Gold Plates, Richard Bushman, and the Provo Life

             I accomplished a first this summer. I can now say I have lived in Provo, Utah. Despite my Mormon background I have never had the opportunity of living in Provo because I did not attend Brigham Young University.  Instead, I opted to attend Boise State University for my undergraduate degree. Although it was a decision I have never regretted, I have always wondered what it would be like to live in Utah, let alone Provo.

             After living in Provo for two months, I can now declare that I am more than happy to go back to Claremont, California in another week. Provo, I will miss your Provo River trail, your access to Creamies (best creamsicles ever), and the L. Tom Perry Special Collections Library. However, apart from these things Provo is currently where I don’t belong. Besides my hometown of Boise, Idaho- Claremont, California is truly my home and I am ready to go back for another year of studies at Claremont Graduate University.     

With that being said, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to reside in Provo and participate in a BYU summer seminar on Mormon culture. For the past two years, well-known Mormon historian Richard Bushman has led the summer seminar in which participants produce research on Mormonism’s cultural history with the gold plates. I was humbled by the experience. I was also grateful for being allowed to work with many other Mormon studies scholars. Not only did this help me grow professionally, but it also provided me with the opportunity to expand my circle of friendship to include many great individuals.

I am also truly grateful to have had over the last several years, numerous opportunities to sit in a seminar setting with Richard Bushman. For those of you who have not read any of Richard Bushman’s works, I highly recommend that you do so.  I have learned so much from his vast knowledge and I know for a fact many of my peers have as well. Also, being able to see him again was beneficial for another reason. After spending two years in classes with him at Claremont, I never once got a picture taken with him. I was finally able to remedy that documentation of my scholarly journey.

The 2012 Golden Plates seminar was a success! Since this is more of a personal blog, I will direct you to my friend Christopher Smith’s recap of the seminar found here. The paper I presented at the closing conference was titled “The Moroni Principle: The Mormon Quest for Metal Plates during the Paul Cheesman Years.” In this paper I evaluated how the Mormon testimony experience, which I refer to as the Moroni principle, had a profound impact on BYU Professor Paul Cheesman and his evaluation of Mesoamerican archaeology. This is a very, very short description of my paper, but I am informed it will be posted eventually on the Neal A. Maxwell Institute website. Instead of describing it in detail I will let any of you that are interested know when it becomes available online.   

It has been a great summer! The only downside is that my car died on me in Utah, and I will be coming back to California without a car. But overall, Provo was a great experience and I will be happy to be back in Claremont. 

Plenty of Room at the Table: The “Real” Radical Approach to Discussing Mormonism

           

            I read an article this morning that quite frankly, I thought was awful. What I found more disturbing was that LDS Living decided to make it the key subject in the mass email they sent out today. The article comes from examiner.com, a blog conglomerate in which contributors can post stories about a wide range of topics. The topic of course was Mormonism. Kelly Foss contributed a short blog titled, “CNN’s Radical Approach to Discussing Mormon Faith.” Foss was apparently overjoyed because on Wednesday night a CNN show had a discussion about Mormonism and “they actually invited a real live member of the Mormon Church to the segment to talk about it!” Yep, “a real live” Latter-day Saint.

            Foss continued, “What a revolutionary idea! No pundits, no outside observers, no disaffected Mormons, no academics who have studied the church from a distance for years, but someone who actually knows what they are talking about because they live and practice the faith.” As I read this statement, I could not help but think that many Latter-day Saints (but not all) need to transition from such perspectives. I admit I understood the message that Foss was trying to convey. In discussing Mormonism in proper fashion a Mormon needs to be at the table detailing what they believe and how it interacts with their life, etc. Unfortunately, at the heart of this statement comes something that is more damming to the understanding of Mormonism-blocking all others from the table of discussion where genuine questions, struggles, and issues can be openly discussed.

