Revised Abstract

Title: The Naturalization of a Citizen of the World (or, Travels)

Background:

I was originally planning to do a re-write of a paper I wrote for my IAS 220 class on AIDS in Senegal; however, once the Mayhew contest was announced in class I started toying with the idea of doing a series of shorter poems instead. In these poems, I will attempt to capture both the feel of and (parts of) my experiences in different countries to which I have traveled.

Purpose:

To artfully recreate and share what I have experienced and learned through my travels.

Method:

I will use different poem styles (haiku, hymn, free, and others) to capture the feel of different countries and present them in a series.

Abstract for Religious Symposium--Revised

I feel guilty, I feel great: guilt, shame, and self image in the LDS emerging adult

LDS church leaders caution against discouragement and self doubt. Scriptures likewise testify of the value God places on each human soul. Despite knowing these doctrines, some people become hindered by shame and low self esteem amid transgressions; this issue is especially salient to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in emerging adulthood. Moral development research indicates those who allow themselves some flexibility in moral conduct have higher likelihood of behaving morally long-term, an outcome associated with positive self-image. Research also shows connections between guilt and healthy outcomes--in contrast to shame, which is associated with depression and self-loathing. This paper aims to help LDS emerging adults maintain self worth, despite transgressions, leading to increases in hope and faith. Through examining statements from church leaders, scriptures, and research in moral development, a view will emerge which promotes living God’s commands with exactness, yet avoiding moral rigidity.