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‘Mormon Land’: Kristine Haglund discusses the work of Eugene England, the ‘last Mormon liberal’

Her new book explores the essayist’s political views, his theological musings, his embrace of church founder Joseph Smith and successor Brigham Young, his friendships and feuds with Latter-day Saint apostles, and his lasting legacy.

(England family) The work of Latter-day Saint intellectual Eugene England, who died in 2001, is the subject of a new book, “Eugene England: A Mormon Liberal” by Kristine Haglund.

(England family) The work of Latter-day Saint intellectual Eugene England, who died in 2001, is the subject of a new book, “Eugene England: A Mormon Liberal” by Kristine Haglund.

By https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/a7e1ce28-5353-4737-87a7-c7be13b28f3c.png Peggy Fletcher Stack  and https://s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/sltrib/f3e9e416-7f19-42ab-bb72-56a51e519a6f.png David Noyce
 | Feb. 2, 2022, 9:00 a.m.

Eugene England, a popular professor at Brigham Young University who died 20 years ago, probably is best known as the founder of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought.

Last summer, Terryl Givens published the first full-length biography of England, titled “Stretching the Heavens: The Life of Eugene England and the Crisis of Modern Mormonism,” detailing his life as a devout but controversial member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A second volume, called “Eugene England: A Mormon Liberal” by Kristine Haglund, now explores the scholar’s work and thought. A respected essayist, England was one of the most influential intellectuals in the modern church.

(Courtesy) Kristine Haglund's new book about the work of Latter-day Saint essayist Eugene England.

On this week’s show, Haglund examines England’s important contributions to Mormonism, how he was both liberal and conservative, his embrace of church founder Joseph Smith and successor Brigham Young, his friendships and fights with Latter-day Saint apostles, his political views, his theological musings and more.

Listen here:

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Peggy Fletcher StackSenior religion reporter

Hired in 1991 to cover Utah's various faiths, particularly Mormonism, Peggy has talked forgiveness with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, nearly fainted waiting for the Dalai Lama, fasted with Muslims during Ramadan — and has reported on 50 consecutive semiannual LDS General Conferences.

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David NoyceSenior Managing editor

David is a managing editor at The Tribune, where he has worked since 1984. He oversees coverage ranging from local government and west-side issues to growth, development and housing. In addition, he directs religion reporting, co-hosts the award-winning “Mormon Land” podcast and writes the Mormon Land newsletter.