Upcoming SMPT Conference

The preliminary list of papers for the upcoming Society for Mormon Philosophy and Theology conference has been posted! The conference will be held at Claremont Graduate University in Southern California from May 21 to May 23. Among the presenters are myself, Richard Bushman, John Cobb, Daniel Peterson, Margaret Toscano, and many others.

My paper title is "Sibling Rivalry: Why Mormons and Pentecostals Just Can't Get Seem to Get Along". (Yes, they appear to have butchered it on the website. Bastards.) Here's the abstract:

Pentecostals and Mormons have more unfavorable views of each other than of other Christian groups. To a large degree, this animosity stems from their similarities rather than from their differences. The two groups share a common ancestry, similar maps of the universe, similar theologies and experiences, and similar missionary ambitions. Despite modest strides toward reconciliation in the United States, it is likely that mutual demonization will continue for the foreseeable future, especially as the two faiths compete for converts in the global south. Both groups must overcome significant theological and cultural obstacles to dialogue if they are to leave sibling rivalry behind in the spirit of Christian brotherhood.

Among the other paper titles that look quite interesting are "'God With Us': Panentheism, Pansyntheism, and the Mormon Concept of God" by Jacob Baker, Sheila Taylor's "Doctrinal Development and Continuing Revelation" (a subject I've discussed a bit before, myself), and Margaret Toscano's "The Jesus Rivals: Authority and Salvation in the Mormon-Protestant Debates". Give the website a look and do consider attending!