Mormon history professors debate atheists in bid to foster greater understanding

Two groups came together Wednesday night to create understanding between groups commonly seen at odds.

Two professors of history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sat on a panel with two atheist experts for a discussion to dispel misconceptions and seek understanding.

A debate seeks a winner, where discussions seek understanding, explained panel moderator Paul Reeve, a University of Utah history professor.

“We are seeking understanding tonight, and that is the purpose for our panel here,” Reeve told a crowd of roughly 300 at Salt Lake City Main Library's Nancy Tessman Auditorium.

American Atheists hosted the panel as a lead-in to its national convention that begins Thursday in Salt Lake City.

“We’re hoping that we can use this as a stepping stone to reach a healthier Salt Lake City,” American Atheists President David Silverman said.

The panelists addressed questions about the biggest misconceptions about Mormons and atheists, the future of religion and how the LDS Church teaches its history.