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58th out of 152 books
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139 voters
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The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power (Mormon Hierarchy)
Converts to Joseph Smith's 1820s restoration of primitive Christianity were attracted to the non-hierarchical nature of the movement. It was precisely because there were no priests, ordinances, or dogma that people were attracted to him. His intent was that everyone should be a prophet; anyone who felt called was invited to minister freely without formal office.
It wasn't u
...moreHardcover, 720 pages
Published
December 15th 1994
by Signature Books
(first published December 1994)
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Non fiction book written by a very prestiged historian and professor who among other things add full access to church history records at BYU. Those who work there have access to diaries, letters, and a variety of first hand information that is not made public. They are forbidden to give out any of this information. What he found was of such a nature that he felt the need to publish his findings. Written in a very factual way with references to all his findings.
I am very much against ...more
I am very much against ...more
Probably the most revealing history of the beginnings of the Mormon church. Quinn's research is thorough - nearly 1/3 the book is endnotes. There are so many gems in this book I can't list them all here. This book would be helpful for the believer due to its depth and its introduction to the other side of the story, as well as the recovering Mormon who wishes to understand the "why" and "how" of the church's constantly changing self-written history. This book is very academic...more
Bob Draben
added it
Quinn, a believing Mormon is a rather thorough researcher and writer of Mormon history. Until a little over ten years ago he enjoyed the privilege of access to the LDS (Mormon) Church's archives. He has also searched other archives, libraries and private sources. He backs his facts that he records with countless footnotes. Almost a third of this book consists of footnotes. His detractors complain that these are just intended to distract the reader and make it appear that these are "true"...more
This is the second book by Quinn that I have read and, once again, I give him props for his extensive referencing of the book. This book covers a time period from the organization of The Church in 1830 through the succession crisis in 1844 and focuses on the evolution of the Priesthood and leadership. Once again, I would differ from the author on his interpretation of facts and the leaps he makes at times in the absence of documented information, however, I think that this is an excellent read...more
This book provides a detailed look into the origins and evolution of the Mormon Church’s leadership structure. I vaguely recall that I found it compelling but too complex and detailed for me to get more than a superficial grasp of.
Quinn's research presented in this volume is groundbreaking, and an absolute must-read for anyone with a serious interest in Mormon history and scholarship. A great add to any growing Mormon home library.
This books offers a detailed look at the evolution of the early Mormon hierarchical structures. I found it to be very interesting, especially the part about the succession crisis. While sometimes it seemed like Quinn was a little too confident in his historical conclusions, overall I found it to be extremely well researched (the end notes make up more than half of the book). I'm not sure if I would recommend this book to someone just getting into Church history because of the necessity of a foun...more
A very interesting look into the development organizational structure of the church... especially interesting after the death of Joseph Smith when the question of who would lead the church was truly up in the air. The highlighting of council meeting notes that describe the politics behind some decisions was fascinating for someone who once thought that decisions by the church leadership were always harmonious and unanimous.
LeGrand
rated it
Recommends it for:
people interested in mormon history
Shelves:
nonfictiion,
mormon_interest
this is an intense look at the history of mormonism. this book explores many topics often considered taboo within mormonism.. the author was also a mormon historian at one point in his life as well.. having been raised in this religion and often having the history glossed over and spoon fed to me.. i found this book to be a good way to balance out the history of the church as it had been presented to me.
The most complete book I've found on the origins and rise of the Mormon Church. Exhaustively referenced by former BYU history professor D. Michael Quinn. Quinn had unprecedented access to church archives when preparing this book which takes you from Joseph's childhood all the way through the martydom and the power struggle that followed. An excellent and informative book.
Loads of footnotes which is a Quinn trademark. Although much of what is in the book is really interesting, Quinn's negative and almost gossipy tone (the "behind the story" stuff) and his obvious beefs with Church authorities really wore me down as a reader. I could go on. But I won't. I'm glad I own these books but I'm not going to recommend them.
Disturbing reading to the faithful, but certainly details the conflicts and shows a fuller picture than you will ever get in Sunday School or Seminary. Many feel like his footnotes are not accurate and that he has tainted the history to reflect his own personal views.
Jared
marked it as to-read
I've read the first few chapters... but then it was put back on the shelf and is now packed somewhere. Well documented history of the changes in early LDS church governance. Not sure yet what to make of it from a theological point of view.
I love D. Michael Quinn's presentation because he doesn't get emotional. He lays it out on the table and leaves the reader room to think for his/herself. Very well written.
New Mormon history at it's finest. Honest scholarship brings fascinating insights to the discussion of early church history.
A bit repetitive, with overwhelming footnotes, but an invaluable, indispensable contribution to early Mormon history.
It was interesting to see how fragmented early church leadership was. I learned much about early church history.
Aimee
marked it as to-read
Autumn
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Christian Larsen
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Rodney Ulyate
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Evan and Ariel Peet
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Mike
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