FAIR Conference 2025

[Tom]

I’ve pleased to announce that things are coming together nicely for the FAIR Conference 2025, which will be held August 6-8 at the Thanksgiving Point Show Barn (I am not making this up) in Lehi, Utah (ditto). I have heard, but cannot yet confirm, that the first 20 registrants will have first dibs on reserving overnight accommodations in the well-appointed barn stalls. I can confirm that this year’s conference will feature plenty of reinterpretation, reframing, and painful arguments.

A few notes: it seems that having the Valiant Conference as a conference co-host was a one-year experiment and won’t be repeated. It also seems that the Proprietor has been restored to his rightful place as the conference’s final speaker.

Speaking of the Proprietor, I would note that I prophesied on January 1 of this year that his 2025 conference paper would consist of “present[ing] a book report of sorts, appealing to two recent books and drawing on some blog posts on those books to characterize Brigham Young as a paternalistic racist who opposed slavery.” Let’s see how I did with my prophecy.

Here is the schedule:

August 6

6:30 PM – Registration & mingling (note: any attendees who engage in inappropriate mingling will be excommunicated from the conference)

Keynote: Aaron Sherinian

Fluent in Our Faith: Identifying Evidence of the Glad Tidings of the Gospel in Our Everyday Reality

Notes: Mormonism watchers will recall that Jacob Hansen and his colleagues lost their minds in January 2024 when the LDS Church announced the hiring of Br’er Sherinian as Managing Director of the Church Communication Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It seems that Br’er Sherinian had published several social media posts expressing support for same-sex marriage and transgender rights. I expect a lively Q&A session following Br’er Sherinian’s remarks. Perhaps, even, some friendly musket fire.

August 7

9:00 am – Welcome & opening remarks

9:15 am

Ashly Stone and Don Bradley

Live Recording of the Come Back Podcast

10:00 am

Meagan Kohler

A Broader Framework for Understanding Gender Equality in the Church

Abstract: Some women are concerned that the Church treats women as inferiors because they aren’t ordained and don’t hold certain leadership positions. However, gender equality is part of our theology and doctrine [sic], and the Church’s organization reflects this [sic]. My presentation analyzes the assumptions behind these concerns and draws on statistics, personal experiences, and doctrine to reframe church positions as responsibilties [sic] rather than sources of power, and show how men’s responsibilities in the Church make the world more equitable and just for women.

● Key Takeaways: My presentation seeks to help members respond compassionately to concerns about gender equality in the church by drawing on a broadened framework.

Morning break – 10:45-11:15 am

11:15 am

Randy Austin & Kerri Nielsen

Protecting Children—The Crucial Role of Church Clergy and the Abuse Help Line

Abstract: Child abuse is a complex societal issue that impacts a large percentage of children worldwide. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day [sic] Saints is committed to helping in the fight against this evil scourge. The Church’s local leaders, assisted by the abuse help line, play an important role in preventing abuse and helping individuals and families when abuse occurs. The Church’s abuse help line and the clergy-penitent privilege are effective tools [sic] in the Church’s mission to make children safer.

Training materials for leaders and members, church policies, and online resources on abuse exist to help us all become more aware of how we can help in the fight against child abuse and bring these heinous crimes to light. We all share the responsibility of becoming informed on this topic, recognizing warning signs, speaking up, reporting abuse, and responding appropriately when abuse occurs. The Church continues to look for ways to combat child abuse [sic].

12:00 PM

Brandon Mull

Overcoming the Disappointments of this Life

Abstract: To overcome the damage we sustain in this fallen world, we must develop an actual relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ. With his help and guidance, we can survive unthinkable heartbreaks and emerge stronger.

I will discuss how my relationship with Christ helped me endure and eventually benefit from some of the toughest moments in my life, including my divorce. I will also speak to how that same relationship enabled me to build a career as a #1 New York Times bestselling author.

My session will emphasize the difference between active participation in the Church and developing a personal relationship with the Savior. I will defend the Church, while also delving into our individual responsibility to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God and to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling before the Lord. My message will draw from personal tragedies, insights, and blessings, coupled with themes and ideas from the standard works. I will be as transparent as I can about how my relationship with Christ works, and how he has shown up for me in my hours of need.

Takeaways:

My goal is to provide hope and empowerment to those struggling with the pains and disappointments of this life. I will share examples that have proven to me the Lord is real and personally interested in our healing and our welfare.

