind. We Mormon Studies, and in spring 2011 We will not have to continue at believe that we can deal with the on War and Peace from a Mormon this hectic pace in the years to come. most pressing questions in Mormon Perspective. The point has been established. This Studies here as well as anywhere. As We have probably overdone it is a place to confer and reflect on Joseph Smith said, we wish to gather in these first two years. We put the major issues in Mormon Stud- all truth and make it our own. This inordinate strains on the School of ies. Not only in our imaginations act of gathering and reflection is Religion staff with our heaped over is Claremont a national center; it is the responsibility of the students as schedule of lectures and conferences, now looked on that way around the much as the faculty’s. We are like a but the point remains: there is an country. My fondest hope is that this hive of bees gathering in nectar from interest among Mormon scholars will give our students the courage a wide field to make honey here in nationally in presenting their work and ambition to make their own our own hive. We think our golden at Claremont. I am pleased with this work part of the great surge of ongo- brew can be as succulent and nour- desire to collect here. We want our ing scholarship in this burgeoning ishing as honey made anywhere. students to feel that the best that is field of study.t

Page 1 http://religion.cgu.edu t http://www.claremontmormonstudies.org Claremont Mormon Studies Newsletter t Spring 2010

Spring 2010 Semester Events

February 18 March 11 Grant Hardy Daniel C. Peterson “The Deep Structure of the Book of Mormon” “The Debate over the Book of Mormon” 8:00 p.m. at Mudd Auditorium 8:00 p.m. at Albrecht Auditorium Claremont School of Theology Claremont Graduate University Grant Hardy, Associate Professor of History at the Daniel Peterson, Professor of Islamic Studies and University of North Carolina Asheville, is best known to Arabic at Brigham Young University, is best known in Mormons for The Book of Mormon: A Reader’s Edition, the academic world as an expert on Islam. As editor of but he soon will be better known for his structural the FARMS Review of Books for many years, however, he analysis of the Book of Mormon coming out with Oxford is well informed on the controversies surrounding the University Press this year. Hardy explains how the three historicity of the Book of Mormon. In his talk, he will major historians in the book, Nephi, Mormon, and report on the debate as it stands right now. Moroni constructed their narratives differently, making k each of these writers a distinctive presence in the book. k April 15

February 19 Martha Bradley Evans “The Life and Thought of “The Fundamentalists Today” Joseph Smith” 8:00 p.m. at Mudd Auditorium Claremont School of Theology 4:00 p.m. at Albrecht Auditorium Claremont Graduate University Martha Evans, Professor of Architecture at the University of Utah, also directs the Honors Program. Jacob Baker She has written on the Utah controversy over the ERA “Friendship is like Welding Iron to Iron”: The Sealing and a joint biography of four Mormon women entitled Power, the Welding Link, and the Grand Fundamental Four Zinas: A Story of Mothers and Daughters on the Principle of Mormonism Mormon Frontier. She gained insight into Fundamentalist polygamous communities doing research for her book Shawn Bennion Kidnapped from that Land: The Government Raids on the Before Nauvoo: Restoring the Ancient Church Short Creek Polygamists. Nick Frederick k Joseph Smith and the Formation of the Prophetic Persona David Golding April 23–24 Sickles, Swords, and Servants: The Foundations of Joseph Smith’s Mission Theory CMSSA Student Conference Elisa Pulido “What is Mormon Studies? Transdisciplinary Looking for a Cloud of Light: The Poetics of Prophethood Inquiries into an Emerging Field” Christopher Smith Mormonism’s complexities suggest how this religious The Sacred Savage: American Indians in the Religious movement likely resists categorization. Is Mormon Vision of Joseph Smith Studies a viable new field? Is it even a viable conceptual (continued on page 3)

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(continued from page 2) option for academic examination? From an academic On the Mormon Trail, June 1848 standpoint, those who study Mormonism will in large A poem by Elisa Pulido part determine what Mormon Studies becomes and how PhD student in Religions of North America it proceeds. What are the various competing visions for what should be studied and advanced under this rubric? This conference will explore these and other questions She needs a moment alone, away through scholar and student presentations. Jan Shipps will from the children, the husband, canvassed wagons, offer the keynote address to open the conference and a scholar panel including Brian Birch and Spencer Fluhman oxen. Without a good-bye, she vanishes will conclude the event. into wind-waved prairie. Three days the company

