Some Final Thoughts: Sunstone Symp 2007

I've been meaning to write up a final summary of my Sunstone Symposium experience, and since it had been almost a month since the event, it has allowed some perspective.

I think this has been my best symposium experience since the first time I attended back in 1992 as a fresh faced returned missionary ready to take on the world.  That seems eons ago.  But this past symposium has somehow energized myself to take on my own world in new ways.  The open and honest study of Mormonism is not for everybody in the church, but I am glad there is a place like Sunstone where it is fostered and encouraged.

But more than the sessions I attended, what I enjoyed more was the people I met.  I don't really know how to describe the wonderful community that exists at Sunstone.  I was able to catch up with old friends.  And I made quite a few new friends and acquaintances.  I was able to discuss my spiritual journey with people who have also been along their own unique paths - and we were able to understand each other, knowing were we've been, able to share the challenges that we face.  I met such a wide variety of "Mormons": true believing, bloggers, inactives, feminists, jack, liberals, conservatives, polygamists, atheists, agnostics, really too many to even name, not to mention all the non-LDS who attended.

I shared moments with some people that now I see as very special and important.  I underestimated the community that Sunstone has created.  It has a unique place in Mormon culture that needs to continue to grow.

Was there any disappointments?  There are always thoughts about "what I wish they had more of."  In particular I hope for more sessions on scriptural studies and literature in the future, but I know it's not an easy thing to accomplish.  But overall, I wasn't disappointed. It was a well run conference with plenty to see, do, and discuss.

I look forward even more to the next symposium.  I think I will join in and submit a abstract myself.   I guess I better get writing.

Comments

[Mike]

This has been my experience with Sunstone. It represents a blend of Mormonism that just doesn't seem to exist anywhere else. Very stimulating and thought provoking and moving. Even better than high council sunday. ;-) Seriously, I wish there were more Sunstone types of saints....

[Equality]

There are--they are called Exmos. (just kidding, mostly).

[Equality]

There are--they are called Exmos. (just kidding, mostly).

[Equality]

There are--they are called Exmos. (just kidding, mostly).