Lunch break – 12:45-1:45 am – Lunch is provided

1:45 PM

Moderated by Jennifer Roach Lees

Panel Discussion with the Women of Ward Radio: The Role of Women in Defending the Church

2:15 PM

Zach Wright

The Case for Positive Contention

Abstract: Are Latter-day Saints commanded to avoid any kind of conflict with people who don’t share their values? Don’t the scriptures say that “Contention is of the devil”? In this talk, I address the various ways that “contention” is described in the scriptures and in general conference talks, including the ways that “contention” is spoken of positively. I use the hermeneutical tools of exegesis and contextual analysis to examine these talks and scriptures, and explain why their use of terms like “contend” and “contention” doesn’t mean that we should avoid any kind of disagreement at all.

Then, I explore the various ways we are counseled by leaders on how to positively “contend” without violating what LDS scriptures and leaders teach on contention. In short, this talk shows that Latter-day Saints don’t need to avoid any kind of disagreement and conflict. As long as members of the church engage in a kind of “positive contention”, we are able to share the gospel and defend truth without being afraid of violating our call to be peacemakers.

Afternoon break – 3:00-3:15 PM

3:15 PM

Matthew Christiansen

Cherishing the “Dark Nights of the Soul”: Re-framing Unfortunate Faith Crises into Essential Faith Journeys

Abstract: Peaks and Valleys, Sunshine and Storms, Faith and Fear, Courage and Cowardice, Success and Failure, Hope and Despair, Clarity and Confusion: our faith journey is the ultimate hero’s journey, and by divine design entails extreme contrast to bring about our intended growth and transformation.

Have you ever prayed aloud: “O God, where art thou?”, or cried out: “Why hast thou forsaken me?” While not comparing our circumstances to the extremity faced by the prophet Joseph in Liberty Jail, or the infinite anguish Christ suffered on the cross, our trials can lead us into periods of darkness in which God feels distant and silent. How can we make sense of these experiences with darkness and allow them to transform us into beings of light?

This presentation is designed to re-calibrate spiritual expectations into healthy alignment with the realities of mortality. Audience members should experience a significant paradigm shift that brings new perspective and understanding to their journey of faith. Additionally, we will introduce and discuss a detailed framework for this journey of faith. This framework will hopefully be an insightful and valuable tool.

4:15 PM

Josh Coates

Plate Math: A Combinatorial Approach to Modeling All Possible Golden Plates

Abstract: Historical reports containing information about the properties of the golden plates provide upper and lower bounds for calculating possible configurations of their size, weight, and material composition, as well as the possible properties of reformed Egyptian. This study employs a two-part process to analyze these configurations. First, it examines the physical properties of the plates, generating over 4 billion possible combinations. Second, it analyzes the nature of the writing on the plates, assuming the translated English text of the Book of Mormon is directly representative of the reformed Egyptian engravings. This process involves calculating and filtering combinations based on historical accounts, physical constraints, and linguistic considerations. The study demonstrates that while most configurations are unworkable, nearly one million configurations remain both physically possible and consistent with the documentary record. Key findings suggest the plates likely had less than 20% gold content, weighed more than 54 lb., contained between 187 and 259 plates, and had dimensions slightly smaller than, but within 10% of, Joseph Smith’s description. The writing on the plates likely averaged less than 5 mm square, with each character representing at least three English characters, similar to Egyptian Demotic. Although there are inherent limitations in historical analysis of this kind, this mathematical approach provides a novel perspective on the physical reality of the plates.

It appears that Br’er Coates’ paper—or at least some version of it—has already been published in Interpreter.

Closing remarks & adjournment

August 8

9:00 am – Welcome & opening remarks

9:15 AM

Brad Witbeck

The Path of The Peacemaker

Abstract: We’ll focus on how to defend the faith without multiplying contention, how to disarm and deescalate difficult conversations, and how to love your neighbor even when they’re being an idiot online.

For decades, we’ve been taught to avoid talking about religion or politics, and it seems to have only made things worse. I’ll be drawing from my skills as a comedian and my experience as “the Reasonable One” on Ward Radio to discuss how to prioritize peace without compromising truth.

My talk will arm you with skills you need to become a defender of the faith in the way Christ was, by walking the path he walked—Not the path of the pushover, the path of the panderer, or the path of the punisher, but the path of the Peacemaker.

