Volume 28, No. 4

Winter 1995

The Winter 1995 Issue delves into various historical, theological, and sociocultural aspects of Mormonism. Richard S. Van Wagoner explores the 1844 Transfiguration of Brigham Young, examining how it evolved into a significant Mormon myth. Becky Fogg’s “A Passage Back” provides a reflective, personal narrative. Richard Saunders discusses Dale L. Morgan's complex emotional and intellectual journey, offering insight into his social history during the 1930s and 1940s. Edwin B. Firmage raises thought-provoking questions about God's role—whether as a controlling CEO or an inclusive “Master of the Dance.” Stacy Burton applies perspectives from critical theory, feminism, and personal experience to rethink religious experiences. D. Michael Quinn's case study on male-male intimacy among nineteenth-century Mormons offers a nuanced view of relationships in historical context. Collectively, these pieces reflect diverse perspectives on faith, history, and personal journeys within the LDS community. And more!

Articles/Essays

The Making of a Mormon Myth: The 1844 Transfiguration of Brigham Young

Richard Van Wagoner

A Passage Back

Becky Fogg

“The Strange Mixture of Emotion and Intellect”: A Social History of Dale L. Morgan 1933-42

Richard Saunders

God: CEO or Master of the Dance?

Edwin B. Firmage

Rethinking Religious Experience: Notes from Critical Theory, Feminism, and Real Life

Stacy Burton

The Higher Powers: Fred M. Smith and the Peyote Ceremonies

Shelby M. Barnes

The Unexpected Choice

Linda Paxton Greer

Male-Male Intimacy among Nineteenth-century Mormons: A Case Study

D. Michael Quinn

Dialogue 28.4 (Winter 1995): 105–119
This was a prelude to his book-length treatment Same-Sex Dynamics in 19th C. America: A Mormon Example, that looked at “intimacy” broadly defined, before the rise of homophobia in the post-WWII period. It is a fascinating study of changing norms and practices that once allowed for a huge range of bonding practices between people of the same-sex. Quinn himself had come out in the course of researching this article and the book a few years before, and this work remains influential.

Palm Sunday

Daniel Austin

“We Mormons lack ‘joy in the Lord,’” Bishop Lewis told his counselors and the ward secretary at the start of bishopric meeting on Palm Sunday morning. They listened attentively. “The name of Jesus is the…

Balancing Acts

Myrna Dee Marler

When Catherine opened her eyes on the Saturday morning of her daughter Kelly’s baptism, she recognized that the day ahead was going to test her endurance. Not only did she have to clean the house…