Dr. James Faulconer, Associate Director, Professor of Philosophy and Richard L. Evans Professor of Religious Understanding at Bringham Young University, will give a public talk titled "Mormon Intellectual: Oxymoron or Viable Option? " on Wednesday, April 10th from 6:30-8:00 PM in Hebeler Hall room 121.  All are welcome to attend.  Light refreshments will be provided.  Sponsored by the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and the Center for Diversity and Social Justice.

Abstract:

A “golden bible” miraculously delivered and then taken away, angels speaking to a teenage boy, a history of people for whom there is no historical evidence, what appears to outsiders to be excessive fealty to authority, prohibition of not only alcohol but also coffee and tea — how can anyone who believes and submits to such things claim to be an intellectual without being deluded?  Faulconer will explain some of what appear to be ridiculous beliefs or practices to which Mormons assent and defend the claim that believing Mormons can genuinely take part in contemporary intellectual life.