            As I prepared myself to study religion at Claremont Graduate University back in 2009, I remember sitting in the foyer of my church building in Boise Idaho waiting for an activity to get ready to start. As I sat down on a couch I started reading Jan Shipps’ phenomenal work “Mormonism: The Story of a New Religious Tradition.”  Eventually, I was engaged in a conversation with a fellow Latter-day Saint about the book I was reading. It was not long before I was asked, “Is Jan Shipps a Mormon?”  I responded that indeed she wasn’t, and could already anticipate the potential reaction that would follow. I tried to explain how wonderful the book was, stressed how Shipps had been studying Mormons for years, and emphasized that she was quite good at the work she did. I have had numerous similar conversations since then, and I always worry that I come off lecturing believing Latter-day Saints about why it is so critical for non-Mormons to publish books and articles on Mormonism. So, if I have offended any in this process I apologize. But please note, I am not attacking you as an individual- you are my friends and are wonderful! However, Latter-day Saints really need to get out of this paradigm. For lack of any better explanation, I will simply state that we need to get out of a “persecution complex” in thinking that any non-Mormon that discusses us collectively is going to be slinging mud at us as if he/she was a nineteenth century reporter.  Yes, there are many of those today, but let us not close ourselves in. We already appear to those outside of Mormonism as “secretive” as it is.

            I use Jan Shipps only as an example, because she is known as one of the great outsider historians of Mormonism. But there are many more Jan Shipps out there doing wonderful things, which push the discussion of Mormonism in polite, analytical ways.  A perfect example of this is my good friend Christopher Smith, who started a new Mormon Studies blog called Worlds Without End. The effort behind the creation of this blog was to bring together both insider and outsider perspectives in the discourse of Mormon Studies in which differing viewpoints could be discussed. What is even more amazing about such a blog is that the contributors are well aware of proper edict involved in such a discourse (and if you don’t believe me, please see their comment policy).  Such a venture, which Smith discusses as following after the spirit of Claremont Graduate University, is essential to a complete understanding of Mormonism.  If Mormons keep the historical discussion of Mormonism to themselves, saying that we indeed are the only ones that can discuss adequately Mormonism because we live and believe in it, Mormons are only asking for trouble. Such a setup does not provide a roundtable of a discussion, but only makes those outside of Mormonism adamantly believe that we are secretive insiders with something to hide. We need outsider historians, pundits, and even disaffected Mormons (if performed in a conducive spirit) to be at the table. One doesn’t correct understanding of their own group if they are the only ones allowed to speak. In fact in Mormon culture, we often speak in a completely different language, and approach our religion from a different worldview. In cases like this it becomes quite refreshing when we dialogue enough with outsiders (pundits etc) to which they actually come to understand what we are saying and then turn around and help us convey our own history and culture to those that are otherwise clueless. To understand Mormonism, the table needs to be full of diversity- not a members-only club.

            Why am I so passionate about this? Because I have been spending the last three years of my life inviting others to the table and not pushing them away. I do Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University- one of the best things about a Mormon Studies program at a graduate level is that non-LDS academics can become versed in Mormonism in such a way that when they go off and teach religion at the university level they will have a good understanding of Mormonism and will be able to discuss it when news pundits need to bring up the subject (This is something which at the graduate level has been unprecedented).

            Also, this is not the first time a “real live” Mormon has been brought before media pundits to discuss Mormonism. A prime example of this is when BYU professor Spencer Fluhman and Joanna Brooks both spoke on MSNBC back in June about the topic of Mormonism. Yes, we need more Mormons to do this (Joanna Brooks says so), but we must not push non-Mormons out of the conversation.  More pertinent to my discussion here is the fact that in this very MSNBC conversation Melissa Harris-Perry (a non-Mormon) has her own Mormon heritage. This means the conversation is as much involved with her life as it is for Mormons themselves. There is an interaction which must take place.

