SMPT Call for Papers

[Guest]

Well, I don't know. I kind of feel like the invitation has been extended here in the spirit of, "Ha ha ha, let's see you guys try to get into 'the society'".

[_antishock8]

Here's my proposed submission:

"'Lying for the Lord': Hostile Rhetoric and the Re-envisioning of Mormon Doctrine in the work of Daniel C. Peterson, William J. Hamblin, and Louis Midgley."

Abstract: This presentation explores the rhetorical underpinnings in the work of three of the LDS Church's top apologists. The paper will discuss the nuanced yet obviously hostile way in which these writers engage in apologia. Specifically, Peterson & et al.'s use of subterfuge, hypocrisy, and smear tactics will be examined, highlighted by way of their handling of such matters as D. Michael Quinn's historical writing and excommunication, and the so-called "2nd Watson Letter". Ultimately, this presentation will reveal the way that deep-seated fear, jealousy, and anger fuel the philosophy and rhetoric of these apologists.

Speaking of which, I never received a response to my inquiry. So, yet again, Mr. Peterson's suggestion to "ask him" about the "2nd Watson Letter" was merely a stratagem since he knew the inquiry would go unanswered.

Smoke and mirrors. That's all they got.

[_Gadianton]

I personally have no trouble presenting a paper on the problems with apologetics in front of "the society". I think there are some things these folks need to hear, and I intend to set them straight. I would like to know about what security measures are in place for the conference, just in case my person becomes threatened by any backlash to my presentation.

Anyway, while "the society" may claim to have high standards, we do know it is a rather small group and certainly, most of the participants know each other's work, apologetic tactics, and writing style, so even a double blind vetting process is going to make it difficult for the reviewers to not recognize their buddies. Imagine any of them being surprised on the delivery day thinking, "Oh, wow! That was his paper? I had no idea!" I think the chances of a "dark horse" making the cut are pretty slim.

I think it's more practical if these folks are really open to non brethren-sanctioned ideas, that they come here to this open forum and present their work here.

But, let it not be said I'm afraid of the panel, or "the society". This morning I got about 700 words down and so my proposal is almost complete.

[_Joey]

did, though, just take time to go out with my wife and our next door neighbors to a new Thai restaurant.

And then you spend another two hours on this board when you get home.!!!!

Maybe a cultural or passion difference but I would have finished the evening with my wife in a different way. Not sure but have to wonder if this board serves as either a foreplay or birth-control mechanism for you the Provo guys with there late nite addiction!

All eyes if you ever want to abandone the Robert Millet shield and just answer a simple question.

[_Daniel Peterson]

That's right, Joey. Serving as your volunteer research assistant is way, way down on my list of priorities, for some reason.

Well, I don't know. I kind of feel like the invitation has been extended here in the spirit of, "Ha ha ha, let's see you guys try to get into 'the society'".

Indeed. Here's the mocking, sneering original post:

The call for papers for the May conference of the Society for Mormon Philosophy and Theology, to be held at Claremont Graduate University in California, is now up:

http://www.smpt.org/conferences_2009.html

I posted it here, and elsewhere, because we would like to have as many serious paper proposals as possible, and because I thought it just remotely conceivable that somebody here might be capable of formulating one and willing to do it.

I would like to know about what security measures are in place for the conference, just in case my person becomes threatened by any backlash to my presentation.

LOL.

I think the chances of a "dark horse" making the cut are pretty slim.

It's true, Gadianton Scratch, that I can't guarantee acceptance of your proposal. I don't control the evaluation process, and I don't seek to do so.

I think it's more practical if these folks are really open to non brethren-sanctioned ideas, that they come here to this open forum and present their work here.

Despite the undeniable attractions of a forum on which solomarineris, poor antishock8, collegeterrace/PP, TAK, Some Schmo, harmony, and the various Scratches hold forth, MDB doesn't strike me as a place for scholarly philosophical papers.

But, let it not be said I'm afraid of the panel, or "the society". This morning I got about 700 words down and so my proposal is almost complete.

The more the merrier!

[_JohnStuartMill]

As someone who has an intense interest in political philosophy and religion, and the Mormon religion specifically, this conference seems right up my alley -- doubly so, given that it'll be held near to where I live. I don't know how seriously to take the conference, though, considering how it is representing itself:

While claiming exclusive authority, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also takes a strikingly inclusive view of other religious traditions as loci of revealed truth and of God’s work. For example, in 2 Nephi 29:7 God says, "I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all nations of the earth."

How on Earth does that quote support the notion of Mormon pluralism? Even when you put it in context, it doesn't have anything to do with pluralism.

[_Daniel Peterson]

You're welcome to attend and see.

The people centrally involved in the Society -- or, as Gadianton Scratch likes to write it, " 'the society' " -- are, by and large, professionally trained philosophers who work in academic philosophy or related areas.

If you like that kind of thing, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this conference. If you don't, you almost certainly won't.

And the Society includes believing Mormons, inactive Mormons, non-Mormons, and even a few (more or less) anti-Mormons.

[_Gadianton]

As someone who has an intense interest in political philosophy and religion, and the Mormon religion specifically, this conference seems right up my alley -- doubly so, given that it'll be held near to where I live. I don't know how seriously to take the conference, though, considering how it is representing itself:

While claiming exclusive authority, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also takes a strikingly inclusive view of other religious traditions as loci of revealed truth and of God’s work. For example, in 2 Nephi 29:7 God says, "I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all nations of the earth."

How on Earth does that quote support the notion of Mormon pluralism? Even when you put it in context, it doesn't have anything to do with pluralism.

you know John, I wondered about that too. I looked up the scriptures from that page, as part of the preliminary work for the paper I will be presenting, and I came up with nothing. But there are a lot of angles to tackle this bear from, so let's not worry too much about those specefic verses.

[_Daniel Peterson]

the paper I will be presenting

Correction: That should read the paper I will be proposing.

There is no guarantee that any given proposal -- including mine -- will be accepted.

I just found out on Friday that a good friend of mine, a well-published scholar with an Ivy League Ph.D. in political philosophy, is still smarting from having his proposal for an SMPT presentation rejected two or three years ago. I had been unaware of that when I extended a personal invitation to him to propose something for the May conference.

[_Joey]

You've treated me contemptuously for several years now;...

I have treated you the way you treat me and many others on these boards. Your Mormon taught "self pity" does not carry well in the real world!

and I owe you no favors...

Who's asking for a favor. I am just calling you out when you lie. The Mormon church, in an "official" capacity has never explained this "abominal" passage from the POGP and why these creeds, beliefs and other churches are now acceptable to them. You can get away with this sort of rhetoric at BYU and at MADB where you are protected, but please don't promote your apologetic lies here.

If I am wrong, and you are not lying, provide reference to an "official" explanation.

Otherwise, continue to spend your life here telling us all how busy you and "your" students (that's rich) are!!