FAIR Conference August 2-4, 2023

[Calm]

Just a reminder for those who tend to forget unless something is right in front of them like myself….though we have had some new posters join us this past year who may not be aware of these conferences.  If you are not and you are interested in hearing significant discussions from believers’ viewpoints, I encourage you to check out this year’s FAIR Conference as well as past ones.

https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/august-2023

Quote

Join us August 2-4, 2023, for an enriching and enlightening FAIR Conference.

Each year, FAIR holds a conference designed to provide depth, context, confidence, and reasoned answers to questions about and attacks against the Church. We’re not naive about the vitriol many use to attack the Church, but we sincerely strive to respond with calm and kindness. The conference is a chance for people of good will to listen, discuss, reason together, and receive real answers to really challenging questions. This year’s conference will be held August 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the Experience Event Center in Provo. We hope you’ll join us, in person or online. 

Student pricing is available; we are also offering a scholarship to students!

We look forward to “reason[ing] together” with you (D&C 50:10). See you in August!

 

 

 

If you don’t know what FAIR is, let me know and I will be happy to explain, having been a member of it for over 20 years now…or you can just explore our website.

[Dario_M]

How interesting.  Where can i watch this FAIR Conference. 

[Calm]

Links for past presentation transcripts can be found here:

https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference

Playlists for conference and other videos are here:

https://www.youtube.com/@fairldsorg/playlists

[Derl Sanderson]

Looking forward to this one. Though I think they were necessary and timely, I was getting a little burned out over what seemed to be a preponderance of gender/social issues and faith crises over the past couple of years. I'm more than ready to get back to what looks more like meat and potatoes that this year offers.

[Rain]

On 7/8/2023 at 3:33 PM, Calm said:

Just a reminder for those who tend to forget unless something is right in front of them like myself….though we have had some new posters join us this past year who may not be aware of these conferences.  If you are not and you are interested in hearing significant discussions from believers’ viewpoints, I encourage you to check out this year’s FAIR Conference as well as past ones.

https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/august-2023

If you don’t know what FAIR is, let me know and I will be happy to explain, having been a member of it for over 20 years now…or you can just explore our website.

That schedule is difficult to read.  If I could at least click on it so it would come up bigger it would help a lot. 

[Calm]

I will mention that, thank you.

added:  I checked it out myself and I can enlarge it using my fingers, is this different with your tech? (Want to be precise about the problem)

Edited July 15, 2023 by Calm

[Rain]

1 hour ago, Calm said:

I will mention that, thank you.

added:  I checked it out myself and I can enlarge it using my fingers, is this different with your tech? (Want to be precise about the problem)

On my phone I can do that, but not on my computer.

[Calm]

1 hour ago, Rain said:

On my phone I can do that, but not on my computer.

I let them know, don’t know if anything will be done about it though, but hopefully they will remember for next year.

[Vanguard]

Calm - Can single day tickets be purchased instead of for all 3 days? And if so, do you know for how much? 

[Calm]

I will check.

[Calm]

On 7/15/2023 at 4:37 PM, Calm said:

I let them know, don’t know if anything will be done about it though, but hopefully they will remember for next year.

 

On 7/15/2023 at 3:33 PM, Rain said:

On my phone I can do that, but not on my computer.

It should enlarge when you click on it now.

[Calm]

20 hours ago, Vanguard said:

Calm - Can single day tickets be purchased instead of for all 3 days? And if so, do you know for how much? 

They don’t these days because it make things too complicated and generally costs us money (because we have empty seats other days).  For people who just want to see certain speakers, live streaming gives them access.  If you can set your account to PM, we can discuss other possible options though.

Edited July 17, 2023 by Calm

[Calm]

Update…

Quote

Come to the 2023 FAIR Conference!

We’re in the final week of ticket sales for the 2023 FAIR Conference - the last day to buy in-person tickets is Friday, July 28. If you’ve been considering attending in person but haven’t been able to decide whether to come or not, we want to help you make the leap!

 

The important details about the 2023 FAIR Conference:
 

When: August 2-4, 2023

Where: The Experience Event Center, Provo, Utah

How much: $150 - but there are discounts available for various groups, so please ask!

What’s included: meeting authors and presenters, access to new books and swag, a silent auction, an exclusive panel discussion, a chance to meet FAIR’s board and our sponsors in person, and displays of both art and rare books. Oh, and lunch is also provided!

 

Consider this, too –

 

Attending a conference where Jenet Erickson, John W. Welch, and Jennifer Roach are speaking is a remarkable opportunity due to the unique perspectives and expertise they bring to their respective presentations.

 

Jenet Erickson's presentation on "For the Strength of Youth: Moving from Compliance and Defiance to Integrity in Covenant Relationship" offers valuable insights into fostering strong family bonds and ethical behavior within the youth. As an associate professor in Religious Education and a columnist on family issues, her research and experience will provide attendees with practical strategies to strengthen family relationships and create a positive impact on the youth. That couldn’t be more timely!

 

John W. Welch's presentation on "The Seven Seals in the Apocalypse of John: Possible Cultural, Legal, and Imperial Contexts" promises to uncover new interpretations of the Book of Revelation. As a prominent figure in biblical studies and LDS scholarship, Jack's discoveries and advances provide a unique perspective on understanding ancient religious texts, enabling attendees to gain deeper insights into their historical and cultural contexts. (and if we’re lucky, he’ll tell us about his mission in Hawaii!)

 

Jennifer Roach's presentation on "Shedding Light on the Complexities: Understanding Abuse within the LDS Church" addresses a sensitive and crucial issue. With her background in Counseling Psychology and Theology, she offers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding abuse and the LDS Church. Attendees will gain awareness of this challenging topic, learning how to create a safer and more supportive environment for victims within their religious communities.

