Dan Wotherspoon

Portrait of Dan Wotherspoon

Dan Wotherspoon is a prominent voice in discussions surrounding Mormonism and intellectual inquiry. He currently hosts the Latter-day Faith podcast, where he explores a wide range of topics relevant to Mormon thought and culture. He is also the former editor of Sunstone Magazine, a publication known for its engagement with Mormon history, theology, and contemporary issues.

Wotherspoon holds a PhD in religion from Claremont Graduate University. His doctoral dissertation focused on deep Mormon sensibilities concerning the intrinsic worth and interconnectedness of all existence and how these values might contribute to a sustainable and peaceful world. This research reflects his commitment to exploring the intersection of Mormonism with broader ethical and philosophical concerns.

Wotherspoon’s work often involves facilitating dialogue and understanding between diverse perspectives, as evidenced by his involvement with the Mormon Transhumanist Association (MTA). He has spoken at MTA conferences and hosted discussions related to transhumanism on his podcast, demonstrating his interest in the potential for Mormon thought to engage with emerging technologies and ideas. He lives in Tooele, Utah with his wife Laurie. They are about to be empty nesters.

Videos by Dan Wotherspoon

Things Mormon Transhumanist Nerds Should Keep in Mind...
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Dan Wotherspoon

Things Mormon Transhumanist Nerds Should Keep in Mind...

Dan Wotherspoon, host of the Mormon Matters podcast and former editor of Sunstone Magazine, offers practical advice for Mormon transhumanists seeking to build relationships with potential allies who may not share their technological enthusiasms. Though impressed by transhumanist ideas and feeling a kinship with MTA members who hold expansive views of Mormon theology, Wotherspoon confesses to being something of a Luddite himself—skeptical that technology can shortcut genuine spiritual transformation. He encourages a graduated approach to messaging: in brief “elevator speeches,” emphasize shared LDS values and optimism about the future, saving discussions of body enhancement, simulation hypotheses, and resurrection technologies for later conversations when trust has been established.