UVU Conference: Mormonism and Islam

Mormonism and Islam

Commonality and Cooperation between Abrahamic Faiths

March 10-11, 2011
Utah Valley University
Student Center (Centre Stage)

Conference Description

The eleventh annual UVU Mormon Studies Conference will engage in a comparative exploration of Islam and Mormonism.  Scholars and practitioners will reflect on points of connection and contrast between two traditions that face challenges related to public awareness and social inclusion.  This two-day event will explore a variety of issues for Mormons and Muslims including 1) religious freedom and public perception, 2) mutual goals and cooperative endeavors, 3) areas of theological connection and divergence, and 4) efforts at dialogue and bridge-building.


Within a year of the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1830, detractors of Mormonism began to compare this new religious movement to Islam.  Referring to Joseph Smith as the modern Mahomet,
these early comparisons reflected religious prejudices of the day and were intended to marginalize Mormons and Muslims in American social and political culture.  The aim of this conference is to enhance public understanding of religious diversity and to explore two traditions at the epicenter of discussion in American religious discourse.
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Early Development of Islam and Mormonism: A Look at Founders and Origins Bahman Baktiari, Middle East Center, University of Utah

Mormons and Muslims: Nineteenth Century Encounters, Blair Van Dyke, Orem LDS Institute of Religion

Keynote Address: Overcoming Injustice: The Prophet Muhammad's Legacy for Modern Muslims, Omar Kader, Middle East Policy Council

Muslim and Mormon Relations in Southern California.  Steve and Judy Gilliland, Southern California Public Affairs Council, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Practicing Religion in a Pluralistic Society: Mormon and Muslim Relations as a Model.  Muzammil Siddiqi, Islamic Society of Orange County, California

How are Mormons and Muslims Covered in Today's K-12 Public School History Textbooks?  Shabbir Mansuri, Council on Islamic Education

Orientalism in Nineteenth-Century Anti-Mormonism Christine, Talbot, University of Northern Colorado

Finding a Home for Pluralism in Islam, Najeeba Syeed-Miller, Claremont School of Theology

How We Treat Opponents Reveals Our True Religion Charles Randall Paul, Foundation for Religious Diplomacy

Keynote Address: Mormons, Muslims, and the Ground Zero Mosque, Stephen Prothero, Boston University

Islam and Mormonism: Points of Cooperation

Translation and Bridge-Building: BYU's Middle Eastern Texts Initiative and Its Impact, Daniel Peterson, Brigham Young University

Mormons Building Peace in the Middle East, Donna Lee Bowen, Brigham Young University J.  Bonner Ritchie, Utah Valley University Omar Kader, Middle East Policy Council

Muslims in Utah: Ruhul Kuddus, moderator: Farid Islam, Utah Valley Islamic Council Maya Kergaye, Islamic Speakers Bureau, SLCC Imam Khwaja Shuaib Uddin Ahmad Muhammad Salah, former president, BYU Muslim Student Association Imam Shuqairat, Utah Valley Islamic Center