It is often assumed that to be a Mormon one must be a literalist .
This list is for Mormons who refuse to accept this premise. If you are a
thinking Mormon who believes that scholarship and science should not be
rejected out of hand, even when they challenge traditional faith claims, then
"this is the place" for you to engage in constructive dialogue with
like-minded Latter-day Saints.

We regard as a "Mormon" anyone who defines himself or herself as such. We
assert your right to resist the homogenizing and marginalizing pressures of
institutional Mormonism and embrace your heritage, whether you consider that
heritage spiritual, philosophical, cultural, or ancestral. Don't let
literalists and "Iron Rodders" define you out of Mormonism!

"Liberal" Mormons, as we use the term, are those who are willing to follow
scientific, historical, and other evidence on such issues as the historicity
of scripture and the infallibility of ecclesiastical leaders, no matter where
that evidence leads, and who emphasize the moral, ethical, communal, and
mythic aspects of the Latter-day Saint faith tradition.

"Loyal" Mormons are those who wish to engage constructively with
their Mormon heritage, community, myth, or faith.This forum has not been
created to perpetuate anti-Mormon rhetoric. We assume that you will apply to
join only if you desire to maintain a positive connection with Mormonism, official or otherwise.

Topics for discussion can include the great teachings of other faiths, the
a-historicity of the scriptures, the problems with apologetics, how to deal
with authoritarianism and dogmatism, "Mormon agnosticism," the significance
of myth in contemporary life, and any other issues that can be addressed in a
way that is simultaneously "liberal" and "loyal."

We dedicate this list to three exemplary Mormons who have been both liberal
in their attitudes and loyal to their Mormonism: Lowell Bennion, Sterling McMurrin, and Wayne Booth.