k searches every bluff, rise, hole. Could have been a brave, who admired her blonde braid, her pale brow. May 21–22 Association of Mormon Scholars Maybe a broken leg. A quiet wolf. Perhaps in the Humanities Conference she waded out to where tall grass grows overhead, “The Family and Human Relationships in History, and lost the horizon. Without chart or compass, with no knowledge of the stars, she stumbles on the edge Literature, Art, and Philosophy” The Association is now soliciting papers for the of the known world, slips over its side. Her husband conference. Every story, it is said, is a family story. Yet fears she has been bitten by a snake, fears she has fallen in stressing the freedom and self-sufficiency of the individual, modern culture de-emphasizes the degree into the netherworld of the plains. to which people are born in dependency, of specific He would make any bargain and never look back. parents, and develop in and through relationships with others, most closely in the family. By considering the For years he sings of her—wandering, family, family history, and human relationships, this circled by coyotes, treading tall grass. conference will invite inquiry into changes in the culture of the family over time, inquiries into family memory, depictions of the family and the individual in art and First published in Tor House Newsletter, 2008 literature, and philosophical investigations of the role of family, friends, and mentors in personal development. k

Subscribe to this newsletter k Get the Claremont Mormon Studies Newsletter in your email inbox by subscribing online. Visit claremontmormonstudies.org and provide your name and email address on the home page to be entered into our news and events system. You will receive the newsletter as a PDF file each semester. Please direct any questions to newsletter@ claremontmormonstudies.org.

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Faculty and Students Contribute to Mormon Studies We asked students and Mormon Studies faculty to provide some details about their recent academic work. Included here are some of their contributions to the field.

Faculty “The Mormon Church and Its Intellectuals: Traditions and Transitions,” Archivo Teologico Torinese, 15(2), Richard Bushman 2009. “Joseph Smith and the Creation of the Sacred,” in Joseph Smith Jr.: Reappraisals after Two Centuries, Students ed. by Reid L. Neilson and Terryl L. Givens, Oxford University Press, 2009. Jacob Baker “Oliver’s Joseph,” in Days Never to be Forgotten: Oliver Research Fellowship, Joseph Smith Summer Seminar, Cowdery, ed. by Alexander L. Baugh, Religious Brigham Young University, 2007. Studies Center, 2009. “Evil and Suffering in the Book of Mormon: Alma 14: “Mormon History Inside and Out,” American A Challenge to or an Asset of a Mormon Theodicy?” Historical Association, 2009. Presentation to Claremont Mormon Studies Student Association, 2007. “On Being Ill and at Ease in the World,” Society for Mormon Philosophers and Theologians Conference, “The Grandest Principle of the Gospel: Christian Claremont Graduate University, 2009. Nihilism, Sanctified Activism, and Eternal Progression,” Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon “Mormon–Catholic Dialogue,” Catholic Theological Thought, 2008. Society, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 2009. “The Shadow of the Cathedral: Exposition of Mormon “Eliade’s Return,” Mormon Review, 2009. Theology,” Element: A Journal of Mormon Philosophy “Mormonism in Dialogue,” National Student Dialogue and Theology, 2008. Conference, Biola University, 2009. “‘God With Us’: Panentheism, Pansyntheism, and the Organizer and chair of panel, “Mormonism and Mormon God,” Society for Mormon Philosophy National Politics,” American Historical Association, and Theology Conference, Claremont Graduate 2010. University, 2009. “Hugh Nibley and Joseph Smith,” Maxwell Institute Lecture, Brigham Young University, 2010. Loyd Ericson “Eugene England’s Theology of Peace,” American Armand Mauss Academy of Religion West, 2009. Commentator on the session “Contemporary Mormon “Mary Daly, Mormonism, and the Silent(ced) Issues,” 2009 conference of the Center for Studies on Mother,” Mormonism Through the Eyes of Women: New Religions (CESNUR), Salt Lake City. Envisioning New Spaces for Theology and Practice Conference, Claremont Graduate University, 2009. “‘Zion is Fled’: Reflections on the Mormon Diaspora of the Mid-Twentieth Century,” Utah Valley University “Rethinking the Eternal: D.Z. Phillips, Immortality, Religious Studies Tenth Annual Mormon Studies and Eternal Life,” Society for Mormon Philosophy Conference, 2009. and Theology Conference, Claremont Graduate University, 2009. “Seeking a ‘Second Harvest’: Controlling the Costs of LDS Membership in Europe,” Dialogue: A Journal of (continued on page 5) Mormon Thought, 2008.

