Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion Hosts John G. Turner for Lecture on Mormonism

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WACO, Texas (Oct. 12, 2012) - The Institute for Studies of Religion at Baylor will host John G. Turner, Ph.D., professor of religious studies at George Mason University, to speak on "A Tale of Two Brigham Youngs: The Mormon Journey from Illinois to Utah." The lecture will take place at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Kayser Auditorium in the Hankamer School of Business, 1428 S. Fifth St.
Turner's research on the history of religion in 19th- and 20th-century America has led to publication in outlets such as The Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times. He won Christianity Today's 2009 Book Award for his book Bill Bright and Campus Crusade for Christ: The Renewal of Evangelicalism in Postwar America. His most recent book, Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet, was published by Harvard University Press in early 2012.
"Americans' interest in Mormonism has never been so high as this fall when we are seeing the real possibility that a Mormon, Mitt Romney, could become president," said Thomas S. Kidd, Ph.D., professor of history in the College of Arts & Sciences at Baylor University. "Professor Turner's lecture will address the history of Mormonism as viewed through the life of Brigham Young, who along with Joseph Smith, was one of the most formative leaders of this distinctly American religion."
This event is free and open to the public. To register or for more information, click here.

by Brent Salter, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR STUDIES OF RELIGION
Launched in August 2004, the Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion (ISR) exists to initiate, support and conduct research on religion, involving scholars and projects spanning the intellectual spectrum: history, psychology, sociology, economics, anthropology, political science, epidemiology, theology and religious studies. The institute's mandate extends to all religions, everywhere, and throughout history, and embraces the study of religious effects on prosocial behavior, family life, population health, economic development and social conflict. While always striving for appropriate scientific objectivity, ISR scholars treat religion with the respect that sacred matters require and deserve. For more information, visit www.baylorisr.org.