10:00 AM

Michael R. Ash

A Mesoamerican Urim and Thummim

Abstract: Michael argues the Interpreters were likely modeled after the divining stones used by Mesoamerican shamans. Early Latter-day Saints called them “spectacles,” a term reflecting their form—two stones linked together—which also echoes the Mesoamerican concept of duality. Like sacred divining stones, they were symbolically “bundled” in Moroni’s stone box until Joseph “unsealed” them through translation.

Overview:

Joseph Smith likely reinterpreted the Interpreters as “spectacles” because of their shape, and as a Urim and Thummim based on his Old Testament view of how God communicates.

In contrast, Ash argues that the Interpreter stones should be understood through the
Mesoamerican culture that likely influenced them.

For Joseph, Nephite prophets, and Mesoamerican shamans alike, such stones were tools to “unseal” divine communication, receive sacred visitations, and mark the beginning of new eras of spiritual authority.

Attendees will gain a clearer sense of what the Nephite Interpreters looked like, how they may have functioned for both Mesoamerican shamans and Joseph Smith, and how they played a role in restoring the Covenant People.

Morning break – 10:45-11:15 am

11:15 AM

Al Carraway

Walking with Jesus: A Tangible Relationship

12:00 PM

Matthew Godfrey

”O God, Where Art Thou?”: Working My Way Through Spiritual Silence

Abstract: This presentation will focus on how I have dealt with moments—and extended
time periods—of spiritual silence. Using examples from my life, experiences of family members, episodes in Joseph Smith’s life, and teachings from the scriptures and modern-day prophets and apostles, I will discuss several things that have helped me navigate these moments. These include understanding that God sometimes leaves decisions up to us, revelation takes work, we sometimes have to wait for answers from
the Lord, support from family and friends can help, we don’t need to be perfect to have
the Holy Ghost with us, Jesus Christ supports us even when we don’t feel Him near, and God answers us in ways that make sense to us. I hope that those hearing my presentation who are either struggling with getting answers to prayers or have loved ones who are will gain insights that will help them in their own spiritual journey. I also hope they will feel God’s love for them and His willingness to answer their prayers.

Lunch break – 12:45-1:45 am – Lunch is provided

1:45 PM

Barbara Morgan Gardner

Lived Experience of Mormon Women

2:15 PM

Moderated by Barbara Morgan Gardner

Panel Discussion: Lived Experience of Mormon Women

This panel will apparently feature Sarah Jane Weaver, Shima Baughman, Brigitte Madrian, and Jenet Erickson.

Afternoon break – 3:00-3:15 PM – Presentation of the John Taylor Award

My prediction is that Zach Wright will receive the award. It is entirely possible that the Proprietor will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, Defender of the Faith, for the third time.

3:15 PM

Benjamin C. Peterson

Why Doctrinal Purity Matters—and How to Avoid Doctrinal Drift

Abstract: In a world of shifting values and increasing confusion, how can we ensure that the gospel we teach remains pure and powerful? This presentation will explore the vital role of doctrinal purity in preserving the integrity and saving power of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

This session addresses two central questions: Why does doctrinal purity matter, and how can we avoid doctrinal drift? Drawing on the scriptures, prophetic teachings, and historical examples, the presentation will highlight spiritual consequences of doctrinal compromise.

Participants will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of why doctrinal purity is essential to salvation, learn more about the Savior’s model of teaching truth, and understand how to apply actionable safeguards in teaching, writing, and personal study of the gospel.

4:15 PM

Daniel C. Peterson

Brigham Young and Slavery

Abstract: We cannot hide the fact that Brigham Young said some things about race that make us
wince in the twenty-first century. In fact, to make matters worse, as territorial governor of Deseret he presided in 1852 over the enactment of a law that actually legalized slavery.

Or did he? Very recent scholarship has carefully examined that law and has overturned much of what I, at least, had assumed about it. (Part of our modern problem is our simplistic and uninformed understanding of how labor and employment were categorized in antebellum America.)

I propose to share some of the results of this recent scholarship that, I believe, greatly reduce (if they do not altogether eliminate) the challenges posed to contemporary Latter-day Saints by Brigham Young’s racial attitudes—and that have furnished weapons to critics of the Church [sic].

