LDS Scholar to Discuss Future of Mormon Church

Renowned sociologist and Mormon scholar Armand Mauss will explore the future of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during a lecture scheduled for 4 p.m. March 25 in Old Main 121 on the Utah State University campus.

Mauss’ lecture, “Mormonism’s Third Century: Coping with the Contingencies,” is sponsored by USU’s Religious Studies Program and is free and open to the public.

Professor emeritus of sociology and religious studies at Washington State University, Mauss began his post-doctoral career at Utah State as a sociology professor.

According to Mauss, as a relatively new religious movement, the LDS church has followed a developmental trajectory similar to many other such movements. In the next few years, however, as the church enters its third century of existence it is likely to face many new and unprecedented challenges.

During his upcoming address, Mauss will consider how the church and its members might cope with these challenges.

Mauss it the former editor of The Journal for Scientific Study of Religion and served for more than 30 years on the editorial board and board of directors of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, the major scholarly journal in Mormon studies independent of church auspices.

He also served as president of the Mormon History Association from 1997-98. Mauss is the author of several books, including All Abraham’s Children, an analysis of Mormonism’s evolving and conflicted perspectives on race and lineages that was named Best Book for 2003 by the Mormon History Association.

His most recent book, Shifting Borders and a Tattered Passport: Intellectual Journeys of a Mormon Academic, offers a penetrating look at Mormonism and the issues navigated by those who study it.

Related links:

• USU Religious Studies Program
• USU History Department
• USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Writer and contact: Kristin Middaugh, CHaSS communications director, kristin.middaugh@usu.edu