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(continued from page 4)

“The Great Grand Executor: The Development of the Book review of Knowing Truth, Doing Good: Engaging Holy Spirit in the Thought of Orson and Parley in New Testament Ethics by Russell Pregeant, Pratt,” Parley and Orson Pratt and Nineteenth- Creative Transformation, vol. 17, 2008. Century Mormon Thought Conference, Brigham “Subjectivity and the Sovereignty of God: Engaging Young University, 2009. with Karl Barth on Revelation Theology,” Society Research fellowship, Joseph Smith Summer Seminar, for Mormon Philosophy and Theology Conference, Brigham Young University, 2009. Claremont Graduate University, 2009. “Proselytism,” in Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics, David Golding edited by Joel B. Green, Baker Academic, 2009. “Missiology, Pluralism, and the Expansion of Mormonism,” Faith and Knowledge Conference, Christopher Smith Harvard Divinity School, 2009. “In Defense of a ‘Christian’ Pluralism,” Journal for the “Discursive Disconnects and Mormon–Evangelical Renewal of Religion and Theology, 2009. Dialogue,” National Student Dialogue Conference, “The Dependence of Abraham 1:1–3 on the Egyptian Biola University, 2009. Alphabet and Grammar,” John Whitmer Historical Association Journal 29 (2009). Deidre Green “The Myth of the Missing Book of Abraham Papyrus,” “Selflessness as Sin: Feminist Theology and Latter-day Sunstone West Symposium, 2009. Saint Thought,” Faith and Knowledge Conference, “Sibling Rivalry: Why Mormons and Pentecostals Just Harvard Divinity School, 2009. Can’t Seem to Get Along,” Society for Mormon “Should LDS Women Do Theology?” Mormonism Philosophy and Theology Conference, Claremont Through the Eyes of Women: Envisioning New Graduate University, 2009. Spaces for Theology and Practice Conference, “The Myth of the Missing Book of Abraham Papyrus,” Claremont Graduate University, 2009. Sacramento Sunstone Study Group, 2009. “Got Compassion? A Critique of Blake Ostler’s Theory “Sacred Sci-Fi: The Fiction of Orson Scott Card as of Atonement,” Element: A Journal of Mormon Mormon Mythmaking,” Sunstone Symposium, Salt Philosophy and Theology, 2008; winner, best article Lake City, 2009. of student competition. “Adam, Abraham, and Joseph: The Egyptian Alphabet Richard Livingston as a Source for the Book of Abraham,” presentation to the Claremont Mormon Studies Student Research Fellowship, Joseph Smith Summer Seminar, Association, 2009. Brigham Young University, 2007. “Ontotheology and the Boundary Conditions of Jordan Watkins Inness,” Faith and Knowledge Conference, Harvard Research fellowship, Joseph Smith Summer Seminar, Divinity School, 2009. Brigham Young University, 2009.

Paul Miller “‘All of One Species’: Parley P. Pratt and the Evolution of Early Mormon Conceptions of Theosis,” Parley Research Fellowship, Joseph Smith Summer Seminar, and Orson Pratt and Nineteenth-Century Mormon Brigham Young University, 2007. Thought Conference, Brigham Young University, 2009.

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Scholars Lecture on Joseph Smith, American Religion, and Interfaith Dialogue b y David Golding President, Claremont Mormon Studies Student Association

