September 2023 marks the thirtieth anniversary of what came to be dubbed “The September Six,” in which the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints excommunicated or disciplined six intellectuals and activists. Today’s guest is Professor Sara M. Patterson, speaking about her just-released book on the subject, The September Six and The Struggle for the Soul of Mormonism. In this thirty-year retrospective, Patterson challenges us to think more deeply about the events of that month and the era in which they unfolded, arguing that it was part of a much broader, decades-long cultural and theological debate over the nature of the church and its Restoration narrative.

Patterson will be in Utah to speak about her findings on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Salt Lake City Main Public Library (doors open at 6:30 PM) and at Writ and Vision in Provo at 6 PM on Thursday, October 7. The public is welcome to these free events. Books will be available for purchase and for author signing.