book summary – Religion, Feminism, and Freedom of Conscience: A Mormon/Humanist Dialogue

Religion, Feminism, and Freedom of Conscience : A Mormon/Humanist Dialogue
by George D. Smith

from the publisher:
Mormonism is rooted in religious humanism, a belief in the innate goodness of individuals and a respect for personal conscience. But as institutions grow, they tend to emphasize programs and conformity over individuality and creativity. In recent years this trend has been evident within the Mormon church as intellectuals have been excommunicated and feminists have been purged from the church school faculties.

This anthology includes essays by Cecilia Konchar Farr just prior to her dismissal from Brigham Young University, Lavina Fielding Anderson following her excommunication, Bonnie Bullough on feminism, and L. Jackson Newell on the environment and overpopulation. Paul Kurtz, editor of Free Inquiry, introduces the discussion with an overview of humanism and freedom, while an essay by the late Walter Lippmann provides an epilogue, reminding people of the importance of an opposition in any society. There are eight other contributors to this volume.