In conclusion, you can’t create understanding about Mormons if you push all non-Mormons away. The way we do this is to open up the conversation to pundits, disaffected Mormons, and outsider historians while at the same time balancing this with the Mormon voice (and there are many of those Mormon voices: Mormons that struggle with leader statements regarding Proposition 8, Mormons who struggle with LDS leaders stance on immigration, Mormons who believe fervently but struggle with Word of Wisdom issues, the history of polygamy etc).  This is the real “radical” approach that we need to be using when we discuss the Mormon faith. If we go to Kelly Foss’ extreme we will not be doing any better than the approach he is attacking. We will only be damming understanding of Mormonism. Unfortunately, the media use of this roundtable approach created under terms of genuine understanding and dialogue has been heavily uncharted by the media. Let’s just make sure in our critique we don’t go to extremes.

The more non-Latter-day Saints enter the discussion, the better us Mormons will be. Especially if they have been trained at the university level with a great academic understanding of Mormon history, and a discourse of respect regarding the beliefs of Mormons. My last three years of life have been focused on opening up the table- not closing it. This is why I am writing this blog. Kelly Foss’ opinion cannot match with the perspective that I see in this.  I really wish LDS Living did not propagate such a perspective in forwarding this story.

PS- For my “outsider” historian friends reading this: I often feel you understand Mormons more than we sometimes understand ourselves. I learn much more about my deep personal convictions from your evaluation looking in at my faith. You also enable me to respectfully laugh at myself. Please, keep on trucking! I know there are many people who look at you studying Mormonism and wonder what the hell you are doing. It takes some serious guts- especially when some Mormons are ready to cast you into outer darkness, where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth- without so much as to listening to what you say. Oh, the irony in that situation.

            

“You are hereby called to serve…” The Tenth Anniversary

It is a moment in the culture of Mormonism that has a profound influence on the men and women that participate in it. Families and friends gather in living rooms or various other places as young men or women open a packet that arrives in the mail. With eager anticipation, those involved await as the words are read aloud: “You are hereby called to serve in…” Ten years ago today (April 19, 2002) I finished that sentence with “the Ohio Cleveland Mission.” For the few people that will read this, regardless of what you think of Mormons, I would like to reminisce about what I learned on my mission. Some lessons that may or may not surprise people.

            1) Crazy things happen in the world. Not a shocker, I know. Many people view Mormon missionaries as these young men that leave their “bubbles” of Utah or Idaho with zeal to spread their faith to the world. If I am honest, that is not a full-blown stereotype. There is a lot of truth to that. But how much worldly reality does any 19-year-old western American young man know?

Having had my so-called “bubble” (if you will) burst was a great benefit of my mission even if it wasn’t all that pleasant of news. Within a month or two of living in Ohio I was welcomed to witness a lot of things you may or may not write home about to your mother. Domestic violence in the apartment beneath me, a man jaywalking and getting hit by a car of teenage girls going 40 plus miles per hour, drug deals, de facto segregation, and an immense amount of poverty in my own country were but a few of these bubble bursting moments. I soon found myself understanding things that were oblivious to me as a teenager. To name a few; The real importance of good family relationships, the reality of how fragile life is, and just how awful the ever-increasing gap between wealth and poverty in America really is (and with the way the economy is now it is probably worse than it was then). 

            2) A love of ALL religions-  Seriously? Yes! Sure I was a Mormon going around talking to people about my own religion. Yes, I was inviting people to become a Mormon. However, I learned a vast amount of respect for people of other religions (and no religion at all). I am thankful to the many people who sat down and talked with me about their faith and convictions, and at the same time let me tell them about mine. I saw first hand how religion could bless the lives of others in tremendous ways. That religion was not just Mormonism for these people, but many others as well.