The scholarship to which I refer wasn’t created with apologetic intent, but I will turn it in that direction. I will cite not only the conclusions of the scholars, with whom I believe my own conclusions will be consistent, but statements of Brigham Young and others who were directly involved in the discussions of race, slavery, and servitude that threatened to divide the Church and its settlements in the Great Basin West prior to Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which rendered some of the relevant issues moot.

For me, this new scholarship has been deeply helpful, and I think that some of its results need to reach a general audience.

Comments: first, let me emphasize that the Proprietor apparently believes “the results of …recent scholarship … greatly reduce (if they do not altogether eliminate) the challenges posed to contemporary Latter-day Saints by Brigham Young’s racial attitudes.” I am not making this up. Second, I would venture to say that my January 1 prophecy was right on.

Closing remarks & adjournment

[drumdude]

Folks, we have our very own prophet, seer, and revelator on the board. What a blessing!

[Gadianton]

Looks like a bunch of nonsense. I wonder what Doctor Scratch makes of this.

It makes me long for the days of the LGT. The only real talk looks to be the one on the dimension of the plates; sketchy, but I applaud the speaker for trying to prove something.

The rest is extending the corporation's PR arm. Hours and hours of deniability. Anyone who works in the corporate world knows that every year you'll take a bunch of courses that allow the company to check a box granting them deniability -- employees have been informed on whatever the matter is from inclusion to fraud prevention. Okay, you've got to do it. But what this reminds me of is on my own time, registering for a full weekend of courses like this to attend for my own excitement. Oh I can't wait to be told the company provides resources for every problem situation and the many ways in which leadership has ensured such problems don't happen. Therefore, we can be assured the bases are covered and if a problem arises then it's probably a false accusation or the organization couldn't possibly have prepared for it, except we all took the required training, so maybe the employees shoulder some responsibility? But surely the organization isn't at fault.

I commend Tom for predicting the BY talk. It looks pretty lame. I doubt the apologists have ever winced.

The funniest one though is Mike Ash's talk on apologetics without contention, assuring everyone that Dan has been perfectly civil all these years.

[Moksha]

A few notes: it seems that having the Valiant Conference as a conference co-host was a one-year experiment and won’t be repeated. It also seems that the Proprietor has been restored to his rightful place as the conference’s final speaker.

To mix some metaphors, too many entrepreneurs spoil the broth.

Protecting Children—The Crucial Role of Church Clergy and the Abuse Help Line

Abstract: Child abuse is a complex societal issue that impacts a large percentage of children worldwide. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day [sic] Saints is committed to helping in the fight against this evil scourge. The Church’s local leaders, assisted by the abuse help line, play an important role in preventing abuse and helping individuals and families when abuse occurs. The Church’s abuse help line and the clergy-penitent privilege are effective tools [sic] in the Church’s mission to make children safer.

Excess gaslight from this presentation will be sold to Dominion Energy to help offset the cost of future FAIR Conferences.

[I Have Questions]

It’s as if the organisers don’t feel that the two General Conferences and local Stake Conferences do a good enough job. So much talking, so little doing.

[Doctor Scratch]

Many thanks, Tom, for the invaluable commentary. And yes, like always, your predictions about the Proprietor's talk were prescient.

Doctor Robbers--

You write that it "Looks like a bunch of nonsense," which I think is a good summary. Like Tom, I'm struck by the fact that they seem to have essentially dumped the Valiant Conference overboard. Or perhaps it was the other way around--i.e., the Valiant people wound up having problems with the apologists and decided to take their act elsewhere?

One thing that struck me about this year's line up is that many of the presentations seem to be aimed at trying to persuade people to be more aggressive: "The Case for Positive Contention," for example. Or Brad Witbeck's "The Path of the Peacemaker," which promises to "arm you with skills you need to become a defender of the faith in the way Christ was, by walking the path he walked—Not the path of the pushover, the path of the panderer, or the path of the punisher, but the path of the Peacemaker." Sound familiar? Plus a panel on "How to Avoid Doctrinal Drift"? This sounds like a pretty hard push for a return to hardcore, classic-FARMS-style Mopologetics. So, I guess it's only fitting that we're going to get a hastily cobbled-together crap-fest from the keynote--just like the good ol' days!

And, of course, I see that the Afore's obsession with Brigham Young is continuing in full swing here. Trying to whitewash Brigham's racism seems, well, misguided, but also fitting, I suppose.

