Telos is an open-access journal and forum for emerging writers in Mormon studies: essays, research, responses, translations and reviews, edited with care and free to read.https://telos.restorationcommons.org/https://telos.restorationcommons.org/articles/covenantal-non-dogmatism/https://telos.restorationcommons.org/articles/covenantal-non-dogmatism/This essay proposes Covenantal Non-Dogmatism (CND) as a second-order account of how teachings acquire binding force in Latter-day Saint life. Rather than reconstructing a hidden catechism from the tradition’s many sources, it argues that the Church binds its members primarily through covenants, ordinances, worship, and priesthood order, with assent required only at a thin but real dogmatic floor. Beginning with a fallibilist account of revelation, the essay tests this covenantal framework against hard historical cases and argues that Mormonism’s unfinished theological territory is a constructive feature of an open-canon faith rather than a deficiency. Sun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTEssaydoctrineepistemologyrevelationcovenantfallibilismNoah Airmethttps://telos.restorationcommons.org/articles/preserving-true-doctrine/https://telos.restorationcommons.org/articles/preserving-true-doctrine/This study examines how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints utilizes technical communication to establish, maintain, and preserve orthodox thought. Defining technical communication as the transmittal of needed information for correct audience comprehension, the paper posits a dual-aspect definition of doctrine based on scriptural canon and regular apostolic teachings. It then explores three primary grassroots influences that challenge institutional homogeneity: culture (particularly American Protestant individualism and creationist thought), tradition (such as the Sweetwater River pioneer narrative and the historical priesthood ban), and enthusiastic amateurs (theological speculation filling institutional gaps, such as the identity of Heavenly Mother). The study contrasts official correlation channels with non-church publications, apologetics organizations, and independent foundations, arguing that the preservation of orthodoxy increasingly relies on educated lay members who engage in scholarly technical communication on behalf of the Church. Ultimately, it suggests that further research is needed to determine the viability of creed-like doctrinal statements in an open-canon faith. Sun, 15 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMTResearch Articledoctrinetechnical-communicationcorrelationtraditionhistoryBrigham Powelsonhttps://telos.restorationcommons.org/forum/some-problems-for-trinitarian-essence/https://telos.restorationcommons.org/forum/some-problems-for-trinitarian-essence/Assuming either of these two views are correct, trinitarians will need to alter or abandon their conception of essence.Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTForumtrinitymetaphysicsessenceanalytic-theologyCade Alveyhttps://telos.restorationcommons.org/forum/whats-the-matter/https://telos.restorationcommons.org/forum/whats-the-matter/Latter-day Saint scripture claims that ‘All spirit is matter.’ But what is this matter?Sat, 18 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTForummaterialismphilosophy-of-mindconsciousnesslds-thoughtCade Alveyhttps://telos.restorationcommons.org/forum/sermon-on-the-mount-and-politics/https://telos.restorationcommons.org/forum/sermon-on-the-mount-and-politics/A Latter-day Saint reflection on how the Sermon on the Mount should shape Christian political behavior more than algorithms, parties, or outrage-driven media habits.Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTForumpoliticsdiscipleshipsermon-on-the-mountsocial-mediaJosh Abbotthttps://telos.restorationcommons.org/forum/welcome/https://telos.restorationcommons.org/forum/welcome/A short note on what the Forum is and how you can contribute.Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTForummetaforumThe Telos Editors