            3) Service- Some of the best times on my mission were the weekly service projects. I will never forget helping clean up a YMCA facility in Toledo, the weekly service in Youngstown of giving out food to those in need at a food bank, and the times I helped organize indoor bowling for several seniors in a nursing home so they could have a little bit of exercise. The community service times were amazing. I recently heard Yeah Samake, a presidential candidate in Mali state, “When you care for people, you are cared for.” I think this is the heart and the value of service. All are benefited. 

            4) Mormon History- I admit this doesn’t classify as a lesson per se. However serving around Kirtland, Ohio and being encouraged to learn about the history of Mormons in that area developed in me an interest to know and study more about Mormon history. It is for this reason that I am now engaged in Mormon Studies. I am working to further Mormon Studies research; not to convert anybody but to build understanding of a relatively young faith. In the academic setting I am also engaged in a study of many other religions and denominational beliefs. My mission influenced me in this regard as well (see #2).

            5) Caring for the Poor and Needy- This has already come up in two of my five items in this post, but it really deserves its own spot. The biggest thing that has always stuck with me about my mission is seeing poverty in my own country. The things that many affluent and comfortable middle class families probably don’t fully realize are going on in this country. And for all purposes they wouldn’t unless they have a family member in this situation, or are part of some religious organization or community outreach group that deals directly with poverty issues. I won’t be a Warren Buffett, especially in the field that I have chosen. But I have committed myself to get into a career and work hard, so that when I obtain the means to help in some small way the poverty situation in my country and elsewhere I can do so.

I also know that spiritual and emotional needs are just as important as physical. This is why I am starting to research religious violence and peace studies. I firmly believe that understanding religion and the opportunities (which cynics might not see) that religion can bring to the peacemaking table are profound. There is a world of tension and chaos, and in that I have learned the importance of caring for those in need.     

            My Mormon faith and mission has greatly blessed my life. It has taught me too many things to write here. As I look back ten years on the day I opened my mission call I realize that my life has taken a fun and life changing direction. How grateful I am for that opportunity in my life.

            

March Madness!!!!!!!!!

It is March and that means at least two great things: 1) March Madness (second only to college football bowl season) and 2) Mormon Ladies, and by Mormon Ladies I mean the anniversary of the Relief Society (and they are second to none).  That’s right, March 17, 1842 (170 years ago) was the founding of the Relief Society. Yes, it falls on the same day as St. Patrick’s Day, but you should still celebrate it anyway. In fact I have recently wondered why Mormon women don’t wear white shirts with green letters that say “Kiss Me I’m Relief Society.” But in the end I remain content that maybe that’s not such a good idea. Mormon Ladies, your thoughts?

But with all sincerity, I give an appropriate shout out of respect to the many great members of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints both past and present. You never get the credit you deserve, but let me just say thank you!

Speaking of madness, February was pretty crazy for me. I had an endoscopy in which the doctor looked at my throat and stomach. It turns out that all the bad heartburn I have had on and off frequently for the last six months was a hiatal hernia (my stomach sticks up a bit, hence the easier ability to get heartburn) and it contributed to some ulcers in my esophagus. Due to this I have had to completely stop eating chocolate and drinking pop (pop= soda for my Californian readers). I hope for the day when the doctor says that I can eat chocolate again, but these diet changes are permanent until I hear that I can otherwise change that restriction. For those that know me really well, chocolate and Dr. Pepper usually find their way into my diet so this has been a struggle. I mean try buying Girl Scout cookies when thin mints and Samoas are out of the question, ha ha!

But let’s be honest. That’s the only bad thing. In all honesty this is more likely a blessing. It forces me to eat better.

Now the Good News:

I recently found out that I was accepted to participate in the Neal A. Maxwell Institute Golden Plates seminar this mid-June through July at BYU.  It will feel good to get paid to do what I am now paying a junk load of money to get the privilege of doing.  Research, paper writing, and presenting at a conference + paycheck= awesome!

Also, we are only 15 days away from The Hunger Games movie! Don’t laugh, you know you are excited too! 