A couple of other things: I believe that Michael Ash's presentation is actually going to be about Nephite Urim & Thummim, no? And how these are actually MesoAmerican? So the conference is meant to alienate Heartlanders, I suppose.

Finally, I agree with you that it's unlikely that the Mopologists "have ever winced" about BY's toxic behavior. But I tend to think that they do a whole lot of wincing in other arenas, and even might go so far as to say that a great deal of their work as Mopologists is based upon a basically uninterrupted series of winces, grimaces, and surges of uncontrollable anger. Being offended and ticked-off seems like an inherent part of what defines them as Mopologists, no?

[Marcus]

...Training materials for leaders and members, church policies, and online resources on abuse exist to help us all become more aware of how we can help in the fight against child abuse and bring these heinous crimes to light. We all share the responsibility of becoming informed on this topic, recognizing warning signs, speaking up, reporting abuse, and responding appropriately when abuse occurs. The Church continues to look for ways to combat child abuse [sic]...

It does? And what are those "ways"?

...The Church’s local leaders, assisted by the abuse help line, play an important role in preventing abuse and helping individuals and families when abuse occurs. The Church’s abuse help line and the clergy-penitent privilege are effective tools [sic] in the Church’s mission to make children safer...

Oh. So, the best way to combat child abuse is by retroactively trying to justify two elements of lds 'effort' that have not only allowed, but facilitated child abuse. That would be a very hard sell anywhere else in the world.

[malkie]

The Case for Positive Contention

Abstract: Are Latter-day Saints commanded to avoid any kind of conflict with people who don’t share their values? Don’t the scriptures say that “Contention is of the devil”? In this talk, I address the various ways that “contention” is described in the scriptures and in general conference talks, including the ways that “contention” is spoken of positively. I use the hermeneutical tools of exegesis and contextual analysis to examine these talks and scriptures, and explain why their use of terms like “contend” and “contention” doesn’t mean that we should avoid any kind of disagreement at all.

Then, I explore the various ways we are counseled by leaders on how to positively “contend” without violating what LDS scriptures and leaders teach on contention. In short, this talk shows that Latter-day Saints don’t need to avoid any kind of disagreement and conflict. As long as members of the church engage in a kind of “positive contention”, we are able to share the gospel and defend truth without being afraid of violating our call to be peacemakers.

Looks like TTOC is obsolete.

[Gadianton]

but the path of the Peacemaker." Sound familiar?

Isn't that a Marvel comic hero who goes around breaking people into submission? or what about the slogan "peace through strength" instead of saying "war". Also the homophone jokes "peace" vs. "piece". "Shall we pray for peace, boss, and leave that critic in pieces? har har har." Also, didn't some old western hero have a pistol he called the peacemaker? So yeah, we get their drift.

Well, it's a good thing I asked and got the full scoop.

Mopologists is based upon a basically uninterrupted series of winces, grimaces, and surges of uncontrollable anger. Being offended and ticked-off seems like an inherent part of what defines them as Mopologists, no?

It's hard to argue otherwise. How would you rank the senior tier, from the least to the most angry?

[Doctor Scratch]

but the path of the Peacemaker." Sound familiar?

Mopologists is based upon a basically uninterrupted series of winces, grimaces, and surges of uncontrollable anger. Being offended and ticked-off seems like an inherent part of what defines them as Mopologists, no?

It's hard to argue otherwise. How would you rank the senior tier, from the least to the most angry?

A very interesting question! It's complicated by the fact that a number of them work rather hard to try and conceal the fact that they are operating from a place of anger. Meanwhile, is sadism the same thing as anger? Some of them seem to genuinely enjoy being hurtful towards others (esp. Midgley). But is that the same thing as "anger"? In any case, just off the top of my head, from least to most angry I'd probably go with:

--Matt Roper
--Scott Gordon
--Jeffrey Bradshaw
--Mike Ash
--Blake Ostler
--Allen Wyatt
--John Welch
--Louis Midgley
--John Gee
--DCP

I'm sure I'm overlooking some important people, plus we could consider Mopologists who have "passed from the scene," such as Sorenson and Hamblin. Hamblin I would place right up there alongside DCP: the key difference is that Hamblin was a lot more open in terms of expressing his rage. Sorenson I would probably slot between Welch and Midgley.