udiences of nearly two-hundred in 1844. The period in which Smith before God. Agathered to Claremont Gradu- was born, raised, and founded a The Fall 2009 Lecture Series con- ate University during the Fall 2009 religion experienced significant cluded with Harry S. Stout of Yale semester to enjoy lectures presented advancements in technology similar University who is also a member by Daniel Walker Howe, Father to the Internet revolution of recent of the National Advisory Board of Alexei Smith, Robert L. Millet, and times, Howe said. Such advance- the Joseph Smith papers and editor- Harry S. Stout. The speakers’ topics ments affected religious attitudes in-chief of the Works of Jonathan included Joseph Smith’s America, about the spread of Christianity and Edwards. In his lecture, he com- Mormon–Catholic dialogue, and a the workings of God in American pared Joseph Smith and Jonathan comparison of Mormonism’s found- industry. Edwards. er and Jonathan Edwards. Father Alexei Smith, who handles Stout felt that the two men were Pulitzer Prize winning au- interfaith dialogue for the Los at times polar opposites and in other thor of What Hath God Wrought: Angeles diocese, and Robert L. Mil- respects very similar. Edwards prid- The Transformation of America, let, Abraham O. Smoot University ed himself on his English heritage 1815–1848 (Oxford University Press, Professor from Brigham Young and thought of himself as a colonial 2008), Daniel Walker Howe, met University, presented lectures on the Englishman. Smith espoused Ameri- with Claremont graduate students current state of Mormon–Catholic can values and is known as a builder prior to the evening lecture. Part of dialogue. The two explored the topic of a distinctly American Religion. his interest in Mormonism, he said, of priesthood and the sacraments as The two had strikingly different came from his family and child- understood by Catholics and Mor- lifestyles and skills. hood environment. Born in Ogden, mons, respectively. Both, however, saw themselves as Utah, he was raised in a family that Smith emphasized the role of the builders of a sacred nation. Smith he described as “part Mormon, part priest in representing Christ to the engaged in founding a Zion society; Gentile.” He admonished students people. Through the administration Edwards speculated that the Ameri- to always remember the “literate of the sacraments, the grace of God cas would be the site for Christ’s public” in their writing and to avoid is communicated, in part, as “effica- return. Smith and Edwards both ac- overly technical language. cious symbols” of divine love. tively promoted evangelizing Native To the evening audience, Howe Millet discussed how Mormons Americans, Stout noted. summed up the religious and claim legitimate authority when Stout concluded by describing an industrial atmosphere of Joseph performing the sacraments and effort to build a platform that will Smith’s world with an explanation how such a claim occupies a central combine and make accessible the of his book’s title. “What hath God location in their understanding and papers of Edwards, John Wesley, wrought” was the phrase, derived interpretation of the Bible. He also Martin Luther King, and others. He from Numbers 23:23, that Samuel F. described the role of the sacraments renewed an invitation he had previ- B. Morse used as the content of the in Mormon soteriology, and why a ously extended for the Joseph Smith first telegraph message transmitted “legal administrator” is required for Papers project to join the consor- from Washington D.C. to Baltimore such ordinances to be efficacious tium. t

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Claremont Mormon Mormon Studies and the Studies Newsletter

“Overflowing Surge” A joint publication of the b y Jacob Baker Howard W. Hunter Chair of Vice-President of the Claremont Mormon Studies Student Association Mormon Studies

he Prophet Joseph Smith of the religion and culture of which Latter-day Saint Council Tfamously said, “It is my medita- we have a passionate interest. This, I on Mormon Studies tion all the day, and more than my think, can accurately be described as Claremont Mormon Studies meat and drink, to know how I shall visionary. Student Association make the Saints of God comprehend Former Danforth Chair in the the visions that roll like an overflow- Philosophy of Religion at the School k ing surge before my mind. Oh! How of Religion, D.Z. Phillips, considered I would delight to bring before you it the task of the intellectual not to Howard W. Hunter Chair things which you never thought be for or against religion, but instead of Mormon Studies of! But poverty and the cares of as one of understanding it. I would Richard Bushman the world prevent” (History of the add that it is critical that a thorough Church, 5:362). understanding of any religion must k Though poverty might be a prob- include an adequate appreciation of lem for those LDS the intellectual, LDS Council on Mormon Studies students who “I have learned more about theological, and President come to study even spiritual Joseph Bentley religion at Clare- my religion and the task of possibilities and mont Graduate the intellectual, even the prospects that k University, visions such a religion of the possibilities believing intellectual, from offers through its Claremont Mormon Studies and potentialities these students than from texts, rituals, and Student Association of Mormonism lives of its practi- President and Mormon anyone or anything else.” tioners. David Golding studies surely has This task of not been. obtaining a thorough understanding Vice-President Though I cannot claim, like is not always easy to accomplish. But Jacob Baker Joseph, multiple visions from God, I have been immensely impressed by Newsletter Editor his description of the “overflowing the students involved in the Cla- surge” is evocative of what I have remont Mormon Studies Student Shawn Bennion seen can be done here. It is some- Association in the various ways they k thing that seems to bind us together go about engaging in this intellectual here as LDS students (and non-LDS undertaking. I have learned more students who participate in our As- about my religion and the task of sociation) engaged in the study of the intellectual, even the believing religion. intellectual, from these students Many (and probably most) of us than from anyone or anything else. have come here as believers of vary- Indeed, such relationships among ing degree, but more importantly the students are a key reason why Howard W. Hunter Chair of we come as students eager to under- our student association has been so Mormon Studies stand, dedicated as believers or non- successful and will likely continue to 831 N. Dartmouth Ave. believers to grasping the possibilities thrive. t Claremont, CA 91711

http://religion.cgu.edu t http://www.claremontmormonstudies.org Page 7 Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies 831 N. Dartmouth Ave. Claremont, CA 91711