Well, before this post gets any longer I will wrap this up. But I will leave you with an amazing clip from Portlandia off of youtube.

And for the record, you never stop listening to Pearl Jam out of high school!!!!!!! Don’t worry though, I don’t have an Eddie Vedder tattoo on my arm….. yet. Just Kidding!

-Showtime

Three Movies I Want to See This Year

A new year brings new movies, and as of January 10, 2012 these are the three movies I am most excited about seeing in no particular order.

1)Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close:



2)The Hunger Games:

3) The Dark Knight Rises:

I will let the trailers speak for themselves.

 

Resolutions: Calling Myself to Repentance (And You, If you Want to Join Me)

As we enter a new year discussion has again turned to the topic of New Year’s resolutions. The concept of these resolutions has, because of frequent tradition, created the tendency to view the practice as cliché. People (myself included) make certain resolutions for a given year and despite their best efforts fail to keep them.  This is repeated year after year until doubt fades about being able to accomplish such goals. This attitude then creates the belief that New Year’s resolutions are but a joke or a cliché. In all reality, they are far from it.

Resolutions, simply put, are efforts to better oneself. What those resolutions are, and how they are to be accomplished, are left solely to the individual. In fact, this notion of betterment is one of the many reasons that I love the study of religion. I have always, despite the many critiques on religion, viewed religion as a personal and social tool for the betterment of the inner-self and other members of a religious community. This does not mean that all members of a given religious community conduct their lives in a way conducive to their beliefs. In fact many do not. And if many did, what would be the point of religion itself?

In Christianity, the New Testament gives the teaching, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect,” (Matthew 5:48, KJV).  Of course perfection continually looms outside the reach of all, but this doesn’t condone the practice of giving up on goals and resolutions. In fact, many have found joy in the pursuit of perfection. For instance, I am excited that this year will bring another round of the Summer Olympics. I am always entertained and fascinated by the Olympic games. The training and determination of athletes to meet personal goals and their desire to break world records is outstanding.  What we witness in the Olympics is the determination of individuals to push the boundaries of what they can accomplish. Although we are not all world-class athletes, each of us can obtain the same level of joy in working towards the resolutions we set for ourselves.

If I may do so, I am calling others and myself to repentance regarding our various resolutions. To use religious terminology, “repentance” as it is translated out of the Greek denotes a change of mind or new view about God, oneself, and the world. Isn’t that what resolutions do for us? In our determination and effort to change (whatever that change may be and whatever methods we use) our views of the world change as does our inner-self. The accomplishment of our resolutions can benefit not only us individually, but also our families, friends, and others. Also, we don't need to wait until the beginning of every year to start this process. I give but one example.

                                                    Lewis Cottle 1920-2011

Recently my grandfather passed away. In thinking about his life and the example he has given me, I was reminded of a story he wrote which was subsequently published in a Latter-day Saint magazine. It demonstrates the potential that can come to individual lives when a realization of the need to change strikes the heart.  Lewis Cottle while a young adult left activity in the church he grew up in. Later in his life he felt the desire to change and better himself. He reunited his life with the religion he grew up in, and eventually found within it the power to give up smoking and drinking. Soon he found his life taking a turn in a better direction. His views about himself and the world changed with it. This change he made to better himself (although not a New Year’s resolution) has helped benefit me many years later. It has reminded me of the power of resolutions and given me a renewed determination to better myself in the year 2012 and beyond. 

We will never know the full extent of how the resolutions and changes we make in our individual lives will affect others. They will bring us joy, and might also bring courage and determination to others. That being said, whether you gain your strength in religion or from elsewhere, maybe we can stop thinking of resolutions as a cliché and actually start accomplishing them. The benefits are wide open.   

  (If you would like to read Lewis Cottle’s personal story it can be found at http://lds.org/ensign/1974/03/mormon-journal/return-of-the-prodigal?lang=eng&query=lewis+cottle).