A ‘two-prophet problem’ in Mormon Utah? History, time and religion in our anthropological present
Seminar presented by Dr Fenella Cannell (London School of Economics and Political Science) as part of the SOAS Anthropology and Sociology Department Seminar Series
Location: RB01, Main Building, SOAS University of London
3pm till 5pm
The seminar series is funded by a grant from UKRI. SOAS launched its Centre for Anthropology and Mental Health Research in Action (CAMHRA) in 2025 as a centre that aims to foster collaborations between anthropology and mental health research and practice.
Event Abstract
Latter-day Saints (‘Mormons’) in Utah have for some years been more critical of the politics of Pres. Trump than have many other conservative Christians in the United States. In Pres. Trump’s second term of office, however, many LDS Utah Republicans have become supporters, while others still have doubts and questions.
In this seminar, I ask whether the distinctive temporal-prophetic logics of Mormon leadership, personhood, revelation and history, are potentially threatened by an alternative prophetic narrative linked to MAGA Republicanism. More generally, I ask whether we are witnessing an attempt by disparate actors to monopolise prophetic charisma in the U.S., and if so, how this should inform our anthropological perspectives.
Speaker
Registration
The event is free to attend, but external/non-SOAS visitor are required to sign up in order to support smooth and timely access to SOAS.