 

By attending this conference and engaging with just these three speakers, you will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts in religious education, biblical studies, and mental health therapy. Imagine how much these diverse perspectives will enrich your knowledge and equip you with practical tools to address real-world challenges within your own ward and community! And that’s not all – networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and professionals in various fields can lead to friendships and collaborative efforts. How much positive change and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals and families within your reach will YOU be able to promote, just because you attended the 2023 FAIR Conference?

 

There’s one way to find out!

 

[Calm]

Apologies for sleeping through the deadline so too late for tickets …consider this an announcement to sign up for the Free Streaming

Quote

Last Call for in-person attendance at the 2023 FAIR Conference!

The deadline for purchasing in-person tickets is fast approaching - today, Friday July 28, at noon MT! I know what you’re probably thinking at this point: 
 

“Sure, this sounds like a great conference - but it’s really more for scholars than for an ‘ordinary’ person like me. Besides, I’m pretty busy right now. There’s just not enough time for me to go to a lot of meetings that really don’t have anything to do with me and my life. Maybe another time.”

But guess what? THIS is the time. And it has EVERYTHING to do with your life and the life of your loved ones.
 

Consider this: when it comes to the top three concerns critics have about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (though opinions can vary), the most common ones that tend to come up are:

1. Historical issues: One of the biggest concerns critics raise is about certain historical practices and doctrines of the LDS Church, including polygamy and the restriction of African Americans from holding the priesthood until 1978.  Some critics argue that the church's historical narrative has been selectively presented or not fully transparent, and sometimes nefarious. 

2. Doctrinal disagreements: Critics often challenge unique LDS beliefs, such as the concept of eternal families and eternal progression, continuing revelation, and the authenticity of the Book of Mormon and Pearl of Great Price as scripture. These theological discrepancies regularly cause tension and skepticism among those outside of our faith.

3. Social Issues: Critics also raise concerns about the Church's stance on social issues, such as LGBT rights, women's roles, and the Church's position on race. The church's stance on gender roles and LGBTQ+ rights is a hotly debated topic. Critics also voice concerns about how the Church manages abuse, education and the tithes and funds of the Church. 

Take a minute to think about your loved ones and acquaintances who are questioning, doubting or have left the church. Chances are they are experiencing concerns in one of those three areas. But consider this:

1. Historical issues: 

• Knowing Brother Joseph: How the Historical Record Demonstrates the Prophet’s Religious Sincerity

• His Accuracy was not What it Ought: Comparing George D. Watt’s Original Shorthand Record to his Published Transcripts in the Journal of Discourses

• Convicting the Mormons: The Mountain Meadows Massacre in American Culture

• Joseph Smith and the Magical Contest

• Understanding History Backwards

• Material Plates, Spiritual Vision: Martin Harris, Divine Materiality, and Seeing with “Spiritual Eyes”

1. Doctrinal disagreements: 

• The Apparent Genetic Discrepancy between Mormon’s Narrative and the Origin of Native Americans

• Proving the Church Is True

• Making Sense of Your Patriarchal Blessing

• Reading Over Mormon’s Shoulder: Watching Mormon fulfill the two purposes listed in the Title Page

• “Written in the Books of Moses”: Mosaic Authorship and Authority in the Book of Mormon

• Pressing Forward with the Book of Abraham

• The Seven Seals in the Apocalypse of John: Possible Cultural, Legal, and Imperial Contexts

1. Social Issues: 

• BYU-Pathway: Serving the Hidden Many

• For the Strength of Youth: Moving from Compliance and Defiance to Integrity in Covenant Relationship

• Embracing Diversity: Navigating LGBTQ+ Experiences as a Latter-day Saint (Panel Discussion)

• Shedding Light on the Complexities: Understanding Abuse within the LDS Church

• Fostering Resilient Faith In the Midst of Questions, Doubts, and Loved Ones Leaving

• Portrayal of Latter-day Saints in Television

• Whistleblowers in the Last Days

 

After attending the 2023 FAIR Conference, can you imagine how much more confident and capable you will be in addressing the concerns of your loved ones? What difference will this make in your own confidence and testimony?

 

Let’s find out together!

 

Just in case you forgot, here are the important details about the 2023 FAIR Conference:

When: August 2-4, 2023

Where: The Experience Event Center, Provo, Utah

How much: $150 - but there are discounts available for various groups, so please ask!

What’s included: meeting authors and presenters, access to new books and swag, a silent auction, an exclusive panel discussion, a chance to meet FAIR’s board and our sponsors in person, and displays of both art and rare books. Lunch is provided!

P.S. You can find details about each day’s schedule here: Wednesday 2 August Schedule, Thursday 3 August Schedule, Friday 4 August Schedule
Streaming is also available at no cost! But you have to register first.

 

[Calm]

I double-checked because of the wording…if you decide to attend last minute, walk-ins are fine though obviously not preferred (much easier to deal with the needs of attendees with preordered tickets obviously). You won’t be able to get lunch provided.  There are some fast food places pretty close iirc. (Removed the suggestion to ask in case of extras because that was just me and I shouldn’t volunteer others)

I am going to try and make it for Don Bradley’s presentation on his current research, last one on Wednesday.  It sounds quite interesting.

Edited July 31, 2023 by Calm

[Rain]

Is there somewhere to see the times? I'm only finding the names of the presentations and who is doing it and date, but not the time. 

[Calm]

If you click on the image, it directed you to a new page with the info

https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/august-2023/2023_agenda_02_wednesday

[Calm]

I am planning (well hoping) to be there for Don Bradley’s talk just in case someone else is there and wants to say hi.

[Calm]

It was a lot of fun tonight. Wish Don could have talked several more hours.