Atheists & Mormons: Exposing Myths, Dispelling Stereotypes
This panel discussion, moderated by historian Paul Reeve and sponsored by the Mormon Transhumanist Association, brings together atheist leaders David Silverman and Joanne Hanks with BYU professors Richard Holzapfel and J.B. Haws to explore mutual misperceptions between Mormons and atheists. The conversation addresses stereotypes on both sides—including Mormon exclusivity and atheist immorality—while examining topics like baptism for the dead, church transparency about history, and whether religious belief constitutes "brainwashing" or represents a legitimate choice based on personal experience. The panelists ultimately find common ground in valuing charitable giving and civil dialogue, while disagreeing fundamentally about whether religious belief is intellectually honest and whether religion will persist or eventually disappear.