A Call for Papers: Mormon Thought and Engineering Vision

I am passing along the following announcement [official site]. My brief comments are below.

The Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies in the School of Religion at Claremont Graduate University is pleased to sponsor a conference on:

Parallels and Convergences: Mormon Thought and Engineering Vision

Location:
Claremont Graduate University, 150 E. 10th Street, Claremont, CA 91711

Important Dates:
Abstract deadline: 2008 December 1 (extended abstract)
Conference: 2009 March 7 (Saturday)

Topics:
The Howard W Hunter Chair is interested in expanding the discussion of Latter-day Saint (LDS) perspectives on the attributes of God and the potential of man through a variety of innovative directions. One of the directions to be explored is whether there is a possible resonance between Mormon and engineering thought. The assumption is that according to LDS understanding, God is the architect of the Creation and the engineer of our bodies and spirits. Man, on the other hand, is believed to be capable of growing to become like God. The theological question is: where does engineering fit in the convergence of these two realms?

Papers for Parallels and Convergences: Mormon Thought and Engineering Vision should present scholarly discussions that explore scriptural background and LDS philosophy, set in the context of engineering and technology.

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This looks like an interesting conference; I think its best potential lies in exploring connections between Mormonism and advances in technology. However, it could also be a menagerie of naturalistic fallacies--and don't get me started on Intelligent Design. Nevertheless, I'm glad to see these kinds of things happening. Maybe some time they can focus on Mormonism and stochastic processes.

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