Conscience and Community

“In the mid-twentieth century as the LDS Church slid into increasing xenophobia and anti-intellectualism, Sterling McMurrin, Obert Tanner, and Lowell Bennion raised underappreciated but eloquent voices. With robust liberalism, tough integrity, and loyalty to principle, they steadfastly called Mormonism back to its best self. The need for such voices now, in the disillusionment, violence, and fear of the early twenty-first century, is intense. These sparkling and insightful essays come at the right moment.” —Lavina Fielding Anderson, editor, Salt Lake City “Inspiring stories about three remarkable friends, teachers and mentors whose Mormon roots deeply influenced their commitment to culture and community. They succeeded in carving out a place within the LDS Church and yet beyond its reach.” —Grethe Peterson, Emeritus Director of the Tanner Lectures on Human Values “Conscience and Community is a delightful addition to the somewhat neglected field of Utah’s intellectual history and is a fascinating window into the lives of three men who shepherded Utah through a transition period from ideological isolationism into Utah’s full participation in the national marketplace of ideas.” —Utah Historical Quarterly “This collection of essays is a rich treat for historians interested in twentieth-century Mormon thought.…The questions raised by this volume and its contributions to our understanding of liberal Mormonism will reward the reader. The combination of scholarly analysis and personal reminiscences remind us that McMurrin, Tanner, and Bennion had a tremendous impact upon their students, friends, and family. Their lives represent a meeting place between non-Mormon and Mormon thought and reveal the creative process by which those strands are merged.” —Journal of Mormon History

Robert Alan Goldberg is professor of history and director of the Tanner Humanities Center at the University of Utah. He has won multiple awards for his teaching and has authored eight books, including Barry Goldwater and Enemies Within: The Culture of Conspiracy in Modern America. L. Jackson Newell has been a professor at the University of Utah since 1974, but took leave to serve as president of Deep Springs College from 1995 to 2004. His books include The Electric Edge of Academe: The Saga of Lucien L. Nunn and Deep Springs College and Matters of Conscience: Conversations with Sterling M. McMurrin on Philosophy, Education and Religion. Linda King Newell is a writer, editor and independent historian. She is a past president of the Mormon History Association and author or co-author of four books, including Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith (co-authored with Valeen Tippetts Avery).